NRL Late Mail round 4: Ryan Papenhuyzen doubts, Campbell Graham to miss a month

Ryan Papenhuyzen’s availability for Saturday’s Dragons clash is uncertain with the star fullback failing to complete yesterday’s entire training session.

Melbourne star fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen will have to get through Friday’s Captain’s Run before getting the green light to take the field against St George Illawarra at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium in Sydney.

Melbourne coach Craig Bellamy revealed last Thursday night that while Papenhuyzen played the full 80 minutes, he actually finished the Panthers clash at AAMI Park with an ankle complaint.

While the club could be tempted to take the cautious approach with the fullback given the 26-year-old’s torrid run with injury in recent years, and the fact it is still only Round 4, General Manager Frank Ponissi was upbeat regarding Papenhuyzen’s injury outlook.

“He did most of the session and trained well,” said Ponissi on Thursday morning. “We will see how he pulls up from it tomorrow before we make a final decision.”

Ryan Papenhuyzen confirms he suffered an ankle sprain in Round 3 - “I did a little bit of an ATFL”

It is the same ankle he previously fractured. But the good news - this is a lateral ankle sprain (not a syndesmosis injury) which generally means a quick recovery. pic.twitter.com/OCWHHU6mMu

— NRL PHYSIO (@nrlphysio) March 26, 2025

And the man himself dropped a SuperCoach exclusive in his podcast.

“I did it on the weekend (against Panthers) tried to ice it, get the swelling down... I did a bit of an ATFL, they call it,” Ryan Papenhuyzen said on the One Six Seven Podcast.

“I feel like I’ll be good to go, I just don’t know if I will goal kick, that’s the only thing... for the SuperCoaches out there.... Tyran Wishart, he’s got the tee this week... exclusive... he was confident too, he came to me and said ‘yeah, i’ll kick this week’. I said, ‘all yours brother’.”

Livewire rookie fullback Sua Faalogo – who has been named on the extended bench – is the frontrunner to fill in for Papenhuyzen if the No. 1 is eventually ruled out.

Barnstorming winger Will Warbrick was named on the wing this week after missing the victory over the Panthers due to a head knock and while likely to play a decision will be made closer to the game.

Ryan Papenhuyzen is fighting an ankle issue. Picture: Daniel Pockett/Getty Images

Super sub Tyran Wishart has been named to deputise in the No. 7, with Hughes set to miss at least two weeks after having hand surgery immediately after the Panthers clash.

Grant Anderson will also be monitored during the week and be given until Captain’s Run on Friday to prove his fitness after the outside back was cleared of a serious knee injury, also suffered against the Panthers.

Anderson, who started on the wing last week, has been named to replace reliable centre Nick Meaney.

Meaney is expected to miss the next four to six weeks after going under the knife to repair a fractured cheekbone suffered in a head clash with teammate Nelson Asofa-Solomona.

Asofa-Solomona failed a head injury assessment after the Panthers clash and will miss the Dragons clash under the NRL’s concussion protocols.

The elevation of Wishart into the starting side will see Bronson Garlick wear the No. 14 jumper, while rookie prop Lazarus Vaalepu has been named on the bench as Asofa-Solomona’s replacement.

KINI FACES LONG ABSENCE

Keano Kini could face an extended stint on the sidelines with the Titans fullback sensation sent to a specialist for treatment on a potentially serious neck injury.

Gold Coast’s reigning Paul Broughton Medallist is in limbo with a neck problem ruling him out of Friday night’s clash against the Roosters at Sydney’s Allianz Stadium.

It is understood Kini has undergone scans on the injury, with a neck specialist to determine whether the 20-year-old will require surgery.

Full story here

GRAHAM TO MISS A MONTH

Luckless South Sydney star Campbell Graham is set for another stint on the sidelines after being ruled out of Thursday’s clash against Penrith with a calf injury.

Coach Wayne Bennett confirmed on Wednesday morning that Graham could be out for at least a month after suffering a calf injury in last week’s loss to Cronulla.

“He’s probably (out) for about a month,” Bennett confirmed.

“It’s frustrating, yeah it is. He felt it about 20 minutes into the game.

“But it didn’t restrict him. But after the game he was pretty tender with it. So it will be about a month.”

Isaiah Tass, who started the season on the wing, has been named at centre against the Panthers.

Graham had only just returned from a sternum injury that robbed him of taking the field last season.

He also suffered a broken hand late in the pre-season ahead of Round 1.

But in a boost for Bennett’s Rabbitohs, superstar fullback Latrell Mitchell is set to play his first game this season against fierce rivals Sydney Roosters next weekend.

“He’s on track to be there next week,” Bennett said on Wednesday.

Campbell Graham will miss a month with a calf injury. Picture: Jason McCawley/Getty Images

ROUND 4 LATE MAIL

RABBITOHS V PANTHERS

8pm Thursday March 27, Accor Stadium, Sydney

Rabbitohs

1. Jye Gray 2. Alex Johnston 3. Jack Wighton 4. Isaiah Tass 5. Mikaele Ravalawa 6. Cody Walker 7. Jamie Humphreys 8. Sean Keppie 9. Peter Mamouzelos 10. Davvy Moale 11. Keaon Koloamatangi 12. Jai Arrow 13. Tallis Duncan

Interchange: 14. Jayden Sullivan 15. Siliva Havili 16. Liam Le Blanc 17. Tevita Tatola

Reserves: 18. Fletcher Myers 19. Lewis Dodd

Cut: 20. Talanoa Penitani 21. Thomas Fletcher 22. Salesi Ataata

Late Mail: The Rabbitohs remained 1-17 at the 24 hour cut. Alex Johnston (Achilles) returns after an eight-month lay-off.

Latrell Mitchell (hamstring) and Lachlan Hubner (suspension) are due back next week. Campbell Graham (calf) will miss at least a month.

Panthers

1. Daine Laurie 2. Paul Alamoti 3. Izack Tago 4. Thomas Jenkins 5. Brian To’o 6. Jack Cole 7. Trent Toelau 8. Moses Leota 9. Mitch Kenny 10. Lindsay Smith 11. Scott Sorensen 12. Liam Martin 13. Isaah Yeo

Interchange: 15. Isaiah Papali’i 16. Liam Henry 17. Luke Garner 22. Brad Schneider

Reserves: 18. Casey McLean 19. Matt Eisenhuth

Cut: 14. Blaize Talagi 20 Luron Patea 21. Luke Sommerton

Late Mail: Blaize Talagi has been cut from the bench, replaced by Brad Schneider. Talagi is not injured.

Don’t be surprised if Schneider starts in the halves, with Nathan Cleary (concussion) sidelined.

Daine Laurie is on track to return from a quad injury at fullback after surviving the 24-hour cut.

ROOSTERS V TITANS

6pm Friday March 28, Allianz Stadium, Sydney

Roosters

1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Mark Nawaqanitawase 4. Robert Toia 5. Dominic Young 6. Sandon Smith 7. Chad Townsend 8. Naufahu Whyte 9. Zach Dockar-Clay 10. Spencer Leniu 11. Angus Crichton 12. Siua Wong 13. Victor Radley

Interchange: 14. Hugo Savala 15. Blake Steep 16. Nat Butcher 17. Lindsay Collins

Reserves: 18. Billy Smith 19. Makahesi Makatoa 20. Ethan King 21. Tyler Moriarty 22 Taylor Losalu

Cut: To come

Late Mail: Veteran forwards Lindsay Collins (illness) and Nat Butcher return.

Hugo Savala will display his utility value by playing as a back-up hooker to Zach Dockar-Clay, with Connor Watson (concussion) out.

Salesi Foteki is back from suspension next week.

Titans

1. Jaylan De Groot 2. Tony Francis 3. Brian Kelly 4. Phillip Sami 5. Jojo Fifita 6. AJ Brimson 7. Jayden Campbell 8. Moeaki Fotuaika 9. Sam Verrills 10. Reagan Campbell-Gillard 11. Klese Haas 12. Beau Fermor 13. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui

Interchange: 14. Chris Randall 15. David Fifita 16. Iszac Fa’asuamaleaui 17. Brock Gray

Reserves: 18. Arama Hau 19. Tom Weaver 20. Jacob Alick-Wienke 21. Tuki Simpkins 22. Ken Maumalo

Cut: To come

Late Mail: Jaylan De Groot fills the fullback hot seat of Keano Kini, who faces a long absence due to a neck injury.

Alofiana Khan-Pereira (hamstring) has been ruled out for six weeks, while Jaimin Jolliffe (calf) is due back next week.

DOLPHINS V BRONCOS

8pm Friday March 28, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane

Dolphins

1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Jake Averillo 4. Herbie Farnworth 5. Jack Bostock 6. Kodi Nikorima 7. Isaiya Katoa 8. Daniel Saifiti 9. Jeremy Marshall-King 10. Felise Kaufusi 11. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki 12. Max Plath 13. Tom Gilbert

Interchange: 14. Kurt Donoghoe 15. Oryn Keeley 16. Mark Nicholls 17. Ray Stone

Reserves: 18. Kenny Bromwich 19. Sean O’Sullivan 20. Josh Kerr 21. Max Feagai 22. Junior Tupou

Cut: To come

Late Mail: The Dolphins’ team is a picture of stability even after three losses to start the year. No changes expected yet again with Kristian Woolf naming the same 17 as last week.

Broncos

1. Reece Walsh 2. Selwyn Cobbo 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Gehamat Shibasaki 5. Jesse Arthars 6. Ben Hunt 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Patrick Carrigan 9. Cory Paix 10. Payne Haas 11. Jack Gosiewski 12. Jordan Riki 13. Kobe Hetherington

Interchange: 14. Billy Walters, 15. Corey Jensen, 16. Xavier Willison, 17. Brendan Piakura

Reserves: 18. Tyson Smoothy 19. Deine Mariner 20. Martin Taupau 21. Jaiyden Hunt 22. Jock Madden

Cut: To come

Late Mail: Centre Kotoni Staggs (quad) is a confirmed starter. He got close last week but the Broncos erred on the side of caution.

SuperCoach cheapie Gehamat Shibasaki continues as the left centre with Deine Mariner the man to drop out.

DRAGONS V STORM

3pm Saturday March 29, Netsrata Jubilee Stadium, Sydney

Dragons

1. Clinton Gutherson 2. Tyrell Sloan 3. Moses Suli 4. Valentine Holmes 5. Christian Tuipulotu 6. Kyle Flanagan 7. Lachlan Ilias 8. Toby Couchman 9. Damien Cook 10. Emre Guler 11. Luciano Leilua 12. Jaydn Su’A 13. Jack de Belin

Interchange: 14. Jacob Liddle 15. David Klemmer 16. Hamish Stewart 17. Dylan Egan

Reserves: 18. Mathew Feagai 19. Raymond Faitala-Mariner 20. Blake Lawrie 21. Tom Eisenhuth 22. Lyhkan King-Togia

Cut: To come

Late Mail: Moses Suli (rib cartilage) is racing the clock with Mathew Feagai on standby.

Dylan Egan makes his NRL debut, while recruit David Klemmer plays his first match for the club.

Storm

1. Ryan Papenhuyzen 2. William Warbrick 3. Jack Howarth 4. Grant Anderson 5. Xavier Coates 6. Cameron Munster 7. Tyran Wishart 8. Stefano Utoikamanu 9. Harry Grant 10. Josh King 11. Shawn Blore 12. Eliesa Katoa 13. Trent Loiero

Interchange: 14. Bronson Garlick 15. Alec MacDonald 16. Tui Kamikamica 17. Lazarus Vaalepu

Reserves: 18. Kane Bradley 19. Marion Seve 20. Keagan Russell-Smith 21. Sualauvi Faalogo 22. Angus Hinchey

Cut: To come

Late Mail: Ryan Papenhuyzen (ankle) is on track to play but has handed over the goalkicking duties to Tyran Wishart.

Sualauvi Faalogo would play fullback if Papenhuyzen is ruled out.

Centre Grant Anderson (knee) and winger William Warbrick (concussion) must also prove their fitness in Friday’s captain’s run.

COWBOYS V RAIDERS

5:30pm, Saturday March 29, Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Townsville

Cowboys

1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Robert Derby 3. Jaxon Purdue 4. Viliami Vailea 5. Murray Taulagi 6. Tom Dearden 7. Jake Clifford 8. Jordan McLean 9. Reece Robson 10. Jason Taumalolo 11. John Bateman 12. Kai O’Donnell 13. Reuben Cotter

Interchange: 14. Sam McIntyre 15. Jeremiah Nanai 16. Griffin Neame 17. Coen Hess

Reserves: 18. Harrison Edwards 19. Zac Laybutt 20. Thomas Duffy 21. Karl Lawton 22. Thomas Mikaele

Cut: To come

Late Mail: Viliami Vailea (eye) has been cleared of serious injury. Zac Laybutt would come in at centre if Vailea is ruled out.

Raiders

1. Kaeo Weekes 2. Savelio Tamale 3. Matthew Timoko 4. Sebastian Kris 5. Xavier Savage 6. Ethan Strange 7. Jamal Fogarty 8. Josh Papali’i 9. Tom Starling 10. Joseph Tapine 11. Hudson Young 12. Matt Nicholson 13. Corey Horsburgh

Interchange: 14. Owen Pattie 15. Simi Sasagi 16. Trey Mooney 17. Ata Mariota

Reserves: 18. Jed Stuart 19. Danny Levi 20. Pasami Saulo 21. Albert Hopoate 22. Adam Cook

Cut: To come

Late Mail: No changes expected with Joseph Tapine (suspension) back.

Morgan Smithies (concussion) is set to return next week, while Zac Hosking (hand) is due back in round 7.

SHARKS V BULLDOGS

7:35pm, Saturday March 29, Sharks Stadium, Sydney

Sharks

1. William Kennedy 2. Samuel Stonestreet 3. Jesse Ramien 4. Kayal Iro 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo 6. Braydon Trindall 7. Nicho Hynes 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Oregon Kaufusi 11. Briton Nikora 12. Teig Wilton 13. Cameron McInnes

Interchange: 14. Daniel Atkinson 15. Siosifa Talakai 16. Thomas Hazelton 17. Tuku Hau Tapuha

Reserves: 18. Jayden Berrell 19. Mawene Hiroti 20. Hohepa Puru 21. Toby Rudolf 22. Billy Burns

Cut: To come

Late Mail: Siosifa Talakai (ankle) is racing the clock after failing to finish last week. He is rated a 50-50 chance.

Thomas Hazelton (back) returns from injury on the bench.

Toby Rudolf (shoulder) is listed as a reserve as he closes in on a comeback from off-season surgery.

Bulldogs

1. Connor Tracey 2. Blake Wilson 3. Bronson Xerri 4. Stephen Crichton 5. Marcelo Montoya 6. Bailey Hayward 7. Toby Sexton 8. Max King 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Daniel Suluka-Fifita 11. Josh Curran 12. Jacob Preston 13. Jaeman Salmon

Interchange: 14. Kurt Mann 15. Harry Hayes 16. Sitili Tupouniua 17. Kurtis Morrin

Reserves: 19. Joseph O’Neill 20. Blake Taaffe 21. Jack Todd 22. Luke Smith 23. Jonathan Sua

Cut: To come

Late Mail: No changes expected. Viliame Kikau (knee), Matt Burton (knee) and Jacob Kiraz (back) are all due back in round 7.

SEA EAGLES V EELS

4:05pm, Sunday March 30, 4Pines Park, Sydney

Sea Eagles

1. Tom Trbojevic 2. Jason Saab 3. Tolutau Koula 4. Reuben Garrick 5. Lehi Hopoate 6. Luke Brooks 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Josh Aloiai 9. Jazz Tevaga 10. Siosiua Taukeiaho 11. Haumole Olakau’atu 12. Ben Trbojevic 13. Jake Trbojevic

Interchange: 14. Jake Simpkin 15. Corey Waddell 16. Ethan Bullemor 17. Nathan Brown

Reserves: 18. Clayton Faulalo 19. Jakob Arthur 20. Toafofoa Sipley 21. Raymond Tuiamalo Vaega 22. Dean Matterson

Cut: To come

Late Mail: Tom Trbojevic returns after being rested last week due to hamstring soreness.

The Sea Eagles hope Taniela Paseka (Achilles) will return for the final few rounds of the regular season.

Eels

1. Isaiah Iongi 2. Sean Russell 3. Viliami Penisini 4. Zac Lomax 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Dylan Brown 7. Dean Hawkins 8. Jack Williams 9. Joey Lussick 10. Junior Paulo 11. Shaun Lane 12. Kitione Kautoga 13. J’maine Hopgood

Interchange: 14. Ryley Smith 15. Matt Doorey 16. Joe Ofahengaue 17. Dan Keir

Reserves: 18. Sam Tuivaiti 19. Charlie Guymer 20. Joash Papali’i 21. Ronald Volkman 22. Jordan Samrani

Cut: To come

Late Mail: Coach Jason Ryles shook up his side on Tuesday with Sean Russell coming onto the wing for Jordan Samrani and Daniel Keir joining the bench for Sam Tuivaiti.

Dylan Walker joined the club this week from the Warriors and will be available for selection next week.

WESTS TIGERS V WARRIORS

6:15pm, Sunday March 30, Campbelltown Sports Stadium, Sydney

Wests Tigers

1. Jahream Bula 2. Sunia Turuva 3. Adam Doueihi 4. Starford To’a 5. Jeral Skelton 6. Lachlan Galvin 7. Jarome Luai 8. Terrell May 9. Apisai Koroisau 10. Fonua Pole 11. Samuela Fainu 12. Alex Seyfarth 13. Alex Twal

Interchange: 14. Tallyn Da Silva 15. Royce Hunt 16. Jack Bird 17. Sione Fainu

Reserves: 18. Latu Fainu 19. Heath Mason 20. Kit Laulilii 21. Tony Sukkar 22. Solomona Faataape

Cut: To come

Late Mail: Jeral Skelton (hamstring) is racing the clock. Solomona Faataape trained in his place on Wednesday and is the likely replacement.

Warriors

1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 2. Taine Tuaupiki 3. Rocco Berry 4. Ali Leiataua 5. Adam Pompey 6. Chanel Harris-Tavita 7. Luke Metcalf 8. James Fisher-Harris 9. Wayde Egan 10. Mitchell Barnett 11. Kurt Capewell 12. Marata Niukore 13. Erin Clark

Interchange: 14. Dylan Walker 15. Jackson Ford 16. Demitric Vaimauga 17. Leka Halasima

Reserves: 18. Te Maire Martin 20. Jacob Laban 21. Samuel Healey 22. Bunty Afoa 23. Edward Kosi

Cut: To come

Late Mail: At this stage it’s unclear if Dylan Walker will play after signing with the Eels, effective immediately.

Horror news for Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (hamstring) with the star winger ruled out for eight weeks.

Originally published as NRL Late Mail round 4: Ryan Papenhuyzen doubts, Campbell Graham to miss a month