NRL Late Mail Round 9: Karl Oloapu to debut, Tom Trbojevic out

Karl Oloapu has revealed he was overcome with emotion when told of his NRL debut as he prepares to dedicate the special occasion to his family. LATE MAIL

An emotional Karl Oloapu has revealed the motivation behind his NRL dream is to make sure his mum never has to worry again.

The 18-year-old will become one of the youngest Bulldogs ever when he makes his anticipated debut when he runs out for Canterbury against St George Illawarra on Sunday.

The occasion will be full of emotion for the Oloapu family, who lost their patriarch, Tui, when Oloapu was twelve.

The rising star was raised by his older brother, Joe, with the support of his mum, Sioliana in Naenae, Wellington, before the family moved to Brisbane.

FOR YOU DAD: The dying wish that Oloapu is making come true

Oloapu broke down when told he was going to make his debut against the Dragons.

“My first reaction (to hearing the news) was I was shocked, lost for words as well. (I) just broke down, knowing that I have the chance to set up my mum,” he said.

“I got heaps of influences, mainly my brother, Joe and Tui. For all of us siblings, us younger ones, he’s played that father role ever since we were younger.

Karl Oloapu is set to debut for the Bulldogs. Picture: NRL Photos

“I remember when we were back in hospital and seeing my dad take his last breath. I really wanted to show my appreciation to him. And this (debut) is what it is.”

Oloapu will join the likes of Sonny Bill Williams, Braith Anasta, Paul Langmack and Jamal Idris, as one of the club’s youngest-ever debutants.

Living by himself in Sydney’s west and relying on teammates for lifts to training, Oloapu’s dream that he first penned on a whiteboard as a 13-year-old inside his bedroom will be realised.

His arrival to the game’s biggest stage was considered merely a matter of time after the Bulldogs forked out a massive $500,000 transfer fee to pull the talented half or lock-forward out of the Broncos last January.

Karl Oloapu is one of the boom prospects of the NRL.

At 18-years and 120-days old, Oloapu will become the seventh youngest debutant for Canterbury.

If anyone understands the excitement and pressure that comes with debuting at just 18, it’s Anasta.

The former Canterbury premiership-winner and Fox League host was 18-years and 140-days old when he made his first-grade debut in 2000.

Anasta passed on his personal wisdom to the boom rookie.

“Don’t change. That’s the biggest thing I’d say to Karl,’’ Anasta said.

“A lot of halves that get in trouble and I did it myself, is that you actually start listening to other people and you try and reinvent yourself.

“You are there (in first grade) for a reason. You are there because you deserve it.”

Anasta added that Oloapu – who likes to play with physicality in defence and a clever passing game in attack – needed to stop himself from trying to prove he belonged.

“Some of my best games were my first games,’’ Anasta said.

“Because I didn’t overthink it, I played like I was just playing with my mates in the lower grades, I only had positive vibes.

“Everyone has this perception that you have a feeling of dread about stepping up to first grade as a half into the big time, but in reality, you’re actually playing with better players.”

Oloapu has risen from the Broncos academy at 13 to be rated the best junior footballer in Australia last year after being named player of the tournament at the national rugby league championships at Redcliffe.

“He’s been ready for quite a number of weeks now,” coach Cameron Ciraldo said.

“He didn’t have his best game in reserve grade last week, but he has shown us more than enough over the first eight weeks of NSW Cup and in training that he is ready to take his shot.

“Karl is a guy we think has a big future at the Bulldogs and we’re excited to start that journey tomorrow.’’

MANLY PARK THEIR TURBO

Manly superstar Tom Trbojevic has been ruled out of the clash against the Titans after failing a fitness test.

Trbojevic did not complete the Sea Eagles’ captain’s run on Friday because of a minor hip injury. He is expected to play against the Broncos next week.

Keao Weeks will replace him at fullback.

Tom Trbojevic of the Sea Eagles will not play the Titans. Picture: Getty Images

ANOTHER DOG’S GONE

Canterbury’s growing injury woes continue with workhorse

Max King is the latest Bulldogs forward to be injured. Picture: Getty Images

Dogs GM of football Phil Gould had originally suggested Kikau would miss “eight to 10 weeks.”

However, providing fans with an injury update on Thursday, the Canterbury club said Kikau’s predicted return to play from pec surgery would be round 22.

“Viliame Kikau suffered a pectoral muscle injury during training in the week leading into Round 7,’’ the club statement read.

“Scans revealed a full rupture and he has since undergone repair surgery and is recovering well. He will now begin his rehabilitation process and the Club will work with the relevant medical professionals to manage his injury post operatively.’’

Viliame Kikau is set to miss the majority of the season. Picture: Mark Metcalfe/Getty

Addo-Carr was hopeful of being back in time to be considered for State of Origin I on May 31.

However, an update from his club claimed that the speedster won’t be back until round 15, June 12.

“Josh Addo-Carr suffered a right knee medial ligament and high ankle sprain (syndesmosis) injury in the Round 6 clash against the South Sydney Rabbitohs,’’ the club statement reads.

“He underwent tightrope for syndesmosis surgery and is recovering well. He will now begin the rehabilitation process over the next 6-8 weeks.’’

MORE INJURY PAIN FOR DOLPHINS

The Dolphins have suffered another injury setback with in-form prop Mark Nicholls to be ruled out of Saturday night’s clash against the Raiders in Wagga Wagga.

News Corp can reveal Nicholls underwent surgery on Wednesday night after suffering a broken thumb in the Dolphins’ incredible comeback defeat of the Titans at Suncorp Stadium last Sunday.

Nicholls was relishing the prospect of returning to hometown Wagga Wagga to face the Raiders, with whom he made his NRL debut in 2012, but the veteran prop is expected to be sidelined for at least two weeks.

In the absence of Nicholls, 19th man Poasa Faamausili, who made his club debut against the Broncos in round 4, is expected to be promoted to the Dolphins bench.

Mark Nicholls will miss the Dolphins’ clash with Canberra. Picture: Getty Images

LATE MAIL

RAIDERS v DOLPHINS

Saturday, 3pm, McDonalds Park, Wagga Wagga

Raiders

1. Sebastian Kris 2. Albert Hopoate 3. Jarrod Croker 4. Matthew Timoko 5. Jordan Rapana 6. Jack Wighton 7. Jamal Fogarty 8. Josh Papalii’i 9. Zac Woolford 10. Joseph Tapine 11. Hudson Young 12. Elliott Whitehead 13. Corey Horsburgh

Bench: 14. Tom Starling 15. Emre Guler 16. Pasami Saulo 17. Corey Harawira-Naera Reserves: 18. James Schiller 19. Brad Schneider

Omitted: 20 Xavier Savage 21 Trey Mooney 22. Peter Hola

Late Mail: Jordan Rapana (head cut) is back on the wing. Xavier Savage will be forced to bide his time in NSW Cup for now.

Dolphins

1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Euan Aitken 4. Brenko Lee 5. Robert Jennings 6. Kodi Nikorima 7. Isaiya Katoa 8. Jesse Bromwich 9. Jeremy Marshall-King 10. Kenny Bromwich 11. Felise Kaufusi 12. Connelly Lemuelu 13. Tom Gilbert

Bench: 14. Jarrod Wallace 15. Mark Nicholls 16. Ray Stone 17. Herman Ese’ese

Reserves: 19 Poasa Faamausili 22. Anthony Milford

Omitted: 18. Kurt Donoghoe 20. Edrick Lee 21 Mason Teague

Late Mail: Mark Nicholls (thumb) is set to be ruled out with Poasa Faamausili to take his spot on the bench. No other changes expected with Anthony Milford (hamstring) to work his way back through Queensland Cup.

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SEA EAGLES v TITANS

Saturday, 5:30pm, 4 Pines Park, Sydney

Sea Eagles

19. Kaeo Weekes 2. Jason Saab 3. Reuben Garrick 4. Morgan Harper 5. Christian Tuipulotu 6. Cooper Johns 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Taniela Paseka 9. Lachlan Croker 10. Jake Trbojevic 11. Haumole Olakau’atu 12. Kelma Tuilagi 13. Josh Aloiai

Bench: 14. Karl Lawton 15. Ethan Bullemor 16. Sean Keppie 17. Toafofoa Sipley

Reserves: 18. Aaron Woods 20. Samuela Fainu

Omitted: 1. Tom Trbojevic 21. Morgan Boyle 22. Ben Condon

Late Mail: Tom Trbojevic (groin) iss OUT, Kaeo Weekes is set to move to fullback with the other replacement option Reuben Garrick named at centre in place of the injured Brad Parker (knee). Kelma Tuilagi (concussion) is right to return.

Titans

1. AJ Brimson 2. Alofiana Khan-Pereira 3. Brian Kelly 4. Jojo Fifita 5. Phillip Sami 6. Kieran Foran 7. Tanah Boyd 8. Moeaki Fotuaika 9. Chris Randall 10. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui 11. David Fifita 12. Joe Stimson 13. Isaac Liu

Bench: 14. Jayden Campbell 15. Erin Clark 16. Klese Haas 17. Jo Vuna

Reserves: 18. Kruise Leeming 19. Aaron Schoupp

Omitted: 20. Thomas Weaver 21. Thomas Mikaele 22. Sam McIntyre

Late Mail: To come

PANTHERS v TIGERS

Saturday, 7:35pm, Carrington Park, Bathurst

Panthers

1. Dylan Edwards 2. Sunia Turuva 3. Tyrone Peachey 4. Stephen Crichton 5. Brian To’o 6. Jarome Luai 7. Nathan Cleary 8. Moses Leota 9. Mitch Kenny 10. Matt Eisenhuth 11. Scott Sorensen 12. Zac Hosking 13. Isaah Yeo

Bench: 14. Soni Luke 15. Lindsay Smith 16. Spencer Leniu 17. Jaeman Salmon

Reserves: 18. Luke Garner 22. Liam Henry

Omitted: 19. Thomas Jenkins 20. Chris Smith 21. Jack Cogger

Late Mail: Jack Cogger has dropped out of the squad, paving the way for Nathan Cleary (groin) to play. Cleary will not kick goals if he plays. Winger Sunia Turva (ankle) has only trained lightly this week. Tom Jenkins is on standby.

Tigers

1. Jahream Bula 2. David Nofoaluma 3. Starford To’a 4. Brent Naden 5. Junior Tupou 6. Brandon Wakeham 7. Luke Brooks 8. Stefano Utoikamanu 9. Apisai Koroisau 10. David Klemmer 11. Isaiah Papali’i 12. John Bateman 13. Fonua Pole

Bench: 14. Jake Simpkin 15. Joe Ofahengaue 16. Alex Twal 17. Tommy Talau

Reserves: 18. Justin Matamua 19. Alex Seyfarth

Omitted: 20. Shawn Blore, 21. Daine Laurie, 22. Triston Reilly

Late Mail: Charlie Staines played on with a perforated bowel in Sunday’s defeat to Manly and has been ruled out this week. Brent Naden (collarbone) is set to return.

WARRIORS v ROOSTERS

Sunday, 2pm, Mt Smart Stadium, Auckland

Warriors

1. Taine Tuaupiki 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 3. Marcelo Montoya 4. Adam Pompey 5. Edward Kosi 6. Dylan Walker 7. Shaun Johnson 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Wayde Egan 10. Bunty Afoa 11. Jackson Ford 12. Marata Niukore 13. Josh Curran

Bench: 14. Freddy Lussick 15. Bayley Sironen 16. Tom Ale 17. Viliami Vailea

Reserves: 18. Demitric Sifakula 20. Ronald Volkman 21. Ali Leiataua 22. Kalani Going 23. Zyon Maiu’u

Late Mail: To come

Roosters

1. James Tedesco 2. Corey Allan 3. Joseph Suaalii 4. Paul Momirovski 5. Jaxson Paulo 6. Joseph Manu 7. Luke Keary 8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves 9. Brandon Smith 10. Lindsay Collins 11. Egan Butcher 12. Nat Butcher 13. Victor Radley

Bench: 14. Drew Hutchison 15. Angus Crichton 16. Sitili Tupouniua 17. Matthew Lodge

Interchange: 18. Fletcher Baker 19. Sam Walker 20. Naufahu Whyte 21. Jake Turpin 22. Nathan Brown

Late Mail: Still no word on whether coach Trent Robinson will stick with last week’s halves combination of Luke Keary and Joey Manu. “I don’t know,” Robinson said. “I made a call for this week. It’s a tough one. We’ve got injuries in the backline so there are a few things to throw up.”

DRAGONS v BULLDOGS

Sunday, 4:05pm, WIN Stadium, Wollongong

Dragons

1. Tyrell Sloan 2. Mathew Feagai 3. Moses Suli 4. Zac Lomax 5. Max Feagai 6. Talatau Amone 7. Ben Hunt 8. Michael Molo 9. Moses Mbye 10. Blake Lawrie 11. Ben Murdoch-Masila 12. Jack Bird 13. Jack de Belin

Bench: 14. Jacob Liddle 15. Jaiyden Hunt 16. Toby Couchman 17. Josh Kerr

Reserves: 18. Zane Musgrove 19. Jayden Sullivan 20. Billy Burns 21. Viliami Fifita 22. Sione Finau

Late Mail: To come

Bulldogs

1. Hayze Perham 2. Declan Casey 3. Jake Averillo 4. Paul Alamoti 5. Braidon Burns 6. Josh Reynolds 7. Matt Burton 8. Max King 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Tevita Pangai Junior 11. Corey Waddell 12. Jacob Preston 13. Raymond Faitala-Mariner

Bench: 14. Kurtis Morrin 15. Jayden Okunbor 16. Samuel Hughes 17. Ryan Sutton

Reserves: 19. Fa’amanu Brown 20. Karl Oloapu 21. Reece Hoffman 22. Jeral Skelton 23. Kyle Flanagan

Late Mail: Highly-rated young gun Karl Oloapu remains on the reserves list and is closing in on a debut either at five-eighth or from the bench. Fa’amanu Brown (elbow) is pushing for an early return.

Originally published as NRL Late Mail Round 9: Karl Oloapu to debut, Tom Trbojevic out