NRL Early Mail Round 2: Teams news and tips

ADAM Doueihi is all but certain to be named as South Sydney’s No. 7 following the injury to halfback Adam Reynolds that will keep him sidelined for up to a month — all the latest Round 2 team news.

Josh Dugan of the Sharks.

ADAM Doueihi is all but certain to be named as South Sydney’s No. 7 following the injury to halfback Adam Reynolds that will keep him sidelined for up to a month

Team news heading into Round 2 of the NRL season:

Sharks v Dragons

Thursday, March 15, Southern Cross Group Stadium, 4pm (AEDT)

Sharks: Winger Sione Katoa (broken jaw) is out for up to eight weeks. Coach Shane Flanagan says he will resist the urge to switch Valentine Holmes to the wing and has guaranteed the Kangaroos representative the No. 1 jersey. However, Flanagan also has the options of Matt Moylan and Josh Dugan at fullback, which would see Trent Hodkinson or Jesse Ramien come into the team. Kyle Flanagan, the son of the Sharks’ coach, is due back next week from a broken hand and will also come into consideration as the season progresses. Veteran Luke Lewis (foot) remains sidelined after picking up an injury in captain’s run with Kurt Capewell to again start on the right edge.

Full story by Dean Ritchie here

Dragons: Got through the weekend without injury. However, youngster Luciano Leilua appears on the outer, forced to back up for Illawarra Cutters after playing limited minutes in the big NRL win over the Broncos.

Valentine Holmes may move to the wing.

Roosters v Bulldogs

Friday, March 16, Allianz Stadium, 6pm (AEDT)

Roosters: Trent Robinson’s men hope to have Luke Keary (headaches) back on deck, replacing Mitchell Cornish in the halves. Boyd Cordner may earn a spot in the starting side after being benched against the Tigers.

Bulldogs: No changes expected for Dean Pay’s men, who got through the clash against Melbourne with no injuries.

WILFRED’S WRAP: Former champ makes sense of Round 1

CASUALTY WARD: Katoa set to miss eight weeks

Broncos v Cowboys

Friday, March 16, Suncorp Stadium, 7.50pm (AEDT), 6.50pm (local)

Broncos: Skipper Darius Boyd and star forward Matt Gillett are both expected to be cleared for Friday’s derby clash with the Cowboys, despite the pair failing to complete training on Monday. Gillett did not take any part in the field session at Red Hill, working only in the gym, while Boyd did restricted training away from the main group. A Brisbane spokesman said however that both will be fine to play in Friday’s all-important showdown at Suncorp Stadium. It is understood Gillett had a stiff neck after getting caught the wrong way in a tackle against the Dragons, while Boyd is just moving at a cautious pace following his pre-season hamstring strain.

Full story by Rikki-Lee Arnold here

Andrew McCullough will start at hooker after returning from an ACL injury via the bench. Sam Thaiday, who started in McCullough’s place at rake on Thursday, moves to prop with Tevita Pangai Junior to play from the interchange after starting against the Dragons. Jadyn Su’a (shoulder charge) will miss a match after taking the early guilty plea at the judiciary. The likes of George Fai, Sam Tagataese and Todd Murphy are potential replacements, with coach Wayne Bennett reluctant to blood teenage sensation Payne Haas.

Full story by Peter Badel and Travis Meyn here

Darius Boyd trained away from the main group. Picture: Annette Dew

Cowboys: Five-eighth Michael Morgan (abdominal strain) is expected to return in place of Te Maire Martin. Lachlan Coote (hamstring) is also hoping to play, which would push Ben Hampton to the bench.

Lachlan Coote is aiming to return from a hamstring injury.

Warriors v Titans

Saturday, March 17, Mt Smart Stadium, 3pm (AEDT), 1pm (local)

Warriors: No changes expected with Simon Mannering (shoulder) at least a week away.

Titans: No changes with Jarrod Wallace (suspension) still a week away.

Panthers v Rabbitohs

Saturday, March 17, Panthers Stadium, 5.30pm (AEDT)

Panthers: No changes.

Rabbitohs: South Sydney’s campaign has been dealt an early blow after halfback Adam Reynolds was ruled out for a month with a knee injury. Adam Doueihi is all but certain to be named as his replacement given he trained with the main group on Tuesday.

The Australian rugby schoolboy will be one of the tallest halfbacks in the game. Greg Inglis and Alex Johnston wore pink ‘rehab’ bibs at a soggy Redfern Oval, but are in no doubt for Saturday’s clash against Penrith. Backrower Tyrell Fuimaono also appears to be spending time with the main group.

— Christian Nicolussi

Adam Doueihi is in the frame to play for the Rabbitohs.

Storm v Tigers

Saturday, March 17, AAMI Park, 7.30pm (AEDT)

Storm: One change for Melbourne this week, with Billy Slater confirmed for game 300. Slater’s return will be confirmed later on Tuesday, with Cameron Munster switching back to five-eighth, and Ryley Jacks the unlucky player omitted. Sam Kasiano really pleased Storm despite limited minutes. Watch for him to play more this week. No injuries

from Round 1 win over Doggies.

Full story on Billy Slater from Gilbert Gardiner here

Tigers: Josh Reynolds (hamstring) will again miss out with Benji Marshall to continue in the halves.

Billy Slater is eyeing a return from a shoulder injury.

Sea Eagles v Eels

Sunday, March 18, Lottoland, 4.10pm (AEDT)

Sea Eagles: No changes expected.

Eels: No injuries on the weekend and expected to be unchanged.

Raiders v Knights

Sunday, March 18, GIO Stadium, 6.30pm (AEDT)

Raiders: Forward Joseph Tapine (suspected broken finger) is expected to miss out. Depending on the severity of the injury he could miss anywhere between 2 — 8 weeks. Elliott Whitehead or Sia Soliola will move to the right edge.

Knights: No changes expected following Friday night’s golden point win.

Originally published as NRL Early Mail Round 2: Teams news and tips