NRL Early Mail Round 4: Team news and tips

SUPERCOACHES are reeling after a week of injury and judiciary drama. Here’s how each team is set to line up in round four.

SUPERCOACHES are reeling after a week of injury and judiciary drama.

Here’s how each team is set to line up in round four.

COWBOYS V PANTHERS

Thursday, March 29th, 8:05pm, 1300SMILES Stadium

Cowboys: Fullback Lachlan Coote (hamstring) was back on the training paddock on Monday and is gunning for a return in place of Ben Hampton. “He’s had a frustrating start to the year. Very disruptive for him and I’m glad to see him back on the field. I can’t wait until he’s back on the field properly,” prop Matt Scott said.

Lachlan Coote could return for the Cowboys. Picture: Evan Morgan

Panthers: Halfback Nathan Cleary (knee) is out for up to 10 weeks. Coach Anthony Griffin has a number of options to replace the star youngster. Jarome Luai is tipped to debut in a straight swap. Peter Wallace could also move into the halves with Sione Katoa to play No. 9. Penrith’s under 20s player of the year Wayde Egan is also a contender if a hooker or bench hooker spot opens up. Griffin can also call on Tyrone Peachey, who has played multiple positions in the past including hooker and halves. Tyrone May (ACL) impressed in seven matches last year but remains sidelined. Trent Merrin (sternum/ribs) also left the field with an injury on the weekend.

Nathan Cleary is out for 10 weeks.

RABBITOHS V BULLDOGS

Friday, March 30th, 4.10pm, ANZ Stadium

Rabbitohs: Centre Greg Inglis has backed South Sydney’s playmakers as the club looks to secure another win without Adam Reynolds. Reynolds has just started running again following recent knee surgery and the Rabbitohs have a poor record without the sharpshooter in recent years. With Adam Doueihi and Cody Walker steering Souths to their first win of the season against Manly last week, Inglis lauded the performance of the duo and that of livewire hooker Damien Cook. “We have great halves, although you can’t hear it or see anything, we have great talkers in Adam Doueihi and Cody Walker. Damien Cook has been great for us getting our forwards over the line and our game plan’s working. There isn’t really a lack of direction. Adam Reynolds is a great halfback and we’d love to have him back in the side, but at the moment he’s just returned to running.”

— Nick Campton

Bulldogs: To come.

SHARKS V STORM

Friday, March 30th, 8.05pm, Southern Cross Group Stadium

Sharks: Five-eighth Matt Moylan (hamstring) was a pre-game withdrawal on the weekend but is expected to replace Trent Hodkinson in the halves. Josh Dugan (groin) limped off late but is expected to be named. Jayson Bukuya also suffered a groin injury and could be replaced by Luke Lewis (foot), who got close last week.

Storm: Forward Felise Kaufusi (hamstring) missed last week but could return this week on the right edge in place of Joe Stimson.

ROOSTERS V WARRIORS

Saturday, March 31st, 5.30pm, Allianz Stadium

Roosters: To come.

Warriors: Sam Lisone (suspension) will miss a week. His spot in the 17 will likely be taken by Simon Mannering (shoulder), who is aiming to return from an injury picked up in the trials. Adam Blair (dangerous contact) is free to play after taking an early guilty plea.

SEA EAGLES V RAIDERS

Saturday, March 31st, 7.35pm, Lottoland

Sea Eagles: Darcy Lussick (ankle) returned through ISP last week but NRL coach Trent Barrett may be tempted to recall the fiery prop following a comprehensive loss to the Rabbitohs. Dylan Walker (ankle) is aiming to return either this week or next.

Raiders: Five-eighth Aidan Sezer (back) and forward Sia Soliola (ankle) picked up injuries against the Warriors and are in doubt. Joe Tapine (thumb) is also in danger of missing out, with the dislocation he suffered against the Titans in round one progressing slower than expected. The return of Charlie Gubb (groin) has been pushed back with the recruit now aiming for round nine.

DRAGONS V KNIGHTS

Sunday, April 1st, 4.10pm, WIN Stadium

Dragons: Forwards Tariq Sims and Leeson Ah Mau (high tackles) copped fines at the judiciary and are free to play.

Knights: Five-eighth Connor Watson (shoulder) is set to be sidelined for up to 12 weeks with coach Nathan Brown confirming he’s likely to need surgery on an injured shoulder. Brock Lamb will replace Watson with Danny Levi to come onto the bench as a hooking option.

Connor Watson is out for 12 weeks.

BRONCOS V TITANS

Sunday, April 1st, 6.30pm, Suncorp Stadium

Broncos: Brisbane will be without Corey Oates (hip) and Tevita Pangai Jr (hamstring) with both ruled out for up to two weeks. Props George Fai and Sam Tagataese and winger Jonus Pearson are in the mix to face the Titans along with utility Todd Murphy.

Titans: Forwards Ryan James and Keegan Hipgrave (dangerous contact) can escape one match bans with early guilty pleas. Ash Taylor (tripping) copped a fine.

TIGERS V EELS

Monday, April 2nd, 4pm, ANZ Stadium

Tigers: In-form playmaker Benji Marshall (ankle) has been cleared of serious injury. He will be named and is a strong chance to play. Tyson Gamble is set to be named on the bench as cover. Tuimoala Lolohea (knee) is also expected to be available. Josh Reynolds (hamstring) will miss at least another week. Jacob Liddle (shoulder) is a chance of making his season debut.

Eels: Jarryd Hayne (hip) is set to miss 2-4 weeks. Bevan French (shoulder) is also in doubt. With Clint Gutherson (ACL) a month away, Will Smith is in line to play fullback. Kane Evans (rib) is also in doubt.

Originally published as NRL Early Mail Round 4: Team news and tips