NRL Early Mail Round 21: Predicted team changes including Wacko’s Whispers

Star half Nathan Cleary is expected to be named on an extended bench for the Panthers, Maroons flyer remains on the outer in Brisbane, while Newcastle gets some much-needed good news.

Xavier Coates and Herbie Farnworth pictured at the Brisbane Broncos training session, Red Hill, Brisbane 14th of June 2021. (Image/Josh Woning)

Penrith will name star halfback Nathan Cleary on an extended bench for Saturday night’s blockbuster clash with the Roosters as the Origin playmaker attempts to return from a shoulder injury.

Cleary last played in Origin II in June but will push for inclusion against the Tricolours and will be named in the No.21 jersey this afternoon.

Matt Burton and Jarome Luai have both been named to start in the halves but Cleary will get a chance to press his claims for a return during the week.

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Panthers insiders said Cleary was outstanding in a Sunday training run, however his father and coach Ivan Cleary has suggested the NSW Origin No.7 is an unlikely starter this weekend.

“If we were playing finals now he would probably be back,” coach Cleary said. “But we want him to be not just back, but playing at his best … so we won’t take any risks.”

Nathan Cleary is recovering from a shoulder injury. Picture: Toby Zerna

If he’s passed fit to play, Burton will likely revert to the centres with Cleary to reunite with Luai at the scrumbase.

Tevita Pangai Junior will be named to make his Panthers debut from the bench while Isaah Yeo will make his return at lock after suffering a concussion against the Broncos two weeks ago. Api Koroisau will pack down at hooker after missing the last two games due to suspension.

The Panthers are likely to be without Stephen Crichton after he was slapped with a grade one contrary conduct charge for a kick on Cameron Munster in the final minute of Sunday night’s 37-10 loss to Melbourne.

He is facing a one-week ban. Centre Paul Momirovski is the man likely to come in for Crichton if he takes the early plea.

BIG BOOST FOR KNIGHTS, BRONCOS SURPRISE

The Knights finals charge have been given a huge boost with Mitchell Pearce expected to be named to play the Broncos on Thursday night.

Pearce has been battling an ongoing hamstring injury.

Meanwhile Broncos winger Xavier Coates is set to be overlooked this week, with David Mead or Jesse Arthars likely to be tasked with handling rampaging Newcastle centre Bradman Best on Thursday night.

The Broncos will be without key players Kotoni Staggs (knee) and Jake Turpin (high ankle sprain), who were both injured in last week’s 37-18 victory against the Cowboys.

Both Mead and Arthars spent time at right centre during Brisbane’s Monday morning training session, in place of Staggs, as they prepare to defend against a revitalised Best.

The Newcastle left centre returned from injury in red-hot form last week, scoring a try, setting up two others and making five tackle busts.

Xavier Coates is set to miss out on a recall to the Broncos side. Picture: Josh Woning

Brisbane’s right edge backrower Jordan Riki said he was confident Arthars or Mead would be up for the challenge on Thursday night.

“Both of them are obviously dangerous,” Riki said.

“Jesse has been in and out of the team, as has Meady, but I feel like every time they’ve come into the team, they’ve really stepped up.

“They’re both great players and I trust both of them to do the job and to do it well.

“Jesse and Meady are different styles of players, but they’re very safe as well. They don’t mind rolling their sleeves up and doing the dirty work and getting us hard carries.”

It comes as the race for the top eight heats up, with Newcastle (10th), St George Illawarra (9th), Canberra (8th) and Cronulla (7th) all sitting on 18 points leading into Monday night’s games.

PAYTEN SHIFTS TAUMALOLO

— Matthew Elkerton

Jason Taumalolo will make a shock move to the left edge while Valentine Holmes will play his first game since the Maroons Origin game three win as Cowboys players wear the brunt of a seven-game losing streak.

Todd Payten has made wholesale changes to his squad which was embarrassed by the Broncos in a Queensland Derby last week, with a completely refreshed backrow taking the field.

It is all about impact for the Cowboys with Taumalolo joined in the second row by boom rookie Heilum Luki while Coen Hess will come into the starting side to lock the scrum.

Mitch Dunn has been dropped to the bench to join the middle rotation while Shane Wright has been dropped right out of the top 17.

Despite playing little minutes on an edge in the past three seasons, Payten believed Taumalolo would be up for the challenge especially as he locks horns with Gold Coast wrecking ball David Fifita.

“He has had a fair bit of experience as an edge backrower in the past, he hasn’t played a lot there in recent years but he looked quite comfortable there (in training) today,” Payten said.

“He will provide a threat down that edge whether he gets early ball or charges into a halfback. It should create more time for our halves to work off.

Jason Taumalolo will lock horns with David Fifita this weekend. Picture: NRL Images

“The biggest adjustment will be coming out of our own end and knowing when to go looking for the ball. We have a few different tweaks to our game plan for that.

“(Going against Fifita) was not essentially (why we made the switch) but it is a positive to come out of that move. It certainly will help and hopefully he will be up to that. (Jason) certainly takes those challenges personally and there is another one in front of him.”

Holmes will return at the back for the Cowboys after sustaining an AC joint injury during State of Origin last month.

It’s understood he was touch and go to return against the Broncos last weekend, and Payten confirmed he will likely need painkiller injections to take the field.

“He will be uncomfortable and I am sure he will be feeling it for several days after,” Payten said. “That is part of our job and the players’ job, work out how to play with pain.

“He was itching to get back last week, it was still just a little bit too risky. I don’t expect it to (limit his output). That is the challenge. Once you commit to playing, you have a job to do for your team and that is going full throttle.

“His lungs and legs might be short of a gallop, whether his shoulder is giving him grief he might need more assistance at half time. He is well aware of my expectations.”

Kane Bradley will miss the rest of the season with a hand injury, with Ben Hampton coming into the centres and pushing Murray Taulagi back to the wing.

Francis Molo has been dropped back to the reserves list with Lachlan Burr making his return to the bench along with towering backrower Ben Condon.

Payten said the changes were due at the club as they aim to arrest a shocking form slump and resurrect their finals hopes.

“We have lost seven in a row,” he said. “If you keep naming the same team, I don’t know how you expect the result to be different.

“I understand how close we are to seventh and eighth (on the ladder). It is within the realm of possibility but we need to get our own game right. Do I think finals are over? It is not probable but still possible.”

Matt Moylan could make his return this weekend. Picture: Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images

MOYLAN IN THE MIX

— Nick Campton

Cronulla’s Matt Moylan could make his return from injury against the Warriors on Saturday with the 30-year old set to be named on an extended bench for the Sharks.

Moylan, who recently re-signed with the club on a one-year deal, has missed the past five weeks after suffering a calf injury in the warm up before the side’s Round 16 loss to Brisbane.

Connor Tracey and Braydon Trindall have been retained in the halves while Jesse Ramien will be named to return at centre.

Cult hero Zac Cini will make a comeback to the Tigers top 17 for Sunday’s clash with Canterbury and may well be elevated to the starting side by match day.

Cini, who scored on debut against the Dragons back in April, will be named on the bench for the match against the Bulldogs on Sunday.

But with Moses Mbye reverting to fullback in the absence of Daine Laurie, Cini could well start in the centres - backrower Michael Chee Kam has been named out wide but a swap later in the week may be in the offing.

Wacko’s Whispers: Predicted team changes

KNIGHTS V BRONCOS

Thursday 5 August, Sunshine Coast Stadium, 7:50pm

Knights: Come into the game off a four-day turnaround so the game could be moved from Thursday but at the moment it seems like it will proceed as scheduled. Jayden Brailey was forced from the field due to concussion but passed gameday HIA and surprisingly seemed OK after the game. But he could be in some doubt and if ruled out we could see Connor Watson forced to play hooker with Chris Randall coming onto the bench. Hymel Hunt looked to pick up a neck injury in a crusher tackle from Elliott Whitehead but was able to play out the game and should be right to play. Mitchell Pearce was close for the Raiders game and could return from a hamstring injury.

Broncos: Without Kotoni Staggs (knee) and Jake Turpin (ankle) after both picked up injuries in the Cowboys game. Danny Levi should start at hooker with Kobe Hetherington providing back up, with Cory Paix out due to an ankle injury. To replace Staggs, coach Kevvie Walters has two options with either Jesse Arthars coming in at centre or Xavier Coates returning on the wing and Jamayne Issako moving to centre. Albert Kelly (hamstring) and Anthony Milford (knee) are now both fit for selection but probably won’t force their way back into the 17.

RAIDERS V DRAGONS

Friday 6 August, Cbus Super Stadium, 6:00pm

Raiders: Come into the game off a five-day turnaround after a bad loss to the Knights and will be without Sebastian Kris after he failed gameday HIA with Matt Timoko set to play right centre. Bailey Simonsson should return from a foot injury. He returned to full training last week and should come onto the right wing for Harley Smith-Shields. Ryan Sutton missed the Knights game due to a sternum injury and could come back into the 17. Corey Horsburgh has returned to full training after a wrist injury and could come back into the mix. Josh Papalii, Elliott Whitehead and Iosia Soliola were all placed on report on Sunday and could be on the charge sheet.

Dragons: Welcome back a host of players from suspension after Covid breaches with Zac Lomax, Daniel Alvaro, Jack Bird, Josh McGuire, Jack de Belin and Blake Lawrie all eligible for selection. Gerard Beale and Josh Kerr both need to serve their one-game suspension this week. Ben Hunt will be missing after suffering a broken arm on the weekend. Mikaele Ravalawa returns on the right wing from suspension. Kaide Ellis passed gameday HIA but may make way for returning suspended players. Matt Dufty was dropped on form for Tyrell Sloan last week. But with Sloan having average game Dufty could come back into contention for the fullback role. Tyrell Fuimaono was twice placed on report on Sunday and is looking at a one-week suspension.

EELS V RABBITOHS

Friday 6 August, Cbus Super Stadium, 8:05pm

Eels: Sweating on the fitness of Mitchell Moses, hoping he can recover from a back injury suffered in Origin 3. Reagan Campbell-Gillard is expected to miss out after suffering a groin injury early in the Roosters game which will see Shaun Lane start at prop with either Bryce Cartwright or Keegan Hipgrave coming onto the bench. Waqa Blake failed gameday HIA and will need to pass required protocols to play with Will Penisini on standby should he be ruled out. Nathan Brown (knock) and Blake Ferguson (head cut) should both be right to play.

Rabbitohs: Came through their good win over the Dragons fairly injury free with all players getting through the game. Davvy Moale got a welcome to NRL on his first touch which saw him taken from the field for HIA, which he passed, but he will probably make way with Cameron Murray returning from suspension. Liam Knight and Campbell Graham both continue to experience concussion symptoms and will need medical clearance to return to the field. Benji Marshall comes out of quarantine midweek and could be rushed back into the side on the bench. Alex Johnston (hamstring), Hame Sele (calf) and Tevita Tatola (knee) are all pencilled in to return in coming weeks.

WARRIORS V SHARKS

Saturday 7 August, Suncorp Stadium, 3:00pm

Warriors: Hit hard by injury but will have Matt Lodge return from suspension with Addin Fonua-Blake (finger), Chad Townsend (shoulder), Chanel Harris Tavita (pec) and Jack Murchie (concussion) also expected to be fit to play. Euan Aitken (neck) and Bunty Afoa (knock) should both be right after picking up minor injuries on the weekend.

Sharks: Jesse Ramien was a late withdrawal on Monday due to an ear infection and it’s hoped he will be fit to return. Matt Moylan will be close to recovering from a calf injury but coach Josh Hannay may continue with a Tracey/Trindall halves combination. Toby Rudolf was sent to the sin bin for a silly head butt but only copped a fine from the match review committee. Mawene Hitori remains out with a hand injury.

ROOSTERS V PANTHERS

Saturday 7 August, Suncorp Stadium, 5:30pm

Roosters: Prop Jared Waerea-Hargreaves (grade one dangerous contact) is facing a one-week suspension, with Fletcher Baker his likely replacement if he’s not cleared at the judiciary. Centre Josh Morris (hamstring) will be missing due, with Bronco Dale Copley set to join the club and come into contention along with rookie Moala-Graham-Taufua.

Panthers: Hooker Api Koroisau returns from suspesnipn, pushing Mitch Kenny back to the bench, Isaah Yeo (concussion) is also back while Tevita Pangai Jnr will make Panthers debut after a mid-season switch. Nathan Cleary (shoulder) is progressing in his rehab but the Panthers have yet to confirm a return date, with next week looking likely. Kurt Capewell passed a gameday HIA, while Robert Jennings left the field at half-time and didn’t return which could result in Paul Momirovski returning after recovering from a hip injury. Stephen Crichton was charged by the match review committee and is looking at a one-week suspension. James Fisher-Harris has crossed the Queensland border after the birth of his baby and will need 14 days to quarantine. He will return in Round 23.

SEA EAGLES V STORM

Saturday 7 August, Suncorp Stadium, 7:35pm

Sea Eagles: No major injury concerns to come out of Sharks win with Brad Parker passing gameday HIA and should be right to be named. Josh Aloiai returns after missing the game on Monday due to suspension. Morgan Harper and Taniela Paskea were placed on report but missed the charge sheet. Sean Keppie remains unavailable after returning to Sydney for the birth of his baby. Tom Trbojevic was given an early shower on Monday after an outstanding game.

Storm: Setting the pace currently in NRL with both Harry Grant (hamstring) and Ryan Papenhuyzen (concussion) finding their feet quickly after coming back from injury. Jahrome Hughes (calf) and Nicho Hynes (ankle) both suffered minor injuries on the weekend. Hughes has been managing a calf issue for the last few weeks and I could see him being rested this week with Hynes moving into the halves, which would allow Papenhuyzen to start at fullback. Kenny Bromwich failed gameday HIA on Sunday and with only a six-day turnaround will need to progress through concussion protocols to play with either Tom Eisenhuth or Trent Loiero options to come into the team. Felise Kaufusi was placed on report during the Panthers game and is looking at a one-week suspension. Tui Kamikamica (calf) and Aaron Pene (Achilles) were rested on the weekend with niggles but it is hopeful they will be available for selection. Nelson Asofa-Solomona suffered a hamstring at training last Tuesday and is unavailable.

BULLDOGS V TIGERS

Sunday 8 August, Moreton Daily Stadium, Redcliffe, 2:00pm

Bulldogs: Jack Hetherington was placed on report on Monday night but escaped charge. Kyle Flanagan left the field for HIA after two heavy hits. He did return after half time but could make way with Lachlan Lewis a chance to return. Ava Semanufagai missed the Titans game due to concussion and should return.

Wests Tigers: Will be without their best player this year after Daine Laurie was ruled out for the season with a broken leg. Moses Mbye, if still with the club, would move to fullback with either Junior Pauga or Zac Cini to come in at centre, or they could play Cini at fullback. Michael Chee-Kam passed gameday HIA on Friday and should be fit to take up a bench utility role. James Tamou was a late withdrawal on the weekend due to a foot injury and if fit will return.

TITANS V COWBOYS

Sunday 8 August, Cbus Super Stadium, 4:05pm

Titans: Patrick Herbert will return from suspension at right centre with Esan Marsters the player to make way. David Fifita has started on the bench for the last two weeks which will probably continue. Jamal Fogarty should be fit to return from a finger injury with a call to be made as to if he replaces Ash Taylor or rookie Toby Sexton, who has been solid in his two NRL games. Erin Clark is a chance to be named if he can recover after elbow injury. Tyrone Peachey faces a one-match ban after he was hit with a dangerous conduct charge.

Cowboys: Come into the game off a long nine-day turnaround. Kane Bradley suffered a hand injury during the game and is looking at an extended period on the sideline. Murray Taulagi was forced from the field late, but it’s hoped he will recover and be fit to be named. Valentine Holmes is progressing in his rehab from a shoulder injury but is still a couple of weeks away.

Originally published as NRL Early Mail Round 21: Predicted team changes including Wacko’s Whispers