NRL Late Mail round 11: Team changes and NRL SuperCoach tips
KIERAN Foran is set to return for the Eels on Monday in a hit-and-run mission, while Robbie Farah has some much-needed good news for the Blues.
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KIERAN Foran is set to return for the Eels on Monday in a hit-and-run mission, while Robbie Farah has some much-needed good news for the Blues.
Foran trained with the Eels on Friday and is set to play this weekend, coach Brad Arthur has confirmed.
Foran flew down from a Queensland hospital on leave and will return after the match. He slots in at five-eighth, with Brad Takairangi moving back to centre and Vai Toutai dropping out.
Meanwhile, fresh scans have cleared Farah (concussion) for Origin, but he is definitely out this weekend.
In other late changes heading into round 11:
* Jackson Hastings has been dropped by the Roosters. Ryan Matterson will start at five-eighth, with Connor Watson or Jayden Nikorima to come onto the bench;
* The Knights are set for a serious reshuffle. Nathan Brown’s men have already been forced to use the most players of any club this season and their injury woes will continue this weekend, with Sam Mataora (hamstring) and Jacob Saifiti (wrist) set to be ruled out. Pauli Pauli and one of David Bhana or Josh King will come into the 17. Jake Mamo is on standby for Nathan Ross (hamstring). In more positive news, Trent Hodkinson (knee) is set to return from injury;
* Recruit Nathan Peats will play his first game for the Titans;
* Former South Sydney backrower Chris Grevsmuhl has trained with the Panthers for the first time after signing a two-and-a-half year deal mid-week. Grevsmuhl is unlikely to take on Gold Coast on Sunday, but will be available for selection for their next game in round 13 against Melbourne, following the bye.
Tigers v Knights
Saturday 3:00pm at Campbelltown Stadium
Tigers - Updated 2.45pm Friday:No changes expected, with Sauaso Sue (ribs) and Josh Aloiai (concussion) set to play. James Tedesco (fractured shoulder) said on radio this week he would be back in round 13. Robbie Farah (concussion) wasn’t named and is no chance of playing, but has been cleared for the Blues.
Knights - Updated 2.45pm Friday:Sam Mataora (hamstring) and Jacob Saifiti (wrist) are set to be ruled out. Pauli Pauli and one of David Bhana or Josh King will come into the 17. Jake Mamo is on standby for Nathan Ross (hamstring). Trent Hodkinson (knee) is set to return from injury.
LISTEN TO OUR ROUND 11 PODCAST
Warriors v Raiders
Saturday 5:30pm at Yarrow Stadium, New Plymouth
Warriors: No changes expected, with Simon Mannering (mouth cut) certain to return as named. Coach Andrew McFadden says Manu Vatuvei (medical leave) is “very close”, but more likely to return after the bye.
Raiders: Ricky Stuart’s men travelled on Tuesday with 19 men given they have no Holden Cup or NSW Cup squads in New Zealand to draw from. Sam Williams and Frank-Paul Nuuausala are the extra men, but will drop off unless there is a training mishap. Sia Soliola (broken arm) was a strong chance to return but he stayed back in Canberra for the birth of his child. Shaun Fensom (shoulder) also missed the trip, but will return next week.
Sharks v Sea Eagles
Saturday 7:30pm at Southern Cross Stadium
Sharks: No changes. Paul Gallen has been on antibiotics this week and also has a minor ankle issue, but will play. Matt Prior (knee) wasn’t named and will be saved for after the bye.
Sea Eagles: Centre Steve Matai (neck) returns, while Jamie Buhrer (broken thumb) makes a comeback to first grade after being eased back through NSW Cup last week. The club says Brett Stewart (hamstring), Jorge Taufua (broken collarbone), Feleti Mateo (neck) and Apisai Koroisau (ribs) are set to return after next week’s bye.
Panthers v Titans
Sunday 2:00pm at Pepper Stadium
Panthers - Updated 2.45pm Friday:No injury issues, with James Segeyaro (concussion) cleared. Mid-week recruit Chris Grevsmuhl has joined the club for his first training session, but is unlikely this week.
Titans: Hooker Nathan Peats trained with his new teammates for the first time on Thursday. He will have just two on-field training sessions with his new teammates and is unlikely to play big minutes. “Nathan won’t be on the field the whole time, I’m sure Friendy (Nathan Friend) will still have a leading role at hooker and ease Nathan into the game,” said prop David Shillington. Daniel Mortimer (hamstring) has gone for surgery and will miss a few months.
Bulldogs v Roosters
Sunday 4:00pm at ANZ Stadium
Bulldogs: The full squad is fit and no changes are expected. SuperCoach owners of Kerrod Holland should note that Chase Stanley (hamstring) made his return through NSW Cup last week.
Roosters - Updated 2.45pm Friday:Young gun Jackson Hastings has been dropped, with fellow youngster Ryan Matterson to start at five-eighth. Connor Watson or Jayden Nikorima will come onto the bench and play a utility role.
Eels v Storm
Monday 7:00pm at Pirtek Stadium
Eels - Updated 2.45pm Friday: Five-eighth Kieran Foran (personal leave) will be a late inclusion, with Brad Takairangi moving back to centre and Vai Toutai dropping out. Isaac De Gois, Kenny Edwards and David Gower have been cleared of concussions.
Storm: Expect Ryan Morgan to make his club debut — against his former club no less. He would come in at centre, with Tohu Harris dropping to the back row, Kenny Bromwich moving to the bench and Christian Welch relegated.
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Originally published as NRL Late Mail round 11: Team changes and NRL SuperCoach tips
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