NRL Early Mail Round 19: Predicted team changes
Ryan Papenhuyzen will return from a serious concussion this weekend but not in the position we are used to.
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Melbourne Storm star Ryan Papenhuyzen is back.
News Corp Australia understands the star fullback will be named in Storm’s side to face the Cowboys in Townsville on Friday night.
He is set to be selected in the No.17 jersey and start off the bench in what will be his game in two months.
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The fullback returned to full training last week for the first time since being knocked out by Tyrrell Fuimaono at Magic Round in late May.
The in-form Nicho Hynes is set to be selected in the No.1 jersey.
— Nick Smart
EELS TO BLOOD YOUNG GUN
Replacing Opacic at centre will be 18-year old sensation Will Penisini, who will be named to make his NRL debut. Penisini is counted as one of the top outside back prospects in the league.
- Nick Campton
SAVAGE BLOW FOR RAIDERS
Boom Raiders fullback Xavier Savage has been ruled out for the season.
The rising star has suffered an AC shoulder joint injury that requires surgery.
Savage was outstanding in his NRL appearances over the past two weeks.
Considered one of the fastest players in the game, the 19-year-old was a standout in the club’s gutsy win over Cronulla last Saturday.
Savage’s season-ending injury isn’t the only news for the Raiders with NSW Origin five-eighth Jack Wighton also ruled out for the club’s clash with the Eels on Thursday.
Wighton is set to miss one week with a rib cartilage injury.
Jordan Rapana is set to start the match at fullback with Harley Smith-Shields moving from the forwards to the backline.
— David Riccio
FERGO BACK AFTER EXILE
Blake Ferguson has been recalled to the NRL after six weeks in exile.
The NSW Origin and Eels winger has been granted a reprieve by coach Brad Arthur ahead of the club’s Thursday night clash with the Raiders.
Ferguson has been overlooked from first grade ever since his round 12 performance where his defensive deficiencies were exposed.
He also picked-up a calf injury during his relegation, which impacted his ability to impress the club’s coaching staff.
Off-contract, the 31-year-old needs a massive final month to prove his worth.
Ferguson will return to his preferred wing position against Canberra with regular starter Tom Opacic rested from the match with the club deciding to put the 26-year-old’s welfare first following the passing of his brother.
— David Riccio
CAUTIOUS APPROACH ON PENRITH HALVES
Penrith co-captain Isaah Yeo has confirmed five-eighth Jarome Luai is a week “or two” away from taking the field after suffering a knee injury in round 16.
Luai is expected to join the rest of the Panthers squad in a field session later today. How the NSW playmaker pulls up will determine his chances of making a comeback against Brisbane on Saturday night.
Luai, who missed Origin III with the injury, declared ‘I’m on way’ when asked about his availability on Saturday night during a radio interview Monday.
But Yeo insisted Luai and Nathan Cleary, who is out with a shoulder injury until at least round 20, won’t be rushed back.
“Romey [Luai] has a pretty specific guideline, normally it’s two to four weeks and see how he’s travelling,” Yeo said.
“But with Nath it’s an annoying, tricky one and you’re not sure how the players are going to react if they cop a knock, in that regard he’s probably going to get it [shoulder] back to as strong as he can and focus on the back end of the year.
“Romey, when he is right over the next week or two he will definitely be fine. It’s probably more so Nath, the time [out injured] helps.”
— Fatima Kdouh
BENJI NO CHANCE, RABBITOHS REV UP FOR RUN HOME
Benji Marshall has been dubbed “no chance” of playing with South Sydney this Saturday, while fellow veteran Josh Mansour is now locked in a two-way battle for his own NRL recall.
Despite scoring six tries in his last four games, Taane Milne will be dropped back to the bench for South Sydney’s clash with the Warriors despite Alex Johnston’s injury.
Milne has been in terrific form on the right wing but will wear the number 14 jersey on Saturday afternoon with Jaxson Paulo and Josh Mansour preferred as the starters.
Mansour is expected to line up on the left wing vacated by Johnson, who suffered a hamstring injury against the Bulldogs.
Paulo will replace Milne on the right.
Souths hooker Damien Cook has also revealed neither himself or fellow NSW Origin star Cameron Murray will be rested between now and the playoffs, stressing the pair are “fit and flying” after the Blues series win.
While Marshall initially stayed in Sydney with his young family, Cook said the 36-year-old would do the mandatory 14-day quarantine with those 500 NRL family members granted entry into Queensland.
“We’re no chance of having Benji Saturday,” the Souths No.9 said. “He will go through the same quarantine process as the families.”
Quizzed on the omission of Johnston, who will miss between two weeks and a month, Cook added: “Hopefully he’s not out too long … because AJ does an outstanding job.
“His combination with Cody Walker is the best in the competition.
“They know each other so well, they’ve linked up for a far few tries and linebreaks this year.”
Cook also said neither he or Murray would be rested following the Blues series win, given the pair took a match off after Origin I when fellow Blue Latrell Mitchell backed up.
“We’ve had our spell,” he said. “We got ours early when we didn’t back up and Latrell Mitchell did.
“And if Latrell didn’t have that couple of weeks off with suspension he would’ve had that week off as well.
“But we’re now back in the swing of things here. They (Souths staff) have managed us really well to ensure we’re fresh and flying.”
Jai Arrow will also come off the bench in his return from suspension after he was ruled out of Origin III following a breach of the NRL’s biosecurity rules.
— Nick Walshaw and Nick Campton
SULLIVAN TIPPED TO FILL IN FOR NORMAN
The Dragons are set to unleash another teen with Jayden Sullivan expected to replace Corey Norman at five-eighth.
Norman has a one-game ban to serve for his attendance at Paul Vaughan’s house.
Sullivan has long been touted as a future superstar at the Dragons and will get to push his claims. He made his debut last year playing in the final round of the competition but injuries have restricted his progress this year.
— Michael Carayannis
TITANS TO BLOOD AUSTRALIAN SCHOOLBOY
The Gold Coast Titans will debut one of their hottest playmaking prospects in history when young gun Toby Sexton plays his first NRL game on Sunday.
Sexton will replace injured halfback Jamal Fogarty (finger) at the Gold Coast’s scrumbase when the Titans face St George Illawarra at Cbus Super Stadium.
Sexton, 20, has been carving up the Intrust Super Cup for Tweed Heads and biding his time for an opportunity in the NRL.
That appears to have arrived and the former Australian Schoolboys ace will be blooded against the Dragons in what is a bonus home game for the Titans.
— Travis Meyn
SHARK RETURNS FROM LONG LAYOFF
The suspension of veteran Sharks prop Aiden Tolman for one week has provided the window of opportunity for hard-running forward Royce Hunt to play his first game in 10 months.
Hunt’s career was rocked in round 14 last year when he suffered a dislocated patella (knee cap).
His road back to the NRL has been painstakingly slow with his reward finally arriving in the shape of a spot on Cronulla’s bench this Sunday.
— David Riccio
FRESH BLOW FOR LUCKLESS BULLDOGS
Luckless Canterbury Bulldogs have suffered another setback to their horror season with back-rower Raymond Faitala-Mariner ruled out for the rest of the year with a foot injury.
The 27-year-old underwent surgery four months ago on an incomplete fracture of the navicular bone in his right foot, suffered during the Bulldogs’ Round 2 loss to Penrith.
The Bulldogs were initially hopeful of getting Faitala-Mariner back on the field for the final month of the NRL season, but his foot has taken longer to heal.
It continues a tough run for the Bulldogs, who have also lost outside backs Nick Cotric (toe) and Christian Crichton (knee) to season-ending injuries.
A spate of injuries, plus the standing down of the ‘Bondi Five’ over Covid breaches earlier this month, has stretched the Bulldogs’ depth.
Teenagers Bailey Biondi-Odo and Chris Patolo have made their NRL debuts in recent weeks, as has Falakiko Manu, who spent years being homeless as he chased his NRL dream.
Canterbury are hoping to get Adam Elliott (cheekbone), Chris Smith (ankle) and Brad Deitz (hamstring) back in coming weeks as they desperately try to avoid the wooden spoon.
On Sunday at Sunshine Coast Stadium, coach Trent Barrett’s men face Cronulla, one of only two sides they have beaten this year.
— Adam Mobbs
Souths’ tryscoring machine hamstrung
South Sydney’s try scoring machine Alex Johnston is expected to miss two to four games with a hamstring injury that forced him from the field in Sunday’s win over Canterbury.
Johnston left the field almost immediately after touching down for his 24th try of the season.
Liam Knight (concussion) could also be looking at another extended stint on the sidelines after a head clash with Jacob Host in the game against the Dogs.
Host passed his HIA and is expected to be right to take on the Warriors, but Knight has a worrying history with concussion injuries and the Rabbitohs will take all precautions.
Campbell Graham is also in doubt due to a head knock suffered against the Dogs.
Hame Sele is tipped to miss another game after suffering a calf injury at training last week.
Benji Marshall is the other Rabbitohs player unavailable as he awaits the green light to rejoin the team after initially not travelling to Queensland for family reasons.
— Paul Crawley
Rooster still suffering vision issues
While Roosters No. 9 Sam Verrills has been cleared of any neck issues and will face the Newcastle Knights in Friday Night Football, the rake revealed he still does not have 100 per cent vision in one of his eyes.
While Verrills suffered a neck injury in the win over North Queensland, both he and Drew Hutchison (knock) fronted a media Zoom call on Monday where they also confirmed NSW Origin No. 1 James Tedesco would be back.
After suffering a semi-detached retina in May, and then undergoing surgery to “glue” it back down, Verrills has been back on the park for several weeks, despite revealing he doesn’t have 20/20 vision.
“When both my eyes are open I don’t notice it, it’s only when I shut my good eye,” he said. “Then I can tell things are different.
“But each day it’s getting better (and) it’s a lot better than it was a few months ago.”
Verrills also revealed several park footballers had reached to him via Instagram to detail their own detached retina stories and recovery processes.
“Just local A Graders, tradies who play footy have hit me up about how they’ve gone about (recovery). It’s really helped me a lot.”
— Nick Walshaw
EELS V RAIDERS
Thursday 22 July, Cbus Super Stadium, 7:50pm
Eels: Welcome back Mitchell Moses and Junior Paulo after both were rested following Origin. Moses will replace Jakob Arthur at halfback with Paulo starting at prop, Marata Niukore dropping to the bench and Will Smith the player most likely to drop out. Clint Gutherson copped a heavy hit and looked to pick up a rib injury during the Titans game but was able to play on and should be fit to be named.
Raiders: Come into the game off a five-day turnaround and a good win over the Sharks. They have both Jack Wighton and Xavier Savage out. Wighton suffered a rib injury in the first half and was needled up at half time. But he left the field early in the second half after not being able to play with the pain after the needle failed to hit the mark. With a short turnaround I expect him to be ruled out which will see Matt Frawley come in at five-eighth. Savage suffered a shoulder injury in the second half. Caleb Aekins replaces him at fullback. Elliott Whitehead is set to return from a shoulder injury. Corey Horsburgh is close to returning from a wrist injury but is still probably a week or two away.
ROOSTERS V KNIGHTS
Friday 23 July, Sunshine Coast Stadium, 6:00pm
Roosters: Welcome back James Tedesco after he was rested post-Origin with Joseph Manu moving back to right centre and Billy Smith the player likely to drop out. Sam Verrills (neck) and Drew Hutchison (knock) both should be right to play. Sio Siua Taukeiaho is expected to be unavailable again due to a hamstring injury.
Knights: Hit hard by injury and with only a six-day turnaround will need everything to go right with Kalyn Ponga and David Klemmer both failing gameday HIAs on the weekend and will need to pass required protocols and receive doctor’s clearance to play. Jacob Saifiti could be missing after picking up an ankle injury on the weekend but that should be offset with brother Daniel Saifiti expected to return after a rib injury. Lachlan Fitzgibbon copped a heavy hit which saw him leave the field on the weekend but should be right to be named. Mitchell Pearce was withdrawn the day before the game on the weekend due to hamstring injury suffered at training which will probably keep him out again with Phoenix Crossland set to continue in the halves with Jake Clifford. Bradman Best is only an outside chance to return this week but if not fit this week will return next week from an ankle injury.
COWBOYS V STORM
Friday 23 July, Queensland Country Bank Stadium, 7:55pm
Cowboys: Without Javid Bowen after he suffered a knee injury on the weekend which is expected to keep him out for a number of weeks with options of Justin O’Neill, Daejarn Asi or Ben Hampton, who has returned to full training after a pectoral injury. Connelly Lemuelu passed gameday HIA and should be right to play, while Coen Hess is in HIA protocol after suffering a concussion in the final 15 minutes of the Roosters game. With Valentine Holmes out due to a shoulder injury suffered in Origin 3, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow will continue at fullback after an outstanding game in that position against the Roosters.
Storm: Should welcome back Josh Addo-Carr and Christian Welch after both were rested following Origin 3, which is much needed with George Jennings (knee), Dale Finucane (concussion) and Jahrome Hughes (calf) all in some doubt. Ryan Papenhuyzen (neck/concussion) and Harry Grant (hamstring) are both chances to return from injury. Tom Eisenhuth is also given a chance to return after an elbow injury in Round 15. Nelson Asofa-Solomona also returns after missing the past few games due to suspension.
Play of the Week: Jason Taumalolo has had a quiet season in 2021... until Round 17 👠pic.twitter.com/zmuk3ULabw
— SuperCoach NRL (@SuperCoachNRL) July 14, 2021
RABBITOHS V WARRIORS
Saturday 24 July, Sunshine Coast Stadium, 3:00pm
Rabbitohs: Welcome back Latrell Mitchell at fullback after he was rested from the Bulldogs game following Origin 3. Campbell Graham and Liam Knight both failed gameday HIAs and with only a six-day turnaround will need to pass required protocols to play and get a doctor’s clearance. Alex Johnston will miss 2-4 weeks after picking up a hamstring injury with options of Braidon Burns (pending Graham’s fitness), Josh Mansour or Jaxson Paulo. Jacob Host passed gameday HIA after a head clash with Knight and should be fit for selection. Jai Arrow is available for selection after a Covid breach in Origin camp but it’s unknown if he travelled with the squad to Queensland or is still stuck in Sydney. Benji Marshall remains in Sydney and will travel to Queensland once families are permitted to travel.
Warriors: Hit hard with injuries after finishing the Panthers game on Sunday with no players on the bench. Tohu Harris is likely to be ruled out for the season with initial fears he suffered ACL injury with scans to confirm, Rocco Berry will be missing after suffering hamstring injury, Wayde Egan is in some doubt after suffering shoulder injury and Roger Tuivasa-Sheck is in concussion protocols after copping nasty concussion while trying to make a tackle and with 6 day turnaround I am expecting him to be ruled out. Ben Murdoch-Masila would come onto bench to replace Harris with Curran moving into starting 13. Ed Kosi would come onto wing for RTS and Pompey replacing Berry in the centres. Chad Townsend played on weekend despite having to get needled up to play and looked to be in discomfort during the game and could be in some doubt. Jazz Tevaga (ribs) and Eliesa Katoa (shoulder) should overcome bumps and bruises to be named. Matt Lodge was placed on report yesterday and could be on charge sheet on Monday.
SEA EAGLES V TIGERS
Saturday 24 July, Suncorp Stadium, 5:30pm
Sea Eagles: Welcome back Tom Trbojevic and Daly Cherry-Evans after both were rested on Friday due to the game being only two days after Origin 3. Reuben Garrick moves back to the wing and Moses Suli drops out of the 17. DCE’s return will see Josh Schuster move back to 2RF with Karl Lawton in some doubt after suffering a bad cork in the Dragons. Jake Trbojevic is hopeful of returning from a hip injury. If fit he would start at lock with Sean Keppie dropping to the bench and Kurt De Luis dropping out of the 17.
Tigers: Coming off a win over the Broncos. Moses Mbye is in some doubt after suffering an ankle injury. He was able to play on but was limping after the game. Alex Twal failed gameday HIA and will need to pass required protocols to play. Daine Laurie passed gameday HIA after falling into a tackle and copping an accidental knee. He should be fit to play provided he shows no symptoms of concussion during the week. James Roberts remains in Sydney in isolation and will need Queensland Government approval to travel once isolation is finished. Junior Pauga and Tukimihia Simpkins both had solid games on debut and should retain positions in the 17.
PANTHERS V BRONCOS
Saturday 24 July, Suncorp Stadium, 7:35pm
Panthers: Set to receive a massive boost with Jarome Luai a chance to recover from a knee injury. He got out of a knee brace last week and still needs to tick a few boxes. If fit Brent Naden would drop out of the side with Matt Burton moving back to left centre with no other changes expected. Nathan Cleary continues with rehab from a shoulder injury but is still a week or two away.
Broncos: Welcome back Xavier Coates after he was rested on the weekend after Origin. He should return on the right wing with Jamayne Isaako the player to make way. TC Robati left the field in the opening few minutes due to a corked thigh. It was hoped he would return but he failed a fitness test on the sideline after being strapped up and will be in some doubt. Replacement Jordan Riki looked to suffer a shoulder injury while scoring a try. He was able to play out the game but could also be in doubt. Jake Turpin left the field for HIA in the last few minutes of the game and will need to pass required protocols. Tom Flegler was placed on report in the Tigers game but missed the charge sheet on Monday.
DRAGONS V TITANS
Sunday 25 July, Cbus Super Stadium, 1:50pm
Dragons: Gerard Beale, Jack Bird, Jack de Belin, Josh Kerr, Blake Lawrie, Josh McGuire and Corey Norman all still need to serve one-game suspensions over the next three weeks. Brayden Wiliame was forced from the field early in the Manly game, which could result in Jordan Pereira coming on to the wing and Gerard Beale moving to centre. With Matt Dufty available for selection again, coach Anthony Griffin faces a tough call on rookie fullback Tyrell Sloan who has impressed in his first two NRL games. Tyrell Fuimaono and Kaide Ellis are also both up for selection after serving their one-game bans.
Titans: Gold Coast have a number of players racing the clock to be fit, headlined by Jamal Fogarty (finger) and Ash Taylor (HIA), although a nine-day turnaround helps. Tanah Boyd shapes as the halves cover. Erin Clark (elbow) and Phillip Sami (ankle) are both expected to be missing. Mitch Rein will return to replace Clark at hooker, while Anthony Don, Greg Marzhew and Jonus Pearson are wing options.
Lewis 'Notorious' Mcgregor 💥🤯 #NRLSouthsBulldogs
— Fox League (@FOXNRL) July 18, 2021
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BULLDOGS V SHARKS
Sunday 25 July, Cbus Super Stadium, 4:05pm
Bulldogs: Hooker Jeremy Marshall-King returns after serving a two-game suspension and will force Sione Katoa back to the bench. Lachlan Lewis pretty much lost the Bulldogs the game with a dumb incident after the half-time siren, and it will be interesting to see if Trent Barrett drops him for Kyle Flanagan or even Bailey Biodi-Odo who was impressive in limited minutes at hooker. Joe Stimson and Renouf Atoni missed the game due to concussion and both could return.
Sharks: Hooker Blayke Brailey passed game day HIA. Shaun Johnson will continue to play despite carrying a niggling injury with Braydon Trindall on goalkicking duties the past few weeks. Siosifa Talakai is expected to continue to start on the right edge with Briton Nikora dropping to the bench. Matt Moylan (calf) is close to returning but with his previous injury history the Sharks will make sure he is 100 per cent fit. Aiden Tolman (grade one careless high tackle) is looking at a one-week suspension.
Originally published as NRL Early Mail Round 19: Predicted team changes
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