NRL Early Mail Round 20: Luke Thompson cops three-match ban, Brian To’o, Shaun Johnson injuries
The Bulldogs received a hammer blow at the NRL judiciary, while the Panthers and Sharks have been rocked by long-term injuries to key players.
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Canterbury forward Luke Thompson has run afoul of the NRL judiciary again after he was handed a three-match suspension for his late tackle on Cronulla’s Blayke Brailey.
The result is a hammer blow to the Bulldogs’ chances of avoiding the wooden spoon and a second ban for Thompson this season after he missed the opening four weeks of the season due to an eye gouge.
Thompson rolled the dice at the NRL judiciary on Tuesday night but the panel of Dallas Johnson, Bob Lindner and Ben Creagh were unmoved.
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An attempt to downgrade the charge to a grade one, which would have resulted in Thompson’s punishment being downgraded to a fine, was also unsuccessful.
With Thompson hitting the best form of his Bulldogs career in recent weeks, Canterbury now look destined to finish in last place without their fiery prop forward.
NRL counsel Peter McGrath argued Thompson clearly had time to withdraw from the challenge, which resulted in Thompson being sin-binned during the first half of Canterbury’s 44-24 loss.
“It’s not just contact but the force of the contact, the nature of the contact and the lateness of the contact. Brailey was in a very vulnerable position,” McGrath said. “It’s not until the act, or indeed, until Brailey has passed the ball that we see Thompson charge out at him.
“Rather than use his hands, he chooses — I suggest, carelessly — to make forceful contact on Brailey, who was not in possession of the ball nor was he bracing for contact.
“Thompson had to have been alert that the ball had been passed, he has clear and unimpeded vision. You can see the degree of whiplash that is caused by the impact of Thompson’s shoulder. It knocks him completely off his feet.”
Thompson was represented by Nick Ghabar, who maintained the contact was of an incidental nature while also pointed out Thompson was committed to contact and made an effort to mitigate the force of the collision.
He also pointed out Thompson was dealing with three decoy runners around Brailey, as well as a sweep runner out wide, which made Brailey a credible attacking threat due to the options at his disposal.
“Thompson did brace for impact and tried to pull out, as it were, but could not avoid the contact,” Ghabar said.
“It would be difficult, if you look at this contact in real time, without trying to exercise hindsight and without looking at it in slow motion, it would be very difficult to discern that moment in time when Thompson could have avoided collision.
“It’s clear when he picks up the ball and around ten or so metres acrossfield he’s capable of dummying, he’s capable of running and he’s capable of giving it to any one of four players.
“Thompson brings both arms up and brings them together and braces for impact. There was only one stride involved.
“In those circumstances there’s a very reasonable argument the contact was unavoidable.”
With Thompson out, Dylan Napa or Ava Seumanufagai are expected to start for Canterbury against Gold Coast this weekend with Chris Patolo favoured to come on to the bench.
In the night’s other case, Titans centre Patrick Herbert successfully had his high-tackle charge downgraded and will now miss just one match.
PANTHERS SUFFER ANOTHER INJURY BLOW
The Penrith Panthers have been rocked by news that NSW Origin winger Brian To’o will miss up to six weeks with a syndesmosis ankle injury.
And in a double-blow for the title contenders, utility Tyrone May is out indefinitely with a knee injury.
The duo join big guns Nathan Cleary (shoulder), Isaah Yeo (concussion), James Fisher-Harris (absent) and Api Koroisau (suspended) on the sidelines.
In a Penrith statement, the club confirmed both To’o and May suffered serious injuries in the victory over Brisbane Broncos last Saturday.
“To’o has been diagnosed with a syndesmosis injury in his left ankle, which he suffered in the first half of the game at Suncorp Stadium,’’ the club statement reads.
“The winger will undergo surgery to assess and potentially repair the damage and will be sidelined for up to six weeks.
“Meanwhile, May suffered a medial ligament injury in his left knee in the opening minutes of the win over the Broncos and will also be sidelined for an extended period.”
Robert Jennings will replace To’o on the wing while Liam Martin will start at prop in relief of Fisher-Harris, who has returned to Sydney for the birth of his child.
Matt Eisenhuth will start at lock, replacing Isaah Yeo (concussion) with Izack Tago and J’maine Hopgood to come in on the bench.
Brent Naden will line up at centre with Matt Burton reverting to the halves in place of May.
Fullback Dylan Edwards will captain the side for the first time.
— David Riccio and Nick Campton
JOHNSON’S CRONULLA CAREER MAY BE OVER
Shaun Johnson needs a miracle to save his career at Cronulla.
Scans have revealed the Sharks playmaker is set to be sidelined for between four to eight weeks after suffering a serious hamstring injury against Canterbury last weekend.
Johnson will avoid surgery in a bid to rehabilitate his hamstring injury — and hope for a miracle recovery, should the seventh-placed Sharks qualify for the finals.
There is a strong chance Johnson won’t play again for Cronulla after he announced last month he was returning to his beloved Warriors next year.
Johnson joins a mounting injury toll at Cronulla with outside back Mawene Hiroti requiring surgery on a fractured hand.
Hiroti suffered the injury against the Dogs and with a plate set to be inserted into his hand will miss the next two weeks.
Promising backrower Teig Wilton (hamstring) is also out for the next fortnight.
Braydon Trindall and Connor Tracey will be asked to steer Cronulla against Manly on Sunday afternoon.
However, Matt Moylan (calf) will be given every chance to prove his fitness and could be a late inclusion.
Meanwhile, in a remarkable journey from Victoria to Queensland, veteran centre Will Chambers is also poised to line-up against the Sea Eagles after he unwittingly breached the NRL’s Covid-19 protocols.
— David Riccio
DUFTY DROPPED IN DRAGONS’ OVERHAUL
St George Illawarra coach Anthony Griffin has rung in the changes for his side’s do-or-die clash with South Sydney with Matt Dufty dropped, Corey Norman returning to the starting side at centre and Origin backrower Tariq Sims moving to lock.
Jack Bird, Jack de Belin and Josh McGuire will all serve their one-match bans for attending Paul Vaughan’s infamous barbecue, forcing Griffin to scramble to fill out his roster.
Norman will return at the unfamiliar role of centre, where he’s never played before in his 222 NRL game career, with young gun Talatau Amone also to start out wide.
Dufty and Cody Ramsey will both be named on an extended bench with Tyrell Sloan preferred at fullback.
Billy Burns and Tyrell Fuimaono will be named at second row with Sims at lock while rookie prop Jaiyden Hunt will come in on the bench for his third NRL appearance.
Another youngster, Jayden Sullivan, will hold his place at five-eighth.
— Nick Campton
FLANNO GETS ANOTHER CHANCE
Battling Bulldog Kyle Flanagan will get at least one more chance to prove his wares as an NRL player with the Canterbury playmaker to be recalled for this weekend’s clash with Gold Coast.
Flanagan has endured a difficult season, dropping in and out of Trent Barrett’s side, but will get another chance at five-eighth with Lachlan Lewis moving back to 18th man.
Corey Allan, another recruit who has struggled for consistency, will get a shot at fullback with Nick Meaney reverting to the wing.
— Nick Campton
NO X-FACTOR FOR BRONCOS
Xavier Coates’ exile at the Broncos is set to continue with the out-of-favour winger likely to miss Friday night’s derby against the Cowboys at Suncorp Stadium.
Broncos coach Kevin Walters has promised Coates a return to the NRL at some stage but the Queensland Origin ace is poised to be sidelined for the third consecutive week.
Coates ran with the second-string Renegades outfit today with Walters keeping faith in wingers Jamayne Isaako and Corey Oates for the showdown with their 2015 grand-final nemesis the Cowboys.
Walters insists there is no personal issue with Coates, who has signed with the Melbourne Storm for next season.
Meanwhile, Brodie Croft and Tyson Gamble trained in the halves, indicating the scrumbase duo will be retained for the Queensland derby.
Anthony Milford has recovered from knee surgery and ran strongly at training with the Renegades, but appears certain to sit out another week in a frustrating scenario for Brisbane’s unwanted $1 million playmaker.
— Peter Badel
BLORE TO THE FORE AS INJURIES OPEN DOOR
Fiery backrower Shawn Blore will earn his first NRL start in the Tigers’ clash with the Warriors this weekend as Michael Maguire’s side looks to navigate a spate of injuries in the forwards and keep their finals hopes alive.
With Luke Garner, Alex Twal and Alex Seyfarth all picking up injuries over the past week, the door has opened for Blore to replace Garner in the backrow.
A former Junior Kangaroos captain who has caught the eye in his 12 first grade appearances, especially during his memorable scuffle with Nathan Brown in his NRL debut last year, 20-year old Blore is counted as one of the joint venture’s players of the future.
The experienced Michael Chee Kam is expected to come in on the bench as cover for Blore and fellow backrower Luciano Leilua.
The Tigers are currently two wins off eighth spot but have a favourable draw to finish the season, with just two matches against top eight sides in the final six weeks of the competition.
— Nick Campton
CODY WALKER, ADAM REYNOLDS BOOST RABBITOHS
South Sydney’s chances of snaring a top-two finish have received a boost with halves duo Adam Reynolds and Cody Walker expected to take on St George Illawarra.
With ladder leaders Penrith and Melbourne going head to head this weekend, a win against the Dragons will help the Rabbitohs stay in touch with the top two in the run to the finals series.
Walker picked up a knee knock in his side’s 60-22 rout of the Warriors on the weekend.
“I saw him (Walker) after the game and asked him how his knee was and he said he was fine, that he just got a bit of a knock on the knee. Which happens to all of us. He is sweet according to him and that’s a pretty good source,” forward Mark Nicholls said.
Reynolds was given an early shower by coach Wayne Bennett after 58 minutes but Nicholls said the halfback should be fit for the Dragons clash on Saturday.
“Reno just got the old card played and got to go for a rest, we’re ready to go this week,” Nicholls said.
Cameron Murray has taken the early plea for a crusher tackle on Matt Lodge and will miss one game. Outside back Campbell Graham missed the Warriors game with concussion and is in line to return this weekend.
While most pundits are convinced the NRL premiership is a two-horse race between Melbourne and Penrith but Nicholls isn’t buying the hype.
“Everyone in Australia loves an underdog. We’re happy to be the underdog,” Nicholls said of the Rabbitohs’ title chances.
“It’ll be a great game to watch, it’ll be two class teams playing each other. They’re both eyeing off each other and wanting to win this game. As a fan I’m excited to watch it.
— Fatima Kdouh
BIG BLOW FOR ROOSTERS
In another huge blow for the Sydney Roosters, centre Billy Smith is on his way back to Sydney to undergo surgery. He suffered a Lisfranc foot injury — identical to the injury that put boom teenager Joseph Suaalii. The Roosters will bring back Josh Morris to replace Smith against the Parramatta Eels on Saturday night.
— Phil Rothfield
WARRIOR’S LOAN STINT CUT SHORT
Jamayne Taunoa-Brown’s stint at St George Illawarra has lasted just two games with the Warriors recalling their prop as they deal with their own injury crisis.
Taunoa-Brown was due to play his third and final game for St George Illawarra this week but because of the Warriors’ growing injury ward they will bring him back a game early.
Taunoa-Brown has started off the bench in his past two games for the Dragons.
— Michael Carayannis
WACKO’S LATE MAIL
ROOSTERS V EELS
Thursday 29 July, BB Print Stadium, Mackay, 7:50pm
Roosters: Outside backs Billy Smith and Matt Ikuvalu are both out, which means Josh Morris will return. He may have to play on the right wing outside Joseph Manu with Adam Keighran the likely option at left centre. Sitili Tupounuia passed a gameday HIA and should be fit to be named while Siosiua Taukeiaho (hamstring) could return.
Eels: Marata Niukore (knee) will be missing with Bryce Cartwright likely to come into the 17. Tom Opacic was given time off after some personal issues recently but should return with debutant Will Penisini to make way. Blake Ferguson was able to play on with a rib injury but could be in some doubt, with Hayze Dunster his likely replacement. Maiko Sivo passed a HIA but copped a number of heavy knocks during the game. Mitch Moses (back) is only an considered outside chance to return with the Eels probably going to err on the side of caution.
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— NRL PHYSIO (@nrlphysio) July 26, 2021
Video shows aftermath of Addin Fonua-Blake’s compound finger injury (bone fractures/dislocates significantly enough to break through skin). Appears to have good movement, increases hope for a dislocation as opposed to a fracture. Quicker recovery if so pic.twitter.com/OvjeC7wGad
TIGERS V WARRIORS
Friday 30th July, Suncorp Stadium, 6:00pm
Tigers: Both Alex Seyfarth (knee) and Luke Garner (ankle) will be missing, but Alex Twal (shoulder) is hopeful of returning. Joe Ofahengaue would start on the left edge with either Michael Chee-Kam or Shawn Blore coming on to the bench.
Warriors: Roger Tuivasa-Sheck’s NRL career is over after heading back to New Zealand, but long-term absentees Peta Hiku (shoulder) and Chanel Harris-Tavita (pectoral) are also chances to play. The Warriors will likely be missing both starting props with Addin Fonua-Blake (finger) set for a few weeks on the sideline and Matt Lodge looking at a one-game suspension. Jack Murchie and Eliesa Katoa both failed gameday HIAs and will need to pass required protocols. Ben Murdoch-Masila and/or Kane Evans could join the 17 while Jamayne Taunoa-Brown will also come into contention after being recalled early from his loan to the Dragons. Reece Walsh (shoulder) and Bailey Sironen (knock) should both be right.
BRONCOS V COWBOYS
Friday 30th July, Suncorp Stadium, 8:05pm
Broncos: Prop Thomas Flegler (grade three careless high tackle) faces a two-game ban, opening the door for Rhys Kennedy to start at prop and TC Robati to rejoin the squad. Albert Kelly (hamstring) has recovered from hamstring injury and could replace either Brodie Croft or Tyson Gamble. Xavier Coates hasn’t been selected the last few weeks but could come back in contention for the wing position.
Cowboys: Coach Todd Payten shocked the NRL world by naming Jake Granville to replace Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow at fullback but he didn’t look out of place and could continue there this week. That call could hinge on the fitness of Reece Robson (HIA), with Payten also able to move Scott Drinkwater to fullback and bring Deajarn Asi into the halves. Reuben Cotter (foot) and Ben Hampton (pec) are both close to returning.
DRAGONS V RABBITOHS
Saturday 31 July, Browne Park, Rockhampton, 3:00pm
Dragons: Could be without Gerard Beale, Jack Bird, Jack de Belin, Josh Kerr, Blake Lawrie and Josh McGuire who all need to serve a one-game suspension in the next two rounds games after their bubble breach. Corey Norman returns and should replace Jayden Sullivan at five-eighth. Cody Ramsey (wrist), Josh Kerr (concussion) and Jordan Pereira (ankle) are all in doubt. McGuire was placed on report in the Titans game on Sunday and could be on the charge sheet come Monday. Zac Lomax and Daniel Alvaro are both expected to be available next week for selection after undergoing 14-day quarantine after travelling up late to Queensland.
Rabbitohs: Centre Campbell Graham (concussion) if fit he would come back in at right centre with Taane Milne dropping to bench and Braidon Burns out of 17. Adam Reynolds (hamstring), Cody Walker (knee) and Jacob Host (ankle) are all in doubt but should be named. Tevita Tatola has been missing due to knee injury and could be named. Cameron Murray faces a one-game ban for a crusher tackle. Liam Knight (concussion) is out and with his recent history I don’t expect him back for a few weeks.
KNIGHTS V RAIDERS
Saturday 31 July, Suncorp Stadium, 5:30pm
Knights: Centre Bradman Best (ankle) returns with either Enari Tuala or Dominic Young set to make way. Mitchell Pearce is close to returning from a hamstring injury but will still need to prove his fitness later. David Klemmer didn’t play on weekend after suffering lingering headaches due to concussion and will need to be symptom-free before he returns to training. Kalyn Ponga (sternum), Mitch Barnett (knock) and Connor Watson (knee) will have to overcome bumps and bruises.
Raiders: Forward Ryan Sutton (sternum) will be missing for a couple of weeks, while Josh Papalii failed a gameday HIA but is helped by a nine-day turnaround. Corey Horsburgh (wrist) returned to full training last week and could come into the 17. Semi Valemi (arm) and Joseph Tapine (knock) could both be in some doubt. Jack Wighton (rib) trained with last week in the rehab vest — his availability will come down to pain management. Elliott Whitehead (shoulder) and Dunamis Liu (calf) are both chances to return.
STORM V PANTHERS
Saturday 31 July, Suncorp Stadium, 7:35pm
Storm: Maroons stars Cameron Munster and Felise Kaufusi should return after being rested on the weekend after a tough State Origin campaign. Dale Finucane (concussion) should also be back. Harry Grant (hamstring) is close to returning but is probably still a week away. Brandon Smith passed a gameday HIA and should be right. I am expecting Ryan Papenhuyzen will continue coming off the bench for the next week or two as Storm ease him back in after 10 weeks out due to concussion. Tom Eisenhuth (elbow) returned to full training last week but may not be able to force his way into the 17.
Panthers: Star prop James Fisher-Harris is out after he returned to Sydney on Sunday to be with his partner for the birth of their baby. That’s not coach Ivan Cleary’s only concern with Isaah Yeo (concussion) also likely to be missing and doubts surrounding Viliame Kikau (HIA), Tyrone May (leg), Scott Sorensen (foot) and Brian To’o (head knock). Nathan Cleary (shoulder) is continuing rehab and this week’s game might come too soon. Api Koroisau (suspension) is out for another week with Mitch Kenny to continue at hooker. New signing Tevita Pangai Jnr will join Penrith on August 2 and be available for selection against the Roosters in Round 21. Eddie Blacker didn’t travel with the Panthers to Queensland but is quarantining in a hotel with players’ families currently and will join the squad next week.
BULLDOGS V TITANS
Sunday 1st August, Cbus Super Stadium, 2:00pm
Bulldogs: Lock Adam Elliott (cheekbone) returned to training last week and will need to progress through to contact this week. Ava Semanufangai (concussion) left the field late in the loss to Sharks and I am expecting to see him ruled out. Luke Thompson faces a two-week ban with an early guilty plea after being charged for dangerous contact on Blayke Brailey.
Titans: A number of players picked up injuries in the win over the Dragons. Brian Kelly (ankle) would likely be replaced by Esan Marsters if ruled out while David Fifita (ribs), Beau Fermor (knock) and Mitch Rein (passed HIA) will all need to be checked on. Patrick Herbert faces a two-game ban.
SHARKS V SEA EAGLES
Sunday 1st August, Moreton Daily Stadium, Redcliffe, 4:05pm
Sharks: Playmaker Shaun Johnson (hamstring) is set to be missing for a few weeks with Matt Moylan (calf) a chance to replace him. If Moylan’s still not fit, Connor Tracey and Braydon Trindall would continue as the Sharks halves. Aiden Tolman returns from suspension with Andrew Fifita the player expected to make way. Teig Wilton (hamstring) was a late omission and is expected to be out again.
Sea Eagles: Utility Dylan Walker (HIA) will need to pass the required protocols to play. Karl Lawton (corked thigh) is a chance to return. Josh Aloai is looking at a one-week suspension with an early guilty plea after being charged with Grade 2 Dangerous contact charge for tackle on Alex Seyfarth.
Originally published as NRL Early Mail Round 20: Luke Thompson cops three-match ban, Brian To’o, Shaun Johnson injuries
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