NRL Early Mail Round 3 teams: Wacko’s predicted squads for every team
Finally, after two months without footy, the best mail man in the business delivers his definitive verdict on NRL teams for Round 3 — and there are plenty of surprises.
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The Broncos have received a huge boost for their NRL season relaunch with chief enforcer Matt Lodge set to be cleared for Thursday night’s blockbuster against Parramatta.
Lodge suffered a partial ACL tear on the eve of round one in March and there were fears he would be wiped out for the season, but the Broncos prop has worked overtime to ensure his damaged right knee is 100 per cent.
Lodge will be named on Brisbane’s extended bench later today but Seibold is confident the Broncos’ most senior bookend will be added to his top 17 to face the Eels side that inflicted a 58-0 finals mauling last year.
—Peter Badel
READ THE FULL REPORT ON MATT LODGE HERE
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Bunnies set for backline reshuffle
South Sydney coach Wayne Bennett is set to announce some huge selection decisions later today with the biggest being that James Roberts won’t play against the Sydney Roosters on Friday night.
Bennett is also set to confirm The Daily Telegraph’s report last week that rookie Troy Dargan will make his debut at five-eighth in place of the suspended Cody Walker.
Campbell Graham will take Roberts’ right centre spot with Alex Johnston coming in on the wing, while Latrell Mitchell will stay at fullback.
Bennett had deliberated over whether to rush Roberts straight back in the team after his two week stint in rehab but decided to give him an extra week.
—Paul Crawley
RAIDERS’ SHOCK RAPANA CALL
Ricky Stuart is set to shock Canberra Raiders fans by selecting young Bailey Simonsson ahead of Jordan Rapana for the comeback clash against Melbourne.
Rapana has rejoined the Raiders during the COVID-19 shutdown after his return from a short stint in Japanese Rugby with the Panasonic Wild Knights.
The former Kiwi international has agreed to a deal only until the end of 2020.
But while many expected Rapana would be rushed straight into the starting team given his outstanding past service, Stuart has decided to not to make any changes after the Raiders’ unbeaten start.
“I have already spoken to the guys who need to know that I will be sticking with the same 17 that did the job for me in the first two games,” Stuart said.
“I have spoken to Jordan about that and he is more than comfortable.”
The Raiders are also expected to be without John Bateman who is not expected to return until next round against Newcastle.
- Paul Crawley
Welch ‘in contention’ following stunning ACL comeback
Melbourne Storm forward Christian Welch is “in contention” to make his long-awaited NRL comeback from an ACL rupture in Saturday night’s home clash with Canberra.
The Queensland State of Origin forward hasn’t played an NRL game since suffering a knee injury against Brisbane last August.
The coronavirus shutdown halted his return to the game, but he is in the mix face the Raiders at AAMI Park this weekend when the season resumes.
"He is certainly in calculations," Storm assistant coach Jason Ryles said yesterday.
"He has come back in great shape and before his knee injury he was a part of the 17 last year.
“He’s certainly in good shape and in contention, but that’s something Craig will have to make a decision on later in the week.
“But he’s certainly in the picture.”
The competition for spots in the Melbourne forward pack is set to be fierce with coach Craig Bellamy set to have a full squad to choose from.
Prop Tui Kamikamica has been battling a back injury but he is set to get the all clear.
Kiwi international Brandon Smith, who spent two weeks in a hotel room upon his return to Australia, is also available after recovering from a facial fracture.
“Tui has had a bit of an upset back for the last couple of days,” Ryles said.
“He didn't train during the back part of last week, but he is going to be fine come tomorrow we are told.
"If he doesn't start he will certainly be in the 17.
"We will see how he presents, but there shouldn't be any reason why he wouldn't be in the 17 somewhere."
- Nick Smart
Backline stars return for Sharks
Cronulla coach John Morris looks set to name a new look back five with his outside back cavalry, including Matt Moylan, Bronson Xerri and Josh Dugan, all available for selection in round three.
Morris has wrapped Matt Moylan in cotton wool ahead of Saturday night’s game against the Wests Tigers but teammate Jesse Ramien said he is expecting the star fullback to take the field at Bankwest Stadium.
Moylan also suffered a minor concussion during training last week after some friendly fire.
“I think Moysa [Moylan] will be good to go, there’s nothing like that game fitness. I think it’s always a bit harder [to get that fitness] at training but come Saturday night he’ll be good to go,” Ramien said.
After battling through troublesome hamstring injuries during season 2019, Moylan was struck down with a calf injury in the preseason and missed the opening two rounds back in March.
Despite the endorsement, Moylan will still have to pass one last fitness test before Saturday night’s game.
Xerri has also fully recovered from shoulder surgery and will return at centre with Ramien to retain the other centre spot.
Josh Dugan also missed the first two games of season 2020 with a knee injury. The veteran outside back will be available for selection and is likely to slot on to an edge at the expense of Sione Katoa.
Will Kennedy, who was named at fullback in rounds one and two, is also likely to drop out of the 17.
- Fatima Kdouh
EELS RAKE READY TO RETURN
Young Parramatta hooker Reed Mahoney has declared he’ll be fit to play when the NRL season resumes on Thursday.
Mahoney underwent surgery after suffering a broken bone in his foot in the Eels’ round-two win over Gold Coast in March but has used the COVID-19 enforced shutdown of the league season to recover.
The 22-year-old says he’ll be available when the Eels take on Brisbane at Suncorp Stadium in the first game of the revamped 2020 campaign.
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PANTHERS LOCK IN CLEARY REPLACEMENT
Dubbo product Matt Burton is preparing to replace suspended Penrith No.7 Nathan Cleary when the NRL season resumes on May 28.
With Cleary outed for a fortnight over that now infamous Tik Tok video, 20-year-old Burton has been training in the halves alongside Jarome Luai in Panthers ballwork sessions.
The country boy made headlines last year after starring in his NRL debut against Cronulla, setting up a try in the 26-20 upset.
It was also revealed the towering playmaker was wearing black headgear as a tribute to childhood friend Sam Fraser, who drowned when the 16-year-olds were swimming in Dubbo’s Macquarie River.
— Nick Walshaw
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ROOKIE GETS SHOT AT PONGA’S SPOT
Newcastle rookie Tex Hoy has emerged as a surprise contender for the Knights goalkicking duties when he makes his hyped NRL debut, while centre Tautau Moga has also declared himself ready to push for a backline starting spot.
Still only 20, Hoy will debut in the Knights No.1 jersey when the season restarts on May 28 as a replacement for suspended star, and housemate, Kalyn Ponga.
Apart from insisting his good friend was ready to step into the fullback role, Ponga also revealed Hoy was a strong chance to replace him as the team’s goalkicker – with Kurt Mann the other likely contender.
Ponga said the pair have been conducting training shootouts in a bid to gain the nod from coach Adam O’Brien.
Elsewhere, Moga said he was ready to shake off the tag of rugby league’s unluckiest player when the competition resumes.
Despite missing selection through the first two rounds after recovering from a hamstring complaint, the centre who has overcome four knee reconstructions said the body was “all good” after a solid six weeks training in isolation.
— Nick Walshaw
BRONCOS vs EELS
Thursday 28 May, 7:50pm
Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
The Broncos will welcome Matt Lodge back from the partial ACL tear he suffered in pre-season. Alex Glenn will be right for round three after recovering from hamstring/calf injuries in pre-season. Joe Ofahenguae will return from the bench after serving his two game suspension. Corey Oates (ribs) and Brodie Croft (shoulder) both suffered injuries in round two but will be right to go once season resumes. Darius Boyd will play with the Broncos set to play home games in Brisbane. David Fifita has been ruled out after undergoing knee surgery when restrictions were lifted in April and will miss a few games when season resumes which will see Jamil Hopoate retain his starting second-row position. With Andrew McCullough being released to join the Knights the Broncos lack of depth at hooker may see Corey Paix come onto the bench or Seiold may opt to run three forwards on the bench with utility Rhys Kennedy retaining his position in the 17 and Ethan Bullemor dropping out of team after playing in round two. Tevita Pangai remains suspended until round six. Jordan Kahu (shoulder) and Sean O’Sullivan (ACL) are listed to return in mid-June while Jack Bird and Keenan Palasia won’t return this season after suffering ACL knee injuries at training earlier this year.
Broncos expected team: 1. Jamayne Isaako 2. Corey Oates 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Darius Boyd 5. Jesse Arthars 6. Anthony Milford 7. Brodie Croft 8. Matt Lodge 9. Jake Turpin 10. Payne Haas 11. Jamil Hopoate 12. Alex Glenn 13. Patty Carrigan Interchange: 14. Herbie Farnworth 15. Corey Paix/Rhys Kennedy 16. Thomas Flegler 17. Joe Ofahenguae
The Eels will receive a massive boost with hooker Reed Mahoney set to be fit to play when the season resumes after recovering from a syndesmosis injury he suffered in round two. Mahoney trained with the squad last week and only has to get through training this week to play on Thursday night. Nathan Brown (suspension) will miss the game, Peni Terepo should replace Brown at lock with Ray Stone expected to jag a bench position.
Eels expected team: 1. Clint Gutherson 2. Maika Sivo 3. Michael Jennings 4. Waqa Blake 5. Blake Ferguson 6. Dylan Brown 7. Mitchell Moses 8. Reagan Campbell-Gillard 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Junior Paulo 11. Ryan Matterson 12. Shaun Lane 13. Peni Terepo Interchange: 14. Brad Takairangi 15. Marata Niukore 16. Kane Evans 17. Ray Stone
COWBOYS vs TITANS
Friday 29 May, 6pm
Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Townsville
The Cowboys will be without skipper Michael Morgan who had shoulder surgery while the code was on hold. Jake Clifford will come into the halves to partner Scott Drinkwater.
Cowboys expected team: 1. Valentine Holmes 2. Kyle Feldt 3. Justin O’Neill 4. Esan Marsters 5. Ben Hampton 6. Scott Drinkwater 7. Jake Clifford 8. Josh McGuire 9. Jake Granville 10. Jordan McLean 11. Gavin Cooper 12. Coen Hess 13. Jason Taumalolo Interchange: 14. Reece Robson 15. John Asiata 16. Mitchell Dunn 17. Francis Molo
The Titans are probably the biggest beneficiary of the COVID-19 crisis with a number of players set to return from injury — Shannon Boyd (shoulder), Kevin Proctor (hamstring), Dale Copley (ribs), Tyrone Roberts (achilies) and Tyrone Peachey (ankle) all set to play in Round 3. Kallum Watkins has returned to England due to crisis with Copley to move to centre. Coach Justin Holbrook has confirmed it’s unlikely AJ Brimson will be fit to return when season resumes. Moeaki Fotuaika will be available to play after being cleared by the judiciary last week. Bryce Cartwright and Brian Kelly are available for selection. However, with both players missing training in the last few weeks due to flu vaccine issue they aren’t expected to be selected. Keegan Hipgrave has been cleared to return after failing to finish last season due to a number of concussions and he is competing with Sam Stone for the left edge position. Jonus Pearson will come onto wing with Dale Copley moving to centre to cover for Kelly. Beau Fermor is closing on returning from ACL knee injury with Ryan James (ACL) the only other player on injury list currently. New signing Young Tonumaipea is currently only on trial and train deal and would need to be promoted to Top 30 squad to be eligible to play first grade.
Titans expected team: 1. Phillip Sami 2. Jonus Pearson 3. Tyrone Peachey 4. Dale Copley 5. Anthony Don 6. Tyronne Roberts 7. Ash Taylor 8. Jarrod Wallace 9. Mitch Rein 10. Sam Lisone 11. Kevin Proctor 12. Sam Stone/Keegan Hipgrave 13. Jai Arrow Interchange: 14. Nathan Peats 15. Jai Whitbread 16. Shannon Boyd 17. Moeaki Fotuaika
ROOSTERS v RABBITOHS
Friday 29 May, 7:55pm
Bankwest Stadium, Sydney
The Roosters will welcome back Boyd Cordner after he was rested from the opening rounds of the competition. Cordner starts on left edge with Angus Crichton dropping back to the bench. Josh Morris will make his club debut at left centre with Brett Morris moving to right wing and Matt Ikuvalu dropping out of the 17. Nat Butcher missed round two after picking up a minor injury at training leading into game and should be right to return from bench with Lindsay Collins the player to make way. Ryan Hall and Sitili Topouniua trained with squad last week and are available for selection with Billy Smith (ACL) the only player on the Roosters injury list.
Roosters expected team: 1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Josh Morris 4. Joseph Manu 5. Brett Morris 6. Luke Keary 7. Kyle Flanagan 8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves 9. Jake Friend 10. Siosiua Taukeiaho 11. Boyd Cordner 12. Mitchell Aubusson 13. Victor Radley Interchange: 14. Sam Verrills 15. Isaac Liu 16. Nat Butcher 17. Angus Crichton
The Rabbitohs will be without Cody Walker after he was suspended for two games due to off field issues with Troy Dargan set to debut at 5/8. James Roberts has returned to training and is expected to be available for selection. Latrell Mitchell will start at fullback but I don’t expect him to play the full game at fullback with Alex Johnston on bench. Hame Sele suffered a hamstring in training and will be unavailable when season resumes with either Keaon Koloamatangi or Patrick Mago (if fit after recovering from pectoral injury and who only started contact training when training resumed after coronavirus lockdown) set to come into the 17.
Rabbitohs expected team: 1. Latrell Mitchell 2. Dane Gagai 3. James Roberts 4. Braidon Burns 5. Campbell Graham 6. Troy Dargan 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Tevita Tatola 9. Damien Cook 10. Thomas Burgess 11. Jaydn Su’A 12. Cameron Murray 13. Liam Knight Interchange: 14. Mark Nicholls 15. Ethan Lowe 16. Keaon Koloamatangi/Patrick Mago 17. Alex Johnston
WARRIORS v DRAGONS
Saturday 30 May, 3pm
Central Coast Stadium, Central Coast
The Warriors have been decimated by injuries with Leeson Ah Mau (pectoral), Jazz Tevaga (knee) and Adam Keighran (knee) all suffering injuries at training in Tamworth while Taane Milne, Bunty Afoa and Jackson Frei are all out for season after suffering ACL injuries in the opening rounds. Peta Hiku and Patrick Herbert will return after missing round two. David Fusitu’a failed to travel with the squad to Tamworth and will miss the opening game with Gerard Beale a chance to replace him at centre after recovering from broken leg. Fusitu’a has arrived in Australia and is quarantining but wouldn’t be available for Round 3. Agnatius Passi returns after missing the opening rounds due to an ankle injury with Lachlan Burr expected to partner him in the front row. You would expect with the number of injuries that both rookies in Eliesa Katoa and Jamayne Taunoa-Brown will retain their positions in the 17 leaving Josh Curran and new signing Jack Murchie fighting it out to get the final bench position. Nathaniel Roache has arrived in Australia after not travelling originally with team due to illness but is closing in on returning from ACL injury and is expected to be available to play in a few weeks.
Warriors expected team: 1. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 2. Patrick Herbert 3. Gerard Beale 4. Peta Hiku 5. Ken Maumalo 6. Chanel Harris-Tavita 7. Blake Green 8. Agnatius Passi 9. Wayde Egan 10. Lachlan Burr 11. Eliesa Katoa 12. Tohu Harris 13. Adam Blair Interchange: 14. Kodi Nikorima 15. Jamayne Taunoa-Brown 16. Isaiah Papali’i 17. Josh Curran/Jack Murchie
Dragons will welcome back Tariq Sims (suspension), Cameron McInnes (knee) and Korbin Sims (broken arm) with Billy Brittian, Jacob Host and Josh Kerr to make way. The other major decision coach Paul McGregor will have to make is whether he continues with Matt Dufty at fullback or he moves Zac Lomax back there with Mikaele Ravalawa returning from a quad injury on wing. Jack de Belin is unavailable due to being stood down. Rookie Cody Ramsey is unavailable after having shoulder surgery before lockdown after picking up an injury at Perth 9’s.
Dragons expected team: 1. Matthew Dufty 2. Jordan Pereira 3. Brayden Wiliame 4. Tim Lafai 5. Zac Lomax 6. Corey Norman 7. Ben Hunt 8. James Graham 9. Cameron McInnes 10. Paul Vaughan 11. Tyson Frizell 12. Tariq Sims 13. Blake Lawrie Interchange: 14. Trent Merrin 15. Korbin Sims 16. Issac Luke 17. Tyrell Fuimaono
SHARKS v WESTS TIGERS
Saturday 30 May, 5:30pm
Bankwest Stadium, Sydney
The Sharks will receive massive boost to offset loss of Josh Morris to Roosters with Bronson Xerri (shoulder) and Josh Dugan (knee) both set to play their first game of season after missing the opening rounds. A final call is still be made on Matt Moylan’s returns from hamstring/calf issues but I don’t expect him to play. Dugan would replace Kennedy at fullback with Xerri replacing Josh Morris at left centre. Briton Nikora will return after missing Round 2 due to knee injury. Wade Graham suffered a foot injury in Round 2 but will be right to go with final call being which of Scott Sorensen or Billy Magoulias will take up the final bench spot. Cameron King is the only player on long term injury list after suffering ACL injury in pre-season trial in Papua New Guinea.
Sharks expected team: 1. Matt Moylan/Josh Dugan 2. Josh Dugan/Sione Katoa 3. Bronson Xerri 4. Jesse Ramien 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo 6. Shaun Johnson 7. Chad Townsend 8. Andrew Fifita 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Aaron Woods 11. Briton Nikora 12. Wade Graham 13. Jack Williams Interchange: 14. Connor Tracey 15. Braden Hamlin-Uele 16. Toby Rudolf 17. Scott Sorensen/Billy Magoulias
The Tigers will welcome the return of both Moses Mbye (knee) and Luke Brooks (calf) when the season returns. Brooks will replace Josh Reynolds in the halves with Mbye set to play left centre which will allow Adam Doueihi to move to his preferred position at fullback with Corey Thompson moving to left wing and Robert Jennings the player expected to make way. Thomas Mikaele suffered a knee injury in Round 2 but should be fit to play in Round 3 with new loanee Harry Grant set to make his club debut at hooker with Billy Walters dropping to the bench. Jacob Liddle (ACL) and Russell Packer (foot) remain on the long term injury list.
Tigers expected team: 1. Adam Doueihi 2. David Nofoaluma 3. Joseph Leilua 4. Moses Mbye 5. Corey Thompson 6. Benji Marshall 7. Luke Brooks 8. Josh Aloiai 9. Harry Grant 10. Alex Twal 11. Luke Garner 12. Luciano Leilua 13. Elijah Taylor Interchange: 14. Thomas Mikaele 16. Zane Musgrove 16. Billy Walters 17. Michael Chee-Kam/Chris Lawrence
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STORM v RAIDERS
Saturday 30 May, 7:35pm
AAMI Park, Melbourne
The Raiders are sweating on John Bateman receiving final clearance to return after undergoing shoulder surgery in early February, if cleared to play he would start at 2rf pushing Corey Horsburgh back to bench with Michael Oldfield dropping out of 17 but at present it looks like Bateman won’t be ready when the season resumes. New signing Jordan Rapana could be included on the bench to allow him to get some match fitness under the belt. Siliva Havili suffered a hamstring injury in Round 2 but will be fit to play. However, with new rule changes it wouldn’t surprise me if Ricky Stuart ran with rookie hooker Tom Starling on the bench who could create some havoc around the ruck as players tire in the second half. Hudson Young (suspension) and Sebastian Kris (sick leave) are the only players unavailable.
Raiders expected team: 1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 2. Bailey Simonsson 3. Jarrod Croker 4. Curtis Scott 5. Nick Cotric 6. Jack Wighton 7. George Williams 8. Josh Papalii 9. Josh Hodgson 10. Dunamis Lui 11. Elliott Whitehead 12. Joseph Tapine 13. Corey Horsburgh Interchange: 14. Siliva Havili/Tom Starling 15. Emre Guler 16. Iosia Soliola 17. Jordan Rapana
The Storm have both Tui Kamikanica (back) and Nelson Asofa-Solomna (hamstring) in some doubt after they picked up injuries at training but at present Melbourne say both are expected to play. Storm could welcome back Christian Welch after he played 40 minutes in the Queensland Cup in Round 1 after recovering from ACL injury, Welch could replace Max King on the bench. New loanee Paul Momoirovski could replace Marion Seve at right centre with Brandon Smith also set to return after missing the opening rounds due to a facial injury. Brandon Smith has been spending time training at hooker as Coach Craig Bellyache looks to take advantage of the new ruck rules. Sandor Earl (hamstring) and Aaron Pene (achilles) are both unavailable due to injury.
Melbourne expected team: 1. Ryan Papenhuyzen 2. Suliasi Vunivalu 3. Marion Seve/Paul Momoirovski 4. Justin Olam 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Cameron Munster 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Jesse Bromwich 9. Cameron Smith 10. Tui Kamikamica 11. Felise Kaufusi 12. Kenneath Bromwich 13. Dale Finucane Interchange: 14. Brandon Smith 15. Max King/Christian Welch 16. Nelson Asofa-Solomona 17. Tino Faasuamaleaui
PANTHERS v KNIGHTS
Sunday 31 May, 4:05pm
Campbelltown Stadium, Sydney
The Panthers will welcome back Dylan Edwards after he suffered a syndesmosis injury in pre-season and he would replace Caleb Aekins at fullback. Kurt Capewell will be fit to make his club debut after missing the opening rounds due to quad injury, Capewell would come onto the bench replacing Billy Burns. Nathan Cleary has been handed a two-game suspension due to failing to comply with COVID-19 restrictions with Matt Burton set to partner Jarome Luai in the halves. Jack Hetherington remains suspended until Round 4. Mitch Kenny is available for selection after recovering from elbow injury. Dean Blore (shoulder), Brayden McGrady (ACL) and Spencer Leinu (knee) are all working back from injuries and would probably need some match fitness to come into consideration for first grade. Malakai Watene-Zelezniak remains unavailable as he recovers from calf injury.
Panthers expected team: 1. Dylan Edwards 2. Josh Mansour 3. Dean Whare 4. Brent Naden 5. Brian To’o 6. Jarome Luai 7. Matt Burton 8. James Tamou 9. Apisai Koroisau 10. Zane Tetevano 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Isaah Yeo 13. James Fisher-Harris Interchange: 14. Stephen Crichton 15. Kurt Capewell 16. Moses Leota 17. Liam Martin
The Knights will be without Kalyn Ponga when the season resumes due to suspension with Tex Hoy expected to make his NRL debut at fullback. Mitch Barrett has had surgery on back injury with Sione Mata’utia set to return from knee injury, but Barnett is ahead of schedule in his rehab and could return in coming weeks. Jayden Brailey suffered an ACL injury in Round 2 against Tigers with his loss offset by new signing Andrew McCullough who will start at hooker, with Connor Watson set to retain his bench role. Bradman Best could replace Enari Tuala at left centre after recovering from foot surgery. Herman Ese’ese (ankle) and Lachlan Fitzgibbon (ribs) will be right to go after picking up injuries in Round 2. Phoenix Crossland is slowly returning to full fitness after surgery due to osteitis pubis injury.
Knights expected team: 1. Tex Hoy 2. Edrick Lee 3. Bradman Best/Enari Tuala 4. Gehamat Shibasaki 5. Hymel Hunt 6. Kurt Mann 7. Mitchell Pearce 8. David Klemmer 9. Andrew McCullough 10. Daniel Saifiti 11. Lachlan Fitzgibbon 12. Sione Mata’utia 13. Herman Ese’ese Interchange: 14. Connor Watson 15. Jacob Saifiti 16. Tim Glasby 17. Aidan Guerra
SEA EAGLES v BULLDOGS
Sunday 31 May, 6:30pm
Central Coast Stadium, Central Coast
The Sea Eagles side is fairly settled with the only change expected to the Round 2 team being Taniela Paseka, returning from an ankle injury suffered in the trials, coming onto the bench to replace Haumole Olakauatu. Corey Waddell suffered an injury set back it pre-season ruling him out of the opening rounds but will be fit when the season resumes. Jack Gosiewski (back), Manese Fainu (stood down) and Albert Hopoate (ACL) remain unavailable. Presently Dylan Walker and Addin Fonua-Blake would be able to play despite not getting flu vaccines but they won’t be able to play in any games in Queensland unless they receive an exemption from the Queensland Government.
Manly expected team: 1. Tom Trbojevic 2. Jorge Taufua 3. Brad Parker 4. Moses Suli 5. Reuben Garrick 6. Dylan Walker 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Danny Levi 10. Martin Taupau 11. Joel Thompson 12. Curtis Sironen 13. Jake Trbojevic Interchange: 14. Lachlan Croker 15. Sean Keppie 16. Morgan Boyle 17. Taniela Paseka
The Bulldogs could welcome the return of Kieran Foran from shoulder injury. Foran is progressing nicely but will need to prove his fitness and if declared fit would replace Brandon Wakeham at 5/8. Dean Britt is set to start on left edge replacing Joe Stimson who suffered a shoulder injury in Round 2 game. Kerrod Holland is set to return from a knee injury to take up the bench utility role with Ofahiki Ogden a chance to replace Jake Averillo on the bench. Marcelo Montoya suffered a hamstring injury at training and has been ruled out for up to 12 weeks. Chris Smith is the only other player on injury list and isn’t due back until July after suffering knee injury in All Stars game.
Bulldogs expected team: 1. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 2. Nick Meaney 3. Reimis Smith 4. Will Hopoate 5. Christian Crichton 6. Brandon Wakeham/Kieran Foran 7. Lachlan Lewis 8. Aiden Tolman 9. Jeremy Marshall-King 10. Dylan Napa 11. Josh Jackson 12. Dean Britt 13. Adam Elliott Interchange: 14. Kerrod Holland 15. Renouf To’omaga 16. Raymond Faitala-Mariner 17. Ofahiki Ogden
Originally published as NRL Early Mail Round 3 teams: Wacko’s predicted squads for every team
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