NRL Early Mail: 11 of top 23 most popular SuperCoach players either out or in doubt

An injury crisis has hit at exactly the wrong time for SuperCoaches with 11 of the top 23 most popular players set to miss the upcoming round.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 03: Braydon Trindall of the Sharks celebrates with fans after winning the round 22 NRL match between Cronulla Sharks and South Sydney Rabbitohs at PointsBet Stadium, on August 03, 2024, in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Jeremy Ng/Getty Images)

An injury crisis has hit at exactly the wrong time for SuperCoaches with half of the most popular players in the game set to miss the upcoming coming round.

The SuperCoach Gods could barely have picked a more inconvenient moment given head-to-head finals start this week for Classic leagues.

In all, 11 of the 23 most popular players are either out or in doubt.

CROKER TO RETURN FOR SEA EAGLES

Manly will be without prop Josh Aloiai (knee) for their clash against Canberra but will welcome back hooker Lachlan Croker from a long stint on the sidelines.

Aloiai will miss this week and potentially their next game against the Warriors with a knee complaint.

The good news for Manly though is that Croker has not played since round nine with a career threatening concussion/neck complaint.

Centre Tolutau Koula is at least one week away.

HAAS, MAM RULED OUT

Brisbane’s season from hell has gone from bad to worse.

Scans have revealed powerhouse prop Payne Haas has suffered a Lisfranc injury but at this stage the club is refusing to rule the powerhouse prop out for the rest of the season.

Ezra Mam could also be sidelined long-term with an ankle syndesmosis injury but a return date has not yet been determined.

Full story by Fatima Kdouh

WALKER SITS OUT TRAINING

Cody Walker sat out training on Monday for the Rabbitohs as he battles a calf injury that ruled him out of Saturday’s loss against the Sharks.

Dion Teaupa filled the halfback spot on the weekend but Dean Hawkins trained there on Monday and could return for the first time since round nine.

Walker will have to get through Wednesday’s captain’s run if he’s any chance to play.

Souths have a short five-day turnaround.

–Martin Gabor

Cody Walker missed last week due to a calf injury. Picture: Jeremy Ng/Getty Images

RABBITOHS v STORM

Thursday, 7:50pm, Accor Stadium, Sydney

Rabbitohs: Cody Walker remains in major doubt to return from a calf injury.

If unavailable, Dion Teaupa would continue in the halves.

Storm: Xavier Coates is nearing a return from a hamstring injury, but is likely to require another week on the sidelines.

Tui Kamikamica (groin) and Christian Welch (back) are chances to return from injury.

Joe Chan is available for selection after serving a suspension.

TITANS v SHARKS

Friday, 6pm, Cbus Super Stadium, Gold Coast

Titans: AJ Brimson is a chance to return from a groin injury, but where he’ll play remains to be seen.

He played fullback in his last game in round 19, with Keano Kini playing off the bench.

Sharks: Braydon Trindall is in doubt with a hamstring injury, which may see Cameron McIness deputise in the halves unless Craig Fitzgibbon is willing to promote Jayden Berrell or Niwhai Puru from NSW Cup.

Tom Hazleton is a chance to return from a foot injury.

Braydon Trindall has a hamstring injury.

EELS v PANTHERS

Friday, 8pm, CommBank Stadium, Sydney

Eels: Maika Sivo is a chance to return from a hamstring injury on the wing in place of Jake Tago.

Kelma Tuilagi is nearing a return from a thumb injury.

Panthers: Daine Laurie returns from a concussion at fullback, pushing Isaiah Iongi out of the team.

Izack Tago was placed on report in the win over the Knights, with any potential charges to be confirmed on Monday.

RAIDERS v SEA EAGLES

Saturday, 3pm, GIO Stadium, Canberra

Raiders: Morgan Smithies was sent for a HIA late in the game and must pass concussion protocols but is unlikely to take his place against Manly.

Zac Hosking reinjured his shoulder and may miss the rest of the season.

Ethan Strange may be in line to return in place of Adam Cook.

Sea Eagles: Jason Saab and Reuben Garrick must both pass concussion protocols to take their place in the backline, with both likely to play following the bye.

Haumole Olakaua’tu returns from suspension on the edge, pushing either Karl Lawton or Corey Waddell to the bench.

COWBOYS v BRONCOS

Saturday, 5:30pm, QCB Stadium, Townsville

Cowboys: Jake Granville suffered a suspected pec injury and is likely to miss the clash with the Broncos.

Heilum Luki is in major doubt after copping a head knock against the Tigers, with Kulikefu Finefeuiaki to start on the edge if required.

Reuben Cotter returns from a head knock at lock, pushing Harrison Edwards to the bench.

Broncos: Payne Haas suffered a Lisfranc injury on the weekend and is ruled out.

Ezra Mam will also miss the clash with an ankle injury, with Josh Rogers to partner Adam Reynolds in the halves.

Fletcher Baker is a chance to return from a knee injury.

DRAGONS V BULLDOGS

Saturday, 7:35pm, Netsrata Jubilee Stadium, Sydney

Dragons: Matt Feagai (concussion protocols) is available for selection but it’s hard to imagine coach Shane Flanagan will change the team that just defeated Melbourne in Melbourne.

Bulldogs: Josh Curran (AC Joint) is banged up but he was able to come back and play his second stint against the Raiders. With the Dogs thin up front Curran will likely play.

Suspected torn calf in the warm up for Jacob Saifiti - obviously ruled out & will go for scans.

Was struggling to bear weight through it in the sheds, that + the use of “torn” from the Knights brings concern for at least a moderate strain (3+ weeks return to play) pic.twitter.com/rG5zEptZH2

— NRL PHYSIO (@nrlphysio) August 4, 2024

DOLPHINS v WARRIORS

Sunday, 2pm, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane

Dolphins: Kodi Nikorima is expected to return from an illness at five-eighth, pushing Sean O’Sullivan out of the halves.

Jamayne Isaako is in doubt with an ankle injury, with Tesi Niu on standby to start if required.

Tevita Pangai Jnr may return to the team after dropping out of the 17 with a hamstring concern last round.

Warriors: Dylan Walker is likely to be unavailable due to a concussion, with Jazz Tevaga likely to start at lock.

Marcelo Montoya is a chance to return from a groin concern in the backline, with Moala Graham-Taufa likely the man to make way.

KNIGHTS v TIGERS

Sunday, 4:05pm, McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle

Knights: Jacob Saifiti was a late scratching from the clash with Penrith due to a calf complaint that will likely see him miss multiple games.

Tigers: Aidan Sezer returns from suspension in the halves, with Latu Fainu to drop out after suffering a head knock against the Cowboys.

Justin Olam is facing a three to four week suspension for a high shot that resulted in a send-off, with Adam Doueihi likely to return at centre in his place.

Alex Twal is in doubt with a wrist injury.

Originally published as NRL Early Mail: 11 of top 23 most popular SuperCoach players either out or in doubt