NRL Early Mail round 22: Connor Tracey injury could see Jacob Kiraz move to fullback

In-form Bulldogs fullback Connor Tracey is in danger of missing Sunday afternoon’s blockbuster against the Wests Tigers – but it could be a boost for Jacob Kiraz.

In-form Bulldogs fullback Connor Tracey is in danger of missing Sunday afternoon’s blockbuster against the Wests Tigers due to an abdominal strain.

Tracey, who produced a brilliant performance in the club’s big win over Manly at the weekend, went to hospital for scans on Sunday night amid fears he had a hernia.

The scans cleared him of a hernia but he remains in serious doubt for Sunday’s game at Commbank Stadium, which will feature the first appearance of Lachlan Galvin against his former club since his ugly departure earlier this year.

The Bulldogs and Galvin will go into that game off the back of an impressive performance against the Sea Eagles, where Tracey produced a starring hand.

If he is forced to miss the game through injury, Jacob Kiraz shapes as the logical replacement given Blake Taaffe is currently sidelined with a hamstring injury.

EELS v STORM

Thursday, 7:50pm, CommBank Stadium

Eels:

Mitchell Moses made a winning return to club football and is expected to again form a halves partnership with Dean Hawkins this round.

Joash Papali’i will deputise at fullback for at least the next three weeks as cover for the injured Isaiah Iongi who suffered a wrist injury in Round 20.

Second rower Kelma Tuilagi is available for selection again after suspension and may force his way onto the left edge, pushing Jack Williams to prop and J’maine Hopgood either to lock or the bench.

Storm:

Jahrome Hughes is likely to miss the remainder of the regular season after dislocating his shoulder in the second half of the Storm’s Round 21 game.

Coach Craig Bellamy has a couple of options to replace him with Tyran Wishart and Jonah Pezet both capable. Wishart is the early favourite to win the race.

Ryan Papenhuyzen is expected to return from a calf injury that has kept him out for four weeks.

Congrats if you got the captain right this week 😅🔥#SuperCoach#NRLpic.twitter.com/ciyQr4PxUb

— SuperCoach NRL (@SuperCoachNRL) July 27, 2025

WARRIORS v DOLPHINS

Friday, 6:00pm, Go Media Stadium

Warriors:

Wayde Egan failed a HIA in Round 21 and won’t be available for selection. Sam Healey likely starts in his place.

Kurt Capewell appeared limited with a shoulder injury but is expected to be named.

Demitric Vaimauga suffered an ankle injury in the closing stages of Round 21 and will be sent for scans.

The rest of the starting side should be named 1-13.

Dolphins:

Coming off the bye, the Dolphins are expected to name a settled outfit with Jake Averillo partnering Isaiya Katoa in the halves and Tevita Naufahu on the left wing.

Mark Nicholls is available for selection having missed the side’s last game whilst in HIA protocols. Felise Kaufusi will also push for a return from a knee injury.

BRONCOS v RABBITOHS

Friday, 8:00pm, Suncorp Stadium

Broncos:

With the return of Payne Haas and Jesse Arthars last round, the Broncos have their full-strength side largely available and should roll them out again.

Haas was spotted with ice on an ankle injury following Round 21 but is expected to be named.

The side should be 1-13.

Rabbitohs:

Jack Wighton is facing a three-week suspension after a shoulder charge which knocked out Toby Rudolf in Round 21.

His absence should see Lewis Dodd remain in first grade, with Jamie Humphreys partnering him after his one week absence with concussion.

Tevita Tatola’s season is likely over after suffering a shoulder dislocation whilst scoring a try. Jai Arrow is nursing a foot injury and will need to be monitored.

Jye Gray made a successful return at fullback last week and will hold on to the jersey until Latrell Mitchell is fit, likely in Round 24.

TITANS v PANTHERS

Saturday, 3:00pm, CBUS Super Stadium

Titans:

Sam Verrills missed Round 21 with a personal matter but should be available this week.

Chris Randall, who started at hooker in Verrills’ absence, suffered a concussion and won’t be available for selection. Jacob Alick-Wiencke is likely to start on an edge in his absence.

Klese Haas is holding down the lock jersey until the return of Tino Fa’asuamaleaui in another three to four weeks’ time.

There are concerns that David Fifita will miss the rest of the season after re-aggravating an ankle injury in Round 20.

After a shock upset against the Warriors, the rest of their side should be named 1-13.

Panthers:

Liam Martin made a successful return via the bench last week alongside Nathan Cleary and Isaah Yeo who were both rested the week prior.

Scott Sorensen is the only member of their full-strength side unavailable at the moment as he nurses a back injury. He’ll push for a return this week and if he does, would push Luke Garner back to the bench.

The rest of the side will be named 1-13.

DRAGONS v RAIDERS

Saturday, 5:30pm, CommBank Stadium

Dragons:

Jaydn Su’A picked up a knee injury which looks set to sideline the second rower for at least a month. Michael Molo is a chance to replace him on the edge.

With no Val Holmes, the new left edge of Mat Feagai and Corey Allan is likely to be named again. Christian Tuipulotu was withdrawn from his scheduled return in NSW Cup from a hamstring injury with no update from the club on his condition.

Toby Couchman has resumed training with the Dragons as he continues his comeback from a shoulder injury with no return date set.

Raiders:

Seb Kris was unavailable last week due to concussion but should return in place of Simi Sasagi at left centre this week.

The rest of the side should be named 1-13. Matty Nicholson is pushing for a return to action from next week.

SEA EAGLES v ROOSTERS

Saturday, 7:35pm, 4 Pines Park

Sea Eagles:

Haumole Olakau’atu’s comeback lasted for just one half of football, with the second rower now out for the rest of the season after re-dislocating his shoulder.

Corey Waddell will shift back into the starting edge role having played there throughout Haumole’s absence.

Jake Simpkin is available for selection having sat out Round 21 whilst in concussion protocols.

The rest of the side will be named 1-13.

A confirmed second shoulder dislocation for Haumole Olakau'atu 💔

Brandy Alexander says he will go for surgery. #SuperCoach#NRLpic.twitter.com/JT7IdbxVDv

— SuperCoach NRL (@SuperCoachNRL) July 27, 2025

Roosters:

Suia Wong made a successful return from injury in Round 21 and will be named, most likely on an edge.

Half Sandon Smith suffered a concussion in Round 21 and will likely be replaced by Hugo Savala, who is pushing to return from a hand injury which has seen him miss the last two weeks.

Lock Victor Radley is hopeful of returning from a shoulder injury, but likely will miss another couple of weeks.

Billy Smith is available for selection having served his mandatory 11 day stand down for concussion. If selected, he’d take the place of Ethan King in the starting lineup.

Egan Butcher injured his shoulder in Round 21 and will be sent for scans to assess his fitness to play this week.

WESTS TIGERS v BULLDOGS

Sunday, 2:00pm, CommBank Stadium

Wests Tigers:

Latu Fainu failed to finish the match in Round 21, appearing to pick up an arm injury which has him in doubt for this week.

Should he miss the match, Adam Doueihi or Heath Mason would partner Jarome Luai in the halves.

Fullback Jahream Bula will also push for a return from a hamstring injury. Should he return, Izaac Tu’itupou would return to reserve grade with Sunia Turuva shifted back to the wing.

Horse clocked off! 😂⌚#SuperCoach#NRLpic.twitter.com/FStjGFg2eV

— SuperCoach NRL (@SuperCoachNRL) July 27, 2025

Bulldogs:

Bronson Xerri broke his nose against the Sea Eagles but was able to finish the game and is good odds to be named this week.

Should he require some time off, Enari Tuala would shift to centre and Jethro Rinakama recalled to first grade to play on the wing.

The rest of the side will be named 1-13 with Sitili Tupouniua aiming for a return from a hamstring issue in Round 23.

SHARKS v COWBOYS

Sunday, 4:05pm, Sharks Stadium

Sharks:

Addin Fonua-Blake copped a knock to his lower leg which forced him up the tunnel against the Rabbitohs but was able to finish the game. He is expected to be named this week.

Toby Rudolf will be unavailable after suffering a concussion in Round 21.

Sifa Talakai should return this week having being a late out last week due to the flu. His return will see rookie Chris Vea’ila move back to the reserves.

Briton Nikora is also due to return having missed last week whilst in HIA protocols. Billy Burns will shift to the bench.

The rest of their side should be named 1-13.

Cowboys:

Jake Clifford has missed the last few rounds with a quad injury but should return for his side’s crucial clash.

If Clifford is fit, young half Tom Duffy would move back to the reserves.

Jordan McLean and Jason Taumalolo will both push for returns from lower leg injuries this week.

With Murray Taulagi out with a hamstring, Braidon Burns and Robert Derby will hold their spots on the wings.

Karl Lawton is facing another two-week stint on the sideline after a hip drop tackle on Jaydn Su’A in Round 21.

BYE: Knights

Originally published as NRL Early Mail round 22: Connor Tracey injury could see Jacob Kiraz move to fullback