NRL Early Mail Round 24: Big Burgess boost for Bunnies

Star South Sydney forward Sam Burgess has been captured striding out as he prepares to return for his side’s crunch clash — keep up with all the latest team news.

James Roberts, Reimis Smith and Nathan Brown are all facing bans.

Get excited South Sydney supporters, star forward Sam Burgess is on track to return from his quad injury against the Warriors in New Zealand on Friday.

Burgess was captured stretching out with a big stride at Redfern Oval on Tuesday.

The English international also completed a series of agility drills during the session.

Sam Burgess is racing towards a return for the Rabbitohs. Picture: Getty Images

The Daily Telegraph has been told Burgess will be named in Souths’ squad on Tuesday afternoon for their must-win clash against the Warriors at Mt Smart Stadium.

The club will monitor his quad for the rest of the week but he is expected to take on the Warriors.

Burgess strained his quad during the Rabbitohs’ 14-6 loss to the Bulldogs in round 22.

He was also sidelined from rounds 14-19 with an infection after shoulder surgery.

Burgess’ likely inclusion is a big boost for Souths who are desperate to make the top four.

The Rabbitohs are in fifth position with two rounds remaining against the Warriors (A) and Roosters (H).

— Matt Logue

COWBOYS V BULLDOGS

Thurs 29 Aug, 1300SMILES Stadium

Cowboys: Jake Clifford (ankle) is expected to return in the halves after a late withdrawal against the Panthers, pushing John Asiata back to the bench.

Bulldogs: Winger Reimis Smith (striking) is set to miss the game through suspension, which could open the door for potential debutant Morgan Harper or Jordan Okunbur.

CASUALTY WARD: Full injury report

WARRIORS V RABBITOHS

Fri 30 Aug, Mt Smart Stadium

Warriors: To come ...

Rabbitohs: Wayne Bennett is on the hunt for a new right centre after James Roberts (dangerous contact head/neck) was charged for an illegal hit on Corey Oates. Roberts is facing two weeks with an early guilty plea or three weeks if he fights the charge and loses.

James Roberts, Reimis Smith and Nathan Brown are all facing bans.

BRONCOS V EELS

Fri 30 Aug, Suncorp Stadium

Broncos: No changes expected following a tight loss to the Rabbitohs.

Eels: Nathan Brown is facing a 2-3 week suspension for a shoulder charge. Peni Terepo will come into the 17.

Nathan Brown apologising to his Nonna for his meltdown against the Bulldogs is everything 😂 #NRL(🎥 nathanbrown1/Instagram) @TheParraEels pic.twitter.com/dx5mLNMSOE

— Telegraph Sport (@telegraph_sport) August 23, 2019

KNIGHTS V TITANS

Sat 31 Aug, McDonald Jones Stadium

Knights: Connor Watson (knee) will return from injury in the No.9 jersey, pushing Danny Levi to the bench or out of the 17.

Connor Watson is due back from an MCL injury.

Titans: To come ...

SEA EAGLES V STORM

Sat 31 Aug, Lottoland

Sea Eagles: To come ...

Storm: To come ...

ROOSTERS V PANTHERS

Sat 31 Aug, Sydney Cricket Ground

Roosters: Latrell Mitchell (calf) is set to return after being ruled out of the Dragons clash as a precaution due to calf tightness, with debutant Billy Smith to drop out. Boyd Cordner (calf/quad) is also eyeing a return. Hooker Jake Friend (fractured forearm) is aiming for the final regular season round.

Latrell Mitchell is due back from a calf injury.

Panthers: To come ...

SHARKS V RAIDERS

Sun 1 Sep, PointsBet Stadium

Sharks: Set to be without Sosaia Feki (groin) and Jack Williams (ankle). Kurt Capewell is set to switch to the backline for Feki, while Jayson Bukuya replaces Williams on the bench.

Raiders: To come ...

DRAGONS V TIGERS

Sun 1 Sep, Sydney Cricket Ground

Dragons: To come ...

Tigers: Michael Maguire is hopeful of having Moses Mbye (hip) back on deck in the centres

Originally published as NRL Early Mail Round 24: Big Burgess boost for Bunnies