NRL Early Mail Round 25: Predicted team changes
A stack of fresh injuries and the fear of stars being rested has SuperCoach grand finalists in panic mode. Full predicted Round 25 teams here.
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NRL Early Mail Round 25. In major news:
RABBITOHS v ROOSTERS
Thursday 5th September, ANZ Stadium, 7.50pm
Rabbitohs: Kyle Turner (quad) will miss the blockbuster final round clash with arch-rivals the Sydney Roosters, opening up a likely bench spot for Dean Britt. James Roberts will be available for week one of the finals once his suspension ends.
Roosters: The Roosters are set to welcome back Cooper Cronk (eye) and Boyd Cordner (calf) from injury. Drew Hutchinson will drop out for Cronk, while Trent Robinson must decide whether to bench the in form Angus Crichton or stalwart Mitchell Aubusson for the returning skipper. Siosiua Taukeiaho suffered a rib cartilage injury against Penrith and isn’t likely to be risked with the Roosters locked into second spot.
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EELS v SEA EAGLES
Friday 6th September, Bankwest Stadium, 6pm
Eels: Parramatta have no injury concerns heading into the final round with Nathan Brown still having one week left of his suspension.
Sea Eagles: Manly are in turmoil following the injuries to Tom Trbojevic (pec), Jack Gosiewski (knee) and Morgan Boyle (arm). Expect Brendan Elliot to replace Trbojevic at fullback, Corey Waddell to start in the back-row and Lloyd Perrett and one other forward to join the bench.
STORM v COWBOYS
Friday 6th September, AAMI Park, 7.55pm
Storm: Melbourne have had issues with momentum heading into the finals after resting players in the final round in past seasons. Expect Craig Bellamy to unleash a full-strength outfit, however Cameron Munster will likely be replaced by Brodie Croft after suffering a shoulder injury against Manly.
Cowboys: Jake Clifford could return from an ankle injury while Josh McGuire will play after spending several weeks sidelined due to suspension. Expect John Asiata and retiring forward Scott Bolton to revert to the bench, with McGuire to start at prop. Peter Hola and Francis Molo will likely drop off the bench.
RAIDERS v WARRIORS
Saturday 7th September, GIO Stadium, 3pm
Raiders: Canberra’s only concern is the potential return of Joseph Tapine (ribs). With Canberra all but locked into a top four spot, expect Ricky Stuart to give the back-rower another week on the sidelines. Joey Leilua returns from suspension in week one of the finals.
Warriors: Chanel Harris-Tevita (arm) will likely miss the match and drop off the bench. Patrick Herbert (quad) could return at centre in place of Adam Pompey.
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BULLDOGS v BRONCOS
Saturday 7th September, ANZ Stadium, 5.30pm
Bulldogs: Reimis Smith will return from suspension in place of Jayden Okunbor in what is expected to be Canterbury’s only change.
Broncos: Joe Ofahengaue didn’t train on Tuesday and is again in doubt with a calf injury. Jake Turpin returns from suspension giving Anthony Seibold a tough decision whether to replace Sean O’Sullivan at halfback or shift Turpin to the bench. Turpin returned to training on Tuesday with the top squad while O’Sullivan was with the reserves, suggesting Turpin will start at halfback against the Bulldogs.
TITANS v DRAGONS
Saturday 7th September, Cbus Super Stadium, 7.35pm
Titans: Mitch Rein returns from suspension and will likely replace last week’s debutant Tanah Boyd on the bench.
Dragons: Corey Norman (groin) is expected to return at fullback pushing impressive youngster Tristan Sailor to the bench or out of the side completely. Cameron McInnes (broken arm) is out with Paul McGregor confirming Ben Hunt will shiftto hooker to allow Sailor to remain at fullback for the final round. Zac Lomax will have to overcome concussion protocol to take his place in the side.
TIGERS v SHARKS
Sunday 8th September, Leichhardt Oval, 2pm
Tigers: Robbie Farah is an outside chance to return from a broken leg in what could be his last game in the NRL. Tigers coach Michael Maguire declared after Sunday’s win over St George Illawarra “we definitely won’t be taking any risks” with the veteran hooker. Don’t expect Farah to be rushed back into the side for a fairytale farewell unless he is good to go. Moses Mbye’s (hip flexor) potential return would likely see Paul Momirovski move to the wing and Robert Jennings drop out of the 17.
Sharks: Cronulla coach John Morris has numerous headaches ahead of a must-win clash at Leichhardt Oval. Shaun Johnson (quad) was a late withdrawal from Sunday’s clash with Canberra and is racing the clock to prove his fitness. If unavailable, Kyle Flanagan would remain in the halves alongside Chad Townsend. Matt Moylan (hamstring) was considered unlikely to return but may be rushed back for the game. Moylan’s return would see Josh Dugan - who must pass concussion protocol himself - return to centre, Josh Morris move to the wing and Ronaldo Mulitalo drop out of the 17. On Johnson, Morris said after the loss to Canberra, “we may have to risk him to be honest given it could be our last game.”
PANTHERS v KNIGHTS
Sunday 8th September, Panthers Stadium, 4.05pm
Panthers: Penrith aren’t expected to make any changes to their 17.
Knights: Tautau Moga is a chance to return from injury, however the club confirmed Danny Levi and Edrick Lee won’t face the Panthers.
Originally published as NRL Early Mail Round 25: Predicted team changes
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