NRL Late Mail round 10: Team changes and NRL SuperCoach tips

STAR backs Brett Stewart and Steve Matai have been ruled out, but teenage Manly star Tom Trbojevic is on track for a surprise early return from injury.

TEENAGE Manly star Tom Trbojevic is on track for a surprise early return from injury in Saturday’s NRL clash with Brisbane.

The winger was initially expected to be out of action with a high ankle sprain for at least another three weeks but he trained with the team in Brisbane on Friday morning and coach Trent Barrett believes he’s a strong possibility of playing.

With experienced pair Brett Stewart and Steve Matai ruled out of the Broncos game, Trbojevic’s return would be a boost for Manly in front of a packed Suncorp Stadium.

Coach Trent Barrett said Trbojevic’s spot wouldn’t be confirmed until Saturday but it was looking encouraging for the 19-year-old.

“He’s a fair chance of playing,” Barrett said.

“Pita Godinet’s there as well. We’ll see how he pulls up in the morning, Tom’s got an injury that can change day to day but we did bring him up here with an eye to playing ... it’ll depend on how he pulls up in the morning.”

PANTHERS V WARRIORS

Saturday 3PM, AMI Stadium

Panthers: Penrith travelled to Christchurch on Tuesday and immediately had a shaky start, with the city rocked by a 4.7 magnitude earthquake. Coach Anthony Griffin has taken 19 players across the Tasman. Peta Hiku (knee) will play after being ruled out for the Kiwis last week, while Waqa Blake (hip pointer) also returns. James Fisher-Harris (hip) remains in doubt. Recruit Chris Grevsmuhl will likely be available for next week.

CRAZY!!!! Just experienced my first earthquake in Christchurch everyone is fine but big RCG ended up in my bed under the covers 😜

— Trent Merrin (@TrentMerrin) May 11, 2016

Warriors: Winger Manu Vatuvei will be allowed to ease his way back into the NRL after taking medical leave following the club’s disciplinary crisis.

Coach Andrew McFadden and captain Ryan Hoffman both say there will be no pressure on Vatuvei to return quickly, with the 30-year-old having declared himself not mentally ready to play in Saturday’s game against Penrith in Christchurch.

STORM V COWBOYS

Saturday 5:30PM, Suncorp Stadium

Storm: Young gun Curtis Scott has had two matches back from a broken leg, including a strong game for the Junior Kangaroos last week. He a big chance to come into the side at centre. This would likely see Ben Hampton move to the bench and Christian Welch drop out. Craig Bellamy said this week that Marika Koroibete (ankle) and Young Tonumaipea (knee) are a couple of weeks away, while Richie Kennar (foot) is also unlikely. This guarantees another game for boom SuperCoach cheapie Siluasi Vunivalu. Bellamy also said he would give recruit Ryan Morgan a few weeks in Queensland Cup before considering him for first grade.

Cowboys: No changes, with Lachlan Coote (ribs) to play after ruling himself out for City. Ray Thompson (broken leg) will return from a long lay-off with the Townsville Blackhawks.

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SEA EAGLES V BRONCOS

Saturday 7:55PM, Suncorp Stadium

Sea Eagles: Teenage star Tom Trbojevic is on track for a surprise early return from injury.

The winger was initially expected to be out of action with a high ankle sprain for at least another three weeks but he trained with the team in Brisbane on Friday morning and coach Trent Barrett believes he’s a strong possibility of playing.

Experienced pair Brett Stewart and Steve Matai have been ruled out.

Broncos: Will be unchanged, with Alex Glenn (calf) and Adam Blair (suspension) not named and “Corey Parker Clone” Jai Arrow to debut. Corey Oates hurt his jaw in a contact drill this week but is not in doubt.

KNIGHTS V SHARKS

Sunday 2PM, Hunter Stadium

Knights: Halfback Trent Hodkinson (knee) has flared up an old injury. He failed to finish the first session of the week and sat out the second. D-Day comes in opposed session with the NYC team on Thursday night, but he is expected to play. Will Pearsall has been training at halfback and looms as Hodkinson’s replacement, if required, although Holden Cup half Jack Cogger has some support at the club. Pauli Pauli has been named 18th man. He will drop off and play NSW Cup if there are no injuries.

Sharks: The full squad is fit. Joseph Paulo and David Fifita will both travel and fight it out for the final bench spot. Cronulla’s big rep contingent survived — Paul Gallen (Australia), Gerard Beale (New Zealand), David Fifita (Tonga), Sam Tagataese, Ricky Leutele (Samoa), James Maloney, Jack Bird (Country) and Chad Townsend (City). Andrew Fifita, Michael Ennis, Wade Graham and Luke Lewis rested up over the rep weekend.

TIGERS V BULLDOGS

Sunday 4PM, ANZ Stadium

Tigers: Captain Aaron Woods (ankle), Mitchell Moses (quad) and Tim Grant (knee/ankle) all return. David Nofoaluma (neck) will also play after picking up an injury for City. Expect Elijah Taylor to find his way into the 17. Hooker Matt Ballin (ACL) will return through NSW Cup.

Bulldogs: There are reports former NSW star Tony Williams has been dropped to reserve grade. Sam Perrett (ribs) is certain to return. Josh Reynolds and Aiden Tolman are right to go after pulling out of the rep round.

TITANS V ROOSTERS

Monday 7PM, Cbus Super Stadium

Titans: Mid-week recruit Nathan Peats is set to slot straight into the 17, with Kierran Moseley to make way.

Roosters: Back rower Sio Suia Taukieaho (knee) is aiming to be a late inclusion. Daniel Tupou (lat) and Joe Burgess (concussion) are right to go. Shaun Kenny Dowall (foot) is set to miss another two rounds after being ruled out for the Kiwis last week.

Originally published as NRL Late Mail round 10: Team changes and NRL SuperCoach tips