NRL Early Mail Round 21: All the latest news ahead of Tuesday’s team announcements

PARAMATTA’S push to the finals has taken a huge blow with confirmation superstar Clint Gutherson has suffered a season ending ACL injury.

Clint Gutherson is out for the season Picture: Brett Costello

PARAMATTA’S push to the finals has taken a huge blow with confirmation superstar Clint Gutherson has suffered a season ending ACL injury.

“This is disappointing news for Clint and the team as he has been a strong contributor so far this season,” said coach Brad Arthur.

“We wish him all the best in his recovery and I am sure he will be back stronger then ever next season.”

“Despite this setback the team is more determined then ever to make a strong finish to the season.”

PANTHERS V BULLDOGS

Thursday 27 July, 7.50pm at Pepper Stadium

Panthers: No changes expected. Club captain Matt Moylan (hamstring tightness) is expected to be named despite failing to finish on the weekend.

Bulldogs: James Graham (neck) is eyeing a return after a month off, which would see Danny Fualalo move to the bench and Francis Tualau drop out of the 17.

WARRIORS V SHARKS

Friday 28 July, 6pm at Mt Smart Stadium

Warriors: No changes expected. Solomone Kata is free to play if he takes the early guilty plea to a dangerous contact charge.

Sharks: Jack Bird is tipped to return from a sternum injury in the No. 6, with James Maloney (broken hand, round 24) ruled out and Kurt Capewell to continue at centre. Fa’amanu Brown is also an option in the halves.

Clint Gutherson is out for the season. pic Mark Evans

EELS V BRONCOS

Friday 28 July, 7.50pm at ANZ Stadium

Eels: Clint Gutherson has suffered a season ending ACL injury this will likely see Bevan French move to fullback with Kirsome Auva’a orJosh Hoffman in line for a spot in the backline.

Broncos: Coach Wayne Bennett has confirmed Origin and Test star Darius Boyd (broken hand) will return. Kodi Nikorima drops back to the bench, with Benji Marshall the likely omission.

KNIGHTS V DRAGONS

Saturday 29 July, 3pm at McDonald Jones Stadium

Knights: Chanel Mata’utia (concussion) is likely to sit out due to a heavy head knock, with Ken Sio (shoulder) to return from injury on a wing.

Dragons: Josh Dugan (hamstring) returns after being a late withdrawal. Joel Thompson (ankle, pre-game), Tariq Sims (ankle) and Euan Aitken (wrist/shoulder) all went down against the Sea Eagles and their injury status will be confirmed in the coming days.

RABBITOHS V RAIDERS

Saturday 29 July, 5.30pm at ANZ Stadium

Rabbitohs: Sam Burgess has been cleared of a rib fracture, instead diagnosed with a cartilage issue. The club says is a chance to play. Hymel Hunt (thumb) is available for selection and may come into the backline for Braidon Burns.

Raiders: Sia Soliola has been referred straight to the judiciary for the hit that knocked out Billy Slater. With Josh Papalii also suspended, the likes of Liam Knight, Scott Sorensen and Royce Hunt will come into contention a forward spot. Winger Jordan Rapana (shoulder charge) is facing a 1-2 week suspension, with recruit Michael Oldfield the likely replacement.

Billy Slater is knocked out by Iosia Soliola.

ROOSTERS V COWBOYS

Saturday 29 July, 7.30pm at Allianz Stadium

Roosters: The club is hopeful captain Boyd Cordner (calf) returns from injury. Joseph Manu (illness) is expected to come into the side at centre, which would see Mitchell Aubusson return to the pack.

Cowboys: Antonio Winterstein (calf) was a late withdrawal on the weekend and is aiming to regain his backline spot, which was filled by Javid Bowen against the Warriors. Shaun Fensom (ribs) is in doubt.

STORM V SEA EAGLES

Sunday 30 July, 2pm at AAMI Park

Storm: Cameron Smith (pectoral) is an outside chance, but more likely for next week. “The news on Cameron is much better than we expected,” Storm football manager Frank Ponissi said. “He is a slim chance, but unlikely to play next Sunday (against Manly at AAMI Park). But he is likely to play against the Cowboys (on August 5) and definite to play the Roosters.” Slade Griffin is Smith’s likely replacement at hooker. Billy Slater (concussion) is in doubt, although the Storm are still holding out hope. “At this stage there is no decision on whether he will play next week,’’ Ponissi said. Jahrome Hughes is Slater’s likely replacement at fullback. The Storm also have the option of switching Cameron Munster to the No. 1 and playing Ryley Jacks or Brodie Croft in the halves.

Sea Eagles: Blake Green and Brenton Lawrence return after being rested with “niggles”. Expect Jarrad Kennedy and Joey Lussick to drop out of the 17.

TITANS V TIGERS

Sunday 30 July, 4pm at Cbus Super Stadium

Titans: A backline spot is open following the injury to Konrad Hurrell (hamstring), who is expected to miss at least a month.

Tigers: Expected to welcome back Sauaso Sue (suspension), Moses Suli (ankle) and Joel Edwards (concussion).

Originally published as NRL Early Mail Round 21: All the latest news ahead of Tuesday’s team announcements