Round 18 NRL Late Mail

BIG injury news on star players Michael Gordon, Ben Hannant, Glenn Stewart, Sam Kasiano and Greg Eastwood. 

ALL the ins and outs for round 18 of the NRL season.

BRONCOS V SHARKS

A niggling calf injury has forced Brisbane front rower Ben Hannant out of tonight's match against Cronulla. The former Queensland State of Origin prop has struggled to overcome a calf tear, which sidelined him for a month earlier in the season. He tweaked it again a fortnight ago while warming up for the Broncos' round 16 clash with the Warriors. But the club is confident that, with next week's bye, he will be fully fit for their following match on July 26 against North Queensland. Scott Anderson has been named in Hannant's absence, but the Broncos are yet to decide whether Anderson, David Hala, Dunamis Lui or Lama Tasi will start alongside Josh McGuire in the front row. Jordan Kahu (thumb) and David Stagg (knee) return, while former Rooster Tasi makes his Brisbane debut. Michael Gordon (calf) finally appears ready to go for the Sharks. The fullback travelled to Brisbane with teammates and is expected to play.

EELS V PANTHERS

Jarryd Hayne (hamstring) has said he is a slight chance of making a return, but has not trained with teammates this week and will need a miracle to be cleared fit to play. Even if he is cleared fit, it is still a very unfamiliar looking Eels team with both halves Chris Sandow and Joseph Paulo axed for giving up 11 missed tackles between them against the Sea Eagles on Monday night. The Panthers will be unchanged.

BULLDOGS V STORM

The Bulldogs have some injury concerns over Sam Kasiano (hamstring) and Greg Eastwood (knee), but expect both to be cleared to play the grand final re-match. Tim Browne and Martin Taupau have been named as cover, but will only play if Kasiano or Eastwood are ruled out after tomorrow's final captain's run. Fans have been robbed of the opportunity of seeing two of the game's powerhouses go head-to-head at full strength, with Storm quartet Cameron Smith, Billy Slater, Cooper Cronk and Ryan Hoffman, as well as Canterbury duo Josh Morris and Josh Reynolds, all spectators for Sunday's clash.

COWBOYS V SEA EAGLES

The Cowboys still have two training runs to go before Monday night's clash against the Sea Eagles. They are expected to be 1-17. The Sea Eagles have serious concerns over big-boppers George Rose and Glenn Stewart. They will be monitored before they travel to Townsville. Stewart is expected to play, but Rose is rated a less than 50 per cent chance to play.

STATE OF ORIGIN

Jarryd Hayne has been ruled out for NSW with his hamstring injury, with James McManus to join Josh Morris in trying to stop Greg Inglis in Origin. Josh Dugan will play at fullback. Blues skipper Paul Gallen is also out due to a foot injury. Greg Bird, however, is rated a strong chance to play. Queensland will be 1-17.