NRL Early Mail Round 15: Predicted team changes
The Broncos can barely field a side this week due to injuries but it hasn’t stopped them from wielding the axe, while the Storm are set to be without 1147 games of experience.
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The injury-ravaged Broncos have received a boost with Anthony Milford set to return in a move that could herald the axing of key off-season recruit Brodie Croft.
Milford injured his hamstring in Round 12 and was expected to miss four to six weeks, but Brisbane’s $1 million man trained at Red Hill on Tuesday in a sign he will make a swift return against the Dragons this Friday night at Suncorp Stadium.
The selection of Milford will ring alarm bells for Croft, who faces the axe after a poor display at five-eighth in last week’s loss to the Raiders in Canberra.
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Caretaker coach Peter Gentle is considering pairing Milford in the halves with rookie No.7 Tom Dearden, a scenario that will see Croft dropped from the squad.
Croft trained with the reserve grade team on Tuesday and if Milford is passed fit, the former Storm schemer will pay the price for his dismal defensive effort last week, highlighted by his bad miss on Canberra forward John Bateman.
Veteran Issac Luke will start at hooker against his former Dragons club after Jake Turpin was ruled out with a broken hand.
As revealed previously, the Broncos’ horror injury curse has reached record levels with Brisbane prop Tom Flegler requiring a shoulder reconstruction and facing up to five months on the sidelines.
But in a stunning display of bravery, Flegler is considering carrying a busted shoulder into Friday night’s clash against the Dragons due to the crippling injury toll that has decimated Brisbane’s front-row options.
In all, the Broncos have 13 players unavailable for the weekend round.
— Peter Badel
1147-GAME POWER DRAIN LEAVE STORM VULNERABLE
Melbourne Storm faces the potential of taking on third-placed Parramatta Eels on Thursday night with up to 1147 games of NRL experience unavailable through injury or suspension.
Premiership star Dale Finucane will miss up to six weeks after scans on Monday confirmed a “significant” calf tear.
It is a major blow for the depleted Storm, already missing captain Cameron Smith (shoulder), Cameron Munster (knee) and Suliasi Vunivalu (jaw).
Emerging halfback Jahrome Hughes (groin) is doubtful — rated only a 50-50 chance — of playing this week, while acting captain Jesse Bromwich’s fate rests with the NRL Judiciary.
Despite the latest setback, Storm director of football Frank Ponissi was in good spirits.
“It’s tough times for everyone,” Ponissi said.
“We’re not going to sit here whinging about our injury list.
“It’s not great, but what can you do about it? It presents an opportunity for other players.”
Finucane was training on Sunday when the calf went “bang” during the session at Sunny Coast Stadium.
“It was the old sniper got him, he was just running and bang he heard this thing,” Ponissi said.
“Medical staff were cautious (Sunday) because it’s Dale and he makes miraculous recovery but they scanned him this afternoon and it showed a significant tear.”
Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, who started at lock a fortnight ago when Finucane was rested due to a niggling neck issue, will be named in the No. 13 jersey.
Bromwich and Hughes will both be named in the extended 21-man squad on Tuesday but Ponissi ruled out “definitely” Smith and Munster.
If unsuccessful at the Judiciary on Tuesday, Bromwich will miss Thursday’s clash for challenging a grade one dangerous contact charge.
Storm and Bromwich had no hesitation deciding to plead “not guilty” and contest the charge, which stems from an incident with Rooster Matt Ikuvalu in the 25th minute last Thursday.
“Our three most important experienced players (Smith, Bromwich and Finucane), over 850 games between them, could be out, two definitely out and a third is a chance of being out,” Ponissi said.
“And we’re playing the team coming third at their home ground, it’s a challenge and a half.
“We’re just going to dig deep (into the list) and see what you find.
“The boys have been training really hard and this is their opportunity. We’ll take it with both hands.”
Apart from replacing players, the focus will be around on-field leadership and communication this week.
Should Bromwich get rubbed out, younger brother Kenny will captain the side.
— Gilbert Gardiner
FLANAGAN FIRED UP AFTER AXING
Jake Friend says dumped halfback Kyle Flanagan will return with “more fire in his belly” as the injuries mount for the defending two-time champions.
Flanagan is expected to earn a reprieve in the halves with Lachlan Lam and Luke Keary sidelined following the Roosters’ loss to Melbourne on Thursday night.
He was axed two games ago in favour of Lam but could line-up alongside Drew Hutchinson to play the Tigers on Saturday night.
“Flanno has been really good about it,” Friend said. “He has taken it on the chin and has been going at us.”
Daniel Tupou is still at least two weeks away joining Boyd Cordner sidelined. Josh Morris said his twin brother Brett is an outside chance of making his return while the likes of Angus Crichton and Jared Waerea-Hargreaves could also play.
— Michael Carayannis
HOLMES EYES EARLY RETURN IN COWBOYS BOOST
Valentine Holmes is on the verge of returning from ankle surgery as North Queensland confront the grim reality they are fighting to avoid the 2020 NRL wooden spoon.
“Val is coming along a bit better than expected,” coach Josh Hannay said on Friday.
“I spoke to him yesterday and he’s feeling really good. He said the ankle feels better than it did prior to him having surgery.
“He’s hoping to be back in the next week or two. We’ll integrate him into full training next week and see how that goes.”
— Travis Meyn
MANLY YOUNG GUN TO DEBUT ... FOR NRL RIVALS
One of Manly’s brightest prospects is on the verge of making his long-awaited NRL debut – for a rival club.
Sea Eagles young gun Albert Hopoate has secured to the New Zealand Warriors on a four-week loan.
Tipped to make his NRL debut as an 18-year-old in 2019, Hopoate was robbed of the chance when he ruptured his ACL, for the second time, playing SG Ball.
SON OF A GUN, JOHNS ON CUSP OF NRL DEBUT
Melbourne Storm could unleash son of a gun Cooper Johns on Thursday night against Parramatta Eels with halfback Jahrome Hughes pulling up sore from the 24-6 win over Sydney Roosters.
Storm coach Craig Bellamy declared Johns, 21, a possible inclusion to partner Ryley Jacks in the halves, with premiership five-eighth Cameron Munster (knee) still 2-3 weeks away.
Livewire Nicho Hynes is another being considered and should Cameron Smith (shoulder) be cleared to play he too could moonlight as first-receiver with Brandon Smith at hooker.
“We have Cooper Johns,” Bellamy said after defeating the Roosters. “He hasn’t played a first grade game yet but if Hughesy doesn’t play perhaps he can get an opportunity.We’re trying to ake the mentality that when somebody misses out somebody else gets a chance.”
Johns, who has shown great passing and organisational skills in reserve grade, could be one of two new starters with Isaac Lumelume a chance to replace Suliasi Vunivalu, sidelined with a suspected broken jaw.
Centres Sandor Earl and Marion Seve (ear) are also be considered for the right wing vacancy.
— Gilbert Gardiner
EELS V STORM
Thursday 20 August, Bankwest Stadium, Sydney, 7.50pm
Eels: The only concern to come out of the Sharks loss is an ankle injury suffered by Junior Paulo but he was able to play on and should overcome the injury. Ryan Matterson made a successful return after missing a few games due to concussion. Andrew Davey, Stefano Utoikamanu and Brad Takairangi could all come into contention for bench spots.
Storm: Have been dealt a double blow with Jahrome Hughes (groin) and Suliasi Vunivalu (jaw) both suffering injuries in the Roosters game last Thursday. Vunivalu will require surgery and has been ruled out for 4-6 weeks. Hughes could still be named but is expected to be ruled out, which means we could see the NRL debut of Matty Johns’ son Cooper Johns. But Bellamy normally doesn’t throw rookies in without some experience around them, which could see Nicho Hynes partner Ryley Jacks in the halves with Johns potentially taking up Hynes’ bench utility role.
Sandor Earl is favourite to replace Vunivalu on the wing with Marion Seve still expected to be unavailable after having plastic surgery on his ear. Isaac Lumelume is the other option. Cameron Smith trained with the squad on Sunday and could return from a shoulder injury whilst Cameron Munster (knee) is only an outside chance. Jesse Bromwich was charged by the match review committee for a tackle on Matt Ikuvalu but is free to play provided he enters an early guilty plea
PANTHERS V SHARKS
Friday 21 August, Panthers Stadium, Penrith, 6pm
Panthers: Purring along nicely with no major injury concerns to come out of the game on the weekend with Dylan Edwards (knee) and Tyrone May (hip) both expected to overcome bumps and bruises to play. Brian To’o will return to full training this week and could be named on the extended bench. If fit he would come onto the wing, forcing Brent Naden to centre, May to the bench and Daine Laurie out of the side.
Sharks: Came out of the Titans game with a number of injury concerns. Josh Dugan (knee) and Shaun Johnson (groin) both failed to finish and are in some doubt. Johnson sounds positive after revealing his exit from the game was “precautionary”.
Siosifa Talakai is an option to move to centre to replace Dugan if ruled out, with Briton Nikora coming into the back row. Bryson Goodwin is also an option to replace Dugan in a straight swap. Ronaldo Mulitalo and Will Kennedy both picked up knocks during the game but played on and should be named. Andrew Fifita is closing in on returning from hamstring and finger injuries and could be named on the extended bench.
BRONCOS V DRAGONS
Friday 21 August, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane, 7.55pm
Broncos: Five-eighth Anthony Milford (hamstring) is set to return early from injury, which will likely see Brodie Croft dropped. Prop Thomas Flegler is set to play despite needing a shoulder reconstruction.
Will be without Jake Turpin who suffered a broken hand in the first half of the Raiders game, which will see Isaac Luke recalled to start at hooker. Xavier Coates was a late withdrawal on the weekend after suffering an ankle injury at training. The Broncos are hopeful the injury is only minor and he could return.
Corey Oates has resumed running after recovering from a nasty leg injury suffered in the Tigers game a number of weeks ago. He still has to tick a few boxes but could be named. Alex Glenn is only considered an outside chance to return from a knee injury. Payne Haas was placed on report in the final minutes of Raiders game for a crusher tackle and is facing 2-3 weeks.
Dragons: Have a new coach after Paul McGregor stepped down with Dean Young to coach his first NRL game. Normally you will see a few team changes with a new coach looking to put a stamp on the team. Paul Vaughan is expected to be named to return after a COVID-19 breach but will only be able train late in the week at captain’s run and may only be given a bench role.
Tyrell Fuimaono was charged for a tackle on Junior Paulo and is looking at a one-game suspension with an early guilty plea. He is heading to judiciary and would need to be found not guilty to be eligible to play with Jacob Host most likely to play left edge. Kaide Ellis picked up a shoulder injury in the Eels game and could be in some doubt. If ruled out we could see rookie Eddie Blacker make his NRL debut. Tristan Sailor didn’t see any game time on the weekend so his position on the bench could come into question.
TITANS V RAIDERS
Saturday 22 August, Cbus Super Stadium, Gold Coast, 3pm
Titans: Set to be without Kevin Proctor after he was sent off in the Sharks game on the weekend for allegedly biting Shaun Johnson with the case referred straight to the judiciary. If the send-off wasn’t enough they were also hit hard by injuries with Jai Arrow (shoulder) and Dale Copley (pec) both failing to finish and ruled out this week. Phillip Sami (knee) and Anthony Don (ribs) were both late withdrawals on the weekend and will need to prove their fitness to be named.
Keegan Hipgave passed gameday HIA and with his concussion history will be monitored. AJ Brimson copped some knees to the back during the game. He only just returned from a serious back injury will need to be checked. Ash Taylor copped a knock to the ankle but was able to play out the game and should be right to go. Beau Fermor should hold his position in the 17 after being a late inclusion, especially with Arrow and Proctor out. Mitch Rein has recovered from a knee injury and could be named in the extended squad.
Raiders: Came through the Broncos win with no injuries and look set to name the same 17 with John Bateman not charged after being put on report in the final minutes.
TIGERS V ROOSTERS
Saturday 22 August, Leichhardt Oval, Sydney, 5.30pm
Tigers: Benji Marshall (cork), Josh Aloiai (wrist) and Adam Doueihi (back) are in some doubt after copping knocks in the win over the Bulldogs and all could be in some doubt but they did play out the game which is a good sign. Thomas Mikaele could return after being a late withdrawal on the weekend as the Tigers manage an ongoing knee injury.
Roosters: Once again hit hard by injuries with Lachlan Lam (syndesmosis), Mitch Aubusson (wrist) and Luke Keary (ribs) all ruled out this week. Kyle Flanagan will return at halfback with Drew Hutchinson or star rookie Sam Walker options at five-eighth.
In the presser before the Storm game coach Trent Robinson confirmed Boyd Cordner is still a few weeks away and that Daniel Tupou (ankle), Angus Crichton (knee), Brett Morris (back) and Jared Waerea-Hargreaves (calf) would be back either this week or next week. Ryan Hall was a late withdrawal due to a knee injury and could come back into the squad. Nat Butcher and Sitili Tupouniua suffered knocks during the game but should be right to play.
Nasty for Mitch Aubusson, video brings concern for wrist hyperextension injury as left hand gets caught on the ground under weight of players. Concern for ligament sprain/nerve or tendon traction injury, hope no fracture. Best case: minor soft tissue sprain but didn’t look good pic.twitter.com/nZGRbzIe7i
— NRL PHYSIO (@nrlphysio) August 13, 2020
RABBITOHS V SEA EAGLES
Saturday 22 August, ANZ Stadium, Sydney, 7.35pm
Rabbitohs: Could be without Liam Knight after he was hit with a dangerous contact charge for a tackle on Jordan McLean. Due to priors he is looking at a one-week suspension and would need to go to the judiciary and be found not guilty to play.
Cameron Murray (ankle), Alex Johnston (back), Cody Walker (knock) and Damien Cook (back/leg) all suffered minor injuries in the game and will need to be checked before teams are named. Bayley Sironen suffered a leg injury which is expected to rule him out with Jack Johns coming back into the side. Hame Sele could return if he can recover from a shoulder injury.
Sea Eagles: Will be without Brendan Elliot after he suffered a nasty knee injury in the game on the weekend, with Reuben Garrick expected to return to fullback with either Abbas Miski or Jorge Taufua — who was dropped on the weekend — coming onto the wing. Cade Cust is also expected to be ruled out after suffering a knee injury. He was able to play on with his knee heavily strapped but looked hampered. Lachlan Croker is set to partner Daly Cherry-Evans in the halves with someone like Luke Metcalf coming onto the bench as a utility.
Joel Thompson suffered a cut to his tongue but all going well should be fit to play. Marty Taupau will return after missing the game on the weekend due to concussion. Tom Trbojevic is still a week or two away from returning from a hamstring injury.
BULLDOGS V WARRIORS
Sunday 23 August, ANZ Stadium, Sydney, 2pm
Bulldogs: Could be without Kieran Foran after he suffered an ankle injury on Sunday which saw him leave field, but he was able to return after having treatment in the dressing room. If ruled out Lachlan Lewis would return after missing the Tigers game due to suspension. Jake Averillo could return in place of Kerrod Holland at right centre if he can recover from a hip injury.
Will Hopoate is a chance to recover from a syndesmosis injury which could push Nick Meaney back out to the wing. Dylan Napa could be in some trouble after being put on report for leading with the head and could be on charge sheet come Monday. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak was dropped on the weekend and will need to fight his way back into the side. Raymond Faitala-Mariner played limited minutes on Sunday due to illness and should be right to play.
Kieran Foran off, and now back on, after rolling ankle. Like Cust earlier today foot rolls in, typical for lateral ankle sprain & usually looks worse than it is. As long as fracture avoided can play through or return quickly, which Foran is doing pic.twitter.com/eaIkbRncum
— NRL PHYSIO (@nrlphysio) August 16, 2020
Warriors: Could be without Eliesa Katoa after he was charged for a tackle on James Fisher-Harris on Friday and with carry over points is looking at a one-week suspension, which could see the return of Jack Murchie to the side. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck suffered cramps to the calf late in the game which saw him move to centre and Peta Hiku to fullback but should be fit to be named. New loanee Albert Hopoate joined the team on Sunday and could be rushed into the side for his NRL debut.
KNIGHTS V COWBOYS
Sunday 23 August, McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle, 4.05pm
Knights: Expected to have one change with Daniel Saifiti re-injuring the same knee which kept him out for a number of weeks. This will see brother Jacob Saifiti start at prop with Pasami Saulo returning from suspension to take up a bench role. Kurt Mann copped a knock during the game but came back on late and should be fit to be named.
Cowboys: Valentine Holmes is a chance to come back from a syndesmosis injury after returning to running last week. Tom Gilbert may return after being rested last week. Justin O’Neill is managing a knee injury and will need to prove his fitness to be named whilst Jake Granville will be cleared to play providing he enters an early guilty plea.
Originally published as NRL Early Mail Round 15: Predicted team changes