NRL Early Mail round 6: Talakai, Wilton back for Sharks, Josh Schuster returns
The Sharks have beefed up their pack ahead of Saturday’s clash against Manly while a luckless Dragons forward is set for more time on the sidelines. See the latest NRL early mail.
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The Sharks are set to welcome back Siosifa Talakai and Teig Wilton for the clash against Manly in Perth on Saturday.
Talakai missed Cronulla’s loss to the Raiders last Thursday due to HIA protocols while Wilton was also a late omission due to illness.
The duo both trained on Tuesday and will return to the Sharks final 17.
SCHUSTER BACK FOR SOUTHS
Josh Schuster is back from injury and available to play rugby league this weekend.
Schuster had been battling an off-season calf injury but trained with the NRL squad on Monday for the first time this year.
He has been officially cleared to return to footy.
It is highly unlikely Schuster will be included in the Rabbitohs’ NRL squad to play North Queensland this Saturday in Perth.
While unconfirmed, there are suggestions Souths could give Schuster time playing in a NSW Cup game against Norths this Sunday afternoon at Gosford.
Schuster hasn’t played an NRL game since September, 2023.
He was released from the final three years of his Manly contract in April last year.
Schuster was earning $800,000 a season at Brookvale but played just four NSW Cup games last season.
—Dean Ritchie
DRAGON’S INJURY WOES CONTINUE
The frustrating season of Dragons power forward Hame Sele continues, ruled out for three to four weeks with a hamstring injury.
Sele has suffered from a painful start to the 2025 season with a calf injury keeping him sidelined for the opening rounds.
In his comeback game in the NSW Cup last weekend, Sele lasted only a few minutes before succumbing to the hamstring injury which has sent him back into the rehabilitation phase of recovery.
-David Riccio
COGGER SET FOR SURGERY
Knights halfback Jack Cogger has to undergo surgery to repair a dislocated finger.
Cogger will miss Newcastle’s game against the Tigers after his finger was dislocated on Sunday during their loss to the Bulldogs.
The Knights will be on the look out for a new halfback with Tyson Gamble still sidelined for at least another week.
Cogger is expected to miss just one game.
-Michael Carayannis
TIGERS TRIO BACK AS LATU SENT FOR SURGERY
Wests Tigers are set to welcome back a trio of stars as they look to snap a two-game losing streak against Newcastle – but that news has been tempered by another setback for promising young half Latu Fainu.
Jarome Luai, Jeral Skelton and Samuela Fainu are all expected to be named in the Tigers side for Sunday’s game against the Knights after missing the loss to Brisbane last weekend.
Luai, in particular, will be a welcome addition as he works his way back from suspension, having been cleared of a shoulder problem after undergoing scans last week.
Latu Fainu played in the halves in Luai’s absence but he is now facing a likely stint on the sidelines after fracturing his thumb in the loss to the Broncos.
It shapes as the latest blow for the teenager, who endured a slow start to the season due to hamstring problems but began to look more at home in the NRL in recent weeks.
Brent Read, Phil Rothfield
REYNOLDS CLEARED OF HAMSTRING INJURY
Broncos captain Adam Reynolds has been cleared to play for the club this week despite tweaking a hamstring against the Wests Tigers.
Scans have cleared Reynolds of major damage and he has been passed fit to play against the Roosters.
ROOSTERS SET TO DROP TOWNSEND, YOUNG
Chad Townsend is set to be dropped from the Sydney Roosters team to play Brisbane at Suncorp Stadium on Friday night.
Local junior Hugo Savala, who was pulled out of NSW Cup on Sunday, is expected to be the man to replace Townsend.
The Roosters also have Mark Nawaqanitawase back from a calf injury and he is set to make his return on the wing with Dominic Young the most likely player to make way for the former Wallaby who missed last Friday’s loss to South Sydney.
DRAGONS HALF SURVIVES AXE
St George Illawarra halfback Lachlan Ilias has survived the axe and will line up for the Dragons against Gold Coast on Friday.
Coach Shane Flanagan has resisted the temptation to dump Ilias after he struggled in Saturday’s loss to Parramatta.
—Russell Jackson
LATRELL IN HALVES AS DODD MISSES TRAINING
English halfback Lewis Dodd was a notable absentee at South Sydney training, as superstar Latrell Mitchell ran in the halves on Monday morning.
Dodd is one of the options coach Wayne Bennett will consider for this week’s clash against the Cowboys after first choice halves Jamie Humphreys and Cody Walker both suffered hamstring injuries in Friday’s win over the Roosters.
Dodd’s absence raised eyebrows at Heffron Park but the playmaker did feature for the Rabbitohs in NSW Cup on Sunday afternoon.
While injured halves duo Walker and Humphreys were at training on Monday morning, the pair spent most of the session on the rowing machine.
The Rabbitohs confirmed on Monday that Humphreys is set to miss up to five weeks, while Cody Walker is expected to be sidelined for the next three weeks.
Jayden Sullivan, who is expected to wear the No.7 jumper this week, was spotted running through a passing drill alongside Latrell Mitchell and Jack Wighton – both who are in the running to line up at five-eighth.
While the session mostly consisted of defensive drills, Mitchell was spotted running some plays in the five-eighth position and shifted to left centre in the defensive line.
Winger Alex Johnston, who is still a week to week proposition, also trained with the main group but wore a pink rehab bib for the duration.
Johnston is managing a rib injury but moved freely on Monday morning and is likely to come into contention for selection this week.
He was spotted having a one-on-one with coach Wayne Bennett during the session.
Winger Mikaele Ravalawa also suffered a hamstring injury against the Roosters and spent Monday morning training with the rehab group.
He is expected to miss between six to eight weeks.
The Rabbitohs will travel on Wednesday to Perth, for Saturday’s clash against the Cowboys.
—Fatima Kdouh
PAPENHUYZEN ‘GOOD’ AFTER SCARE
Ryan Papenhuyzen has allayed fears he suffered a serious injury in Melbourne’s big win over Manly on Sunday, hitting social media to post: “Corked glute, we good.”
The Storm fullback was at his dynamic best against the Sea Eagles before he was forced from the field with around 20 minutes remaining with what was reported to be hamstring tightness.
Melbourne take on the Warriors at AAMI Park on Sunday.
—Russell Jackson
MANLY FORWARD FACES 2-3 WEEKS
Sea Eagles forward Corey Waddell is facing at least two weeks on the sidelines after he was hit with a grade two careless high tackle charge for his shot on Melbourne’s Tyran Wishart in the dying minutes of Sunday’s blowout loss.
There were six players sent to the sin bin for high contact in round five, while Phoenix Crossland spent 10 minutes off the field for a trip and Starford To’a was sent for an early shower for a professional foul against the Broncos.
But Waddell wasn’t one of them despite match officials cracking down on high contact after four clear sin bins were missed in round four.
Waddell was placed on report for his swinging arm in the 76th minute but avoided further sanction on the field, with Greg Alexander saying in commentary “we’ve seen players binned this weekend for less”.
It was a strange call to not send him to the sin bin given there was plenty of force and it was direct contact to the head, with the match review committee’s ruling suggesting the officials got it wrong.
He’s now set to miss Manly’s next two matches if he takes the early guilty plea, while he risks an extra week if he fights the charge and loses.
Brendan Piakura, Ray Stone and Tino Fa’asuamaleaui were all offered suspensions by the MRC out of Saturday’s games, while a number of other fines were handed out for high shots across the weekend.
There’s better news for the ladder-leading Bulldogs, with milestone man Kurt Mann escaping a ban for his crusher tackle against the Knights on Sunday night.
Mann can accept a $3000 fine if he takes the early guilty plea, while teammate Jacob Preston is also free to face the Rabbitohs on Good Friday after he was offered an $1800 fine for his grade one careless high tackle in the opening minute.
Crossland was offered a $1000 fine for his trip, while Adam Elliott will have to pay the same amount if he accepts his high tackle charge.
—Martin Gabor
FULL EARLY MAIL, BY MAX BRYDEN
DOLPHINS v PANTHERS
Thursday, 7:50pm, Suncorp Stadium
Dolphins:
Lock Tom Gilbert returns following a one-game suspension. His return will see Felise Kaufusi move back to the front row.
Bench forward Ray Stone will miss the clash after picking up a one-game suspension against the Titans.
Panthers:
Fullback Dylan Edwards will again push for a return following a groin injury. If available, Daine Laurie would shift outside the 17.
Scott Sorensen is also expected to be available as he progresses through concussion protocols. His replacement in the second row, Luke Garner, was sent for scans post game on a hamstring issue which is expected to make him unavailable for a few weeks.
Hooker Mitch Kenny suffered a shoulder injury. Luke Sommerton was pulled from NSW Cup and would come into the side should he miss any game time.
Jack Cole also failed a HIA with Blaize Talagi expected to join the 17. Talagi or Brad Schnieder will partner Cleary in the halves.
DRAGONS v TITANS
Friday, 6:00pm, WIN Stadium
Dragons:
The Dragons are expected to be named 1 through 17.
Titans:
Tino Fa’asuamaleaui has picked up a one game ban from the high shot which saw him sent to the sin bin.
Hooker Sam Verrills is managing a hip injury and is expected to push for a return this week or next. Chris Randall will start at hooker again should he be unavailable. Randall would otherwise move to lock in place of Tino.
Jojo Fifita was a late out with a leg injury in Round 5 but is expected to return to the centres. This could see Klese Haas shift to the bench if David Fifita holds onto the starting role having come off the bench up until this round.
BRONCOS v ROOSTERS
Friday, 8:00pm, Suncorp Stadium
Broncos:
Adam Reynolds has been cleared of a hamstring issue and is set to play.
Should he be unavailable, Jock Madden could join Ben Hunt in the halves.
Brendan Piakura will miss two matches after being charged for a dangerous tackle. Jaiyden Hunt will join the starting side with Jordan Riki still suspended and due back in Round 7.
Roosters: Chad Townsend is set to be dropped with Hugo Savala to come into the halves.
Savala was pulled from NSW Cup this week in a sign he’s expected to join the first grade squad in Round 6.
Mark Nawaqanitawase returns from a calf injury and likely pushes to the wing, with Dominic Young to drop out and Billy Smith to continue in the centres.
Lindsay Collins suffered a suspected MCL injury which could sideline him for a number of weeks, offset somewhat by the return of Victor Radley from a minor cheekbone fracture.
SHARKS v SEA EAGLES
Saturday, 3:00pm, Optus Stadium
Sharks:
Teig Wilton was a late out in Round 5 through illness and is expected to return. The rest of the outfit is expected to be named 1 through 17 with Mawene Hiroti remaining at centre in place of Kayal Iro.
Sea Eagles:
Jason Saab suffered a syndesmosis injury and will be sent for scans. Tommy Talau is the preferred replacement but is still battling his own hamstring injury. Should Talau be unavailable, Raymond Tuaimalo Vaega would be named.
Lachlan Croker will again push for a return to first grade following an off-season knee issue.
Corey Waddell is facing at least two weeks on the sidelines after he was hit with a grade two careless high tackle charge.
RABBITOHS v COWBOYS
Saturday, 5:30pm, Optus Stadium
Rabbitohs:
You’d almost think injuries were contagious the way they’re going around the Rabbitohs.
They’ll need to name a new look halves pairing and winger with Jamie Humphreys, Cody Walker and Mikaele Rawalava all suffering hamstring injuries.
Englishman Lewis Dodd is expected to be named at halfback for his NRL debut. Jayden Sullivan will partner him in the six. Jack Wighton and Latrell Mitchell are other options to shift to the halves.
Alex Johnston is a week to week proposition as he manages a rib injury and could come in for Ravalawa. If Johnston is available, Tass could shift to the opposite wing in place of Ravalawa. Fletcher Myers is the other option.
Lost in all this is Jye Gray who is expected to hold the fullback jersey, keeping Mitchell at bay for at least another week.
Second rower Euan Aikten is also expected to be fit for selection for what would be his club debut. Campbell Graham is still a couple of weeks away from being fully fit.
Cowboys:
Skipper Reuben Cotter was a late out in Round 5 through illness and is expected to return.
Braidon Burns will push for a return to first grade from a hamstring injury, although the travel to and from Perth for this clash may see the Cowboys opt for a later return date. If selected, Robert Derby would make way.
EELS v RAIDERS
Saturday, 7:35pm, TIO Stadium, Darwin
Eels:
A first win in the books was punctuated by some structural changes which will be formalised when the Eels name their side for Round 6.
Expect Zac Lomax to return to the wing, with Will Penisini shifting from left centre back over to his favoured right. Sean Russell will start at left centre with Josh Addo-Carr on the left wing.
Ryley Smith could again be named to start but share minutes with J’maine Hopgood at hooker. Backup hooker Joey Lussick is unavailable until Round 11 having gone through finger surgery last week.
Raiders:
Zac Hosking is nearing a return from a broken hand. If available, he could force a reshuffle of the starting pack with Josh Papali’i potentially shifting to the bench.
The rest of the side is expected to be named 1 through 17.
STORM v WARRIORS
Sunday, 2:00pm, AAMI Park
Storm:
Ryan Papenhuyzen failed to finish his side’s round 5 victory but early signs are he should be fine. What was originally called hamstring tightness was later diagnosed as a corked glute.
The news is worse for Xavier Coates who did hurt his hamstring and will miss Round 6.
William Warbrick was a late out of Round 5 with concussion symptoms and will be monitored as he pushes for a return to first grade. If available, he would come straight in for Xavier Coates with Grant Anderson shifting to left wing.
Nelson Asofa-Solomona is expected to be available for selection as he moves through HIA protocols.
Kiwi Olympian Moses Leo debuted in Round 5 and is expected to hold his spot in the side.
Warriors:
After a week off to refresh, the Warriors are expected to name a similar squad to the one that won in Round 4.
Centre Rocco Berry will push for a return from a hamstring issue which saw him ruled out of their last start. If available, winger Ed Kosi will drop out of the side with Adam Pompey shifting from centre to wing.
KNIGHTS v TIGERS
Sunday, 4:05pm, McDonald Jones Stadium
Knights:
In a bizarre moment from the weekend, Jacob Saifiti injured his calf running onto the field and is expected to miss some game time.
He’ll be joined on the sideline by winger James Schiller who failed a HIA against the Bulldogs.
Jack Hetherington also picked up a shoulder injury and is also expected to be unavailable.
Kai Pearce-Paul is available for selection following a two-game suspension. His return could push Thomas Cant to centre and Dane Gagai onto the wing.
Brodie Jones is expected to join the 17. The lack of middle forwards could also pave the way for Tyrone Thompson – twin brother of starting prop Leo – to potentially earn a debut.
Tigers:
Jarome Luai is back from suspension and coach Benji Marshall is confident he will be fit to return from a shoulder injury picked up in Round 4.
Luai will be a straight swap for Latu Fainu who failed a HIA against the Broncos and has been sent for surgery on a broken thumb.
Jeral Skelton and Samuela Fainu will again push for a return from injury with Jack Bird and Luke Laulili’i to hold their starting spots otherwise.
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