NRL Late Mail ahead of Round 6: Last-minute team news and gossip
WILL Zillman is set to play his first NRL game in almost a year this Sunday and will slot straight into the fullback hot seat.
WILL Zillman is set to play his first NRL game in almost a year this Sunday and will slot straight into the fullback hot seat.
The club co-captain returned in Queensland Cup last week following ongoing back and calf injuries. He was named on an extended bench this week by coach Neil Henry.
However, he trained in the custodian role on Thursday, with David Mead shifting to the left wing, Nene Macdonald moving to centre and John Olive dropping out.
Henry remained tight lipped when questioned, but admitted he faced a tough decision on his backline.
“I thought (Zillman) was quite sharp for Tweed in a well-beaten team and Meady has done nothing wrong there either,” Henry said.
“It’s really a difficult one, there’s competition on for spots there.
“There’s a little bit of depth in the outside backs and a fight for competition, which is healthy. We’ll see how Zilly pulls up.”
Ashley Taylor (shoulder) and David Shillington (hip) trained on modified programs this week but will be right to play.
Young gun Nathan Davis (shoulder) is aiming to be fit, but would play Queensland Cup.
Meanwhile, Penrith’s James Segeyaro (broken arm) and Dean Whare (calf) are eyeing round eight returns.
“Whare had a really good run today, and ‘Chicko’, it’s just a matter of waiting until the break heals. It’s getting closer every week,” coach Anthony Griffin said ahead of Saturday’s match against North Queensland.
BRONCOS v DRAGONS
7.50pm Thursday at Suncorp Stadium
Broncos: Coach Wayne Bennett has declared James Roberts and Jarrod Wallace will both play despite injury concerns.
Centre Roberts has been battling a hip issue, but Bennett says he will take his place in the starting line up even if he requires a pain-killing injection.
“Anyone who’s played football has had one of those,” Bennett said. “He may not need that. He’s pretty good.” Bench forward Wallace spent most of the final session receiving treatment on his hamstring but he has also been passed fit to play. “He did everything we wanted him to do this morning,” Bennett said.
Dragons: Halfback Benji Marshall (hamstring) is out, replaced by Josh McCrone. Siliva Havilii drops off the bench, with Dunamis Lui coming into the 17.
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RABBITOHS v ROOSTERS
7.50pm Friday at ANZ Stadium
Rabbitohs: Coach Michael Maguire says halfback Adam Reynolds (broken jaw) is some chance to make a surprise return, although our mail is that he’s unlikely. “He trained yesterday with us. He’s coming along really well ... we’ll have to wait and see,” Maguire said on Wednesday. “I’ll go down and talk to the physios and doctors so we’ll wait and see.” Reynolds’ return would see either Luke Keary or Cody Walker make way. Alex Johnston (hamstring) is back running and aiming for next week.
Roosters: The full squad is fit, but Aidan Guerra will again switch to five-eighth as the Roosters desperately seek a way to break their five-game NRL losing streak. The switch means Jayden Nikorima will again come off the bench. “It gives Jayden a bit of time to see the game and come into the game when it’s the right time for us,” coach Trent Robinson said.
EELS v RAIDERS
3pm Saturday at Pirtek Stadium
Eels: No changes, with Nathan Peats (elbow) cleared to return. Luke Kelly (ACL) is out for the season following an injury in NSW Cup.
Raiders: No changes. Sia Soliola (broken arm) had surgery on Tuesday and is aiming for round 11.
WARRIORS v SEA EAGLES
5.30pm Saturday at Mt Smart Stadium
Warriors: Coach Andrew McFadden has confirmed Thomas Leuluai (ACL) is certain to return despite being named 18th man. “He’ll be playing, He’s 100 per cent so I’m letting you know that he’ll be in the side.” Jazz Tevaga is expected to make way.
Sea Eagles: Coach Trent Barrett has confirmed Jake Trbojevic (knee) and Tom Symonds (calf) will return. Barrett also revealed that Feleti Mateo was omitted from Manly’s trip to Auckland to help his ill wife. Symonds, who has played 52 minutes in his one appearance of the season in round three, will start in Mateo’s absence. Blake Leary and Luke Burgess are likely to drop off the bench.
PANTHERS v COWBOYS
7.30pm Saturday at Pepper Stadium
Panthers - Updated 3pm Friday:Set to be 1-17. James Segeyaro (broken arm) did some light contact for the first time this week, but isn’t a chance for the weekend round. Likewise, Dean Whare (calf) ran for the first time this week. Both are aiming for round eight.
Cowboys: No changes, with Ben Spina to travel as 18th man. Kane Linnett (shoulder) will not travel and is aiming for next week. Jake Granville will play from the bench again, as per the usual change.
SHARKS v TITANS
2pm Sunday at Southern Cross Stadium
Sharks: Cronulla’s full NRL squad is fit following the returns of Paul Gallen (knee) and David Fifita (infection) last week. Fifita returned through NSW Cup and could force his way onto the NRL bench despite not being named.
Titans - Updated 3pm Friday: Captain Will Zillman (calf) will come into the side at fullback. David Mead pushes to the wing, Nene Macdonald will play centre and John Olive drops out. Nathan Davis (shoulder) is aiming to be fit this weekend, but would play Queensland Cup. Tyrone Roberts (knee) is on track for next week, while Ashley Taylor (shoulder) is a certain starter despite picking up a minor injury last week. David Shillington (hip) ran with the rehab group early in the week, but is also set to play.
KNIGHTS v TIGERS
4pm Sunday at Hunter Stadium
Knights: Forward Robbie Rochow (broken arm) is out long-term following a training mishap. He was set to play centre in place of Sione Mata’utia (concussion), who didn’t train with the main squad on Thursday and is facing an uphill battle to play. Jaelen Feeney will now play centre if Mata’utia fails a final test on Saturday. Prior to the injury crisis, Jacob Saifiti was told to sit the game out, despite being named in the side. However, he is now expected to come onto the bench. Brother Daniel Saifiti (knee) was always going to return despite being named out of the 17. Brothers Korbin Sims and Tariq Sims will play on the edges, with coach Nathan Brown needing to find a starting prop to replace Korbin. Jack Stockwell is favoured. Danny Levi (back) must prove his fitness on Saturday.
Tigers: Centre Tim Simona (suspension) is out for the next three weeks after losing at the judiciary on Wednesday. A replacement is yet to be confirmed, but Nathan Milone, Watson Heleta and Michael Chee-Kam have all been training with the top squad. Dene Halatau and Chris Lawrence are also capable of playing in the centres. Curtis Sironen (hamstring) must get through captain’s run but has ticked all boxes so far in his comeback bid and is set to play.
STORM v BULLDOGS
7pm Monday at AAMI Park
Storm: No changes expected at this early stage. Cheyse Blair (thigh) is set to return this week in Queensland Cup, while Jeremy Hawkins returned last week. Both may come into NRL contention in coming weeks due to the Storm’s depleted backline.
Bulldogs: No injury concerns within the 17 named. Kerrod Holland replaces Chase Stanley (hamstring) at centre and is set to kick goals. Stanley’s injury timeframe will be closer to a month than two weeks.
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