NRL 2021 Round 7 Early Mail: Predicted team changes

Melbourne Storm superstar Ryan Papenhuyzen is facing a stint on the sidelines due to a shoulder injury. Predicted team changes.

Pictured at Shark Park in Cronulla is Cronulla Sharks NRL player Shaun Johnson ahead of the start of the 2021 season. Picture: Richard Dobson

Star Melbourne Storm fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen has revealed he needed a “jab’ to get through last week’s win over the Roosters and is a chance to miss the ANZAC Day clash against the Warriors.

Papenhuyzen was again among his team’s best players last weekend, but played out the game with a minor AC joint injury that required medical assistance.

He spent time in the changerooms early in the game after a heavy collision with Roosters centre Josh Morris. Papenhuyzen also had to pass an HIA test but returned and played out the game.

But he conceded he was “touch and go” for the weekend and would need to complete training this week to play the Warriors on Sunday.

“It (the shoulder) is a bit hot and cold at the moment,” Papenhuyzen told SEN.

“I’ll be touch and go for the weekend I reckon.

“It’s a little AC joint injury, I had a few jabs to get me through the game on the weekend. So I see how I’ll go, I’ve got a test run tomorrow.

“Fingers crossed I’ll be good to go.”

— Russell Gould

Ryan Papenhuyzen is in doubt with a shoulder issue (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

South Sydney winger Josh Mansour has been ruled out for a month with a hamstring injury suffered late in last weekend’s win over Wests Tigers.

The Rabbitohs confirmed the news on Tuesday after scans revealed a small tear in the veteran flyer’s hammy.

Mansour was replaced late in the golden point thriller after complaining of hamstring tightness.

— Russell Jackson

Josh Mansour is set to miss a month (Photo by Brett Hemmings/Getty Images)

The Broncos are set to receive a boost with rookie Herbie Farnworth expected to return for Friday night’s clash against the Eels in Darwin.

Farnworth has missed the past fortnight with a shoulder injury, ruling him out of Brisbane’s losses to Souths and the Panthers.

But the British flyer, who was among Brisbane’s best players in the opening month, is confident of returning for the road trip to the Northern Territory to take on the Eels.

Should Farnworth get the green light, either David Mead or Richard Kennar will drop out of the centres.

— Phil Rothfield

Boom Warriors signing Reece Walsh is on the verge of being handed a fast-tracked debut as New Zealand’s injury toll adds up.

Walsh – who only joined the Warriors from Brisbane this month – is expected to be part of the Warriors squad to play the Storm.

The Warriors backline depth is paper-thin with Peta Hiku (shoulder) and Adam Pompey (knee) injured in the win against St George Illawarra.

– Michael Carayannis

Titans winger Anthony Don is fit to return from a hip injury in the Gold Coast’s clash with South Sydney on Friday night.

Don has sat out the Titans’ past two games with the problem, but will make a much-needed return after the Gold Coast was flogged 36-0 by Manly.

“Anthony Don is a big chance to play this weekend,” said Titans performance manager Klint Hoare.

“The good thing for him is he has got through a full week of training.”

The Titans will need to bolster their forward ranks for the Rabbitohs game after Origin star Tino Fa’asuamaleaui accepted a two-match suspension for a shoulder charge.

– Travis Meyn

Injury and suspension have caused carnage for KFC SuperCoaches with a host of popular players either out or in doubt.

Titans forward Tino Fa’asuamaleaui (two weeks) and South Sydney fullback Latrell Mitchell (3-4 weeks) are both likely out through suspension.

Siosiua Taukeiaho is in doubt with a rib injury, while Ryan Papenhuyzen is fighting concussion/shoulder/ankle issues but is expected to play.

— Tom Sangster

Tino Fa'asuamaleaui has copped a two week ban (Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images)

Latrell Mitchell’s impending suspension has forced Wayne Bennett to move Alex Johnston to fullback and Dane Gagai to the wing, opening the door for specialist centre Steven Marsters to come into the team.

Jaxson Paulo will be the new man on the wing to replace Johnston.

Shaun Johnson will be named on the interchange bench for Cronulla’s clash against the Bulldogs with interim coach Josh Hannay taking no chances with the Kiwi superstar.

Johnson last played in September last year when he suffered an achilles injury against the Roosters but will be named on the bench this week with Matt Moylan and Chad Townsend to hold their positions as the starting halves.

New signing Will Chambers will be named among the reserves but is considered unlikely to play.

Josh Dugan will return at centre with Teig Wilton moving back to second row as Wade Graham is again held back after suffering a concussion two weeks ago.

— Nick Campton

PANTHERS V KNIGHTS

Thursday 22 April, BlueBet Stadium, 7:50pm

Panthers: Paul Momirovski is set to front the judiciary in a bid to downgrade his dangerous contact charge and avoid a two-match ban. If out, this would see Tyrone May play right centre, while Brent Naden is another option. Viliame Kikau suffered a neck injury during the game and could be in some doubt. Matt Eisenhuth and Liam Martin both copped heavy knocks last week but should be right to be named. Api Koroisau and Dylan Edwards are expected back next week from injuries but are outside chances this week after training over the weekend.

Knights: Will be without Hymel Hunt after he suffered a hamstring injury which will keep him out for a few weeks. Brodie Jones had an outstanding game against the Sharks playing out of position at right centre and is a genuine option to continue in the role this week with Enari Tuala on the wing, with other options of Starford To’a and Gehamat Shibasaki. Kalyn Ponga struggled at times during the game but only due to illness. Jacob Saifiti suffered a burner to the shoulder during the game but was able to play on and should be fit for selection. Lachlan Fitzgibbon is nearing return from a shoulder injury and if he doesn’t return this week will definitely be back next week.

TITANS V RABBITOHS

Friday 23 April, Cbus Super Stadium, 6:00pm

Titans: Have Anthony Don fit for selection after recovering a from a hip injury, which creates a selection headache for coach Justin Holbrook with Phillip Sami also fit to return after missing last week due to concussion with Jonus Pearson dropping out of squad from weekend. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui has copped a two-week ban for a shoulder charge with Moeaki Fotuiaka to start and either Beau Fermor, Herman Ese’ese or Sam McIntyre coming onto the bench.

Rabbitohs: Latrell Mitchell is facing a four-match ban after being charged over three separate incidents. With priors he is looking at a three-week suspension with the early guilty plea, which will see Alex Johnston move to fullback and Jaxson Paulo come onto the wing. Josh Mansour failed to finish the Tigers game due to a hamstring injury and is set to miss a month with Steven Marsters to come into the team. Cody Walker (shoulder), Adam Reynolds (shoulder) and Damien Cook (knock) all should recover from bumps and bruises. Keoan Koloamatangi returns from suspension but may not be able to force his way into the 17.

EELS V BRONCOS

Friday 23 April, TIO Stadium, 7:55pm

Eels: Likely to be without Ryan Matterson as he continues to suffer from concussion symptoms which will see Isaiah Papali’I continue on the left edge. Dylan Brown returns from suspension which pushes Will Smith back to a bench role with Wiremu Greig, who made his NRL debut on the weekend, dropping out of the 17. Marata Niukore suffered a knock to the knee which saw him stay down for an extended period but he was able to play on. He could be in some doubt depending on how he pulls up.

Broncos: Welcome back Herbie Farnworth after missing the last two games due to a shoulder injury. But with the showing of Corey Oates in his first NRL game this year I doubt he will be dropped with David Mead the player to make way. With the team’s strong overall performance against the flying Panthers I wouldn’t expect any other changes which means Anthony Milord will spend another week in Queensland Cup.

SHARKS V BULLDOGS

Saturday 24 April, Netstrata Jubilee Stadium, 5:30pm

Sharks: Likely without Aiden Tolman after he was charged with a grade one crusher tackle and with the early guilty plea he is looking at a one-week suspension. Josh Dugan will return after missing the game on weekend due to concussion with Teig Wilton shifting to 2RF after playing left centre on weekend and Jack Williams dropping to the bench. Wade Graham as well as Dugan will need clearance from independent doctors to play. Shaun Johnson took part in captain’s run before the Knights game and is close to returning after missing the start of the season due to an Achilles injury and has been cleared to return to full training.

Bulldogs: Jack Hetherington is facing a six-week suspension after being sent off in his side’s loss to North Queensland which will see Dylan Napa start at prop with either Dean Britt or Joe Stimson coming onto the bench. Kyle Flanagan suffered a leg injury which saw him stay down for an extended period but he was able to play out the game. Renouf Atoni passed gameday HIA but will be monitored. Nick Cotric switched to right wing on the weekend with Tui Katoa on the left wing. Nick Meaney could return from a rib injury with Tui Katoa the player to drop out of 17.

COWBOYS V RAIDERS

Saturday 24 April, Queensland Country Bank Stadium, 7:35pm

Cowboys: After missing a month with a hand fracture, Jason Taumalolo injured his other hand at training last week and I am not expecting him to be named. Ben Hampton (ribs) and Connelly Lemuelu (shoulder) both suffered minor injuries during the Bulldogs game. They were able to play out the game but could be in some doubt.

Raiders: Coach Ricky Stuart confirmed in the press conference after loss to Eels that Sebastian Kris will return to 17 after Bailey Simonsson suffered HIA during the game. This forced him into a reshuffle which saw Siliva Havili play left edge, Elliott Whitehead move to right centre and Curtis Scott onto right wing. Ryan James will return after missing the game on weekend after being rested with Emre Guler the player to make way. Josh Hodgson suffered a knock to the leg but again like last week will have a light week on the training paddock and will be right to play. Will be interesting to see the reaction of some Raiders players after Stuart questioned some of them about their performance on the weekend.

WESTS TIGERS V SEA EAGLES

Sunday 25 April, Bankwest Stadium, 1:45pm

Wests Tigers: Come into the game off a heartbreaking loss to the Rabbitohs. Asu Kepaoa (ACL) is out for the season with Joseph Leilua coming back from concussion as his replacement. Jake Simpkin had a good game on debut and will be named hooker despite Jacob Liddle having an outstanding game in NSW Cup.

Sea Eagles: Getting their mojo back with Tom Trbojevic having an outstanding game in his comeback from injury and he didn’t look to have any issues with his hamstring, but it’s an issue he will manage for the rest of his career. Josh Aloiai suffered a heavy knock but was able to play on with Curtis Sironen only an outside chance of returning from a knee injury.

ROOSTERS V DRAGONS

Sunday 25 April, Sydney Cricket Ground, 4:05pm

Roosters: The Sydney Roosters will head to the judiciary in a bid to clear Victor Radley for Sunday’s Anzac Day blockbuster against St George Illawarra. The matter will be heard on Tuesday night after the club entered an early guilty plea in relation to the grade two high tackle charge but will dispute the grading. What that means is if successful, Radley will receive a fine of $1900 and will be free to play this weekend. If found guilty, Radley will be suspended for three matches for his tackle on Melbourne’s Cameron Munster last Friday night.

Full story here

Head into the annual ANZAC Day clash with major issues up front with Jared Waerea-Hargreaves suffering a shoulder injury, Siosiua Taukeiaho suffering a rib cartilage injury and Victor Radley being charged with a grade two careless high tackle for a hit on Cameron Munster. Taukeiaho will be a pain management issue but could be needled up to play, Lindsay Collins and Nat Butcher would move into the starting squad with Daniel Suluka-Fifita and Fletcher Baker coming onto the bench. Brett Morris missed the game due to calf tightness on the weekend and should return. Josh Morris (shoulder) and Adam Keighran (ankle) both suffered knocks during the game but have pulled up OK. Ben Marschke passed game day HIA and returned to the field and should be fit to continue at hooker with Sam Verrills only an outside chance to return from a knee injury. Tuku Hau Tapuha, a promising young prop, could come into contention for an NRL debut.

Dragons: Could welcome back Ben Hunt from a broken leg. He returned to running last week and will need to pass a fitness test to be named and play. He would replace Adam Clune but with Corey Norman in doubt due to a shoulder injury Clune could hold his position. Blake Lawrie should return after missing the game on the weekend due to a cork with Kaide Ellis the player to make way.

The Roosters have serious injury concerns (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)

STORM V WARRIORS

Sunday 25 April, AAMI Park, 6:15pm

Storm: Finally welcome the return of Dale Finucane, who could have played on the weekend but with past injury history the Storm took a conservative approach. He will return on the bench. Ryan Papenhuyzen could be in doubt after suffering multiple issues in the Roosters game. He had to leave the field due to concussion and shoulder issues but was able to return, only to see his ankle get caught under tackler. In some good news he was able to play out the game, but Storm do have a capable replacement in Nicho Hynes should Papenhuyzen be ruled out. Both Harry Grant and Kenny Bromwich left the field due to concussion and will be monitored. Brandon Smith will play despite a few bumps and bruises.

Warriors: Reece Walsh is on the verge of being handed a fast-tracked debut as New Zealand’s injury toll adds up. Walsh – who only joined the Warriors from Brisbane this month – is expected to be part of the Warriors squad to play the Storm. The Warriors backline depth is paper-thin with Peta Hiku (shoulder) and Adam Pompey (knee) injured in the win against St George Illawarra.

WACKO’S MAIL: Without Peta Hiku after he suffered a dislocated shoulder early on the weekend which will keep him out for an extended period. This will see Paul Turner come in at centre and either Walsh, Rocco Berry or Hayze Perham come onto the bench as utility. Ken Maumalo looked to be struggling in the first half of the Dragons game due to a glute injury. He played out the game but could be in some doubt. Tohu Harris passed gameday HIA and should be right to play. Jazz Tevaga will continue to play despite rib and ankle issues. Bayley Sironen has missed the last few weeks with a shoulder injury and could return if fit. David Fusitu’a is expected to be ruled out again due to a hamstring injury. Adam Pompey suffered an ankle injury and will miss this week which with the other injuries in outside backs makes for sad reading with either Rocco Berry or Hayze Perham options to play centre. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck was limping at times during the game after copping knocks but will be right to be named. Josh Curran was very impressive in his game of the season in NRL and should hold the position on left edge.