NRL 2022 Early Mail Round 20: Predicted team changes, Jarome Luai out long-term
Penrith Panthers’ quest for back-to-back titles has copped a huge blow with State of Origin five-eighth Jarome Luai ruled out long term. Full Early Mail here.
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Penrith five-eighth Jarome Luai may not play again before the finals series after suffering a knee injury in his side’s win over Cronulla last weekend.
Dolphins-bound half Sean O’Sullivan is set to get an extended run in the team in place of the injured Luai, who is expected to miss up to eight weeks.
The injury leaves Luai racing the clock to be fit for the start of the finals given they are due to commence in less than six weeks.
The good news for the Panthers is that they can afford to take their time with the NSW half given they are eight points clear on top of the ladder.
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CRICHTON TIMEFRAME REVEALED
— Fatima Kdouh
Penrith coach Ivan Cleary has revealed Stephen Crichton is unlikely to be out long term after suffering a gruesome ear injury in a sickening head clash.
Crichton could miss as little as one week after going under the knife on Monday morning to repair his left ear that was torn in a head clash with Cronulla forward Dale Finucane.
Concussion protocols had already ruled the Panthers centre out of Friday night’s ‘Battle of the West’ against Parramatta.
“He’ll definitely be out this week but hopefully he might be back after that. Concussion this week … probably the ear too. But I think after this week he should be OK,” Cleary said.
“He is probably going to have to wear head gear or something like that … I’m sure he’ll be happy about that.”
Robert Jennings is the man most likely to cover for Crichton after the outside back was a late omission from Penrith’s NSW Cup game on Sunday.
Finucane has pleaded not guilty to the grade three dangerous contact charge on Crichton and faces a three-week ban if found guilty at the judiciary on Tuesday night.
If suspended, Cameron McInnes is likely to replace Finucane at lock.
Also at Penrith, utility Mitch Kenny is in some doubt to take the field on Friday night.
Kenny arrived at training on Monday morning sporting a knee brace but Penrith medical staff are hopeful the 24-year-old has escaped serious injury.
Kenny will have scans on Monday to assess the damage to his left knee.
KEY RETURNS FOR ROOSTERS
— Fatima Kdouh
Sydney Roosters prop Lindsay Collins ‘is sweet to go’ against Manly, as centre Joey Manu firms as a chance to return from a quad injury ahead of Thursday night’s must-win clash against the Sea Eagles.
Queensland forward Collins has not played since suffering a concussion in the State of Origin decider almost two weeks ago and has been under return to play protocols.
But hooker Sam Verrills revealed Collins was close to taking the field in the Roosters’ dominant 42-12 win over Newcastle on Friday night but coach Trent Robinson opted to rest the prop.
“Lindsay is sweet to go, he was hit and miss with Friday night … but he nearly played. He did the concussion in the State of Origin so it was a bit close to play (against the Knights). If we had played on Sunday he probably would have played,” Verrills said.
“It was good that Robbo (Robinson) could give him a rest and bring in some younger guys there. He is definitely a big welcome back this week. I can’t wait to play with him again.”
Manu also has a chance of lacing up the boots against the Sea Eagles after missing the Knights match with a quad complaint picked up the week before against St George Illawarra.
The in-form Manu polarised the rugby league world after appearing to fake an injury before darting through a Dragons defence after Manu clutched his left leg before kicking for Paul Momirovski to score a try
Verrills poked fun at his injured teammate, who trained on Sunday morning, over the incident.
“He’s was out there training in the morning … still complaining about his cramps to be honest. It was only cramps,” Verrills laughed.
Manly are also expected to be bolstered by the return of Jake Trbojevic, Lachlan Croker and Andrew Davey. The trio were ruled out of round-19 game against the Dragons with Covid-19.
“They didn’t have Jake Trbojevic playing so he is going to be a massive in for them,” Verrills said.
“There are threats there with Jake being back and you have halfback Daly Cherry-Evans, one of the best kickers in the game, that we need to go after.”
Thursday’s clash will also double as the inaugural Gotcha4Life Cup, an initiative created by Triple M host Gus Worland to raise funds and awareness in support of mental fitness.
Raising awareness around mental health and suicide is a movement that holds a special place for Verrills, who is a Gotcha4Life ambassador.
At 15, Verrills lost his older brother Jack to suicide and the Rooster wants to use his profile as an NRL player to encourage young men, football players included, to seek help if they are struggling with their mental health.
“You go through selection battles if you’re dropped one week or when you are injured,” Verrills said.
“A long injury, I have had a few injuries in my short career already, can play on your mental health.
“Your loved ones, your teammates are so important you come to training every day for 10 months of the year, we all have each other’s back. We are all one big family.”
SEA EAGLES v ROOSTERS
Thursday, 7.50pm, 4 Pines Park, Manly
Sea Eagles: Josh Aloiai, Jason Saab, Josh Schuster, Haumole Olakau’atu, Tolutau Koula, Christian Tuipulotu and Toafofoa Sipley are set to be ruled out due to the pride jersey drama.
Lachlan Croker, Andrew Davey and Jake Trbojevic are all due back after missing the loss to the Dragons due to Covid.
Croker’s return will see Dylan Walker return to his bench utility role, pushing Kaeo Weekes out of the 17.
Davey’s return will see Ben Trbojevic drop out of the side, likely entirely as he also failed to finish the game due to a failed HIA.
Roosters: Joey Manu is likely to return after dealing with a calf complaint.
This would see him come into the side at centre, with Drew Hutchinson moving to the bench and Adam Keighran dropping out of the 17.
Lindsay Collins is set to return from a concussion-enforced break at prop, with Matt Lodge moving to the bench and Terrell May likely dropping out of the side.
WARRIORS v STORM
Friday, 6pm, Mt Smart Stadium, Auckland
Warriors: Ronald Volkman is due back from an illness, but whether he returns to the side in place of Daejarn Asi or not remains to be seen.
Aaron Pene will also likely return to the 17 having missed the weekend due to illness.
Jack Murchie was preferred in the starting side to Josh Curran who played from the bench in the loss to Canberra.
After an impressive performance, Murchie may get the nod to start again against Melbourne.
Storm: Nelson Asofa-Solomona is facing up to two games on the sidelines if he opts to fight his two charges received against South Sydney, however he can cop a fine if accepting the punishment.
While there are no slated returns or outs, Craig Bellamy may look to shake things up after another loss.
EELS v PANTHERS
Friday, 7.55pm, CommBank Stadium, Sydney
Eels: No changes expected at the Eels, although Bryce Cartwright may make his way onto the bench on return from a rib injury.
Panthers: Jarome Luai could miss up to eight weeks and will be replaced Sean O’Sullivan. Moses Leota is expected to return at prop, pushing Matt Eisenthuth or Spencer Leniu out of the 17.
Stephen Crichton is in doubt following a nasty ear injury in the win over Cronulla, if ruled out he’d be replaced by Robert Jennings at centre.
TITANS v RAIDERS
Saturday, 3pm, Cbus Super Stadium, Gold Coast
Titans: Jarrod Wallace is due back from suspension. This will push either Mo Fotuaika or Isaac Liu to the bench.
Raiders: James Schiller is a chance to return on the wing from a leg injury, which would push Albert Hopoate out of the 17.
SHARKS v RABBITOHS
Saturday, 5.30pm, PointsBet Stadium, Sydney
Sharks: Dale Finucane is facing a two to three week suspension for a high shot in the loss to Penrith.
If rubbed out, Cameron McInnes would likely come into the starting side at lock.
Rabbitohs: No changes expected at the Rabbitohs following a big win over Melbourne.
Jed Cartwright started at centre, with regular backline member Taane Milne starting in the back-row for South Sydney’s NSW Cup side.
BRONCOS v TIGERS
Saturday, 7.35pm, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Broncos: Selwyn Cobbo will be hoping to return from a concussion enforced break.
If cleared, he’d come into the team for Jordan Pereira.
Billy Walters is due back from a hip injury, which will see either Jake Turpin or Cory Paix drop out of the 17.
Tigers: Ken Maumalo is on report for a shoulder charge, while David Nofoaluma is due back from an illness.
KNIGHTS v BULLDOGS
Sunday, 2pm, McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle
Knights: Kalyn Ponga’s season is likely over following yet another concussion in the loss to the Roosters.
This will see Tex Hoy come into the team at fullback, likely taking up the goal-kicking duties.
Kurt Mann is a chance to return from a quad injury, this would likely see Mitchell Barnett move to the edge.
It could be a straight swap for Lachlan Fitzgibbon who is in doubt to face the Bulldogs with a shoulder injury.
Dominic Young is expected to return from injury in place of Hymel Hunt on the wing.
Bulldogs: Jake Averillo is due back having missed the win over the Titans due to Covid.
He’ll come in at fullback, likely pushing Declan Casey to centre and Braidon Burns out of the team.
Corey Waddell was placed on report in the victory.
DRAGONS v COWBOYS
Sunday, 4.05pm, Jubilee Stadium, Sydney
Dragons: Cody Ramsey suffered a knee injury in the win over the Sea Eagles, putting him in major doubt to face North Queensland.
If ruled out, it will likely see Tyrell Sloane earn a reprieve at fullback, while Moses Mbye is another option to deputise at the back.
Cowboys: Reece Robson was place on report in the controversial win over the Tigers.
Reuben Cotter is a strong chance to return from a hamstring injury. It’s likely he’ll be eased back off the bench as the Cowboys ramp up their fight for the top four.
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