NRL Early Mail Round 11: Josh Addo-Carr back ahead of schedule for Origin audition
Josh Addo-Carr is set to return ahead of schedule and make a last-ditch bid for State of Origin selection after being left out by Brad Fittler last year.
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Josh Addo-Carr is back in blue and white – just in time for State of Origin selection.
The Bulldogs winger is poised to make his comeback from ankle surgery for his side’s important clash with the Warriors on Friday night at Accor Stadium.
His earlier than expected return will depend on a final run at the team’s captain’s run on Thursday.
The 27-year-old is confident he will be given the green light to play and add much needed potency to the Dogs backline.
Addo-Carr also wanted to make it back in time to show NSW coach Brad Fittler he is worthy of Blues selection after being left out of the entire series last year.
Addo-Car has missed the past four weeks after limping from the field on Good Friday against South Sydney. He was originally slated to miss six weeks.
A comeback against the Warriors, followed by a round 12 clash against the Gold Coast, would give the speedster two games to prove his readiness for Origin.
STORM v BRONCOS
Thursday, 7:50pm, AAMI Park, Melbourne
Storm: Tui Kamikamica returns from suspension, while Tariq Sims may come onto the bench.
Broncos: Kurt Capewell failed to finish the game due to a concussion and will need to pass protocols to take his place against the Storm.
BULLDOGS v WARRIORS
Friday, 6pm, Accor Stadium, Sydney
Bulldogs: No major changes expected at the Bulldogs, with Chris Patolo due back from a knee injury in coming weeks.
Warriors: Warriors youngster Ronald Volkman has been recalled into the top grade with the 20-year-old expected to start in the halves.
Volkman is likely to partner Shaun Johnson for New Zealand against Canterbury on Friday night.
Volkman has played just one game this year in round five in the Warriors’ win against the Sharks.
Jackson Ford failed to finish the game against Penrith with a head knock, he’ll need to pass protocols to face the Bulldogs.
Edward Kosi suffered a knee injury and is in doubt, with Viliame Vailea likely to come in at centre and Marcelo Montoya moving to the wing if required.
Luke Metcalf is closing in on a return from injury and potentially his first NRL game for the Warriors.
PANTHERS v ROOSTERS
Friday, 8pm, BlueBet Stadium, Penrith
Panthers: No changes expected at the Panthers.
Roosters: Sydney Roosters centre Paul Momirovski is set to undergo shoulder surgery and is facing three months of rehabilitation.
The Roosters said Momirovski was booked for surgery on Monday. Momirovski missed the Roosters’ Magic Round loss to North Queensland after suffering the shoulder injury a week earlier in the win over the Warriors.
It comes as the Roosters deal with the loss of back-rower Egan Butcher who has been ruled out of Friday’s clash with Penrith after copping a head knock early against the Cowboys. Angus Crichton would start on the left edge.
The Roosters’ flat performance against North Queensland opens the door for the likes of former Parramatta hardman Nathan Brown to make his club debut for coach Trent Robinson’s side. Brown has been playing lock for the Roosters’ NSW Cup side in the past three weeks after switching from the Eels.
RABBITOHS v TIGERS
Saturday, 3pm, Accor Stadium, Sydney
Rabbitohs:No changed expected at the red-hot Rabbitohs.
Davvy Moale will miss a month as he receives a knee clean out.
Tigers: John Bateman was a late out against the Dragons due to a hamstring niggle. He’s in doubt to face the Rabbitohs, with Asu Kepaoa to again play on the edge if required.
COWBOYS v DRAGONS
Saturday, 5:30pm, QCB Stadium, Townsville
Cowboys: No changes expected at the Cowboys, with Jason Taumalolo due back in coming rounds from a knee injury.
Dragons: Tautau Moga is due back from a shoulder injury in the next few weeks. It’ll be fascinating to see whether Zac Lomax is recalled to the top grade, he didn’t feature for the NSW Cup side on the weekend. If he is recalled, it’d likely see Max Feagai drop out of the side.
RAIDERS v EELS
Saturday, 7:35pm, GIO Stadium, Canberra
Raiders: Albert Hopoate is due back this week, which will likely see Xavier Savage drop to NSW Cup.
Eels: Mitchell Moses suffered a head knock in the loss to the Titans, he’ll now miss the clash with Canberra. Jake Arthur is likely to start in the halves alongside Dylan Brown. Clint Gutherson will take over the goalkicking duties in Moses’ absence.
KNIGHTS v TITANS
Sunday, 2pm, McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle
Knights: Adam Elliott will continue his push to return from a groin injury. He’s expected to play, and would be a direct replacement for Kurt Mann who is out long-term with an abdominal injury. Phoenix Crossland will likely start at hooker.
Titans: No changes expected at the Titans following their win over the Eels.
SEA EAGLES v SHARKS
Sunday, 4:05pm, 4 Pines Park, Manly
Sea Eagles: Jake Trbojevic is out for around a month with a calf injury, with Sean Keppie to continue as starting prop in his absence. Josh Schuster is a chance to return from an ongoing calf niggle and would replace Cooper Johns at five-eighth if cleared.
Sharks: No changes expected at the Sharks despite their big loss to the Dolphins.
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