NRL Early Mail Round 23: Predicted team changes for upcoming weekend
Not even a fractured cheekbone can keep Tom Trbojevic down as Des Hasler hands Ricky Stuart an extra worry. Keep up to date with all the latest team news, plus Wacko’s Whispers.
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Manly will name star fullback Tom Trbojevic to start against Canberra on Friday night with the Dally M favourite attempting to battle through a cheekbone injury.
Trbojevic was initially slated to miss the final three weeks of the regular season after suffering a fracture in the Sea Eagles’ thumping win over Parramatta last weekend.
But Des Hasler will name Trbojevic in his customary fullback jersey for the match against the Raiders.
Whether Hasler is playing ducks and drakes in an effort to outfox Canberra’s Ricky Stuart remains to be seen - if he is a late withdrawal Reuben Garrick is expected to shift to fullback.
Meanwhile, St George Illawarra coach Anthony Griffin will hand a reprieve to Matt Dufty with the enigmatic flyer set to return to first grade this weekend against the Roosters.
Dufty, who will join the Bulldogs next year, has been in and out of the top grade for the past eight weeks with Griffin preferring the likes of Jack Bird and Tyrell Sloan at the back.
But now Dufty will return as the Dragons look to snap a five-game losing streak and keep their finals hopes alive.
Bird will move to the centres with the impressive Junior Amone to partner Corey Norman in the halves.
Storm star starts as Coast cop Titanic blow
By Travis Meyn
Gold Coast Titans have been dealt a major blow in their quest to make the finals with star fullback AJ Brimson ruled out for the remainder of the regular season and young halfback Toby Sexton dropped.
Brimson suffered a broken jaw after copping a stray boot to the face from South Sydney rival Latrell Mitchell in last Saturday’s 36-6 loss.
Brimson will miss Thursday night’s crucial game against the Storm at Cbus Super Stadium, in which Melbourne fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen will make his first starting appearance since his Magic Round concussion.
Brimson may have to sit out the remaining three regular season matches, with the Titans chasing at least two wins to guarantee their first finals appearance since 2016.
He will be replaced by livewire No. 1 Jayden Campbell, however Titans coach Justin Holbrook rates Brimson as his favourite player at the club and a key part of the team.
Holbrook has recalled co-captain Jamal Fogarty at halfback for the Storm game to give the Titans some experience in their spine.
Sexton won his first three games in the NRL — albeit against the Dragons, Bulldogs and Cowboys — but struggled against South Sydney.
The Titans will also be without prop Moeaki Fotuaika for the Storm game as he manages a knee injury while Holbrook has dropped hooker Mitch Rein.
A host of big-name players will be missing the Round 23 encounter, with the Storm to be without halfback Jahrome Hughes and lock Dale Finucane due to concussion.
In-form utility Nicho Hynes will move from fullback to the No. 7 role alongside five-eighth Cameron Munster.
That will allow Papenhuyzen to start at the back in his fifth game since returning from a 10-week concussion lay-off.
The Storm will be looking for a record 19th consecutive win as they edge towards another minor premiership.
Meanwhile, the Titans are looking to jag two wins from their final three games against the Storm, Knights and Warriors.
That should be achievable, but the loss of Brimson will hurt their campaign for a drought-breaking play-offs berth.
“AJ has sustained a hairline fracture to his jaw,” Titans high performance manager Klint Hoare said.
“The incident happened in the second half of the game against Souths and it’ll rule him out this week.
“AJ has been to see a surgeon today and we are now waiting for further information.”
RELIEF FOR INJURY-HIT SHARKS
By David Riccio
The heavily depleted Sharks will receive some solace with talented young forward Teig Wilton set to return from a hamstring injury.
The NSW under-20’s captain has fully recovered after missing the past three matches.
Outside back Mawene Hiroti (hand) and Matt Moylan (hamstring) are also set to be named to face the Wests Tigers, but will need to pass fitness tests on Friday.
If they are unable to prove their fitness, recently signed forward Kai O’Donnell could make his debut for the club.
The Sharks depth will again be tested on Saturday without Andrew Fifita (larynx), Royce Hunt (outside bubble), Aiden Tolman (suspended), Wade Graham (concussion), Shaun Johnson (leg) and Josh Dugan (outside bubble).
$1 MILLION MAN MILFORD BACK FOR BRONCOS
By Peter Badel
Broncos coach Kevin Walters is set to issue a playmaking SOS for $1 million man Anthony Milford to partner Albert Kelly in Sunday’s clash against the Warriors at Suncorp Stadium.
Tyson Gamble’s suspension has opened the door for the Souths-bound Milford to finish his career at the Broncos on a positive note.
Milford ran with the top squad on Tuesday, while Kelly (knee) looks set to get the green light after calling the shots at training.
BRONCOS TEAM NEWS: Anthony Milford running at five-eighth and Albert Kelly (knee) also trained ahead of Warriors clash on Sunday. pic.twitter.com/j4bJH273SM
— Pete Badel (@badel_cmail) August 17, 2021
Kelly was taken out heavily by Victor Radley attempting a field goal in last week’s 21-20 loss to the Roosters but he ran without trouble at training calling plays alongside Milford.
Milford returned to the bench last week after two months out with knee surgery but Brisbane’s highest-paid player looks set to get the nod in the No.6 jumper ahead of Salford-bound Brodie Croft.
Should he be picked, Milford will chalk up his 149th game for the Broncos and he could celebrate the 150-match milestone in round 24 against the Sharks.
KNIGHTS’ TOP EIGHT CHARGE ROCKED BY INJURY
By Michael Carayannis
The Knights finals hopes have taken a huge hit with NSW prop Daniel Saifiti ruled out for the rest of the regular season.
Saifiti suffered a knee injury late in Newcastle’s win against Cronulla. Scans have revealed the prop will now miss about a month of football with hopes he will be back for Newcastle’s first finals match should they qualify.
RAIDERS BIG BLOW AS STARLING SIDELINED
By Dean Ritchie
Canberra has sustained a considerable setback with hooker Tom Starling ruled out of the remainder of this season.
Starling sustained a fractured jaw in last Friday night’s match against Melbourne.
He will undergo surgery on Wednesday and will be unavailable for between four to six weeks.
It is understood surgeons may need to remove a tooth to avoid infection.
Starling’s injury occurred with about 10 minutes remaining but he finished the match before being sent for scans.
The injury is likely to see Josh Hodgson revert back to playing the entire 80 minutes.
PANTHERS ROLL OUT BIG GUNS FOR BLOCKBUSTER
By Fatima Kdouh, Nick Walshaw
Powerhouse props James Fisher-Harris and Tevita Pangai Jr are set to be injected into the Panthers side for Friday’s blockbuster against South Sydney after both hit the ground running at training.
Fisher-Harris rejoined the team on Sunday after finishing 14 days of quarantine on the Gold Coast. The New Zealand international flew back to Sydney from the Sunshine Coast to be with his partner for the birth of their second child.
Cleary insisted Fisher-Harris wouldn’t be rushed back into the side, but the forward trained strongly on Monday and could be included with Spencer Leniu now also sidelined with an ankle injury.
“It‘s awesome to have Fish back,” backrower Kurt Capewell said.
“He’s had a little baby boy, so congratulations to him and his missus. They are all fit and healthy and it’s awesome to have him back with boys.
“We’re lucky to get that seven-day turnaround to do that early session during the week. We made the most of it, which was good.”
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Fisher-Harris has spent the past fortnight quarantining in a hotel room complete with treadmill, rower, exercise bike and some 400kg of weights.
Cleary is not expected to make a final decision on the 25-year-old’s availability until the end of the week.
The Panthers’ cautious approach comes after young winger Charlie Staines returned from two weeks quarantining last season and, while scoring a second try in his comeback game against Manly, tore his hamstring badly enough to not play again that year.
It will be no surprise to learn, however, that Fisher-Harris is keen to play and remains in outstanding shape thanks to rigorous daily workouts in his makeshift hotel room gym.
Former Brisbane big man Pangai Jr is set to finally make his club debut on Friday night.
Pangai Jr was scheduled to line up for the Panthers against the Roosters two weeks ago but was given leave from the Sunshine Coast hub after his partner suffered a devastating stillbirth 24 weeks into her pregnancy.
“It‘s good to have Tevita back in camp,” Capewell said.
“I’m sure he’ll enjoy being back in and be around all the boys as well.
“It‘s totally understandable if he doesn’t play this week. He’s still learning our plays, so the more time he has the better.”
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TITANS V STORM
Thursday 19 August, Cbus Super Stadium, 7:50pm
Titans: Come into the game off a five-day turnaround following a loss to the Rabbitohs and it doesn’t get much easier this week facing top-of-table Melbourne Storm. AJ Brimson (jaw), David Fifita (sternum) and Beau Fermor (knock) should overcome bumps and bruises to be named. Jamal Fogarty (finger) and Philip Sami (ankle) are both fit to return from injury.
Storm: Expected to be without both Dale Finucane and Jahrome Hughes after they failed to finish Raiders game due to HIAs. Both will need to progress through NRL concussion protocols but I can see Craig Bellamy giving them the week off. Expect Nicho Hynes to move into the halves for Hughes with Ryan Papenhuyzen starting at fullback. Brandon Smith was battered and bruised after the Raiders game but should be fit to be named. George Jennings returned to full training last week after recovering from a knee injury and will replace Dean Ieremia on the right wing. Nelson Asofa-Solomona needs to get a full week of training in order to prove fitness from a hamstring injury and could return. Aaron Pene could also return from an Achilles injury.
RAIDERS V SEA EAGLES
Friday 20 August, Suncorp Stadium, 6:00pm
Raiders: Will be without Corey Harawira-Naera after he was sent off against the Storm. He will be missing for three weeks with an early guilty plea with the Raiders to decide if they recall either Corey Horsburgh or Ryan James from their loan stint with the Bulldogs. But I think they will just promote Dunamis Lui back into the 17 or even give a debut to impressive rookie Trey Mooney. Tom Starling (jaw) will be missing with Sivila Havili an option to come on to the bench. Jarrod Croker is in NRL concussion protocols with Sebastian Kris to come in at left centre if Croker is ruled out. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad is a chance to return from a back injury. He has returned to full training with a final call to be made later in the week.
Sea Eagles: Dealt a massive blow with Tom Trbojevic ruled out due to a cheekbone injury which will see Reuben Garrick shift back to fullback. Brad Parker left the field in the second half of the Eels game due to HIA and will need to pass required protocols to play. With only a six-day turnaround I expect him to be rested with Moses Suli coming in at centre with options of either Tevita Funa or Christian Tuipolotu coming onto the wing. Toafofoa Sipley returns from suspension with either Kurt De Luis or Curtis Sironen the player to make way. Martin Taupau will recover from the heavy knock suffered on the weekend to be named.
PANTHERS V RABBITOHS
Friday 20 August, Suncorp Stadium, 8:05pm
Panthers: Came through the Dragons game relatively injury free with Nathan Cleary (ankle) and Viliame Kikau (cheekbone) set to overcome bumps and bruises to be named. Kurt Capewell and Api Koroisau both return from suspension after missing last weekend. Charlie Staines was dropped on the weekend with Brent Naden playing left wing and Stephen Crichton switching to right wing. Tevita Pangai will return to the Panthers bubble this week and will make his club debut while James Fisher-Harris and family got out of quarantine on Sunday and ie eyeing a return.
Rabbitohs: Hoping to welcome the return of some troops this week with Alex Johnston set to be named after a hamstring injury but he will still need to tick off a few boxes during week with Josh Mansour to make way. Campbell Graham and Liam Knight have both missed the last four games due to concussion, but were symptom free last week and started progressing through NRL concussions protocols and all going well both will be fit for selection. Dane Gagai was rested on the weekend due to managing a hamstring niggle but with a week off it’s hoped he will be fit to return this week. Braidon Burns (shoulder), Latrell Mitchell (ankle) and Damien Cook (shoulder) should all shake off knocks to be fit for selection.
TIGERS V SHARKS
Saturday 21 August, Browne Park, Rockhampton, 3:00pm
Tigers: Likely to be without Thomas Mikaele and Jacob Liddle after both were charged by the match review committee. With early guilty pleas both are looking at one-week suspensions with Jake Simpkin set to start at hooker and James Tamou returning after missing the Cowboys game on the weekend with an ongoing foot injury. Luke Brooks (head clash) and Tommy Talau (HIA) will need to be monitored and both could be in some doubt. Luke Garner (ankle) is close to returning from an ankle injury but this week’s game may come too soon.
Sharks: Coming off a disappointing loss against the Knights and will be looking to find that winning form to get back into semi final contention. Matt Moylan is an option to come into the halves if he can recover from a calf injury which could see Connor Tracey move back to left centre or even wing should Ronaldo Mulitalo be ruled out after he failed game day HIA in the Knights game. Andrew Fifita and Briton Nikora both passed game day HIAs but Fifita also suffered a throat injury which saw him taken to hospital and he is expected to be ruled out. Braden Hamlin-Uele was placed on report for a hit on Connor Watson and also Briton Nikora for hit on Kalyn Ponga but I see no problems with either tackles.
BULLDOGS V KNIGHTS
Saturday 21 August, Cbus Super Stadium, 5:30pm
Bulldogs: Welcome back Luke Thompson from suspension but are a chance of losing either Corey Horsburgh or Ryan James if the Raiders decide to recall them from loan after Corey Harawira-Naera’s suspension. Jeremy Marshall-King will return to Sydney due to personal reasons. Jake Averillo is expected to be out after suffering a broken hand which should see Kyle Flanagan recalled with Lachlan Lewis also a chance to return after Bailey Biondi-Odo was found out in defence on the weekend. Corey Allan was a late withdrawal on the weekend due to illness and it is hoped he will be able to return. Nick Meaney failed HIA and will need to pass required protocols to be named. Renouf Atoni remains unavailable after travelling back to Sydney for the birth of his baby.
Knights: Without Daniel Saifiti after he suffered a knee injury on the weekend which will keep him out for a few weeks with either Sauaso Sue or David Klemmer starting and Josh King coming onto the bench. Connor Watson passed game day HIA on the weekend but then copped another heavy hit in the second half and will need to be monitored during the week. Kalyn Ponga (shoulder), Mitchell Pearce (shoulder) and Enari Tuala (head clash) should all be fit to be named after minor injuries on the weekend.
EELS V COWBOYS
Saturday 21 August, Cbus Super Stadium, 7:35pm
Eels: Struggling for form but that should change this week against the Cowboys. They will be without Ryan Matterson after he was sent off on the weekend and with an early guilty plea he is looking at a three-week suspension. I am expecting Isaiah Papali’i to move back to the edge after playing middle on Saturday night. Joey Lussick and Maiko Sivo will be free to play after copping only fines. Oregon Kaufusi should return after missing the game on the weekend due to concussion. Wiremu Grieg has recovered from an ankle injury and could come into contention for a bench spot but with lack of football they may look at Keegan Hipgrave.
Cowboys: Have Kyle Feldt in doubt after suffering a jaw injury in a head clash with Luke Brooks. He left the field and failed game day HIA. Coen Hess passed game day HIA on the weekend and should be fit to be named while Heilum Luki could be in some doubt after suffering a sternum injury. Griffin Neame will miss the game after accepting a one-week ban for a crusher tackle. Murray Taulagi and Lachlan Burr missed the Tigers game on the weekend with both set to return.
DRAGONS V ROOSTERS
Sunday 22 August, Clive Berghofer Stadium, 2:00pm
Dragons: On the search for a hooker on loan from another NRL club for the rest of the season after Andrew McCullough suffered an ankle injury. If they cannot get a hooker before Tuesday they will be forced to play either Adam Clune or Josh McGuire at hooker. Tariq Sims returns from suspension and will replace Billy Burns on the left edge. Blake Lawrie’s season is over after suffering a broken hand which requires surgery with either Poasa Faamausili or Jaidyn Hunt to come into the 17.
Roosters: Missing their important link man Victor Radley after he was charged with grade two dangerous contact for an incident in attempting to charge down Albert Kelly’s field goal. With loading he is looking at a three-week suspension with an early guilty plea. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves is the only player expected to return from injury this week with JWH rested last week due to ongoing niggles. Dale Copley (knock), Joey Manu (wrist), Sitili Tupouniua (HIA) and Daniel Tupou (knee) will need to have fitness checks before the team is named. Egan Butcher’s position in the team could come under question after he didn’t have his best game on the weekend.
BRONCOS V WARRIORS
Sunday 22 August, Suncorp Stadium, 4:05pm
Broncos: Could once again have another halves combination with Tyson Gamble (hand/suspension) and Albert Kelly (knee) set to be missing with Anthony Milford and Brodie Croft set to team up again. Xavier Willison suffered a knee injury also last week and will be missing. Danny Levi was taken from the field late in the Roosters game due to HIA and will need to pass protocols to play but Jake Turpin was sighted running at training last week after an ankle injury and could be an outside chance to return. Herbie Farnworth is hopeful to return after missing the game on Friday to illness and leg injury.
Warriors: Welcome back both Kane Evans and Dallin Watene-Zeleizniak from suspension. Bayley Sironen missed the Bulldogs game due to injury and could return if he can prove his fitness. Chanel Harris-Tavita left the field late on weekend due to HIA and will need to pass required protocols to play. Josh Curran and Peta Hiku both copped heavy hits on the weekend but both should be right to be named.
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