NRL Early Mail round 4: Kotoni Staggs returns, cheapie Gehamat Shibaskai set to retain spot
Broncos backline ace Kotoni Staggs is set to return from a hip flexor injury for the Battle of Brisbane, with an in-form centre to make way.
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The Broncos are set to receive a huge boost with Dolphins bogeyman Kotoni Staggs expected to be cleared for Friday night’s Battle of Brisbane.
But the impending return of Staggs has given Broncos coach Michael Maguire a selection headache with Brisbane’s fastest player, Deine Mariner, in danger of being dropped to accommodate the strike weapon.
Staggs hasn’t been seen this season due to a hip flexor injury he suffered in the Broncos’ final trial against the Bulldogs, but he is expected to be named in Brisbane’s top 17 this week.
The former NSW Origin flyer ran strongly at Broncos training last week and was close to playing in last week’s victory over the Cowboys.
Staggs took part in Brisbane’s captain’s run last Thursday and trained well, but Maguire wanted to give his No.1 centre another seven days’ rest to make sure he is fully fit to face the Dolphins.
Staggs has proven a Dolphins danger man in the NRL’s newest derby. In the first clash between the River City rivals in 2023, Staggs scored a sizzling long-range try to seal a 18-12 victory for the Broncos in the inaugural Battle of Brisbane.
“He was very close to playing, but Kotoni has had a few issues with his injury,” Maguire said on the eve of last Friday’s clash against the Cowboys.
“It was touch-and-go, but it’s the right thing to do at the moment for Kotoni and allow him to have more time.
“He trained really well. He was excellent, he has actually been really good.”
Staggs’ planned comeback sets up a showdown between Mariner and Gehamat Shibasaki for the remaining centre spot.
Mariner is rated one of Brisbane’s rising stars, but is likely to make way for Staggs, with Shibasaki seemingly settled at left centre after an outstanding display against the Cowboys last week.
“There’s good competition from within,” Maguire said. “It really creates that competition to make sure you perform and ‘Deano’ has been great. All the guys have to perform.”
—Peter Badel
FEAGAI REPLACES SULI AT DRAGONS
Mathew Feagai is set to start in the centres for St George Illawarra as Moses Suli battles an ongoing rib injury.
Feagai played on the wing in round one but was squeezed out of St George Illawarra’s round two loss to South Sydney.
Suli picked up a rib injury in the game against the Rabbitohs. If he is ruled out, expect Feagai to play.
—Michael Carayannis
TURBO CERTAIN STARTER FOR MANLY
The Sea Eagles are preparing for the return of fullback Tom Trbojevic this week.
Trbojevic sat out the win over the Raiders to give his hamstring a rest but it is understood he is certain to be back for this week’s game against Parramatta at 4Pines Park.
Lehi Hopoate stepped up in Trboejvic’s absence but the latter’s return would be a huge flip for Manly as they look to maintain their solid start to the year.
—Brent Read
RETURN DATE FOR DOGS TRIO
Bulldogs boss Phil Gould has confirmed Matt Burton, Viliame Kikau and Jacob Kiraz are set to return to the undefeated side in round 7.
The trio is predicted back in the side for their good Friday clash against the Rabbitohs.
A post on Gould’s X account also said front rower Sam Hughes is slated for a round 9 return, while new signing Enari Tuala is gunning for a round 12 club debut.
Jake Turpin will be putting his hand up for selection this weekend after completing training protocols throughout the week.
—Tyson Jackson
Jake Turpin should play this week provided he completes all training.
— Phil Gould (@PhilGould15) March 24, 2025
Jacob Kiraz, Matt Burton, Viliame Kikau to return in Round 7.
Sam Hughes possible return round 9.
Enari Tuala possible return Round 12 https://t.co/4Hoa8yxOqu
SHARKS FACE DOUBLE FORWARD BLOW
Cronulla will be without enforcer Braden Hamlin-Uele to face Canterbury on Saturday night, while Siofia Talakai is deemed a 50-50 chance to play due to an ankle injury.
Scans have confirmed Hamlin-Uele suffered a knee cartilage injury in Saturday’s win over South Sydney and the Sharks have not yet ruled out the possibility of surgery, but he is expected to miss multiple weeks depending on the course of treatment.
Despite fears otherwise, Talakai has been cleared of a major ankle injury and is a chance to play the Bulldogs at Shark Park depending on how he trains this week.
Hohepa Puru was named as 18th man last week and is among the options to come onto the bench.
Recently re-signed prop Tom Hazelton hasn’t played since Round 1 in Las Vegas with a minor back issue, but is also an option if deemed fit to return.
—Pamela Whaley
Siosifa Talakai will go for scans after leaving the field with an ankle injury
— NRL PHYSIO (@nrlphysio) March 22, 2025
All the usual concerns with these hip drop tackle type mechanisms - by video syndesmosis injury the main possibility with bodyweight of tackler trapping foot + causing it to turn out. pic.twitter.com/JxuTy3R97O
KLEMMER, ROOKIE TO DEBUT FOR DRAGONS
Dragons recruit David Klemmer will make his club debut against Melbourne on Saturday.
Rookie back rower Dylan Egan is shaping as a shock bolter for the round 4 fixture.
DOUBLE BOOST FOR BOOM TIGERS
Scans have cleared Jeral Skelton of a serious hamstring injury with the Wests Tigers winger considered a chance to take the field this week.
Skelton sent a scare through Tigers camp after only managing 49 minutes in last weekend’s win against the Dolphins.
Skelton left the field with what was thought to be a knee injury but indicated post match that he “felt his hamstring”, raising concerns of a long-term injury.
But scans on Monday revealed Skelton had escaped serious injury, suffering only a low-grade hamstring strain.
Tigers medical staff will further assess Skelton on Tuesday before deciding whether or not he will line-up against the Warriors on Sunday.
Coach Benji Marshall has a number of options to replace metre-eatre Skelton on the wing including Solomona Faataape, Luke Laulilii, Alexander Lobb and Charlie Staines.
Even if Skelton is ruled out this week, he is expected to be available against the Brisbane Broncos in Round 5.
Fiery forward Samula Fainu left the field against the Dolphins in the 73rd minute with a knee complaint.
But the Tigers confirmed to this masthead that the backrower was struggling with a cork to his knee and will be available for selection this week.
—Fatima Kdouh
TOP BUNNIES MISS TRAINING
Star centre Campbell Graham and injured winger Alex Johnston were notable absentees from South Sydney’s field session on Monday afternoon.
Both Graham and Johnston took part in a morning rehab session at Heffron Park, alongside superstar fullback Latrell Mitchell, who is scheduled to make an early return from a hamstring injury in Round 5.
But the trio did not take the field with the rest of the squad later in the afternoon for training, which was mostly a light drills session.
Graham, who missed last season with a sternum injury, finished last weekend’s clash with 143 metres but the centre was left battered and bruised.
At this stage Graham is not in doubt but was given the rest of Monday off after completing the morning rehab session.
Johnston is also scheduled to return from an Achilies injury on Thursday night against the Panthers.
The winger has been running on the training paddock as he integrates back into the full training with the squad.
New recruit Mikaele Ravalawa and Isaiah Tass trained on the right wing during drills, with Fletcher Myers on the left wing alongside Jack Wighton at centre.
The side also ran a small opposed drill with Englishman Lewis Dodd running with the reserve grade players.
—Fatima Kdouh
KEY NOTES
* A host of big guns won’t be named after going down on the weekend including Nathan Cleary (concussion), Jahrome Hughes (broken hand), Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (hamstring) and Connor Watson (concussion).
* Kotoni Staggs is expected back from a quad injury, but who makes way? SuperCoaches hope Deine Mariner drops out and not cheapie Gehamat Shibasaki.
* Ryan Papenhuyzen is set to pick up the goal kicking duties for the Storm with Nick Meaney to miss 4-6 weeks due to a facial fracture.
* Joseph Tapine is back from suspension and he could put the squeeze on Canberra minutes, with prospective owners of Matty Nicholson and Trey Mooney looking on closely.
* Two Rugby 7s converts are in line to debut in Moses Leo (Storm) and Nathan Lawson (Dragons).
* Luckless Manly prop Taniela Paseka ruptured his Achilles and will miss the rest of the season.
RABBITOHS v PANTHERS
Thursday, 8pm, Accor Stadium
Rabbitohs: Alex Johnston is close to a return and could be named as early as this week, although he only trained lightly on Monday. His return will most likely come on the left wing with Isaiah Tass or Mikaele Ravalawa to drop out.
Latrell Mitchell (hamstring) and Lachlan Hubner (suspended) are both still one week away. Fullback Jye Gray escaped with a fine after being charged with a hip drop tackle.
Campbell Graham left training early on Monday but is not in doubt.
Panthers: Nathan Cleary failed a HIA and will miss Round 4. Blaize Talagi or Brad Schnieder will be promoted to the starting side. Paul Alamoti or Schnieder will kick goals.
After being named at fullback, Daine Laurie was a late out in Round 3. He’s rated a 50 per cent chance to be fit for this round.
Tom Jenkins would hold the fullback jersey if Laurie is ruled out. If Laurie is fit, Jenkins could move to wing with Casey McLean making way in the backline to accommodate.
Dylan Edwards is at least one week away.
ROOSTERS v TITANS
Friday, 6pm, Allianz Stadium
Roosters: Connor Watson failed a HIA and will miss the game. Zack Docker-Clay is expected to get the start at hooker.
Rookie Salesi Foketi is suspended for a further match after fighting and losing his charge last week.
Dom Young appeared to take a blow to the ribs and will need to be monitored. Should he miss any game time it could see Mark Nawaqanitawase moved to the wing and Billy Smith promoted to first grade.
After a false start last round, Lindsay Collins is expected back from his two-week illness absence.
Titans: The Titans got through their first home game of the season unscathed and are expected to be named 1-17.
Josiah Pahulu may contend for a bench spot as he continues his return from a concussion suffered in pre-season.
DOLPHINS v BRONCOS
Friday, 8pm, Suncorp Stadium
Dolphins: Jamayne Isaako finished the game but will need to be monitored this week after appearing to suffer a hamstring injury.
Winger Junior Tupou was replaced by Jack Bostock on game day, with Bostock expected to hold his spot in Round 4. Should Isaako miss any football, Tupou would earn a reprieve.
Connelly Lemuelu is at least a further week away from contention as he continues his recovery from a facial injury suffered in Round 1.
Broncos: Kotoni Staggs is expected back with Deine Mariner to drop out and Gehamat Shibasaki to retain his centre spot.
The remainder of the victorious Round 3 side is expected to be named as is.
DRAGONS v STORM
Saturday, 3pm, Netstrata Jubilee Stadium
Dragons: David Klemmer will be picked to make his club debut for St George Illawarra against Melbourne.
The former Wests Tigers prop could be running out with Gerringong Lions junior Dylan Egan, with the young back rower shaping as a bolter to make his debut.
Centre Moses Suli picked up a rib cartilage injury in Round 2 and may be unavailable for the Dragons. Mat Faegai is expected to replace him in the centres.
After a late call up to first grade in Round 2, Tyrell Sloan is expected to hold his spot on the right wing.
Storm: Jahrome Hughes is out for at least two rounds after breaking his hand. Tyran Wishart will start at halfback in his absence.
Sua Fa’alogo is expected to join the bench as utility cover but will need to pass HIA protocols after sustaining a concussion in Queensland Cup in Round 2.
Centre Nick Meaney is also out for 4-6 weeks after fracturing his jaw. This could pave the way for Kiwi rookie Moses Leo to make his debut. Ryan Papenhuyzen will assume kicking duties.
Grant Anderson is in doubt after being forced from the field for a knee injury. He’s since been cleared of major structural damage but is expected to need some time off.
William Warbrick missed round 3 through concussion and will return at right wing.
Nelson Asofa-Solamona failed a HIA and will miss the clash while in NRL protocols.
Viliami Vailea has been cleared of a significant eye injury & should be available for the Cowboys in Round 4 or 5 (via @badel_cmail).
— NRL PHYSIO (@nrlphysio) March 23, 2025
Concerning scenes when Vailea went to hospital on Friday night after an eye poke caused blurred/double vision - thankfully no injury to retina. pic.twitter.com/Jj2auHn3AQ
COWBOYS v RAIDERS
Saturday, 5:30pm, Queensland Country Bank Stadium
Cowboys: Centre Viliami Vailea will need to be monitored this week after an eye injury kept him from playing the second half against the Broncos. He’s in contention for selection in Round 4, otherwise is expected to be named in Round 5.
Zac Laybutt is leading the contenders to replace him if required.
Raiders: Joseph Tapine is back for the Raiders after serving a two match suspension. He’s most likely to come in for Morgan Smithies who failed a HIA and will be in NRL protocols.
The impressive Trey Mooney, who was a gameday elevation to the starting side at prop, is expected to hold his place in the 17 and shift to the bench.
SHARKS v BULLDOGS
Saturday, 7:35pm, Sharks Stadium
Sharks: Braden Hamlin-Uele injured his MCL in the Sharks strong win over the Rabbitohs. Tuku Hau Tapuha is most likely to come onto the bench in his absence.
Sifa Talakai injured his ankle on the weekend and is considered a 50-50 chance.
Bulldogs: Jacob Kiraz, Matt Burton and Viliame Kikau are due back in Round 7.
Stephen Crichton appeared to collect an ankle injury in his side’s win but is expected to lineup.
Bailey Hayward is expected to be named again at five-eighth after holding his own.
Siosifa Talakai will go for scans after leaving the field with an ankle injury
— NRL PHYSIO (@nrlphysio) March 22, 2025
All the usual concerns with these hip drop tackle type mechanisms - by video syndesmosis injury the main possibility with bodyweight of tackler trapping foot + causing it to turn out. pic.twitter.com/JxuTy3R97O
SEA EAGLES v EELS
Sunday, 4:05pm, 4 Pines Park
Sea Eagles: Tom Trbojevic (hamstring) has been declared a certain starter by coach Anthony Seibold. Clayton Faulolo will make way from the 17 with Lehi Hopoate returning to the wing.
Luckless prop Taniela Paseka ruptured his Achilles and will miss the rest of the season. Toafofoa Sipley is expected to be added to the 17 in his place.
After an injury interrupted start to the season, Lachlan Croker may return to the starting side at hooker forcing Jazz Tevaga to the bench. Tevaga is also a chance to move to lock if the Sea Eagles opt to replace Paseka with Jake Trbojevic at prop.
Eels: Bailey Simonsson is nearing a return to action. He may challenge impressive rookie Jordan Samrani for the right wing spot if fit.
Josh Addo-Carr was a late call-up for the Eels in Round 3, taking the place of Sean Russell.
Coach Jason Ryles is yet to settle on the best rotation in his forwards. Jack Williams was a late shift to prop and performed strongly and could hold the position.
Manly confirm an achilles rupture for Taniela Paseka - unfortunately is an injury that medical staff can easily & accurately diagnose. Non-contact + pushing off/acceleration mechanism.
— NRL PHYSIO (@nrlphysio) March 23, 2025
Will require surgery & 5-8 months recovery - one of the toughest in footy. Wish him the best. pic.twitter.com/6HSvlM72zF
TIGERS v WARRIORS
Sunday, 6:15pm, Campbelltown Sports Stadium
Tigers: Jeral Skelton has been cleared of a serious hamstring injury and is set to be named.
A final call will be made later in the week but the Tigers have a few options to replace him with Charlie Staines or Alex Lobb the front runners.
Samuela Fainu is battling a minor cork but will be named and is set to play.
Warriors: Roger Tuivasa-Sheck is a big casualty for the resurgent Warriors who have won two on the trot since their Round 1 loss in Las Vegas.
A hamstring injury is expected to keep him out of the side for several weeks with Ed Kosi expected to be named as his replacement.
The remainder of the 17 is settled and expected to be named as per Round 3.
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