NRL Early Mail Round 9: All the latest news ahead of Tuesday’s team announcements

EARLY MAIL: Newcastle’s horror injury run continues with Mitch Barnett to be sidelined by ankle surgery following the weekend’s Cowboys clash.

GET all the latest team news ahead of Tuesday’s team announcements in the Round 9 edition of NRL Early Mail.

In the biggest news so far:

* Bryce Cartwright is set to be named in the No.6 jersey for Penrith with Te Maire Martin (neck) still out while James Fisher-Harris (shoulder) is set to return;

* Mitch Barnett (ankle) is facing surgery and at least 6 to 8 weeks on the sideline and possibly more after suffering a serious injury in the loss to the Cowboys. Barnett’s likely replacement against the Titans on Saturday on the Gold Coast is Englishman Joe Wardle, who missed the Cowboys game but is almost certain to be fit to resume after a week off to rest an ankle sprain;

* Johnathan Thurston (calf) is no certainty of a return for the Cowboys. “I know he’s going to have a final run next Tuesday in the lead-up to the Friday game in the hope he might be right for the Cowboys. We’ll take it from there,” said Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga, who is hoping to name Thurston for the Trans-Tasman Test;

* The Titans’ injury woes continue, with Dale Copley (ribs), Chris McQueen (concussion), Karl Lawton (hamstring), Chris Grevsmuhl (shoulder) and Kane Elgey (hamstring) all in varying degrees of doubt;

* Adam Reynolds (hip flexor) is expected to return for the Rabbitohs, but George Burgess has copped a four-week suspension;

* Parramatta need a new five-eighth after Brad Takairangi (knee) was ruled out for 4-6 weeks.

Johnathan Thurston is in doubt for round 9. Picture: ALIX SWEENEY

BRONCOS v PANTHERS

7.50pm Thursday at Suncorp Stadium

Broncos: Hopeful of welcoming back Jordan Kahu (groin), who was a late withdrawal on the weekend. Expect David Mead to drop back to the bench, with Jonus Pearson relegated from the side.

Panthers: The Panthers have headed north early for their clash with Brisbane, flying to the Gold Coast on Monday ahead of Thursday’s clash at Suncorp Stadium. Second-rower James Fisher-Harris (shoulder) missed the weekend loss against the Eels but boarded the plane, while fellow Kiwi Te Maire Martin (neck) was not sighted. Bryce Cartwright, who played five-eighth in his return from injury against the Eels, is expected to be named in the No. 6 jersey.

— Christian Nicolussi

Read more on the Panthers’ preparation for their clash with the Broncos

RABBITOHS v SEA EAGLES

6pm Friday at Allianz Stadium

Rabbitohs: Expected to welcome back Adam Reynolds (hip flexor) at halfback, which would see Cody Walker return to five-eighth and John Sutton play back row. George Burgess (suspension) will miss four games, with Robbie Rochow in line to come into the 17.

Sea Eagles: Manly appeared to emerge unscathed from their win over Canberra and should be unchanged.

COWBOYS v EELS

7.50pm Friday at 1300Smiles Stadium

Cowboys: Johnathan Thurston (calf) was originally down to return this week, but he is no certainty of being named. Lachlan Coote (calf) is also a chance, but coach Paul Green says the fullback won’t be rushed.
Eels: Coach Brad Arthur will be forced to find a five-eighth replacement, with Brad Takairangi (knee) to miss 4-6 weeks. Clint Gutherson is the logical replacement, but he may again be forced to play fullback as Bevan French (knee) races the clock. If French doesn’t make the squad, expect Kenny Edwards to wear the No. 6.

Brad Takairangi will miss 4-6 weeks.

TITANS v KNIGHTS

3pm Saturday at Cbus Super Stadium

Titans: Anyone’s guess. Dale Copley (ribs), Chris McQueen (concussion), Karl Lawton (hamstring) and Chris Grevsmuhl (shoulder) all failed to finish and will be monitored in coming days, while Kane Elgey (hamstring) was given a week off to rest. In positive news, Jarryd Hayne (ankle), Kevin Proctor (hamstring) and Konrad Hurrell (ankle) got through their comeback games unscathed and will be named yet again, while Agnatius Paasi (shoulder) is closing in on a return.
Knights: Mitch Barnett (ankle) is facing surgery and at least 6 to 8 weeks on the sideline and possibly more after suffering a serious injury in the loss to the Cowboys. Barnett’s likely replacement against the Titans on Saturday on the Gold Coast is Englishman Joe Wardle, who missed the Cowboys game but is almost certain to be fit to resume after a week off to rest an ankle sprain. Knights coach Nathan Brown won’t be reinstating dumped captain Trent Hodkinson, who seems certain to play in the Intrust Super Cup with Jaelen Feeney the likely partner for five-eighth Brock Lamb in the halves.

Mitch Barnett was injured against the Cowboys in round eight. Picture: Evan Morgan

BULLDOGS v RAIDERS

5.30pm Saturday at ANZ Stadium

Bulldogs: Will Hopoate (fractured cheekbone) is very close to a return, although it’s unclear where he would fit into the backline following the strong form of Brett Morris at fullback.

Raiders: No serious injuries and expected to be unchanged. Centre Joey Leilua (concussion) left the field but returned.

TIGERS v SHARKS

7.30pm Saturday at Leichhardt Oval

Tigers: Bench prop Tim Grant (shoulder) is at long odds to play after lasting just 16 minutes on Sunday before coming off in serious pain. JJ Felise is in line to come onto the bench.

Sharks: Cronulla hope Luke Lewis (hamstring) returns after being a late withdrawal, with Jayson Bukuya (ankle) the man to drop out after picking up what appeared to be a serious injury on the weekend.

WARRIORS v ROOSTERS

2pm Sunday at Mt Smart Stadium

Warriors: To come

Roosters: To come

DRAGONS v STORM

4pm Sunday at WIN Stadium

Dragons: To come

Storm: To come