NRL Early Mail: The latest team news ahead of round 19
ORIGIN stars return after their break, bad news and good for Broncos fans and a backline reshuffle on the cards at a number of clubs. Get all your early mail ahead of round 19 here.
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NRL Early Mail heading into Round 19.
In key news:
— Origin stars expected back for the Roosters, Panthers, Storm and Titans
— Canberra Raiders have lost their skipper Jarrod Croker for the season and a backline reshuffle will be required
— Mixed news for the Broncos with Jayden Su’A out with a broken ankle but good news from the judiciary for stars Andrew McCullough and Josh McGuire
— Sione Mata’utai is out for the Knights
— The Dragons will need a new left winger with the club confirming Nene MacDonald could be out for up to a month
— The Cowboys have indicated that they may start to blood some young talent
— Josh Mansour, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak and James Maloney are expected to return for Penrith.
— Cameron Munster is expected to play after hurting his hand in Origin III
Eels v Bulldogs
Thursday 19th July, ANZ Stadium, 7:50pm
Eels: No changes
Bulldogs: No changes
.
Sharks v Raiders
Friday 20th July, Southern Cross Group Stadium, 6:00pm
Sharks: Jesse Ramien is expected to return at centre after being a late withdrawal last week. Josh Dugan is also expected to return, however it’s unknown whether he plays centre or fullback with Valentine Holmes in strong form at the back. Luke Lewis is likely to be one more week away.
Raiders:
— Jarrod Croker is out for the season after dislocating his kneecap. The Raiders could opt to run Blake Austin in the centres in place of Croker or may shift Nick Cotric into the role from fullback provided Brad Abbey (concussion) is available this week after being unavailable last.
Broncos v Panthers
Friday 20th July, Suncorp Stadium, 7:55pm
Broncos:
— Brisbane forward Jaydn Su’A has been diagnosed with a broken ankle following the Broncos loss to the Warriors in round 18. Su’A may miss the remainder of the season.
— The Broncos rate Tevita Pangai Jr a chance to play after he was scratched from round 18 with hamstring tightness. The young gun is scheduled for modified training on Tuesday after which a call will be made on his availability for round 19.
— James Roberts looks certain to play while Andrew McCullough and Josh McGuire are both available after escaping with fines for contrary conduct.
Panthers:
— Josh Mansour, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak , James Maloney, Nathan Cleary and Tyrone Peachey are all expected to be named for Penrith.
Knights v Titans
Saturday 21st July, McDonald Jones Stadium, 3:00pm
Knights:
— Sione Mata’utai is out of the clash with the Titans after suffering a fractured eye socket.
Titans:
— Jai Arrow, who was a late scratch in round 18 after his Origin exertions, should be good to go against the Knights
— Keegan Hipgrave (concussion) is expected back after missing round 18 though he will have to fend off the challenge of the youngster Moeaki Fotuaika who has been extremely impressive
Wests Tigers v Rabbitohs
Saturday 21st July, ANZ Stadium, 5.30pm
Wests Tigers:
— Chris Lawrence suffered a hamstring injury against the Dragons and faces several weeks out.
Rabbitohs:
— Jason Clark has served his one game suspension and will be available for selection.
Cowboys v Dragons
Saturday 21st July, 1300Smiles Stadium, 7:35pm
Cowboys:
— Second last with seven rounds left, North Queensland coach Paul Green indicated today that several young guns — headed by Queensland under-20 trio Jake Clifford (halfback), Murray Taulagi (outside back) and Kurt Wiltshire (centre) — could get their NRL chance. Halfback Clifford in particular has been outstanding in his first Queensland Cup season with Northern Pride, and was named man-of-the-match after his two try display led the baby Maroons to a victory on Wednesday. Outside back Taulagi has also been strong for the Pride, while centre Wiltshire has been a standout for the bottom-of-the-table Mackay Cutters.
“You don’t want to do it for the sake of making change, but if the opportunity comes up where we can give those young guys a taste of NRL, I think it’s a good time to do it,” Green said. “There’s some guys who played well in the Maroons twenties on Wednesday night. They’re not the only ones who are in the mix.”
Read more here
Dragons:
— The Dragons face a nervous wait over scans for winger Nene Macdonald, who exited midway through the first half with a foot injury and failed to return. “He’s got a Lisfranc (injury). What that means I’m not sure,” McGregor said. “Go for a scan and could be a week, or a month, or the season depending on how serious it is, whether it needs an operation or just needs rest.”
Warriors v Storm
Sunday 22nd July, Mt Smart Stadium 2:00pm
Warriors:
— Chris Satae was charged with grade one dangerous contact for his raised elbow to the throat of Brisbane’s Andrew McCullough but will be available for selection against Melbourne on Sunday with an early guilty plea
Storm:
— Origin stars Billy Slater, Will Chambers, Josh Addo-Carr, and Felise Kaufusi should all be available after being rested
— Cameron Munster is expected to play after hurting his hand in Origin III
Sea Eagles v Roosters
Sunday 15th July, Lottoland, 4:10pm
Sea Eagles: Dylan Walker could return from a knee injury in place of Tom Wright at five-eighth.
Roosters:
— Origin quartet James Tedesco, Dylan Napa, Boyd Cordner and Latrell Mitchell should all be available for selection after being rested last week
— Mitchell Aubusson missed round 18 due to hamstring tightness and is expected to be available to play the Sea Eagles
— Victor Radley is also available for selection after serving his one match suspension.
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