NRL injury, suspension news round 11: Jacob Kiraz out for a month with calf injury

In-form Canterbury winger Jacob Kiraz is set to spend up to a month on the sideline, while Melbourne have received a boost in the wake of their loss to the Sharks.

In-form Canterbury winger Jacob Kiraz is set to spend up to a month on the sideline in another huge blow to the Bulldogs.

Kiraz was in contention to earn a NSW Blues call-up but those hopes have been ­scuttled after the 23-year-old injured a calf.

The Bulldogs take on the Dolphins on Thursday night before a bye in round 13, meaning Kiraz could only miss a further two games – against Parramatta and Souths.

Bulldogs coach Cameron Ciraldo is now set to name a new-look right edge against the Dolphins with skipper and centre Stephen Crichton on Origin duty.

Ciraldo has a number of options at both wing and centre, including the likes of Blake Wilson, Jonathan Sua, Cooper Toy and William Afualo.

Jacob Kiraz is set for an extended stint on the sideline. Picture: Mark Evans/Getty Images

Five-eighth Matt Burton is also an option at centre given that Bailey Hayward can slot into the halves alongside Toby Sexton.

Winger Enari Tuala, who has not played this year, is also scheduled to make a return from a foot injury this weekend.

Ciraldo will, however, welcome back forward Josh ­Curran from suspension, while prop Sam Hughes is edging closer to a return from an ankle injury.

Kiraz’s injury comes after forward Jaeman Salmon was ruled out for up to 10 weeks with a fractured ankle he picked up against the Canberra Raiders in round 10.

PAP’S GREAT ESCAPE

Melbourne fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen has escaped charge for his last minute swinging arm shot on Ronaldo Mulitalo in Saturday’s loss to Cronulla.

The State of Origin hopeful remains an outside chance to be named in Laurie Daley’s NSW team on Sunday with Dylan Edwards and James Tedesco the frontrunners for the No.1 jersey.

However, the 26-year-old is available for selection after the NRL’s match review committee deemed the hit legal.

Meanwhile, the Warriors will be without James Fisher-Harris to face Canberra next Sunday after the skipper was charged with a grade two careless high tackle on Dolphins forward Harrison Graham.

The incident occurred in the 77th minute of Saturday’s 16-12 win and will cost him a week on the sidelines.

It will come as a blow for the Warriors who are also likely to be without NSW prop Mitch Barnett to face the Raiders.

Fisher-Harris risks a fortnight if he takes his case to the judiciary.

Kodi Nikorima, Reuben Garrick and Siosifa Talakai were all handed fines.

Ryan Papenhuyzen has escaped charge. Picture: NRL Photos

ROOSTERS INJURY BLOW

The Roosters will be without forward Naufahu Whyte for at least two weeks because of a knee injury.

Whyte could be missing for up to a month with a low grade medial knee injury.

The Roosters play the Sharks next Saturday.