NRL selection, injury and judiciary news: Keep up to date with everything happening during the finals

The Roosters are facing the prospect of taking on Melbourne without Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii and Joey Manu but they have received a welcome boost with Sam Walker avoiding suspension.

Sam Walker escaped suspension for a high tackle against Cronulla. Picture: Getty Images

In a boost for the Sydney Roosters Sam Walker has escaped suspension for a high tackle as the club faces the prospect of losing Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii and Joey Manu for this week’s semi-final against Melbourne.

Walker was placed on report for collecting Cronulla’s Braydon Trindall high in Saturday’s 13-12 win over the Sharks.

Walker is free to take on Melbourne after the match review committee hit the halfback with a $1000 fine for a grade one careless high tackle.

Coach Trent Robinson confirmed Walker also finished the match with a minor ankle injury but expected the No.7 to line-up against the Storm.

“It’s a bit sore but yeah, he should be fine,” Robinson said.

It’s welcome news after confirmation Suaalii failed a head injury assessment at halftime after displaying delayed concussion symptoms. It means Suaalii is subject to the NRL’s 11-day stand down policy.

The Roosters can’t afford to lose Joseph Suaalii. Picture: Getty Images

Suaalii was hit high by retiring Cronulla forward Wade Graham, who will cop an $1800 fine with an early plea for the shot.

Manu also aggravated the same hamstring injury he suffered in round 26 with Robinson conceding the centre had returned too soon after failing to finish the match, and was unlikely to take on the Storm.

Corey Allan is expected to replace Manu in the centres.

Injured winger flyer Daniel Tupou is sidelined with a PCL injury suffered at training in the lead-up to the round 27 clash against South Sydney. The injury normally carries a two-to-four week recovery and depending on the severity, Tupou could be an option this week against the Storm.

For the Storm, Bronson Garlick is likely to come onto the bench for Ryan Papenhuyzen after the fullback suffered a horrific ankle fracture that required six screws to repair the injury and winger Xavier Coates is also unlikely to play after picking up an ankle injury.

Marion Seve, Young Tonumaipea and Tom Eisenhuth all passed head injury assessments and should be free to play but forward Trent Loiero will be monitored during the week.

The New Zealand Warriors also received a shot in the arm ahead of week two of the finals series with skipper Tohu Harris escaping a ban for crusher tackle on Luke Garner in Saturday’s 32-6 loss to Penrith.