NRL Early Mail: Kotoni Staggs to be rested by Broncos, Marshall-King and Manu injury updates

The Brisbane Broncos will be without Kotoni Staggs for their grand final rematch against the Panthers. See the full round 18 early mail.

The Broncos’ woes have continued with strike centre Kotoni Staggs set to miss Friday night’s grand-final replay against Penrith.

Staggs trained with Brisbane’s reserve-grade squad on Tuesday and is not expected to be officially named in the Broncos team for the round 18 blockbuster at Suncorp Stadium.

It is understood Staggs is not injured, with the NSW Origin hopeful to return to his hometown Wellington in coming days to attend a funeral following the passing of a friend.

The scratching of Staggs continues a frustrating run for the Broncos, whose season has been disrupted by a series of injuries to key players and the State of Origin grind involving star quartet Payne Haas, Pat Carrigan, Selwyn Cobbo and Reece Walsh.

In the absence of Staggs, Deine Mariner is expected to move to centre, with Corey Oates and Jesse Arthars to be Brisbane’s wingers as the Broncos look to snap a four-game losing streak against the premiers.

Kotoni Staggs.

IS MARSHALL-KING DONE FOR 2024?

Dolphins coach Wayne Bennett says Jeremy Marshall-King’s season could be over as Redcliffe’s injury crisis threatens to derail their bid for a historic finals appearance.

This masthead understands Marshall-King may have suffered twin injuries to his foot, including a Lisfranc ligament tear, in a setback that could rule the star Dolphins hooker out for the rest of the season.

Marshall-King will undergo scans on Tuesday but Bennett and club medicos are resigned to the classy 28-year-old not appearing in Dolphins colours again this year.

That would be a disastrous outcome for a Dolphins side already missing key forwards Tom Flegler (shoulder) and Tom Gilbert (ACL), while Jack Bostock (concussion) and Origin ace Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow are not due back until round 19.

SCROLL DOWN FOR ROUND 18 EARLY MAIL VIA TIM WILLIAMS

Marshall-King lasted just 22 minutes before his ankle was crushed in a tackle by Dragons forward Jack de Belin in the Dolphins’ 26-6 loss to the Red V in Sydney on Sunday.

The best-case scenario will see Marshall-King return this season but Bennett fears he will not have his matchwinning rake at his disposal again in 2024, with the Kiwi Test representative also believed to have fractured his foot.

Lisfranc injuries have a recovery period of three-to-five months - it was the very ailment that saw Queensland and Newcastle Dally M champion Kalyn Ponga ruled out of this year’s Origin series.

“The physio thinks it could be that (Lisfranc) injury, yes,” Bennett said.

“He has done the injury before (at former club the Bulldogs).

“He said it’s not as sore as last time, but it could be the case.

“If it’s Lisfranc that’s around three months and that’s his season done. We’ve only got 10 rounds until the finals.

“We won’t know for sure until he has a scan.”

ROOSTERS’ MANU BLOW

The Sydney Roosters have revealed star centre Joey Manu has two fractures in his left hand and will be out for four weeks.

It is a crippling blow to a club already struggling with a bulging casualty ward.

Manu injured his hand in a tackle against Wests Tigers on Sunday.

A Roosters statement read: “Scans have confirmed Joseph Manu sustained two fractures in his left hand.

“He will undergo surgery, and will return to play in approximately one month.”

Veteran Michael Jennings would be a replacement option for this Sunday’s big match against St George Illawarra at Allianz Stadium.

Initial reports suggested Manu could be sidelined for as long as eight weeks.

Joey Manu won’t return with a suspected hand fracture. Pretty immediate reaction after palming off tackler - likely wrist/finger got caught up.

Plenty of hand bones - fracture in the “ideal” spot can see a return in 3-4 weeks. Varies though so just as likely to be 6-8 weeks. pic.twitter.com/jTs7N2Nft1

— NRL PHYSIO (@nrlphysio) June 30, 2024

EELS v RABBITOHS

Thursday, 7:50pm, CommBank Stadium, Sydney

Eels: There are no forced changes expected at the Eels.

Rabbitohs: Tevita Tatola (foot) and Siliva Havili (calf) are chances to return from injury against the Eels. Cameron Murray will start at lock after playing off the bench in Round 15.

SHARKS v TITANS

Friday, 6pm, C.ex Coffs International Stadium, Coffs Harbour

Sharks: The only potential change would be Teig Wilton starting on the edge, with Siosifa Talakai shifting to the bench.

Titans: Jayden Campbell is unlikely to face the Sharks due to a broken hand. AJ Brimson is a chance to return from a groin injury and would slot in at five-eighth if cleared.

BRONCOS v PANTHERS

Friday, 8pm, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane

Broncos: Brisbane’s Origin trio return after being rested for the trip to New Zealand. Jack Gosiewski (arm) and Fletcher Baker (knee) are set for extended stints on the sideline.

Panthers: Penrith’s Origin contingent return to the team, while Nathan Cleary is pushing to return from injury in Round 20 after the Panthers bye.

BULLDOGS v WARRIORS

Saturday, 3pm, Accor Stadium, Sydney

Bulldogs: Josh Addo-Carr will continue his push to return from a hamstring injury on the wing. Connor Tracey returns from a head knock at fullback, pushing Jacob Kiraz to the wing and Jeral Skelton out of the team. Kurt Mann returns from suspension either at lock or off the bench. Jacob Preston is a strong chance to return from a foot injury in the back-row.

Warriors: No forced changes expected at the Warriors.

TIGERS v STORM

Saturday, 5:30pm, Leichhardt Oval, Sydney

Tigers: Justin Olam is likely to return from a knee injury at centre, pushing Brent Naden out of the team. Alex Twal returns from a head knock in the pack.

Storm: Xavier Coates is facing an extended stint on the sideline with a hamstring injury, while Jack Howarth will miss a week or two with a glute strain. Reimis Smith is likely to return from a head knock at centre, while Dean Ieremia likely comes onto the wing. Ryan Papenhuyzen is no guarantee to return from injury, with Sua Fa’alogo to

remain at fullback if required. Harry Grant returns at hooker after being rested against the Raiders.

COWBOYS V SEA EAGLES

Saturday, 7:35pm, QCB Stadium, Townsville

Cowboys: The Cowboys will welcome back their Origin stars after being rested for the clash in Penrith.

Sea Eagles: Tom Trbojevic is expected to return from injury at centre. This will cause a reshuffle in the backline, with Tolutau Koula to fullback in place of Lehi Hopoate. Josh Aloiai returns from suspension, while Taniela Paseka will push to return from a thumb injury.

ROOSTERS v DRAGONS

Sunday, 2pm, Allianz Stadium, Sydney

Roosters: Joey Manu is facing four weeks out after suffering a broken hand in the win over the Tigers. This will see Michael Jennings come into the side at centre.

Dragons: Mat Feagai will be unavailable for selection due to an AC joint injury, with Zac Lomax to replace him after being rested against the Dolphins. Jack Bird is a strong chance to return from an ankle injury at centre in place of Max Feagai.

RAIDERS v KNIGHTS

Sunday, 4:05pm, GIO Stadium, Canberra

Raiders: Matt Timoko is in doubt due to a shoulder injury, with James Schiller a chance to come into the backline if required.

Knights: Dylan Lucas is a chance to return in the back-row after missing the Eels clash with hamstring tightness. Leo Thompson is considered a week-to-week prospect as he bids to return from an Achilles injury. Kalyn Ponga is nearing a return from injury in coming weeks.