NRL 2021: Round 12 Late Mail, team news and changes

Manly has suffering a huge setback with a key playmaker a late withdrawal after breaking down, while Tex Hoy will step up to fill Kalyn Ponga’s boots for the Knights.

Sydney Roosters halfback Sam Walker.

Your one-stop-shop for all the latest team news and whispers throughout round 12 of the 2021 NRL season.

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ROUND 12 MATCHES

SHARKS V TITANS

Sunday 30 May, C.ex Coffs International Stadium, Coffs Harbour, Home of the Gumbaynggirr People 2:00pm

SHARKS (Gweagal)

1. Will Kennedy, 2. Connor Tracey, 3. Will Chambers, 4. Jesse Ramien, 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo, 6. Matt Moylan, 7. Shaun Johnson, 8. Aiden Tolman, 9. Blayke Brailey, 10. Aaron Woods, 11. Briton Nikora, 12. Wade Graham, 13. Toby Rudolf

Bench: 14. Braydon Trindall, 15. Siosifa Talakai, 16. Jack Williams, 20. Franklin Pele

Reserves: 18. Chad Townsend, 19. Billy Magoulias

Players dropped: 17. Andrew Fifita,21. Jenson Taumoepeau

Late Mail: Rookie forward Franklin Pele has been called up to make his NRL debut from the bench. He replaces Andrew Fifita (hamstring). Shaun Johnson returns from a hamstring injury to play halfback. Ronaldo Mulitalo (knee) and Jesse Ramien (eye socket) return at right wing and right centre after both missed a number of games due to injury. Siosifa Talakai returns after missing the past four games due to suspension.

TITANS (Yugambeh)

1. AJ Brimson, 2. Anthony Don, 3. Brian Kelly, 4. Patrick Herbert, 5. Phillip Sami, 6. Tanah Boyd, 7. Jamal Fogarty, 8. Jarrod Wallace, 9. Mitch Rein, 10. Moeaki Fotuaika, 11. Kevin Proctor, 12. David Fifita, 13. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui

Bench: 14. Erin Clark, 15, Beau Fermor, 16. Jaimin Jolliffe, 17. Sam McIntyre

Reserves: 18. Esan Marsters, 20. Jayden Campbell,

Players dropped: 19. Jai Whitbread, 21. Ashley Taylor

Late Mail: The Titans look set to be 1-17 as David Fifita returns on the left edge after he missed the past two weeks due to suspension. Patrick Herbert returns after recovering from a calf injury.

KNIGHTS V SEA EAGLES

Sunday 30 May, McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle, Home of the Awabakal People 4:05pm

KNIGHTS (Awabakal)

18. Tex Hoy, 2. Starford To’a, 3. Enari Tuala, 4. Bradman Best, 5. Brayden Musgrove, 6. Kurt Mann, 7. Phoenix Crossland, 8. David Klemmer, 9. Jayden Brailey, 10. Daniel Saifiti, 11. Tyson Frizell, 12. Lachlan Fitzgibbon, 13. Mitchell Barnett

Bench: 14. Connor Watson, 15. Jacob Saifiti, 16. Sauaso Sue, 17. Brodie Jones

Reserves: 19. Josh King, 20. Simi Sasagi,

Players dropped: 1. Kalyn Ponga, 21. Jack Johns

Late Mail: The Knights are going to have to wait another week - at least - for the return of Kalyn Ponga with the fullback’s groin injury flaring up again and there a significant chance he misses Origin 1. Tex Hoy is the replacement for Ponga. Bradman Best is expected to be fit, if not, Simi Sasagi is on standby. Jacob Saifiti and Tyson Frizell both trained with the squad this week after both passed game day HIA’s on the weekend and will play.

SEA EAGLES (Gayamaygal & Garagal)

1. Tom Trbojevic, 2. Jason Saab, 3. Brad Parker, 4. Morgan Harper, 5. Reuben Garrick, 6. Josh Schuster, 7. Daly Cherry-Evans, 8. Taniela Paseka, 9. Lachlan Croker, 10. Martin Taupau, 11. Karl Lawton, 12. Sean Keppie, 13. Jake Trbojevic

Bench: 15. Moses Suli, 16. Zac Saddler, 17. Toafofoa Sipley, 19. Tevita Funa

Reserves: 18. Ben Trbojevic, 20. Christian Tuipulotu

Players dropped: 14. Curtis Sironen, 21. Jorge Taufua

Late Mail: Manly have suffered a huge blow with Josh Schuster ruled out and facing a stint on the sidelines with a “hamstring-related” injury. Former Manly official Peter Peters told the Big Sports Breakfast Weekend that Schuster, who was named at five-eighth for the Knights clash, suffered a setback at training on Friday and could be out for three-to-four weeks.

“I know Manly fans will be stunned at that news today and I don’t get any joy in bringing it out,” Peters said. Martin Taupau was expected to drop back to the bench like previous weeks with Sean Keppie moving from 2RF to prop. Curtis Sironen will miss another week with knee/hamstring injuries. Lachlan Croker (shoulder), Reuben Garrick (leg) and Lawton (knock) will all recover from minor injuries to play.