NRL 2022 Round 19 late mail: Bulldogs back Declan Casey at fullback, Matt Dufty released

The Bulldogs have had a major reshuffle in the backline for their clash against the Titans.

Rookie Declan Casey has been named at fullback for the Bulldogs’ clash against the Titans.

duties Matt Dufty’s time at Canterbury has come to an end, effective immediately, as the club scrambles to find a fullback for this weekend with Covid-19 and injury likely to cause havoc for coach Mick Potter.

Matt Dufty had been in line to make a return into the NRL side at fullback to replace Jake Averillo, who has been ruled out of the clash against Gold Coast after testing positive to Covid — for the second time since April.

But, in a statement this week, the club confirmed Dufty had been released from the final three months of his one-year deal at Belmore to take up an opportunity in the English Super League.

It’s believed the former St George Illawarra No.1 has recently held talks with Warrington Wolves, who are keen to secure his services.

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Matt Dufty has been granted an immediate release from his contract at the Bulldogs. Picture: Mark Kolbe/Getty Images

Averillo has excelled at fullback since taking over the role, keeping Dufty out of the NRL side. Casey has only played two NRL games for the Dogs this season.

“Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs have granted Matt Dufty an early release effective immediately, to take up an opportunity in the Super League,” the club said. “We would like to thank Matt for his service and commitment to the club since he joined us at Belmore last November. The Bulldogs wish Matt and his family all the best in the future.”

Aaron Schoupp returns to the starting side at centre, while Josh Addo-Carr is likely to play after being under a fitness cloud this week.

Jake Averillo (right) has Covid. Picture: Mark Kolbe/Getty Images

Potter named Addo-Carr on Tuesday but the winger is still in some doubt for Sunday’s clash against the Titans.

“He’s a chance, I think. I’m not discounting him but I have a plan in place either way. We’ll give him up to captain’s run,” Potter said.

“He’s been quite sedate for Josh, but it’s not too bad. He’ll (have) one run, and he’ll test it then and he thinks he’ll be right but we will wait and see.”

There were fears on Monday that glut and ankle issues picked up against South Sydney last weekend were potentially season ending after Addo-Carr was spotted on crutches and in a moon boot at a recovery session. But scans cleared the star of serious injury.

The Bulldogs are hopeful star winger Josh Addo-Carr will be good to go in Round 19 after being cleared of a season-ending injury. Picture: Getty Images.

TWIN COVID BLOWS FOR TIGERS

The planned date between Tim Sheens and Phil Gould has been postponed after the Tigers veteran mentor contracted Covid-19.

Sheens and Gould were due to catch up for lunch but Sheens has joined interim Wests Tigers coach Brett Kimmorley in contracting the virus.

Kimmorley had earlier been ruled out of travelling to Townsville for Sunday’s game against the Cowboys with Sheens scheduled to make the trip north to act as a mentor to current assistants Ben Gardiner and Nathan Cayless

With a heap of Tigers staff now impacted by the virus Gardiner and Cayless will have to manage alone with Kimmorley expected to stay in communication during the match via the phone.

Clubs have had coaches already miss matches this year because of Covid-19 including Craig Fitzgibbon and Mick Potter.

Brett Kimmorley will miss the Cowboys clash against the Cowboys opening the door for Tim Sheens to take control of the team.

ROUND 19 TEAMS

BULLDOGS v TITANS

Sunday, 2pm, CommBank Stadium, Sydney

Bulldogs: 3. Declan Casey, 2. Jacob Kiraz, 4. Braidon Burns, 19. Aaron Schoupp, 5. Josh Addo-Carr, 6. Matt Burton, 7. Kyle Flanagan, 8. Max King, 9. Jeremy Marshall-King, 10. Paul Vaughan, 11. Josh Jackson, 12. Corey Waddell, 13. Tevita Pangai Junior

Bench: 14. Zach Dockar-Clay, 15. Kurtis Morrin, 16. Joe Stimson, 17. Raymond Faitala-Mariner

Reserves: 21. Bailey Biondi-Odo, 23. Chris Patolo

Players cut: 1. Jake Averillo, 20. Matt Dufty, 22. Jackson Topine

Late mail: Jake Averillo is out through Covid. Declan Casey will slot in at fullback while Aaron Schoupp will start at centre and Jacob Kiraz moves to the wing. Having been utilised in a bench role on return from injury, Raymond Faitala-Mariner may come into the starting side in place of Corey Waddell.

Titans: 1. AJ Brimson, 2. Sosefo Fifita, 3. Phillip Sami, 4. Patrick Herbert, 5. Corey Thompson, 6. Tanah Boyd, 7. Toby Sexton, 8. Moeaki Fotuaika, 9. Aaron Booth, 10. Isaac Liu, 11. David Fifita, 12. Beau Fermor, 13. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui

Bench: 14. Erin Clark, 15. Jaimin Jolliffe, 16. Herman Ese’ese, 17. Jayden Campbell

Reserves: 18. Sam McIntyre, 19. Kevin Proctor

Players cut: 20. Paul Turner, 21. Brian Kelly, 22. Alofiana Khan-Pereira

Late mail: No major changes expected at the Titans, however they may opt to start Erin Clark at lock following his impressive performance last week. This would see Tino Fa’asuamaleaui move to prop, and Isaac Liu or Mo Fotuaika to the bench.

COWBOYS v TIGERS

Sunday, 4.05pm, QCB Stadium, Townsville

Cowboys: 1. Scott Drinkwater, 2. Kyle Feldt, 3. Valentine Holmes, 4. Peta Hiku, 5. Murray Taulagi, 6. Tom Dearden, 7. Chad Townsend, 8. Coen Hess, 9. Reece Robson, 10. Luciano Leilua, 11. Tom Gilbert, 12. Jeremiah Nanai, 13. Jason Taumalolo

Bench: 14. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, 15. Jake Granville, 16. Jamayne Taunoa-Brown, 17. Griffin Neame

Reserves: 18. Connelly Lemuelu, 19. Brendan Elliot,

Players cut:20. Riley Price, 21. Tom Chester, 22. Taniela Sadrugu

Late mail: Despite being named up front, Luciano Leilua is a strong chance to shift to the edge, with Tom Gilbert moving to a middle forward role. Chad Townsend was the preferred goal-kicker to Scott Drinkwater last week, however Valentine Holmes will regain the duties on return to the side.

Tigers: 1. Daine Laurie, 2. Brent Naden, 3. Starford To’a, 4. Asu Kepaoa, 5. Ken Maumalo, 6. Adam Doueihi, 7. Luke Brooks, 8. James Tamou, 9. Fa’amanu Brown, 10. Joe Ofahengaue, 11. Luke Garner, 12. Kelma Tuilagi, 13. Jackson Hastings

Bench: 14. Fonua Pole, 15. Zane Musgrove, 16. Alex Seyfarth, 17. Tyrone Peachey

Reserves: 18. Austin Dias, 21. James Roberts

Players cut: 19. Jock Madden, 20. Justin Matamua, 22. David Nofoaluma

Late mail: Coach Brett Kimmorley won’t make the trip to Townsville due to Covid. Tim Sheens was due to travel with the club as coaching cover but he too has been ruled out. David Nofoaluma is expected to come onto the wing in place of Asu Kepaoa, which will see Brent Naden move to centre.