NRL Early Mail: 18 players race clock for finals
THE physios will be busy this week with 18 players racing the clock for week one of the NRL finals with Jack De Belin arriving on crutches to training on Tuesday.
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A TOTAL of 18 players are racing the clock for week one of the NRL finals.
The Dragons have mixed news with Jack De Belin (foot) in doubt.
De Belin arrived at Dragons training on Tuesday on crutches and in a moon boot, with a potential syndesmosis injury.
The star forward injured his ankle early in the Dragons’ final-round win over Newcastle but played through the injury.
Meanwhile, Gareth Widdop (shoulder) is all but certain to play and Euan Aitken (hamstring) and Jason Nightingale (elbow) are “chances”.
For the Rabbitohs, Sam Burgess (hamstring) has been cleared of serious injury and is expected to take the field.
At the Storm, Cameron Munster and Brodie Croft (both knee) are expected to be fit, but doubts surround Suliasi Vunivalu (hamstring) and Billy Slater (family matter).
The Broncos have Andrew McCullough (concussion), Tevita Pangai Jnr (hamstring) and Alex Glenn (calf) racing the clock, while Corey Harawira-Naera (concussion) must pass protocol for the Panthers.
Simon Mannering (sternum), Issac Luke (concussion) and Blake Green (calf) are carrying injuries for the Warriors, while Jesse Ramien (ankle) and Ricky Leutele (knee) are hoping to return for the Sharks.
NRL CASUALTY WARD: Full injury list
SUPERCOACH WRAP: Wilfred’s analysis
(2) Melbourne Storm v (3) South Sydney Rabbitohs
Qualifying Final: 7.40pm Friday, September 7 at AAMI Park
Storm: Cameron Munster and Brodie Croft (both knee) are expected to be fit after late withdrawals last week. Munster slots straight into his regular five-eighth position, although it’s unclear whether Croft would make the 17. Suliasi Vunivalu (hamstring) is pushing for a return. The Storm say Billy Slater (family matter) won’t be rushed. Will Chambers (suspension) is not available until next match.
Rabbitohs: No changes. Sam Burgess (hamstring) will be named and is expected to play.
(5) Penrith Panthers v (8) New Zealand Warriors
Elimination Final: 5.30pm Saturday, September 8, at ANZ Stadium
Panthers: Corey Harawira-Naera (concussion) is set to return after a late withdrawal on the weekend. Expect Jack Hetherington or Tyrone May to drop out of the 17.
Warriors: The club is confident Simon Mannering (sternum) will take the field despite making it through just 42 minutes on Friday. Coach Stephen Kearney said Mannering was in serious pain but tipped him to be “wheeled out” for the finals. He will likely require a painkilling injection. Issac Luke (concussion) was taken from the field with 17 minutes to go and didn’t return. He will be named and is expected to play. Blake Green (calf) is also expected back, which likely sees Mason Lino drop out.
(1) Sydney Roosters v (4) Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks
Qualifying Final: 7.40pm Saturday, September 8 at Allianz Stadium
Roosters: No changes. Centre Latrell Mitchell (dangerous contact) can escape suspension with an early guilty plea.
Sharks: Jesse Ramien (ankle) and Ricky Leutele (knee) are pushing for inclusions. Expect Kurt Capewell and Edrick Lee to drop out of the backline, although Capewell may earn a bench spot.
(6) Brisbane Broncos v (7) St George Illawarra Dragons
Elimination Final 4pm: Sunday, September 9 at Suncorp Stadium
Broncos: Andrew McCullough (concussion) is set to return at hooker, allowing Josh McGuire to return to a running role with Jake Turpin to drop out. Tevita Pangai Jnr (hamstring) is in doubt after limping off against the Sea Eagles, while Alex Glenn (calf) is also racing the clock after a late withdrawal. If both are out, Sam Tagataese could come into contention for a spot in the 17. Jack Bird (sternum) is unlikely despite earning a spot in the extended squad last week.
Dragons: Gareth Widdop (shoulder) returns after missing three weeks with a dislocated shoulder. “He’ll definitely be playing next week,” McGregor revealed after the Dragons scored just their third win in nine games. “The reason he didn’t play (against the Knights on Saturday) is we lost our opportunity to finish in the top four.” Expect Kurt Mann to move to the bench and Jai Field to drop out.
Jack De Belin (foot) is in doubt. The NSW representative says he heard a crack in his right foot early in game. He managed to play on but was confined to a moon boot after the game and will be sent for scans on Monday.
Centre Euan Aitken (hamstring) and winger Jason Nightingale (elbow) are aiming to return, which would likely see Zac Lomax and Jordan Pereira drop out of the backline.