NRL Early Mail: Viliame Kikau comeback against former club, Matt Lodge debut for Sea Eagles
High-profile Bulldogs recruit Viliame Kikau is poised to make his long-awaited comeback, while Matt Lodge is set to make his Manly debut.
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High-profile Bulldogs recruit Viliame Kikau is poised to make his long-awaited comeback from injury – and just in time to face his former club.
Kikau will be named in Canterbury’s squad to face Penrith on Sunday after successfully recovering from a pectoral injury suffered during a training session last April.
Kikau has played just four games for the Dogs in his debut season after arriving from the Panthers as a celebrated signing.
The premiership-winning backrower has been sorely missed by the Bulldogs with his explosive style and clutch defence a welcomed addition for head coach Cameron Ciraldo.
PANTHERS WELCOME BACK BIG GUNS
—Michael Carayannis
The news for the Bulldogs just got worse with Penrith welcoming back their big guns. Superstar Nathan Cleary will be named to play his 150th NRL game on Sunday.
Cleary will make his comeback from injury alongside a host of Penrith stars who skipped last week’s win against the Dolphins.
Brian To’o, Liam Martin, Stephen Crichton and Isaah Yeo will also be named.
LODGE SET FOR MANLY DEBUT
—Phil Rothfield, Brent Read
A week after signing a train-and-trial contract, front-rower Matt Lodge will make his club debut for the Manly Sea Eagles against the Cronulla Sharks this weekend.
Coach Anthony Seibold is tipped to name Lodge on the bench as part of his 17-man squad for the match at PointsBet Stadium on Sunday.
Lodge impressed in NSW Cup for Blacktown Workers last Sunday to earn a spot in the team for the must-win game for the Sea Eagles.
Prop Sean Keppie is also expected to win a recall for the Sea Eagles after playing for Blacktown last weekend.
FULL LATE MAIL BY TIM WILLIAMS
DRAGONS v TIGERS
Thursday, 7:50pm, WIN Stadium, Wollongong
Dragons: Jaydn Su’a will miss the remainder of the season with a shoulder injury, with Jack Bird likely to return on the edge.
Jayden Sullivan is out with a hamstring injury, which will see Ben Hunt and Talatau Amone play in the halves.
Tyrell Sloan is a chance to return from a calf injury at fullback in place of Paul Turner.
Tigers: Charlie Staines is listed to return from a stomach issue and will come into consideration for a wing role when cleared.
WARRIORS v RAIDERS
Friday, 6pm, Go Media Stadium, Auckland
Warriors: Bunty Afoa is due back from a concussion.
Addin Fonua-Blake left the field in the win over Cronulla but was able to return to finish the game.
Shaun Johnson failed to finish the game on the weekend with what looked to be an ankle injury, but the early rest looked to have been precautionary.
Te Maire Martin is due back any week from injury but may struggle to crack the 17.
Raiders: Josh Papali’i is due back from a hamstring injury, while Corey Horsburgh returns after missing Round 19 due to Origin duty.
RABBITOHS v BRONCOS
Friday, 8pm, Sunshine Coast Stadium, Sunshine Coast
Rabbitohs: Plenty of big ins for the Rabbitohs, led by Latrell Mitchell at fullback in place of Blake Taaffe.
South Sydney’s Origin stars return, including Cody Walker in the halves in place of Dean Hawkins.
Campbell Graham is also likely to line up at centre in place of the injured Richie Kennar.
Jai Arrow is also a chance to return from injury.
Broncos: Brisbane welcome back a host of stars, including Payne Haas, Tom Flegler, Pat Carrigan and Reece Walsh.
Adam Reynolds failed to finish the game against the Bulldogs, but that was said to be precautionary and he is likely to face the Rabbitohs.
TITANS v ROOSTERS
Saturday, 3pm, Cbus Super Stadium, Gold Coast
Titans: Star forward Tino Fa’asuamaleaui is facing 3-4 weeks for a shoulder charge.
AJ Brimson will return at fullback from his rest following Origin three, pushing Jayden Campbell to the bench.
Joe Stimson is set to return from a concussion on the edge, pushing Klese Haas to the bench.
Roosters: James Tedesco returns at fullback at being rested after Origin three.
This will see Joey Manu shift to centre, and likely Joseph Suaalii to the wing with Junior Pauga dropping out of the side.
Sam Walker’s return may be delayed another week or two after suffering further complications on his bid to return from injury.
KNIGHTS v STORM
Saturday, 5:30pm, McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle
Knights: Dane Gagai is due back from a foot injury at centre, with Enari Tuala to drop out of the side.
Storm: The only looming substantial change would be if Eliesa Katoa gets the all clear to return on the edge from a facial cut.
COWBOYS v EELS
Saturday, 7:35pm, QCB Stadium, Townsville
Cowboys: Reuben Cotter will start after playing off the bench post Origin three, with Jake Granville to shift to the bench.
Heilum Luki is due back from a facial fracture in coming weeks.
Eels: The Eels are on the hunt for a new prop and winger. Reagan Campbell-Gillard is facing 4-5 weeks for knees to the back while Maika Sivo is facing 3-4 weeks for a high shot.
There is a chance Waqa Blake could get recalled this week to cover for Sivo, although Haze Dunster and Isaac Lumelume were both named on the extended bench last week.
The obvious contenders to take over from Campbell-Gillard are Ofahiki Ogden or Makahesi Makatoa.
PANTHERS v BULLDOGS
Sunday, 2pm, BlueBet Stadium, Penrith
Panthers: Nathan Cleary is set to return from a hamstring injury at halfback, pushing Jack Cogger out of the team.
Penrith will also welcome back their entire Origin contingent who were rested in the win over the Dolphins.
Bulldogs: Toby Sexton failed to finish the clash with Brisbane after failing a HIA.
If unavailable, Kyle Flanagan would likely come into the halves if Karl Oloapu isn’t cleared to return from injury.
Braidon Burns is unlikely to line-up due to an abdomen injury, with Hayze Perham or Paul Alamoti to come into the backline if unavailable.
SHARKS v SEA EAGLES
Sunday, 4:05pm, PointsBet Stadium, Sydney
Sharks: The Sharks are set to be boosted by the returns of Braden Hamlin-Uele (ribs) and Dale Finucane (suspension).
Teig Wilton suffered a knee injury in the loss to the Warriors and is likely to be replaced in the starting team by Wade Graham.
Sea Eagles: Matt Lodge will make his club debut after a recent transfer from the Roosters. Sean Keppie is also expected to win a recall.
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