NRL Early Mail: Predicted team changes for Round 2
Dragons coach Paul McGregor set to keep the faith in young flyer — keep up to date with all the team tips and news ahead of Round 2.
St George Illawarra coach Paul McGregor is set to keep Fijian flyer Mikaele Ravalawa on the wing for their Thursday Night Football showdown against South Sydney.
Ravalawa made headlines prior to his NRL debut when the 21-year-old rookie kept rising Dragons star Zac Lomax out of the backline for the match against North Queensland.
Despite suffering a couple of defensive lapses against the Cowboys, McGregor will stick with the young winger again this week.
— Nick Walshaw
Tom Trbojevic was spotted at Manly’s Narrabeen headquarters this morning but didn’t train with the side.
Trbojevic is sidelined with a hamstring injury and will miss Manly’s clash with the Roosters on Saturday night at Brookvale but the club remains hopeful he will return for round three against the Warriors in Christchurch.
— Dean Ritchie
Meanwhile, the Panthers have averted forward disaster with recruit Hame Sele cleared of a broken arm.
Already short on back row talent following the exits of Corey Harawira-Naera (Bulldogs), Trent Merrin (Leeds Rhinos) and utility Tyrone Peachey (Titans), Penrith were set to go into Round 2 down another three edge forwards in Sele, Isaah Yeo (concussion) and Viliame Kikau (knee, round 3-5).
However, Sele is now expected to play, while Yeo must pass protocol following a heavy head knock against the Eels.
“Positive scan results suggest Panthers forward Sele avoided major injury in the defeat against Parramatta at Panthers Stadium on Sunday,” the Panthers said on a statement.
“The 22-year-old exited the game with a suspected arm fracture but the initial scans on Monday have ruled out a break to the bone.
“Sele’s training load will be monitored this week and the club is hopeful he will be available to face Newcastle Knights on Saturday.”
SuperCoach cheapie prospect Jed Cartwright looms as the big loser.
Meanwhile, Michael Jennings (careless high tackle) will miss a week through suspension, which guarantees SuperCoach cheapie Maika Sivo another game in the top grade.
In other Early Mail:
* Nathan Brown (pectoral) will miss an extended period for the Eels following a sickening injury against the Panthers.
* Tyson Frizell (lacerated testicle) is out for the Dragons. Blake Lawrie is set to wear the Dragons No. 13 jersey for a Thursday Night Football showdown against South Sydney, while cheapie Jacob Host is the big winner from a SuperCoach perspective.
* The Broncos could be forced into two changes with Matt Lodge (facing suspension) and James Roberts (back) in doubt. Expect SuperCoach cheapie prospect Kotoni Staggs to replace Roberts.
* Coach Des Hasler says Tom Trbojevic (hamstring) will miss at least another week, suggesting he could return as late as Round 4.
* The Titans are without both their halves for Round 2. Tyrone Roberts (Achilles) will miss 2-3 weeks, while Ashley Taylor (quad) is expected back in Round 3.
DRAGONS V RABBITOHS
Thurs, Mar 21, 7:50PM, Jubilee Oval
Dragons: Tyson Frizell (lacerated testicle) is out after going for surgery following Saturday’s game. Pre-season star Josh Kerr is the key contender to come into the 17, with Korbin Sims (suspension) not due back until next week. Another option is for star youngster Reece Robson to play hooker with Cameron McInnes to play in the back row, where he spent time against the Cowboys. The injury to Frizell confirms Jacob Host’s spot on the edge for at least a few more weeks and he is therefore one of the SuperCoach buys of the week. As revealed by Nick Walshaw above, Fijian flyer Mikaele Ravalawa will keep his spot on the wing.
Rabbitohs: No changes expected following Friday’s win over reigning premiers the Roosters.
RAIDERS V STORM
Fri, Mar 22, 6:00PM, GIO Stadium
Raiders: Winger Michael Oldfield (groin) is gunning for a return, which would push Sunday’s debutant Bailey Simonsson out of the side.
Storm: Club debutant Tom Eisenhuth (fractured larynx) is set to miss 6-10 weeks. Joe Stimson (back) could return after missing Round 1.
BRONCOS V COWBOYS
Fri, Mar 22, 7:55PM, Suncorp Stadium
Broncos: James Roberts (back, TBC) is in doubt with Kotoni Staggs the likely replacement. Prop Matt Lodge has copped a two-week suspension, with Shaun Fensom and Patrick Carrigan contenders to come into the 17.
Cowboys: The timeframe on Kyle Feldt (groin) is yet to be confirmed. If fit, he’d replace Javid Bowen on the wing.
SHARKS V TITANS
Sat, Mar 23, 3:00PM, Southern Cross Group Stadium
Sharks: No changes expected.
Titans: The Titans are without both their halves for Round 2.Tyrone Roberts(Achilles) will miss 2-3 weeks, while Ashley Taylor (quad) is expected back in Round 3. AJ Brimson and Tyrone Peachey are the likely replacements.
KNIGHTS V PANTHERS
Sat, Mar 23, 5:30PM, McDonald Jones Stadium
Knights: Daniel Saifiti (knee) will miss out after picking up an MCL injury. Expect Herman Ese’ese to come into the 17.
Panthers: Hame Sele has been cleared of a broken arm and is set to play. Isaah Yeo (concussion) must pass protocol. Expect both to be named with Jed Cartwright as cover.
SEA EAGLES V ROOSTERS
Sat, Mar 23, 7:35PM, Lottoland
Sea Eagles: Addin Fonua-Blake (facing suspension, round 2-4) must beat two charges at the judiciary. Expect Kelepi Tanginoa and Taniela Paseka to vie for his spot. Coach Des Hasler says Tom Trbojevic (hamstring) will miss at least another week and may return as late as Round 4.
Roosters: No changes expected.
BULLDOGS V EELS
Sun, Mar 24, 4:05PM, ANZ Stadium
Bulldogs: TBC
Eels: Lock Nathan Brown (pectoral) is expected to be ruled out long-term. Junior Paulo (hamstring) comes back into the 17. Jaeman Salmon (disciplinary) is also available for selection after missing Round 1. The status of Peni Terepo (stood down) is unknown. Expect George Jennings (knee) to miss another week. Michael Jennings (careless high tackle) will miss a week through suspension, which guarantees SuperCoach cheapie Maika Sivo another game in the top grade.
TIGERS V WARRIORS
Sun, Mar 24, 6.10PM, Campbelltown Stadium
Tigers: Moses Mbye (knee) will push for a return after running on Friday, which would push Corey Thompson to the wing. David Nofoaluma (shoulder) is set to miss another week.
Warriors: Coach Stephen Kearney has some serious decisions to make. He would be reluctant to make changes following the Warriors’ big win over the Bulldogs, but has star players Isaiah Papali’i (disciplinary) and Issac Luke (shoulder) due back. Adam Blair would switch to lock with Papali’i to play on the edge. Nathaniel Roache will retain his spot in the 17 even if Luke returns.
$50K richer: SuperCoach champ’s first expense is shouting Kyle Flanagan
SuperCoach winner Blake Gentle is a groomsman at the wedding of Dragons five-eighth Kyle Flanagan and he knows exactly how he’ll have to spend the first part of his $50,000 winnings.
‘We’ve got to deliver’: No excuses as Sharks ready for finals charge
Craig Fitzgibbon knows few are giving his Sharks much hope in a week one NRL finals match-up with Melbourne, but the Cronulla coach is relishing the opportunity.