NRL Early Mail round 4: Predicted team changes, Brendan Piakura injury, Bryce Cartwright ruled out
There’s mixed news for Brisbane with one star forward out but Adam Reynolds returning while Parramatta have been left reeling from another injury setback. READ THE LATEST.
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Brisbane’s injury crisis has deepened after backrower Brendan Piakura was ruled out of the Good Friday derby against the Cowboys.
Piakura suffered an ankle injury at training on Tuesday morning, with scans confirming he would not be fit to face North Queensland at Suncorp Stadium.
The rising forward joins Broncos superstars Reece Walsh (facial fracture) and Payne Haas (knee) on the sidelines - however veteran winger Corey Oates has earned an NRL recall for the first time this year.
Brendan Piakura will go for scans on an ankle injury suffered at training & has been ruled out of the Broncos Round 4 clash this week.
— NRL PHYSIO (@nrlphysio) March 26, 2024
Any high ankle involvement would likely involve multi-week recovery so hopefully avoids.
I don’t think I’ve ever seen a busier NRL injury week.
Piakura’s injury has opened the door for Dragons recruit Jaiyden Hunt to make his club debut in the Good Friday blockbuster against the unbeaten Cowboys.
While the Broncos lost Piakura on Tuesday, captain Adam Reynolds (knee) was officially cleared to face the Cowboys after missing last week’s loss to Penrith.
Oates, who spent time training in the back row on Tuesday, will make his first appearance of the season after being named on the bench.
EELS SUFFER ANOTHER CRUEL INJURY BLOW
Parramatta have suffered another injury blow with star back-rower Bryce Cartwright facing a month on the sidelines.
Less than 24 hours after it was revealed Mitchell Moses could miss up to three months after fracturing his left foot,
Cartwright suffered a fractured rib in Sunday’s 28-24 win over Manly.
Early diagnosis suggests Cartwright will be out for four weeks in a further test of the Eels’ depth.
“It’s a real shame because Bryce has had an outstanding start to the season,” Cartwright’s manager, Allan Gainey said on Tuesday morning.
“Sadly, injuries are part of the game and I know Bryce will work hard and get back on the field as soon as possible.”
Former Wests and Manly forward Kelma Tuilagi is likely to replace Cartwright on the right edge for the Eels’ Easter Monday clash with the Tigers at CommBank Stadium.
Tuilagi has made three appearances for Parramatta off the bench this season.
- Dean Ritchie
THOMPSON RUBBED OUT FOR KNIGHTS
The Knights will be without Leo Thompson who has taken an early guilty plea after being charged by the match review committee.
Ryan Papenhuyzen was placed in an awkward position by Thompson and was hit with a dangerous contact charge.
Canberra fullback Jordan Rapana was not charged for a similar tackle on the Warriors’ Chanel Harris-Tavita.
MURRAY LIMPS OFF FROM RABBITOHS TRAINING
Cameron Murray limped off Heffron Park on Monday morning and Jack Wighton only watched on as his Rabbitohs teammates trained, but both are expected to be fit for Friday’s must win game against the Bulldogs to ease pressure on coach Jason Demetriou.
Murray is dealing with a knee issue but is in no doubt, while Wighton had his right leg strapped and is also tipped to be fine. Lachlan Ilias is unlikely to return to the NRL side after Dean Hawkins trained with the main group on Monday.
-Martin Gabor
PANTHERS AND EELS IN HALVES CRISIS
Nathan Cleary is out for up to a month with a hamstring injury and 67,805 SuperCoaches are looking for replacement.
And those planning to make the logical move to Mitchell Moses were sent straight back to the drawing board with news the Eels’ halfback could be sidelined for up to eight weeks with a foot fracture.
Brad Schneider is the expected replacement for Cleary while utility Daejarn Asi and rising NSW Cup halfback Ethan Sanders are replacement options for Moses.
Elsewhere at the Panthers, James Fisher-Harris, who is deemed a “week-to-week” proposition after picking up a shoulder injury in round two against Parramatta, is unlikely to be available this week after the club granted him permission to travel back to New Zealand on compassionate grounds. Veteran Scott Sorensen is expected to spend a significant stint on the sidelines with a knee injury.
ROOSTERS LOSE TWO BUT GAIN TWO
Prop Lindsay Collins (hamstring) and utility Sandon Smith (elbow) have been ruled out of Thursday’s bumper clash against reigning three-time premiers the Panthers.
But Trent Robinson’s side have a double boost in the halves with Luke Keary (concussion) set to return, while Sam Walker (concussion) has been cleared to play despite originally being deemed a category one head knock but having the ruling overturned on appeal.
“An MRI has confirmed that Lindsay Collins sustained a low grade left hamstring strain. He has commenced the club’s hamstring rehab protocol,” the Roosters said.
“Sandon Smith suffered an elbow hyperextension just before half time. Scans have shown a significant medial ligament injury to his left elbow.
“The medical team has commenced rehab on the non-surgical injury and will continue testing to decide his return to play date.”
Terrell May, who appeared to pick up a leg injury late in the Rabbitohs clash, moved freely at Sunday’s recovery session and is expected to be available for selection on Tuesday.
-Fatima Kdouh
ADDO-CARR BACKED TO PLAY AS YOUNG GUN IMPRESSES
Canterbury hooker Reed Mahoney has revealed the lengths injured flyer Josh Addo-Carr is going to in a bid to be cleared for the Good Friday clash against South Sydney.
Addo-Carr hasn’t played since picking up a notoriously painful AC joint shoulder injury in Round 1 against Parramatta.
The winger was looking likely last weekend but coach Cameron Ciraldo opted not to roll the dice with the star.
In a boost to his chances, Addo-Carr got through Canterbury’s first training session on Monday morning at Belmore.
Mahoney is backing Addo-Carr to take the field at Accor Stadium, revealing the 28-year-old has been rehabbing the shoulder around the clock.
“He’s been at his physio’s house at night trying to get himself ready since he’s not quite there but he’s got a few more days to get himself right and we’ll see how he goes at the back end of the week,” Mahoney said.
“I know he has been doing everything he can to be out there as soon as possible.”
Prop Poasa Faamausili will also be available for selection after missing the Titans clash with a head knock.
Liam Knight was promoted into the side from NSW Cup to replace Faamausili last weekend and given the win against the Titans, Faamausili could now be forced to make his way back into the NRL side through reserve grade.
The Bulldogs were well beaten in NSW Cup but rising forward Lipoi Hopoi is forcing himself into the conversation for NRL selection.
The local junior was in fine form against Penrith on the weekend churning out a game-high 231 metres, 109 post contact metres, three offloads and 33 tackles.
MASS CHANGES AT CRISIS-HIT TITANS
The Gold Coast Titans are set for big changes for Saturday’s clash against the Dolphins as key injuries and poor form hit the club.
Star forward Tino Fa’asuamaleaui will miss the remainder of the season with an ACL injury.
Jayden Campbell returned from injury via QLD Cup on the weekend and is a chance to replace Keano Kini at fullback.
David Fifita is closing in on a return from a pec injury and will replace Klese Haas on the edge once given the all clear.
-Tim Williams
NRL EARLY MAIL, VIA TIM WILLIAMS
ROOSTERS v PANTHERS
Thursday, 8pm, Allianz Stadium, Sydney
Roosters: Sam Walker had his category one concussion downgraded to a category two, which will see him cleared to face Penrith.
Forward Lindsay Collins (hamstring) is out but Terrell May (leg) will be named.
Luke Keary is recovering well from a concussion suffered in round 2 and is set to play, while Sandon Smith has been ruled out with an elbow injury.
Billy Smith suffered an ankle injury in NSW Cup over the weekend.
Panthers: Nathan Cleary is out, Brad Schneider is likely replacement at halfback and as goalkicker. James Fisher-Harris is deemed a “week-to-week” proposition after picking up a shoulder injury in round two against Parramatta, is unlikely to be available this week after the club granted him permission to travel back to New Zealand. Scott Sorensen is in doubt due to a knee concern, Luke Garner would start on the edge if ruled out.
RABBITOHS v BULLDOGS
Friday, 4:05pm, Accor Stadium, Sydney
Rabbitohs: Cameron Murray limped off Heffron Park on Monday morning and Jack Wighton only watched on as his Rabbitohs teammates trained, but both are expected to be fit.
There are no forced changes expected at South Sydney, however coach Jason Demetriou may be tempted to swing the axe after a winless start to the season.
Tyrone Munro is still a week or two away from returning from injury.
Bulldogs: Poasa Faamausili is due back from a head knock, although he may struggle to get back into the 17 after a big win over the Titans.
Josh Addo-Carr is a chance to return from an AC joint injury.
BRONCOS v COWBOYS
Friday, 8pm, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Broncos: Reece Walsh will miss a number of games due to a facial fracture, with Tristan Sailor likely to slot in at fullback in his absence.
Adam Reynolds is pushing to return from a knee injury in the halves in place of Jock Madden.
Cowboys: Reuben Cotter is in doubt with an ankle injury, with Griffin Neame likely to come into the starting team if unavailable.
DRAGONS v SEA EAGLES
Saturday, 5:30pm, WIN Stadium, Wollongong
Dragons: Jacob Liddle is likely to return from a head knock at hooker, pushing Jesse Marschke out of the team.
Francis Molo returns from a suspension, while Jaydn Su’A is pushing to return from a quadricep injury.
If cleared, Raymond Faitala-Mariner would likely drop to the bench.
Hame Sele is nearing a return from injury.
Sea Eagles: Tommy Talau is a chance to return from an ankle injury on the wing in place of Raymond Tuaimalo Vaega.
Toa Sipley returns from suspension for his first NRL game of the season.
TITANS v DOLPHINS
Saturday, 7:35pm, Cbus Super Stadium, Gold Coast
Titans: Tino Fa’asuamaleaui will miss the remainder of the season with an ACL injury.
Jayden Campbell returned from injury via QLD Cup on the weekend and is a chance to replace Keano Kini at fullback.
David Fifita is closing in on a return from a pec injury and will replace Klese Haas on the edge once given the all clear.
Dolphins: Ray Stone returns from a head knock at lock, likely pushing Max Plath to the bench.
WARRIORS v KNIGHTS
Sunday, 4:05pm, Go Media Stadium, Auckland
Warriors: Taine Tuaupiki will miss the clash with Newcastle due to a failed HIA against the Raiders.
Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad is likely another week away, which will see Roger Tuivasa-Sheck shift to fullback and either Adam Pompey or rookie Ali Leiataua come into the team at centre.
Wayde Egan is likely to return from an elbow injury at hooker, pushing Freddy Lussick to the bench or out of the 17 if they opt to keep Chanel Harris-Tavita on the pine.
Dylan Walker is in doubt with an ankle injury, while Marata Niukore continues his push to return from a foot injury.
Knights: Leo Thompson is facing one to two weeks out for a dangerous contact charge on Ryan Papenhuyzen.
SHARKS v RAIDERS
Sunday, 6:15pm, PointsBet Stadium, Sydney
Sharks: Royce Hunt (calf), Dale Finucane (head knock) and Toby Rudolf (ankle) are all in major doubt to face the Raiders.
Braden Hamlin-Uele is nearing a return from a knee injury.
With a potential shortage of middles, this may see Billy Burns start on the edge and Jack Williams move back to the middle rotation.
Raiders: Sebastian Kris returns from a head knock at centre, pushing Albert Hopoate to the wing and Nick Cotric out of the team.
Corey Horsburgh returned from suspension via NSW Cup where he played 65 minutes for Canberra.
He’s a strong chance to come back into the NRL side this weekend.
EELS v TIGERS
Monday, 4pm, CommBank Stadium, Sydney
Eels: Star half Mitch Moses is set to be sidelined for 8-12 weeks (fractured foot). Daejarn Asi or boom rookie Ethan Sanders are replacement options for the Eels, expect Clint Gutherson to take the goal kicks. Bailey Simonsson is likely to return from a concussion, while Maika Sivo returns from suspension.
Sivo will slot in on the wing and Simonsson at centre, with Morgan Harper and Blaize Talagi likely dropping out.
Tigers: Alex Twal must pass concussion protocols to take his place for the Tigers.
Rookie playmaker Latu Fainu returned from injury in NSW Cup on the weekend, scoring a try in his first hit-out of the season.
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