NRL Early Mail Round 13: Jake Trbojevic injury blow, Kodi Nikorima fullback switch

The injury to Manly’s Jake Trbojevic is far worse than originally feared, while Dolphins coach Wayne Bennett is set to pull a surprise switch.

Kalyn Ponga receives attention from the trainer during the round 12 NRL match against the Sharks. Picture: Getty

Manly and NSW have been dealt a savage blow after scans revealed forward Jake Trbojevic will be sidelined for six weeks with a calf injury.

Trbojevic aggravated the calf in Manly’s big win over Canberra last Sunday.

The injury will ensure Trbojevic is unavailable for all three Origin games.

Trbojevic came back early from the calf injury against the Raiders to push his Origin claims. He was initially named in the NSW side for Wednesday week’s series opener in Adelaide but withdrew after he became aware of the severity of the injury.

Manly officials on Tuesday revealed he would now miss six weeks, a bitter setback for the Sea Eagles and the Blues.

Younger brother Ben Trbojevic is expected to be out for an extended period of time after scans confirmed a hamstring tear following the win over Canberra.

Jake Trbojevic has picked up another injury. Picture: Getty

NIKORIMA SET FOR FULLBACK SWITCH

Wayne Bennett will turn to utility Kodi Nikorima to replace Maroons flyer Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow in the Dolphins’ No. 1 jersey

The in-form Nikorima will shift from five-eighth to fullback for the Dolphins’ Thursday night clash against the Dragons at Kayo Stadium.

Rookie sensation Isaiya Katoa will start at halfback despite suffering a shoulder injury in last week’s loss to Melbourne, with Anthony Milford replacing Nikorima at five-eighth.

The Dolphins have lost Tabuai-Fidow and hard-hitting forward Tom Gilbert to Queensland’s Origin team for next Wednesday’s series-opener in Adelaide.

Ray Stone will start in the back-row in place of Gilbert.

Experienced backrower Felise Kaufusi has also accepted a three-match ban for a high tackle on Melbourne’s Christian Welch.

GRAHAM IN FOR RABBITOHS DESPITE ORIGIN WITHDRAWAL

South Sydney will name Campbell Graham in their side despite the centre being ruled out of 18th man duties for the Blues.

Graham is battling a sternum injury. He is battling to be fit for Saturday’s game but South Sydney will give him time to prove his fitness.

Jaydn Su'A of the Dragons. Picture: Getty Images

DRAGONS LOSE TWO KEY FORWARDS

St George Illawarra will must tackle the Dolphins without two forwards.

Prop Blake Lawrie is expected to miss up to a month with a broken hand while edge-forward Jaydn Su’A has a minor hamstring complaint which he suffered at training on Monday. The injury will not be long-term but is expected to see the former Maroon miss this week.

PONGA ON THE MOVE FOR KNIGHTS

Axed Queensland superstar Kalyn Ponga is poised to return to his old fullback position at the Newcastle Knights for the match against Manly.

Ponga will replace Lachie Miller, who has been dropped to NSW Cup, after a poor performance against Cronulla.

Knights general manager Peter Parr says Ponga will definitely play on the weekend, despite being overlooked for the Maroons because of concerns around his recent concussion issues.

“I spoke to him this morning and he’s a bit disappointed about Origin,” Parr said, “but he appreciated the phone call from Billy Slater. He’s fine to play this weekend.”

Kalyn Ponga receives attention from the trainer during the round 12 NRL match against the Sharks. Picture: Getty

The Knights deny the move with Ponga to fullback is to avoid the collisions that come with defending at five-eighth.

Ponga had a blinder two weeks ago against the Titans but struggled in the loss to the Sharks after a heavy knock in the first half.

Tyson Gamble will return to the Knights starting line-up in the five-eighth position that Ponga has occupied in recent weeks.

FULL EARLY MAIL BY TIM WILLIAMS

DOLPHINS v DRAGONS

Thursday, 7:50pm, Kayo Stadium, Redcliffe

Dolphins: Felise Kaufusi is facing a three to four match suspension for a high tackle that will likely see him miss the State of Origin opener.

Mark Nicholls is a chance to return from a broken thumb at prop in what would be a straight swap for the Origin bound Tom Gilbert.

With Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow picked for the Maroons, Jamayne Isaako is likely to play fullback, with Robert Jennings coming onto the wing.

Dragons: Jack Bird was rested from the win over the Roosters with a knee niggle, but is expected to return in the back-row to face the Dolphins.

Blake Lawrie is out with a broken hand, while Jaydn Su’A is expected to miss due to a hamstring injury.

Tautau Moga is a chance to return from a shoulder injury.

With Ben Hunt on Origin duty, Jayden Sullivan will come into the halves, with Moses Mbye likely joining the bench.

Ryan Matterson is in serious doubt with a calf injury. Picture: Getty

EELS v COWBOYS

Friday, 8pm, CommBank Stadium, Sydney

Eels: Ryan Matterson is unlikely to face the Cowboys having suffered a calf injury in the win over the Rabbitohs.

Andrew Davey is also in major doubt after failing to finish the game due to a concussion.

This is likely to see Bryce Cartwright and potentially Matt Doorey start on the edges for the Eels.

Junior Paulo is the only Eel on Origin duty.

Cowboys: Jason Taumalolo is a strong chance to return at lock from a knee injury.

That would be a direct swap in the middle for the Origin bound Reuben Cotter.

Jamayne Taunoa-Brown is expected to return on the bench from a concussion.

Luciano Leilua played big minutes in the back-row in his first game of the season.

Brendan Elliott is likely to slot in at centre in place of Val Holmes, while they’re also needing a winger with Murray Taulagi picked for the Maroons.

WARRIORS v BRONCOS

Saturday, 5:30pm, McLean Park, Napier

Warriors: Jackson Ford returns in the edge back-row slot from a concussion.

Mitch Barnett is pushing to make his long-awaited return from a neck injury.

Luke Metcalf has returned via NSW Cup after a lengthy injury lay-off and will come into contention for a bench utility role in coming weeks.

Broncos: Adam Reynolds is expected to return from a concussion at halfback, pushing Jock Madden out of the team.

Corey Oates is a chance to return on the wing which would be a direct swap for the Origin bound Selwyn Cobbo.

Reece Walsh has been given the nod as Maroons fullback, meaning Herbie Farnworth will likely shift to fullback, with Jordan Pereira or Deine Mariner joining the backline.

With Payne Haas, Pat Carrigan and Tom Flegler unavailable in the pack, a number of forwards will be stepping up into big minute roles.

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RABBITOHS v RAIDERS

Saturday, 7:35pm, Accor Stadium, Sydney

Rabbitohs: Tom Burgess was a late out against the Eels with a back complaint.

He’s pushing to return for South Sydney in the front-row.

Jed Cartwright is expected to return from a concussion off the bench.

Blake Taaffe will play fullback in place of Latrell Mitchell, while Campbell Graham was picked in the NSW Squad as 18th man but ruled out with a sternum injury.

He was omitted from the squad because he couldn’t train early in the week, but could yet be available for the Bunnies and is expected to be named.

Liam Knight will likely start at lock in place of Cam Murray.

Raiders: Zac Woolford is due back from a concussion, however it’ll give coach Ricky Stuart a big dilemma as to whether he returns through NSW Cup or the NRL.

Woolford was the third pick hooker behind Danny Levi and Tom Starling to start the season, but was an integral part of the Raiders winning run prior to his head knock.

Nick Cotric is due back from a hamstring injury in coming weeks.

Corey Harawira-Naera is expected to be recalled to the NRL for Hudson Young where he’ll start on the edge.

KNIGHTS v SEA EAGLES

Sunday, 4:05pm, McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle

Knights: With Kalyn Ponga snubbed from the Maroons side, the Knights will have their star playmaker available for the clash with Manly, as is Dane Gagai.

Ponga will switch to fullback with Lachlan Miller out and Tyson Gamble coming into the halves.

Tyson Frizell has been recalled to the Origin arena, meaning either Adam Elliott or Jack Johns will start on the edge.

Sea Eagles: Ben Trbojevic suffered a hamstring injury that’s set to see him miss at least a few rounds due to his history with the injury.

Ethan Bullemor, Ben Condon and Samuela Fainu could start on the edge in his place.

Haumole Olakau’atu was placed on report in the win over Canberra for a dangerous tackle.

Toa Sipley is due back from suspension.

There’s uncertainty around Jake Trbojevic’s availability after ruling himself out of the State of Origin opener.

Either Reuben Garrick or Kaeo Weekes will start at fullback in place of Tom Trbojevic, while Cooper Johns is pushing to return from injury to replace Daly Cherry-Evans in the halves.

BYES: Bulldogs, Panthers, Roosters, Sharks, Storm, Titans, Tigers