NRL Early Mail Round 13: Predicted team changes
The Cowboys are set for a major boost ahead of their trip to the Gold Coast. Meanwhile, Knights young gun Bradman Best is sweating on the results of scans as his season hangs in the balance. PREDICTED TEAM CHANGES
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The Cowboys are set for a major boost ahead of their trip to the Gold Coast on Sunday with captain Michael Morgan to suit-up for the first time in four months.
The Cowboys halfback has been sidelined since the coronavirus pandemic put a halt to the season having undergone surgery on his shoulder.
Complications with an infection have prolonged his stint on the sidelines, but the Cowboys playmaker will be back to tackle the Titans.
Test prop Josh McGuire will also return from suspension, while Scott Drinkwater (knee) remains at least another week away from a return.
— David Riccio
MANLY ROOKIE DENIED DEBUT
Manly coach Des Hasler is set to name Tevita Funa as Brad Parker’s (concussion) replacement at centre.
There was talk Hasler would hand Morgan Harper his club debut but the coach has opted for Funa.
Backrower Curtis Sironen suffered a knee injury against Penrith on Saturday but is likely to be given until captain’s run before a decision is made on his fitness.
If he is ruled out, Corey Waddell is his likely replacement in the starting side.
Dylan Walker’s return from a foot injury only lasted one game after the playmaker suffered another foot injury against the Panthers. Cade Cust will return at five-eighth as Walker’s replacement.
— Fatima Kdouh
KNIGHTS SWEAT ON BRADMAN
Newcastle centre Bradman Best will today be told whether he will miss the remainder of this season.
It comes amid speculation the Knights may look to sign Warriors veteran Blake Green for the remainder of this season.
Best, 18, injured his ankle in Sunday’s match loss against Melbourne and hobbled through the second half.
The early diagnosis suggests Best has a syndesmosis injury which can take anywhere between eight weeks to six months to recover from.
Knights officials were refusing to rule Best out for the season on Monday night, claiming there were still “options”.
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Best, a special talent, had his medical scan late Monday afternoon.
The Daily Telegraph understands Best will meet with his specialist some time Tuesday to discuss the scan results.
Newcastle – who have won two of their past six games — is desperately hoping the damage is minimal and Best can return shortly.
But there are fears the injury will be long term – perhaps season-ending.
Newcastle has seven players out with injuries so losing Best would be a horrible blow to the club’s push for a finals position.
— Dean Ritchie
BOOST FOR BUNNIES AHEAD OF GRUDGE MATCH
Adam Reynolds trained with South Sydney on Monday and the skipper is expected to play against Brisbane in Friday night’s huge clash at ANZ Stadium.
Meanwhile, the Rabbitohs have enlisted top gun lawyer Nick Ghabar to try and free tough backrower Jaydn Su’A at the NRL judiciary on Tuesday so Su’A can go head-to-head with returning Broncos’ superstar forward David Fifita.
Su’A was placed on report for a shot on Cameron McInnes in the final minutes of Thursday night’s win over St George Illawarra.
Reynolds suffered a nerve problem in his neck in that game and was forced off early.
But it improved enough over the weekend for him to train on Monday and he looks a good chance of playing.
— Paul Crawley
SHARKS WELCOME BACK KEY QUARTET
The cavalry is on it’s way for Cronulla — just in time for their biggest test of the season.
With the lure of entering the top-four for the first time in 2020, the Sharks are hoping to welcome back a host of big guns against premiership-contenders Parramatta at Kogarah next Sunday.
Matt Moylan, Jesse Ramien, Josh Dugan (all hamstring injuries) and Scott Sorensen (knee) will all attempt to prove their fitness ahead of the all-Sydney clash.
“Hopefully we’ll get Jesse Ramien and Josh Dugan back next week,’’ Sharks coach John Morris said. “I gave them every chance to play this week (against the Broncos), but they were a little bit short.
“They both had similar low-grade hamstrings, so they’ll be both in contention to play next week, so that would be good.
“Josh Dugan is stuck on 199-games, so it will be ‘Duges’ 200th (NRL appearance).
“And then Matty Moylan is a chance, which is good news. We’ll see what we can put together next week, its a big game against Parramatta, which is a real good test for us.”
A genuine run-threat who featured at fullback in his last three matches, but very much in a ball-playing role, the potential return of Moylan gives Morris the option of picking him at five-eighth in the absence of Chad Townsend (calf).
The 29-year-old’s touch of class with ball in-hand would add even more potency to a Sharks side that sits second in the NRL for attack.
The Sharks have scored an average of 26.6-points, second only to the Roosters (27.8).
CASUALTY WARD: Horror weekend of injuries
Moylan is a proven performer in the six jumper, combining with Townsend in 2018 to steer the Sharks the preliminary final, while more recently he combined with Shaun Johnson to beat the Cowboys in round four.
Morris said Townsend remained sidelined for the next three weeks while Andrew Fifita (finger surgery) is still “another couple of weeks away”.
Meanwhile, centre Jackson Ferris, who scored a slashing try on debut against the Broncos, has received mixed news after failing to finish the match with a knee injury.
While an early diagnosis by the Sharks medical staff suggested no major damage, he is facing a two-match suspension from the NRL match review committee for a shoulder charge on Broncos centre Herbie Farnworth.
DRAGONS V ROOSTERS
Thurs 6 Aug, WIN Stadium, Wollongong, 7.50pm
Dragons: Expected to be without Euan Aitken after he failed to finish the Rabbitohs game due to a hamstring injury with Brayden Wiliame to come into the side if he can recover from a calf injury. If Wiliame isn’t fit Tyrell Fuimaono may be asked to play left centre. Trent Merrin and Adam Clune will both return after missing last week’s game due to concussion. Clune’s return will see Cameron McInnes move back to lock and Ben Hunt to hooker. Jackson Ford left the field in the final minutes last Thursday due to concussion and will need to pass protocols to play. Tyson Frizell and Blake Lawrie picked up head knocks but should be OK to be named.
Roosters: Come into the game off a five-day turnaround and will welcome back Boyd Cordner after he missed the last two games due to concussion. Josh Morris was a late omission on the weekend due to a calf injury and could return if he can prove his fitness, whilst Brett Morris will miss another week due to a back injury. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves only played limited minutes on weekend due to a calf injury and given a five-day turnaround could be in some doubt.
SEA EAGLES V WARRIORS
Fri 7 Aug, Lottoland, Sydney, 6pm
Sea Eagles: Hit hard by injury with Curtis Sironen (knee), Brad Parker (concussion) and Dylan Walker (foot) all set to miss out. Cade Cust will return at five-eighth for Walker. Tevita Funa and Morgan Harper are options for Parker’s backline spot, with Funa likely to get the nod. Corey Waddell will replace Sironen in the starting back row with Jack Gosiewski coming onto the bench. Morgan Boyle is fit to return from a groin injury and could be an option to come onto the bench.
Curtis Sironen off with R knee injury. Significant concern considering history, hopefully better than expected news. Not typical direction change/foot stuck in turf that often see with ACL ruptures (a bit of give there). ACL injury still at risk but MCL sprain looking more likely pic.twitter.com/PSe7titlly
— NRL PHYSIO (@nrlphysio) August 1, 2020
Warriors: Coming off a gritty win over the Tigers with the only injury concern being hooker Karl Lawton after he suffered a hip issue in-game. If ruled out, Nathaniel Roache could return from a knee injury. Or Chanel Harris-Tavita, who missed the Tigers game due to a wrist injury, could come onto the bench if fit with Wayde Egan starting at hooker. Jack Hetherington played big minutes last weekend after shifting to right edge midway through the first half with Tohu Harris moving to the middle.
Dylan Walker off after suffering a left foot/ankle injury during this tackle in opening set. Suffered left foot fracture 6 weeks ago & this injury is to the same side. Video unclear/blocked, reports from sideline are foot injury so hopefully not a re-fracture pic.twitter.com/7co89uGVNo
— NRL PHYSIO (@nrlphysio) August 1, 2020
RABBITOHS V BRONCOS
Fri 7 Aug, ANZ Stadium, Sydney, 7.55pm
Rabbitohs: Skipper Adam Reynolds trained on Monday and is set to play despite failing to finish on the weekend due to neck nerve damage. Reynolds was left in terrible pain after copping a whack from Tariq Sims.
Reynolds will be given every chance to prove his fitness but if ruled out Troy Dargan is likely get another call up to partner Cody Walker in the halves.
Meanwhile, the Rabbitohs have enlisted top gun lawyer Nick Ghabar to try and free tough backrower Jaydn Su’A at the NRL judiciary on Tuesday. Su’A is facing a one-week ban after being placed on report for a shot on Cameron McInnes in the final minutes of Thursday night’s win over St George Illawarra.
If Su’A is ruled out it could put Jack Johns back in line for another NRL call-up.
— Paul Crawley
Cameron Murray and Liam Knight both suffered knocks during the game but should be right to go. Jaxson Paulo could be in some doubt after suffering a nasty knock in the final minutes of the Dragons game which saw him leave the field for HIA. If ruled out Corey Allan would come onto the wing. New signing Jed Cartwright could be named on the extended bench after joining from the Panthers last week.
— Wacko’s Whispers
Broncos: Will finally welcome the return of David Fifita from a knee injury after he was held back last week to make sure he was fully fit. Tom Flegler could be in some doubt after suffering a wrist injury in the Sharks game on Saturday. Brodie Croft will need to be checked after suffering a shoulder injury at training last week and if fit would replace Tom Dearden at halfback. Jesse Arthurs could return after overcoming injury and would replace Richie Kennar on the left wing. Matt Lodge is only considered an outside chance to return from a knee injury. Darius Boyd will continue at fullback after a good game on the weekend.
STORM V BULLDOGS
Sat 8 Aug, Sunshine Coast Stadium, Sunshine Coast, 3pm
Storm: Came out of the Knights game with a number of injury concerns. Expected to be without captain Cameron Smith for 2-3 weeks due to a shoulder injury, which will see Brandon Smith start at hooker. Jahrome Hughes suffered a hip injury in a tackle from Pasami Saulo whilst in the act of kicking, which saw him leave the field. But in some good news he did return later in the game. Marion Seve left the field late due to concussion and will need to pass required protocols to play. Kenny Bromwich and Suliasi Vunivalu both suffered head knocks but played out the game and will be monitored. Felise Kaufusi looked to be hampered by a leg injury suffered during the game. He had his right quad/thigh strapped up and was able to play out the match but could be in some doubt. Justin Olam could return after being rested on the weekend.
INJURY UPDATE: Cam has a Grade 2 AC joint injury. He will be out for 2-3 weeks.
— Melbourne Storm (@storm) August 2, 2020
Speedy recovery skip 💜#YourStorm
Bulldogs: Came through the Eels game with no major injury concerns with Jake Averillo (head knock) and Raymond Faitala-Mariner (knock) both expected to be right to play. Backup hooker Sione Katoa will need a Queensland Government exemption to travel to Queensland to play due to a flu vaccination issue.
KNIGHTS V TIGERS
Sat 8 Aug, McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle, 5.30pm
Knights: Came through the loss to Melbourne Storm battered and bruised with a number of injuries. Chris Randall and Lachlan Fitzgibbon clashed heads and both failed HIAs. They will need to pass required protocols to play. Bradman Best was hampered by an ankle injury but played out the game. He is likely to be ruled out which could see Gehamat Shibasaki return at left centre. Pasami Saulo passed gameday HIA but could be suspended if charged for a nasty tackle on Jahrome Hughes. Daniel Saifiti (knee) and Brodie Jones (ribs) are outside chances to return.
Tigers: I am expecting coach Michael Maguire to swing the axe after a disappointing performance against the Warriors. Russell Packer and Joey Leilua will both return after missing games due to suspension. Leilua will start at right centre with Chris Lawrence either dropping to the bench or out of the 17. Adam Doueihi (groin/hamstring) and Alex Twal (sternum) struggled in the Warriors game due and both could be in some doubt. Benji Marshall and Billy Walters’ partnership in the halves is under question with Josh Reynolds and Luke Brooks options to come back into the team. Robert Jennings could return after recovering from a hamstring injury and could replace Tommy Talau on the wing. I am expecting Michael Chee-Kam to be given another week to recover from a nasty concussion.
PANTHERS V RAIDERS
Sat 8 Aug, Panthers Stadium, Penrith, 7.35pm
Panthers: Will be without Charlie Staines after he suffered a hamstring injury in the process of scoring his second try. But in some good news Dean Whare is expected to be fit to return after recovering from a leg injury. He would line up at right centre pushing Brent Naden out to right wing. Isaah Yeo passed gameday HIA and should be right to play. Api Koroisau (elbow) and Zane Tetevano (back) both made successful returns from injury on the weekend and will be right to play. Dylan Edwards’ rehab is progressing well as he recovers from a hamstring injury but is still 2-4 weeks away. Kurt Capewell is out of his knee brace and will start rehab running this week. If all goes well he is expected to return in Round 16. Brian To’o is recovering from syndesmosis surgery and is expected to return in Round 15.
Raiders: Winger Semi Valemei is in doubt after he suffered a knee injury on the weekend. He is expected to ruled out this week, but in some good news Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad is expected to return from a finger injury which will see Jordan Rapana move back to the wing. Rapana copped a knock on the weekend but should be right to play. Elliott Whitehead was hampered by an ankle injury but should be right to play.
TITANS V COWBOYS
Sun 9 Aug, Cbus Super Stadium, Gold Coast, 2pm
Titans: Fullback AJ Brimson made a successful return from a back injury on the weekend and will continue to play the No. 1 role, which saw Corey Thompson drop out of the side on the weekend. Brian Kelly copped a cork but was able to play out the game and should be fit, while Mitch Rein and Young Tonumaipea are close to returning from knee injuries. Sam Lisone was again a late withdrawal on the weekend after failing to come up as he manages an AC joint shoulder injury.
Cowboys: Will receive a massive double boost with captain Michael Morgan set to return from a shoulder injury, while Josh McGuire returns from suspension. McGuire will slot into his normal role at starting prop alongside Jordan McLean, with Morgan either set to partner Jake Clifford in the halves or start at fullback. John Asiata is expected to be ruled out after suffering a knee injury on the weekend, despite returning to the field with his knee heavily strapped after the Cowboys had used their final interchange. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow was in the wars. He passed gameday HIA at halftime before copping another head knock and then copping a knock to the ankle. He will be monitored. Gavin Cooper only played limited minutes on the weekend after copping a knock and didn’t return to the field after going off. Ben Hampton (head knock) and Kyle Feldt (shoulder) will need to be checked but should be OK to be named.
SHARKS V EELS
Sun 9 Aug, Netstrata Jubilee Stadium, Sydney, 4.05pm
Sharks: Hope to see their hamstring injured trio in Matt Moylan, Josh Dugan and Jesse Ramien all return from injury. Moylan would partner Shaun Johnson in the halves with rookie Braydon Trindall the player to make way. Andrew Fifita (hamstring/hand) is aiming for Round 14 or 15. Rookie Jackson Ferris suffered a knee injury which will keep him out for a number of weeks. Scott Sorensen has resumed rehab running after recovering from a knee injury and could be named on the extended bench.
Eels: Welcome back Ryan Matterson after he missed the Bulldogs game due to concussion. He would start in the right edge 2RF position with Marata Niukore dropping back to the bench and either Brad Takairangi or Oregon Kaufusi the player to make way. Blake Ferguson (neck) and Niukore (HIA) should both be right to be named and to play. Ray Stone only needs clearance from the doctor to return after recovering from a broken hand. He returned to training this week but just needs final tick to return to full contact and be available for selection.