NRL Early Mail Round 14: Tallyn Da Silva poised for debut, will Panthers back-up from Origin?
Tallyn Da Silva may be handed his NRL debut should Api Koroisau pull up sore from Origin I, and who will back up for the Panthers - we analyse the contenders.
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The Wests Tigers are ready to hand a first grade debut to one of their much-hyped teenage prodigies should Api Koroisau struggle to back up from Wednesday night’s State of Origin opener.
Tallyn Da Silva has been a star in the lower grades and he now stands on the verge of a remarkable first grade debut at the age of 18, having been selected on an extended interchange bench by coach Tim Sheens for Friday night’s game against Canberra.
It is understood he has every chance to come into the 17 should Koroisau battle to back up after Origin.
A local product, Da Silva played his junior rugby league at the East Campbelltown Eagles and graduated from famed nursery, Westfields Sports High.
Only last year, he played a game for Easts Campbelltown alongside his father Johnny, a local legend who retired at the end of last season at the age of 43.
A member of the club’s undefeated Harold Matthews side last year, Da Silva has spent this season honing his craft alongside Koroisau. He could yet receive the chance to emulate him depending on whether the Blues star emerges from Origin I unscathed.
The game against the Raiders promises to have an edge to it given it will mark the first time Tigers forward John Bateman has played against Canberra since he walked out on the club with one year remaining on his deal.
PENRITH’S RESTING CANDIDATES AND THEIR REPLACEMENTS
Now that centre Stephen Crichton has been thrust into Origin game one to replace Latrell Mitchell for the Blues, Penrith coach Ivan Cleary has six players backing up into round 14.
Cleary will be allowed to name 24 players on Tuesday for this weekend’s clash against the Dragons before deciding who to rest, if any.
Already, Nathan Cleary is fighting a tooth infection and while he’s likely to play on Wednesday night the coach could rest the halfback.
Coach Cleary has a number of options to cover in the halves including Jack Cogger, who has been playing at No. 7 in NSW Cup. Cogger had missed two Cup games with a hand complaint but is now available for selection.
Kurt Falls and youngster Jack Cole are also options for Blues five-eighth Jarome Luai at No.6.
Liam Henry could come into the frame if backrower Liam Martin, who has overcome a hamstring injury to play in Adelaide, is rested.
Options in the outside backs to replace Crichton and Brian To’o include Thomas Jenkins and Jesse McLean.
WALKER’S COMEBACK DELAYED
In a blow for the Sydney Roosters, halfback Sam Walker’s comeback has been delayed for at least another 2-3 weeks.
Coach Trent Robinson was hoping he’d return for the game against Canterbury in Gosford on Sunday.
But his recovery from a knee injury is going slower than expected.
FORAN GIVEN TIME OFF
Titans veteran Kieran Foran will be sidelined for a month after succumbing to a painful toe injury.
Foran has been ruled out of Saturday night’s clash with South Sydney and won’t be available for selection before round 17.
The NRL warhorse has been carrying the problem for a month and barely been able to train.
Foran played in Gold Coast’s loss to the Bulldogs on May 21 and will miss games against the Rabbitohs and Tigers.
The Titans have a bye in round 16 and Foran will be assessed for selection in Gold Coast’s round 17 derby against the Broncos on June 25.
Jayden Campbell will move to five-eighth in Foran’s absence, with young gun Keano Kini coming into the team at fullback.
FULL EARLY MAIL BY TIM WILLIAMS
TIGERS v RAIDERS
Friday, 8pm, Campbelltown Sports Stadium, Campbelltown
Tigers: Brent Naden is due back from suspension but will struggle to crack the in-form Tigers’ backline.
Joe Ofahengaue made the mid-season switch to the Eels, which is likely to see Fonua Pole start at lock in his place.
Raiders:Corey Harawira-Naera left the field following a nasty health scare in the win over the Rabbitohs.
Elliott Whitehead has a pec injury and is also is out due to suspension for another week, likely seeing the Raiders down an edge back-rower.
Hudson Young may struggle to back-up from Origin on the quick turnaround, meaning Corey Horsburgh will likely stay on the edge.
Seb Kris suffered a knee injury in the win, with Xavier Savage to deputise at fullback if required.
Jordan Rapana must pass concussion protocols to take his place on the wing, with Harley Smith-Shields on standby.
Skipper Jarrod Croker is expected to be rested, enabling him to play his 300th NRL game at home in Canberra the following week.
This will see Nick Cotric start at centre in his place.
WARRIORS v DOLPHINS
Saturday, 3pm, Go Media Stadium, Auckland
Warriors: Freddy Lussick is likely to be unavailable following a failed HIA in the loss to Brisbane, which should be offset by the return of Wayde Egan at hooker.
Mitch Barnett is due back from a neck injury, while Dylan Walker is expected to miss another week as he recovers from a toe injury.
Dolphins: Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and Tom Gilbert will push to back-up from the Origin opener.
If Hammer does return, it’ll cause a welcome headache for coach Wayne Bennett as to whether Kodi Nikorima returns to the halves or if Anthony Milford is retained following an outstanding performance in the win over the Dragons.
TITANS v RABBITOHS
Saturday, 5.30pm, Cbus Stadium, Gold Coast
Titans: Sam Verrills is a chance to return at hooker over the next fortnight for the Gold Coast. Kieran Foran will not play until round 17 in a bid to heal his toe. No major changes expected elsewhere at the Titans.
Rabbitohs: Campbell Graham will push to return from a sternum injury at centre, which would push Jed Cartwright back to the bench.
Davvy Moale is a chance to return from a knee issue on the bench.
South Sydney have a number of players who will be attempting to back up from State of Origin on a sharp turnaround.
SHARKS v BRONCOS
Saturday, 7:35pm, PointsBet Stadium, Cronulla
Sharks: Siosifa Talakai is expected to return from injury at centre, pushing Connor Tracey to the bench or out of the squad.
Broncos: Corey Oates is vying to return from a knee injury on the wing, which would see both Jesse Arthars and Deine Mariner drop out of the side should Selywn Cobbo back-up from Origin.
ROOSTERS v BULLDOGS
Sunday, 2pm, Industree Group Stadium, Gosford
Roosters: The Sydney Roosters are set to welcome back a host of stars following the bye.
Jared Warea-Hargeaves will return to bolster the middle, although Victor Radley begins his suspension and will be unavailable.
Joey Manu is expected to return from an ankle injury, the question is whether that’s in the halves for Drew Hutchinson or at centre.
Daniel Tupou is a chance to return from a hamstring injury on the wing in place of Corey Allan.
Bulldogs: Raymond Faitala-Mariner is expected to return after missing the Bulldogs’ last game with illness.
Braidon Burns is also a chance to return from a knee injury, but it’s unknown whether he’ll crack a spot in the back five.
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COWBOYS v STORM
Sunday, 4:05pm, QCB Stadium, Townsville
Cowboys: Jason Taumalolo is expected to return from a knee injury at lock, pushing Jake Granville to the bench.
Jeremiah Nanai will return from suspension on the edge, likely pushing Jack Gosiewski out of the squad entirely.
The struggling Cowboys will be desperate for their Origin stars to back-up as they bid for a vital win.
Storm: Eliesa Katoa is in doubt to face the Cowboys after suffering an injury in Round 12 against the Dolphins.
Melbourne have Harry Grant and Cameron Munster bidding to back-up from Origin, with their hopes aided by the maximum four-day turnaround.
PANTHERS v DRAGONS
Sunday, 6:15pm, BlueBet Stadium, Penrith
Panthers: Izack Tago is a chance to return from a pectoral injury at centre, likely replacing Tyrone Peachey.
With five players involved for the Blues, Peachey is every chance to show his utility value in another position if any don’t back-up, provided Tago himself is cleared.
Spencer Leniu and Matt Eisenhuth are both likely to return from injury on the bench.
Dragons: Jaydn Su’A is a chance to return from a knee injury on the edge, pushing Ben Murdoch-Masila to the bench. Tautau Moga is a chance to return from a shoulder injury on the wing.
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