NRL Early Mail round 14: Origin and injuries combine to hurt leading teams

Sydney Roosters coach Trent Robinson has all but confirmed his team will continue to rest big name stars despite dropping their third NRL game in a row.

Sydney Roosters coach Trent Robinson has all but confirmed co-captain Boyd Cordner will be rested next week despite dropping their third NRL game in a row. The Roosters were upset 19-10 by Penrith on Sunday after being without a number of stars, including the rested Latrell Mitchell and Angus Crichton. Luke Keary and Jake Friend were also missing due to injury, while prop Jared Waerea-Hargreaves was suspended.

CASUALTY WARD: Latest injury news and full list for every club

All three will again be missing for next week’s match against Canterbury, however Mitchell and Crichton are expected to return ahead of State of Origin II.

NSW teammates Cordner and Tedesco, who were among the Roosters best against the Panthers, are likely to get their turn to ice up this week.

NRL EARLY MAIL ROUND 14

RAIDERS V SHARKS

Thursday, 13 June, GIO Stadium, 7:50pm

Raiders: Canberra look set to name an unchanged squad following their big win over the Wests Tigers in Round 13.

Sharks: The Sharks are nearing full strength and this week welcome back Josh Morris (Rest) and Shaun Johnson (Hamstring).

TITANS V WARRIORS

Friday, 14 June, CBUS Stadium, 6:00pm

Titans: Utility Bryce Cartwright (Flu) should be available for Friday night’s game.

Warriors: Centre Patrick Herbert (Quadriceps) should return this week provided he has no setbacks ahead of Friday night’s game.

COWBOYS V WESTS TIGERS

Friday, 14 June, 1300SMILES Stadium, 7:55pm

Cowboys: Metre eating prop Jordan McLean (Hamstring) and utility Mitchell Dunn (Shoulder) will be unavailable for the match against the Wests Tigers.

Wests Tigers: Coach Michael Maguire will be sweating on the availability of playmaker Benji Marshall (Eye) and will be without Mahe Fonua (Ankle) who is set to be sidelined for 2-4 weeks. Paul Momirovski is Fonua’s likely replacement.

Jordan McLean will be unavailable for the Cowboys. Picture: Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images

STORM V KNIGHTS

Saturday, 15 June, AAMI Park, 3:00pm

Storm: To come …

Knights: Fullback Kalyn Ponga (Rest) will return for the game.

RABBITOHS V PANTHERS

Saturday, 15 June, ANZ Stadium, 5:30pm

Rabbitohs: Big holes to fill for South Sydney with Sam Burgess (Shoulder) and Tom Burgess (Ankle) both set for extended periods on the sideline. Cody Walker (Rest) will be a welcome inclusion while Alex Johnston (Knee) and Braidon Burns (Hamstring) are outside chances of returning.

Panthers: To come …

EELS V BRONCOS

Saturday 15 June, Bankwest Stadium, 7:35pm

Eels: The Eels will be sweating on the availability of fullback Clint Gutherson (Concussion).

Broncos: Prop Joe Ofahengaue (Knee) will miss the game as will young half Tom Dearden (Ankle). The Broncos may continue to play backup hooker Jake Turpin at halfback in place of Dearden after the young rake filled in admirably when dearden went down, though they also have Sean O’Sullivan playing in reserve grade for Norths. Corey Oates (Hip) is expected to return after missing round 13 due to an injury picked up in Origin I while Matt Gillett (Rest) will play.

Matt Gillett will return following a rest after his Origin exertions. Picture: Annette Dew

SEA EAGLES V DRAGONS

Sunday, 16 June, Lottoland, 2:00pm

Sea Eagles: To come …

Dragons: To come …

ROOSTERS V BULLDOGS

Sunday, 16 June, SCG, 4:05pm

Roosters: The Roosters look set to continue with their policy of resting Origin stars. Captain Boyd Cordner and fullback James Tedesco are unlikely to play against the Bulldogs. The loss is offset by the return of fellow Blues Angus Crichton (Rest) and Latrell Mitchell (Rest).

Bulldogs: New Zealand captain Dallin Watene-Zelezniak will be available for selection after joining the Bulldogs from the Panthers on Friday night.