NRL Early Mail Round 18: Broncos lose Tom Flegler and Jordan Riki, Roosters welcome boom youngster
The Brisbane Broncos and Maroons have suffered a huge injury blow with Tom Flegler set for an extended period on the sidelines. UPDATED EARLY MAIL
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The Broncos are battling an injury and possible suspension crisis which is set to rule Maroons forward Tom Flegler out of the Origin finale.
Flegler and backrower Jordan Riki will consult specialists this week after sustaining foot injuries in Sunday’s disappointing loss to the Titans.
Flegler is expected to miss at least three weeks, and potentially much longer, due to a suspected Lisfranc injury.
Riki is facing at least six weeks out, and potentially the rest of the season, due to a plantar fascia problem.
Both Broncos forwards have been ruled out of Saturday’s Battle of Brisbane against the Dolphins at the Gabba.
“Jordan has sustained a plantar fascia injury and stress reaction and we will consult a specialist this week to map out a way forward,” Broncos Head of Performance Dave Ballard said.
“Fleg has a lisfranc injury in his foot, and again we will see a specialist in coming days to decide on the best option for treatment.
“Both players will miss this weekend’s game and we will take on board the medical advice before sorting out what the weeks ahead look like in terms of rehab for Jordy and Tom.”
The Broncos are also sweating on the availability of fullback Reece Walsh, who will face the NRL judiciary on Tuesday night.
Walsh has been referred directly to the judiciary to face a contrary conduct charge after allegedly abusing referee Chris Butler in the loss to the Titans.
Walsh, Flegler, Riki, Pat Carrigan, Payne Haas and Corey Jensey did not train with their teammates on Tuesday morning.
MUNSTER RECOVERS FROM A DOSE OF ‘CAXTONITIS’
Queensland hero Cameron Munster is expected to overcome a bout of ‘Caxtonitis’ to take the field for Melbourne in Friday night’s blockbuster against Penrith.
Munster had battled through illness in last Wednesday’s Origin series win for the Maroons.
Storm skipper Christian Welch joked Munster had come down with a case of ‘Caxtonitis’ after celebrating to hard at the Maroons’ party at the famous Caxton Hotel
in Brisbane.
The five-eighth was named to take on Manly but was a late withdrawal.
Melbourne’s general manager of football Frank Ponissi confirmed Munster would recover in time for Friday’s clash.
“He’s been doing weights and recovery yesterday. He’s still heavy chested but come Friday night he will definitely play. He’ll be back to normal,” Ponissi said.
Forward Tui Kamikamica is also set to return from a calf injury and take his place in the front row.
Backrower Eliesa Katoa is still in some doubt to return from an eye injury.
“We’re seeing how a few go at training today. Tui KamiKamica he’s a good chance of playing. Eli is still 50/50, we are waiting for a doctor’s report on him,” Ponissi said.
Bench forward Aaron Pene is likely to be ruled out after he picked up an ankle injury in Melbourne’s win against Manly.
“He’s highly doubtful, I don’t think he’ll play,” Ponissi said.
Panthers coach Ivan Cleary rested his contingent of Blues players, including Jarome Luai, Isaah Yeo, Liam Martin, Brian To’o and Stephen Crichton, last weekend against Newcastle.
But Penrith will be back to full-strength on Friday night.
Halfback Nathan Cleary is on track to return from a hamstring injury in round 21.
BIG PAPA FACES FORTNIGHT ON SIDELINES
The Raiders have suffered a major blow with forward leader Josh Papali’i set to be sidelined for at least the next two weeks.
Scans have revealed Papali’i has suffered a hamstring injury that will keep the experienced prop out of the club’s next two matches against the Titans and Dragons.
Rookie forwards Ata Moriata and Peter Hola are possible replacements.
DOOR OPENS FOR EXCITING YOUNG ROOSTER
The Sydney Roosters’ finals hopes have been dealt a double blow with second-rower Sitili Tupouniua facing neck surgery and likely to miss the remainder of the season while Angus Crichton is looking at a month on the sidelines with a knee injury.
The 26-year-old Tupouniua was a late withdrawal from Sunday’s match against the Canberra Raiders.
He woke in the early hours of Sunday morning with severe neck pain. X-rays on Monday morning revealed a bulging disc in his neck that will require surgery.
Crichton suffered an MCL injury against the Raiders and is expected to miss four weeks.
To make matters worse, one of their better forwards in recent weeks, Egan Butcher, is facing an 11-day stand down after being concussed on Sunday.
In better news for the Roosters, coach Trent Robinson is poised to bring Siua Wong into his 17-man squad for Sunday’s clash with Manly.
While Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii will make his return from suspension against the Sea Eagles and is expected to play on the wing. The Roosters remain just two points outside the top eight despite the loss to the Raiders.
Star hooker Brandon Smith is aiming to return from a broken thumb in round 20 when the Roosters play his former club Melbourne.
FULL EARLY MAIL BY TIM WILLIAMS
SHARKS v DRAGONS
Thursday, 7:50pm, PointsBet Stadium, Sydney
Sharks: Toby Rudolf is a chance to return from a foot injury in the only potential change at the Sharks who are coming off the bye.
Dragons: Moses Suli copped a head knock and will be monitored throughout the week, otherwise there are no major changes expected at the Dragons. Ben Hunt is set to play after the Dragons refused his release request.
WARRIORS v RABBITOHS
Friday, 6pm, Go Media Stadium, Auckland
Warriors: Marata Niukore is facing a three to four week suspension for a high tackle, with Josh Curran likely to start on the edge.
Mitchell Barnett returns from suspension.
Te Maire Martin is nearing a return from a leg injury where he’ll likely come into the team in place of Luke Metcalf in the halves.
Rabbitohs: Latrell Mitchell is set to be sidelined for a further month with a calf injury.
Jacob Host may face time on the sidelines after being placed on report for a late tackle.
STORM v PANTHERS
Friday, 8pm, Marvel Stadium, Melbourne
Storm: Some big ins for the Storm, headlined by Cameron Munster who was rested post Origin two. He’ll replace Jonah Pezet in the halves.
Eli Katoa is likely to return from a facial cut in the back-row, pushing Nelson Asofa-Solomona back to the middle.
Tui Kamikamica is due back at prop, he’ll replace Aaron Pene who is likely to miss out with an ankle injury.
Panthers: Mass changes at Penrith with their rested Origin contingent to come back into the side.
Brian To’o, Stephen Crichton, Jarome Luai, Liam Martin and Isaah Yeo will return to their regular roles.
RAIDERS v TITANS
Saturday, 3pm, GIO Stadium, Canberra
Raiders: Josh Papali’i left the field early with a hamstring injury in the win over the Roosters and is set to miss a fortnight.
This will see Emre Guler or Pasami Saulo elevated into the starting team.
Titans: Tino Fa’asuamaleaui returns after being rested from the upset win over the Broncos in the only expected change.
Isaac Liu was placed on report for a dangerous tackle.
COWBOYS v TIGERS
Saturday, 5:30pm, QCB Stadium, Townsville
Cowboys: Jason Taumalolo is a chance to return at lock from a hamstring niggle.
Tigers: No changes expected at the Tigers.
BRONCOS v DOLPHINS
Saturday, 7:35pm, The Gabba, Brisbane
Broncos: Reece Walsh has been referred straight to the judiciary for allegedly abusing a match official in Sunday’s loss to the Titans. Jordan Riki (foot) could miss the rest of the season while Tom Flegler (foot) is in doubt for Origin III.
Dolphins: Brenko Lee is an outside chance to return from a leg injury at centre in place of Valynce Te Whare.
Jeremy Marshall-King is expected to return at hooker from a shoulder injury.
Sean O’Sullivan will likely start at halfback with either Isaiya Katoa or Kodi Nikorima dropping out.
Nikorima may be used as the bench utility.
BULLDOGS v KNIGHTS
Sunday, 2pm, Accor Stadium, Sydney
Bulldogs: Harrison Edwards is due back from a concussion, while Raymond Faitala-Mariner is a chance after dealing with an illness.
Knights: Lachlan Fitzgibbon will return on the edge from a head knock, with Dylan Lucas likely dropping out of the team.
SEA EAGLES v ROOSTERS
Sunday, 4:05pm, 4 Pines Park, Sydney
Sea Eagles: Tom Trbojevic will miss the entire season with a pec injury, with Reuben Garrick moved to fullback in his absence.
Jake Trbojevic is expected to return from injury, pushing Aaron Woods to the bench.
Jason Saab is pushing to return from a shoulder injury on the wing, which if cleared would see Raymond Tuaimalo Vaega drop out of the team.
Brad Parker is also pushing to return from an elbow issue, which would see Morgan Harper drop out.
Kelma Tuilagi and Ben Trbojevic are both nearing returns from injury and may join the pack.
Roosters: The Roosters are in crisis with Sitili Tupouniua likely out for the season with a neck injury, Angus Crichton set to miss a month with a knee injury and Egan Butcher facing an 11-day stand down after being concussed on Sunday.
Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii is set to return from suspension but will switch from centre to the wing.
Young gun Siua Wong is set to debut.
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