NRL Early Mail Round 20: Apisai Koroisau to return from broken jaw, Josh Reynolds to retire

Wests Tigers and NSW Origin star Apisai Koroisau is set to return two weeks ahead of schedule, while there are big changes at the Roosters.

Apisai Koroisau is set to return from a broken jaw. Picture: Getty

Api Koroisau will be named for the Tigers on Tuesday afternoon.

The NSW hooker completed training on Tuesday and if there is no further setback he will play against Newcastle.

He suffered a broken jaw in round 15.

REYNOLDS’ FAREWELL GAME LOCKED IN

Josh Reynolds will play one more game before retiring. Reynolds told his Bulldogs teammates on Monday morning that he would wear the Canterbury jersey for the last time this weekend before walking away.

Reynolds will play NSW Cup for Canterbury this week in what will be his final game.

He stood down from the top 30 squad last week to enable the club to sign Toby Sexton.

Apisai Koroisau is set to return from a broken jaw. Picture: Getty

FULL EARLY MAIL ROUND 20

KNIGHTS V TIGERS

Friday, 8pm, McDonald Jones Stadium

Knights: Bradman Best and Jacob Saifiti would be backing up less than 48 hours after the finish of Origin 3. Dane Gagai is expected to return from a foot injury at centre in place of Enari Tuala.

Tigers: Api Koroisau (broken jaw) is set to return two weeks ahead of schedule. Key forward Alex Twal is back from suspension and likely pushes Aitasi James out of the 17. Brent Naden (shoulder) and David Nofoaluma (shoulder) are gunning for returns this week. Luke Brooks (hamstring) is a week or two away.

Josh Reynolds will play his final game in a Canterbury jersey this weekend. Picture: Getty

BULLDOGS V BRONCOS

Saturday, 3pm, Belmore Sports Ground

Bulldogs: Josh Addo-Carr is the only Canterbury player involved in Origin. Ryan Sutton was taken to hospital with neck pain over the weekend but has been cleared of serious injury. Viliame Kikau is a chance of returning ahead of schedule from a pectoral injury. Retiring Josh Reynolds will play his final game for the Bulldogs in NSW Cup.

Broncos: Pat Carrigan is the only Bronco backing up from Origin with Reece Walsh suspended and Payne Haas injured. The Broncos have a big boost with Origin forward Kurt Capewell (quad) expected to return. His comeback would push Kobe Hetherington to the bench. Haas is aiming to return from an ankle issue next week, as is Tom Flegler with a foot injury.

SEA EAGLES V COWBOYS

Saturday, 5.30pm, 4 Pines Park

Sea Eagles: Jake Trbojevic and Daly Cherry-Evans are expected to be named to back-up from Origin.

Cowboys: Reece Robson, Valentine Holmes, Murray Taulagi, Reuben Cotter and Jeremiah Nanai will be backing up from Origin. Scott Drinkwater (NSW) and Tom Dearden (Queensland) are 18th men for Origin.

ROOSTERS V STORM

Saturday, 7.35pm, Sydney Cricket Ground

Roosters: Expect a completely new-look side with a host of key players due back. Brandon Smith (thumb) returned in NSW Cup on Sunday after a long injury lay-off and will play this week in NRL. Egan Butcher, Billy Smith, Joseph Suaalii, Jake Turpin (all concussion) and Sam Walker (knee) are also due for returns. James Tedesco and Lindsay Collins are expected to be named to back up from Origin.

Storm: Xavier Coates, Cameron Munster and Harry Grant are expected to be named to back up from Origin.

Brandon Smith is set to return for the Roosters. Picture: Getty

WARRIORS V SHARKS

Sunday, 2pm, Go Media Stadium

Warriors: Josh Curran is back from suspension. Dylan Walker has been cleared of a serious arm injury and is set to play.

Sharks: No changes and no players backing up from Origin.

DOLPHINS V PANTHERS

Sunday, 4.05pm, Kayo Stadium

Dolphins: Jeremy Marshall-King was a late withdrawal on Sunday and his status is unclear with Wayne Bennett last week suggesting he could miss the rest of the season. Felise Kaufusi is back from concussion with Kenny Bromwich set to return to the middle rotation. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow is the only Dolphin backing up from Origin.

Panthers: Nathan Cleary is considered a chance of returning a week early from a hamstring injury. Brian To’o, Stephen Crichton, Liam Martin and Isaah Yeo are backing up from Origin, while Spencer Leniu is 19th man for the Blues.

EELS V TITANS

Sunday, 6.15pm, CommBank Stadium

Eels: Mitchell Moses, Reagan Campbell-Gillard and Clint Gutherson are expected to back up, while J’Maine Hopgood is 19th man for Queensland.

Titans: Origin quartet AJ Brimson, Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, David Fifita and Moeaki Fotuaika are big inclusions. Joe Stimson is set to miss out due to a category one concussion.

BYES: Dragons, Rabbitohs, Raiders