NRL Early Mail Round 20: Predicted team changes
With Shaun Johnson, Matt Moylan and Chad Townsend all out, the Cronulla Sharks have made a shock positional switch for their clash against the Canberra Raiders.
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Wade Graham will play his first game in the halves in five years with the star backrower to replace Shaun Johnson for Cronulla’s clash with Canberra.
Graham came through the grades at Penrith as a five-eighth but has spent nearly all of his time with the Sharks in the backrow since he joined the club in 2011.
But with Johnson and Matt Moylan missing due to injury and Chad Townsend still suspended, John Morris will pitch Graham into the number six jersey alongside halfback Connor Tracey.
Rookie halfback Braydon Trindall has been named on an extended bench.
Josh Dugan and Sione Katoa are also out for the Sharks with Nene Macdonald and Mawene Hiroti to come in at wing and centre respectively.
The Sharks are all but locked into eighth spot and will likely play the Raiders again in the first week of the finals.
— Nick Campton
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Peter Gentle has made his final call as caretaker coach of the Broncos by dropping Maroons Origin representative Corey Oates.
In what is the Broncos last chance to avoid the wooden spoon against the Cowboys on Thursday night, Oates has been replaced on the wing by rookie Xavier Coates.
In fact, the entire Brisbane left-edge will be one of the youngest in the NRL with Tom Dearden (19), Jordan Riki (20), Herbie Farnworth (20) and Coates (19) to team-up on the left together.
Riki comes into the side for the injured David Fifita (ankle) while Oates will start the match from the bench and be used as a running forward.
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Melbourne Storm could be almost unrecognisable on Sunday against St George Illawarra, as the NRL heavyweight plans to make up to 10 changes for its pre-finals dead-rubber.
Brandon Smith is likely to start at hooker, with Storm captain Cameron Smith a strong chance to be rested along with Jesse Bromwich, Josh Addo-Carr, Cameron Munster and Jahrome Hughes.
Queensland Origin backrower Felise Kaufusi (knee) will be assessed on Tuesday, along with Maroons prospect Tino Fa’asuamaleaui (calf).
Centres Justin Olam and Brenko Lee could make way with Storm super coach Craig Bellamy desperate to get minutes into Paul Momirovski and late-season recruit Ricky Leutele.
Kenny Bromwich (concussion) and Suliasi Vunivalu (hamstring) failed to get through the 50-22 win over Wests Tigers and will definitely sit out this week.
NRL EARLY MAIL: scroll down for all the latest team news
Storm football director Frank Ponissi said a spate of injuries earlier in the season contributed to the need to rest sore players.
“Some blokes have been playing on painkillers and restricted training during the week,” Ponissi said.
“We don’t have to do that this week … there’s not too many that would be in doubt if it was a final … we decided to use the opportunity to give players carrying some type of injury a rest.”
Smith missed three matches with a shoulder injury and despite coming back in astonishing form looks set for a breather ahead of what could be his swan song finals series.
“It’s (shoulder) certainly not back to 100 per cent but it’s a lot better than it was,” Ponissi said.
“It’s an opportunity to give that shoulder a rest and get that right for the finals, a week without playing, without contact, will do enormous good, he’s being strongly considered to be rested.”
Addo-Carr pulled up sore after heavy body contact in the win over the Tigers, while Hughes has carried dislocated finger and ankle issues into matches.
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Munster, who battled back-to-back medial ligament strains this season, is being “strongly considered” for a rest, while prop Bromwich wrenched an elbow some weeks ago.
Christian Welch is a definite starter after missing two matches, one through suspension and the other after being stood down for a COVID breach, but Ryan Papenhuyzen must still be assessed.
“We’ll have a look at him (Papenhuyzen) … coach is quite keen for him to play … don’t really want to miss another one and go into the finals three weeks without playing,” Ponissi said.
“Not going to risk him, if there’s any doubt but the intention is to play him.”
Tui Kamikamica and Max King will see “big minutes” this week after missing basically the entire season, while Kiwi Smith should also benefit from his second game back from a broken jaw.
Ryley Jacks, Sandor Earl and Isaac Lumelume could all be named in the extended squad on Tuesday.
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Canberra has suffered more injury pain heading into the final round of the regular season with Curtis Scott, Emre Guler and Corey Horsburgh not expected to play again this season.
Already without star dummy half Josh Hodgson (knee) for the year, Scott (leg) was initially pencilled in to make his return this week while Guler (ankle) and Horsburgh (foot) were also thought to be hopeful of making it back for the first week of the finals.
But the latest update is that now all three will be sidelined for the entire finals series.
Meanwhile, the Raiders will fork out $10,000 to get the team back to the nation’s capital on a chartered flight following Saturday night’s clash against Cronulla.
The NRL covers the cost of the flight up for the game but only pay for a bus back.
But rather than have the players face a three-hour road trip back home after the game, the players’ preparations for the first week of the finals will be made the priority.
Canberra has had to travel more than just about every team this year and the long bus rides have taken their toll.
The Raiders look almost certain to host a home final against the Sharks the following week.
— Paul Crawley
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For the Dragons, Eddie Blacker and Jayden Sullivan will make their NRL debut. Blacker is a middle forward who has been close to playing for a while now. Sullivan is an exciting young playmaker.
– David Riccio
BRONCOS V COWBOYS
Thursday 24 Sep, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane, 7.50pm
Broncos: Will be without David Fifita after he suffered an ankle injury ankle injury in the Eels game on Friday which means he has played his last game for Broncos. Ben Te’o will return to the edge and it’s hoped Payne Haas will return to play after leaving the bubble last week. Tyson Gamble suffered a nasty concussion in the opening minute which forced Kotoni Staggs to play the rest of the game at five-eighth. Gamble is expected to be ruled out with Brodie Croft, who himself suffered a concussion at training last week, set to be named at five-eighth providing he passes required protocols.
Rhys Kennedy returns after missing the Eels game due to suspension. Alex Glenn will be free to play provided he takes an early guilty plea after being charged with grade one dangerous contact for a tackle on Reagan Campbell-Gillard. Jordan Riki is eligible for selection after missing the last two weeks due to suspension.
Cowboys: Welcome back both Josh McGuire and Josh Asiata after they missed the game on the weekend due to suspension. McGuire would start at prop. Jason Taumalolo made a successful return from a calf injury on the weekend and should come into the starting team at lock with Asiata, Corey Jensen and Francis Molo starting on the bench and rookies Emry Pere and Ben Condon the two players to make way. Daejarn Asi copped a knock to his right knee which is the same knee he injured earlier in the season that saw him miss four games. He could be in some doubt with either Esan Marsters or Justin O’Neill set to return.
TITANS V KNIGHTS
Friday 25 Sep, Cbus Super Stadium, Gold Coast, 6pm
Titans: Corey Thompson is in doubt after suffering a hamstring injury on the weekend with Phillip Sami, if he can recover from a knee injury, the preferred replacement. Jai Arrow played limited minutes on the weekend due to a back injury and could be in some doubt. Mitch Rein has been charged with grade one dangerous throw for a tackle on Curtis Sironen and provided he takes the early guilty plea will be free to play, provided he passes required concussion protocols after failing game day HIA on the weekend. Brian Kelly should return from an ankle injury after being close to playing on the weekend and would replace Treymain Spry at left centre.
Knights: Come into the clash off a five-day turnaround with a home semi final up for grabs. Kurt Mann will return from suspension at hooker pushing Chris Randall out of the 17. Bradman Best is expected to return from an ankle injury which has kept him out for a number of weeks. Edrick Lee was a late withdrawal on the weekend due to personal issues and should return. Lachlan Fitzgibbon left the field early in the second half and didn’t return and could be in some doubt with a leg injury.
RABBITOHS V ROOSTERS
Friday 25 Sep, ANZ Stadium, Sydney, 7.55pm
Rabbitohs: Will have a couple of changes with Jaydn Su’A set to miss out after taking the early guilty plea to a grade two careless high tackle for a hit on Lachlan Lewis, which could see Cameron Murray switch to an edge, Liam Knight start at lock and Tevita Tatola (knee) or Patrick Mago come back into the 17. Dane Gagai returns from suspension with Steven Marsters expected to make way after a poor game against the Bulldogs with Jaxson Paulo to retain his wing position.
Roosters: Expected to welcome back a few players who were rested last week with James Tedesco, Jake Friend and Sio Siua Taukeiaho all expected to return but Boyd Cordner’s playing future is still in doubt due to concussion.
BULLDOGS V PANTHERS
Saturday 26 Sep, ANZ Stadium, Sydney, 3pm
Bulldogs: Have found that winning feeling but injuries and suspension will force Steve Georgallis to make some changes with Tim Lafai looking at a one-week suspension after being charged with a grade two dangerous high tackle for a hit on Jaydn Su’A provided he takes the early guilty plea. Marcelo Montoya is the likely replacement or we could see Georgallis give Kerrod Holland a farewell game as he is set to retire at the end of the season and head home to Newcastle.
Lachlan Lewis failed game day HIA and I expect him to be ruled out with either Brandon Wakeham or Jack Cogger set to partner Jake Averillo in the halves. Chris Smith copped a heavy knock in the last few minutes on the weekend and left the field for HIA. Jeremy Marshall-King passed game day HIA, he will be monitored but should be fit to play.
Panthers: Come into the game having already wrapped up the minor premiership. The only real thing they are playing for is to improve on their 14-game winning streak. We could see some players rested to get some minutes into fringe players.
Api Koroisau, James Tamou and Zane Tetevano will all play after being rested in Round 19. Dylan Edwards could be in some doubt after he left the field early with a minor leg injury which saw Stephen Crichton play the final 20 minutes at fullback. Viliame Kikau was charged with a grade one careless high tackle for a hit on Valentine Holmes but will only receive a fine, although he could be rested after running riot in the Cowboys game. Charlie Staines and Malakai Watene-Zelezniak are unavailable after both suffered hamstring injuries at training last week.
SHARKS V RAIDERS
Saturday 26 Sep, Netstrata Jubilee Stadium, Sydney, 5.30pm
Sharks: Will be without Shaun Johnson after he suffered an Achillies injury on the weekend which will see rookie Braydon Trindall come in at halfback with Chad Townsend still out suspended. Royce Hunt will be missing after suffering a knee injury but they do welcome back Wade Graham from suspension. Josh Dugan is in doubt with a knee injury which could see either Bryson Goodwin come in at centre or Siosifa Talakai moved out to left centre. Teig Wilton or Billy Magoulias are options to come onto the bench.
Raiders: Come into the clash fighting for a top four position depending on results, but they do have a number of concerns with George Williams (HIA), Elliott Whitehead (HIA/ribs), Semi Valemei (HIA), John Bateman (elbow) and Josh Papalii (nose) suffering injuries. Jarrod Croker passed game day HIA and will be fit to play with Ricky Stuart confirming last week that Sia Soliola will return from a facial injury to get some match fitness into him before finals. Curtis Scott will continue to be unavailable due to an ankle injury with Michael Oldfield an outside chance to play if can recover from a broken thumb.
Re Shaun Johnson’s achilles rupture:
— NRL PHYSIO (@nrlphysio) September 19, 2020
- 80-90% of players able to return to pre-injury performance, but usually not til 2nd season back
- Acceleration (burst) & speed most affected in short term
- Age (>30YO) does slightly â¬†ï¸ risk of not being able to return to peak performance pic.twitter.com/jj58qSIPKh
TIGERS V EELS
Saturday 26 Sep, Bankwest Stadium, Sydney, 7.35pm
Tigers: Came out of the Storm game with a number of injuries including David Nofoaluma (hip) and Josh Aloiai (knee). Both received good news on Monday with Nofo cleared of any serious injury and hoping to play, while Aloiai was cleared of an ACL injury but will miss the final game of the season. Sam McIntyre, Matt Eisenhuth and Russell Packer will all be monitored due to HIA. Luke Brooks will return from suspension with Josh Reynolds dropping out due to a shoulder/neck injury.
Eels: Will be fighting for their position in the top four and come out of the Broncos win with Clint Gutherson in some doubt after copping a knock to the leg which forced him off. Andrew Davey suffered an ankle injury late and could also be in some doubt with options of Brad Takairangi, Stefano Utoikamanu or Daniel Alvaro to come onto the bench. Junior Paulo was charged with grade one dangerous contact for a tackle on David Fifita but will be free to play with only a fine to be paid. Michael Jennings is also free to play after only receiving a fine for a grade one careless high tackle on Kotoni Staggs.
WARRIORS V SEA EAGLES
Sunday 27 Sep, Central Coast Stadium, Central Coast, 2pm
Warriors: Will be without captain Roger Tuivasa-Scheck after he suffered a hamstring injury in the Raiders game. Coach Todd Payten will probably go with an experienced option in Peta Hiku at fullback with Gerard Beale coming in at centre. But I would like to see the Warriors look to the future and give rookie Paul Turner another crack.
Patrick Herbert could return on the wing if he can prove his fitness after a hamstring injury. Jazz Tevaga failed game day HIA and will need to pass required protocols to play. Wayde Egan suffered a heavy knock but was able to play on and will be fit to play this week. Eliesa Katoa isn’t expected to return due to a hand injury.
Sea Eagles: Will be without Tom Trbojevic after he suffered a shoulder injury on the weekend which will see him miss the final game of the season. This will see Tevita Funa return to fullback and Reuben Garrick, who will need to prove his fitness after a shoulder injury, coming onto the wing. If Garrick isn’t fit Abbas Miski would start on the wing. Addin Fonua-Blake could return if he can recover from a knee injury. Dylan Walker is only considered an outside chance to return from a foot injury and if fit would replace Lachlan Croker at five-eighth with Croker dropping to the bench. Morgan Harper is free to play after only receiving a fine for a grade one tripping charge out of the weekend’s game.
Roger Tuivasa-Sheck’s 2020 season comes to an end a week early after suffering a hamstring strain. Usual non-contact sprinting mechanism, but interesting change of direction rather than more common straight line running. Even minor strain would rule him out next week pic.twitter.com/dr58yeTGDi
— NRL PHYSIO (@nrlphysio) September 20, 2020
DRAGONS V STORM
Sunday 27 Sep, Netstrata Jubilee Stadium, Sydney, 4.05pm
Dragons: Set to be missing Ben Hunt after he suffered a quad injury in the game on Sunday which will likely rule him out for the final game. Eddie Blacker and Jayden Sullivan will make their NRL debut. Blacker is a middle forward who has been close to playing for a while now. Sullivan is an exciting young playmaker. Trent Merrin could return from a hamstring injury. Kaide Ellis passed game day HIA and should be fit to play.
Storm: Have wrapped up second position and could rest players with nothing really to play for in this game. Suliasi Vunivalu will be missing due to a hamstring injury which could allow Ricky Leutele toget some minutes into his legs and make his Storm debut. Paul Momirovski is another option after recovering from a finger injury. Christian Welch should return after missing the game on the weekend due to a COVID-19 breach. Kenny Bromwich is expected to be missing after suffering a hand injury on the weekend which will see Tom Eisenhuth come into 2RF with Albert Vete coming onto the bench. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui is also in some doubt after suffering a heavy hit on the weekend with Dale Finucane (calf) and Ryan Papenhuyzen (Achillies) chances to return from injury.