NRL Early Mail Round 9

Canberra’s injury woes have continued with strike centre Joey Leilua struggling with a bulging disc in his back — check out all the team news for Round 9.

The injury-ravaged Raiders will give Jordan Rapana up until 24 hours before kick-off to prove his fitness for a Magic Round clash with title-favourites the Roosters.

Rapana is racing the clock to overcome a rib cartilage injury - with Canberra coach Ricky Stuart sweating on the Kiwi star’s fitness.

The news is worse for strike centre and NSW Origin hopeful Joey Leilua, who is out indefinitely with a bulging disc in his back.

Joey Leilua is out for an indefinite period. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)

The Raiders are in a position where they can’t predict when Leilua will be available again this season, describing his impending time out as “indefinite”.

The Raiders will also be without Joe Tapine (ankle) John Bateman (fractured cheekbone), Luke Bateman (knee) and Brad Abbey (knee) for the Roosters match.

Its expected that rookies Hudson Young and Bailey Simonsson will be called into Stuart’s squad to cover the loss of Bateman and potential omission of Rapana respectively, while journeyman Michael Oldfield will replace Leilua.

- David Riccio

TITANS V SHARKS

Thurs 9 May, 7.50pm, Suncorp Stadium

Titans: Phillip Sami (ankle) is set to be ruled out long term. Dale Copley (thigh) is the logical replacement but would need to prove his fitness. Brenko Lee and young gun Jesse Arthars are other options. Michael Gordon and Tyrone Roberts (both concussion) must pass protocol.

Sharks: No changes expected following an upset win over the Storm, although Sosaia Feki alternated with Sione Katoa on the left wing in an opposed session on Monday. Matt Moylan (hamstring) is on track for Round 10. After starting the session with solo running drills, Moylan joined the main session with the reserve grade side. Paul Gallen, Matt Prior and Chad Townsend were in red “injury” bibs for the session.

— Fatima Kdouh

TIGERS V PANTHERS

Fri 10 May, 6pm, Suncorp Stadium

Tigers: Benji Marshall (hamstring) is set to return after a false start on the weekend. Expect Ryan Matterson to return to the back row with Elijah Taylor shifting to the bench.

Panthers: Mass changes with Penrith set to be without Viliame Kikau (knee/ankle), Isaah Yeo (shoulder), Malakai Watene-Zelezniak (rib cartilage), James Maloney and Liam Martin (both facing suspension). Coach Ivan Cleary has already signalled his intentions by withdrawing Jarome Luai, Hame Sele, Kaide Ellis and Tyrell Fuimaono from Sunday’s NSW Cup clash in anticipation they will be required for the local derby against the Tigers. Luai is a ready-made replacement Maloney at five-eighth. Sele, Ellis and Fuimaono are set for forward roles in place of Kikau, Yeo and Martin.

James Maloney is set to be suspended.

SEA EAGLES V BRONCOS

Fri 10 May, 8.05pm, Suncorp Stadium

Sea Eagles: Coach Des Hasler is on the hunt for a five-eighth after Lachlan Croker (hamstring) went down over the weekend, while Daly Cherry-Evans (ankle) and Trent Hodkinson (knee) are already sidelined. Options include Apisai Koroisau, who is aiming to return from a calf injury, and Curtis Sironen.

The Sea Eagles will also be without fiery prop Addin Fonua-Blake, who has been ruled out with a knee injury. Toafofoa Sipley is expected to start with Morgan Boyle coming in on the bench.

Broncos: Andrew McCullough (knee) went down at training on Monday. Jake Turpin is the likely replacement. James Roberts trained in an opposition team at Broncos training on Monday, indicating he is in line to omitted from the team to meet Manly. Kotoni Staggs trained at left centre with Jack Bird changing sides to train in Roberts’ usual right centre spot. There also looks to be a demotion upcoming for right winger Jamayne Isaako, with Gehamat Shibasaki training there.

— Full story by Paul Malone

BULLDOGS V KNIGHTS

Sat 11 May, 3pm, Suncorp Stadium

Bulldogs: Kieran Foran (ankle) came very close last week and will be named, with Jack Cogger to make way.

Knights: No injury concerns out of Sunday’s win over the Warriors. Jesse Ramien (shoulder) is expected back after a late withdrawal. Ramien’s return would push Sione Mata’utia to the bench.

WARRIORS V DRAGONS

Sat 11 May, 5.30pm, Suncorp Stadium

Warriors: Fresh recruit Kodi Nikorima is set to make his club debut at five-eighth in place of Chanel Harris-Tavita. David Fusitu’a (ribs) and Jazz Tevaga (calf) are also closing in on returns.

Dragons: Livewire utility Jai Field is the early favourite to replace injured No.6 Corey Norman. Field has been 18th man for the Dragons in several games this season, while also performing strongly in reserves.

Star Dragons No.6 Corey Norman will undergo surgery on Tuesday after scans today confirmed a fractured cheekbone.

Meanwhile, Tyson Frizell is expected to play in Magic Round despite leaving the field in Sunday’s Parramatta loss suffering from a severe eye poke.

— Nick Walshaw

Jai Field is set to earn a call-up for the Dragons. Picture: Getty Images

STORM V EELS

Sat 11 May, 7.35pm, Suncorp Stadium

Storm: Coach Craig Bellamy has threatened mass changes following an upset loss to Cronulla.

Eels: No changes expected following a strong win over the Dragons.

ROOSTERS V RAIDERS

Sun 12 May, 2pm, Suncorp Stadium

Roosters: The only change could be Matt Ikuvalu returning on the wing after missing Saturday’s win over the Tigers. Ikuvalu’s return would see Joey Manu move back to centre, Mitch Aubusson relegated to the bench and Lindsay Collins drop out. Brett Morris and Ryan Hall (both knee) are at least two weeks away.

Raiders: John Bateman (cheekbone) will miss at least 5-6 weeks. Rookie forward Hudson Young is set to replace the Englishman in starting side with Emre Guler or JJ Collins to come onto the bench. Joey Leilua (back) is expected to be missing for an indefinite period, while Jordan Rapana (ribs) is expected to miss another week. As per last round, Michael Oldfield and Bayley Simonsson are the replacements for Leilua and Rapana respectively.

RABBITOHS V COWBOYS

Sun 12 May, 4.05pm, Suncorp Stadium

Rabbitohs: No changes following the big with over Brisbane. Braidon Burns (hamstring) has earmarked Round 11.

Cowboys: Josh McGuire (calf) is out for 1-2 weeks. Expect Corey Jensen or Jake Clifford to come into the 17, depending on the balance coach Paul Green is after.