NRL Late Mail: Sydney Roosters could welcome back enforcer Jared Waerea-Hargraves

The stunning postponement of the Sydney Roosters’ clash with Canterbury could have an unexpected silver lining for the defending premiers - check out all the team news and updates including Wacko’s Whispers.

Check out all the Late Mail ahead of round five of the 2020 season.

ROOSTERS APPEAL TO NRL IN LUCKY COVID BREAK

By Paul Crawley

Star Roosters enforcer Jared Waerea-Hargreaves could be back in contention to take on Canterbury due to the decision to delay the game until Monday night because of the COVID-19 testing of Aiden Tolman.

Coach Trent Robinson says he will make enquiries with the NRL to see if Waerea-Hargreaves would be available after earlier being ruled out with a back injury.

Meanwhile, Robinson revealed he only found out about the decision to postpone the match until Monday when he received a phone call from Roosters chairman Nick Politis on Sunday morning at about 9am.

“As soon as he said it I had flashes of remembering the story (about the school in question being shutdown),” Robinson said.

Robinson had no complaints about the decision to postpone the game.

“I think the right decision has been made and we will get ready for tomorrow night, it is as simple as that,” Robinson said.

“It is what it is, you just adapt.

“If you are not good at adapting in these times this year then you haven’t learned anything.”

It will mean the Roosters then have only five days to prepare for the blockbuster clash against Parramatta the following week.

He also had no issue with the shortened turnaround.

“I think you know me by now, we will deal with whatever is in front of us,” he said.

“We go six-day, six-day, six day. So there is no movement that can be done either way.”

But the delay could work in the Roosters favour if Waerea-Hargreaves is cleared.

NRL guidelines stipulate that teams name a 21-man squad by Tuesday and it is then cut by two players 24 hours before the match.

Given the revised schedule, Robinson will now check on his prop’s fitness while also seeking a clarification with the NRL as to whether he can be cleared.

“I don’t know with the rules (if he will be allowed to play),” he said.

“It is quite unprecedented. He will come in and if for some reason he is really good today that may make a difference.

“I will assess that when we get in (for training).”

Robinson said the Roosters would now train on Sunday afternoon to make sure the disruption is not a factor.

“We will just get them moving today, add a bit on to what we have done and get them ready to play,” Robinson said.

SHARKS VS DRAGONS

Sunday, June 14th, 4:05pm, Campbelltown Stadium

Sharks: 19. William Kennedy, 2. Sione Katoa, 3. Josh Dugan, 4. Jesse Ramien, 5. Mawene Hiroti, 6. Shaun Johnson, 7. Chad Townsend, 8. Andrew Fifita, 9. Blayke Brailey, 10. Aaron Woods, 11. Briton Nikora, 12. Wade Graham, 13. Jack Williams

Interchange: 14. Connor Tracey, 15. Braden Hamlin-Uele, 16. Toby Rudolf, 17. Scott Sorensen

Reserves: 18. Siosifa Talaki, 21. Jackson Ferris

Players cut: 1. Matt Moylan, 20. Royce Hunt

Late mail: Matt Moylan is a late withdrawal due to hamstring tightness. Moylan is replaced at fullback by William Kennedy. Both Andrew Fifita (knee) and Chad Townsend (hamstring) pass their final fitness tests at Saturday’s captain’s run and will play. Josh Dugan didn’t train with the squad early in the week but should be right to go on Sunday. Mawene Hiroti has been named to make his Sharks debut after recovering from a leg injury which limited his preseason. Royce Hunt was the other player cut 24 hours before kickoff.

Dragons: 1. Corey Norman, 2. Jordan Pereira, 3. Euan Aitken, 4. Zac Lomax, 5. Mikaele Ravalawa, 6. Ben Hunt, 7. Adam Clune 8. Josh Kerr, 9. Cameron McInnes, 10. Paul Vaughan, 11. Tyson Frizell, 12. Tyrell Fuimaono, 13. James Graham

Interchange: 14. Trent Merrin, 15. Blake Lawrie, 17. Matthew Dufty, 18. Jacob Host

Reserves: 19. Jackson Ford, 20. Jason Saab

Players cut: 16. Issac Luke, 21. Korbin Sims

Late mail: Just the one last change form Dragons coach Paul McGregor with Issac Luke (leaving club) cut from the bench and his spot taken by Jacob Host. Tyrell Fuimaono comes onto the right edge to replace an injured Tariq Sims (wrist), Euan Aitken comes in at left centre to replace the injured Brayden Williame (calf). Korbin Sims was the other player cut 24 hours prior to kickoff.

LATE MAIL

Bulldogs: Christian Crichton will come into the Bulldogs starting side to replace late scratching Remis Smith in the centres for the clash against the Roosters. Morgan Harper will get his chance coming off the bench in his first game of the season. Jesse Sue passed his gameday HIA but will need to pass required protocols to play and if ruled out I expect Ofahiki Ogden to come onto the bench.

Roosters: The Roosters welcome back James Tedesco after the star fullback failed a temperature check last week due to a stomach bug. Tedesco returned to training on Tuesday and will be right to go. Isaac Liu is in doubt due to concussion, I expect him to be ruled out which will see Mitch Aubusson come onto the bench to play his first game back after COVID-19 enforced break. Victor Radley will be checked at the captain’s run after suffering an elbow injury on the weekend but is expected to play.