NRL Late Mail Round 24: Team tips and changes for upcoming weekend

Penrith’s charge towards the NRL finals has been given a significant boost with a timely return.

Penrith coach Ivan Cleary has given “miracle man” Brian To’o the green light ahead of Sunday’s clash against the Wests Tigers.

To’o was initially scheduled to return from an ankle injury, suffered back in round 19, around finals time but will now take his place on the wing.

“He said straight away the surgery felt better than last time. I think the fact he had the surgery before kept it intact a little bit better which leads to less swelling and less recovery. Having said that he is a bit of a medical miracle Bizza,” Cleary said.

Forward James Fisher-Harris will also play his first game in five weeks after leaving the bubble on the Sunshine Coast to be with his partner during the birth of their second child.

Brian To'o is back for the Panthers. Picture: NRL Photos

BRONCOS TO BLOOD ANOTHER YOUNG GUN

By Peter Badel

Broncos coach Kevin Walters is set to blood another young gun with boom back-rower Brendan Piakura on standby to make his NRL debut in Saturday’s clash against the Sharks at Suncorp Stadium.

The Queensland under-18s sensation is on the cusp of a much-anticipated debut with back-rower Jordan Riki in grave doubt after rolling his ankle at Brisbane’s captain’s run on Friday.

Riki will be given until game day to prove his fitness but Walters concedes the 21-year-old is facing an uphill battle to play — putting Piakura within striking distance of an NRL debut three months in the making.

The rangy Piakura was close to an NRL baptism earlier this season, only to suffer a knee injury which required minor surgery.

The 19-year-old has made a full recovery and is rated a future superstar by the Broncos, who staved off poaching threats from the Bulldogs and Titans in April to secure Piakura to a three-year upgrade.

“Brendan could be playing,” Walters said.

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Brendan Piakura is in line to make his Broncos debut. Picture: Liam Kidston

“Jordan Riki rolled his ankle in a training drill so he is on standby.

“We will see how Jordy goes (on Saturday) and if he is out, Brendan will play.

“He (Piakura) has had a few injury setbacks this year.

“He is a player with a lot of talent, we have a lot of belief in what Brendan can bring for us, but he hasn’t had the opportunities with injuries and Covid affected the Intrust Super Cup competition.

“We are comfortable with where Brendan is at, we know he will be a really good player for us ... he is one for the future.”

Asked to rate Riki’s chances of playing, Walters said: “About 40 per cent. If you can’t run the day before a game, it makes it a bit difficult.”

Piakura traditionally wears head-gear and has impressed in the back row for feeder-club Norths Devils in the Intrust Super Cup.

The hulking Brisbane rookie is not only mobile for a 100kg-plus forward but runs superb lines and is likened to Queensland Origin hitman Jaydn Su’A with his bruising defensive style.

Growing up, Piakura idolised Brisbane legend Corey Parker and the former Queensland Origin lock is a huge fan of the Broncos teenager.

Brendan Piakura has impressed in the back row for feeder-club Norths Devils. Picture: Annette Dew

“I’ve watched Brendan for some time and he is outstanding,” Parker told News Corp recently.

“In my mind Piakura is physically ready for the NRL now and he would be the perfect replacement for Alex Glenn in the back row next season.

“Brendan has all the skills.

“Piakura is a different style of back-rower to David Fifita (ex-Bronco who defected to the Titans this season) ... he is a damaging ball-runner but I also like the fact he has mongrel in defence.

“He is a quietly-spoken sort of kid but he has a great attitude ... I’m not surprised the Bulldogs tried to sign him.”

Walters is keen to dent Cronulla’s finals hopes and ensure the Broncos finish the season with three consecutive wins.

“We want to finish on a good note and hopefully it sets up a good season for us (next year),” Walters said.

“The Sharks will be desperate to win, their season is still alive, but I’ve been really happy with our consistency over the last month and we want to keep stringing some wins together.”

DRAGONS V COWBOYS

Saturday 28 August, Browne Park, Rockhampton, 3pm

Dragons: 1. Tyrell Sloan, 2. Mathew Feagai, 3. Jack Bird, 4. Zac Lomax, 5. Mikaele Ravalawa, 6. Talatau Amone, 7. Corey Norman, 8. Blake Lawrie, 9. Jayden Sullivan, 10. Josh McGuire, 11. Billy Burns, 12. Tariq Sims, 13. Jack de Belin

Bench: 14. Freddy Lussick, 15. Tyrell Fuimaono, 16. Daniel Alvaro, 17. Jackson Ford

Players cut: 18. Kaide Ellis, 19. Poasa Faamausili, 20. Gerard Beale, 21. Josh Kerr

Late Mail: The Dragons are 1-17.

Cowboys: 1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, 2. Kyle Feldt, 3. Valentine Holmes, 4. Ben Hampton, 5. Murray Taulagi, 6. Scott Drinkwater, 7. Tom Dearden, 8. Jason Taumalolo, 9. Reece Robson, 10. Jordan McLean, 11. Ben Condon, 15. Jeremiah Nanai, 13. Reuben Cotter

Bench: 12. Heilum Luki, 14. Jake Granville, 16. Mitchell Dunn, 17. Griffin Neame

Players cut: 18. Tom Gilbert, 19. Daejarn Asi, 20. Francis Molo, 21. Laitia Moceidreke

Late Mail: Back-rower Jeremiah Nanai gets his first NRL start, replacing Heilum Luki who drops back to the bench.

SHARKS V BRONCOS

Saturday 28 August, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane, 5:30pm

Sharks: 1. Will Kennedy, 2. Sione Katoa, 3. Connor Tracey, 4. Jesse Ramien, 5. Mawene Hiroti, 6. Luke Metcalf, 7. Braydon Trindall, 8. Toby Rudolph, 9. Blayke Brailey, 10. Aaron Woods, 11. Briton Nikora, 12. Siosifa Talakai, 13. Jack Williams

Bench: 14. Matt Moylan, 15. Braden Hamlin-Uele, 16. Aiden Tolman, 17. Teig Wilton

Reserves: 18. Kai O’Donnell, 19. Billy Magoulias, 20. Jenson Taumoepeau, 21. Jonaiah Lualua

Players cut: To come

Late Mail: Winger Mawene Hiroti (hand) will need to prove his fitness, with Jensen Taumoepeau and Jonaiah Lualua in line to make their NRL debut should he be ruled out. Jesse Ramian passed a gameday HIA and should be right to play.

Broncos: 1. Tesi Niu, 2. Corey Oates, 3. Selwyn Cobbo, 4. Herbie Farnworth, 5. Xavier Coates, 6. Anthony Milford, 7. Albert Kelly, 8. Tom Flegler, 9. Jake Turpin, 10. Payne Haas, 11. Alex Glenn, 12. Jordan Riki, 13. Kobe Hetherington

Bench: 14. Danny Levi, 15. Rhys Kennedy, 16. Ethan Bullemor, 17. TC Robatii

Reserves: 18. David Mead, 19. Brendan Piakura, 20. Corey Paix, 21. Brodie Croft

Players cut: To come

Late Mail: Winger Xavier Coates (elbow) is the only concern, with David Mead on standby should he be ruled out.

STORM V EELS

Saturday 28 August, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane, 7:35pm

Storm: 1. Ryan Papenhuyzen, 2. Dean Ieremia, 3. Reimis Smith, 4. Justin Olam, 5. Josh Addo-Carr, 6. Cameron Munster, 7. Jahrome Hughes, 8. Jesse Bromwich, 9. Brandon Smith, 10. Christian Welch, 11. Felise Kaufusi, 12. Kenny Bromwich 13. Chris Lewis

Bench: 14. Harry Grant, 15. Aaron Pene, 16. Tom Eisenhuth, 17. Nicho Hynes

Reserves: 18. Tui Kamikamica, 19. Isaac Lumelume, 20. Tepai Moeroa, 21. Marion Seve

Players cut: To come

Late Mail: Could have one change with Tui Kamikamica (calf) returning to full training this week after being sidelined for four weeks. He could replace Tom eisnhuth on the bench, with a final call likely to be made after the captain’s run. Brandon Smith (rested), Ryan Papenhuyzen (leg), Justin Olam (rested) and Jahrome Hughes (HIA) all trained this week and are set to play.

Eels: 1. Clint Gutherson, 2. Haze Dunster, 3. Will Penisini, 4. Waqa Blake, 5. Blake Ferguson, 6. Dylan Brown, 7. Mitchell Moses, 8. Isaiah Papali’i, 9. Joey Lussick, 10. Junior Paulo, 11. Shaun Lane, 12. Marata Niukore, 13. Nathan Brown

Bench: 14. Ray Stone, 15. Bryce Cartwright, 16. Makahesi Makatoa, 17. Keegan Hipgrave

Reserves: 18. Will Smith, 19. Oregon Kaufusi, 20. Sean Russell, 21. Jake Arthur

Players cut: To come

Late Mail: Winger Blake Ferguson (calf) returns to replace Maika Sivo (ACL) whose season is over. Ferguson just needs to get through the captain’s run on Friday to be a confirmed starter with Sean Russell on standby. I am expecting Ferguson would start on his preferred right wing which would mean Hayze Dunster switching to the left. Clint Gutherson is fit to play after copping a knock to his back during the Cowboys game.

SEA EAGLES v BULLDOGS

Sunday 29 August, Moreton Daily Stadium, Redcliffe, 1:50pm

Sea Eagles: 1. Tom Trbojevic, 2. Jason Saab, 3. Brad Parker, 4. Morgan Harper, 5. Reuben Garrick, 6. Kieran Foran, 7. Daly Cherry-Evans, 8. Toafofoa Sipley, 9. Lachlan Croker, 10. Martin Taupau, 11. Haumole Olakau’atu, 12. Josh Schuster, 13. Jake Trbojevic

Bench: 14. Dylan Walker, 15. Karl Lawton, 16. Curtis Sironen, 17. Josh Aloiai

Reserves: 18. Moses Suli, 19. Cade Cust, 20. Jack Gosiewski, 21. Kurt De Luis

Players cut: To come

Late Mail: Manly get a massive in with Brad Parker (concussion) set to return and some other bloke by the name of Tom Trbojevic (cheekbone) also back. Martin Tauapau (passed HIA), Curtis Sironen (passed HIA), Morgan Harper (shoulder) and Reuben Garrick (knock) will need to be checked at the captain’s run but all should be fit to play. Sean Keppie gets out of quarantine on Thursday and will return to the Manly bubble.

Bulldogs: 1. Nick Meaney, 2. Corey Allan, 3. Will Hopoate, 4. Aaron Schoupp, 5. Jayden Okunbor, 6. Lachlan Lewis, 7. Kyle Flanagan, 8. Ava Seumanufagai, 9. Bailey Biondi-Odo, 10. Jack Hetherington 11. Matt Doorey, 12. Joe Stimson, 13. Josh Jackson

Bench: 14. Brandon Wakeham, 15. Ofahiki Ogden, 16. Chris Patolo, 17. Sione Katoa

Reserves: 19. Falakiko Manu, 20. Jackson Topine, 21. Jake Averillo, 22. Watson Heleta

Players cut: To come

Late Mail: Welcome back both Jack Hetherington and Sione Katoa from suspension. Josh Jackson (passed HIA) and Joe Stimson (knock) are both expected to play. Brandon Wakeham comes on to the bench to play a utility role after getting out of quarantine this past week. Jake Averillo (foot) has been named on the extended bench and will need to prove his fitness to replace Lachlan Lewis in the halves. Matt Doorey is expected to line up on the right edge with Joe Stimson on the left.

PANTHERS V TIGERS

Sunday 29 August, Moreton Daily Stadium, Redcliffe, 4:05pm

Panthers: 1. Dylan Edwards, 2. Stephen Crichton, 3. Paul Momirovski, 4. Matt Burton, 5. Brian To’o, 6. Jarome Luai, 7. Nathan Cleary, 8. Moses Leota, 9. Api Koroisau, 10. James Fisher-Harris, 11. Viliame Kikau, 12. Kurt Capewell, 13. Isaiah Yeo

Bench: 14. Mitch Kenny, 15. Scott Sorensen, 16. Tevita Pangai Junior, 17. Liam Martin

Reserves: 18. Izack Tago, 19. Taylan May, 20. Tyrone May, 21. Charlie Staines

Players cut: To come

Late Mail: James Fisher-Harris returns after being rested last week when he got out of quarantine. Dylan Edwards is in some doubt after failing a gameday HIA last week but with a nine-day turnaround the Panthers are hopeful that he will be cleared to play. Tyrone May (knee) is close to returning, if fit he would replace Mitch Kenny on the bench. Winger Brian To’o (ankle) needs to pass a fitness test with Taylan May on standby.

Tigers: 1. Moses Mbye, 2. David Nofoaluma, 3. Tommy Talau, 4. Michael Chee Kam, 5. Ken Maumalo, 6. Jock Madden, 7. Luke Brooks, 8. Thomas Mikaele, 9. Jacob Liddle, 10. Stefano Utoikamanu, 11. Shawn Blore, 12. Luciano Leilua, 13. Alex Twal

Bench: 14. Joe Ofahengaue, 15. Jake Simpkin, 16. Tom Amone, 17. Alex Seyfarth

Reserves: 18. James Roberts, 19. Billy Walters, 20. Tukimihia Simpkins, 21. Zac Cini

Players cut: To come

Late Mail: Expected to be 1-17 with no injuries in the side named after Alex Seyfarth (knee) returned to training. James Roberts isn’t expected to be a late inclusion after only doing rehab running at training this week. I am expecting Jock Madden to be handed goalkicking duties.