NRL Round 18 Late Mail: Predicted team changes

The Wests Tigers have been forced into a late change after a player was linked to a Covid exposure site, while there’s good news for the Panthers. FULL LATE MAIL

Wests Tigers centre James Roberts has been ruled out of the club’s crucial clash with the Broncos after a Covid-19 scare.

The Tigers centre failed to travel with the team to Brisbane after he was placed in a Covid hold following an exposure to a site in Sydney with a known case.

In a club statement, the Tigers stated: “James has since returned a negative Covid test.

“He will remain in isolation for the coming four days and will subsequently miss Sunday’s game against the Brisbane Broncos.”

It’s understood Roberts has been cleared of a bubble breach by the NRL biosecurity team.

Roberts is believed to have been shopping for essential items.

Tommy Talau will replace Roberts for the crucial clash against the Broncos.

Tigers coach Michael Maguire is under heavy pressure following the club’s poor three-win record this season.

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James Roberts will miss the match against the Broncos after being linked to a Covid exposure site. Picture: Mark Kolbe/Getty Images

ROUND 18 LATE MAIL

BRONCOS V TIGERS

Sunday 18 July, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane, 4.05pm

BRONCOS: 1. Tesi Niu, 2. Corey Oates, 3. Kotoni Staggs, 4. Herbie Farnworth, 21. Jamayne Isaako, 6. Tyson Gamble, 7. Brodie Croft, 8. Rhys Kennedy, 9. Jake Turpin, 10. Payne Haas, 11. Alex Glenn, 12. TC Robati, 13. Kobe Hetherington

Bench: 15. Thomas Flegler, 16. Keenan Palasia, 17. Jordan Riki, 19. Jesse Arthars

Reserves: 5. Xavier Coates, 18. Ethan Bullemor

Players cut: 14. Cory Paix, 20. Xavier Willison

The Broncos have been forced into a late reshuffle with Queensland winger Xavier Coates failing to back-up from Origin duty for Sunday’s clash against Wests Tigers at Suncorp Stadium. The resting of Storm-bound Coates opens the door for out-of-favour utility back Jamayne Isaako, who will partner Corey Oates on the flanks.

– Peter Badel

Wacko’s late mail: The Broncos other Origin players Payne Haas and Tom Flegler are expected to back up. Kotoni Staggs (hamstring/knee), Kobe Hetherington (knee) and Jake Turpin (head knock) were all managed over the bye week and are all expected to play.

TIGERS: 1. Daine Laurie, 2. David Nofoaluma, 3. Junior Pauga, 19. Tommy Talau, 5. Ken Maumalo, 6. Adam Doueihi, 7. Luke Brooks, 8. Stefano Utoikamanu, 9. Jacob Liddle, 10. James Tamou, 11. Luke Garner, 12. Luciano Leilua, 13. Thomas Mikaele

Bench: 14. Joe Ofahengaue, 15. Alex Twal, 16. Tukimihia Simpkins, 17. Moses Mbye

Reserves: 18. Michael Chee Kam, 20. Alex Seyfarth

Players cut: 4. James Roberts, 21. Shawn Blore

Late mail: Wests Tigers centre James Roberts has been ruled out of the club’s crucial clash with the Broncos after a Covid-19 scare. Tommy Talau replaces Roberts and his centre partnerdDebutant Junior Pauga will more than likely play left centre which will give him a tough match up marking Kotoni Staggs. The Tigers’ other debutant Tukimihia Simpkins will start from the bench. Joey Leilua didn’t travel with the squad to Queensland.

RABBITOHS V BULLDOGS

Sunday 18 July, Cbus Super Stadium, Gold Coast, 6.15pm

RABBITOHS: 1. Latrell Mitchell, 2. Alex Johnston, 3. Dane Gagai, 4. Campbell Graham, 5. Taane Milne 6. Cody Walker, 7. Adam Reynolds, 8. Mark Nicholls, 9. Damien Cook, 10. Thomas Burgess, 11. Keaon Koloamatangi, 12. Jaydn Su’A, 13. Cameron Murray

Bench: 15. Liam Knight, 16. Patrick Mago, 17. Jacob Host, 18. Braidon Burns,

Reserves: 20. Blake Taaffe, 21. Peter Mamouzelos

Players cut: 14. Benji Marshall, 19. Jed Cartwright, 22. Jaxson Paulo, 23. Josh Mansour

Late mail: Benji Marshall remained in Sydney for the birth of his child and it is not known when he will be able to join the team in Queensland. Origin stars Latrell Mitchell, Damian Cook, Cameron Murray and Dane Gagai could be rested, with Blake Taffee, Peter Mamouzelos, Jed Cartwright and Braidon Burns all on standby. Mitchell was the only Rabbitoh to back up after Origin 1 and if rested would give Taffee get another crack at fullback.

BULLDOGS: 1. Nick Meaney, 2. Corey Allan, 3. Will Hopoate, 4. Aaron Schoupp, 5. Falakiko Manu, 6. Lachlan Lewis, 7. Jake Averillo, 8. Jack Hetherington, 9. Sione Katoa, 10. Luke Thompson, 11. Corey Waddell, 12. Josh Jackson, 21. Matt Doorey

Bench: 14. Bailey Biondi-Oro, 15. Dylan Napa, 16. Ava Seumanufagai, 17. Joe Stimson

Reserves: 20. Ofahiki Ogden, , 23. Jayden Okunbor

Players cut: 13. Renouf Atoni, 19. Kyle Flanagan

Late mail: As expected, Matt Doorey comes into the starting side to play lock with Renouf Atoni dropping out of the side altogether and Joe Stimson retained on the bench. Jayden Okunbor is very close to returning from an ACL injury and could come on to the wing to replace Kiko Manu. Brandon Wakeham didn’t travel with the Bulldogs squad to Queensland.