NRL Early Mail Round 22: Predicted team changes
While Penrith star Nathan Cleary is on the cusp of a shock return, the Cowboys have suffered a devastating injury blow. Plus WACKO’S WHISPERS
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In a major blow to the Cowboys chances of turning around an eight-game losing streak, Jason Taumalolo has been ruled out of their clash against the Tigers with a fractured hand.
It is understood the injury is different to the broken hand he sustained earlier this season.
Taumalolo fractured his hand while carrying the football in the 30th minute of the 36-14 loss to the Titans.
The Cowboys captain finished out the game, refusing to come from the field, but his output was obviously limited by the injury and the lack of possession the Cowboys had.
Taumalolo was still the only Cowboys forward to carry the ball for more than 100 metres from 13 carries.
Cowboys coach Todd Payten said after the game he would persist with the move to put the 209-game veteran in the back row.
Taumalolo has been ruled out of Saturday’s clash against the Tigers, but could make his return the following weekend against Parramatta. It is understood he will be further assessed next week.
Taumalolo was not the only player ruled out of Saturday’s clash at Queensland Country Bank Stadium, with the six-day turnaround scuppering any chance of Murray Taulagi or Lachlan Burr taking the field after they failed head injury assessments on Sunday.
The growing casualty ward will have Cowboys coach Todd Payten scrambling to name a squad later this afternoon.
Raiders lose Semi
— David Riccio
The Raiders depth in their outside backs are set to be stretched with strong ball-carrying winger Semi Valemei ruled out of action with a fractured larynx.
The abnormal injury is on the lower-end of the scale leaving Raiders officials confident Valemei will be back under consideration for selection within the next fortnight.
The loss of Valemei is a blow for the Raiders who are already without outside backs Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, Sebastian Kris, Curtis Scott and Xavier Savage.
The only saving grace for Raiders coach Ricky Stuart is that Bailey Simonsson will come back into the team to face the Storm after being out with a toe injury.
Eel’s mature-aged debut
Parramatta will produce yet another 28-year-old debutant with hard-running forward Makahesi Makatoa set to earn his first taste of NRL.
Makatoa’s debut comes just 12-months after fellow 28-year-old Andrew Davey made his first grade debut with the Eels.
Makahesi will achieve his dream with the Eels after a patient and persistent journey that has included lower grade stints with the Bulldogs, Raiders and Featherstone in the second-tier UK competition.
One of the best forwards in the NSW Cup competition this year, Makahesi will replace Oregon Kaufusi (concussion) who will be rested.
Magoulias back in mix
Cronulla’s Will Chambers is set to be named in his regular centre position while former Newtown Jets star Billy Magoulias is set for an NRL recall.
Chambers has come under fire in recent days due to his sharp tongue and sledging of opposition players, however he is set to be selected for the Sharks must-win clash with Newcastle on Sunday.
Magoulias, a ball-playing lock-forward, has been forced to bide his time after being overlooked from first grade since his last appearance in round nine.
Off-contract at the end of this year, Magoulias will be aiming to prove his worthiness in the clash against the Knights to be held at Redcliffe.
Mixed news for Knights
— Fatima Kdouh
It’s mixed news on the injury front for the Newcastle Knights with at least one star likely to miss Sunday’s crucial clash against Cronulla at Redcliffe.
Lachlan Fitzgibbon is likely to be ruled out with a shoulder injury picked up in last weekend’s win against Brisbane.
Forward David Klemmer said Fitzgibbon would be given the rest of the week to prove his fitness but The Daily Telegraph spotted Fitzgibbon at training on the Sunshine Coast in a sling.
“Fitzy has had scans and we are just waiting for the doctors to get some feedback from there. He was a bit sore after the game but the scans will reveal a bit and we have to wait to see how he pulls up during the week,” Klemmer said.
Scans have revealed Fitzgibbon did not suffer any structural damage but the second rower is still in some significant pain.
Boom back Bradman Best was rushed to hospital with a suspected shoulder injury after last weekend’s match against the Broncos. But hooker Jayden Brailey has confirmed the hospital visit was only a “precaution”.
“It was just percutionary and he has been in high spirits at training. He should be good to go,” Brailey said.
Best was spotted training on the side, running drills, with medical and conditioning staff at Tuesday morning’s session. It’s expected Best will take the field on Sunday.
Kev’s halves circus rolls on
- Peter Badel
Broncos coach Kevin Walters has wielded the axe yet again with Salford-bound Brodie Croft dropped and Albert Kelly recalled for Friday night’s clash against the Roosters.
Kelly will start at halfback against the Bondi club after Croft paid the price for making zero runs for zero metres in Brisbane’s 28-20 loss to the Knights last Thursday.
Walters showed his hand at Broncos training on Tuesday with Kelly running with the main squad in Maroon colours, while Croft and Anthony Milford were wearing yellow shirts with Brisbane’s second-string Renegades side.
It is a crushing blow for Croft, who appears to have played his last game for the Broncos after signing a two-year deal with Salford on Monday night.
Kelly has a good history against the Roosters, producing a man-of-the-match display in his Broncos debut in round 11 to engineer a stunning 34-16 boilover of the Bondi glamour club.
Kelly will oppose Roosters teenage whizkid Sam Walker, who quit the Broncos two years ago to chase his NRL dream with the Tri-colours.
In another change, Xavier Coates in back after a month on the sidelines and will replace Jamayne Isaako on the wing.
Queensland Origin flyer Coates has been on the outer but will partner teenage Selwyn Cobbo, who will start at right centre at the expense of Jesse Arthars.
CLEARY’S PANTHERS PLEA AS RETURN LOOMS
By Nick Walshaw and Nick Campton
Penrith halfback Nathan Cleary has urged his father and coach Ivan to let him suit up for Friday Night Football against St George Illawarra after completing a rigorous contact session on Monday.
Sidelined since Origin II with a busted shoulder, Cleary will be named on an extended bench and is desperate to make his return against the Dragons, however dad is not expected to make a final decision until as late as game day.
The NSW No.7 started this week in positive fashion, completing yet another tough hit out - which included tackling — among those Panthers players not used in the club’s Round 21 win over the Roosters. Cleary was involved in a similar hit out last week and is also back to usual lifting workload in the gym.
While the halfback is now badgering the old man about a return, a decision will not be made by coach Cleary and his coaching staff until the end of the week.
Elsewhere, there is also some doubt about Brisbane recruit Tevita Pangai Jnr making his hyped debut for the club after being granted compassionate leave.
While the former Bronco is expected back into camp as soon as Tuesday, he may be given another week to get himself physically ready for the NRL following an extended stint on the sidelines
Like with Cleary, the Panthers coaching staff could wait until game day to make a decision on the availability of the hulking forward.
The Panthers are not keen to rush either player back too early given they want both fit and firing when it matters most - the NRL playoffs.
Not the Best news for Knights
- Fatima Kdouh
It’s mixed news on the injury front for the Newcastle Knights with at least one star likely to miss Sunday’s crucial clash against Cronulla at Redcliffe.
Lachlan Fitzgibbon is likely to be ruled out with a shoulder injury picked up in last weekend’s win against Brisbane.
Forward David Klemmer said Fitzgibbon would be given the rest of the week to prove his fitness but The Daily Telegraph spotted Fitzgibbon at training on the Sunshine Coast in a sling.
“Fitzy has had scans and we are just waiting for the doctors to get some feedback from there. He was a bit sore after the game but the scans will reveal a bit and we have to wait to see how he pulls up during the week, Klemmer said.
Scans have revealed Fitzgibbon did not suffer any structural damage but the secondrower is still in some significant pain.
Boom back Bradman Best was rushed to hospital with a suspected shoulder injury after last weekend’s match against the Broncos.
But hooker Jayden Brailey has confirmed the hospital visit was only a “precaution”.
“It was just percutionary and he has been in high spirits at training. He should be good to go,” Brailey said.
Best was spotted training on the side, running drills, with medical and conditioning staff at Tuesday morning’s session.
It’s expected Best will take the field on Sunday.
Double blow as Roosters lose forward leaders
By Phil Rothfield and Fatima Kdouh
The Sydney Roosters will stand down front-row enforcer Jared Waerea-Hargreaves this weekend to help repair his battered body.
Coach Trent Robinson revealed on Monday that the 32-year-old Kiwi warhorse has been carrying a broken finger, a knee injury and a back strain for several weeks.
“It’s why I kept Jaz off against the Panthers,” Robinson said, putting to bed rumours that he was upset with the front-rower for being sin-binned in the 20-14 loss.
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Hargreaves came off the bench to play only 11 minutes for 32 metres on Saturday afternoon.
He has played long minutes all year to help ease the club’s shocking injury problems.
“I just couldn’t put him back out there,” Robinson said, “He’s been too busted.
“He’s turned up every week and his leadership has been so inspirational.”
Each week Waerea-Hargreaves has volunteered to play, despite limited training because of the injuries.
On top of the resting of Waerea-Hargreaves, the Roosters are also without Origin forward Angus Crichton, who took the early guilty plea to a crusher tackle charge on Monday and has been suspended for three weeks.
They are also missing Boyd Cordner, Jake Friend (both retired) and Lindsay Collins (ACL) from the pack the Roosters fielded at the beginning of the season.
They play the Broncos on Friday night at Suncorp Stadium in a must-win game to keep their hopes alive of making the top-four.
Elsewhere at the Chooks, Naufahu Whyte, the rookie forward described by teammates as “a beast”, is in line to become the fourth teenager to make his debut for the Roosters in 2021.
Crichton’s suspension has opened the door for Whyte, 19, to earn a call-up in coach Trent Robinson’s 17 to take on the Broncos.
It would make Whyte the fourth teenager Robinson has turned to after the three-time premiership winning coach blooded Sam Walker in round four, Tuku Hau Tapuha in round nine and Joseph Suaalii in round 11.
“He’s a quiet boy but he’s a beast,” forward Isaac Liu said.
“He has been training really well with us all year. If he does get a shot, I definitely back him and I know the [other] boys will. I know he’s ready if he does get a call.”
Playmaker Lachlan Lam revealed Whyte, who scored five tried from his seven appearances for the North Sydney Bears in the NSW Cup this season, even has his own teammates running scared at training.
“He’s been training really good. He is a big body and he’s tough to tackle, he’s got all the boys on edge when he is running, it wouldn’t surprise me if his debut is not too far,” Lam said.
Rabbitohs hit by multiple injuries
By Fatima Kdouh
South Sydney look set to be without Liam Knight and Campbell Graham this weekend as the star duo battle on-going concussion issues.
Rabbitohs halfback Adam Reynolds confirmed neither took part in Monday’s field session ahead of Saturday’s clash against the Gold Coast Titans.
“They were on the sideline doing a bit with the physio, I’m not sure exactly where they are at but both boys are in good spirits and they are getting on OK,” Reynolds said.
While both players didn’t train on Monday, they still have another five days to complete the NRL’s concussion protocols.
At the Tigers, forward Luciano Leiula is expected to take the field against North Queensland on Saturday.
Leilua picked up a suspected rib injury in Sunday’s win against Canterbury but in positive news, the backrower sustained no structural damage and was ruled to have been “winded”.
Thomas Mikaele didn’t finish the match after he left the field due to a head knock but the forward did pass HIA protocols at the ground and is expected to play against the Cowboys.
Dufty’s hopes of recall given the Bird
By Paul Crawley
Matt Dufty’s hopes of getting a recall before he farewells St George Illawarra at the end of the season are about to cop another significant setback.
Despite some suggestions that the Dragons need Dufty’s attacking spark to keep their fading finals hopes alive, Jack Bird is expected to keep hold of the No 1 jumper for this Friday’s crucial showdown with Penrith.
There is a chance Dufty could still win a spot on the bench but even that is not looking the value bet at this point.
Meanwhile, the Dragons have been dealt another cruel blow with young gun Cody Ramsey also expected to miss the clash after busting his front teeth in that sickening head clash with teammate Andrew McCullough in the opening minutes of the Canberra game.
The Dragons are also going to be without NSW backrower Tariq Sims who was hit with a grade one careless high tackle charge.
Ramsey had his teeth glued back together on the weekend but now has to be sent back to have them completely pulled out and replaced in the coming weeks.
He’s also been left nursing a mouthful of stitches.
The Dragons can ill-afford his absence given their season is basically on the line against the team sitting second on the ladder.
The Dragons have been dealing from the fallout of the infamous Paul Vaughan barbecue that’s resulted in the rolling suspensions ever since the round 16 win over the Warriors.
Since then they have gone down in four straight games with losses to the Sea Eagles, Titans, Rabbitohs and Raiders to remain stuck on 18 competition points.
While they’re not out of the finals race yet, what makes their plight even more concerning is that they have a really difficult run home with the Panthers followed by the Roosters, Cowboys and Rabbitohs.
The loss of inspirational Ben Hunt with a broken arm for between four and six weeks has made it even more difficult.
Most would probably agree the Dragons have punched above their weight for most of the season given plenty of experts had them in the conversation for this year’s wooden spoon before the comp started.
In respect to Dufty’s immediate future, Anthony Griffin is expected to back Bird’s toughness and aggression over Dufty’s flair in what is sure to be a real physical battle against the Panthers.
Griffin also believes Bird has the footy smarts and necessary skills to develop as a fullback despite some criticism that he just lacks the silky skills and speed of the competition’s elite No 1s.
But what Bird is is a natural footballer and if he is given time to develop in the role those who know him best say he will certainly surprise a few people.
Ramsey is also seen as a future contender for the No1 role.
Dufty has certainly had his share of chances over several seasons under two coaches now in Griffin and previously Paul McGregor, but he just hasn’t been able to seal the deal with either coach.
That hasn’t stopped Trent Barrett and the Bulldogs throwing Dufty a lifeline on a one-year deal for 2022.
Wacko’s Whispers
STORM V RAIDERS
Thursday 12 August, venue TBC, 7:50pm
Storm: Come into the game off a five-day turnaround and a 17-game winning streak, looking to make it 18. Felise Kaufusi returns after missing the Sea Eagles game due to suspension. Ryan Papenhuyzen looked to have injured his knee on the weekend but was able to play out the game. It’s only a matter of time before he starts at fullback with Nicho Hynes moving to the bench or potentially moving into a backline spot and playing a roving role like either Tom Trbojevic in Origin or Joey Manu in the past two weeks for the Roosters. George Jennings is close to returning after a knee injury suffered in Round 18. Nelson Asofa-Solomona (hamstring), Tui Kamikamica (calf) and Aaron Pene (achilles) all remain unavailable, testing Storm’s middle forward depth.
Raiders: Expected to get a few players back this week with Sebastian Kris (concussion), Bailey Simonsson (toe) and Corey Horsburgh (wrist) all chances to return from injury. But with the Raiders coming off a win over the Dragons coach Ricky Stuart may stick to the same 17 with the only injury coming out of the game being Jordan Rapana with a minor knee injury but he should be right to play.
DRAGONS V PANTHERS
Friday 13 August, venue TBC, 6:00pm
Dragons: Welcome back Josh Kerr, Gerard Beale and Tyrell Fuimaono who all missed last game due to suspension. Cody Ramsey will be missing after leaving the field early due to concussion. He is expected to miss a week. Tariq Sims has been charged with a grade one careless high tackle for a hit on Harley Smith-Shields on Friday and with the early guilty plea is looking at a one-game suspension. Jaidyn Hunt copped a heavy knock on the weekend which saw him only play a few minutes and he will probably be unavailable. Blake Lawrie passed gameday HIA on weekend and should be fit to be named.
Panthers: Looking at being without both Api Koroisau and Kurt Capewell after they were charged by the match review committee and with early guilty pleas both are looking at one- week suspensions. James Fisher-Harris comes out of quarantine this week and should be rushed straight back into the team. Stephen Crichton returns after missing last week due to suspension. Brent Naden (hamstring), Robert Jennings (hamstring) and Brian To’o (ankle) are all out, testing the Panthers’ outside back depth with Taylan May making his NRL debut on the weekend and he could continue on the left wing. Nathan Cleary is close to returning from a shoulder injury but the Panthers won’t take any risks. Spencer Leniu could be in doubt after suffering a leg injury on the weekend. Paul Momirovski left the field late in the game due to HIA and will need to pass protocols to play. Tevita Pangai Jnr left the NRL bubble before last week’s game due to personal reasons but didn’t leave Queensland and if he wants to return will need to get required clearance and undergo Covid testing.
BRONCOS V ROOSTERS
Friday 13 August, venue TBC, 7:55pm
Broncos: Welcome back Thomas Flegler from suspension which is timely after Keenan Palasia was charged out of the Eels game with a grade two careless high tackle on Nathan Brown and is looking at a one-week suspension with an early guilty plea. Albert Kelly replaced Brodie Croft late in the game with Kelly a chance to be recalled to the starting 13.
Roosters: Angus Crichton has been charged with a grade one crusher tackle on Liam Martin and with priors is looking at a three-game suspension with an early guilty plea. Sitili Tupouniua played right centre on the weekend with Dale Copley demoted to 18th man as he was slowly integrated back into the Roosters’ system. But I expect to see Copley come into the team with Adam Keighran in some doubt after looking to suffer a groin injury. Rookie Nafuhu Whyte could make his NRL debut coming into the 17 to replace Crichton.
RABBITOHS V TITANS
Saturday 14 August, venue TBC, 3:00pm
Rabbitohs: Came through the Eels game relatively unscathed with Keaon Koloamatangi copping a cork but he was able to play on and should be right to be named. Liam Knight and Campbell Graham continue to have issues with concussion and will need to be symptom free before starting NRL protocols. Hame Sele has returned to full training after a calf injury and could be an option to come into the team. Wayne Bennett said Alex Johnston won’t return from a hamstring injury until next week but it wouldn’t surprise me if he gets named on an extended bench. Look for Bennett to get some more minutes into Benji Marshall in the coming weeks for some match fitness in the lead up to finals.
Titans: Come into a game for the first time this season off the back of three straight wins with the Rabbitohs a good test to see how they are travelling as they battle for a top eight position. The move of benching David Fifita has seemed to work and will continue. AJ Brimson was forced from the field late in the Cowboys game for HIA and will need to pass required protocols but should be right to be named. Tyrone Peachey returns from suspension with either Mitch Rein or Erin Clark the unlucky player to make way. Jamal Fogarty is finding it hard to force his way back into the team despite recovering from a finger injury with Toby Sexton impressing since coming into the NRL. Phillip Sami is close to returning from an ankle injury and could replace Greg Marzhew on the wing.
COWBOYS V TIGERS
Saturday 14 August, venue TBC, 5:30pm
Cowboys: Come into the game off eight straight losses with coach Todd Payten still searching for the right combinations. Murray Taulagi is likely out after suffering a nasty concussion in the opening minutes. Lachlan Burr also failed to finish the Titans game due to HIA and will need to pass required protocols to play. Kyle Feldt should be fit to be named after suffering a groin injury on the weekend. Reuben Cotter has returned to full training after a foot injury and could come into contention for a bench position. Tom Gilbert was placed on report and could be on the charge sheet come Monday.
Tigers: Thomas Mikaele left the field late in the Bulldogs game due to HIA and will need to pass required protocols to play. Luciano Leilua (ribs) and Ken Maumalo (ankle) could both be in some doubt after suffering minor injuries. James Roberts has returned to training after coming out of quarantine last week and could come into contention for selection.
SEA EAGLES V EELS
Saturday 14 August, venue TBC, 7:35pm
Sea Eagles: Will be without Taniela Paseka after he suffered an ankle injury on the weekend which will keep him out for a number of weeks. With Toafofa Sipley also expected to be missing for a week due to a grade one crusher tackle, Curtis Sironen, Jack Gosiewski and Kurt De Luis are all options to come into the 17.
Eels: A couple of concerns to come out of the Rabbitohs game with Reed Mahoney’s season over after he suffered shoulder injury late in the game with Joey Lussick set to replace him at hooker and Will Smith to provide cover off the bench. Oregon Kaufusi was forced from the field early on Friday and failed HIA and will need to pass required protocols with options of Ray Stone, Keegan Hipgrave or Makahesi Makatoa coming onto the bench. Blake Ferguson was a late withdrawal on the weekend due to a calf injury which saw Haze Dunster play right wing. Ferguson is expected to be missing again this week.
WARRIORS V BULLDOGS
Sunday 15 August, venue TBC, 2:00pm
Warriors: Hit hard by the match review committee with Matt Lodge (two weeks), Kane Evans (one week) and Dallin Watene-Zelezniak (one week) all looking at missing time with early guilty pleas. With a number of players already unavailable it will be hard for the Warriors to name a 21-man squad. Ed Kosi or Adam Pompey will come onto the wing for Watene-Zelezniak whilst Jamayne Taunoa-Brown and Jack Murchie should come into the squad for Lodge and Evans. Bayley Sironen was limping late in the Sharks game due to a leg injury which forced him to be replaced but he is hopeful it was only a cork and he will be right to play. Kodi Nikorima passed gameday HIA and will be right to continue playing an impact role off the bench at hooker.
Bulldogs: Jack Hetherington and Dylan Napa were both placed on report and with the recent crackdown and their bad judiciary records both could be looking at time on the sideline. I expect the Biodi-Odo and Averillo halves combination to continue despite neither having their best game on the weekend. Chris Smith is a chance to return from an ankle injury replacing Matt Doorey on the bench.
SHARKS V KNIGHTS
Sunday 15 August, venue TBC, 4:05pm
Sharks: Coming off three out of four losses with their only win being over the lowly-rated Bulldogs. I expect Matt Moylan to return from a calf injury, adding some experience to their halves with Braydon Trindall and Connor Tracey struggling in the last few weeks. Teig Wilton is a chance to return from a hamstring injury but will still need to tick a few boxes to prove his fitness. Ronaldo Mulitalo could be in some doubt after hyperextending his knee on the weekend but he was able to shrug off the injury and play out the game.
Knights: Had a four-day turnaround leading into the Broncos game on Thursday but now head into this game off a long 10-day turnaround. They welcome back Jayden Brailey after he was rested due to a heavy knock in the Raiders game. He will start at hooker in place of Chris Randall who had a solid game on return to the NRL. Lachlan Fitzgibbon was recalled last week but suffered a shoulder injury and could be ruled out depending on how he pulls up. Bradman Best sent a scare through KFC SuperCoach owners after being taken to hospital for scans on a shoulder injury. But results were all clear of serious injury and he should be fit to be named. The long turnaround could be beneficial for Hymel Hunt who suffered concussion and will need to pass required protocols to play with options of Brayden Musgrove, Starford To’a or Domonic Young to replace him if ruled out.
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