NRL Early Mail: Predicted team changes for finals week 1

THE Roosters welcome back three big guns for Friday’s qualifying final against the Broncos at Allianz Stadium.

Daniel Tupou is set to return from a groin injury.

THE Roosters welcome back three big guns for Friday’s qualifying final against the Broncos at Allianz Stadium.

Daniel Tupou (groin), Dylan Napa and Aidan Guerra (both rested) will be on the team sheet on Tuesday as the Roosters assemble a near full-strength team, with the judiciary-bound Zane Tetevano the only player likely to miss out.

Tupou hasn’t played since round 22, but the former Origin winger was in strong form prior to his injury, scoring 11 tries in 19 games and forming a lethal left side combination with Luke Keary, Boyd Cordner and Latrell Mitchell.

Napa and Guerra sat out last week in the knowledge the club would face a quick six-day turnaround, while the Broncos have the benefit of an eight-day break.

DRAW: Finals week 1 schedule

Daniel Tupou could return from a groin issue.

QUALIFYING FINAL - 7.55pm Friday at Allianz Stadium

ROOSTERS (2) V BRONCOS (3)

Roosters: Set to welcome back Daniel Tupou (groin) on the left wing, with Joseph Manu the man most likely to drop out. Dylan Napa and Aidan Guerra (both rested) return, with Zane Tetevano (suspension) and Victor Radley to make way.

Broncos: Darius Boyd (hamstring) is out. He is hoping to be fit for week two of the finals if the Broncos lose, or week three if the Broncos win. He will be replaced at fullback by Kodi Nikorima, with Benji Marshall to come into the starting halves. Tevita Pangai Jnr (hamstring) will be replaced on the bench by Jai Arrow.

QUALIFYING FINAL - 4.10pm Saturday at AAMI Park

STORM (1) V EELS (4)

Storm: Dale Finucane and Tim Glasby return after being rested last week. Robbie Rochow and Nate Myles are expected to make way.

Eels: Bevan French (hamstring) and Peni Terepo are “touch and go,” according to coach Brad Arthur. “We won’t probably know until the back end of the week but we’re hopeful of Bevan and Peni Terepo being OK,” Arthur said.

Bevan French is battling a hamstring issue.

ELIMINATION FINAL - 7.40pm Saturday at Allianz Stadium

SEA EAGLES (6) V PANTHERS (7)

Sea Eagles: Darcy Lussick (tripping) faces the judiciary on Tuesday as he attempts to overturn a one match ban. Jarrad Kennedy looms as the most likely replacement. Addin Fonua-Blake (leg) has been cleared of serious injury and will play.

Panthers: Captain Matt Moylan won’t play after being granted leave to deal with personal issues. The Panthers may be tempted to move Dean Whare from fullback to the wing following a shocker on the weekend, with Dallin Watene-Zelezniak firming to wear the No. 1. Young gun Dylan Edwards (knee) may be included in the extended squad, but is at long odds to play.

Matt Moylan has been granted leave by the Panthers. Picture: Phil Hillyard

ELIMINATION FINAL - 4.10pm Sunday at Allianz Stadium

SHARKS (5) V COWBOYS (8)

Sharks: Jack Bird (shoulder) and Wade Graham (cork) return. Jesse Ramien drops out of the backline for Bird. Kurt Capewell makes way in the back row for Graham. Jayson Bukuya (ankle) and Luke Lewis (shoulder) failed to finish on Sunday due to minor injuries, but both will be right to play. Sam Tagataese (calf) is hopeful of a return and will be named in the extended squad.

Cowboys: No changes expected, with Te Marie Martin (knee) to again play through a minor injury.