NRL Early Mail Round 3: Team news and tips
IVAN Cleary may be spared a selection headache for another week with injured recruit Josh Reynolds unable to confirm his return date.
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COACH Ivan Cleary may be spared a selection headache for another week with injured recruit Josh Reynolds unable to confirm when he’ll be available for Wests Tigers.
Reynolds has yet to turn out for his new club in the NRL since his high-profile move from the Bulldogs at the end of last year.
Sidelined after injuring his hamstring in the Tigers’ captain’s run on the eve of the Round 1 clash with the Roosters, Reynolds couldn’t put a timeframe on his return.
“It’s hard to say,” Reynolds said on Tuesday.
“I’m not as young as I used to be and it really is just week-to-week.”
Benji Marshall has impressed since replacing Reynolds at five-eighth and looks set to
continue partnering Luke Brooks in the halves.
Meanwhile, the career of Penrith prop Sam McKendry is at the crossroads after suffering a third ACL injury.
The 28-year-old tore the same ACL in 2016 and 2017.
He is expected to be replaced on the bench by Moses Leota for Friday’s clash against the Bulldogs.
“It’s unbelievably sad news for Sam and his family,” Panthers Executive General Manager Phil Gould AM said.
“He has worked so hard on overcoming this injury before.
“It’s a huge blow for our club as well. Sam really looked like he was getting back to his best.
“As always we will ensure Sam gets the best of medical advice and care. But sometimes this game just isn’t fair.”
Meanwhile, Canberra’s second successive loss has been compounded by injuries to four players.
BJ Leilua (ankle) and Charlie Gubb (groin) are the biggest concerns.
The pair will have scans on Monday and both are highly unlikely to be named for the round three clash against the Warriors.
Nick Cotric (knee) and Elliott Whitehead (back) also required treatment in Sunday’s heartbreaking loss to the Knights, but played out the game and are expected to be named.
Joe Tapine (dislocated thumb) continues to recover, but is not expected to be available this weekend.
STORM V COWBOYS
Thursday, March 22, AAMI Park, 8.05pm
Storm: Expect Felise Kaufusi (hamstring) to be named somewhere in the 21 but he is touch and go after missing the loss to the Tigers. “Felise Kaufusi might or might not get up for Thursday night. The five day turnaround makes it tough,” said coach Craig Bellamy.
Cowboys: Michael Morgan (abdominal) is set to return in the halves in place of Te Marie Martin. Lachlan Coote (hamstring) is also aiming for a comeback, which would push Ben Hampton to the bench.
BULLDOGS V PANTHERS
Friday, March 23, ANZ Stadium, 6pm
Bulldogs: Prop Aaron Woods is free to play after taking the early guilty plea to a dangerous contact charge.
Panthers: Sam McKendry has done his ACL for a third time. Moses Leota is the likely replacement on the bench.
TIGERS V BRONCOS
Friday, March 23, Campbelltown Stadium, 8.05pm
Tigers: Fullback Tui Lolohea should be back this week after he was a late withdrawal for the Storm game. Josh Reynolds (hamstring) is a “week-to-week” proposition. “It’s hard to say,” Reynolds said on Tuesday. “I’m not as young as I used to be and it really is just week-to-week.” Hooker Jacob Liddle (shoulder) could return in Round 4.
More on the Wests Tigers team news by Paul Crawley
Broncos: Star recruit Jack Bird could make a shock debut for the Broncos following the loss of centre Jordan Kahu to a broken jaw. Kiwi international Kahu is facing up to three months on the sideline after having surgery on the horror injury he suffered in Brisbane’s win over North Queensland on Friday night. Brisbane high performance manager Jeremy Hickmans told The Sunday Mail that Kahu broke his jaw in “a couple of places”.
While Tom Opacic did a solid job replacing Kahu off the bench on Friday night, the Broncos could this week be boosted by the introduction of former Cronulla centre Bird. The NSW Origin gun is yet to make his debut for his new club after having shoulder surgery during the off-season. If Bird cannot prove his fitness in time for Friday, it is expected Opacic will be given another shot in the starting side.
Full story by Rikki-Lee Arnold
RAIDERS V WARRIORS
Saturday, March 24, GIO Stadium, 3pm
Raiders: Centre BJ Leilua (ankle) and prop Charlie Gubb (groin) are expected to miss out. Nick Cotric (knee) and Elliott Whitehead (back) also picked up injuries but played out the game and are expected to be named. Joe Tapine (dislocated thumb) continues to recover, but is not expected to be available this weekend.
Warriors: Young gun Isaiah Papali’i (knee) will miss out. He could be replaced by Simon Mannering (shoulder), who is an outside chance to return after picking up an injury in the trials, or recruit Agnatius Paasi, who dominated in ISP over the weekend.
RABBITOHS V SEA EAGLES
Saturday, March 24, ANZ Stadium, 5.30pm
Rabbitohs: Superstar Greg Inglis (concussion) will need to pass testing after a heavy knock over the weekend. Sam Burgess is free to play after taking the early guilty plea to a dangerous contact charge. Adam Doueihi is confirmed to play halfback once again. “Until Adam Reynolds’ comeback, Adam (Doueihi) will be our halfback,” coach Anthony Seibold said.
Sea Eagles: Daly Cherry-Evans can escape suspension if he takes the early guilty plea to a dangerous contact charge. Darcy Lussick (ankle) is hoping to return.
EELS V SHARKS
Saturday, March 24, ANZ Stadium, 7.35pm
Eels: Hooker Cameron King (concussion) copped a heavy knock against the Sea Eagles and is in doubt, with Kaysa Pritchard the likely replacement. Tepai Moeroa (neck) must also prove his fitness after failing to finish. Daniel Alvaro can escape suspension if he takes the early guilty plea to a dangerous contact charge.
Sharks: To come.
TITANS V DRAGONS
Sunday, March 25, Clive Berghofer Stadium, 4.10pm
Titans: The cavalry is arriving for the Titans with pivotal halfback Ash Taylor and Origin prop Jarrod Wallace to return in Sunday’s clash against the high-flying Dragons.
Taylor is expected to return from a hamstring injury at Clive Berghofer Stadium in Toowoomba while Wallace will make his first appearance of the season after serving a suspension.
Dragons: To come.
ROOSTERS V KNIGHTS
Sunday, March 25, Allianz Stadium, 6.30pm
Roosters: Coach Trent Robinson must find a replacement for winger Daniel Tupou (pectoral), who will miss at least 10-12 weeks. Reece Robinson, who has returned to the NRL after a stint in rugby, is the frontrunner. Mitchell Aubusson (head cut) is also in doubt following a heavy knock.
Knights: Co-captain Jamie Buhrer (foot) is set to return in place of Jacob Saifiti after sitting out Sunday’s match with a minor injury. Mitch Barnett (concussion) must pass protocol after failing to return against the Raiders.