NRL Early Mail Round 10: Predicted team changes for Magic Round
The Melbourne Storm are reeling heading into NRL Magic Round and beyond with two Origin heroes ruled out.
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Melbourne have suffered a double injury blow, losing superstars Harry Grant and Cameron Munster for at least two weeks.
Grant suffered a hamstring injury at training on Monday while Munster picked up a foot sprain in Melbourne’s 50-0 win over South Sydney last week.
Melbourne’s general manager of football Frank Ponissi said the pair would miss Sunday’s Magic Round clash with St George Illawarra and Canberra the week after but was hopeful of having them back for the round 12 match against Brisbane.
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“That would be the best case scenario for both Cameron and Harry,” he said.
“If that doesn’t happen, we expect they would both be OK for the opening State of Origin match in Melbourne.”
The Storm play the Dragons in Magic Round on Sunday at Suncorp Stadium.
— Russell Jackson
DOUEIHI DEMOTED IN TIGERS RESHUFFLE
Arguably the Wests Tigers best player this year Adam Doueihi has been shunted to centre in a Wests Tigers reshuffle.
Moses Mbye will move into Doueihi’s five-eighth hot seat, with the pair essentially swapping positions.
TEDDY HAS MAGIC NEWS FOR ROOSTERS
Roosters fullback James Tedesco expects both Sam Walker and Victor Radley to be available for the embattled club’s Magic Round clash with North Queensland on Saturday.
Speaking with The Daily Telegraph on Tuesday morning, Tedesco said of the two players who are under an injury cloud: “Rads will be sweet … I think they will both be sweet”.
Walker has been carrying a shoulder injury for some weeks and also suffered an ankle injury against Parramatta, which saw him leave Bankwest Stadium in a moon boot.
Radley, meanwhile, suffered a concussion in the first half of the Eels loss and didn’t return.
Yet in good news for Roosters fans, Tedesco expects both to play.
“We only had a light training session on Monday and have a long turnaround so they should be good,” he said.
“I know Rads wasn’t too bad.
“He was fine after the game.
“And while Sammy didn’t train yesterday (Monday) he’s still confident that he will play. So he will probably have a session Thursday. “He’s a tough kid.”
Elsewhere, there has been talk that with No. 6 Drew Hutchison now sidelined with a punctured lung and busted ribs, Joey Manu could potentially move from centre to five-eighth.
That could then open the door for star rookie Joseph Suaalii to debut.
Another option in the halves could be Lachlan Lam who is also getting close to a return from his MCL knee injury.
Depending on Walker’s fitness, Trent Robinson could shift Joey Manu from the centres to five-eighth to cover Walker, which in turn would open the door for Suaalii to get his eagerly anticipated start.
Suaalii has been waiting patiently as the 18th man for a couple of weeks now after getting a special exemption from the NRL to make his debut before his 18th birthday.
Suaalii doesn’t turn 18 until August 1.
He actually should have got his first taste of NRL in the loss to Parramatta had the referees acted correctly and sin binned Brown before halftime.
The Roosters also get back Sitili Tupouniua from suspension for the Cowboys clash.
ALL BLACK TURNS BACK ON ROOSTERS
In some negative news for the Roosters, All Blacks halfback TJ Perenara has rejected the chance to join the Roosters, instead signing a new deal to remain with New Zealand Rugby and the Hurricanes until the end of 2023.
The Roosters wanted Perenara, 29, to join them this season but he opted against switching codes.
The Daily Telegraph last week reported that income protection insurance stood between the Roosters snaring Perenara.
The All Blacks star earns about $600,000 a year in New Zealand and Japanese rugby and would only have been covered for a career-ending injury on the value of his Roosters contract, which would have been about $150,000 for the remainder of this year.
“My wife and I have decided to come back to the Hurricanes and New Zealand Rugby for the next two-and-a-half years,” Perenara said in a statement on Monday.
“We’re really excited at the journey … really looking forward to seeing everyone back home and thanks to the Hurricanes and New Zealand Rugby for allowing me the opportunity to come home and do what I love.”
- Paul Crawley
SHARKS CENTRE OUT, VETERANS RECALLED
Cronulla centre Jesse Ramien has been ruled out for 4-6 weeks with a fractured eye-socket.
Josh Dugan will come in at centre after being left out for the last two rounds.
Andrew Fifita will be named on the bench for his first NRL game of the season, having missed the last few weeks due to suspension from an incident in NSW Cup.
— David Riccio
REYNOLDS EYES RETURN FOR RABBITOHS
Adam Reynolds is firming as a strong chance of returning from a painful thumb injury when the Rabbitohs take on Cronulla on Saturday at Suncorp Stadium.
It is understood it will ultimately come down to whether or not the tough little halfback can play through the pain, and the Rabbitohs want to give him as much time as possible to see if he thinks he can make it through.
You’d imagine Reynolds might also be keen to get on the field at Suncorp Stadium for Magic Round given the Rabbitohs are playing the Sharks, one of the two clubs interested in signing him for next year along with Brisbane.
If Reynolds was to take the field it would be a huge boost given Souths are coming off a 50-0 hiding from competition heavyweights Melbourne at Stadium Australia, where the skipper was one of six regular first graders missing through injury.
— Paul Crawley
TIGERS V KNIGHTS
Friday 14 May, Suncorp Stadium, 6:00pm
Tigers: Arguably the Wests Tigers best player this year Adam Doueihi has been shunted to centre in a Wests Tigers reshuffle. Moses Mbye will move into Doueihi’s five-eighth hot seat, with the pair essentially swapping positions. Coach Michael Maguire suggested more changes in presser after game with Zac Cini, Joseph Leilua, Luke Brooks, Joe Ofahengaue and Alex Seyfarth under question with options of Reece Hoffman, Shawn Blore, Tom Amone, Tukimihia Simpkins and Jock Madden. David Nofoaluma hurt his knee late in the game when hitting the fence while attempting to score a try and could be in some doubt.
Knights: Brayden Musgrove is in doubt after he picked up a rib complaint on weekend. This could see Hymel Hunt return after he was a late withdrawal on weekend after pulling up sore from training in his recovery from a hamstring injury. Edrick Lee is close to returning from a foot injury and could replace Starford To’a. Blake Green missed the game on weekend due to ribs injury and if fit he would replace Phoenix Crossland at halfback. Bradman Best was hampered by an elbow injury but was able to play out the game and should be fit to be named. Pasami Saulo was dropped to NSW Cup on weekend and suffered a nasty leg injury which will see him out for an extended period.
SEA EAGLES V BRONCOS
Friday 14 May, Suncorp Stadium, 8:05pm
Sea Eagles: Come into the game off a five-day turnaround but are in winning form and welcome the return of Martin Taupau after he missed last week due to concussion with Zac Saddler the player expected to make way. Curtis Sironen has returned to the training paddock after a knee injury but is yet to complete contact work. He could be named on the extended bench. Jason Saab was placed on report but escaped charge and is free to play.
Broncos: Without Patrick Carrigan after he was ruled out for the season with an ACL injury. Payne Haas will likely be shifted back to lock with Tom Flegler coming in at prop and either John Asiata or rookie Brendan Piakura coming onto the bench. Tyson Gamble suffered a burner to his shoulder on the weekend. He was able to play the game out but could be in some doubt and if ruled out either Tom Dearden or Brodie Croft could return to the line up. Alex Glenn’s calf injury is coming along slowly and he is still a week or two away. Kotoni Staggs was hopeful of returning from his own ACL injury but has had a setback due to a hamstring injury which will keep him out for a few more weeks.
BULLDOGS V RAIDERS
Saturday 15 May, 3:00pm
Bulldogs: Still searching for form with Kyle Flanagan hooked on the weekend for Lachlan Lewis. Flanagan then earned a reprieve in the second half when Lachlan Lewis succumbed to a lung injury. Corey Allan is expected to miss out after leaving the field on a stretcher with Tui Katoa expected to come back on the wing. Dylan Napa is hoping to return from a shoulder injury which will be helpful with Ava Seumanufagai leaving the field due to concussion on weekend and having to pass required protocols to play. Josh Jackson is an outside chance to return from a calf injury.
Raiders: Hit hard by injuries and expected to be without three players from the weekend with Jordan Rapana set to miss a few weeks after suffering a hamstring injury. Ryan Sutton (elbow) and Joseph Tapine (knee) both left the field and couldn’t return due to their injuries and will require scans to determine how long they are out for. Sia Soliola, Ryan James and Dunamis Lui could come into contention. Josh Hodgson (calf) and Jarrod Croker (shoulder) are both chances to return from injury.
SHARKS V RABBITOHS
Saturday 15 May, Suncorp Stadium, 5:30pm
Sharks: Searching for form after a coaching change and are without Jesse Ramien for 4-6 weeks after he suffered a fractured eye socket. Josh Dugan is likely to return at centre which will see Andrew Fifita come into the 17 on the bench to play his first NRL game of the season after missing the last few weeks due to suspension from an incident in NSW Cup. Chad Townsend was replaced by Matt Moylan in the second half on the weekend and his position could be in question. First-choice wingers Sione Katoa and Ronadlo Mulitalo are close to returning from knee injuries.
Rabbitohs: Only issue is dented pride after a bad loss to the Storm. Expected to welcome back Josh Mansour from a hamstring injury on the right wing with Steven Marsters the player to make way. Cody Walker (ankle) and Damien Cook (knee) both suffered minor injuries on Friday but were able to play out the game and should be fit to play. Adam Reynolds is an outside chance to return from a thumb injury but if he can’t prove his fitness Dean Hawkins would continue in the halves. Jacob Host suffered an injury at captain’s run in the lead up to Storm game which could see Jed Cartwright retain a bench position. Latrell Mitchell serves his final game of suspension this week and is available next week.
ROOSTERS V COWBOYS
Saturday 15 May, Suncorp Stadium, 7:45pm
Roosters: Continue to be hit hard by injuries with Drew Hutchison looking at a number of weeks out after being rushed to hospital with a punctured lung while Sam Walker suffered an ankle injury on top of an existing shoulder injury (though see Tedesco update above). Lachlan Lam was pencilled in to return on Friday in NSW Cup from a knee injury but like all Roosters NRL contracted players was withdrawn due to NRL bubble restrictions. He will come in at halfback. Who partners Lam is a big talking point with the option of moving Joseph Manu into five-eighth which could see rookie sensation Joseph Suaalii make his NRL debut at right centre, with Adam Keighran another option to play five-eighth. Victor Radley is in some doubt after failing game day HIA on top of a shoulder injury and will need to his prove fitness to play. Sitili Tupouniua returns from suspension on the right edge which could see Nat Butcher either move to lock to replace Radley or drop to the bench. Billy Smith is close to return from a shoulder injury and could come into contention in coming weeks.
Cowboys: Coming off a one-point win in the local derby against the Broncos and have found some form winning 4/5. It’s hoped coach Todd Payten will be able to name the same 17 although Kyle Feldt (hand) and Connelly Lemuelu (head knock) are both in some doubt. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow is probably a week or two away from returning from an ankle injury.
WARRIORS V EELS
Sunday 16 May, Suncorp Stadium, 1:50pm
Warriors: Coach Nathan Brown has a selection headache with rookie Reece Walsh’s form worthy of a starting position after coming off the bench on weekend. He created impact but was also found out in defence. Walsh’s entry saw Kodi Nikorima move to hooker which is something we could see moving forward with Chanel Harris-Tavita making a successful return from a foot injury. Euan Aitken was close to returning on weekend but was given another week and will probably replace Rocco Berry at centre. Ben Murdoch-Masila will return from concussion and force his way into the 17. Josh Curran was placed on report but missed the Monday charge sheet and is free to play.
Eels: Parramatta’s line up is dependant on if their NRL contracted players who played NSW cup on Friday against Bears will be eligible for selection due to NRL bubble restrictions. But the situation looks positive and I do expect restrictions to be relaxed which could see Eels coach Brad Arthur name his son Jakob in the halves to replace Dylan Brown, who has taken an early guilty plea and miss three weeks for grade three dangerous contact. Will Smith, if he can recover from a thumb injury, and Jordan Rankin are the other halves options. Marata Niukore is out for two weeks for a grade two careless high tackle on James Tedesco. The Eels are hopeful Waqa Blake can return from a calf injury to replace him at centre. Reed Mahoney failed game day HIA on the weekend and will need to pass required protocols to play but is helped by a nine-day turnaround. Nathan Brown, who missed the Roosters game due to a hip pointer injury, is hopeful to return.
STORM V DRAGONS
Sunday 16 May, Suncorp Stadium, 4:05pm
Storm: Come into the game off a long 10-day turnaround and expected to welcome back Ryan Papenhuyzen. However, Melbourne have suffered a double injury blow, losing superstars Harry Grant and Cameron Munster for at least two weeks. Grant suffered a hamstring injury at training on Monday while Munster picked up a foot sprain in Melbourne’s 50-0 win over South Sydney last week. Melbourne’s general manager of football Frank Ponissi said the pair would miss Sunday’s Magic Round clash with St George Illawarra and Canberra the week after but was hopeful of having them back for the round 12 match against Brisbane.
Dragons: Welcome back Mikaele Ravalawa from suspension on the right wing with debutant Mat Feagai the player to make way after suffering an ankle injury. Blake Lawrie suffered a groin injury on the weekend and could be in some doubt. Matt Dufty will be fit to play despite suffering nasty cramps to the calf. Josh McGuire was placed on report but copped a fine and is free to play. Daniel Alvaro was limited on the weekend to one stint due to a shoulder injury but should recover to play. Junior Amone was impressive on debut when he got on, probably enough to hold his bench position.
TITANS V PANTHERS
Sunday 16 May, Suncorp Stadium, 6:25pm
Titans: More than likely without David Fifita after he was charged with a grade two careless high tackle for a hit on Adam Doueihi. He is looking at 1-2 weeks which would see Sam McIntyre come onto the edge with Beau Fermor to continue to at centre. Or they could bring in new signing Esan Marsters at centre which would allow Fermor to move to his preferred 2RF position. Brian Kelly was struggling in the final minutes of Tigers game due to a calf injury but it’s hoped it was only cramp and he will recover in time to be named. Ash Taylor is managing a hip injury but with the form of the Titans on weekend I am expecting Tanah Boyd to continue to partner Jamal Fogarty in halves.
Panthers: Kurt Capewell is in doubt after failing game day HIA on Friday but a nine-day turnaround can only help. If ruled out Liam Martin would start which would allow Spencer Leniu to come back into 17. Leniu was dropped to NSW Cup on weekend to gain match fitness in lead up to Origin rounds but didn’t end up playing due to NRL bubble restrictions which saw the Panthers withdraw all NRL contracted players from the lower grade. Matt Eisenhuth passed game day HIA on the weekend but will be monitored. Paul Momirovski is back from suspension but may not force way back into 17 due to the form of the team and Matt Burton.
Originally published as NRL Early Mail Round 10: Predicted team changes for Magic Round
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