NRL Late Mail Round 22: Predicted team changes for upcoming weekend

The Knights are set to welcome back Bradman Best, who was rushed away in an ambulance in their win over Brisbane. Plus, Wacko’s Whispers for Round 22.

Newcastle star Bradman Best has been passed fit to play against Cronulla on Sunday as the Knights continue their firewalk towards the finals

Best sent a scare through the Knights camp after last week’s win over Brisbane when he was sent to hospital for scans on a potentially serious collarbone injury.

But Best was cleared and will take his place against the Sharks as Newcastle get their best attacking three-quarter on the field with their first choice spine for just the second time this year.

“He’s trained all week with us. It’s good signs, watching Braddy run around pain free,” said Knights coach Adam O’Brien

Along with Junior (Mitchell Pearce), having those two guys back along with Frizz and Jayden Brailey, there’s a number of guys - Bradman is in that category he’s such a threat to the opposition.

“Even though he’s a young man when you look across the dressing room and he’s putting his jersey on you know you’re a good chance.”

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Bradman Best has been cleared to play after being rushed to hospital after their Round 21 win over Brisbane. Picture: NRL Photos.

TIGERS TROUBLE

—James Phelps

A foot injury is expected to see James Tamou ruled out in a blow that will see Jake Simpkin promoted into the 17. Word out of the Tigers is that Tamou will not fly to Townsville for the clash with his return another week away.

Alex Twal will take Tamou’s spot in the starting side with Simpkin to return via the bench, while James Roberts is also a chance of making his NRL return, after coach Michael Maguire confirmed he would be part of the game-day squad this Saturday in Townsville.

James Tamou is set to miss the Tigers Round 22 clash due to a foot injury. Picture: Getty Images.

PARRA’S PEST PROBLEM

—Nick Walshaw

Parramatta coach Brad Arthur has backed new No.9 Joey Lussick to become a crucial part of the Eels playoff push, urging the Freshwater product to be a “pest” against his old club Manly on Saturday night.

With Reed Mahoney (shoulder) gone for the year, Lussick comes into an Eels side which Arthur confirmed on Friday was set to remain “one to 17” against the Sea Eagles.

Brad Arthur has backed Joey Lussick to succeed in the absence of Reed Mahoney. Picture: Dylan Coker

Asked about how he planned to replace Mahoney, who has become an integral part of his outfit, Arthur said: “When Joey came in (earlier this year) I think we won all those games.

“And his role is clear – get in the middle and stiffen us up defensively, make his tackles and be a bit of a pest into the bloke’s legs.

“Then with the ball, if he sees any opportunities he needs to take them. Otherwise, set up early and make sure he gets his passes right.”

Arthur also explained his decision to leave out forward Oregon Kaufusi (concussion), saying: “Oregon got that bump to his head early last week in the game and, as a club our players are very important to us.

“So we made the decision very early in the week to rest him. That’s the advice we were given from the doctors.”

SOUTHS SET RETURN DATE FOR JOHNSTON

—Fatima Kdouh

South Sydney are set to welcome back star winger Alex Johnston for next week’s blockbuster clash against the Penrith Panthers.

Johnston has been out for a month after suffering a hamstring injury in round 18 against Canterbury.

Rabbitohs medical staff are taking their time with Johnston, who was spotted running high speed drills at training on the Gold Coast this week.

Alex Johnston is battling a hamstring injury. Picture: NRL Photos

“If it was me I’d probably be back playing because I don’t run as fast as AJ but they are taking a little bit of extra time with him... getting him to that high speed a lot.

“They are still checking, making sure he can do some more high speed stuff towards the end of the week,” South Sydney forward Thomas Burgess said.

“But he will be right for next week.”

Johnston is still the game’s leading try scorer, with 24 tries to his name, despite being sidelined for the past month.

Our Head of High Performance, Jarrod Wade, gives a timely update on how Alex Johnston, Hame Sele, Campbell Graham and Liam Knight are progressing in their recovery 💪❤️💚
👉 https://t.co/Y6LC7LkZKS#[e-mail]/65TYKV4ohL

— South Sydney Rabbitohs 🐰 (@SSFCRABBITOHS) August 10, 2021

LATE MAIL ROUND 22

COWBOYS V TIGERS

Saturday 14 August, Queensland Country Bank Stadium, 5:30pm

COWBOYS: 1. Valentine Holmes, 2. Kyle Feldt, 3. Daejarn Asi, 4. Jake Granville, 5. Ben Hampton, 6. Scott Drinkwater, 7. Tom Dearden, 8. Francis Molo, 9. Reece Robson, 10. Jordan McLean, 11. Ben Condon, 12. Heilum Luki, 13. Coen Hess

Bench: 14. Tom Gilbert, 15. Jeremiah Nanai, 16. Mitchell Dunn, 17. Griffin Neame

Reserves: 19. Connelly Lemuelu, 20. Shane Wright

Players cut: 18. Peter Hola, 21. Laitia Moceidreke

Late mail: Set to be 1-17 with two debutants on the bench: middle forward Griffin Neame and edge second-rower Jeremiah Nanai. Expect Jake Granville to line up at left centre inside Ben Hampton with Daejarn Asi at right centre inside Kyle Feldt. Valentine Holmes will continue to play with pain killing injections in his shoulder.

TIGERS: 1. Moses Mbye, 2. David Nofoaluma, 3. Tommy Talau, 4. Michael Chee Kam, 5. Ken Maumalo, 6. Adam Doueihi, 7. Luke Brooks, 8. Stefano Utoikamanu, 9. Jacob Liddle, 13. Thomas Mikaele, 11. Shawn Blore, 12. Luciano Leilua, 16. Alex Twal

Bench: 14. Joe Ofahengaue, 15. Kelma Tuilagii, 18. Jake Simpkin, 19. Tukimihia Simpkins

Reserves: 17. Zac Cini, 21. James Roberts

Players cut: 10. James Tamou, 20. Jock Madden

Late mail: James Tamou has been ruled out forcing a reshuffle, with Thomas Mikaele moving from lock to prop, Alex Twal moving to lock, while Jake Simpkin and Tukimihia Simpkins join the bench and Zac Cini moves back to the reserves. Luciano Leilua (ribs) and Ken Maumalo (ankle) should both overcome minor injuries to play.

SEA EAGLES V EELS

Saturday 14 August, Sunshine Coast Stadium, 7:35pm

SEA EAGLES: 1. Tom Trbojevic, 2. Jason Saab, 3. Brad Parker, 4. Morgan Harper, 5. Reuben Garrick, 6. Kieran Foran, 7. Daly Cherry-Evans, 8. Josh Aloiai, 9. Lachlan Croker, 10. Martin Taupau, 11. Haumole Olakau’atu, 12. Josh Schuster, 13. Jake Trbojevic

Bench: 14. Dylan Walker, 15. Karl Lawton, 16. Curtis Sironen, 17. Kurt De Luis

Reserves: 18. Moses Suli, 19. Cade Cust, 20. Jack Gosiewski, 21. Ben Trbojevic

Players cut: To come

Late mail: Expected to be 1-17.

EELS: 1. Clint Gutherson, 2. Maika Sivo, 3. Tom Opacic, 4. Waqa Blake, 5. Michael Oldfield, 6. Dylan Brown, 7. Mitchell Moses, 8. Isaiah Papali’i, 9. Joey Lussick, 10. Junior Paulo, 11. Shaun Lane, 12. Ryan Matterson, 13. Nathan Brown

Bench: 14. Will Smith, 15. Bryce Cartwright, 16. Marata Niukore, 17. Makahesi Makatoa

Reserves: 18. Ray Stone, 19. Will Penisini, 20. Haze Dunster, 21. Jake Arthur

Players cut: To come

Late mail: Coach Brad Arthur switched things up by naming Isaiah Papali’I at prop and Shaun Lane on the left edge, while Joey Lussick replaces Reed Mahoney (shoulder) at hooker with Will Smith to provide cover off the bench. Makahesi Makatoa, a big middle forward, will make his NRL debut from the bench after impressing in NSW Cup. Michael Oldfield comes on to the right wing to play his first NRL game of the season.

WARRIORS V BULLDOGS

Sunday 15 August, Moreton Daily Stadium, 2:00pm

WARRIORS: 1. Reece Walsh, 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, 3. Peta Hiku, 4. Adam Pompey, 5. Marcelo Montoya, 6. Chanel Harris-Tevita, 7. Sean O’Sullivan, 8. Addin Fonua-Blake, 9. Jazz Tevaga, 10. Jackson Frei, 11. Josh Curran, 12. Euan Aitken, 13. Bayley Sironen

Bench: 14. Kodi Nikorima, 15. Bunty Afoa, 16. Jamayne Taunoa-Brown, 17. Eliesa Katoa

Reserves: 18. Edward Kosi, 20. Jack Murchie, 21. Chad Townsend, 22. Wayde Egan

Players cut: To come

Late mail: Dallin Watene-Zelezniak was found guilty at the judiciary and will miss a week. Edward Kosi is the likely replacement. Wayde Egan and Chad Townsend have been named on the extended bench but aren’t expected to play. Jackson Frei has been named to make NRL debut at prop but he could drop back to the bench with Jamayne Taunoa-Brown promoted to start. Bailey Sironen should overcome a corked thigh to play with Jack Murchie on standby.

BULLDOGS: 1. Nick Meaney, 2. Corey Allan, 3. Will Hopoate, 4. Aaron Schoupp, 5. Falakiko Manu, 6. Bailey Biondi-Odo, 7. Jake Averillo, 8. Ava Seumanufagai, 9. Jeremy Marshall-King, 10. Ryan James, 11. Adam Elliott, 12. Matt Doorey, 13. Josh Jackson

Bench: 14. Sione Katoa, 15. Chris Patolo, 16. Corey Horsburgh, 17. Joe Stimson

Reserves: 19. Kyle Flanagan, 20. Jayden Okunbor, 21. Jackson Topine, 22. Lachlan Lewis

Players cut: To come

Late mail: Look set to be 1-17 with Corey Horsburgh and Ryan James both joining the club on short-term loans as Canterbury struggles for numbers due to suspension and injury. Adam Elliott copped a couple of heavy hits last week but he will recover and be fit to play.

SHARKS V KNIGHTS

Sunday 15 August, Moreton Daily Stadium, 4:05pm

SHARKS: 1. Will Kennedy, 2. Sione Katoa, 3. Siosifa Talakai 4. Jesse Ramien, 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo, 6. Connor Tracey, 7. Braydon Trindall, 8. Braden Hamlin-Uele Toby Rudolph, 9. Blayke Brailey, 10. Aaron Woods, 11. Briton Nikora, 12. Jack Williams, 13. Toby Rudolf

Bench: 14. Luke Metcalf, 15. Aiden Tolman, 16. Andrew Fifita, 17. Billy Magoulias

Reserves: 18. Jonaiah Lualua, 19. Will Chambers, 20. Kai O’Donnell, 21. Mawene Hiroti

Players cut: To come

Late mail: No concerns leading into the game but may have a minor change with new signing Kai O’Donnell a chance to make club debut, coming on to the bench for Billy Magoulias. Ronaldo Mulitalo will shake off the knee injury suffered last week to play.

KNIGHTS: 1. Kalyn Ponga, 2. Enari Tuala, 3. Kurt Mann, 4. Bradman Best, 5. Hymel Hunt, 6. Jake Clifford, 7. Mitchell Pearce, 8. Jacob Saifiti, 9. Jayden Brailey, 10. Daniel Saifiti, 11. Tyson Frizell, 12. Mitchell Barnett, 13. Connor Watson

Bench: 14. Sauaso Sue, 15. David Klemmer, 16. Simi Sasagi, 17. Brodie Jones

Reserves: 18. Josh King, 19. Jirah Momoisea, 20. Phoenix Crossland, 21. Starford Toa

Players cut: To come

Late mail: Come into the game off a 10-day turnaround. Bradman Best (shoudler) is in doubt and will need to take part in the captain’s run on Saturday to play with Simi Sasagi on standby. Connor Watson has been named at lock but like many times this season could drop back to the bench with Sauaso Sue starting. Hymel Hunt will play after passing required HIA protocols. Jayden Brailey returns after being rested last week, he trained with the squad this week and is good to go.

Originally published as NRL Late Mail Round 22: Predicted team changes for upcoming weekend