Robinson wields axe in shock halves switch, Ponga cleared to return for milestone match

The Roosters have dropped a selection bombshell on Team List Tuesday, while the Knights and Eels welcome back a couple of superstars.

There are plenty of big changes for Round 8, but none are as physically imposing as Nelson Asofa-Solomona’s return for the Storm. Picture: Cameron Spencer / Getty Images

The Roosters have dropped a bombshell with talented playmaker Sam Walker axed following back-to-back defeats, with Joseph Manu switching to five-eighth for the Anzac Day clash against the Dragons.

Walker has been well below his best in recent losses to the Storm and Sharks, with coach Trent Robinson making the huge call to drop the 20-year-old for a big-match event which he dominated back in 2021.

The decision to move Manu closer to the action comes after he was held to just 62m against the Sharks, with the Golden Boot winner set to get way more involved next Tuesday.

Angus Crichton will play his first NRL game of the year, but Sam Walker won’t be there after he was dropped for some poor form. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

It’s not the only big change for the Tricolours, with Angus Crichton set to play his first NRL game of the year after making a successful return to the field in reserve grade last week.

The World Cup winner replaces the suspended Nat Butcher in the back row, while Paul Momirovski takes Manu’s place at right centre.

Crichton isn’t the only star set to return this round, with the Knights welcoming back Kalyn Ponga for the first time since he was concussed while making a tackle in Round 2.

There were fears Ponga may have had to sit out the entire season after he suffered his fourth serious head knock in 10 months, but a trip to Canada allayed those concerns, with specialists clearing him to return for what will be his 100th NRL game against the team which handed him his debut.

Ponga has been cleared to return after seeking advice from brain specialists following his latest head knock. Picture: NRL Photos / Gregg Porteous

Ponga will play at five-eighth, where he’ll have to defend in the front line, with Tyson Gamble shifting to the bench, where he’s joined by Jacob Saifiti who returns from suspension.

While it’s good news for the Knights, their opponents have suffered a major blow with Jason Taumalolo set for knee surgery which will keep him out for at least four weeks, with Reuben Cotter replacing him at lock.

The round kicks off on Thursday when the Rabbitohs face the Panthers for the second time this year, and their hopes of exacting revenge have taken a hit with Keaon Koloamatangi (leg) replaced by Michael Chee Kam in the back row.

The Panthers will also be without their best back rower after Liam Martin reinjured a hamstring injury.

Scott Sorensen has been named to replace him, although former Tiger Luke Garner is on an extended bench.

Josh Hodgson has overcome the flu and will slot straight back into the hooking role for the trip to Darwin against the high-flying Broncos, who get Corey Oates and Tom Flegler back to strengthen an already formidable starting side.

Josh Hodgson comes straight back into the starting side despite suggestions Brendan Hands may have taken his spot. Picture: NRL Photos

Canterbury’s backline crisis has forced Cameron Ciraldo to turn to Declan Casey and Braidon Burns on the wings, while he might have to make more changes with Jake Averillo (knee) and Andrew Davey (finger) named but with both in doubt.

There’s mixed news for the Dolphins, with Felise Kaufusi returning from suspension to replace Kenny Bromwich, who was banned for making dangerous contact on Taane Milne last week.

They’ll face a Titans side which has made a couple of changes to its backline with Phillip Sami shifting to the centres and Jojo Fifita recalled on the wing, while AJ Brimson is lurking in the reserves and could return from a hamstring injury.

There are mass changes at the Tigers with Tim Sheens turning to rookie Jahream Bula at fullback, even though Charlie Staines played well there on Easter Monday.

Staines returns to the wing, with Brandon Wakeham replacing Adam Doueihi (ACL) in the halves, where he’ll partner Luke Brooks, who is looking for his first win in a year.

Josh Schuster is on track to make his return from injury after several frustrating setbacks. Picture: NRL Imagery

It’s desperation stakes for the Tigers at home against a Sea Eagles side which should finally get Josh Schuster back from a calf complaint after several false starts, while Reuben Garrick is back on the wing after clearing concussion protocols.

And the Storm welcomes back a couple of big stars with Nelson Asofa-Solomona returning from a knee injury while Nick Meaney has recovered from delayed concussion symptoms, which means Cameron Munster shifts back to the halves.

Originally published as Robinson wields axe in shock halves switch, Ponga cleared to return for milestone match