NRL Early Mail round 19: Tom Trbojevic to fullback in massive Manly shake-up

Manly superstar Tom Trbojevic is set to return to the fullback spot as the Sea Eagles prepare for big changes. Full predicted sides here

Latrell Mitchell is set for at least a month on the sidelines. Picture: NRL Photos

Tom Trbojevic is set to return to the fullback spot as the Sea Eagles prepare to hand Jamie Humphreys a debut.

Trbojevic started at centre in his return game last week but is now expected to be shifted to his preferred No.1 spot after a knee injury to Tolutau Koula.

Koula will have surgery on Tuesday and miss six weeks after picking up the injury against the Cowboys.

—Brent Read, Michael Carayannis

HYNES SUFFERS ‘SERIOUS INJURY’

Nicho Hynes is facing a stint on the sidelines after suffering a serious ankle injury at Sharks training. Daniel Atkinson has been placed on immediate standby.

—David Riccio

JWH TAKES HUGE RISK AT JUDICIARY

Sydney Roosters prop Jared Waerea-Hargreaves will challenge the grading of his high tackle charge at the judiciary on Tuesday night in a bid to have his three-match ban downgraded to a fine.

Waerea-Hargreaves was hit with a grade two charge for the tackle on St George Illawarra’s Max Feagai in the Roosters’ big win over the Dragons on Sunday when the Tricolours enforcer became the most capped player in the foundation club’s history.

If successful in seeking a downgrade, Waerea-Hargreaves would escape with a $3000 fine but would cop a four-game ban if he loses at the judiciary.

—Phil Rothfield and Russell Jackson

Jared Waerea-Hargreaves is facing a four-week ban. Picture: NRL Photos

NRL ROUND 19 EARLY MAIL

DOLPHINS v RABBITOHS

Thursday, 7:50pm, Kayo Stadium, Redcliffe

Dolphins: Jeremy Marshall-King is out long-term with a foot injury, with Max Plath a chance to start at hooker in his place.

Jack Bostock returns from a concussion on the wing, pushing Tesi Niu out of the team.

Rabbitohs: Latrell Mitchell is likely out for a month with a foot injury, with Jai Gray to deputise at fullback in his place.

Siliva Havili is pushing to return from a calf injury on the bench.

SHARKS v TIGERS

Friday, 8pm, Pointsbet Stadium, Sydney

Sharks: Nicho Hynes is facing a stint on the sidelines after suffering a serious ankle injury at Sharks training. Daniel Atkinson has been placed on immediate standby.

Siosifa Talakai is facing a one to two match ban for a careless high tackle, which will see Teig Wilton start on the edge.

Sione Katoa returns from a concussion on the wing.

Tigers: Alex Twal is expected to return from a head knock.

Starford To’a, Junior Tupou and Isaiah Papali’i are all pushing to return from respective injuries over the next fortnight.

TITANS v EELS

Saturday, 5:30pm, Cbus Super Stadium, Gold Coast

Titans: AJ Brimson is expected to return from a groin injury, while Jayden Campbell is likely to return from a hand injury.

If both are cleared, this may see Brimson play centre and Campbell at five-eighth.

Phillip Sami is a chance to return from a calf injury, which would likely be on the wing if Brimson were to come in at centre.

Klese Haas is a chance to return from a foot injury.

David Fifita is available after being overlooked for Origin selection.

Eels: Junior Paulo faces an extended stint on the sidelines with a Lisfranc injury, which will likely see Joe Ofahengaue start at prop and Makahesi Makatoa come onto the bench.

Maika Sivo faces six weeks out with a hamstring injury, with debutant Jake Tago taking his spot in the loss to South Sydney.

BRONCOS v DRAGONS

Saturday, 7:35pm, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane

Broncos: Jock Madden faces a stint on the sidelines with a hamstring injury.

Potential replacement Coby Black suffered a dislocated thumb in QLD Cup, meaning Josh Rogers is the likely replacement.

Kotoni Staggs is likely to return at centre after missing the loss to Penrith due to personal reasons.

This will be a direct replacement at centre for the Origin bound Selwyn Cobbo.

Jordan Riki returns from suspension in the back-row, pushing Xavier Willison to the bench.

Dragons: If Jesse Marschke isn’t cleared to return from a hamstring injury to replace Ben Hunt (Origin) in the halves, Jack Bird or Nu Brown would likely slot in to partner Kyle Flanagan.

Raymond Faitala-Mariner (back) and Hame Sele (shoulder) are pushing to return from injury in the pack.

SEA EAGLES v KNIGHTS

Sunday, 4:05pm, 4 Pines Park, Sydney

Sea Eagles: Tom Trbojevic is set to return to the fullback spot as the Sea Eagles prepare to hand Jamie Humphreys a debut, while Tolu Koula is out for six weeks.

Ben Trbojevic must pass concussion protocols to take his place on the edge but appears in major doubt.

If cleared to return from an ankle injury Corey Waddell would take one spot, with Ethan Bullemor to come in otherwise.

Haumole Olakau’atu’s Origin snubbing is a win for the Sea Eagles who keep their strike weapon on the right edge.

Taniela Paseka will continue his push to return from a thumb injury.

Knights: With Bradman Best, Kalyn Ponga and Dane Gagai on Origin duties, and Enari Tuala out injured, the Knights are extremely short on outside backs.

Fletcher Sharpe will play fullback, while Tom Jenkins, Dylan Lucas and Krystian Mapapalangi are likely to join the outside backs.

David Armstrong is also out injured.

Phoenix Crossland returns from a head knock likely at hooker, pushing Jayden Brailey to the bench. 

Originally published as NRL Early Mail round 19: Tom Trbojevic to fullback in massive Manly shake-up