NRL Early Mail: Team news, tips for Round 24

IT’S sudden death in SuperCoach, but the fantasy gods aren’t playing by the rules with two favourites in doubt and another strong option out for the final weeks.

Cameron Smith of the Storm pulls up sore with a back injury.

CANBERRA forward Joseph Tapine has been ruled out for their final two games of the NRL season due to a broken thumb.

Scans confirmed Tapine suffered the injury in Sunday’s upset win over the Sydney Roosters, ruling him out for the rest of the season.

Tapine has been one of coach Ricky Stuart’s best forwards this season, totalling 58 tackle busts and 15 offloads to go with an average 85 metres and 31 tackles in 76 minutes.

His six tries is the most of all the Raiders forwards.

He joins skipper Jarrod Croker, utility Ata Hingano and fullback Jack Wighton as first-choice players unavailable for the final fortnight of the regular season.

- AAP

Joseph Tapine will miss the final two weeks of the season. (Photo by Mark Nolan/Getty Images)

Meanwhile, Melbourne Storm captain Cameron Smith is rated “touch and go” to be cleared for Saturday’s game against Gold Coast Titans.

With four guaranteed outs in the books the reigning premier could be tempted to go down the conservative route with game-breaker Smith this close to the finals.

The Storm have accepted a three-match ban to Will Chambers, with Nelson Asofa-Solomona (ankle), Suliasi Vunivalu (hamstring) and Brandon Smith (knee) also ruled out.

Full story by Gilbert Gardiner

Cameron Smith has a back injury.

TIGERS V SEA EAGLES

Thursday 23 August, Campbelltown Stadium, 7.50pm

Tigers: Tim Grant (knee) and Josh Aloiai (broken hand) are nearing fitness after stints on the sideline.

Sea Eagles: No injury concerns out of Friday’s loss to the Titans.

NRL CASUALTY WARD: Will Cameron Smith play?

WEEKEND RECAP: 10 things we learned round 23

WARRIORS V PANTHERS

Friday 24 August, Mt Smart Stadium, 6pm

Warriors: Shaun Johnson (ankle) and Blake Green (corked thigh) are both hopeful of playing. However, Gerard Beale (hamstring) is set to miss at least a week. Tohu Harris (knee) is closing in on a return after returning to running last week, while Sam Lisone (suspension) is also due back.

Panthers: Waqa Blake and Tyrone May are free to play after copping fines for punching. James Fisher-Harris (shoulder) is set to return after a late withdrawal. James Maloney (knee/neck/toe) is at least a week away. Viliame Kikau will make the trip to New Zealand after being in major doubt due to VISA issues.

COWBOYS V EELS

Friday 24 August, 1300SMILES Stadium, 7.55pm

Cowboys: The return of Jason Taumalolo (suspension) at lock is a huge boost. Matt Scott (neck) was a late withdrawal on the weekend as he battles an ongoing injury. He will go for surgery at the end of the year but will be desperate to play in Johnathan Thurston’s last home game.

Eels: The cavalry is set to return with Daniel Alvaro (knee), Tim Mannah (broken hand) and Kane Evans (calf) all aiming for comebacks.

RAIDERS V RABBITOHS

Saturday 25 August, GIO Stadium, 3pm

Raiders: Aidan Sezer (hamstring) is closing in on a return which could push Blake Austin to centre or bench. Joe Tapine broke his thumb against the Roosters and will miss the rest of the season. Should Sezer return, Elliott Whitehead would move to the back-row to replace Tapine.

Rabbitohs: Set to welcome back Greg Inglis at left centre, while Alex Johnston (hamstring) is also a chance of returning at fullback. Adam Reynolds (elbow) suffered an injury against the Broncos but finished the match and is expected to be available.

Greg Inglis is set to return for the Rabbitohs. Picture: Brett Costello

TITANS V STORM

Saturday 25 August, Cbus Super Stadium, 5.30pm

Titans: No changes expected.

Storm: Cameron Smith (back) is rated “touch and go”. With reserve hooker Brandon Smith (knee) ruled out, Kenny Bromwich is set to take the hooking role if need be. Jahrome Hughes (knee) is set to return after a late withdrawal last week, although he may be relegated to a bench role following the strong game of Brodie Croft on Friday. Nelson Asofa-Solomona (ankle), Suliasi Vunivalu (hamstring) and Will Chambers (suspension) are also confirmed out. Justin Olam looks set to come in for Vunivalu, while Sam Kasiano, Albert Vete and Tui Kamikamica will vie for Asofa-Solomona’s spot.

ROOSTERS V BRONCOS

Saturday 25 August, Allianz Stadium, 7.35pm

Roosters: Luke Keary (knee) will resume full contact this week and is a chance to play, allowing Ryan Matterson to revert to the forwards. Boyd Cordner (dangerous throw) can avoid suspension with an early guilty plea, but will take 75 carry over points into the back end of the season, meaning any minor infraction will result in a suspension.

Broncos: The club insists Origin lock Josh McGuire will be fit for Saturday’s blockbuster clash with the Roosters following his mysterious departure from training on Monday morning. McGuire walked off the Broncos’ training field at Red Hill just five minutes into the session following a discussion with coach Wayne Bennett.

Josh McGuire (centre) made a mysterious exit from Brisbane training.

SHARKS V KNIGHTS

Sunday 26 August, Southern Cross Group Stadium, 2pm

Sharks: Jesse Ramien (ankle), Ricky Leutele (knee) and Luke Lewis (hamstring) are set to miss out. But Wade Graham (knee) and Edrick Lee (shoulder) are chances to return, while Jayden Brailey (ear) is confirmed for a comeback following minor surgery.

Knights: Coach Nathan Brown has suggested Kalyn Ponga will continue in the halves, even with Connor Watson (groin) closing in on a return. Chris Heighington returns after being rested last week. Shaun Kenny-Dowall and Danny Levi are free to play after copping fines for punching.

DRAGONS V BULLDOGS

Sunday 26 August, Jubilee Oval, 4.10pm

Dragons: Prop Paul Vaughan (ankle) is aiming to return well ahead of schedule.

Bulldogs: No changes expected following the last-ditch win over the Warriors.

Originally published as NRL Early Mail: Team news, tips for Round 24