NRL Early Mail round 3: Nelson Asofa-Solomona escapes ban, Jahream Bula’s fresh injury, big changes at Bulldogs

Star Storm prop Nelson Asofa-Solomona has learned his fate after a tackle in the Queensland Cup went wrong. Elsewhere, Wests Tigers fullback Jahream Bula is in doubt, while the Bulldogs have been forced to ring in changes.

Nelson Asofa-Solomona has been cleared to take the field in Thursday night’s grand final rematch against Penrith after the Melbourne prop escaped a ban for a hip drop tackle in the Queensland Cup.

Asofa-Solomona’s return was confirmed after he was issued with only a warning by the QRL match review committee on Monday night, having been charged with a grade one offence while playing at the weekend for the Storm’s feeder club, the Sunshine Coast Falcons.

It means Asofa-Solomona will be available to take on the Panthers at AAMI Park, his first appearance in the NRL since being suspended for a high shot on Sydney Roosters forward Lindsay Collins in last year’s finals series, an incident that cost him the chance to play in the grand final.

Asofa-Solomona copped a five-game suspension over the Collins tackle, rubbing him out of the grand final, three Tests for New Zealand, and the Storm’s season opener against Parramatta.

Nelson Asofa-Solomona is free to return to first grade. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

However, he will now get the chance to help the Storm exact some revenge for last year’s grand final defeat against the Panthers, albeit after an anxious wait which left his immediate future in the hands of the QRL match review committee.

Asofa-Solomona has been cited by the match review committee 11 times since 2022, when the NRL ended its carry over points system. Under the new judiciary rules, player records also reset on a rolling 12-month period since their last offence.

In a bid to get Asofa-Solomona’s match fitness up to scratch, coach Craig Bellamy had the prop line-up for the Falcons against PNG on Saturday in the Queensland Cup.

But Bellamy’s decision almost backfired after Asofa-Solomona was penalised and cited for a hip drop tackle on PNG prop Zebedy Kip in the 59th minute.

Teammate and star halfback Jahrome Hughes said that Asofa-Solomona was still ‘burning’ about missing last year’s NRL decider due to suspension.

“He deserves to be there and he’s done a lot of hard work in the pre-season and he’s still burning, missing out on last year’s grand final. He’s really hungry to get back into the team, ” Hughes said.

“It will be really good (to have him back). He’s obviously still burning about missing the grand final last year. But by all reports he went up to play for the Sunshine Coast the weekend just gone and went really well.

“We are keen to get him back in the side.”

Asofa-Solomona’s inclusion will allow Bellamy to unleash his new forward combination, as he plays alongside new recruit Stefano Utoikamanu for the first time.

Hughes is hoping the duo can inflict even more damage on the Panthers after the four-time premiers suffered a shock Round 2 loss against the Sydney Roosters.

“I’m very excited actually,” Hughes said.

“It’s very promising to have those two boys in our team. For someone like myself, I’d like to see the go forward and (for) them to get quick play the balls for me and make my job a little easier.”

BULA IN DOUBT

Wests Tigers fullback Jahream Bula is in doubt for his Round 3 clash against the Dolphins, after being spotted in a moon boot following the joint venture’s 32-6 win over Parramatta.

Bula, who made his return from injury on Sunday, played a vital role in the Tigers’ victory, before he copped a knock after Eels winger Sean Russell dived at the back of his legs, saving a try in the 76th minute.

The 23-year-old tried to play on, before being taken off the field by coach Benji Marshall, leaving the Tigers with 12-players after running out of interchanges.

New recruit Sunia Turuva, who scored three tries on the wing for the Tigers, filled in at fullback for the remainder of the game and will be an option if Bula is not fit for Saturday’s clash in Redcliffe.

Young gun Heath Mason, who played fullback in Round 1 with Bula absent, will also be pushing for a spot in the Tigers’ 17.

—Tyson Jackson

Jahream Bula (left) in a moon boot at full time.

BURTON, KIKAU INJURIES CREATE RESHUFFLE

Canterbury recruit Sitili Tupouniua is one of three forwards vying to replace backrower Viliame Kikau, as scans confirm five-eighth Matt Burton has suffered a low grade MCL injury.

It comes as star centre Stephen Crichton emerged as a shock replacement option in the halves for Burton.

Scans on Monday revealed Kikau, who also suffered a knee injury in Sunday’s win against the Titans, had suffered an “intermediate grade” MCL injury.

Kikau went for further assessments on Monday morning, and was cleared of any other injury.

Bulldogs general manager Phil Gould confirmed that Burton had suffered a low grade MCL injury and will begin rehab, while Kikau had suffered a more serious injury.

At this stage Kikau could miss up to five weeks, while Burton could return to the field at an earlier date.

It leaves Ciraldo searching for a new-look left edge to take on Parramatta in Sunday’s western Sydney derby at CommBank Stadium.

While Tupouniua has been used in the middle by Ciraldo, the 27-year old played mostly in the backrow during his time with the Sydney Roosters.

But Ciraldo will also consider the likes of Harry Hayes and Jaeman Salmon to start on the left edge as Kikau’s replacement.

Ciraldo initially shifted skipper Crichton into the halves when Burton first left the field on Sunday but the coach moved him back into centre to shore-up the right edge defence.

Toby Sexton of the Bulldogs looks after Matt Burton after Burton sustained an injury. Picture: Jeremy Ng/Getty Images

Ciraldo revealed Crichton spent time in the halves during the pre-season and that he “might” get a shot there in the “near future”.

If Ciraldo opts to keep his defensive structures on the right edge intact, the coach has other options in the halves outside of Crichton.

Drew Hutchison, who started 2024 in the halves but ultimately lost his place to Toby Sexton, is one option. Hutchison and rookie Joseph O’Neill led the Bulldogs to a big win against the Bears in NSW Cup on Sunday.

Salmon and Bailey Hayward will also come into consideration, so too ball-playing lock Kurt Mann.

The injuries open the door for big man Daniel Suluka-Fifita to also earn a recall against the Eels.

Winger Marcelo Montoya will be available for selection after escaping a ban for a grade one shoulder charge on Titans fullback Keano Kini.

—Fatima Kdouh and Brent Read

Viliame Kikau comes from the field with a knee injury. Picture: Jeremy Ng/Getty Images

PAPALI’I BACK, LAURIE IN FOR EDWARDS

Penrith coach Ivan Cleary has received a boost in the engine room ahead of Thursday’s grand final rematch against Melbourne with back rower Isaiah Papali’i was cleared to take on the Storm.

Papali’i missed Penrith’s shock loss to the Roosters on Friday with an undisclosed minor injury. It was originally reported that Papali’i had been ruled out with a hip complaint.

Daine Lauire will replace star fullback Dylan Edwards, who is expected to miss two to four weeks with a groin injury, in the No.1 jumper against the Storm leaving Cleary in search of a bench utility.

That opens the door for former Parramatta boom rookie Blaize Talagi to earn a much anticipated Panthers debut in the No.14 jumper.

Talagi was named at five-eighth in NSW Cup last weekend but played at right centre against the Roosters.

But Cleary also has bench options in playmaker Trent Teolau and hooker Luke Sommerton, with all three youngsters in line for an NRL call-up this week.

Talagi, who is seen as Jarome Luai’s long-term replacement at five-eighth, has started his Panthers career in reserve grade with Cleary wanting to give the 19-year-old time to learn Penrith’s systems and structures.

—Fatima Kdouh

RAIDER’S COSTLY BREAK

– Phil Rothfield

Canberra forward Zac Hosking will have surgery on his broken hand on Tuesday and is expected to be sidelined for a month.

The emergence of Englishman Matt Nicholson as a like-for-like softens the blow. He will start on an edge with Morgan Smithies likely to start at lock.

In the backs, Las Vegas hero Xavier Savage will return from suspension. This will push one of Savelio Tamale or Albert Hopoate out of the side, with Tamale favoured to retain his spot after a strong performance against Brisbane.

FULL EARLY MAIL, BY MAX BRYDEN

STORM v PANTHERS

Thursday, 8pm, AAMI Park

Storm: Following the bye the Storm are expected to name the same 17 players who trounced Parramatta in Round 1.

Sua Fa’alogo suffered a concussion in reserve grade over the weekend and will not be available for selection.

Nelson Asofa-Solomona was expected to return from suspension for this clash but was reported in his Queensland Cup appearance over the weekend and may miss another week if found guilty.

Panthers: Panthers sides don’t often concede 38 points and Ivan Cleary could be forced into a rethink of his backline.

One change will be forced, with Dylan Edwards suffering a groin issue that forced off the field after 60 minutes. He’s expected out for two to four weeks.

Daine Laurie will start in his absence with Trent Toelau or Blaize Talagi to come onto the bench in jersey 14.

Isaiah Papali’i was a late out with a hip injury but will come back into the side.

WARRIORS v ROOSTERS

Friday, 6pm, Go Media Stadium

Warriors: After a strong performance at home, the Warriors are expected to be 1-17.

Luke Metcalf suffered a suspected broken nose and lock Erin Clark a hip pointer injury but both are expected to be named.

Roosters: It’s largely good news coming out of Bondi with three key forwards expected back this round.

Spencer Leniu is back after serving his two game ban. Trent Robinson will need to decide whether to elevate him to the starting side or maintain last year’s bench impact role given the form of Naufahu Whyte.

After being a late out in Round 2 through illness, Lindsay Collins is also expected to be available for selection.

Victory Radley should return to action following his Round 1 HIA.

Suia Wong will make way to accommodate Radley and either start at lock or shift to the bench.

Centre Billy Smith got through 80 minutes of NSW Cup in his return to action following an injury plagued 2024. A club favourite, he will place pressure on the first grade squad for a spot in the coming weeks.

Nat Butcher may be available for selection following a stomach issue which saw him require hospitalisation and has kept him off the park so far.

Rookie Salesi Foketi will miss one match through suspension.

BRONCOS v COWBOYS

Friday, 8pm, Suncorp Stadium

Broncos: A first home game for the season is just what the Broncos need following their ambush in the nation’s capital.

With no injuries or suspensions emerging from Round 2, Michael Maguire is expected to name his side 1 through 17.

Cowboys: Pressure is mounting on coach Todd Payten to get a spark from his troops, who’ve been soundly beaten in their opening two games.

He’s already shown his cards with the axing of representative forward Jeremiah Nanai to reserve grade based on defence.

Payten will have one forced change on the wing. Braidon Burns suffered a hamstring injury which will see him miss multiple weeks.

PNG flyer and NRL rookie Robert Derby or Semi Valemei will earn the start in his absence.

SHARKS v RABBITOHS

Saturday, 3pm, Sharks Stadium

Sharks: Tom Hazleton missed the club’s big win over the Cowboys through back soreness and should return to the bench.

No further changes expected.

Rabbitohs: Lewis Dodd suffered a calf injury in his NSW Cup debut which further solidifies the job security of Jamie Humphreys in the halves.

Tallis Duncan will miss two to four weeks having suffered a hamstring injury, with fellow lock Lachlan Hubner unavailable for two matches following a crusher tackle on Clint Gutherson.

The absence of Hubner and Duncan compounds the Bunnies woes following the pre-season injury to Cam Murray.

Jai Arrow is expected to be named despite playing just 35 minutes after requiring two Head Injury Assessments against the Dragons. Early reports suggest he passed his second assessment meaning there’s no 11-day stand down required.

Keaon Koloamatangi could be forced to play lock with Jacob Host or Thomas Fletcher to be called up from NSW Cup. Saliva Havili may also earn the start.

Jack Wighton is back from suspension and will return at left centre.

Mikaele Ravalawa is expected to be announced as a new signing and will contend straight away for a wing spot. Veteran Alex Johnston is still at least one week away from being available for selection.

Two of Ravalawa, Isaiah Tass, last week’s debutant Bayleigh Bentley-Hape and Fletcher Myers will take up spots on the wings.

Tallis Duncan will go for scans on a hamstring injury after leaving the field early today.

Location of the strain appeared to be higher up on the hammy - as a general rule these tend to have slightly longer recovery times. Likely multi-week absence in store for him. pic.twitter.com/K18IiQ2ywv

— NRL PHYSIO (@nrlphysio) March 15, 2025

DOLPHINS v TIGERS

Saturday, 5:30pm, Kayo Stadium

Dolphins: Kulikefu Finefeuiaki is expected back from an HIA suffered in Round 1. He will move into the starting side and see Oryn Keeley shift to a bench role.

Jack Bostock is pushing for a return from a knee injury. Bostock trained at both wing and centre in pre-season and, with a squeeze on backline jerseys, could force new recruit Junior Tupou down to Queensland Cup.

Tigers: Jahream Bula awaits scans on an ankle injury suffered in the Tigers win. He was spotted in a moon boot after his starring performance against the Eels. Heath Mason will deputise for him should he miss any games.

Starford To’a also failed to finish the match against the Eels, however this was most likely cramp. He’s expected to be named.

TITANS v KNIGHTS

Saturday, 7:35pm, CBUS Super Stadium

Titans: Alofiana Khan-Pereira strained his calf in the Titans’ loss to the Bulldogs on Sunday night. While early indications are the issue is minor, he could miss game time given his reliance on top end speed.

Tony Francis or fullback Jaylan de Groot are in line to replace him on the left edge.

Prop Josiah Pahulu has been given an extended break to recover from a concussion suffered during the pre-season. If fit to return, he could start from the bench in place of debutant Brock Gray.

Knights: A first up win at home was dampened by several injuries in the forwards.

Prop Leo Thompson’s is out for an extended period with a knee injury. The news is better for Daniel Saifiti who played limited minutes after picking up a cork but is expected to be named.

Kai Pearce-Paul has been suspended for two games, but also has a suspected finger injury so could miss more time once cleared to return.

Brodie Jones was pulled from reserve grade and will come into the 17. He will contend with veteran Tyson Frizell for the vacant edge spot.

Should Frizell move to an edge, Adam Elliot could start at lock and Thomas Cant join the bench.

Viliame Kikau off with what the Bulldogs suspect is a grade 2-3 MCL injury - will undergo scans to confirm & check for secondary damage (? ACL).

Similar mechanism to Burton - MCL main concern but ACL can be put under stress. A month recovery likely best case but facing longer. pic.twitter.com/LUm0egZFqD

— NRL PHYSIO (@nrlphysio) March 16, 2025

EELS v BULLDOGS

Sunday, 4:05pm, CommBank Stadium

Eels: New recruit Josh Addo-Carr is available to make his club debut having served an NRL enforced suspension. Debutant Jordan Samrani is expected to make way.

Despite no obvious injuries or suspensions emerging from Sunday’s loss, coach Jason Ryles may be tempted to make further changes to his side including shifting Zac Lomax to the wing.

In unfortunate news, Mitch Moses indicated his previous timeline of return to play could be pushed back as far as Round 9.

Bulldogs: A big win in round 2 but a heavy toll for the Bulldogs. Matt Burton and Viliame Kikau both picked up MCL injuries which look set to keep them sidelined for a month or more.

Sitili Tuiponuia is favoured to be named on an edge to replace Kikau, but the myriad of possible replacements at five-eighth is endless.

Veteran utility Drew Hutchinson would be the simple choice. Deploying forwards Jaeman Salmon, Kurt Mann or Bailey Hayward is also a possibility.

Stephen Crichton is also a left field option having played the position for Samoa. He will also assume the goal kicking in place of Burton.

Prop Sam Hughes will miss around five weeks having required surgery on an ankle injury picked up in pre-season.

SEA EAGLES v RAIDERS

Sunday, 6:15pm, 4 Pines Park

Sea Eagles: Tom Trbojevic has been cleared of major damage to the hamstring which saw him forced off against the Warriors. He’s expected to be named but is not guaranteed to start with that decision to be made later in the week.

Daly Cherry-Evans has also been cleared of serious injury despite leaving the field with back spasms. He’s also expected to be named.

Lehi Hopoate would deputise for Trbojevic at fullback if required, as would Jake Arthur at halfback for Cherry-Evans. Clayton Faulalo would take Hopoate’s wing spot if required.

Tolu Koula and Sio Siua Taukeiaho are both expected to be available for selection after missing round 2 with minor injuries.

Hooker Lachlan Croker is still projecting a Round 4 return to action.

Raiders: Zac Hosking suffered a suspected broken wrist in the first half for the Raiders which will see him sidelined for around a month.

The emergence of Englishman Matt Nicholson as a like-for-like softens the blow. He will start on an edge with Morgan Smithies likely to start at lock.

In the backs, Las Vegas hero Xavier Savage will return from suspension. This will push one of Savelio Tamale or Albert Hopoate out of the side, with Tamale favoured to retain his spot after a strong performance against Brisbane.

Originally published as NRL Early Mail round 3: Nelson Asofa-Solomona escapes ban, Jahream Bula’s fresh injury, big changes at Bulldogs