NRL Early Mail Round 4: Predicted team changes

A massive weekend of injuries means massive changes across the board for Round 4. Keep up to date with all the movement.

The Broncos trained at Leichhardt Oval on Tuesday morning and received a boost with key prop Matt Lodge set to return from a hamstring injury.

Lodge has missed the past fortnight but Brisbane’s engine room is set to feature more muscle with towering bookend Payne Haas to return from his NRL imposed suspension.

— Peter Badel

Watch The 2021 NRL Telstra Premiership Live & On-Demand with No Ad-Breaks During Play. New to Kayo? Try 14-Days Free Now >

Matt Lodge is set to be named. Picture: Peter Wallis

PANTHERS CONFIRM SWITCHES FOR CRICHTON, BURTON

Penrith will switch star centre Stephen Crichton to fullback to cover for injured custodian Dylan Edwards while Matt Burton has retained his place in the starting side.

With Edwards to miss the next few weeks with a broken hand, Crichton will slot in at the back when Penrith face Manly on Thursday night.

Burton, who impressed at five-eighth in the win over Melbourne last week, replaces Crichton at left centre.

Nathan Cleary will be named to return at halfback after missing last week’s match due to concussion.

— Nick Campton

Stephen Crichton will play fullback (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)

HEAD KNOCK VICTIMS SET TO PLAY

They are the reason for the 18th man debate and despite suffering game-ending head knocks last Saturday, Sharks captain Wade Graham and fullback Will Kennedy will both be named to play against the Cowboys this weekend.

Briton Nikora was the third Cronulla player to be ruled out of the loss against Parramatta with a HIA, however he has been suspended for the next two matches for a shoulder charge.

Meanwhile, the Eels are expected to name halfback Mitchell Moses in the team to face Wests Tigers on Sunday. Moses was replaced after he caught a knee to the head while attempting to put a low hit on Cronulla’s Jack Williams last weekend.

Wade Graham is set to back up against the Cowboys.

Both Graham and Kennedy are in the middle of a post-game concussion return-to-play protocol.

Both players are progressing well and are on target to face the Cowboys.

One change Sharks coach John Morris will be forced to make is on his wing, with Sione Katoa ruled for the next four to six weeks with a knee injury.

Either Mawene Hiroti or Nene Macdonald will be chosen to replace Katoa.

NSW under-20s captain Teig Wilton will be named to replace Nikora.

— David Riccio

Mitchell Moses is also expected to play this weekend.

Sea Eagles vs Panthers

Sea Eagles: Hit hard by injuries in back row this season with Jack Gosiewski failing to finish on weekend due to leg injury which saw Jake Trbojevic spend time on right edge during second half. Daly Cherry-Evans (leg), Martin Taupau (ankle) and Dylan Walker (shoulder) also all picked up injuries and will need to be checked before teams are named.

Panthers: Will have one big in and one big out with Nathan Cleary set to return after not playing last week due to concussion but they will lose Dylan Edwards who suffered a broken hand and has been ruled out for four weeks. With set up of side I would expect to see Stephen Crichton move to fullback and Matt Burton playing left centre, with Brent Naden and Robert Jennings unavailable due to suspension in NSW Cup. Tyrone May spent the second half at fullback in Storm game but with limited options as bench utility I would expect May to start on bench and spend time at hooker during game if there are no injuries. Spencer Leniu suffered leg injury from nasty looking tackle from Cameron Munster but was able to play out game but could be in some doubt. Liam Martin passed gameday HIA in Storm game and was able to return late but will be monitored.

Bulldogs vs Rabbitohs

Bulldogs: Without hooker Jeremy Marshall-King who suffered broken foot in Broncos game on weekend which will see Sione Katoa start at hooker and Brad Deitz, who had a good game in NSW Cup before leaving field in due to a rib injury, coming onto bench if fit. Josh Jackson is looking at a one-week suspension with early guilty plea for crusher tackle on Alex Glenn with options of Chris Smith or Matt Doorey to come into 17. Will Hopoate stayed down for an extended time on weekend after getting badly winded but was able to play game out and could be in some doubt. Tui Katoa didn’t have best start to game but will likely hold position with not too many other options in outside backs. Corey Allan and Nick Meaney switched positions late in game on weekend as Bulldogs looked to change up with their attack spluttering after not being able to score a point in last two weeks and it could continue this week. Nick Cotric copped a cork early in game on weekend but was able to play out game and should be fit to be named.

Rabbitohs: Come off a good win over rivals Roosters with reportedly no injuries just some bumps and bruises with same 17 expected to be named. Liam Knight has been having issues due to concussion and could return in coming games.

Storm vs Broncos

Storm: Expected to welcome back Ryan Papenhuyzen who missed Panthers game due to neck injury. Tom Eisenhuth will be ruled out after suffering rib injury on Thursday night and with Felise Kaufusi out until Round 5 due to suspension we will see Chris Lewis start on right edge. Brandon Smith could be in some doubt due to shoulder injury but hopefully it was just a burner and he can prove fitness to play. Reimis Smith (ankle) and Jahrome Hughes (leg) both picked up minor injuries but should be fit to be named. Aaron Pene could find his way onto bench after being late withdrawal last week. Tui Kamikamica could continue starting at lock with Nelson Asofa-Solomona dropping to bench. Dale Finucane (calf) and Harry Grant (knee) are still a week or two away.

Broncos: Preparation has been thrown up in the air due to latest COVID scare in Queensland which has seen them go back into a bubble and more than likely will see them fly down to Melbourne early in week. They will welcome back Payne Haas who has missed opening three rounds due to suspension. He will start at prop with Tom Flegler dropping back to bench. John Asiata should return on bench after being rested on weekend due to managing ongoing shoulder issue with Rhys Kennedy and Ethan Bullemor the players expected to make way. Matt Lodge is an outside chance of returning from hamstring injury but it’s expected he will be given another week to get it right.

Sharks vs Cowboys

Sharks: Come off a game where they could only field 13 men for whole of second half due to three players failing HIAs and Sione Katoa suffering knee injury. Wade Graham, Briton Nikora and Will Kennedy will all be monitored during week after failing gameday HIAs and all three would be in some doubt and will need to pass protocols to play, which could see Andrew Fifita come into contention for the 17. I would expect Nene Macdonald to come onto wing to replace Katoa which would see Mulitalo switch to right wing with left wing the preferred side for Macdonald. Briton Nikora was charged for shoulder charge on Clint Gutherson and with early guilty plea is facing a two game suspension with Teig Wilton expected to start in 2RF. Braden Hamlin-Uele copped a knock to the hand could be in some doubt.

Cowboys: Will continue to be without Michael Morgan due to a shoulder injury which could force him to retire with Scott Drinkwater set to continue at five-eighth and Holmes at fullback. Reuben Cotter failed gameday HIA in Titans game on weekend and will need to pass protocols to play. Jake Granville could be on charge sheet come Monday morning after being put on report for crusher tackle on Corey Thompson but also expect to see a few changes as coach Todd Payten tries to find a winning combination. Jason Taumalolo is only an outside chance of returning this week but more than likely will return next week in Round 5 against Tigers. Tom Gilbert is close to returning from leg injury and could come into contention for spot in 17.

Titans vs Raiders

Titans: Come off a good win over struggling Cowboys with David Fifita (ribs), Corey Thompson (neck) and Tanah Boyd (passed HIA) all expected to recover to play. Ash Taylor will be unavailable after having surgery to hand with Boyd to continue in halves. Brian Kelly is still a week or two away from returning from a broken hand. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui starting at prop and Tyrone Peachey at lock with Mo Fotuaika starting from bench will probably continue this week.

Raiders: Hit hard by injuries on weekend playing 65 minutes with only one player on bench after Joseph Tapine suffered an ankle injury, then both Ryan James and Sebastian Kris suffered concussions in the opening 15 minutes. Both failed their HIAs and will need to pass protocols to play this week. Curtis Scott suffered a rib injury in first half but played on. He was severely hampered by the injury and could be missing with Matt Timoko an option to come in at right centre if Kris doesn’t pass concussion protocols. Jarrod Croker suffered a dislocated finger during the game but should be fit to be named after making a successful return from a shoulder injury on weekend. Hudson Young will need to pass fitness test to play after being late withdrawal due to knee injury suffered in Sharks game. Harley Smith–Shields is unavailable after suffering biceps injury in NSW Cup.

Knights vs Dragons

Knights: Will be without Jacob Saifiti after he suffered a knee injury against Tigers with Pasami Saulo most likely to come onto bench. Bradman Best won’t be available after suffering an elbow injury at training on Thursday which will see him out for extended period with Dominic Young most like to continue at centre. Gehamat Shibasaki is likely to be dropped after having bad game on weekend with Starford To’a set to return after missing Tigers game due to shoulder injury. Hymel Hunt (ankle) and Kurt Mann (head knock) will need to be checked. Mitch Barnett was struggling with cramps late on weekend and should recover to be named. Brodie Jones’ position on bench could come into question with coach Adam O’Brien not using him for a second week in a row. Edrick Lee is an outside chance of returning from a foot injury. Kalyn Ponga is expected to return in Round 5 against Titans. Interesting to see Blake Green running water during game on weekend as he looks to gain fitness before returning from ACL injury.

Dragons: Will be without their captain Ben Hunt after he suffered fracture to fibula with Adam Clune set to replace him at halfback. Trent Merrin failed HIA on weekend and didn’t return and will need to pass required protocols to play. Jack Bird is facing a one-week suspension with an early guilty plea after contrary conduct charge for incident with Moses Suli with Brayden Williame set to start at left centre with options of Kaide Ellis, Jackson Ford or Jordan Pereira to come onto bench. Billy Brittain was late withdrawal from NSW Cup on weekend and could be another option to come onto bench.

Roosters vs Warriors

Roosters: Hit hard with a number of players unavailable with Luke Keary ruled out for rest of season due to ACL and Lachlan Lam also suffering a knee injury which will keep him out for 4-6 weeks. We will see the NRL debut of Sam Walker who I expect will play in halves with Drew Hutchison. Victor Radley was a late omission on weekend after suffering minor shoulder injury at captain’s run but is expected to play this week. Nat Butcher missed Rabbitohs game due to illness and will return to sure up Roosters bench. Lindsay Collins is expected to be missing after suffering concussion which will see Jared Waerea-Hargreaves start at prop. Daniel Suluka-Fitita will be missing provided he takes early guilty plea after being charged out of Rabbitohs game and is looking at a one-week suspension. Egan Butcher could come into contention for bench position with Fletcher Baker set to continue in 17. Warriors: Peta Hiku failed to finish game on weekend due to knee injury and will have scans but it’s expected to keep him out for a couple of weeks which would see Hayze Perham come in at centre. David Fusitu’a suffered cork during game on weekend but was able to play out game but could be in some doubt with Marcelo Montoya an option if Fusitu’a is ruled out. Bailey Sironen could continue role playing from bench with Jazz Tevaga starting at lock with Tohu Harris continuing to play edge role and move into middle when Murdoch-Masila coming on the right edge.

Tigers vs Eels

Tigers: Come into Easter Monday clash off a good win over Knights with Tommy Talau in some doubt after he failed to finish game on weekend but it looked to be cramp and not a strain so hopefully he should be all right to play. If ruled out Moses Mbye would play left centre and we could see Jake Simpkin after starring in NSW Cup last two weeks, coming onto bench to make NRL debut. Luke Garner copped head knock but was able to play on and played out game and will be fit to be named.

Eels: Have Mitch Moses in doubt after he failed gameday HIA on weekend and will need to pass required protocols to play. Ryan Matterson missed Sharks game on weekend due to concussion with Brad Arthur saying before game that Matterson was on track to play on Easter Monday which will see Isaiah Papali’i dropping to bench with Ray Stone the player expected to make way. Maika Sivo passed gameday HIA on weekend but will be monitored. Bryce Cartwright is expected to return from broken jaw but will probably play NSW Cup to get match fitness.

Originally published as NRL Early Mail Round 4: Predicted team changes