NRL Early Mail round 7: Haumole Olakau’atu set to play, Jahrome Hughes hopeful

Star Manly back rower Haumole Olakau’atu has received positive news, while Storm superstar Jahrome Hughes is rated a 50-50 chance due to a shoulder injury.

Star Manly back rower Haumole Olakau’atu is expected to be cleared to play despite struggling with a shoulder issue against the Sharks.

The NSW Origin hopeful played out the full 80 minutes with the injury.

The news is a huge boost for over 50,000 SuperCoaches.

STORM RATE HUGHES 50-50

- Max Hatzoglou

Melbourne Storm coach Craig Bellamy is hopeful there is nothing “too serious” to Jahrome Hughes’ right shoulder after the star halfback was taken off at halftime in his side’s 42-14 win over the Warriors.

The reigning Dally M medallist’s shoulder dug heavily into the AAMI Park turf on Sunday with Warriors hooker Wayde Egan adding to the force as he landed on top of him in a fair tackle.

“He was a bit sore at halftime,” Bellamy said post-game.

“He was keen to play on but the way the game was, the best option was to take him off.

“We got a five-day turnaround next week, give him the best chance to be ready for Friday night (against the Dolphins).”

Hughes will likely go for scans.

Jahrome Hughes copped a shoulder injury in this tackle by Wayde Egan. Picture: Robert Cianflone/Getty Images

MARINER EYES RETURN AFTER ARTHARS HIA

- Robert Craddock

Speed merchant Deine Mariner could return for the Broncos in a team under intense pressure to find fight and fibre against the wounded Warriors in Auckland on Saturday.

Prolific try-scoring winger Jesse Arthars is likely to miss the match after suffering concussion against the Roosters in the Broncos shock loss at Suncorp Stadium.

If Arthars is found to have suffered a Category One concussion he will face a mandatory stand down period of 11 days but the Broncos may ask for a review if they believe his condition was less severe.

If Arthars is ruled out, Mariner, who withdrew from an extended squad for the Roosters game due to a stomach virus, could win a recall.

Utility back Mariner is seen as a player of the future but that was not enough to save his spot when Kotoni Staggs returned to the team after missing the first three matches of the season with injury.

The Warriors could be in a vulnerable state after being thrashed 42-14 by the Storm in Melbourne on Sunday.

Brisbane may be spared having to face one of the competition’s great enforcers, James Fisher-Harris, who sustained a pec muscle injury against the Storm.

Deine Mariner is on standby for Jesse Arthars. Picture: NRL images

SCHUSTER’S MIXED RETURN

- Dean Ritchie

Josh Schuster is back playing rugby league again.

Schuster played his first game for 2025 in South Sydney’s NSW Cup game loss to Norths 30-12 at Gosford’s Industree Group Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

The former Manly prodigy has battled an off-season calf injury but trained with the NRL squad for the first time last week.

Schuster, 23, played around 30 minutes for the Rabbitohs on Sunday coming off the bench as he started his bid for an NRL recall.

He had multiple touches at first receiver which included some nice touches coupled with several errors.

Schuster kicked out on the full and passed over the sideline – clear rustiness given his long absence from playing.

Josh Schuster had a mixed return to the game. Picture: Darrian Traynor/Getty Images

DOOR OPENS FOR DODD DEBUT

- Pamela Whaley

The door has opened for South Sydney’s English halfback Lewis Dodd to make his NRL debut against Canterbury in one of the biggest games of the season.

While Jack Wighton will be free to play the Good Friday clash, halfback Jayden Sullivan is facing a one-match ban and Souths are doubtful Cody Walker (hamstring) will be fit to return.

The players are due back at training on Tuesday when Wayne Bennett will pick the squad to face the Bulldogs, but with Walker, Jamie Humphreys and Sullivan sidelined, Dodd is the final option to partner Latrell Mitchell in the halves.

The $650,000 halfback has been playing reserve grade for the Rabbitohs since arriving at the club over summer.

The 23-year-old was in contention to face North Queensland before copping a one-match suspension.

It comes as Souths seethe over Saturday’s 24-16 loss and the penalty given to Jack Wighton for a hip drop which was not ultimately charged by the match review committee.

Wighton’s try-saving tackle was a turning point with the teams locked at 10-all with 24 minutes to go, handing the ball over for Cowboys to score three straight tries.

Lewis Dodd is in contention for an NRL debut. Picture: Jonathan Ng

FULL EARLY MAIL, BY MAX BRYDEN

SEA EAGLES v DRAGONS

Thursday, 7:50pm, 4 Pines Park

Sea Eagles:

Anthony Seibold has provided an update on star fullback Tom Trbojevic, identifying Round 8 as the expected return date. In the meantime, Lehi Hopoate will keep the fullback jersey with Tommy Talau on the wing.

This week will see the return of winger Jason Saab from an ankle issue at the expense of Clayton Faulolo.

Haumole Olakau’atu is expected to be cleared to play despite a shoulder issue.

Hooker Lachlan Croker will push for a return this week or next from offseason knee surgery.

Dragons:

Cult figure Christian Tuipuluto looks set for a decent stint on the sidelines after picking up a moderate hamstring strain.

He’s looking at around four weeks out, with rookie Sione Finau set to take his place.

After starring in his starting debut, Dylan Egan was cleared of an elbow injury and is again a chance to start for the Dragons at the expense of Luciano Leilua.

Veteran squad member Tom Eisenhuth will take an extended break from the game after picking up a concussion in reserve grade.

BULLDOGS v RABBITOHS

Friday, 4:05pm, Accor Stadium

Bulldogs:

The calvary are back – big guns Viliami Kikau and Matt Burton are both scheduled to return for this Good Friday clash.

Off-season recruit Sitili Tupouniua is also set to return from suspension.

Bailey Hayward and Josh Curran are expected to return to the bench to accommodate the returning troops. Harry Hayes injured his ankle at training and is expected to be unavailable for a couple of rounds.

Jacob Kiraz made a successful return prior to the bye and will push his case for Origin contention. His right edge partner Stephen Crichton is managing a nerve neck issue week to week but is expected to be named.

Rabbitohs:

The changes won’t stop at Souths but this time at least it’s not injury forced. Halfback Jayden Sullivan and prop Sean Keppie both picked up one match suspensions in Round 6.

Once again we are poised for English halfback Lewis Dodd to be named for his NRL debut, likely joining Latrell Mitchell in the halves.

Campbell Graham will push for a return from a calf issue. Given Euan Aitken fitted into the centres in his club debut, if Graham does return coach Wayne Bennett will have a decision to make on if he is best used in the centres or possibly the wing.

DOLPHINS v STORM

Friday, 8:00pm, Suncorp Stadium

Dolphins:

Max Plath and Tom Gilbert switched positions last week with Plath moved to lock and Gilbert taking up an edge. This change looks set to stick with coach Kristian Woolf declaring that Plath has always been viewed as the best 13 at the club.

Jeremy Marshall-King was forced from the field late with an undisclosed issue. If he is to miss any game time, Kurt Donaghue would step straight into the starting lineup from the bench.

On a two-game win streak, the rest of the Dolphins lineup is largely settled and will welcome back bench lock Ray Stone from suspension. Mid-season recruit Francis Molo is expected to push for a spot on the bench in the coming weeks.

Storm:

Jahrome Hughes was unable to finish the game for the Storm after picking up a shoulder injury in the first half. The issue is not expected to be serious, with Hughes able to play on for a further 30 minutes after the incident.

With the short turn around from Sunday’s game he’s rated only a 50-50 chance of playing. Should he miss, Tyran Wishart will be a straight swap at halfback.

Nelson Asofa-Solomona and Will Warbrick will push for selection after missing Round 6 with concussion. If Warbrick is fit to return, Grant Anderson would shift to right centre with Moses Leo dropping out.

WARRIORS v BRONCOS

Saturday, 5:30pm, Go Media Stadium

Warriors:

Club captain James Fisher-Harris picked up a suspected pectoral injury and is set for scans to determine the extent of the damage. Best case scenario would see the prop miss around two weeks, with Jackson Ford likely to move into the starting side to replace him.

Fullback Charnze Nicoll-Kolkstad also failed a HIA and will miss the clash at home. Taine Tuaupiki is set to shift to fullback with Ed Kosi coming onto the wing.

James Fisher Harris will go for scans on a pec injury.

Mechanism video not great - main concern with pec injuries is complete tears seem to be as common as minor strains with the explosive forces in footy.

Minor/moderate strain: 2-8 weeks
Rupture: surgery & 3 months recovery pic.twitter.com/S2d5EWPxvM

— NRL PHYSIO (@nrlphysio) April 13, 2025

Broncos:

Jordan Riki is back from suspension and it’s come at a good time. He’ll come straight in for Jack Gosiewski who picked up a one match suspension in the Broncos loss to the Roosters.

Jaiyden Hunt will hold his spot on the opposite edge for a further week with Brendan Piakura failing a HIA.

Jesse Arthars also failed a HIA and could be replaced by Deine Mariner.

ROOSTERS v PANTHERS

Saturday, 7:35pm, Allianz Stadium

Roosters:

Billy Smith has picked up a one week suspension and will be replaced by Mark Nawaqanitawase who returns from a calf injury.

After shifting to the front row to cover the absence of Lindsay Collins, Nat Butcher performed strongly and will be named there again.

Sam Walker has indicated his return date from a knee reconstruction is set for between Rounds 13 and 15.

Panthers:

Jack Cole will push for a return at five-eighth after a failed HIA kept him out of Round 6. That might not be the end of the changes from coach Ivan Cleary following a fifth loss in a row.

The premiers are struggling on their edges defensively and could make some changes in their back five with Jesse McLean and AJ Kepaoa performing well in NSW Cup.

Brian To’o is still aiming for a Round 9 return from a hamstring issue.

TITANS v RAIDERS

Sunday, 2:00pm, CBUS Super Stadium

Titans:

The Titans will welcome back inspirational skipper Tino Fa’asuamaleaui from suspension. He’ll slot straight back in at lock with Chris Randall returning to the bench.

Des Hasler will have a decision to make on David Fifita’s role with the hulk starring in just his second start of the season after originally being named on the bench.

Jojo Fifita will again push to return from a leg injury which has kept him out of the last two rounds.

Flyer Alofiana Khan-Pereira will also push for selection as he looks to overcome a hamstring issue. Should the pair return, Tony Francis and Allan Fitzgibbon would make way.

Veteran Kieran Foran has indicated his return date looks set for Round 9. Brock Gray copped a one match ban in Round 6.

Raiders:

Already one of the most intimidating packs in the competition, the Raiders could add Zac Hosking into the mix when they travel to the Gold Coast.

Hosking started the season on the right edge, but the form of his replacement Matt Nicholson will create a squeeze on minutes.

Josh Papali’i could shift to the bench and Corey Horsburgh to prop to accommodate Hosking at lock. Bench forward Simi Sasagi failed a HIA in Round 6 and would most likely drop out of the 17 to accommodate the return should Hosking prove his fitness.

Joseph Tapine suffered an ankle sprain late in Round 6 but is expected to be fit to play. The rest of the lineup is settled.

KNIGHTS v SHARKS

Sunday, 4:05pm, McDonald Jones Stadium

Knights:

After scoring just four points in their last two games, the Knights will receive a boost with two starters expected back.

James Schiller should return on the right wing provided he passes through concussion protocols and halfback Jack Cogger should be fine following a finger injury.

Cogger’s return will see Phoenix Crossland return to hooker with Jayden Brailey relegated back to the bench.

Second-Rower Dylan Lucas and lock Adam Elliot are both still at least one week away.

Sharks:

The Sharks could be without Addin Fonua-Blake with the prop picking up an apparent groin injury.

The extent of this isn’t yet known. Toby Rudolf would step into the starting side as required.

Mawene Hiroti has impressed on the left edge in place of Kayal Iro who is projected to return in Round 9.

Addin Fonua Blake came off early with what appeared to be a groin issue - Sharks say he felt it early in the game but played through so hoping it is minor.

Hopefully just tightness or a minor strain - these are often considered day to day & can see a return by next week. pic.twitter.com/VWUs3iFAsO

— NRL PHYSIO (@nrlphysio) April 12, 2025

TIGERS v EELS

Monday, 4:00pm, CommBank Stadium

Tigers:

Jeral Skelton’s return to first grade was short lived with the winger re-injuring his hamstring in his side’s win over Newcastle.

Luke Laulili is expected to take his spot on the left wing, while Brent Naden could also push for selection after a successful return from a nasty pre-season knee injury in NSW Cup.

Latu Fainu will be unavailable at least six weeks after hand surgery last week.

Eels:

Skipper Mitch Moses is targeting a Round 9 return from a foot injury. The news isn’t so good for Zac Lomax who is aiming for a Round 12 return from his own foot injury.

Bailey Simonsson replaced the Origin winger in the lineup in Round 6 and looks set to hold the spot. Bryce Cartwright is also available for first grade selection following a rib issue.

Originally published as NRL Early Mail round 7: Haumole Olakau’atu set to play, Jahrome Hughes hopeful