NRL Early Mail: Team news, tips for Round 25

PLENTY of SuperCoaches will be forced to play short in their grand finals following a spate of injuries in the penultimate round.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 26: Euan Aitken of the Dragons looks dejected as he receives attention from the trainer during the round 24 NRL match between the St George Illawarra Dragons and the Canterbury Bulldogs at UOW Jubilee Oval on August 26, 2018 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)

PLENTY of SuperCoaches will be forced to play short in their grand finals following a spate of injuries in the penultimate round.

* Kalyn Ponga, the second most popular fullback in SuperCoach, is set to miss another week due to an ankle injury, which would bring his promising NRL season to a close.

* Euan Aitken, owned by almost a fifth of SuperCoaches, is highly unlikely for the Dragons after going down with a hamstring injury.

* Canterbury sensation Rhyse Martin, who came into the round with the third highest average of any player, is also in doubt for the final round after limping off against the Dragons.

Euan Aitken down with a hamstring injury.

RABBITOHS V TIGERS

Thursday 30 August, ANZ Stadium, 7.50pm

Rabbitohs: Robert Jennings (hamstring) is aiming to return ahead of schedule on the left wing.

Tigers: Elijah Taylor (cork) is expected to return after missing out last week.

WARRIORS V RAIDERS

Friday 31 August, Mt Smart Stadium, 6pm

Warriors: Blake Green (cork) and Gerard Beale (hamstring) are both aiming to return. Mason Lino and Peta Hiku are the likely omissions respectively.

Raiders: Aidan Sezer (hamstring) is aiming to return after coming up just short on the weekend. He would likely replace Blake Austin in the starting side with Austin moving to the bench.

STORM V PANTHERS

Friday 31 August, AAMI Park, 7.55pm

Storm: Suliasi Vunivalu (hamstring) is a chance to return in the backline for Cheyse Blair or Justin Olam. Jahrome Hughes (knee) is also nearing fitness, although it’s unclear where he fits into the side. Both Nelson Asofa-Solomona (ankle) and Brandon Smith (knee) are set to miss at least another week.

Panthers: Expect mass changes. James Maloney (neck/knee) is a welcome return at five-eighth. Tyrone Peachey (knee) is set to be named despite limping through much of the clash against the Warriors. With Maloney back in the halves, Peachey may be called on to play hooker, with rookie Wayde Egan (knee) picking up an injury over the weekend. Dean Whare (broken arm) is out for the season. Jack Hetherington is available after serving suspension.

Tyrone Peachey is battling a knee injury.

KNIGHTS V DRAGONS

Saturday 1 September, McDonald Jones Stadium, 3pm

Knights: Kalyn Ponga (ankle) is again set to miss out with Nick Meaney to continue at fullback and Connor Watson in the halves. Lachlan Fitzgibbon (concussion) must pass protocol.

Kalyn Ponga is struggling with an ankle injury.

Dragons: It’s panic stations at the Dragons. Matt Dufty is set to return at fullback following his axing to the bench against the Bulldogs, with career of the retiring Jason Nightingale (dislocated elbow) in the balance after going down on Sunday. The Dragons are also on the hunt for a centre after Euan Aitken (hamstring) failed to finish against the Dogs. Cameron McInnes (concussion) is also in doubt following a heavy head knock. Paul Vaughan (foot) was ruled out for the season earlier in the week. The availability of Gareth Widdop (dislocated shoulder) remains a closely guarded secret.

TITANS V COWBOYS

Saturday 1 September, Cbus Super Stadium, 5.30pm

Titans: To come.

Cowboys: Te Marie Martin (ankle) is aiming to return at fullback after missing Johnathan Thurston’s final game in Townsville.

EELS V ROOSTERS

Saturday 1 September, ANZ Stadium, 7.45pm

Eels: To come.

Roosters: Dylan Napa (facing suspension) is set to miss 3-4 weeks. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves (ribs) is hopeful of a return.

Dylan Napa is facing 3-4 weeks.

BULLDOGS V SHARKS

Sunday 2 September, ANZ Stadium, 2pm

Bulldogs: Rhyse Martin (knee) limped off against the Dragons and is in doubt for Canterbury’s final match of the season.

Sharks: Matt Moylan (leg) returns after a late withdrawal against the Knights. Jesse Ramien (ankle) is also due for a comeback, which likely sees Kurt Capewell drop to the bench. Ricky Leutele (knee) is another week away.

BRONCOS V SEA EAGLES

Sunday 2 September, Suncorp Stadium, 4.10pm

Broncos: Andrew McCullough (concussion) is in serious doubt following a heavy and controversial head knock from Dylan Napa, who is facing 3-4 weeks on the sideline.

Sea Eagles: No changes expected.

Originally published as NRL Early Mail: Team news, tips for Round 25