NRL Magic Round Early Mail: Lachlan Ilias axed, Lyhkan King-Togia set to come into Dragons halves
The St George Illawarra Dragons have confirmed the dropping of halfback Lachlan Ilias for Magic Round, while the form of an emerging Broncos enforcer has forced a reshuffle. FULL MAGIC ROUND EARLY MAIL.
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Lyhkan King-Togia is set to win the race to partner Kyle Flanagan in the halves at the Dragons.
Flanagan is expected to play halfback after Lachlan Ilias was axed for the side’s Magic Round game against Wests Tigers on Saturday.
King-Togia made his NRL debut last year rejected an offer from Newcastle to re-sign with the Dragons for another two years earlier this month.
St George Illawarra confirmed the sacking of Ilias on Monday.
Ilias has struggled for much of the season since arriving from the South Sydney Rabbitohs, forcing coach Shane Flanagan to make the tough call.
The Dragons will announce their line up on Tuesday with Lyhkan King-Togia set to edge out Jonah Glover for the halves spot.
After a poor performance against the Roosters on Anzac Day, the Dragons desperately need the two points against the Tigers.
Flanagan was giving nothing away when contacted by News Corp about Ilias: “I need to speak with the individuals first.”
RIKI IS BACK, REYNOLDS TO BE NAMED
Jordan Riki is set to return for Sunday’s clash against Penrith as Broncos coach Michael Maguire considers a surprise shake-up to his starting back row.
Maguire is considering deploying dynamic prop Xavier Willison in the second row on a full-time basis after the ‘X Factor’s’ barnstorming display in last week’s 42-18 drubbing of the Bulldogs.
Riki missed the Canterbury clash with a staph infection, which opened the door for Willison to start alongside Brendan Piakura in the back row.
But so impressive was Willison - he scored a try and ran for 138 metres - that Maguire is keen to keep the 199cm skyscraper in the back row alongside the returning Riki for the 2023 grand final replay against the Panthers.
Maguire will name his extended team on Tuesday afternoon but it’s understood Riki will return to the starting side in a back-row alliance with Willison, who destroyed the Bulldogs on the edges.
That scenario would see Piakura relegated to interchange, likely forcing utility forward Tyson Smoothy back to 18th-man duties.
Halfback Adam Reynolds was in doubt with a shoulder injury and staph infection in his leg, but the skipper is expected to line up against Panthers rival Nathan Cleary.
KING’S MAGIC RECOVERY
The Dolphins will be boosted by the return of hooker Jeremy Marshall-King for their Magic Round showdown with the Roosters.
Marshall-King has recovered from a serious gash and infection in his leg that caused him to miss two games.
Prop Felise Kaufusi (knee) and utility Kurt Donoghoe (calf) are also hoping to return.
But the Dolphins will be without workhorse forwards Max Plath (foot) and Daniel Saifiti (shoulder).
After three straight wins, the Dolphins surrendered a big lead to lose to the Raiders last weekend.
They will return home in the Friday night prime time slot at Suncorp Stadium.
—Travis Meyn
SHARKS STAR ROCKED BY THIRD STRAIGHT SEASON-ENDING INJURY
Sharks rookie Kade Dykes has suffered a devastating blow, ruled out for a third successive season due to a serious knee injury.
Scans have revealed Dykes, 23, suffered a torn patella tendon while playing fullback for Newtown in the NSW Cup last weekend.
Off-contract this season, Dykes has been left shattered by the injury that will rule him out for the next six to nine months.
The entire Sharks club are gutted for the young talent, with his latest setback an additional blow to the club’s fullback stocks with rising star Liam Ison also out for the season after tearing his ACL.
Already in talks to retain off-contract fullback and Dally M leader Will Kennedy, the loss of both Dykes and Ison to long-term injuries raises the prospect of Kennedy extending his future at the Sharks.
The son of former Sharks and Eels playmaker Adam Dykes, Dykes missed the entire 2023 season when during the pre-season of that year he suffered a torn ACL on his 21st Birthday.
Then in June, 2024, Dykes underwent a surgical procedure on his knee to restore cartilage.
He was subsequently ruled out for the season.
The most recent knee injury occurred during just his third match back from the lengthy lay-off.
Replays of the incident show Dyles grabbing at his right knee - the opposite knee to his previously torn ACL.
He suffered the injury while taking a carry of the football 14 minutes into the NSW Cup clash for Newtown last Saturday.
—David Riccio
CANTERBURY PACK TAKES SHAPE AFTER BANS
Canterbury coach Cameron Ciraldo will turn to Daniel Suluka-Fifita to beef-up his undermanned forward pack but injured prop Sam Hughes is unlikely to be available for Sunday’s Magic Round clash against Gold Coast.
Hughes, who is yet to take the field in 2025, was scheduled to return from ankle surgery this weekend but did not train with the main group on Monday morning at Belmore Oval.
Ciraldo will be without five-eighth Matt Burton and forwards Sitili Tupouniua and Josh Curran after the trio were whacked with a total of nine weeks worth of suspensions for foul play in Round 8’s loss to the Broncos.
Tupouniua will miss five weeks for a shoulder charge and dangerous contact, while Curran was hit with a three game ban for a shoulder charge.
Suluka-Fifita will come into the side with the likes of Kurtis Morrin, Lipoi Hopoi and Jack Underhill also options in the pack for Ciraldo.
Bailey Hayward is expected to slot in at five-eighth for Burton, a role the versatile forward covered when Burton was sidelined with a knee injury in the early rounds of the season.
—Fatima Kdouh
DODD TO START, SCHUSTER BENCH
South Sydney coach Wayne Bennett is set to hand Englishman Lewis Dodd his first start in the halves after he trained alongside Jayden Sullivan at Heffron Park on Monday morning.
Bennett will name yet another new-look halves combination this weekend against Newcastle after fullback Latrell Mitchell was whacked with a one-game ban for a high shot Sua Fa’alogo.
Livewire Jye Gray, who played in the halves last weekend against the Storm, will deputise in the No. 1 jumper, where he has been a revelation for the Bunnies.
Gray was a notable absentee from Monday’s field session but the diminutive fullback spent the morning training in the gym and will be available to take on the Knights.
Dodd’s inclusion in the starting side puts Josh Schuster in the running to earn a bench spot, for what would be his first NRL game since August in 2023.
Schuster spent some time training on Monday morning at five-eighth, where he has been playing in NSW Cup in a bid to increase his match fitness before a return to the NRL.
—Fatima Kdouh
TO’O UNLIKELY, SORENSEN HEADS TO JUDICIARY
Powerhouse winger Brian To’o is considered only a slight chance to take the field against Brisbane.
While the four-time premiers, who are anchored at the bottom of the ladder, could do with To’o’s inclusion against the Broncos, medical staff are unlikely to rush the winger’s return to the field.
To’o has not played since suffering a hamstring injury back in round three against South Sydney.
Reliable backrower Scott Sorensen is headed to the judiciary to fight the NRL’s head-high crackdown on Tuesday to seek a downgrade on a grade two shoulder charge on Manly’s Nathan Brown.
The match review committee hit Sorensen, who was sin-binned for the hit, with a two-game ban but a successful downgrade to a grade one shoulder charge only carries a $1,500 fine, making him available for this weekend’s clash.
Sorensen will miss three games, against Brisbane, North Queensland and Newcastle, if he fails in his bid at the judiciary.
Backrower Luke Garner missed the Sea Eagles loss due to concussion but has come through return to play protocols and is expected to be named in the 17 to take on the Broncos at Suncorp Stadium.
Garner will replace Sorensen on the left edge if Sorensen is eventually rubbed out, but former Parramatta backrower Isaiah Papali’i is also an option.
Hooker Mitch Kenny still will return from a two-week suspension against the Cowboys in Round 10.
—Fatima Kdouh
FULL EARLY MAIL, VIA MAX BRYDEN
SHARKS v EELS
Friday, 6:00pm, Suncorp Stadium
Sharks:
All eyes will be on Addin Fonua-Blake with the Cronulla bookend clutching heavily at his shoulder in the final stages of Golden Point. There was no comment from the club post match on his condition and with prop stocks dwindling the club will be hopeful he is fit to be named.
Teig Wilton will miss two to four weeks with a shoulder issue. Wilton was a late out in Round 8, replaced by Billy Burns who will keep the spot in the short term.
This adds to their woes in the second row with Briton Nikora potentially in trouble for his high shot on Jarome Luai in Round 8. Nikora was given 10 in the bin and could face 1-3 weeks on the sideline if charged.
Mawene Hiroti picked up a knee injury and is looking at 3-6 weeks on the sideline. The club is confident Kayal Iro will be fit to return from a hamstring injury but may need to instead turn to Chris Vea’ila.
Confirmation from the club has come through this round that prop Toby Rudolf is out for up to seven weeks with an ankle issue. In reserve grade, fullback Kade Dykes suffered a non-contact knee injury with scans to determine the prognosis.
Eels:
After a week off on the bye, the Eels will need to find a new second rower with Kelma Tualagi to miss the first of three games following a charge resulting from foul play in Round 7.
The rest of their outfit looks settled with Mitch Moses and Jack Williams both having successfully returned from injury prior to the bye.
ROOSTERS v DOLPHINS
Friday, 8:05pm, Suncorp Stadium
Roosters:
After running rampant on Anzac Day against the Dragons, the Chooks have also finished a round without any major injury concerns.
They’re expected to name the same starting 13 with Mark Nawaqanitawase holding his spot on the right wing ahead of Dom Young.
Dolphins:
The ‘Phins were down to their fourth choice hooker in Round 8 but the early news is looking good with reinforcements coming.
First choice hooker Jeremy Marshall-King has recovered from a serious gash and infection in his leg that caused him to miss two games.
Prop Felise Kaufusi (knee) and utility Kurt Donoghoe (calf) are also hoping to return.
But the Dolphins will be without workhorse forwards Max Plath (foot) and Daniel Saifiti (shoulder).
Bench hooker Kurt Donoghue hurt his ankle at captain’s run prior to Round 8 but should also be fit to return.
RABBITOHS v KNIGHTS
Saturday, 3:00pm, Suncorp Stadium
Rabbitohs:
Latrell Mitchell picked up a one game ban in his first match at fullback for the season. Jye Gray will take his place in the number 1.
Cody Walker suffered a calf injury mid week which is expected to sideline the veteran for at least five weeks.
Josh Schuster is in line to be named for his first game of first grade to replace him.
Jamie Humphreys is still 2-3 weeks away from returning from a hamstring issue. Winger Tyrone Munro is a further six weeks away from returning from a broken collarbone.
Lachlan Hubner is available for selection following a week off while in HIA protocols.
Knights:
Jack Cogger was a late in for the Knights at halfback in Round 8 but the halfback roulette in Newcastle isn’t straight forward.
Tyson Gamble was originally named for the clash but was a late withdrawal after requiring surgery following a broken nose suffered in Round 7.
He appears to be favoured to Cogger at the moment and will push for a return at Magic Round.
WARRIORS v COWBOYS
Saturday, 5:30pm, Suncorp Stadium
Warriors:
The Warriors will travel to Queensland with the same outfit that won over the Knights. Winger Dallin Watene-Zelezniak is nearing a return to First Grade and is expected to contend for selection next round.
Cowboys:
The Cowboys are expected to name the same 17. Kai O’Donnell was a late out in Round 8 paving the way for Jeremiah Nanai to play his most minutes of the year.
Hat trick hero Robert Derby also appears to have won the right wing spot with Braidon Burns having returned via Queensland Cup two weeks ago.
TIGERS v DRAGONS
Saturday, 7:45pm, Suncorp Stadium
Tigers:
Api Koroisau left the field in Golden Point with a knee issue but Coach Benji Marshall described the issue as ‘not serious’.
The Tigers will be hoping their skipper is fit but have solid depth in Tallyn Da Silva if required.
Brent Naden will hold down the left wing spot after a solidzq performance with incumbent Jeral Skelton out with a hamstring issue.
Lachie Galvin will be hoping Latu Fainu’s finger injury will make him unavailable, with the coaching staff again facing a difficult decision on Galvin’s future should Latu be available.
Dragons:
Hamish Stewart is available to return should he pass through HIA protocols. If selected, Blake Lawrie could drop off the bench.
Sione Finau is the first Dragons winger in three rounds to get through unscathed and should keep the role until Round 13 with Christian Tuipulotu and Matt Faegai unavailable.
TITANS v BULLDOGS
Sunday, 1:50pm, Suncorp Stadium
Titans:
Kieran Foran will aim to return this round following a long injury lay-off. In pre-season he was touting a new role as a bench utility, but amid a four-game losing streak those plans may have to be reassessed.
With halfback Jayden Campbell out until Round 13, there’s a chance for Foran to slot straight into the halfback jersey he held last season.
Alternatively, Foran could be named at six to pair up with Tom Weaver with AJ Brimson to shift to fullback given the long-term injury to incumbent Keano Kini.
The rest of the starting side should be named as per with David Fifita again to come off the bench.
Jaimin Joliffe picked up a two match suspension and will be unavailable until Round 11.
Bulldogs:
A big loss and big suspensions for some big names at the Dogs.
Sitili Tuiponuia is facing five matches on the sideline from two separate charges, Josh Curran three matches, and Matt Burton one.
Bailey Hayward is expected to step into the number six jersey for the Bulldogs. Prop Sam Hughes is also a chance to come into the squad following ankle surgery.
PANTHERS v BRONCOS
Sunday, 4:05pm, Suncorp Stadium
Panthers:
Scott Sorensen picked up a two-match ban in his side’s loss to the Sea Eagles. He will be replaced in the starting lineup by Luke Garner or Isaiah Papali’i.
Garner is returning from a HIA and after starting Round 7 in the centres. He will pose an interesting dilemma for coach Nathan Cleary on how to use the veteran.
Right centre Izack Tago played arguably his best game in two years last round after his benching, while left centre Casey McLean has had a number of defensive lapses.
Brian To’o will push for a return to the side from a hamstring injury. If available, Tom Jenkins could drop out of the 17.
Broncos:
All eyes will be on the number 7 jersey and the fitness of Adam Reynolds. The veteran halfback was forced from the field with a shoulder issue in Round 8 but the initial prognosis appears to not be severe.
Jordan Riki is available to return after illness forced him to be a late out last round.
Ezra Mam is one week away from his 10 round suspension ending. All eyes will be on the role of Ben Hunt with a view towards his potential shift to hooker upon Mam’s return.
STORM v RAIDERS
Sunday, 6:25pm, Suncorp Stadium
Storm:
The prognosis on centre Jack Howarth’s shoulder is in, with the young gun facing at least another month on the sideline.
His absence is offset by Nick Meaney’s return. He got through Round 8 unscathed and is set to be named again at right centre.
Sua Fa’alogo failed a HIA following an act of foul play by Latrell Mitchell in Round 8. If first choice winger Will Warbrick is unable to play, Kane Bradley will start on the edge.
Nelson Asofa-Solomona is a chance to be named following a successful return to action via Queensland Cup over the weekend.
Harry Grant is aiming for a return from a hamstring issue in Round 10 or 11. Tui Kamikamica will miss at least another two rounds with an ankle issue.
Raiders:
After a big win at home, the Top 4 entrenched Raiders will again be named 1 through 17.
Originally published as NRL Magic Round Early Mail: Lachlan Ilias axed, Lyhkan King-Togia set to come into Dragons halves
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