NRL Late Mail for week one of the finals: Brisbane Broncos back bolter Jordan Kahu for centre spot

BRISBANE Broncos coach Anthony Griffin has pulled a late reshuffle for his team’s sudden death clash against the Cowboys.

Parramatta Eels v Brisbane Broncos at Parramatta Stadium tonight. Pictured is Jordan Kahu scoring for the Broncos

BRISBANE coach Anthony Griffin has pulled a late reshuffle for his team’s sudden death clash against the Cowboys.

With Josh Hoffman (ankle) aborting plans for an early comeback, Jordan Kahu has been catapulted into the starting side at centre.

The man originally named in the No. 3 jumper - Corey Oates - drops back to the bench, with Todd Lowrie omitted from the side.

***

SIGN UP FOR SUPERCOACH FINALS

Click here for Telegraph

Click here for Courier Mail

Click here for Fox Sports

***

“Josh Hoffman is another week away so it’s next week for him,” Griffin said.

“He only just started running on Tuesday and today was his second run so he’s not quite right.

“Jordy is the best option, it’s a wild one but he’s done a good job for us in the centres and on the wing. Every time he has got his opportunities he has taken them so we’ll put him out there and put Corey Oates back to the bench.

“He’s a natural outside back, Corey can do a job as he has in the past, but I see him as more value to us coming off the bench in the forwards.”

Friday, Sep 12, Sea Eagles v Rabbitohs, Allianz Stadium, 7:45pm

The Sea Eagles are set to 1-17. Brett Stewart (ankle) and Brenton Lawrence (knee) have trained strongly this week and will return from injuries. “The knee is fine, it is not going to hold me back at all,” Lawrence said. Matt Ballin (broken fibula) won’t be a late inclusion. He is aiming for week three of the finals. “The week off would be fantastic,” said Manly coach Geoff Toovey. “Matty Ballin (would then be a) chance so that’s a good news story for us.” Richie Fa’aoso (broken neck) is back in training and could play again this year.

Ben Lowe (knee) is the only doubt for the Rabbitohs, although he is expected to recover. “It’s a low grade medial strain,” said Rabbitohs high performance manager Troy Thomson. “Having the longer turnaround has really helped us this week ... We expect he’ll be right to go.” Adam Reynolds (suspension) returns and will partner Luke Keary in the halves, with John Sutton to play back row. Remarkably, it will be only the second time the trio has started together. Greg Inglis (hip), Sam Burgess (knocks) and Kyle Turner (shoulder) will play through minor injuries. On Turner, Thomson said: “He was a bit sore on Friday morning and for a couple of days, but again he hasn’t been restricted in anything in the gym or on the field, so he’s fully fit and ready to go.”

Saturday, Sep 13, Roosters v Panthers, Allianz Stadium, 5.50pm

The Roosters have been forced into a change, with Dylan Napa (suspension) out. A replacement won’t be confirmed until after Friday’s captain’s run. 18th man Heath L’Estrange (knee) is back to full training and fit to play. However, Frank-Paul Nuuausala (foot) is still training with the rehab group and aiming for next week. Jake Friend (chest) returned to light training this week, but is no chance of being a late inclusion.

The Panthers have no injury concerns. The only potential change could be 18th man David Simmons (shoulder) returning in place of rookie Dallin Watene-Zelezniak on the wing. Simmons trained on Wednesday, with a decision to be made after Friday’s captain’s run.

Saturday, Sep 13, Cowboys v Broncos, 1300SMILES Stadium, 7.55pm

The Cowboys have no injury concerns and will field the same side for the third week running.

The Broncos won’t confirm a final side until the last minute, with the make-up of their backline a particular bane of contention. Corey Oates has been named at centre in place of Jack Reed (shoulder, season), but the Broncos have publicly questioned the young gun’s ability to contain a Johnathan Thurston-led backline. Coach Anthony Griffin may take the gamble of his NRL career by pitchforking Jordan Kahu into the centre spot. Kahu has been promoted to the NRL squad and spent time training at centre this week. Justin Hodges has also floated the idea of moving to centre. “That’s up to the coach but he (Oates) may stay on the bench,” Hodges said. “It’s a big task for the kid to play 80 minutes against a guy (Thurston) who is playing his best footy.” Complicating the matter further is the potential return of Josh Hoffman (ankle), although he is yet to train and considered unlikely. Hoffman has the ability to play both centre and fullback. Hodges said: “I’d love to stay at fullback, it gives me more freedom than the centres. But it all depends on what Hoffman does - if he comes back I will obviously go back to the centres.”

UPDATE 4.15pm Friday: Jordan Kahu comes into the side at centre, with Corey Oates dropping back to the bench and Todd Lowrie omitted.

Sunday, Sep 14, Storm v Bulldogs, AAMI Park, 4.10pm

Cameron Smith is out of his moon boot, off crutches and expected to play in Sunday’s sudden death final despite an ankle injury. Coach Craig Bellamy says he’ll let his skipper play even if he’s only 85-90 per cent fit. Smith didn’t train on Thursday, with his big test to come in the captain’s run on Saturday. “We’d probably play him if he was 85 to 90 per cent fit, but we can’t put him out there if he can’t do his job reasonably well,” Bellamy said. “If he’s going to be a passenger we’ll be better off going with someone else. At the end of the day it will come down to me. I know how tough and resilient Cameron is and the pride he’s got in wanting to go out there, but he needs to make a common sense decision here as well.” If Smith is out, Ryan Hinchcliffe would play hooker, with Dayne Weston coming into the 17.

The Bulldogs have no injury concerns, with David Klemmer (concussion) training this week and cleared to play following a heavy knock on the weekend. Tim Browne (skull fracture) won’t be a late inclusion, while Frank Pritchard (pectoral) pulled up well from his shock return last week and is a certain starter. Harlan Alaalatoa and Pat O’Hanlon will drop out of the extended squad, with Moses Mbye and Reni Maitua to battle for the final bench spot.

Originally published as NRL Late Mail for week one of the finals: Brisbane Broncos back bolter Jordan Kahu for centre spot