Updated NRL round 10 Late Mail: Newcastle Knights centre Joey Leilua breaks down at training
BENJI Marshall will debut for the Dragons, but Joey Leilua suffered a potentially serious hamstring injury at training.
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WAYNE Bennett’s season from hell just got worse with his most destructive player, Joey Leulia, limping off the training paddock on Friday with a potentially serious hamstring tear.
The Newcastle Knights centre was in plenty of discomfort as he left the session early and is considered no chance of playing against Manly at Brookvale Oval on Monday night.
The fear is he may be sidelined for several weeks at a time when the Knights are desperately fighting to salvage their season after several incidents both on and off the field have conspired against them.
Check out our updated Late Mail below, including the NRL return of Benji Marshall.
With just two wins from nine games, Newcastle is anchored near the bottom of the premiership ladder and desperately needs a confidence-boosting performance against the Sea Eagles to restore some credibility.
Bennett welcomes back suspended duo Willie Mason and Korbin Sims to bolster the forward pack and Jeremy Smith is considered a good chance of returning from a knee injury.
But losing Leilua, who despite a poor game against Penrith last Sunday, has been one of the club’s most dangerous players, won’t help the cause.
Bennett may be forced to call on rookie Pat Mata’utia, his third debutant in the space of a week, to fill the void or he may opt to shift NSW Origin wing candidate James McManus to the centres and promote impressive youngster Jake Mamo.
“If it doesn’t rain it pours,” one Knights insider said on Friday.
“Joey’s injury doesn’t look too good.”
Leulia is the fourth Knights top grader to tear a hamstring this season with Jarrod Mullen, Darius Boyd and back-up fullback Matt Minto all suffering similar injuries.
Friday, May 16, Rabbitohs v Storm, ANZ Stadium, NINE, 7:40pm
The Rabbitohs are expected to be 1-17, with Apisai Koroisau free to play after successfully downgrading his dangerous throw charge at the judiciary. Adam Reynolds (back spasms) is a definite starter, despite failing to finish last round’s match and missing a session early in the week.
The Storm are expecting no changes, with Joel Romelo named to play five-eighth ahead of Ben Roberts (NSW Cup), Cody Walker (hamstring, round 12) and Ben Hampton (suspension, round 13).
Friday, May 16, Broncos v Titans, Suncorp Stadium, NINE, 7:40pm
The Broncos are expected to be 1-17. Sam Thaiday (calf) hasn’t trained and won’t make an early return, despite the star backrower declaring himself a likely starter early in the week. Coach Anthony Griffin dumped Martin Kennedy on Tuesday, recalling Ben Hannant to the top grade.
There are big changes at the Titans. Albert Kelly (hamstring) is out, replaced in the squad by Beau Henry. Ashley Harrison (concussion) will also miss the local derby, with a replacement yet to be confirmed. Kalifa Faifai Loa will make his club debut on the wing in place of Kevin Gordon (illness, knee). Aidan Sezer (ankle) will play despite carrying an injury. Luke Bailey (ankle) is fit to return, while Matt White and Paul Carter (both suspension) also return. Maurice Blair (wrist) and Brad Tighe (shoulder) haven’t trained with the top squad and will make their comebacks in Queensland Cup.
Saturday, May 17, Eels v Dragons, Pirtek Stadium, FOX, 3.00pm
The Eels will be as per program, with Manu Ma’u (concussion) cleared. Jarryd Hayne (shoulder) and Nathan Peats (ankle) will again play through injuries, while Fuifui Moimoi is stuck in NSW Cup.
Benji Marshall could be a late inclusion for Sam Williams provided the Dragons settle a payment dispute with the Tigers, and coach Steve Price opts against giving him a run for the Cutters. Jack Stockwell (foot) is out, with Mike Cooper (arm) expected to come into the side despite being ruled out earlier in the week. Jason Nightingale (knee) has been on modified training but is expected to play.
4.35pm UPDATE: Benji Marshall will debut for the Dragons after completing the week of training and being officially registered to play by the NRL, with the Tigers and Dragons agreeing to a transfer fee. Peter Mata’utia is on standby for Jason Nightingale (knee).
Saturday, May 17, Sharks v Tigers, Remondis Stadium, FOX, 5:30pm
The Sharks have had a very light week given the short turnaround. All players have trained, although coach Peter Sharp is yet to settle on a final 17. Todd Carney (hamstring) has done some work with the top side despite not being named, but has not completed a full session and is likely to be saved.
The Tigers will be 1-17, with Robbie Farah (elbow), Tim Simona (suspension), Braith Anasta and Sauaso Sue (both ankle) to return.
4.35pm UPDATE: If Todd Carney plays, Luke Lewis would switch to the back row, Anthony Tupou would move to the bench and Siosaia Vave would drop out of the 17.
Saturday, May 17, Cowboys v Roosters, Townsville Stadium, FOX, 7:30pm
The Cowboys have doubts over Jason Taumalolo and Tariq Sims (both ankle). Antonio Winterstein (hamstring) and Ray Thompson (knee) are expected to return from injury.
The Roosters arrived in Townsville on Thursday and have their captain’s run on Friday. They are reporting no changes.
4.35pm UPDATE: Jason Taumalolo (ankle) is considered a strong chance to play.
Sunday, May 18, Raiders v Panthers, GIO Stadium, FOX, 2:00pm
The Raiders have no injury concerns, but a decision on a final 17 is a way off. They are still training as a 21-man squad and have two sessions remaining on Friday and Saturday.
No changes are expected for Penrith, with Tim Grant (calf) to return from injury in place of Nigel Plum (concussion). Kevin Kingston (foot) is expected to return after the bye.
Sunday, May 18, Bulldogs v Warriors, Waikato Stadium, NINE, 2:00pm, 4:00pm (local)
Both the Bulldogs and Warriors have no injury concerns and are expected to be unchanged following their huge wins last week.
4.35pm UPDATE: Tim Lafai will once again play through the pain of a broken hand.
Monday, May 19, Sea Eagles v Knights, Brookvale Oval, FOX, 7:00pm
The Sea Eagles are reporting no changes, with David Williams (concussion) set to play. Kieran Foran and Jamie Lyon (both knee) are pushing for early returns, but both are yet to train and likely to be saved until after the bye.
The Knights won’t finalise a 17 until after Sunday’s session. Willie Mason and Korbin Sims (both suspension) will return, but Jeremy Smith (knee) is likely to be saved until after the bye.
4.35pm UPDATE: Joey Leilua (hamstring) went down at training on Friday and could be out for several weeks. Coach Wayne Bennett may be forced to call on rookie Pat Mata’utia, his third debutant in the space of a week, to fill the void or he may opt to shift NSW Origin wing candidate James McManus to the centres and promote impressive youngster Jake Mamo.
Originally published as Updated NRL round 10 Late Mail: Newcastle Knights centre Joey Leilua breaks down at training
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