Tigers shuffle spine again amid mass Round 6 changes across NRL

There are major changes everywhere you look amid one of the most action-packed team list Tuesdays of the season.

Joseph Manu will replace James Tedesco at fullback in his first game back from suspension. Picture: NRL Photos

The Adam Doueihi experiment at fullback is over after just two games, with Wests Tigers coach Tim Sheens making another change to his spine in a sign he’s still not comfortable with his side’s attack.

Doueihi returns to the halves where he’ll partner Luke Brooks, with Brandon Wakeham dropping out of the 17 after the Tigers suffered their worst loss of the season in Brisbane to go 0-5.

Daine Laurie was not included in the 17 just days after he liked a video of Selwyn Cobbo scoring a try against the Tigers. Picture: NRL Imagery

The reshuffle sees Charlie Staines get a crack at fullback with Daine Laurie included in the reserves after he controversially liked a try on social media scored by the Broncos against the Tigers.

The winless Tigers get the chance to repeat their Easter Monday miracle from last year against an Eels side which has dropped Waqa Blake after his mixed start to the season, with Bailey Simonsson (suspended) also missing from the backline.

That means Sean Russell and Haze Dunster will play their first NRL games of 2023, as will Shaun Lane, who returns in the back row, pushing J’maine Hopgood to the bench with Ryan Matterson to start at lock.

Shaun Lane is back on the left edge after suffering a facial fracture during the pre-season. Picture: Fox League

The round kicks off with a beauty in Melbourne where the Storm welcome back Jahrome Hughes for the showdown with the Roosters.

Trent Robinson wasn’t wrong when he said a Joey would play fullback, with Joseph Manu set to return from suspension to replace the injured James Tedesco as he recovers from a nasty head knock.

There are changes galore for the Bulldogs for their Good Friday clash with the Rabbitohs, with Franklin Pele (arm), Raymond Faitala-Mariner (head knock) and Jayden Okunbor (suspension) all missing.

But the news isn’t all bad, with Max King (eye) and Jacob Preston (finger) cleared to play, while Harrison Edwards will start at lock in his first appearance of 2023.

Max King is set to take on the Rabbitohs just days after he suffered a gruesome eye injury. Picture: Cameron Spencer / Getty Images

The Bunnies have also been forced to make some changes for the annual Easter affair with try-scoring machine Alex Johnston (concussion protocols) replaced by Taane Milne on the wing, while Tevita Tatola returns at prop as the club celebrates Latrell Mitchell’s 150th game.

North Queensland’s depth is being stretched to the extreme with Heilum Luki and Jordan McLean both suffering hamstring injuries, but there is good news with Reuben Cotter and Scott Drinkwater back to fix their spluttering attack.

The Cowboys will start red-hot favourites against a Dolphins side which has turned to Kodi Nikorima to replace veteran Anthony Milford (hamstring) in the halves, while Edrick Lee will make his club debut alongside his cousin.

Penrith’s massive win in Canberra has come at a cost, with James Fisher-Harris (knee) set for a stint on the sidelines, although the Panthers do get Soni Luke back to provide plenty of speed around the ruck when he comes on.

Speedster Jason Saab returns this week after his 2022 campaign was cut short by a serious knee injury. Picture: NRL Photos

It’s mixed news for the Sea Eagles, who get Jason Saab back for the first time this year after he suffered an ACL tear in 2022, while Josh Schuster returns after missing a week due to a quad strain.

But they will be without Christian Tuipulotu, who will miss the next three weeks with a knee injury in a huge blow to their yardage game coming out of trouble.

It’s smooth sailing for the ladder-leading Broncos, who host the battling Raiders. The Green Machine has turned to veteran Jarrod Croker, who is closing in on game 300, but he’ll have his hands full against Kotoni Staggs.

And the Titans have turned to Jayden Campbell and Toby Sexton to save their spine with stars AJ Brimson and Kieran Foran both injured for their game against the Dragons, who have retained Talatau Amone in the halves.

Originally published as Tigers shuffle spine again amid mass Round 6 changes across NRL