Early Mail: Sharks gun Mawene Hiroti out for four to six weeks, Haumole Olakau’atu injury blow
The Brisbane Broncos will have to wait another week to welcome Ben Hunt back to the side, Cronulla’s paper thin backline cops a fresh blow and more in our round 16 early mail.
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The Broncos have suffered a setback with marquee recruit Ben Hunt set to be ruled out of Sunday’s clash against Cronulla at Suncorp Stadium.
Broncos coach Michael Maguire was hopeful of Hunt making a return from a hamstring injury in the crucial round 16 clash with the Sharks.
Hunt suffered the injury in round 10 in Brisbane’s loss to Souths and was expected to initially miss only a month.
But the Queensland Origin utility’s recovery has been slower than expected and he is unlikely to be named in Brisbane’s top 17 on Tuesday afternoon for the blockbuster showdown with the Sharks.
Maguire’s pre-season masterplan was for Dragons import Hunt to start at hooker in a star-studded spine featuring fullback Reece Walsh, five-eighth Ezra Mam and halfback Adam Reynolds.
But entering the winter months of the 2025 premiership, the quartet have yet to play a single game together due to suspension and injuries.
The seventh-placed Broncos (6-7) are two competition points behind Cronulla (8-6) and victory at Suncorp will see them leapfrog the Sharks into the top five given their superior points differential (+44 to +26).
Broncos medicos remain hopeful the 35-year-old Hunt will be available for next week’s clash against the Warriors at Suncorp.
In a boost for Brisbane, superstar fullback Walsh only suffered a minor knock to his PCL knee injury in last week’s 44-14 rout of the Titans and will be on deck to face the Sharks.
- Peter Badel
HIROTI OUT FOR SHARKS
Cronulla’s backline depth has suffered another injury blow with Mawene Hiroti ruled out for four to six weeks.
Scans have revealed Hiroti, who has proven a valuable cover at wing or centre for the Sharks, has suffered a strained calf muscle.
The Sharks are already without outside backs Kayal Iro (pec), Sam Stonestreet (ankle), Kade Dykes (knee) and Liam Ison (knee) unavailable long-term.
Siosifa Talakai is the man most likely to shift from the forwards to ease the club’s backline injury woes.
- David Riccio
YOUNG SET FOR KNIGHTS ‘DEBUT’
Just days after he lined up against the Knights, Dominic Young will be rushed straight into Newcastle’s side to face the Dolphins as one of the NRL’s strangest mid-season moves is finally completed.
The Sydney Roosters announced on Monday they had officially released Young from the remaining two-and-a-half years of his contract to return to Newcastle.
The deal had been done for weeks but the Roosters delayed releasing Young until after they played the Knights, to ensure the move didn’t come back to bite them in the short term.
Young had 16 runs for 132m, seven tackle busts, two offloads and a linebreak in the Roosters’ 12-8 win over the Knights, who hope he can help the inconsistent Knights lift themselves off the bottom of the NRL ladder they share with the Eels and Titans.
Young leaves the Roosters, having played 31 games for the club since the start of the 2024 season.
“Dom is a talented athlete and a great person,” Roosters head of recruitment Daniel Anderson said.
“We thank Dom for his contributions to the Roosters and wish him all the best for the future.”
Young has already moved to Newcastle, having stayed behind to join his old teammates after playing for the Roosters in their win over the Knights on Saturday night.
– Phil Rothfield
OLAKAU’ATU GROUNDED
Manly back rower Haumole Olakau’atu has avoided a season-ending shoulder reconstruction but is set to spend around six weeks on the sideline.
Olakau’atu suffered a dislocated shoulder in Manly’s loss to Gold Coast sparking fears the forward could be ruled out for the season.
But scans have confirmed the best possible for Olakau’atu with the 26-year-old not requiring surgery to repair the injury.
It’s understood medical staff were able to cleanly manipulate his shoulder back into place during the sheds on Friday night.
Given the Sea Eagles have two byes in the coming weeks, Olakau’atu could miss as little as four games – including clashes against Tigers, Rabbitohs, Storm and Bulldogs.
Corey Waddell is an option on the right edge after he slotted into that role when Olakau’atu was taken from the field in the 60th minute.
Coach Anthony Seibold will also have boom back Lehi Hopoate (concussion) for the Manly’s next clash against the Tigers in Round 17.
Utility forward Jazz Tevaga, who suffered a head knock against the Titans, should also be available for selection.
– Fatima Kdouh, Brent Read
SOUTHS’ INJURY WOES CONTINUE
South Sydney utility Jye Gray is set to undergo surgery on Monday morning on a broken thumb that is expected to sideline him for up to two months.
Gray was among a slew of injuries suffered by the Rabbitohs at the weekend.
Keaon Koloamatangi is due to undergo X-rays on Monday morning on a suspected fractured eye socket while Jayden Sullivan will have scans on a calf injury.
The good news for the Rabbitohs is that five-eighth Cody Walker is a chance to return from injury this weekend.
Englishman Lewis Dodd could also come into contention for a place in first grade if Sullivan is sidelined for an extended period.
-Brent Read
STUART’S SON TO DEBUT
Jed Stuart is poised to make his NRL debut for the Raiders, 37 years after his legendary father Ricky wore the famous green jersey for the first time.
In a sure sign that Stuart will achieve his lifelong dream, the 193cm tall and athletic winger has been withdrawn from Canberra’s NSW Cup side to play North Sydney on Sunday following long-term injuries to NRL wingers Albert Hopoate (knee) and Savelio Tamale (knee).
Stuart, 23, will become the latest son to be coached in the NRL by his father when he runs out against the Wests Tigers at Campbelltown on Friday night.
PAPALII GETS HIS SHOT
Parramatta will get a taste of life post Dylan Brown with the Eels set to hand Joash Papalii his first start in the No.6 jersey.
The Eels have been forced to find two replacement halves for the suspended Brown and the injured Mitch Moses for their clash against the Titans next Sunday. Dean Hawkins will wear the No 7 jersey with Parramatta coach Jason Ryles expected to give Papalii a crack in the halves. Parramatta have a bye this week.
Papalii has been earmarked by those at the club as a potential successor to Brown when he leaves the club at the end of the season to take up a decade long contract at Newcastle.
-Michael Carayannis
FULL EARLY MAIL VIA MAX BRYDEN
TIGERS v RAIDERS
Friday, 8:00pm, Campbelltown Stadium
Tigers:
All eyes will be on the Tigers halves this week, with Latu Fainu expected to be named at halfback to deputise for Jarome Luai.
Luai’s call-up in NSW Origin camp makes him unlikely to be available for the Friday night fixture in Campbelltown with the 20-year-old Latu Fainu and Heath Mason – born just three days apart – to steer the Tigers around against the second placed Raiders.
Alex Twal will be available for selection having been in concussion protocols during the club’s last game. Given his complex history with the injury however he is no certainty to be named and could be given more time off.
If not named, Alex Seyfarth would start at lock with Tony Sukkar on an edge.
Fonua Pole will attempt a return from a knee injury this week.
Raiders:
Rookie Savelio Tamale will miss 10-12 weeks with scans confirming a knee cap dislocation in Round 14.
Coach Ricky Stuart’s son, Jed, is most likely to get the call-up to the wing.
Hudson Young is unlikely to be back from Wednesday’s Origin game with Simi Sasagi to start on an edge.
The rest of the side should be named 1-13.
WARRIORS v PANTHERS
Saturday, 3:00pm, Go Media Stadium
Warriors:
The Warriors have lost Kurt Capwell to Origin Game 2, with the centre unlikely to backup in Round 16.
Capewell has primarily played in the centres since Round 10, and In his place should come Ali Leiataua who’s been splitting time between First Grade and Cup so far this year. Rocco Berry is another option should he overcome a hamstring issue.
The rest of the side should be named 1-13 with Jacob Laban and Jackson Ford to potentially do another Game day switch between the starting side and bench.
Panthers:
With the travel between Perth and Auckland indirect plus a short turn-around time it’s incredibly unlikely we see any of the Panthers Origin stars make the flight for this one.
That means there’ll be no Nathan Cleary, Brian To’o, Dylan Edwards, Isaiah Yeo or Liam Martin for Ivan Cleary to select.
Daine Laurie will start at fullback with Brad Schnieder at halfback.
Liam Henry has served his suspension and likely comes straight into the starting side. Lindsay Smith could shift to lock and Paul Alamoti or Jesse McLean to join the side at right wing.
DOLPHINS v KNIGHTS
Saturday, 5:30pm, HBF Park, Perth
Dolphins:
Hamiso Tabui-Fidow likely backs up post Origin pending injury, with Jake Averillo on standby to cover fullback if required.
Felise Kaufusi is facing two weeks on the sideline through suspension. Mark Nicholls is likely to start at prop in his place.
The club confirmed late this week that lock Max Plath will miss the remainder of the season after rupturing his ACL. He joins Tom Flegler, Tom Gilbert and Daniel Saifiti on the sidelines until next year.
The rest of the side should be named 1-17 with Oryn Keeley to start in the second row and Kurt Donoghoe at lock and share hooking duties with Jeremy Marshall-King.
Knights:
Kalyn Ponga will be desperate to play but will need to get through Wednesday night unscathed given his existing ankle concern.
The Knights could also be without Greg Marzhew who left the field early against the Roosters with a neck issue.
His absence could be offset by the return of Bradman Best, who is shaping to return from a hamstring injury. Given the travel demands to and from Perth, the club may however opt to take a cautious approach.
Dom Young is rumoured to be switching from the Roosters to the Knights this week and could come straight into selection calculations for a wing spot.
Tyson Frizell will be available for selection after suffering a concussion in Round 13 and should slide into the front row, pushing Matt Croker back to lock.
Fletcher Sharpe will also push for inclusion having missed last round with a tight calf. If fit, where Sharpe plays will also depend on Ponga’s fitness.
Fletcher Hunt or Dom Young will likely replace Marzhew on the wing, Kyle McCarthy will be on standby for Best, and Hastings also cover for the halves should Sharpe not be fit.
RABBITOHS v STORM
Saturday, 7:35pm, Accor Stadium
Rabbitohs:
Latrell Mitchell will likely be named to back up post State of Origin, but due to the travel and his history of soft tissue injuries the club will need to see how he pulls up from Perth.
Wayne Bennett announced post game that his replacement, Jye Gray, is facing up to six weeks on the sidelines with a broken thumb, which could further force Souths hand to play Latrell.
Keaon Koalamatangi is also facing 3-5 weeks on the sideline with a suspected cheekbone fracture. Tevita Tatola likely steps into the starting side with Sean Keppie to join the bench.
Campbell Graham was excluded from the NSW squad after initially having back spasms in Round 14. His return is a week to week proposition.
Jayden Sullivan is unlikely to be named having failed to finish last Round due to a calf injury. Englishman Lewis Dodd is one of the last remaining fit halves and should be named to partner Jamie Jumphreys, with Cody Walker still at least a week away.
If Latrell cannot backup, Bayleigh Bentley-Hape or Jack Wighton could shift to fullback with Fletcher Myers called into the centres.
Storm:
The Storm’s Origin contingent may be rested for this clash given the three day turn-around and travel required from Perth.
Most likely to rest would be Cameron Munster, Harry Grant and Xavier Coates with Tyran Wishart, Bronson Garlick and Sua Fa’alogo to deputise for them if required.
Trent Loiero and Stefano Utoikamanu are more likely to play given their lesser minute roles for their states. Their presence in Origin should see a bigger minute role required of Nelson Asofa-Solomona.
The rest of their side is largely settled.
BRONCOS v SHARKS
Sunday, 2:00pm, Suncorp Stadium
Broncos:
Payne Haas and Pat Carrigan will likely be named, but their inclusion on Game Day will come down to how they pull up post game.
Ben Hunt is nearing a return to action. With Ezra Mam having slotted back in seamlessly at five-eighth, Hunt may now find himself at hooker or in jersey 14.
Selwyn Cobbo was dropped in Round 13 on form with Josiah Karapani preferred on the wing. Cobbo has played fullback and centre in two games for Wynnum-Manly and scored one try – it remains to be seen if he’s done enough to earn a recall.
Sharks:
Mawene Hiroti suffered a calf injury early in the Sharks Round 14 victory, with Sifa Talakai now likely to shift into the starting role at left centre.
Toby Rudolph also made a return from injury last round and should again be named. The rest of the lineup is largely settled.
The rest of the side should be named 1-13.
ROOSTERS v COWBOYS
Sunday, 4:05pm, Allianz Stadium
Roosters:
Angus Crichton, Robert Toia, Connor Watson, Spencer Leniu, Lindsay Collins are all likely to be named but need to get through Origin.
Sam Walker fractured his thumb at training during the week aborting his return from an ACL injury. He’s now not expected back until at least Round 19.
Victor Radley and Egan Butcher both failed HIAs in Round 15 and won’t be available for selection until Round 18 given their bye next week.
If Connor Watson doesn’t shift to lock to cover Radley, youngsters Salesi Foketi or Blake Steep could move into the starting side.
Dom Young is expected to be formally announced as a club departure this week, joining Newcastle for the remainder of the season.
Cowboys:
The Cows Origin contingent will likely be named to play but will need to get through Wednesday’s game.
Jake Clifford, Karl Lawton, Kai O’Donnell and Harrison Edwards will be on standby for the starting team for Tom Dearden, Reece Robson, Jeremiah Nanai and Reuben Cotter respectively.
John Bateman and Viliami Vailea are both available to return from suspension and will start on the right edge.
Jason Taumololo reinjured his calf in the warm-up for Round 15 and is facing more time out.
Murray Taulagi made a successful return from a calf injury and will again start on the left wing outside Zac Laybutt.
EELS v TITANS
Sunday, 6:15pm, CommBank Stadium
Eels:
Joash Papali’i is firming to be named in the halves with Dylan Brown suspended for one match.
He will join Dean Hawkins who should wear the 7 for at least the next month with Mitch Moses out for around five weeks with a calf injury.
With the longest possible turnaround post Origin, Zac Lomax will push hard to play but will need to be monitored post Origin. If he cannot back up, Jordan Samrani could join the starting side in a backline reshuffle.
Titans:
Tino Fa’asuamaleaui is unlikely to back up for the Titans post Origin, with an on-going sternum injury given him cause to rest.
Moeaki Fotuaika has a greater chance of featuring for the Titans given the long turnaround but will need to get through Wednesday night’s game.
Their outside backs’ stocks are improving with fullback Jaylan de Groot and wingers Jojo Fifita and Tony Francis all pushing for a return this week. Fifita is the most likely to come into the starting side.
Coach Des Hasler could shift de Groot back to fullback to get AJ Brimson back into the halves and Kieran Foran as a forward utility – as was his plan all preseason – but with Brimson’s form he may be reluctant to make the change.
Phil Sami came off early in Round 15 with hamstring tightness and with scans to determine his ability to play this round.
Originally published as Early Mail: Sharks gun Mawene Hiroti out for four to six weeks, Haumole Olakau’atu injury blow
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