NRL Late Mail ahead of round two: Last-minute team news and gossip

MANLY coach Trent Barrett says Brett Stewart is still a few weeks away from an NRL return as the fullback battles an ongoing hamstring issue.

MANLY coach Trent Barrett says Brett Stewart is still a few weeks away from an NRL return as the fullback battles an ongoing hamstring issue.

“He still won’t be right [to face the Tigers on Monday],” Barrett said of Stewart at the club’s Narrabeen headquarters on Friday morning.

“He ran again [Thursday] and he’s as frustrated as anyone, Snake.

“He is important to the side but I thought Tom Trbojevic did a terrific job last week.

“He tried really hard in difficult circumstances and he was coming off limited preparation as well.

“We’re not expecting Snake back for a couple of weeks.”

PANTHERS v BULLDOGS

8.05pm Thursday at Pepper Stadium

Panthers: The Panthers face a tough five-day turnaround from last week’s 35-degree clash against the Raiders. Dean Whare (calf) started running with the rehab group on Monday and is a strong chance of an early return. Matt Moylan (back) is no chance of an early return, but is aiming for next week. Coach Anthony Griffin expects Tyrone Peachey to play 80 minutes, with James Segeyaro (broken arm, round eight) out.

Bulldogs: No injury concerns within the squad named. Adam Elliott (stomach illness) has been cleared after being forced from the field last week. David Klemmer (suspension) returns, but Chase Stanley (hamstring) won’t be a late inclusion, with Kerrod Holland to play centre. Michael Lichaa (knee) will only miss four weeks, which rules out Craig Garvey as a SuperCoach buy. Danny Fualalo (virus) was a late withdrawal last week and is still battling.

BRONCOS v WARRIORS

8.05pm Friday at Suncorp Stadium

Broncos: Jordan Kahu (quad) has made a shock recovery and will come into the side after being initially ruled out for two weeks. He will replace Greg Eden on the right wing. In a further boost, centre James Roberts (calf) has been cleared and will form a lethal right edge combination with Kahu.

Warriors: Set to be unchanged, with Bodene Thompson named to start in place of Ben Henry (knee, indefinite) and Raymond Faitala-Mariner added to the bench.

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RAIDERS v ROOSTERS

3pm Saturday at GIO Stadium

Raiders: Ricky Stuart gave his men an extra recovery day following last weekend’s sapping 35-degree clash against the Panthers, but all players have pulled up fine. Sam Williams (virus) missed the game, but is certain to play this week in the absence of halves Blake Austin (knee, round five) and Aidan Sezer (eye socket, round five). Jarrod Croker had the same illness and probably should have missed last week, but played through.

Roosters: No changes expected, with Daniel Tupou (ankle) set to return. He hasn’t completed full sessions so far, but will aim to complete the entire captain’s run on Friday and will play unless there is a hiccup. Jackson Hastings (quad) is carrying an injury and won’t kick goals yet again, with Latrell Mitchell to retain the duties.

RABBITOHS v KNIGHTS

5.30pm Saturday at ANZ Stadium

Rabbitohs: No injury concerns. Kyle Turner (shoulder) came off last week after aggravating an injury sustained at the Nines, but is a certain starter this weekend. Adam Reynolds (broken jaw, round eight-12), John Sutton (pectoral, round 18) and Zane Musgrove (wrist, indefinite) all suffered serious injuries last week. Sam Burgess says he is hoping to build up to 80 minutes this year.

Knights: Nathan Brown’s squad still have captain’s run on Friday, but are expected to run out 1-17. Sione Mata’utia (suspension) will return through NSW Cup. Kade Snowden is likely to travel as 18th man after being hooked last week. Danny Levi (back) is fit to take his spot on the bench.

EELS v COWBOYS

7.30pm at Pirtek Stadium

Eels: Kieran Foran (hamstring) and Corey Norman (neck) are certain starters. Danny Wicks will play his first NRL game of the year after being eased back through the lower grades from off-season shoulder surgery.

Cowboys: Antonio Winterstein (concussion) still has some boxes to tick, but the club is very confident he will play. 18th man Matthew Wright will travel as cover. A host of players, including Matt Scott and Rory Kostjasyn, were on modified programs this week following what the Cowboys claimed were cheap tactics from the Sharks last weekend. However, the full squad trained on Thursday morning, with no changes expected.

SHARKS v DRAGONS

4pm Sunday at Shark Park

Sharks: Cronulla have two sessions left, but the full 17 is fit. Don’t be surprised if Gerard Beale starts at centre in place Ricky Leutele.

Dragons: The club hopes Joel Thompson (cork) will be a late inclusion in the back row in place of Will Matthews.

STORM v TITANS

6.30pm Sunday at AAMI Park

Storm: No changes to report after big guns Billy Slater (shoulder) and Cameron Munster (knee) returned last week.

Titans: Will Zillman (calf) and Eddy Pettybourne (cork) both trained on modified programs on Thursday and are in doubt. Luke Douglas is expected to come into the 17 for Pettybourne after missing last week due to suspension. David Mead would continue at fullback if Zillman was ruled out. John Olive would be the omission if Zillman played. Nene Macdonald (knee) started running early in the week but is only an outside chance of being a late inclusion.

TIGERS v SEA EAGLES

7pm Monday at Leichhardt Oval

Tigers: No changes for Jason Taylor’s side, with Luke Brooks and Dene Halatau (both suspension) to return.

Sea Eagles - Updated 1.15pm Friday: No changes. Manly coach Trent Barrett says Brett Stewart is still a few weeks away from an NRL return as the fullback battles an ongoing hamstring issue.

Originally published as NRL Late Mail ahead of round two: Last-minute team news and gossip