NRL Late Mail round 17: Team changes, gossip and SuperCoach tips
NEW VIDEO: The Eels say Semi Radradra will take the field against the Sharks on Saturday despite domestic violence charges hanging over the star winger.
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THE Eels say Semi Radradra will take the field against the Sharks on Saturday despite domestic violence charges hanging over the star winger.
Radradra reported for training for the first time in two weeks on Friday morning, taking part in a 45 minute session.
The club later confirmed Radradra would play this weekend after he declined an opportunity from coach Brad Arthur to stand down.
The developments came just hours after Radradra was arrested by police upon his arrival in Sydney from personal leave in Fiji.
He was charged with three counts of domestic violence against his ex-partner in 2014 and 2015.
Radradra was released on conditional bail and will face court on Tuesday.
Radradra’s manager says his client will fight the charges.
In other Late Mail:
* Utility Karl Lawton, 20, will debut for the Titans. The side has been reshuffled following the withdrawal of Nathan Friend (hand). Lawton will play centre, with Chris McQueen moving back into the pack and Leivaha Pulu switching to the bench. Ryan Simpkins can offer hooking relief from the bench if Nathan Peats doesn’t play 80 minutes. The Titans are also set to be without Ashley Taylor (groin), who faces being rested;
* Adam Reynolds (shoulder) is a confirmed starter for the Rabbitohs;
* Penrith’s Zak Hardaker is expected to make his debut for Penrith;
* Kane Linnett (calf) won’t play for the Cowboys, with Javid Bowen or Tautau Moga to come into the side.
* Manly’s Brett Stewart did not train due to a niggling injury but the club has confirmed he will play against the Dragons.
WARRIORS V TITANS
3pm Saturday at Mt Smart Stadium
Warriors: No injury concerns. Expect David Fusitua and Tuimoala Lolohea to rotate during the game between fullback and wing.
Titans - Updated 4.10pm Friday: Halfback Ashley Taylor (groin) will be rested, with Cameron Cullen to come into the halves. The Titans have a bye after this week, meaning Taylor can have three weeks off his legs to treat the ongoing problem. The Titans have reshuffled their side following the withdrawal of Nathan Friend (hand). Karl Lawton will debut at centre, with Chris McQueen moving back into the pack and Leivaha Pulu switching to the bench. Ryan Simpkins can offer hooking relief from the bench if Nathan Peats doesn’t play 80 minutes.
Will Zillman (foot) and Eddy Pettybourne (concussion) are set to play.
NRL PODCAST ROUND 17
TIGERS V PANTHERS
5:30pm Saturday at Campbelltown Sports Stadium
Tigers: No injury concerns, with Robbie Farah (concussion) to return after missing last week.
Panthers - Updated 2.10pm Friday: Coach Anthony Griffin is toying with the idea of injecting mid-season recruit Zak Hardaker straight into the backline. If he plays, the highly-rated Englishman would likely be used at centre in place of either Tyrone Peachey or Waqa Blake. He won’t be used at fullback. “I am being straight up with you, I haven’t brought him here to play fullback and move Matt Moylan to five-eighth,” Griffin said. Sam McKendry (suspension) returns.
SHARKS V EELS
7:30pm Saturday at Southern Cross Stadium
Sharks: No changes expected. Sosaia Feki (groin) will return after a false start last week. Valentine Holmes (hamstring tightness) also appears to have overcome the problem that saw him miss much of the second half last week. Origin players Paul Gallen, Jack Bird, Andrew Fifita and James Maloney are having light weeks, but will play.
Eels - Updated 2.10pm Friday:The club says Semi Radradra will play despite domestic violence charges. Young gun Bureta Faraimo is on standby.
RAIDERS V KNIGHTS
2pm Sunday at GIO Stadium
Raiders: No changes. Backrower Sia Soliola (ribs) and Jack Wighton (sternum) missed training early in the week, but took to the paddock on Thursday and will play. Hookers Kurt Baptiste and Josh Hodgson (both concussion) are certain starters.
Knights: No injury concerns and set to be unchanged.
RABBITOHS V COWBOYS
4pm Sunday at Barlow Park, Cairns
Rabbitohs - Updated 2.10pm Friday:Halfback Adam Reynolds (shoulder) will play, with the team to be unchanged.
Cowboys: Centre Kane Linnett (calf) won’t play, with Javid Bowen or Tautau Moga to come into the side. Ray Thompson (knee) returns in the halves to partner Johnathan Thurston.
SEA EAGLES V DRAGONS
7pm Monday at Brookvale Oval
Sea Eagles: Unchanged at this early stage. Queensland forward Nate Myles (knee) is making an unlikely bid to prove his fitness way ahead of schedule. If he misses out, he will aim for the Origin dead rubber. Brett Stewart did not train due to a niggling injury but the club has confirmed he will play against the Dragons.
Dragons: No changes expected. Mike Cooper (back) hasn’t been named due to a bulging disc. He is pushing for a return, but likely to be saved for after the bye. Josh Dugan last week became the second Dragons player in a fortnight to burst an ear drum after Joel Thompson picked up the same injury a round before. Both are sweet to play, but Thompson will need surgery at the end of the year.
Originally published as NRL Late Mail round 17: Team changes, gossip and SuperCoach tips
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