NRL Early Mail, Round 15 teams: Blake Ferguson set for Parramatta Eels return
There’s some positive news coming for the Queensland Maroons and Melbourne Storm at 4pm today — all the latest round 15 news here.
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Queensland prop Christian Welch will take the first step towards playing Game Two of the Origin series when he is named for Melbourne this afternoon.
Welch suffered a head knock in the 13th minute of Queensland’s 50-6 loss to NSW in Townsville last Wednesday and did not return to the field.
He missed Melbourne’s win over the Warriors on Sunday, but will be named to face the Tigers at Sunshine Coast Stadium on Saturday night.
Welch must still pass concussion protocols to take the field against the Tigers, but he has been showing positive signs.
The Maroons are desperate to have Welch on deck for the must-win Origin II at Suncorp Stadium on Sunday week.
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SHARKS ANSWER TO MISSING WADE GRAHAM
—David Riccio
The Sharks have chosen their answer to rested captain Wade Graham in the shape of powerful ball-runner Siosifa Talakai.
Graham will miss at least a month of football, and possibly longer, after deciding to step away from the game due to a series of head knocks.
Talakai, renowned for his brutality with the football, has previously deputised for Graham in the back row position.
Aaron Woods is expected to captain Cronulla - as he has done in the past when Graham has been out.
Without a contract for next season, Woods has put himself on the radar of rival clubs with several strong performances in recent weeks and the captaincy will only add to his leadership appeal.
PEARCE RETURN JUST WHAT KNIGHTS NEED
The 11-week absence has concluded for a frustrated Mitchell Pearce.
The Knights halfback is expected to return from a pectoral injury when Newcastle’ side is named for Saturday’s match against New Zealand Warriors at McDonald Jones Stadium.
“Yeah, I will hopefully be back this week,” Pearce confirmed.
“I will get a few (training) sessions out. Mate, I need to get back out there. The boys obviously have been struggling with a bit of form.
“Hopefully I can get out there and give some leadership for the team. It’s been frustrating being injured after a decent start to the year and then watching a lot of back-to-back losses.
“It’s been really hard to watch, especially having a few key players out. The boys have been busting their backsides so hopefully I can bring some direction and some wins.”
Former teammate, Todd Carney, pointed out why Pearce’s return will be crucial for Newcastle.
“Mitch will bring stability and control around the field,” Carney said. “He and (Jake) Clifford will form a good combination.
“’Pearcey’ will come back with a point to prove, like he always does. He will get them out of the hole they are in and hopefully they can get a fully fit team and they push onto the finals.
“I can’t wait to watch him. He is always in tip-top shape.”
—Dean Ritchie
DOOR OPENS FOR EELS STAR’S RETURN
—Fatima Kdouh
Out-of-favour winger Blake Ferguson could be in line for a re-call as Maika Sivo’s replacement in Parramatta’s clash against Canterbury on Sunday.
Fijian flyer Sivo is facing at least one week on the sideline after he was charged with a grade two careless high tackle for a hit of Wests Tigers centre Adam Doueihi.
Sivo, who was sin-binned for the shot in the 54th minute of Sunday’s match, will miss one week with an early plea or two weeks if the winger fights the charge at the judiciary and loses.
Both Ferguson and rising rookie Will Penisini played a crucial role in helping the Eels to a 28-26 victory against the Magpies in the NSW Cup over the weekend.
Ferguson scored a try, ran for 171 metres, made a line break and four tackle busts.
Not to be outdone, centre Penisini also scored a try, ran for a huge 224 metres for 83 post contact metres, made two line breaks and five tackle busts.
It was better news for teammate Isaiah Papali’i after the backrower escaped with a $1,500 fine for a grade one contrary conduct charge for what appeared to be a knee to the head of Tigers backrower Luciano Leilua.
WACKO’S WHISPERS EARLY MAIL ROUND 15
BRONCOS VS RABBITOHS
Thursday 17 June 7:50pm, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Broncos: The Broncos and Rabbitohs are both coming off a 5 day turnaround and Brisbane look set to be without Xavier Coates once again after he suffered hamstring injury in the warm up on Saturday, with Tesi Niu set to keep his spot in the team at fullback. Herbie Farnworth will likely stay on the left wing with Selwyn Cobbo on the right. Karmichael Hunt and Tyson Gamble are expected to continue in the halves with Albert Kelly still battling a hamstring injury. Kobe Hetherington is available for selection as despite being sent off, he was only charged with a Grade 1 offence and fined.
South Sydney: The Rabbitohs will welcome back Damien Cook, Jai Arrow and Cameron Murray who were all rested after Origin. However we could see Latrell Mitchell rested this week given it will be his third game in just 8 days. If Mitchell is rested, Walker would move to fullback, Benji Marshall into the halves with Blake Taaffe coming onto the bench to make his NRL debut. Dane Gagai did cop a knock to his hand in Origin but should be fine to play, with Braidon Burns the player to make way. Liam Knight suffered a head knock during the game against Newcastle and could be in some doubt.
COWBOYS VS SHARKS
Friday 18 June, 6:00pm, Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Townsville
Cowboys: The Cowboys will welcome back Kyle Feldt, who missed the Manly game on the weekend after copping a knock to his back in Origin, and Mitch Dunn from suspension. Feldt will return on the right wing with Justin O’Neill to make way, while Dunn should return on the right edge which will see Coen Hess move to prop, Shane Wright switching to left edge and more than likely Tom Gilbert dropping to the bench and Peter Hola dropping out of the 17.
Sharks: Cronulla will be without Wade Graham after he suffered a knee injury following yet another head knock which will see him out for an extended period, with Siosifa Talakai to start on the left edge and Teig Wilton coming onto the bench with no other concerns to come out of the game on the weekend.
PANTHERS VS ROOSTERS
Friday 18 June, 7:55pm, BlueBet Stadium, Penrith
Penrith: The Panthers will welcome back their Origin contingent in Jarome Luai (back), Kurt Capewell (rested), Nathan Cleary (head cut), Brian To’o (head cut), Isaah Yeo (rested), with Paul Momirovski, Izack Tago, Mitch Kenny, Robert Jennings and J’maine Hopgood all set to make way, with Burton moving back to left centre and Stephen Crichton switching to right centre. Viliame Kikau could be in some doubt after suffering an ankle injury on Friday.
Roosters: The Roosters will welcome back skipper James Tedesco, after he was rested as he managed an ongoing hip injury, but Sam Walker is in doubt due to a shoulder injury. If Walker is out then Joseph Suaalii should continue into centres, Joseph Manu move to 5/8 and Lachlan Lam to halfback. Ben Marschke has been charged by the Match Review Committee and is looking at a one week suspension with an early guilty plea, which would again see Adam Keirghan start at hooker, with Freddy Lussick coming onto the bench. Siosiua Taukeiaho was ruled out on weekend with no reports of an injury and could return if fit, but if still out rookie Ben Thomas could hold his position in the 17. Sitili Tupouniua had a foot injury looked at during the Titans game and was able to play out the game but could be in some doubt if he pulls up sore. Boyd Cordner has announced his retirement after multiple concussions.
KNIGHTS VS WARRIORS
Saturday 19 June, 3:00pm, McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle
Newcastle: The Knights will welcome back a few players this week in Mitchell Pearce (pec), David Klemmer (suspension) and Hymel Hunt (hamstring) all set to return. Kalyn Ponga is an outside chance to return from a groin injury but still has a few boxes to tick. Bradman Best will be missing due to ankle injury, which will see Enari Tuala move back to centre for the return of Hunt, with Jack Johns and Matt Croker to make way for the return of Klemmer and Pearce.
Warriors: The Warriors will be without Chanel Harris-Tavita after he suffered a pec injury against Melbourne which could rule him out for rest of season. The Warriors could bring Sean O’Sullivan back into the halves or go with Reece Walsh who returns from suspension (which would see Tuivasa-Sheck staying at fullback). Ken Maumalo has played his last game for the Warriors and before his mid-season move to Tigers and will be replaced by Adam Pompey who also returns from suspension. Wayde Egan suffered a head knock on Sunday which forced him from the field, meaning Jazz Tevaga will likely start at hooker, with rookie Taniela Otukolo coming onto the bench to make his NRL debut. Rocco Berry was a late withdrawal on Sunday after suffering an injury at training last week, and could be out again. Reports suggest Dallin Watene-Zeleizniak may be joining the club and if announced before Tuesday afternoon, he could be named after being a late withdrawal for the Bulldogs on Monday.
DRAGONS VS RAIDERS
Saturday 19 June, 5:30pm, WIN Stadium, Wollongong
Dragons: Dragons come into the game off a five-day turnaround and will be looking to make amends for a disappointing game against the Bulldogs on Monday. Mat Dufty is in some doubt after he copped a knock to his right shoulder which saw him miss some games earlier in the season. Corey Norman, Brayden Wiliame and Blake Lawrie were all placed on report and could be on the charge sheet come Tuesday.
Raiders: The Raiders have both Corey Harawira-Naera and Semi Valemei in doubt after they left the field late in the Broncos game due to HIA’s, both will need to pass required protocols to play. If Valemei is ruled out rookie Elijah Anderson could come onto the wing, while Hudson Young would replace Harawira-Naera on the right edge. Ryan James is available for selection after missing the Dragons game due to suspension and will likely come onto the bench for Iosia Soliola, with Sutton starting at lock.
STORM VS TIGERS
Saturday 19 June, 7:35pm, Sunshine Coast Stadium, Sunshine Coast
Storm: Ryan Papenhuyzen has returned to the training paddock as he continues his rehab from a concussion suffered in Magic Round, but he isn’t expected to be available for selection until Round 16, with Nicho Hynes to continue at fullback. Nelson Asofa-Solomona will return from suspension, while Christian Welch will need to pass concussion protocols to return after failing a HIA in Origin Game I. Harry Grant copped a knock to the shoulder against the Warriors and played on, but could be in some doubt depending on how he pulls up. Kenny Bromwich should be available for selection after missing Round 14 due to rib injury despite training last week. Tom Eisenhuth passed a game day HIA and should be available for selection. Brenko Lee returned from injury in the QLD Cup, playing alongside new recruit Tepai Moeroa.
Wests Tigers: The club has a few injury concerns following their loss to Parramatta on Sunday, with Tommy Talau expected to be ruled out following a shoulder injury. Adam Doueihi was forced from the field after a high shot from Maika Sivo, he failed his HIA and will be touch and go for Saturday with only a six-day turnaround. Moses Mbye missed the Eels game due to a knee injury and it’s hoped he will recover to prove fitness to play, but if out again Billy Walters should continue in halves, with Jock Madden another option. New signing Ken Maumalo scored a hat-trick in his final game for the Warriors and will join the Tigers on Tuesday. He could come straight into the team at left wing, with James Roberts moving to centre to cover for the loss of Talau with either Michael Chee-Kam or Joey Leilua options to replace Doueihi. David Nofoaluma will have to have scans on a knee injury but it’s hoped he will be fit, while Daine Laurie will be monitored during the week after passing his game-day HIA after a heavy knock.
EELS VS BULLDOGS
Sunday 20 June, 2:00pm, Bankwest Stadium, Sydney
Eels: Parramatta look set to be without barnstorming winger Maika Sivo, who is facing a 1-2 week suspension for an ugly high shot on Adam Doueihi, while Isaiah Papali’i has escaped with just a fine after a knee drop on Luciano Leilua. The Eels only injury concern to come out of the Tigers game is Marata Niukore, who passed a game day HIA on Sunday and should be available for selection.
Bulldogs: Canterbury are expected to name the same 17 which took field on Monday in a good win over Dragons which will see Nick Meaney continue at fullback and Tui Katoa on wing with Dallin Watene-Zelezniak potentially leaving clubs to head to Warriors.
TITANS VS SEA EAGLES
Sunday 20 June, 4:05pm, Cbus Super Stadium, Gold Coast
Titans: Kevin Proctor is looking at a one-game suspension with an early guilty plea after being charged with a Grade two high tackle, which could see Sam Stone continue on an edge. AJ Brimson could return from knee injury after failing to back up from Origin I, replacing Jayden Campbell at fullback. Moeaki Fotuaika returns after missing the Roosters game on weekend after he was suspended for a late shot on Latrell Mitchell in Origin. David Fifita’s position could be in doubt if the NRL hand down a sentence for their long running investigation into and off-field incident in the pre-season. Jonus Pearson returned from a knee injury in QLD Cup on weekend and is fit for selection. Anthony Don (hip), Mitch Rein (shoulder), Sam Lisone (pec) and Corey Thompson (ankle) are all close but will probably be given another week to get injuries right.
Manly: The Sea Eagles will welcome back Tom Trbojevic at fullback after he was rested from the Cowboys game after Origin, with Reuben Garrick moving back to wing and Brad Parker to centre, with Moses Suli in doubt after leaving the field with a calf injury. Toafofoa Sipley failed a HIA on weekend and will need to pass the required protocols to play, but with Sean Keppie returning from suspension it could see Kurt De Luis remaining on bench. Curtis Sironen (knee) and Josh Schuster (calf) are unavailable for selection but are pencilled in to return after Round 16. Tevita Funa also returns from suspension, but with the return of Dylan Walker from injury may not be able to force his way into 17.
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