NRL Early Mail Round 18: Predicted team changes
Bulldogs winger Jayden Okunbor will return to the NRL this week having served his ban for a pre-season sex scandal, while there’s good news for Cronulla ahead of a crucial clash.
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Bulldogs winger Jayden Okunbor will make his NRL return in Friday’s clash with the Sea Eagles.
Okunbor, who has not played first grade this season after he was embroiled in the schoolgirl sex scandal in the pre-season, will be named on the wing by interim Bulldogs coach Steve Georgallis.
Okunbor originally had his contract terminated, but his punishment was reduced to a 14-match ban and a $25,000 fine.
With Kieran Foran injured, exciting utility back Jake Averillo will slot in at five-eighth.
— Nick Campton
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Meanwhile, Sharks leading try-scorer Sione Katoa and Shaun Johnson will return from injury for the club’s crucial clash with the Warriors on Sunday.
Katoa was sidelined last weekend due to a chest injury, while Johnson has missed the last two matches due to a hamstring injury.
Katoa — the electric winger who sits equal-second for most tries this year with 14 — trained with the Cronulla squad on Tuesday and is on track to tackle the Warriors.
Johnson will replace Chad Townsend (suspended) with Connor Tracey tipped to also start in the halves after being named on the bench last week.
— David Riccio
Canberra has received the best news possible with Josh Papalii a chance of playing against St George Illawarra on Saturday after being cleared of serious shoulder damage.
It is understood scans have revealed Papalii has not suffered an AC joint shoulder injury but there is some damage to the back of his shoulder.
Ricky Stuart will make a decision on whether Papalii plays on Tuesday, but this is the best case scenario after it was earlier feared the star prop’s season could be over.
Meanwhile, veteran prop Sia Soliola is hoping to take part in a contact session on Tuesday that will determine if he will be available to play against St George Illawarra on Saturday.
Soliola has been sidelined since early July with a shocking facial fracture.
There is little chance of tough lock Corey Horsburgh playing before the finals because of a foot injury, while gun young prop Emre Guler will be lucky to play again this season because of an ankle injury.
It emphasises why getting back big Papa and Soliola sooner rather than later is so important in the context of the Raiders’ season.
Young rookie Kai O’Donnell is the other option to get a call up into the squad for the Dragons clash if either Papalii or Soliola are unavailable.
— Paul Crawley
Melbourne Storm forward Nelson Asofa-Solomona will return from a calf injury on Sunday to take on North Queensland Cowboys.
Asofa-Solomona’s recovery was some solace on Monday after Storm accepted a one-match ban to Christian Welch, with a ‘no contest’ plea.
Storm young gun Tino Fa’asuamaleaui is likely to start alongside forward pack leader Jesse Bromwich, with Asofa-Solomona and Darryn Schonig part of the powerful bench rotation.
Storm assistant coach Jason Ryles also backed Fijian prop Tui Kamikamica to make his long-awaited return in coming weeks.
“Nelson will be right this week,” Ryles said.
“I’m 90 per cent sure … and I think Tui is very, very close.
“If he doesn’t play this week I’d imagine he’ll play next week.
“Good to get ‘Big Bula’ back, probably one of our best forwards in the first two games of the year and then he had that back injury.”
Kamikamica had surgery in July after scans confirmed a damaged disc.
Despite the injury-forced selection carousel, Storm could cement second spot on the ladder with a win over the Cowboys as long as minor premiership-bound Penrith defeats Parramatta.
“Something that has shone through (from the injuries) is how gritty our group is at the moment,” Ryles said.
“How willing they are to stay in the fight and the weekend in particular … the way they hung in and stayed in the fight and found a way to win.
“It wasn’t pretty at times but they found a way to keep defending against quality opposition the last month.
“We haven’t missed one or two guys, it’s been four, five or six guys at a time, we spoke to guys on the fringe before we came into camp and basically said you need to be ready.”
Storm has enjoyed tremendous production from fringe forwards Schonig and Albert Vete, as well as utility Chris Lewis.
Tom Eisenhuth, who should also return this week, has emerged as a reliable weekly contributor also.
“We’re very clear on what everyone’s job is, right from filling the water bottles through to Cameron Smith,” Ryles said.
“Being a gritty good defensive player is part of the prerequisite I guess of getting in the NRL team.
“It is part of the DNA of the club, something everyone he prides themselves on and the players are doing a really good job of hanging in games.
“While we haven’t been playing our best footy, we have been able to defend our way to good wins.”
— Gilbert Gardiner
The Warriors have been given a much-needed boost with the Eels agreeing to allow Daniel Alvaro and George Jennings to return.
The Parramatta-contract duo were unable to play for the Warriors against the Eels last Sunday but will like-up for New Zealand against Cronulla as part of a week-by-week loan deal.
– Michael Carayannis
Meanwhile, Newcastle will be boosted by the returns of Daniel Saifiti (knee), Edrick Lee (arm) and Sione Mata’utia (ankle) for Saturday’s clash against the Sydney Roosters.
But coach Adam O’Brien still has to make a final decision on whether to play Kalyn Ponga or give the star fullback a rest after the pummelling he copped against Cronulla.
Tex Hoy would be the obvious replacement at fullback if Ponga is ruled out.
And there is an improving chance gun centre Bradman Best (ankle) will be back for the last round of the regular season.
The Knights have had some up and down form in recent weeks and missing Ponga against the reigning premiers would be a huge loss.
Saifiti’s return though is significant given he was their form front-rower before his injury.
Meanwhile, the Broncos look set to welcome back skipper Alex Glenn for Saturday’s Queensland derby with the Titans.
Glenn completed Monday’s training session with the run-on squad as he continues to recover from a knee injury suffered during their Round 9 game against the Bulldogs.
Meanwhile, struggling playmaker Anthony Milford is likely to miss another week of footy as he continues to recover from a hamstring injury.
Milford trained with the main squad for the first time on Monday since suffering the injury last month but only lasted a few minutes.
NRL CASUALTY WARD: All weekend injuries
Youngster Sean O’Sullivan replaced him in the halves, alongside Tom Dearden, in what is likely to be Brisbane’s playmaking duo for Saturday’s game.
Broncos centre Herbie Farnworth hoped the inclusion of Glenn would add some leadership to the young playing group this weekend.
“(Glenn’s) only played about three or four games this year,” Farnworth said.
“What we’ve been lacking a little bit is leadership so Lexi will add that this week.
“He gives everything, every single game.
“He’s real loud on the field.
“He’s a real strong ball carrier too.
“He was all smiles today.”
— Chris Honnery
Meanwhile, young gun South Sydney winger Jaxson Paulo could be the unlucky casualty to make way Dane Gagai’s return from a hamstring injury in Thursday night’s clash against Wests Tigers.
Wayne Bennett has a tough decision to make with Paulo and Steven Marsters both making the most of their opportunities since getting NRL call ups.
However, Melbourne really went after Souths’ inexperienced right edge and made them pay on a couple of occasions with some poor defensive reads.
Bennett has been really impressed with both players, but on what we saw against the Storm, Marsters probably just has the edge over Paulo to keep his spot.
Gagai’s expected return will be a big boost for the Bunnies who are still without Latrell Mitchell, James Roberts and Braidon Burns for the season.
— Paul Crawley
TIGERS V RABBITOHS
Thursday 10 September, Bankwest Stadium, Sydney, 7.50pm
Tigers: Come into the game off a five-day turnaround after a last minute win over the Sea Eagles with no major injuries and the same 17 will be selected. Michael Chee-Kam (concussion) and Zane Musgrove (foot) have both recovered and are available for selection.
Rabbitohs: Should welcome back Dane Gagai after missing the last few games due to a hamstring injury. Keoan Koloamatangi failed gameday HIA. He is in some doubt and will need to pass required protocols to play. Tevita Tatola suffered a knee injury during the game but was able to play on and will need to be checked before teams are named. Adam Reynolds (passed HIA), Liam Knight (knock) and Alex Johnston (knock) should all be fit to play with Corey Allan set to continue in the fullback role. Jed Cartwright, Ky Rodwell or Kurt Dillon could be options to come into 17 if required.
BULLDOGS V SEA EAGLES
Friday 11 September, ANZ Stadium, Sydney, 6pm
Bulldogs: Will be without both Kieran Foran (pectoral) and Dylan Napa (knee/shoulder) after they suffered injuries on the weekend and it’s expected both won’t play again this season. Jack Cogger is the logical replacement for Foran. But with the Bulldogs last on the ladder it could be a good time to throw Jake Averillo into his natural position at five-eighth and see if he has a future playing halves in NRL. Sauaso Sue will likely come into the 17 for Napa on the bench with Luke Thompson starting at lock pushing Aiden Tolman to prop.
Sea Eagles: Winger Jorge Taufua’s season is all but over after he suffered a calf injury on the weekend. Morgan Harper will hold the right centre position after having a good game on his Sea Eagles club debut with Abbas Miski likely to come onto the wing for Taufua.
Curtis Sironen will continue to play despite being bruised and battered each week. Josh Schuster left the field late hopefully just with cramp and not a calf injury. If ruled out Cade Cust could get a recall if fit after being a late withdrawal in the Tigers game. Tom Trbojevic is expected to return from a hamstring injury in Round 19 against Titans with Dylan Walker also pencilled in for that game.
Classic pec injury mechanism for Kieran Foran, attempting tackle with arm out to side. Considering traumatic nature worry for high grade tear/rupture, if confirmed likely surgery & 10-14 weeks return to play. Feel for him pic.twitter.com/2kzwbDajhN
— NRL PHYSIO (@nrlphysio) September 5, 2020
PANTHERS V EELS
Friday 11 September, Panthers Stadium, Penrith, 7.55pm
Panthers: Will welcome the return of Isaah Yeo after he missed the Broncos game due to concussion. He did train with the squad late last week and will return at lock with Spencer Leniu the player expected to drop out of the 17. Brent Naden and Liam Martin both stayed down during the game after copping knocks but were able to play on and should be fit to be named.
Jack Hetherington is available for selection after suspension while playing for the Warriors. He trained with the Panthers last week but there is some talk the Panthers and Warriors could agree to extend a loan arrangement, which could see Hetherington return to Warriors for the last few rounds. Charlie Staines is fit after recovering from a hamstring injury but isn’t expected to force his way into the team.
Eels: Parramatta hooker Reed Mahoney is an unlikely starter against Penrith this week after scans on Monday confirmed the in-form No. 9 suffered a joint injury in his left shoulder.
Asked about his likely return date, an Eels official said only that it was “indefinite”.
Full story by Nick Walshaw here
Marata Niukore left the field after suffering a sternum/rib injury and could be in some doubt. Waqa Blake suffered an ankle injury during the game but was able to run it off and play the full game. Brad Takairangi, Rhys Davies, Will Smith and Andrew Davey are all options to come onto the bench.
Reed Mahoney off with left shoulder injury, video brings concern for AC joint sprain as shoulder slams into turf. Have to hope no collarbone fracture. Best case minor AC joint sprain/burner (0-2wks return) but not good signs he was unable to stay on pic.twitter.com/VCkNAGrqvu
— NRL PHYSIO (@nrlphysio) September 6, 2020
DRAGONS V RAIDERS
Saturday 12 September, WIN Stadium, Wollongong, 3pm
Dragons: Welcome back Paul Vaughan after two games out due to suspension. Vaughan comes onto the bench with Tyrell Fuimaono expected to make way. Tariq Sims is recovering from a shoulder injury and is closing in on a return if not this week maybe next week.
Raiders: Prop Josh Papalii isin some doubt after he suffered a shoulder injury on the weekend, although he shouldn’t miss too much time following positive scan results. With the Raiders’ middle forward depth being challenged, Ricky Stuart will be forced to run with a back utility on the bench like Matt Timoko or bring rookie forward Kai O’Donnell back into the side.
Curtis Scott I am not expecting to return from an ankle injury which will see Semi Valemei continue on the left wing with Nick Cotric on the right wing outside Jordan Rapana. Tom Starling will continue to be named on the bench but will likely start at hooker like the previous few weeks.
TITANS V BRONCOS
Saturday 12 September, Cbus Super Stadium, Gold Coast, 5.30pm
Titans: Expected to be missing both Brian Kelly and Jaimin Jolliffe after they suffered ankle injuries on the weekend. Moeaki Fotuaika would start at prop with Keegan Hipgrave returning on the bench. Following Tyrone Peachey’s strong form over the last few weeks at lock, coach Justin Holbrook will resist moving Peachey to centre and could play Phillip Sami at centre after he missed the weekend game.
Broncos: Expected to be missing both Jordan Riki and Jamil Hopoate after both were charged by the match review committee. Riki was charged with a grade one crusher tackle on Nathan Cleary and is looking at a two-week suspension, while Hopoate and Cory Paix were charged with a grade one dangerous throw for a tackle on James Fisher-Harris. Paix can avoid suspension with an early plea, or face a one-match sanction if found guilty. Hopoate, due to a previous offence, is facing a one-game ban irrespective of whether he accepts or contests the charge.
Joe Ofahengaue returns from suspension with Alex Glenn expected to finally return from a knee injury. Xavier Coates will need to pass a fitness test on an ankle injury and could replace Richie Kennar on the wing. Anthony Milford is a week or two away following a hamstring injury. Pride Petterson-Robati is closing in on making his NRL debut.
Brian Kelly & Jaimin Jolliffe both failed to return with ankle sprains. Jolliffe mechanism unclear, Kelly’s brings concern for syndesmosis injury (high ankle sprain) as foot gets caught/turns out. Even low grade sprain likely 2-3 weeks recovery if confirmed pic.twitter.com/zSqMIoVWlg
— NRL PHYSIO (@nrlphysio) September 5, 2020
ROOSTERS V KNIGHTS
Saturday 12 September, Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney, 7.35pm
Roosters: Expected to welcome back both Jake Friend (concussion) and Mitch Aubusson (wrist). Both took part in captain’s run before the game last week, but the Roosters took a cautious approach. Friend’s return pushes Freddy Lussick, who is expected to overcome an ankle injury, back to the bench.
James Tedesco could be rested in the coming rounds, which could see Joseph Manu move to fullback. Josh Morris (nose) and Boyd Cordner (ribs) should both overcome knocks to play.
Knights: Coach Adam O’Brien looks set to make a big call in resting Kalyn Ponga this week after he suffered a broken nose and then nearly had his head taken off in tackle which saw Chad Townsend sent off. Tex Hoy is set to fill in at fullback. Phoenix Crossland is in some doubt after he failed HIA and will need to pass required protocols to play with Chris Randell the option should Crossland be ruled out.
Daniel Saifiti could return from a knee injury with brother Jacob dropping to the bench and Josh King making way. Pasami Saulo returns from suspension but may not force his way into the side. Sione Mata’utia (ankle) and Edrick Lee (arm) are also set to return this week, while Bradman Best (ankle) is aiming for Round 20.
STORM V COWBOYS
Sunday 13 September, Sunshine Coast Stadium, Sunshine Coast, 4.05pm
Storm: Came out of the Rabbitohs game battered and bruised. Jesse Bromwich, Christian Welch, Darryn Schonig and Tino Faasuamaleaui all passed gameday HIA but will be monitored. Nelson Asofa-Solomona and Tom Eisenhuth are both outside chances to recover from calf injuries. Christian Welch was hit with a grade one dangerous contact charge for a tackle on Liam Knight but will be cleared to play provided he takes the early guilty plea. Suliasi Vunivalu could return from a broken jaw in the next week or two but will need to get doctor’s clearance to play.
Cowboys: Should welcome the return of Coen Hess after he missed the Dragons due to suspension. He will start on the left edge pushing Tom Gilbert back to the bench with Gavin Cooper expected to drop out. Daejarn Asi didn’t see any game time on the weekend and coach Josh Hannay may look to bring Jake Granville onto the bench to provide back up to Reuben Cotter at hooker.
SHARKS V WARRIORS
Sunday 13 September, Netstrata Jubilee Stadium, Sydney, 6.30pm
Sharks: Cronulla’s top-eight hopes have taken a huge hit with veteran halfback Chad Townsend to miss the rest of the regular season after he took the early guilty plea for his shoulder charge on Newcastle superstar Kalyn Ponga.
Also, skipper Wade Graham has been banned for two games for his part in a lifting tackle on Mason Lino, although teammate Toby Rudolf is free to play after he also took the early guilty plea for his role in the tackle.
Full story by Martin Gabor here
Siosifa Talakai will start on an edge with Andrew Fifita returning to the bench after being dropped on the weekend. Shaun Johnson is hopeful of returning from a groin/hamstring injury and if fit would partner Connor Tracey in the halves. Sione Katoa should return on the wing after missing the game on the weekend due to a throat injury pushing Bryson Goodwin out of 17.
Warriors: The Warriors have been given a much-needed boost with the Eels agreeing to allow Daniel Alvaro and George Jennings to return. The Parramatta-contracted duo were unable to play for the Warriors against the Eels last Sunday but will like-up for New Zealand against Cronulla as part of a week-by-week loan deal. Patrick Herbert (hamstring) and Nathaniel Roache (knee) are eyeing comebacks from injury.
Originally published as NRL Early Mail Round 18: Predicted team changes