NRL Early Mail Round 6: Predicted team changes
NRL team news is flooding in for Round 6 and our team of journalists are all over it. Check the latest changes here.
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Newcastle will hand a debut to rookie winger Brayden Musgrove as the Knights battle an injury crisis which threatens to derail their season.
With Novocastrians going down left and right, 23-year-old Musgrove will play his first NRL game against Cronulla on Friday night as Adam O’Brien’s men look to stave off a third straight loss.
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A Cessnock junior, Musgrove played NSW Cup for the Knights in 2019 before joining Manly for a brief stint last year. He re-joined Newcastle on a train and trial deal over the offseason and now will become the club’s newest top grade player.
— Nick Campton
STORM’S POWERFUL ONE-TWO PUNCH
Melbourne dummy-halves Brandon Smith and Harry Grant have vowed to strengthen their one-two punch and keep opposition sides guessing starting with Friday night’s blockbuster against the Roosters.
Smith has started in the No.9 jersey in every game this season, but Grant – last year’s Dally M hooker of the year — returned from a knee injury off the bench in last week’s win over Canterbury. The New Zealand international believed it could be a horses for courses approach from week to week.
“I think with Harry not playing for awhile I think I’ll still be starting (this week), but we’ll come up with a plan to see what teams sort of suit me starting compared to Harry and likewise,” Smith said.
“It might be a good idea for me to start this week just because the Roosters play a big power game and I’m a little bit bigger than Harry, so be able to take a bit of the sting out of them.
“We’ll just see what the plan is and I’m sure the coaches will have a good one.”
Grant agreed, although he admitted he felt physically capable of playing 80 minutes at hooker after recovering from his knee issue.
“Hopefully we can keep that one-two punch going (with Smith),” Grant said. “I think I’m capable (of playing 80 minutes) but it’s just what the coaches want to go with and also what’s best for the team. With the opposition we play each week, it might change.
“And especially with the rule changes, the game is extremely fast and there’s a lot of fatigue.
“So it’s about getting the balance and what the coaches want to do.”
In previous years, Smith has come off the bench playing as an explosive forward through the middle of the field. He reverted to that lock forward role when Grant came on against the Bulldogs, and admitted he felt comfortable doing so.
“I enjoyed the transition back because it didn’t feel so foreign to me,” Smith said. “I love playing hooker, don’t get me wrong, but I’m really use to that role and because I’ve been playing it for so long at the Storm now I feel like I’ve got a little bit more leeway.”
Smith has another season remaining on his contract but has been given permission by Storm to explore the player market. He has been linked to a number of teams, but said there was “no update” on his future.
“I don’t know where they’re getting all these bloody articles from but I like them because it kind of just bumps my price up a little bit more every time,” he laughed.
— Nick Smart
The Sharks have suffered another blow with captain Wade Graham ruling himself out of this weekend’s match against the Newcastle Knights.
In a tumultuous week for the club, Graham has opted to rest and recover following two head knocks over the past three weeks.
Meanwhile, Raiders fullback Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad will be out for an extended period with a bulging disc in his neck. He will meet with specialists this week to determine if the injury needs surgery.
Graham said he was feeling well within himself and had passed the first steps of the NRL’s concussion protocols on Monday, but said he was taking a precautionary approach.
“Due to the short turnaround from our last match (against the Roosters on Saturday) I just want to take the safety-first decision given it was two heads knocks in two weeks,” Graham said. “To be honest, I believe the head knocks are directly related to my tackling technique. I’m just getting my head in the wrong spots and that’s something I’m going to spend the next period investigating. I’ll sit this weekend out and take it week by week from there.”
— David Riccio
Winger David Fusitu’a has been ruled out of the Warriors match against St George Illawarra because of a hamstring injury. Fusitu’a failed to complete the Warriors last-start loss to Manly, with his injury adding to the club’s growing casualty ward. The Warriors are hopeful the injury is not long-term.
— Michael Carayannis
Meanwhile, young Sydney Roosters hooker Ben Marschke will fight a grade one crusher tackle charge at the NRL Judiciary on Tuesday night.
The Roosters will be desperately hoping Marschke can beat the charge as they deal with a massive hooking crisis ahead of Friday night’s clash with the Storm in Melbourne.
If unsuccessful, Marschke will miss two games, including the Anzac Day blockbuster against St George Illawarra.
The news comes as the Roosters’ hooking stocks could receive a much needed boost with Adam Keighran set to make an earlier than expected return on Friday against Melbourne from a dislocated wrist.
Keighran’s return would be a huge relief for coach Trent Robinson who was already scrambling for hooking options before Marschke was charged for the tackle against the Sharks on Saturday night after the man he replaced at hooker, Freddy Lussick, suffered a broken arm.
The club confirmed on Monday that Lussick will be sidelined for at least six weeks.
Lock Radley has filled in at hooker with some success, but is only just returning from a long-term knee injury. Robinson said post-game he may have to go back to SG Ball to find an option, with Tom Deakin believed to be in the frame for a call up.
The Roosters have already lost champion hooker Jake Friend who retired last week due to repeated concussion issues and the next best hooker at the club, Sam Verrills, is still at least three weeks away from returning from a knee injury. Lachlan Lam, who can also play dummy-half, is not due back from a knee injury until round nine.
— Russell Jackson
TAUMALOLO EYES RETURN AFTER ABORTED COMEBACK
It’s mixed news for North Queensland on the injury front following the Cowboys’ crucial win against Wests Tigers on Sunday.
Forward Jason Taumalolo is “confident” about taking the field this weekend but won’t rush back from a “freak” hand injury.
The Cowboys superstar told The Daily Telegraph he must get through two contact sessions this week before taking the field against Canterbury on Sunday in Townsville.
“I didn’t pass last week’s fitness test but fingers crossed it should be right for this weekend. I’m taking it day by day but hopefully I get through the two contact sessions this week,” Taumalolo said. “Last week was my first session doing contact with my hand, I tried to force the issue a bit, but obviously it’s not ready and I don’t want to rush myself and re-injure it.”
Taumalolo suffered the injury in the lead-up to round two’s clash against St George Illawarra.
“It was a bit of a freak accident during a contact session, I was running the ball, running at players, which I’ve done a million times and it just so happened that one time it hit me in the hand and it gave in,” Taumalolo said.
The news isn’t as positive for Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, who suffered an ankle injury in Cowboys 34-30 win against Wests Tigers on Sunday. Tabuai-Fidow, who scored two tries on Sunday, will go for scans when the Cowboys arrive in Townsville on Monday but Taumalolo fears the speeder could be sidelined for an extended period.
“He’ll get scans in Townsville this afternoon, hopefully it’s not too serious, but at the moment it looks like it could be some ankle ligament damage,” Taumalolo said. “It’ll definitely slow down Hammer a bit, he’ll be at my sprinting pace after the ankle injury. We all saw what he is capable of and his speed and how he can find the tryline with his natural playing ability.”
— Fatima Kdouh
BRONCOS V PANTHERS
Thursday 15 April, Suncorp Stadium, 7:50pm
Broncos: Besieged Broncos playmaker Anthony Milford is set to be dropped for Thursday’s epic encounter against Penrith at Suncorp Stadium. The 26-year-old trained with the Broncos reserve squad during Brisbane’s Monday training session in an early indication he will be axed from the first grade side for the first time in nine years. Tom Dearden and Brodie Croft were instead playing as the club’s first choice halves as coach Kevin Waters begins to “put his foot down” to stop the rot at Red Hill. Talented youngster Tesi Niu was also dropped to the reserves squad with Jesse Arthars training in his place of right centre.
Full story by Chris Honnery and Peter Badel
The Broncos will also be without Ben Te’o after he suffered a bicep injury in the Rabbitohs game which will see him ruled out for an extended period. But Brisbane do have Patrick Carrigan returning from suspension and he will start at lock with Tevita Pangai dropping to the bench. Herbie Farnworth missed last week’s game due to a shoulder injury and could return with Richie Kennar the player to make way if Farnworth is fit.
Panthers: The only issue is Moses Leota who only played limited minutes in one stint. Injured pair of Api Koroisau and Dylan Edwards are both on track to return from injury in Round 8.
KNIGHTS V SHARKS
Friday 16 April, McDonald Jones Stadium, 6:00pm
Knights: Three big ins with Bradman Best (elbow), Jacob Saifiti (suspension) and Kurt Mann (concussion) all returning. Best’s comeback will see Gehamat Shibaskai make way allowing Enari Tuala to move back to right centre. Mann returns at five-eighth, partnering Green in the halves with Connor Watson more than likely named at lock but will drop back to bench. Sauaso Sue would start at lock with Chris Randall ruled out due to an arm injury suffered on the weekend. Pasami Saulo will be the player to make way with Jacob Saifiti returning.
Sharks: Wade Graham is out and Josh Dugan is unlikely to play due to failing HIAs. Both have been concussed previously within a few weeks and they are set be ruled out.
In a boost for Cronulla, Briton Nikora returns from suspension while Siosifa Talakai is set to make his first appearance of the year. Talakai (shoulder) will be named in the 21 and only needs to get through training this week. KFC SuperCoach cheapie Teig Wilton is set hold his position in the line up although he will likely switch to the left side to cover for Graham. Connor Tracey would start at left centre to cover for the loss of Dugan with Braydon Trindall the player expected to come onto bench.
STORM V ROOSTERS
Friday 16 April, AAMI Park, 7:55pm
Storm: Will receive another massive in after Harry Grant made a successful injury return on the weekend with Dale Finucane returning from a calf injury suffered at training before Round 1. He trained with the squad this past week and is expected to return from the bench with Tom Eisenhuth the player expected to drop out of the 17. I am expecting Grant to continue to start from the bench with Brandon Smith, who was sick last week, starting at hooker. Cooper Johns and rookie Jack Howarth are both unavailable due to hamstring injuries.
Roosters: The hooker position is cursed with Jake Friend (retired), Sam Verrills (knee), Adam Keighran (wrist) all missing. Now Freddy Lussick will be ruled out with a broken arm and rookie Ben Marshcke, who is only playing NRL on exemption, is set to miss one week after being charged with grade one crusher tackle on Mawene Hiroti. This could see Trent Robinson forced to play Victor Radley at hooker with Drew Hutchison spending time there during the game, with other options being NSW Cup’s Coby Thomas, Jersey Flegg’s Kobe Rugless or SG Ball’s Tom Deakin.
SEA EAGLES V TITANS
Saturday 17 April, Glen Willow Oval, 3:00pm
Sea Eagles: Get ready Mudgee, Tom Trbojevic is coming to town after passing a fitness test on the weekend. He will return and play fullback replacing Dylan Walker who is out due to his own hamstring injury. Cade Cust missed the game on weekend due to illness and will return on the bench with Tevita Funa to make way. Jack Gosiewski suffered a foot injury in the opening minutes on the weekend and is expected to be ruled out which could see Josh Aloiai switch to the right edge after spending time there on weekend. Haumole Olakau’atu, who should be fit after suffering a nasty elbow injury earlier in the season, is in line for a bench spot with Zac Saddler and Ben Trbojevic other options. Jorge Taufua returned on the weekend from an Achilles injury and could come into contention. Moses Suli remains unavailable after suffering a fractured back in the Panthers game.
Titans: Phillip Sami is in doubt as he undergoes concussion protocols after failing gameday HIA on weekend. With Anthony Don also unavailable due to a hamstring injury we could see coach Justin Holbrook forced to shuffle Tyrone Peachey out to centre. Brian Kelly and Ash Taylor both made successful returns from hand injuries on the weekend. Corey Thompson will play after suffering a knock to the sternum.
RABBITOHS V TIGERS
Saturday 17 April, Stadium Australia, 5:30pm
Rabbitohs: Welcome back Cody Walker from suspension at five-eighth with Benji Marshall moving back to the bench and Dean Hawkins dropping out, even though he won’t play this week after a nasty cut to his knee in celebrations of his NRL debut game. Jacob Host will continue on the left edge with Keaon Koloamatangi missing again due to suspension.
Wests Tigers: Licking their wounds with coach Michael Maguire talking about making some serious selection calls. Joe Ofahengaue started on the right edge on weekend with Luke Garner dropping to the bench. It didn’t really work so I expect to see Garner back starting this week after a standout performance. Joey Leilua failed HIA on Sunday and will need to pass required protocols to play. Jake Simpkin has been a standout in NSW Cup this season and is putting pressure on for a bench role. Jock Madden, Asu Kepaoa, Tukimiha Simpkins, Tom Amone and Alex Seyfarth could come into contention for selection should Maguire swing the axe.
RAIDERS V EELS
Saturday 17 April, GIO Stadium, 7:35pm
Raiders: Coach Ricky Stuart has been rotating starting middles forwards for the last few weeks which could continue. Josh Hodgson failed to finish the Panthers game due to a hip flexor injury and could be in some doubt. But with Hodgson’s high pain tolerance threshold and due diligence to rehab I expect him to recover in time to play, although the Raiders do have Tom Starling waiting in wings. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad failed HIA on Friday which saw Jordan Rapana move to fullback. He has been diagnosed with a bulging disc in his neck and will be out for some time. Expect Caleb Aekins to make his club debut at fullback. Ryan James suffered a heavy hit early in the game on the weekend which saw him leave the field for HIA but he was able to pass HIA and returned to the field but will be monitored for symptoms.
Eels: Five-eighth Dylan Brown is facing a one-week ban with early guilty plea after being charged with a crusher tackle offence in Parramatta’s loss to the Dragons on Sunday night. Mitch Moses could be in doubt after he looked to suffer a calf injury in the final moments of the Dragons game. Ryan Matterson isn’t expected to be named as he is still suffering symptoms of concussion. Clint Gutherson was placed on report for a hit on Adam Clune but escaped with a fine. He could still be in some doubt after suffering an ankle injury during the game, although he was able to play out game.
DRAGONS V WARRIORS
Sunday 18 April, Netstrata Jubilee Stadium, 2:00pm
Dragons: Coming off a good win over the Eels but Blake Lawrie suffered a quad injury and could be in some doubt. Poasa Faamausili missed the game on weekend due to a shoulder injury and could come back into the 17. New signing Billy Burns could come into contention for the 17 after playing NSW Cup on weekend. Adam Clune was forced from the field late in the game for HIA with no reports on if he passed. Jayden O’Sullivan made a successful return from a hamstring injury in NSW Cup on weekend and would be Clune’s replacement.
Warriors: Coming off a heartbreaking last minute loss to Manly and have Marcelo Montoya in doubt after he failed gameday HIA with Hayze Perham, Paul Turner and Rocco Berry all options should he be ruled out. Jamayne Taunoa-Brown and Bunty Afoa return from suspension to shore up the front rower ranks with Kane Evans and Tom Ale the two players likely to make way, which will see Tohu Harris switch back to an edge and Jack Murchie dropping to the bench. David Fusitu’a left the field late in the game due to a hamstring strain and is out. Jazz Tevaga is expected to be named despite managing an ongoing ankle injury.
COWBOYS V BULLDOGS
Sunday 18 April, Queensland Country Bank Stadium, 4:05pm
Cowboys: Coming off their first win of the season and should welcome back Jason Taumalolo from a hand injury after he was close to playing on weekend, which will see him start at lock. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow suffered an ankle injury which could see him out for an extended period of time with Justin O’Neill set to return from concussion to replace him at left centre. Connelly Lemuelu and Kyle Feldt both suffered shoulder injuries on weekend and could be in some doubt. Lemuelu is the player most unlikely with Esan Marsters, who played Queensland Cup on weekend, coming back at right centre. Josh McGuire could have played his last game for the Cowboys with whispers he will be at the Dragons in future weeks. Reuben Cotter was placed on report and could be on the charge sheet. Tom Gilbert returned from a broken leg in Queensland Cup on the weekend as he builds match fitness and could come into contention.
Bulldogs: Luke Thompson looked to pull up in the final moments of the game on weekend after having issues with his hamstring in pre season and could be missing some games. Tui Katoa suffered a rib injury but was able to play out the game and should be right to be named with no other reported injuries to come out of the game on weekend.
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