NRL teams Round 16: Late Mail, predicted changes for upcoming round

The Sydney Roosters will field a makeshift five-eighth Friday night, two Brisbane stars have been given the green light while the Bulldogs are set to unleash a weapon against the Sharks.

Sydney Roosters centre Joey Manu will make a shock switch to five-eighth for Friday night’s blockbuster against all-conquering Penrith.

The Daily Telegraph has been told Manu will play in the halves, Drew Hutchison will move back to the bench and Paul Momirovski will start at right centre.

Hutchison was named at five-eighth when the Roosters side was announced on Tuesday afternoon with Manu at centre and Momirovski as a reserve in jumper 18.

But the Roosters plan to make the positional changes in a bid to find a winning combination to topple the seemingly invincible Panthers.

Manu has only played in the halves twice before – once listed as a halfback, the other as a five-eighth. Those matches were in rounds 12 and 15 last year.

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Joseph Manu (Photo by Mark Nolan/Getty Images)

DOGS TO DEBUT PONGA HITMAN

He’s famous for flattening Kalyn Ponga and now Bulldogs rookie Declan Casey will get his chance to leave his mark on the Sharks.

The Canterbury winger will make his NRL debut against Cronulla on Saturday following the withdrawal of Corey Allen from the starting line-up with a leg injury.

Casey has spent the season so far in the NSW Cup playing fullback, wing and centre, scoring six tries in 11 appearances.

DAMN!!!!#NRLpic.twitter.com/2PtzkWvc28

— Roast (@thenrlroast) February 21, 2022

The 22-year had hoped his NRL dream may have been realised earlier than now, particularly after announcing himself in the pre-season.

It was against the Knights in a February trial match that Casey blindsided Ponga with a crushing hit.

“Declan Casey, no respect!” declared Fox League commentator Andrew Voss.

His co-commentator Cooper Cronk said: “What a bell-ringer!

“The Bulldogs should go and celebrate with Declan Casey, he just ironed out one of the elite players of our competition.”

COVID RULES WALSH OUT OF HOMECOMING

Warriors fullback Reece Walsh has been ruled out of Sunday’s Mount Smart Stadium homecoming match against the Wests Tigers after failing a Covid test.

Walsh returned a positive test on Friday.

In a club statement the Warriors confirmed the rising star would miss the emotional homecoming clash.

“He is now isolating and following the NRL’s Apollo protocols. He’ll return to training when the team reassembles in Redcliffe following next week’s bye.’’

Walsh was a potential cover for Kalyn Ponga who needs a medical clearance to play in the Origin decider.Ponga will meet with a specialist on Monday.

The New Zealand Warriors will be without Reece Walsh for the match at Mt Smart Stadium. Picture: Fiona Goodall/Getty Images

REYNOLDS, HAAS PASS FITNESS TEST

Broncos skipper Adam Reynolds will carry busted ribs into Saturday night’s derby blockbuster against the Cowboys but Brisbane coach Kevin Walters has resisted the urge to plead for protection of his star halfback.

The Broncos have received a double boost for the sold-out clash at Queensland Country Bank Stadium with Reynolds and NSW Origin prop Payne Haas (ankle) to play through pain.

Reynolds declared himself fit to play in the showdown with North Queensland, with the Broncos chasing redemption after being flogged 38-12 by the Cowboys at Suncorp Stadium in round 3.

But the gutsy No. 7 is far from 100 per cent and won’t be for another eight weeks as a dislocated fracture of one of his ribs slowly heals.

Adam Reynolds is far from injury free but he has been cleared to play Saturday night. Picture:: NRL Images

Reynolds, 31, is expected to be targeted by the Cowboys, but Walters said the 241-game veteran had declared he was good to go.

“We want to make sure his health and wellbeing is at the front of everything,” he said.

“Adam is a 250-gamer and knows more about his body than any of us. He’s informed us he is right to go so we respect that.

Haas will also play through pain when he backs up after sustaining an ankle injury in last Sunday’s second Origin game in Perth.

With two busted shoulders, Haas has been in the wars recently but Walters said the Blues star wanted to get back in a Broncos’ jersey.

“He got a bit of bruising on his ankle,” he said.

“He’s looked after it this week and our medical staff are very confident he can get through the game.

“It’s a big game for both clubs and Payne wants to be part of it.”

KNIGHTS v TITANS

Friday, 6pm, McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle

Knights

1. Tex Hoy, 2. Edrick Lee, 3. Dane Gagai, 4. Enari Tuala, 5. Dominic Young, 6. Anthony Milford, 7. Adam Clune, 8. David Klemmer, 9. Chris Randall, 10. Jacob Saifiti, 11. Tyson Frizell, 12. Mitch Barnett, 13. Kurt Mann

Bench: 14. Simi Sasagi, 15. Leo Thompson, 16. Mat Croker, 22. Daniel Saifiti

Reserves: 18. Jake Clifford, 19. Lachlan Fitzgibbon

Players cut: 17. Pasami Saulo, 20. Bradman Best, 21. Hymel Hunt,

Late Mail: All eyes will be on the 24-hour cut mark with Newcastle naming a stellar extended bench consisting of Jake Clifford, Bradman Best, Lachlan Fitzgibbon, Hymel Hunt and Daniel Saifiti. I expect Saifiti to return off the bench, while Best is a very strong chance to come into the centres. This would see Enari Tuala drop out, or Edrick Lee, in which case Tuala would shift to the wing. Despite the pleas of many SuperCoaches, Mitchell Barnett won’t take up the goal-kicking duties in the absence of Kalyn Ponga and Clifford. Either Tex Hoy or Adam Clune will be preferred for the role.

Titans

1. AJ Brimson, 2. Greg Marzhew, 3. Brian Kelly, 4. Patrick Herbert, 5. Jamayne Isaako, 6. Paul Turner, 7. Toby Sexton, 8. Jarrod Wallace, 9. Erin Clark, 10. Isaac Liu, 11. Sam McIntyre, 12. Beau Fermor, 13. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui

Bench: 14. Tanah Boyd, 15. Moeaki Fotuaika, 16. Jaimin Jolliffe, 17. David Fifita

Reserves: 18. Corey Thompson, 19. Herman Ese’ese

Players cut: 20. Aaron Booth, 21. Kevin Proctor, 22. Sosefo Fifita

Late Mail: No major changes expected at the Titans, however Kevin Proctor is a strong chance to join the 17 for his first game since Round nine. Having played just the 38 minutes for Queensland, Tino Fa’asuamaleaui is expected to start the game at lock. David Fifita returns in a bench role for just his second game since Round eight. Paul Turner is carrying a minor calf niggle but is expected to suit up in the halves.

PANTHERS v ROOSTERS

Friday, 7.55pm, BlueBet Stadium, Penrith

Panthers

1. Dylan Edwards, 2. Taylan May, 3. Izack Tago, 4. Stephen Crichton, 5. Brian To’o, 6. Jarome Luai, 7. Nathan Cleary, 8. Moses Leota, 9. Api Koroisau, 10. James Fisher-Harris, 11. Viliame Kikau, 12. Liam Martin, 13. Isaah Yeo

Bench: 14. Mitch Kenny, 15. Scott Sorensen, 16. Spencer Leniu, 17. Jaeman Salmon

Reserves: 19. Matt Eisenhuth, 21. Sunia Turuva

Players cut: 18. Robert Jennings, 20. Chris Smith, 22. Sean O’Sullivan

Late Mail: Penrith have continued their run of good fortune on the injury front, with all rep round stars getting through the weekend unscathed. The extended turnaround from Origin II should see all players back up for the big clash with the Roosters.

Roosters

1. James Tedesco, 2. Daniel Tupou, 3. Billy Smith, 4. Joey Manu, 5. Joseph Suaalii, 6. Drew Hutchison, 7. Sam Walker, 8. Lindsay Collins, 9. Sam Verrills, 10. Siosiua Taukeiaho, 11. Angus Crichton, 12. Sitili Tupouniua, 13. Victor Radley

Bench: 14. Connor Watson, 15. Nat Butcher, 16. Egan Butcher, 19. Daniel Suluka-Fifita,

Reserves: 18. Paul Momirovski, 20. Adam Keighran,

Players cut: 17. Fletcher Baker, 21. Terrell May, 22. Lachlan Lam

Late Mail: Luke Keary is out for the Roosters due to ongoing concussion concerns. The Roosters named Drew Hutchinson as his halves replacement, however Dean Ritchie has reported that strike centre Joey Manu will shift to five-eighth for the clash. This will see Paul Momirovski come into the side at centre.

BULLDOGS v SHARKS

Saturday, 3pm, CommBank Stadium, Parramatta

Bulldogs

1. Jake Averillo, 2. Jacob Kiraz, 3. Aaron Schoupp, 4. Corey Allan, 5. Josh Addo-Carr, 6. Matt Burton, 7. Kyle Flanagan, 8. Max King, 9. Jeremy Marshall-King, 10. Paul Vaughan, 11. Josh Jackson, 12. Raymond Faitala-Mariner, 13. Tevita Pangai Jr

Bench: 14. Zach Dockar-Clay, 15. Corey Waddell, 16. Joe Stimson, 17. Kurtis Morrin

Reserves: 19. Declan Casey, 20. Bailey Biondi-Odo, 21. Jayden Tanner, 22. Harrison Edwards, 24. Jackson Topine

Players cut: To come

Late Mail: Coach Mick Potter has Covid and is in isolation. No changes expected at the Bulldogs as they chase a third straight victory. Jacob Kiraz has again been named on the wing, with Corey Allan at centre, but it’ll be the other way around come game day. Promising rookie Paul Alamoti suffered a suspected fractured eye socket that would see him miss four to six weeks. Luke Thompson would likely have been unavailable for selection as he is still suffering from delayed concussion symptoms and requires clearance to be made available, however he is also in the UK for personal reasons and may not play again this season.

Sharks

1. Will Kennedy, 2. Sione Katoa, 3. Jesse Ramien, 4. Siosifa Talakai, 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo, 6. Matt Moylan, 7. Nicho Hynes, 8. Toby Rudolf, 9. Blayke Brailey, 10. Royce Hunt, 11. Briton Nikora, 12. Wade Graham, 13. Cameron McInnes

Bench: 14. Aiden Tolman, 15. Dale Finucane, 16. Teig Wilton, 17. Andrew Fifita

Reserves: 18. Connor Tracey 19. Braydon Trindall, 20. Kade Dykes, 21. Jesse Colquhoun, 22. Lachie Miller

Players cut: To come

Late Mail: Dale Finucane is a chance to start at prop, with Royce Hunt moving to the bench. Cronulla have named a four forward bench, so it’s likely either Connor Tracey or Braydon Trindall will join come game day as the utility. However, Craig Fitzgibbon has run with that make-up at times this season so a change isn’t assured. After a week of Covid isolation, captain Wade Graham, Dale Finucane and Cameron McInnes were back at training on Thursday.

COWBOYS v BRONCOS

Saturday, 5.30pm, QCB Stadium, Townsville

Cowboys

1. Scott Drinkwater, 2. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, 3. Valentine Holmes, 4. Peta Hiku, 5. Murray Taulagi, 6. Tom Dearden, 7. Chad Townsend, 8. Jordan McLean, 9. Reece Robson, 10. Coen Hess, 11. Tom Gilbert, 12. Jeremiah Nanai, 13. Jason Taumalolo

Bench: 14. Jake Granville, 15. Luciano Leilua, 16. Jamayne Taunoa-Brown, 17. Griffin Neame

Reserves: 18. Ben Condon, 19. Brendan Elliot, 20. Kane Bradley, 23. Iosefo Baleiwairiki, 24. Kyle Feldt

Players cut: To come

Late Mail: The naming of Kyle Feldt on the extended bench is likely to have a significant impact to the 17 when cleared to play. He’s a strong chance to return this week on the wing, which would likely see Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow return to his X-factor bench role, and Jake Granville drop out of the 17. The only issue would be back up hooker cover, with Reuben Cotter not due back until Round 19.

Broncos

1. Te Maire Martin, 2. Corey Oates, 3. Kotoni Staggs, 4. Brenko Lee, 5. Selwyn Cobbo, 6. Ezra Mam, 7. Adam Reynolds, 8. Corey Jensen, 9. Billy Walters, 10. Payne Haas, 11. Kurt Capewell, 12. Jordan Riki, 13. Pat Carrigan

Bench: 14. Jake Turpin, 15. Kobe Hetherington, 16. Thomas Flegler, 17. Keenan Palasia

Reserves: 18. Jordan Pereira, 19. TC Robati, 20. Tyson Gamble, 21. Delouise Hoeter, 22. Rhys Kennedy

Players cut: To come

Late Mail: Payne Haas is pushing to play despite suffering a low-grade high ankle sprain. He remains in major doubt and would be replaced in the starting side by Thomas Flegler if unavailable. Adam Reynolds returns to the team and will regain the goal-kicking duties from Kotoni Staggs.

Payne Haas has been named but is under an injury could. Picture: NRL Photos

RABBITOHS v EELS

Saturday, 7.35pm, Accor Stadium, Sydney

Rabbitohs

1. Latrell Mitchell, 2. Alex Johnston, 3. Taane Milne, 4. Campbell Graham, 5. Jaxson Paulo, 6. Cody Walker, 7. Lachlan Ilias, 8. Tevita Tatola, 9. Damien Cook, 10. Mark Nicholls, 11. Keaon Koloamatangi, 12. Jai Arrow, 13. Cameron Murray

Bench: 14. Kodi Nikorima, 15. Thomas Burgess, 16. Siliva Havili, 17. Hame Sele

Reserves: 18. Blake Taaffe, 19. Isaiah Tass, 20. Liam Knight, 21. Ben Lovett, 22. Davvy Moale

Players cut: To come

Late Mail: Latrell Mitchell returns and will regain the goal-kicking duties in his one and only opportunity to impress NSW Blues coach Brad Fittler. Isaiah Tass is expected to come into the side, likely starting at centre. It’s believed Taane Milne will drop out to accommodate the move. Cam Murray passed his HIA test during Origin and is expected to face the Eels, but must pass relevant protocols to receive final clearance.

Eels

1. Clint Gutherson, 2. Maika Sivo, 3. Will Penisini, 4. Waqa Blake, 5. Bailey Simonsson, 6. Dylan Brown, 7. Mitchell Moses, 8. Reagan Campbell-Gillard, 9. Reed Mahoney, 10. Junior Paulo, 11. Shaun Lane, 12. Isaiah Papali’i , 13. Ryan Matterson

Bench: 14. Makahesi Makatoa, 15. Marata Niukore, 16. Oregon Kaufusi, 17. Ky Rodwell

Reserves: 18. Tom Opacic, 19. Jake Arthur, 20. Nathan Brown, 21. Bryce Cartwright, 23. Hayze Perham

Players cut: To come

Late Mail: Ryan Matterson is the focus for Parramatta as he battles a rib cartilage issue. While likely to play, he’s in doubt and would be replaced in the starting side by Marata Niukore if ruled out. Ky Rodwell has retained his place in the side over Nathan Brown, however the former Origin rep may earn a reprieve if Matterson misses out.

WARRIORS v TIGERS

Sunday, 2pm, Mt Smart Stadium, Auckland

Warriors

1. Reece Walsh, 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, 3. Jesse Arthars, 4. Euan Aitken, 5. Marcelo Montoya, 6. Ronald Volkman, 7. Shaun Johnson, 8. Bunty Afoa, 9. Wayde Egan, 10. Jazz Tevaga, 11. Jack Murchie, 12. Tohu Harris, 13. Josh Curran

Bench: 14. Chanel Harris-Tavita, 15. Bunty Afoa, 16. Eliesa Katoa, 17. Bayley Sironen

Reserves: 18. Adam Pompey, 20. Aaron Pene, 21. Rocco Berry, 22. Freddy Lussick, 23. Daejarn Asi

Players cut: To come

Late Mail: While named at centre, Euan Aitken will start in the back-row for the Warriors on their return home to New Zealand. This will likely see Adam Pompey earn a reprieve as he returns at centre.

Tigers

1. Daine Laurie, 2. David Nofoaluma, 3. Starford To’a, 4. James Roberts, 5. Ken Maumalo, 6. Luke Brooks, 7. Jackson Hastings, 8. James Tamou, 9. Fa’amanu Brown, 10. Zane Musgrove, 11. Luke Garner, 12. Kelma Tuilagi, 13. Joe Ofahengaue

Bench: 14. Stefano Utoikamanu, 15. Adam Doueihi, 16. Alex Seyfarth, 17. Fonua Pole

Reserves: 18. Asu Kepaoa, 19. Junior Tupou, 20. Austin Dias, 21. Jacob Liddle, 22. Justin Matamua

Players cut: To come

Late Mail: No changes expected at the Tigers. It’ll be intriguing to see how Adam Doueihi is utilised when joining the action. I expect him to come on in the halves, with Luke Brooks shifting to hooker to spell Nu Brown, however he entered the action in a roaming lock type roll against the Bulldogs.

Jack Wighton returns for the Raiders after contracting Covid. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

DRAGONS v RAIDERS

Sunday, 4.05pm, WIN Stadium, Wollongong

Dragons

1. Cody Ramsey, 2. Mathew Feagai, 3. Moses Suli, 4. Zac Lomax, 5. Mikaele Ravalawa, 6. Talatau Amone, 7. Ben Hunt, 8. Jack De Belin, 9. Andrew McCullough, 10. Blake Lawrie, 11. Jack Bird, 12. Jaydn Su’A, 13. Tariq Sims

Bench: 14. Moses Mbye, 15. Francis Molo, 16. Aaron Woods, 17. Michael Molo

Reserves: 18. Josh Kerr, 19. Tautau Moga, 20. Jayden Sullivan, 21. Jaiyden Hunt, 22. Billy Burns

Players cut: No changes expected at the Dragons following their stunning win over the Rabbitohs prior to the NRL representative round. Ben Hunt is the only concern after sustaining a minor leg injury for Queensland, but he’s expected to face the Raiders.

Late Mail: To come

Raiders

1. Xavier Savage, 2. Nick Cotric, 3. Matt Timoko, 4. Sebastian Kris, 5. Jordan Rapana, 6. Jack Wighton, 7. Jamal Fogarty, 8. Josh Papalii, 9. Zac Woolford, 10. Joseph Tapine, 11. Hudson Young, 12. Elliott Whitehead, 13. Adam Elliott

Bench: 14. Tom Starling, 15. Ryan Sutton, 16. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, 17. Corey Horsburgh

Reserves: 18. Matt Frawley, 19. Corey Harawira-Naera, 20. Trey Mooney, 21. Semi Valemei, 22. Adrian Trevilyan

Players cut: To come

Late Mail: No major changes expected at the Raiders. As it stands, Ricky Stuart has named Tom Starling and Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad on the bench, so the only movement would be if Corey Harawira-Naera joined the pine as a bigger body. However, Stuart has run with smaller benches in the past so it’s likely to remain the same.

Originally published as NRL teams Round 16: Late Mail, predicted changes for upcoming round