NRL Early Mail round 17: Judiciary hits hard, Tom Trbojevic switch, Nathan Cleary kicking woes
Huge edition of Early Mail with the judiciary hitting Parramatta hard, Tom Trbojevic set to switch positions and Nathan Cleary set to give the kicking.
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Will Penisini, Ryley Smith and Karl Lawton are facing a whopping 10 weeks on the sideline combined after the match review committee whacked the trio with heavy bans on Monday morning.
Parramatta centre Penisini was hit with a grade two dangerous throw charge for a lifting tackle on Gold Coast Titans forward Beau Fermor.
Penisini faces three weeks on the sideline for the ugly looking tackle but will miss a month of football if he opts to challenge the charge at the judiciary on Tuesday night but is unsuccessful.
He was sinbinned in the 79th minute over the incident with referee Gerard Sutton labelling the tackle “very dangerous”
“There is only one player in the tackle, so there is no mitigation,” Sutton said as he marched Penisini.
“Very dangerous with a high risk of injury. On report and in the bin.”
Rookie hooker Smith is also facing at least two weeks on the sideline after he too was charged for a lifting tackle.
Smith was charged with a grade two dangerous throw after lifting Titans back Phillip Sami above the horizontal.
North Queensland utility Karl Lawton will also miss the next two matches for the Cowboys after his involvement in a three-man tackle that left Roosters forward Siua Wong with a suspected MCL injury.
Lawton will miss three weeks if he challenges the grade three dangerous conduct charge at the judiciary but loses.
-Fatima Kdouh
SHARPE SUFFERS LACERATED KIDNEY
Knights star Fletcher Sharpe is recovering in a Perth hospital after suffering a lacerated kidney in Newcastle’s win over the Dolphins on Saturday.
The five-eighth was taken to hospital after complaining of abdominal pain when he was taken from the field for a head injury assessment in the 48th minute.
Sharpe appeared to hit his head on the ground in a tackle by Dolphins hooker Jeremy Marshall-King but replays showed him appear to also be winded by the contact.
Knights medical staff sent Sharpe to hospital after the incident, where further assessment showed he had suffered the gruesome injury.
The club confirmed in a statement that Sharpe has remained in Perth on Sunday as he recovers in hospital.
“Fletcher Sharpe has been admitted to a Perth hospital after experiencing abdominal pain following his removal from the field in the 48th minute for a HIA assessment,” a Knights statement confirmed.
“Sharpe is currently being treated for a lacerated kidney.
“He will remain in Perth with Knights medical staff under observation for a number of days.”
Coach Adam O’Brien has a number of options to replace Sharpe in the halves alongside Jack Cogger for Friday’s clash against Canberra.
Jackson Hastings’ NRL exile ended in Round 15 and the halfback was the 18th man against the Dolphins on Saturday.
Tyson Gamble also returned from a thumb injury in NSW Cup on Sunday against the Eels.
Fletcher Sharpe has been admitted to hospital in Perth to be treated for a lacerated kidney - he left the field for a HIA but experienced abdominal pain.
— NRL PHYSIO (@nrlphysio) June 22, 2025
Medical situations like this obviously prognosis has a wide range - common return to play in past cases has been 4-6 weeks. pic.twitter.com/Efgb8babsb
PANTHERS COP ANOTHER BLOW AMID LADDER SURGE
Penrith forward Scott Sorensen is facing another fortnight on the sidelines after being whacked with a grade two hip drop charge from Saturday’s win over the Warriors.
The Panthers were left surprised on Sunday morning when the charge sheet dropped, with Sorensen pinged for a tackle on Warriors star Dallin Watene-Zelezniak that went unnoticed in the run of play, but ruled the winger out of the second half with a suspected syndesmosis injury.
The grade two dangerous contact charge carries a two week suspension with an early guilty plea, but if he challenges at the judiciary he will miss three weeks.
It’s a risk Sorensen and the Panthers know all too well after he missed three games for a shoulder charge when found guilty at the judiciary back in round eight.
It means he will likely miss Thursday’s clash with Canterbury and a grudge match against Parramatta in round 19 as the Panthers make a run up the ladder.
The blink-and-you-miss-it tackle on Watene-Zelezniak was in the 36th minute but he wasn’t put on report until halftime at Go Media Stadium.
The Warriors winger hobbled out of the contact and then didn’t return for the second half of the 28-18 loss.
Sorensen also copped a second charge for a careless high tackle on Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, but will escape with an $1800 fine.
Nicoll-Klokstad has also copped a $1000 fine for a high shot on Tom Jenkins, while Knights winger James Schiller will fork out $3000 for a third and subsequent high shot on Dolphins forward Oryn Keeley.
Souths forward Lachlan Hubner was also fined $1800 for contrary conduct in their loss to Melbourne.
NRL LATE MAIL ROUND 17, VIA MAX BRYDEN
PANTHERS v BULLDOGS
Thursday, 7:50pm, ComBank Stadium
Panthers:
Round 16 hero Scott Sorensen is facing a two game ban for a hip drop tackle which ruled Warriors winger Dallin Watene-Zelezniak out of the match through injury.
His absence will be offset by the return of the Panthers Origin contingent. Nathan Cleary, Isaah Yeo, Liam Martin and Brian To’o are all expected to rejoin the starting side.
Cleary’s groin injury, apparent during Game 2 of Origin, is likely to keep him off the kicking tee with Dylan Edwards most likely to take over goal kicking duties.
Paul Alamoti, Daine Laurie and Brad Schneider will drop out of the starting lineup to accommodate the returning Origin players.
Bulldogs:
Three weeks into life as a Bulldog, and we’re unlikely to be any clearer on how Lachie Galvin fits in long term.
Matt Burton will resume five-eighth duties on the left after missing Round 15 through Origin. And the impressive performance of Toby Sexton should keep him starting as halfback for now.
Galvin is likely to be named off the bench where he could cover multiple positions.
Stephen Crichton and Max King also return from Origin commitments. Crichton will push Jacob Kiraz out to the wing, and King will start at prop. Blake Taaffe and Jake Turpin are the most likely to drop out of the 17.
SEA EAGLES v WESTS TIGERS
Friday, 6:00pm, 4 Pines Park
Sea Eagles:
A new era is set to kick off with Lehi Hopoate the preferred choice at fullback at Brookvale.
His form has forced Anthony Seibold’s hand, with Tom Trbojevic expected to be named in the centres.
The changes haven’t stopped there. Lachlan Croker, Corey Waddell and Jason Saab were asked to front up in NSW Cup this past weekend in another indication of their drop down the pecking order.
The back five is expected to feature Reuben Garrick and Tommy Talau on the wings and Tolu Koula partnering Trbojevic in the centres.
Haumole Olakau’atu is out until at least Round 21 with a shoulder injury. Waddell could start until his return.
Prop Josh Aloiai is also potentially facing medical retirement due to ongoing shoulder issues.
Wests Tigers:
Coach Benji Marshall indicated match conditioning is the only thing holding back young half Latu Fainu from an 80-minute role at the moment.
The youngest Fainu brother has had several hamstring issues over the last two seasons and the club is keen to play the long game with his health, such is his importance.
He has played three games off the bench as a lock forward, and also deputised at halfback twice so far in a sign of his versatility.
Heath Mason is expected to start again at five-eighth in the interim. Fonua Pole made a successful return from a knee issue and should start.
Reserve hooker Tallyn da Silva has been given permission to negotiate with rival clubs and could depart before the June 30 deadline.
KNIGHTS v RAIDERS
Friday, 8:00pm, McDonald Jones Stadium
Knights:
Five-eighth Fletcher Sharpe was hospitalised following the Knights’ win in Perth with a lacerated kidney. He’s facing 4-6 weeks on the sideline with Tyson Gamble likely to step into the halves in his absence.
Greg Marzhew was a late out last week as he manages a neck issue and is expected to be named but is a week to week proposition. James Schiller will remain on standby for him should he be unavailable.
Bradman Best made a successful return from a hamstring injury and will again be named to start on the left edge.
Dom Young made a successful return to the club on the right wing and will feature there for the remainder of the season barring injury.
Knights star Fletcher Sharpe is recovering in a Perth hospital after suffering a lacerated kidney in Newcastle’s win over the Dolphins on Saturday.
— SuperCoach NRL (@SuperCoachNRL) June 22, 2025
âž¡ï¸DETAILS: https://t.co/NFQKmyIWux#SuperCoach#NRLpic.twitter.com/2Btjz1G6ns
Raiders:
Hudson Young did not play his usual 80 minutes in Round 16 and did confirm to the media an on-going osteitis pubis issue. He is however expected to be named and play in Round 17 to push his Origin 3 credentials.
The rest of the side will be named 1-17 with Jed Stuart to again start on the wing.
BRONCOS v WARRIORS
Saturday, 3:00pm, Suncorp Stadium
Broncos:
After a stirring comeback win against the Sharks, the news gets better for the Broncos this week with Ben Hunt close to rejoining the side.
Where he fits in exactly is still to be determined given the strong form of Ezra Mam.
Josiah Karapani has scored four tries in two games since joining the side and should have done enough to keep his starting spot on the left wing.
Payne Haas – who was touch and go for State of Origin – is playing through a groin injury. Having played 58 minutes in Round 16, he is expected to play on and manage the issue with a lighter training load.
Warriors:
Kurt Capewell will return to the lineup after missing last week due to his Origin commitments. He’s expected to start in the centres, but could shift back to his preferred role in the second row with Marata Niukore failing a HIA in Round 16 which will make him unavailable.
Dallin Watene-Zelezniak has been sent for scans on his ankle and is expected to miss several weeks.
Taine Tuaupiki is favoured to replace him on the right wing but will need to overcome a recent concussion. Ed Kosi could be called up should Tuaupiki be unavailable.
Luke Metcalf has a quad cork which he is playing through. He’s not expected to goal kick until he’s fully recovered with Adam Pompey to take over the duties.
DRAGONS v EELS
Saturday, 5:30pm, WIN Stadium
Dragons:
Jaydn Su’A will push to return this week from an ankle issue which has seen him miss the last two weeks.
Toby Couchman has started on the right edge in his absence. He likely shifts to the left edge to start in the second row and play between the edge and middle.
Wingers Tyrell Sloan and Nathan Lawson both featured in NSW Cup over the weekend in an attempt to find form. Joining them in Cup was Luciano Leilua, who is yet to nail down an 80-minute role in first grade.
It remains to be seen who will feature on the flanks for the Dragons with Christian Tuipulotu and Corey Allan both nearing return from injury as soon as this week.
Eels:
Dylan Brown has served his one game suspension for making contact with a referee and will be named to start again at five-eighth, pushing Joash Papali’i out of the side.
Ryley Smith is facing a 2-3 match ban for a spear tackle which will see Joey Lussick take over the hooking duties.
Will Penisini is also charged and facing a three match ban which should see utility Jordan Samrani join the side at right centre inside Zac Lomax.
Mitchell Moses is targeting a return in Round 20 with Dean Hawkins to play halfback in his absence.
DOLPHINS v RABBITOHS
Saturday, 7:50pm, Suncorp Stadium
Dolphins:
Jack Bostock suffered a suspected ACL injury in Perth and if confirmed would be out for the season.
He will likely be replaced in the lineup by winger Junior Tupou, but further backline shifts involving Jake Averillo could also eventuate to instead get Max Feagai back into first grade.
Josh Kerr was a late out last round with a hamstring injury adding to their middle forward woes. He’s touch and go to be named this week.
The rest of the side should be named 1-13 with Kurt Donoghoe to continue starting at lock.
Knights star Fletcher Sharpe is recovering in a Perth hospital after suffering a lacerated kidney in Newcastle’s win over the Dolphins on Saturday.
— SuperCoach NRL (@SuperCoachNRL) June 22, 2025
âž¡ï¸DETAILS: https://t.co/NFQKmyIWux#SuperCoach#NRLpic.twitter.com/2Btjz1G6ns
Rabbitohs:
Keaon Koloamatangi seemingly rose from the grave to play last week after initial concerns of a facial fracture. He will now push hard for a return to State of Origin for the Blues in game 3 with a huge performance against the ‘Phins.
Five-eighth Cody Walker will also push for a return this week from a groin complaint. If fit, he will force Jack Wighton to the centres and Euan Aitken into the second row.
Campbell Graham has been managing a back issue and will also push for a return this week which could come at the expense of Isaiah Tass.
STORM v SHARKS
Sunday, 2:00pm, AAMI Park
Storm:
Xavier Coates will return having earned a rest post State of Origin Game 2.
His return will see Sua Fa’alogo likely drop out of the starting side and Grant Anderson shifted back to the right wing.
The rest of the side is expected to be named 1-17.
Sharks:
Oregon Kaufusi was ruled out on the weekend with a hamstring issue. And the Sharks forward depth is set to be further tested with Teig Wilton sent to hospital after an eye poke.
Wilton was forced from the field and undertook a HIA which he passed, but may be unavailable should there be damage to this eye. Billy Burns would come into the starting side as a direct replacement if required.
Hohepa Puru made his NRL debut off the bench in Round 16 and could feature again.
Winger Sam Stonestreet is aiming to push for first grade selection again in Round 19, Mawene Hiroti in Round 20.
Commiserations to Jayden Campbell owners.
— SuperCoach NRL (@SuperCoachNRL) June 22, 2025
Details: https://t.co/brVYvLvWgBpic.twitter.com/9FWvABMHuD
TITANS v COWBOYS
Sunday, 4:05pm, CBUS Super Stadium
Titans:
Jayden Campbell won’t be available after suffering a concussion in Sunday’s game. Tom Weaver is expected to join the side in the halfback jersey as a direct replacement.
After starting from the bench post Origin, Tino Fa’asuamaleaui and Moeaki Fotuaika will both return to the run on side.
David Fifita was set to return this week, but now won’t be seen until at least Round 19 following a further procedure on this ankle. Chris Randall will continue to start in the second row in his absence.
After being dropped last game, Brian Kelly isn’t expected to be recalled, with Phil Sami and Jojo Fifita to retain their spot in the centres and Allan Fitzgibbon on the right wing.
Cowboys:
After a string of heavy losses, the Cows will be buoyed by a return to Queensland this week and a couple of Origin stars returning to the fold.
Reuben Cotter and Reece Robson were given a rest after Game 2 of Origin but should slot straight back into the starting lineup this week. Karl Lawton (suspended) and Kai O’Donnell are expected to make way.
Viliami Vailea was a late out in Round 16, replaced by Braidon Burns.
Originally published as NRL Early Mail round 17: Judiciary hits hard, Tom Trbojevic switch, Nathan Cleary kicking woes
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