NRL Early Mail round 20: Api Koroisau calf injury not as serious as first feared, Tohu Harris finished for 2024

Api Koroisau will not play this week, but is due back sooner than many feared while the Warriors will be without Tohu Harris for the remainder of the season. Full predicted team changes for round 20.

Api Koroisau has been sidelined by a calf injury suffered against the Sharks in round 19.

Scans have cleared Tigers skipper Api Koroisau of a long-term calf injury but he will still miss Saturday’s clash against the Rabbitohs.

The injury will sideline Koroisau for at worst two games - but at least one - after he limped from the field last week.

Tallyn Da Silva will start in his place while veteran prop Alex Twal will also make his return.

Api Koroisau off with what was initially reported as a foot injury, but appears more to be a calf issue with the positioning of ice on the sideline.

If confirmed minor strain would usually result in a 1-3 week return - if moderate strain recovery time extends beyond that. pic.twitter.com/HGJcCjgsyK

— NRL PHYSIO (@nrlphysio) July 12, 2024

TOHU GONE FOR SEASON

The Warriors bid to secure a finals berth has been rocked by the loss of inspirational captain Tohu Harris for the remainder of the season.

In a major blow, Harris won’t play again this year after undergoing wrist surgery on Monday night.

The Kiwi Test forward has been managing the ligament-related injury for the past four to five weeks, playing through the pain with the aid of heavy strapping.

The Warriors will stand down Tohu Harris for the remainder of the season. Picture: Getty Images

Harris, who has played 234 NRL games, is a major influence on the Warriors with his leadership recognised in 2023 with his nomination for Dally M captain of the year.

The loss of Harris in addition to the current availability of Shaun Johnson (Achilles) means the 12th-placed Warriors will be without two of their most senior figures against the Raiders on Friday night in Canberra.

NSW State of Origin forward Mitchell Barnett could emerge as a leading candidate to captain the Warriors should he back-up following Wednesday night’s decider.

WHY GARRICK LEFT FIELD EARLY AGAINST KNIGHTS

The Sea Eagles have allayed concerns over Reuben Garrick, who lasted only 63 minutes against the Knights on Sunday.

Garrick was seen clutching at his jaw on the sideline.

The Manly centre has fractured his jaw in the past and is only recently back from a concussion.

But coach Anthony Seibold said Garrick was ill all week and didn’t train.

He was given an early mark in the 44-6 drubbing.

Young outside back Clayton Faulalo earned his debut in place of Garrick late in the game.

Reuben Garrick played only 63 minutes. Picture: Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images

HOSKING AND FOGARTY BACK FOR RAIDERS

The Raiders are set for a massive double boost with halfback Jamal Fogarty and talented forward Zac Hosking cleared to return after months on the sidelines.

On the edge of the top-eight, Canberra will welcome back the influential duo against the Warriors at GIO Stadium on Friday night.

Fogarty will return at halfback alongside Ethan Strange after missing the last three months with a torn bicep.

The quality playmaker suffered the major injury in round seven and has worked overtime to return in time for the Raiders run to the finals.

Hosking, one of the buys of the season before suffering a serious shoulder injury, will also return.

The talented forward opted against season-ending surgery and instead has spent the past 14-weeks rehabilitating his shoulder back to full strength.

Zac Hosking suffers a dislocated shoulder in round 6. Picture: Mark Nolan/Getty Images

FULL EARLY MAIL, VIA TIM WILLIAMS

RAIDERS v WARRIORS

Friday, 8pm, GIO Stadium, Canberra

Raiders: Jamal Fogarty is a strong chance to return from a biceps injury at halfback.

If cleared, he’d come into the side in place of Adam Cook.

Zac Hosking is also confirmed to return from a lengthy lay-off due to a shoulder injury, likely off the bench as he eases back to bigger game time.

Warriors: Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad isn’t expected to face the Raiders due to a calf injury, with Taine Tuaupiki likely to edge out Roger Tuivasa-Sheck for the fullback role.

Marcelo Montoya is in doubt with a groin injury, while Rocco Berry (shoulder) and Tohu Harris (wrist) have uncertainty around their exact return dates.

RABBITOHS v TIGERS

Saturday, 3pm, Industree Group Stadium, Gosford

Rabbitohs: Jai Arrow has undergone rotator cuff repair surgery and will miss the remainder of the season.

Provided he’s cleared to back up from Origin three, Cameron Murray would play one edge with Michael Chee-Kam on the other.

Tigers: Api Koroisau is in doubt to face the Rabbitohs after leaving the loss to Cronulla early with a calf injury.

If unavailable, this would likely see Tallyn Da Silva come into the team at hooker.

Justin Olam is a chance to return from a knee injury at centre in place of Solomona Faataape, who could also shift to the wing in place of Alex Lobb.

Starford Toa has returned from a hamstring injury via NSW Cup and will come into selection consideration.

Alex Seyfarth is expected to be unavailable due to a concussion.

Isaiah Papali’i is nearing a return from an ankle injury.

KNIGHTS v BRONCOS

Saturday, 5:30pm, McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle

Knights: Brodie Jones failed a HIA in Newcastle’s loss to the Sea Eagles in what is likely to be the only forced change outside of returning Origin stars to the backline.

Broncos: Brisbane’s Origin trio of Reece Walsh, Payne Haas and Patrick Carrigan are all likely to back-up from game three provided they get through unscathed as the Broncos fight to keep their finals hopes alive.

STORM v ROOSTERS

Saturday, 7:35pm, AAMI Park, Melbourne

Storm: Harry Grant will be in doubt to back-up from Origin three due to an ongoing sternum injury, a decision will be made closer to the game.

If unavailable his likely replacement would be Bronson Garlick, although he is dealing with a back issue and is also in some doubt.

Nick Meaney is a chance to return from a calf injury at centre, which would likely push Jack Howarth to the bench or Grant Anderson out of the team.

Roosters: Jared Waerea-Hargreaves will miss four games due to a careless high tackle charge.

Joseph Suaali’i returns from suspension at centre, which will push Sitili Tupouniua to the bench.

Trent Robinson may opt to rest a number of his Origin stars on the three day turnaround.

PANTHERS v DOLPHINS

Sunday, 2pm, BlueBet Stadium, Penrith

Panthers: Nathan Cleary is expected to make a return from a hamstring injury at halfback, pushing Brad Schneider out of the team.

Schneider could earn a reprieve should Ivan Cleary rest his Origin stars, including five-eighth Jarome Luai.

Luke Garner is pushing to return from a hamstring injury.

Dolphins: Euan Aitken suffered a suspected ruptured pec on the weekend which would keep him out long-term.

If confirmed, Kenny Bromwich would likely shift to an edge role.

Kodi Nikorima is in some doubt with a sternum injury but is likely to face the Panthers.

Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow hasn’t laced up for the Dolphins since round 15 due to a shoulder injury.

He’s likely to be named at fullback, with Trai Fuller on standby should the Hammer have any concerns on return from the Origin decider.

SEA EAGLES v TITANS

Sunday, 4:05pm, 4 Pines Park, Sydney

Sea Eagles: Reuben Garrick left the field late and was seen clutching at his jaw on the sideline.

But coach Anthony Seibold said Garrick was given an early mark after not training all week due to illness.

Ben Trbojevic will return from a concussion on the edge, pushing Karl Lawton to the bench.

Lachlan Croker is progressing well with a neck issue and is on track to return in coming weeks.

Titans: No changes expected at the Titans, with AJ Brimson starting at fullback in the win over the Eels and Keano Kini playing off the bench.

COWBOYS v BULLDOGS

Sunday, 6:15pm, QCB Stadium, Townsville

Cowboys: Murray Taulagi is unlikely to face the Bulldogs due to a hamstring injury, with Semi Valemei pushing to return from an ankle injury in his place.

Bulldogs: Max King is out for an extended period with a wrist injury, which may see Josh Curran start at prop alongside Sam Hughes.

The Bulldogs may also opt to promote a bigger bodied middle from NSW Cup to start the game.

Jacob Preston is likely to return from a foot injury on the edge, replacing Jaeman Salmon who is both suspended and out with a fractured jaw.

Originally published as NRL Early Mail round 20: Api Koroisau calf injury not as serious as first feared, Tohu Harris finished for 2024