NRL Early Mail round 25: Penrith set for spine shake-up, Selwyn Cobbo back for Broncos

The Broncos have received a massive boost for their must-win clash against Parramatta, with Selwyn Cobbo set to return. Updated Early Mail.

PENRITH, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 09: Mitch Kenny of the Panthers looks to pass during the round 14 NRL match between Penrith Panthers and Manly Sea Eagles at BlueBet Stadium, on June 09, 2024, in Penrith, Australia. (Photo by Jeremy Ng/Getty Images)

The Broncos have received a boost with Queensland Origin star Selwyn Cobbo set to return for Friday night’s clash against the Eels.

Cobbo hasn’t been seen in Broncos colours for a month after a below-par display in Brisbane’s heavy loss to the Bulldogs in round 21.

But Cobbo is poised for a recall as the Broncos fight to keep their slim finals hopes alive against the Eels at Suncorp Stadium.

Cobbo trained on the right wing on Tuesday and is set to partner Jesse Arthars on the flanks.

Selwyn Cobbo, Brisbane Broncos training, Red Hill. Picture: Liam Kidston

NEW SPINE FOR PANTHERS

Brad Schneider and Luke Sommerton have been kept fresh to line up for Penrith’s clash against the Raiders on Saturday.

The pair were both pulled from NSW Cup last Sunday before kick-off following an injury to halfback Nathan Cleary (shoulder) and the suspension of Mitch Kenny.

With Cleary ruled out until week one of the finals, and Kenny out for at least one week, it looks as though Schneider and Sommerton will occupy the nine and seven jerseys.

Sommerton has only played four games in the top grade, but looks to have leapt Soni Luke as the back up hooker.

After a 14 minute stint in the Panthers 22-24 loss to Melbourne, Trent Toelau went back to reserve grade playing halfback and scoring a try in their 24-all draw with the Bears.

Jack Cole is also an option, replacing Cleary when he went off last Thursday night.

Nathan Cleary is out due to a shoulder injury. Picture: Brendon Thorne/Getty Images

KNIGHTS LOSE GAMBLE

Newcastle’s five-eighth Tyson Gamble will undergo surgery on Tuesday to repair a broken hand all but ending his season.

Gamble came from the field during the Knights’ golden point loss to Cronulla on Sunday because of the hand complaint.

It is expected that Jack Cogger will partner Phoenix Crossland in the halves.

FULL EARLY MAIL VIA TIM WILLIAMS

TIGERS v SEA EAGLES

Thursday, 7:50pm, Leichhardt Oval, Sydney

Tigers: With Jahream Bula ruled out for the season with a shoulder injury, Heath Mason will continue at fullback.

Fonua Pole suffered a knee injury in the win over South Sydney and is unlikely to play.

Sea Eagles: Tommy Talau is unlikely to play due to a pec injury, which would see Tolu Koula start at centre.

Gordon Chan Kum Tong isn’t likely to feature against the Tigers due to an AC joint injury.

WARRIORS v BULLDOGS

Friday, 6pm, Go Media Stadium, Auckland

Warriors: Wayde Egan remains doubtful to return from an elbow injury, which will see Freddy Lussick continue at hooker.

Jackson Ford is a chance to return from a knee injury on the bench.

Bulldogs: Josh Curran is in doubt with a shoulder injury in the only potential change for the in-form Bulldogs.

Top SuperCoach scores from last week.

BRONCOS v EELS

Friday, 8pm, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane

Broncos: Reece Walsh is set to miss out due to a hand injury, with Tristan Sailor likely to deputise at fullback.

Payne Haas is a chance to play again this season as he deals with a Lisfranc injury.

Eels: Maika Sivo returned via the bench against the Roosters but may start in place of Jake Tago this week.

Wiremu Grieg faces a two to three week ban for a careless high tackle.

RAIDERS v PANTHERS

Saturday, 3pm, GIO Stadium, Canberra

Raiders: Jordan Rapana returns from concussion on the wing, pushing Seb Kris to centre and Ethan Strange likely back to the halves with Adam Cook dropping out.

Panthers: Nathan Cleary is unavailable due to a shoulder injury, which will likely see Brad Schneider or Jack Cole partner Jarome Luai in the halves.

Daine Laurie is also an option, which would allow Sunia Turuva to return on the wing.

Mitch Kenny faces a one to two week ban for a careless high tackle, which is set to see Luke Sommerton come into the 17.

Liam Martin returns from suspension on the edge, pushing Lindsay Smith back to the middle rotation.

Mitch Kenny is out through suspension. Picture: Jeremy Ng/Getty Images

STORM v DOLPHINS

Saturday, 5:30pm, AAMI Park, Melbourne

Storm: Xavier Coates is a chance to return from a hamstring injury within the next fortnight, which would push Grant Anderson out of the team or to centre in place of Jack Howarth.

Christian Welch will continue his push to return from a back injury that’s kept him out since round 18.

Dolphins: Jeremy Marshall-King is nearing a return at hooker which when cleared would push Max Plath to lock.

Mark Nicholls returns from a head knock on the bench.

RABBITOHS v KNIGHTS

Saturday, 7:35pm, Accor Stadium, Sydney

Rabbitohs: Cody Walker will miss the clash with Newcastle due to a head knock, with Dean Hawkins to come in.

Richie Kennar faces a three to four match suspension for a careless high tackle charge, which may open the door for Tyrone Munro to return in the backline.

Knights: Tyson Gamble left the field late in the loss to Cronulla with a suspected broken hand. Jack Cogger is expected to deputise having beaten Will Pryce and Jackson Hastings to the role.

Dylan Lucas is likely to return from a hamstring injury at centre in place of rookie Kyle McCarthy.

TITANS v ROOSTERS

Sunday, 2pm, Cbus Super Stadium, Gold Coast

Titans: Beau Fermor is likely to return from a bruised kidney in the back-row, pushing Klese Haas to the bench.

Mo Fotuaika returns from suspension at prop.

Roosters: Connor Watson will be unavailable due to a concussion, which could see Victor Radley shift to lock and Nat Butcher start on the edge.

Jared Waerea-Hargreaves returns from suspension at prop.

DRAGONS v SHARKS

Sunday, 4:05pm, WIN Stadium, Wollongong

Dragons: No forced changes expected at the Dragons.

Sharks: Braydon Trindall is likely to return from a hamstring concern in the halves, pushing Cameron McInnes to his regular role at lock.

Kayal Iro and Tom Hazleton return after missing the Knights clash due to illness.

This will see Siosifa Talakai move to the back-row, or to the bench if Teig Wilton is cleared to return from a hamstring injury.

Jayden Berrell suffered an elbow injury on Sunday afternoon that’s likely to see him spend time on the sidelines.

Originally published as NRL Early Mail round 25: Penrith set for spine shake-up, Selwyn Cobbo back for Broncos