NRL Early Mail round 26: Melbourne Storm confirm resting for Cowboys clash, Keagan Russell-Smith to debut
Melbourne Storm coach Craig Bellamy is set to sideline up to 10 of his biggest names this weekend, a move which will create the opportunity for one of the game’s most exciting young prospects to debut.
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Storm rookie Keagan Russell-Smith is set to make his debut on Thursday night against North Queensland.
Russel-Smith, a Penrith junior, has been electric for the Storm since joining them in 2023. He was the highest point scorer in last years Jersey Flegg competition.
The young gun head been touted as a star of the future.
The Storm have already locked up the minor premiership and are expected to rest the likes of Jahrome Hughes, Ryan Papenhuyzen and Harry Grant when they name their side on Tuesday.
Forwards Josh King (20 games), Eli Katoa (21) and Shawn Blore (20), along with centre Nick Meaney (20), are also expected to be given a break as Bellamy looks to spare his players the trip to Townsville in order to freshen them up for a premiership tilt.
It is believed the Storm could name as many as three debutants to face the Cowboys.
Welch, who missed a chunk of the season with injury, is among the players who will feature and insisted the Storm were well within their rights to rest players.
The Storm’s decision to rest more than half their squad will mean they bring back their full contingent for their final round game against Brisbane, a game the Broncos will need to win to have any hopes of playing finals football.
There has been talk the NRL could replicate the system used in the AFL and bring in a break before the finals, thereby alleviating the need to rest players for regular season games.
-Brent Read and Peter Badel
LODGE BACK FOR SEA EAGLES
Manly have recalled front-rower Matt Lodge into their side as they make changes following a surprise loss to the Tigers last Thursday.
Lodge has struggled with injuries and has not played in the NRL since round 11. He has spent the past few weeks in NSW Cup following a biceps injury.
DOG EARMARK CRICHTON REPLACEMENT
Jeral Skelton is set to win a recall to the Bulldogs side for their crunch game against Manly on Friday night.
Skelton is expected to return to first grade on the wing at Accor Stadium with Jacob Kiraz moving into the centres to replace suspended captain Steve Crichton.
Crichton was suspended for one game after being charged over a high shot on Warriors star Roger Tuivasa-Sheck at the weekend.
Skelton ran for more than 300 metres the last time he was in first grade - in round 21 against Brisbane.
JWH IN HOT WATER AGAIN
Sydney Roosters prop Jared Waerea-Hargreaves has been hit with a grade two charge for his high shot on Gold Coast hooker Sam Verrills and is facing a three-to-four match ban.
Young middle forward Naufahu Whyte is expected to come into the Roosters side to face Canberra at Allianz Stadium on Sunday.
The 35-year-old has announced he will depart the Roosters at the end of the year to join Hull KR in the Super League from 2025, meaning he could potentially only have one NRL match left.
Fears were held for Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii who was also forced from the field clutching his shoulder in the first half after a tackle attempt on David Fifita but it’s understood to be a minor injury.
-Tyson Jackson and Fatima Kdouh
PENRITH HALVES DEPTH TESTED
Penrith have copped yet another blow to their halves depth after young gun Jack Cole went down injured in his NSW Cup game over the weekend.
Just after the four minute mark of the Panthers reserve grade clash against the Raiders, Cole made a half break before becoming the latest victim of the hip-drop tackle.
Cole was seen clutching at his ankle and wincing in pain instantly. He did not return to the match.
It looks as though the 21-year-old will join Nathan Cleary on the sidelines as Penrith look to stay intact with the top four, and jag a home qualifying final.
-Tyson Jackson
MURRAY’S SEASON ALL BUT OVER
Cameron Murray’s season is all but over after the South Sydney skipper was whacked with a two week ban for an ugly hit on Newcastle forward Tyson Frizell.
Murray was charged with a grade two careless high tackle, and a guilty plea will rub out the lock forward for South Sydney’s final two games of the season.
Tallis Duncan and Keaon Koloamatangi are options to replace Murray at lock.
The Rabbitohs are already without star fullback Latrell Mitchell, who was ruled out for the rest of the season with a foot injury. Mitchell is also facing sanction over a leaked photo appearing to show a white substance.
Playmaker Cody Walker missed the Knights clash with a head injury but is in line to return against the Panthers.
-Fatima Kdouh
FULL EARLY MAIL, VIA TIM WILLIAMS
COWBOYS v STORM
Thursday, 7:50pm, QCB Stadium, Townsville
Cowboys: Jeremiah Nanai returns from a concussion, pushing Kulikefu Finefeuiaki to the bench.
Jason Taumalolo is a strong chance to return from a cheekbone injury at lock.
Storm: Melbourne have confirmed they will rest up to 10 stars.
Grant Anderson is available after a head knock.
Xavier Coates is also a chance to return from a hamstring injury.
They could feature three debutants.
BULLDOGS v SEA EAGLES
Friday, 6pm, Accor Stadium, Sydney
Bulldogs: Stephen Crichton is facing a one to two week suspension for a careless high tackle charge.
This is likely to see Jacob Kiraz shift to centre and Jeral Skelton come onto the wing.
Kurt Mann broke his collarbone and is out for the season, which will likely see Bailey Hayward start at lock.
Josh Curran is a chance to return from a shoulder injury but may require another week.
Sea Eagles: Corey Waddell is facing a two to three match ban for a careless high tackle charge.
Tommy Talau is a chance to return from a pec injury, whether or not he pushes Lehi Hopoate out of the team remains to be seen.
PANTHERS v RABBITOHS
Friday, 8pm, BlueBet Stadium, Penrith
Panthers: Mitch Kenny returns from suspension at hooker, pushing Luke Sommerton out of the team.
Jack Cole suffered a potentially serious lower leg injury in NSW Cup over the weekend.
Rabbitohs: Cameron Murray faces a two to three week suspension for a careless high tackle charge.
This is likely to see Keaon Koloamatangi shift back to lock.
Cody Walker returns from a head knock at halfback, pushing Dean Hawkins out of the team.
Michael Chee-Kam is a chance to return from a calf injury on the edge.
EELS v DRAGONS
Saturday, 3pm, CommBank Stadium, Sydney
Eels: No changes expected at the Eels.
Dragons: No forced changes expected at the Dragons, however Raymond Faitala-Mariner played NSW Cup over the weekend and may come into consideration for round 26.
DOLPHINS v BRONCOS
Saturday, 5:30pm, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Dolphins: Kodi Nikorima and Jesse Bromwich will both miss the clash due to head knocks.
Tevita Pangai Jnr is a chance to return from a hamstring injury.
Jeremy Marshall-King is listed as a round 26 return from a foot injury, but this is yet to be confirmed by the club.
Broncos: Kobe Hetherington will be unavailable due to a head knock.
Reece Walsh (wrist) and Payne Haas (Lisfranc) are both eyeing returns before the end of season.
SHARKS v WARRIORS
Saturday, 7:35pm, PointsBet Stadium, Sydney
Sharks: Cronulla’s Jesse Ramien will miss their last home game against the Warriors after being suspended for one match following a high shot on Mat Fegai on Sunday.
Sione Katoa returns from a head knock on the wing, pushing Sam Stonestreet out of the team.
Siosifa Talakai is a chance to return from a calf injury off the bench.
Nicho Hynes is nearing a return from an ankle injury, whether that’s at the expense of Braydon Trindall or Daniel Atkinson remains to be seen.
Warriors: The centre pairing of Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (head knock) and Adam Pompey (knee) are both out, with Moala Graham-Taufa and Ali Leiataua set to come into the team.
KNIGHTS v TITANS
Sunday, 2pm, McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle
Knights: Kai Pearce-Paul is a likely out after suffering a leg laceration in the win over South Sydney.
This may see Dylan Lucas shift to the back-row and Kyle McCarthy come in at centre.
Bradman Best is also a chance to return from a hamstring injury at centre instead of McCarthy, but may require another week.
Tyson Frizell is out due to a head knock, with Brodie Jones or Jack Hetherington to play on the edge.
Titans: No changes expected at the Titans.
ROOSTERS v RAIDERS
Sunday, 4:05pm, Allianz Stadium, Sydney
Roosters: Joseph Suaalii suffered a shoulder injury but should be available to take his place at centre.
Connor Watson returns from a concussion at lock, pushing Sitili Tupouniua to the bench.
Brandon Smith is a chance to return from a calf injury at hooker, pushing Zach Dockar-Clay out of the team.
Jared Waerea-Hargreaves is facing a three to four week suspension with Naufahu Whyte set to come into the 17.
Raiders: No changes expected at the Raiders after the upset win over Penrith.
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Originally published as NRL Early Mail round 26: Melbourne Storm confirm resting for Cowboys clash, Keagan Russell-Smith to debut
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