NRL Late Mail Round 24: Predicted team changes, Kayal Iro to debut for Sharks, Luke Thompson out with Covid

South Sydney must tackle the Cowboys without a key member of their spine, while the son of a league legend will make his NRL debut for the Sharks. Full predicted team changes here

Damien Cook has tested positive to Covid-19 which not only rules him out of their clash against the Cowboys on Saturday but will also mean he misses their final round match against the Roosters.

It is understood Cook tested positive on Saturday morning which means he will also be forced to skip South Sydney’s game against arch rivals the Roosters next Friday at the new Allianz Stadium.

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Damien Cook will not play again until the finals. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

RABBITOHS v COWBOYS

Saturday, 7.35pm, Accor Stadium, Sydney

Rabbitohs: 1. Latrell Mitchell, 2. Alex Johnston, 3. Isaiah Tass, 4. Campbell Graham, 19. Taane Milne, 6. Cody Walker, 7. Lachlan Ilias, 8. Tevita Tatola, 16. Siliva Havili, 10. Hame Sele, 11. Keaon Koloamatangi, 12. Jai Arrow, 13. Cameron Murray

Bench: 14. Kodi Nikorima, 15. Mark Nicholls,17. Thomas Burgess, 22. Michael Chee Kam

Reserves: 18. Blake Taaffe,

Players cut: 5. Izaac Thompson, 9. Damien Cook 20. Davvy Moale, 21. Jed Cartwright

Cowboys: 1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, 2. Kyle Feldt, 3. Valentine Holmes, 4. Peta Hiku, 5. Murray Taulagi, 6. Scott Drinkwater, 7. Chad Townsend, 8. Jordan McLean, 9. Reece Robson, 10. Reuben Cotter, 11. Luciano Leilua, 12. Jeremiah Nanai, 13. Jason Taumalolo

Bench: 14. Tom Gilbert, 15. Coen Hess, 16. Jamayne Taunoa-Brown, 17. Griffin Neame

Reserves: 18. Brendan Elliot, 20. Jake Granville

Players cut: 19. Tomas Chester, 21. Riley Price, 22. Ben Condon

Scott Drinkwater replaces Tom Dearden at five-eighth for the Cowboys. Picture: Ian Hitchcock / Getty Images

TIGERS v DRAGONS

Sunday, 2pm, CommBank Stadium, Sydney

Tigers: 1. Daine Laurie, 2. Brent Naden, 3. Starford To’a, 4. Asu Kepaoa, 5. Junior Pauga, 6. Adam Doueihi, 7. Jock Madden, 8. Joe Ofahengaue, 9. Jake Simpkin, 10. Zane Musgrove, 11. Tom Freebairn, 12. Kelma Tuilagi, 13. Fa’amanu Brown

Bench: 14. Fonua Pole, 15. Austin Dias, 16. Jacob Liddle, 17. Kitione Kautoga

Reserves: 18. Justin Matamua, 19. Tyrone Peachey,

Players cut: 20. James Roberts, 21. Tukimihia Simpkins, 22. Brandon Tumeth

Late mail: After a two-try performance in NSW Cup last week, Junior Pauga got the nod to replace the injured Ken Maumalo ahead of veteran James Roberts. With around half of their top 25 players unavailable for selection, the Tigers are running low on options in their starting side.

Dragons: 1. Cody Ramsey, 2. Mathew Feagai, 3. Jack Bird, 4. Zac Lomax, 5. Tautau Moga, 6. Talatau Amone, 7. Ben Hunt, 8. Aaron Woods, 9. Jayden Sullivan, 10. Blake Lawrie, 11. Josh McGuire, 12. Jaydn Su’A, 13. Jack De Belin

Bench: 14. Tyrell Fuimaono, 15. Jaiyden Hunt, 16. Jackson Ford, 17. Tyrell Sloan

Reserves: 18. Jack Gosiewski, 19. Jonathan Reuben

Players cut: 20. Poasa Faamausili, 21. Joshua Coric, 22. Josh Kerr

Late mail: No changes expected at the Dragons.

TITANS v KNIGHTS

Sunday, 4.05pm, Cbus Super Stadium, Gold Coast

Titans: 1. Jayden Campbell, 2. Jojo Fifita, 3. Brian Kelly, 4. Phillip Sami, 5. Greg Marzhew, 6. AJ Brimson, 7. Tanah Boyd, 8. Jaimin Jolliffe, 9. Sam McIntyre, 10. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, 11. David Fifita, 12. Beau Fermor, 13. Isaac Liu

Bench: 14. Paul Turner, 15. Herman Ese’ese, 16. Moeaki Fotuaika, 17. Klese Haas

Reserves: 18. Corey Thompson, 19. Jarrod Wallace

Players cut: 20. Toby Sexton, 21. Esan Marsters, 22. Sam Lisone

Late mail: After failing a HIA last weekend, Phillip Sami must pass concussion protocols to take his place against the Knights.

If ruled out, Esan Marsters or Corey Thompson would join the backline.

Jarrod Wallace is a chance to come into the 17 on game day.

Knights: 1. Tex Hoy, 2. Edrick Lee, 3. Dane Gagai, 4. Krystian Mapapalangi, 5. Dominic Young, 6. Anthony Milford, 7. Adam Clune, 8. David Klemmer, 9. Jayden Brailey, 10. Daniel Saifiti, 11. Tyson Frizell, 12. Brodie Jones, 13. Sauaso Sue,

Bench: 14. Phoenix Crossland, 15. Jacob Saifiti, 16. Pasami Saulo, 17. Mat Croker

Reserves: 18. Jack Johns, 20. Enari Tuala

Players cut: 19. Chris Randall, 21. Simi Sasagi, 22. Jirah Momoisea

Late mail: No changes expected at the Knights.

Originally published as NRL Late Mail Round 24: Predicted team changes, Kayal Iro to debut for Sharks, Luke Thompson out with Covid