NRL Late Mail round 3: Kotoni Staggs eyes return, Dylan Lucas out, Bula tipped to play

The Wests Tigers are optimistic that fullback Jahream Bula will overcome a niggle to play while Brisbane are sweating on Kotoni Staggs’ fitness. See the predicted Round 3 team changes.

Wests Tigers star Jarome Luai is confident fullback Jahream Bula won’t be a late omission from Saturday’s clash against the Dolphins.

Bula, who starred in the Tigers win over Parramatta, sent a scare through the Tigers camp after he was spotted in a moon boot after the match.

Coach Benji Marshall named Bula at fullback on Tuesday but rookie no.1 Heath Mason was also included in the extended squad, as a potential back-up if Bula is ruled out.

The Tigers will hold the first full field session of the week today and Luai is expecting Bula to get through training unscathed.

“He’s ready to rock. Our big day is today, so he’ll lace up the boots and jump in with us,” Luai said.

“I was amazed at the way he played (against the Eels). We are going to need him again this week.”

Jahream Bula was big for the Wests Tigers in their round two demolition of the Eels. Picture: Getty Images

STAGGS FIRMING TO PLAY IN XXXX DERBY

Brisbane’s strike weapon Kotoni Staggs could make a shock early comeback from injury for Friday night’s must-win blockbuster against the Cowboys.

This masthead can reveal Staggs will take part in Brisbane’s captain’s run on Thursday in the final hurdle to the Broncos’ No.1 centre being cleared to play in the XXXX derby at Suncorp Stadium.

The tackle-busting powerhouse was originally expected to miss the opening month of the NRL premiership after suffering a quadriceps tear in Brisbane’s final pre-season trial against the Bulldogs.

But Staggs raised hopes of an earlier-than-expected return after running well at Broncos training on Tuesday.

Kotoni Staggs is aiming to return ahead of schedule. Picture: Adam Head

The Suncorp matchwinner was subsequently named in the no.19 jumper in Brisbane’s extended 22-man squad as Broncos coach Michael Maguire gave Staggs every chance of playing.

Staggs will undergo a fitness test at Brisbane’s final session and if he gets the green light from Broncos medicos, Maguire will have no hesitation pitchforking him into the Suncorp derby.

The return of Staggs would be a massive boost for a Broncos side under pressure to hit back quickly after last week’s listless 32-22 loss to the Raiders in Canberra.

KEY KNIGHTS STAR SUFFERS HAMSTRING INJURY

Newcastle have been dealt a blow with in-form back-rower Dylan Lucas suffering a hamstring injury.

It is understood Lucas hurt himself at training on Wednesday afternoon and will be ruled out of Saturday night’s match against Gold Coast. He will be given until Friday afternoon to prove his fitness.

Young Jermaine McEwen may be the replacement for Lucas.

It is hoped the injury is not major with the Knights having the bye next week it should mean he is right to play the Bulldogs in round five.

The Knights are already without forwards Leo Thompson (knee) and Kai Pearce-Paul (suspended).

—Michael Carayannis

Knights star Dylan Lucas has gone down with a hamstring injury. Picture: NRL Imagery

ILLNESS HITS CANTERBURY CAMP

Canterbury copped another spanner in the works ahead of Sunday’s clash with Parramatta after halfback Toby Sexton missed training on Wednesday.

Sexton, who will steer the ship against the Eels in the absence of injured star Matt Burton, woke up feeling sick and skipped training to try and shake it to be healthy by game day.

Although the club is confident he will be right to take the field in four days time, it has come as a further interruption for the unbeaten Bulldogs, who will be without Burton and Viliame Kikau for at least the next month.

At a pinch, Kurt Mann and Jaeman Salmon are both capable of shifting into the halves, while rookie five-eighth Joseph O’Neill is also on the extended bench.

Despite the hits to the squad, lock Salmon said there is no pressure within the team to overcompensate for Burton or Kikau, saying replacements Bailey Hayward and Sitili Tupouniua are encouraged to be themselves.

“Whoever covers them isn’t going to try and play like them or cover them, they’ll play to the best of their ability and what they do well,” Salmon said.

“Sitili Tupouniua in the backrow will do what he does well and Bailey Hayward at six will play like he plays.”

—Pamela Whaley

Toby Sexton missed training on Wednesday due to illness. Picture: Jeremy Ng/Getty Images

ADDO-CARR EYES DEBUT

Josh Addo-Carr is edging towards a return against his former club the Bulldogs this weekend after training with his Parramatta teammates.

Addo-Carr, who hasn’t played since leaving the Bulldogs and receiving a ban from the NRL over his off-field conduct, was named on an extended bench by the Eels on Tuesday.

However, he was a notable presence at Eels training on Wednesday and looks ripe and ready to make his bow for the club at CommBank Stadium on Sunday.

The struggling Eels could certainly do with an injection of Addo-Carr’s experience and enthusiasm. With captain and halfback Mitchell Moses watching on as he recovers from a foot problem, Addo-Carr’s presence at training was a ray of light for a club that has struggled through their opening two games.

Josh Addo-Carr all smiles at Eels training ahead of his club debut. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

Josh Addo-Carr is set to come into the starting side for the Eels. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

The former NSW and Australian winger had his right hand heavily strapped, although it is understood that was related to an old injury.

His fitness doesn’t seem to be an issue. The only concern for coach Jason Ryles is likely whether Addo-Carr has the match fitness to take on the Bulldogs.

Given the Eels’ early season woes, it seems unfathomable to think Ryles would leave Addo-Carr on the sidelines for what shapes as a crucial game for the club’s new coach as he attempts to kick-start their season.

Addo-Carr was axed by the Bulldogs last season after he was found guilty of driving under the influence of drugs. He received a ban from the NRL over the incident, preventing him making his debut for the Eels through the opening two rounds of the season.

His likely return comes as the Bulldogs lick their wounds after losing star players Matt Burton and Viliame Kikau with knee injuries at the weekend.

—Brent Read

SEIBOLD’S DETAILED INJURY REPORT ON TURBO

Manly coach Anthony Seibold has confirmed star fullback Tom Trbojevic is a 50-50 chance of facing the Raiders at Four Pines Park on Sunday.

In providing the most detailed update yet on Trbojevic’s hamstring complaint, Seibold confirmed the champion fullback would need to pass a fitness test before he’s cleared to play, while conceding Manly’s greatest strike weapon may be put on ice for one week.

“We named him yesterday (Tuesday), we’re optimistic,’’ Seibold told SEN’s Mornings with Matt White program on Wednesday.

“But I think Turbo (Trbojevic) will definitely have to do a fitness test at the back end of the week.

“We’ll be cautious with Turbo as well.

Tom Trbojevic is rated 50-50 due to a hamstring injury.

“The good news is that nothing showed up on the scan. It is just general tightness, but obviously with a little bit of a history there we need to make sure that we get him right before we put him back on the field.

“Turbo works really hard and as I said, we’re optimistic, but we’re probably still 50-50 with Turbo.

“He’s done all his drilling yesterday and this morning.

“And when I say drilling, that’s all your running type drills on the field and inside the gym.

“There’s no strain there, so if he doesn’t play this week, he’ll be available for the following week.

“And the only reason why he wouldn’t play this week is because we’re trying to make sure that we take away any of that tightness or soreness.’’

—David Riccio

ROUND 3 LATE MAIL

STORM V PANTHERS

8pm Thursday March 20, AAMI Park, Melbourne

Storm

1. Ryan Papenhuyzen 2. Grant Anderson 3. Jack Howarth 4. Nick Meaney 5. Xavier Coates 6. Cameron Munster 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Stefano Utoikamanu 9. Harry Grant 10. Josh King 11. Shawn Blore 12. Eliesa Katoa 13. Trent Loiero

Interchange: 14. Tyran Wishart 15. Alec MacDonald 16. Tui Kamikamica 22. Nelson Asofa-Solomona

Reserves: 18. Bronson Garlick 20. Kane Bradley

Cut: 17. Lazarus Vaalepu 19. Joe Chan 21. Coby Williamson

Late Mail: One change in the 24-hour team update, with Nelson Asofa-Solomona elevated to the bench, with Lazarus Vaalepu dropping out of the side. Will Warbrick missed the squad through concussion with Grant Anderson to line up on the wing.

Panthers

22. Thomas Jenkins 2. Casey McLean 3. Izack Tago 4. Paul Alamoti 5. Brian To’o 6. Jack Cole 7. Nathan Cleary 8. Moses Leota 9. Mitch Kenny 10. Lindsay Smith 11. Scott Sorensen 12. Liam Martin 13. Isaah Yeo

Interchange: 14. Brad Schneider 15. Isaiah Papali’i 16. Liam Henry 17. Luke Garner

Reserves: 18. Blaize Talagi 20. Matt Eisenhuth

Cut: 1. Daine Laurie 19. Trent Toelau 21. Luke Sommerton

Late Mail: There was some speculation Thomas Jenkins would replace Casey McLean on the wing, but he instead replaced Daine Laurie at fullback. Laurie was initially named to replace the injured Dylan Edwards, but has himself been ruled out. Isaiah Papali’i has been named to return from a hip injury on the bench.

WARRIORS V ROOSTERS

6pm Friday March 21, GO Media Stadium, Auckland

Warriors

1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 2. Taine Tuaupiki 3. Ali Leiataua 4. Adam Pompey 5. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 6. Chanel Harris-Tavita 7. Luke Metcalf 8. James Fisher-Harris 9. Wayde Egan 10. Mitchell Barnett 11. Kurt Capewell 12. Marata Niukore 13. Erin Clark

Interchange: 14. Dylan Walker 15. Jackson Ford 16. Demitric Vaimauga 17. Leka Halasima

Reserves: 18. Jacob Laban 20. Te Maire Martin 21. Freddy Lussick 22. Bunty Afoa 23. Rocco Berry

Late Mail: To come

Roosters

1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Mark Nawaqanitawase 4. Robert Toia 5. Dominic Young 6. Sandon Smith 7. Chad Townsend 8. Spencer Leniu 9. Connor Watson 10. Naufahu Whyte 11. Angus Crichton 12. Siua Wong 13. Victor Radley

Interchange: 14. Zach Dockar-Clay 15. Salesi Foketi (suspended) 16. Blake Steep 17. Lindsay Collins

Reserves: 18. Hugo Savala 19. Taylor Losalu 20. Billy Smith 21. Makahesi Makatoa 22. Ethan Roberts

Late Mail: Bench prop Salesi Foketi has failed in his bid to have a grade 2 careless high tackle charge downgraded at the judiciary and has been banned for two games.

Lindsay Collins (illness), Victor Radley (concussion) and Spencer Leniu (suspension) all return.

BRONCOS V COWBOYS

8pm Friday March 21, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane

Broncos

1. Reece Walsh 2. Selwyn Cobbo 3. Deine Mariner 4. Gehamat Shibasaki 5. Jesse Arthars 6. Ben Hunt 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Patrick Carrigan 9. Cory Paix 10. Payne Haas 11. Jack Gosiewski 12. Jordan Riki 13. Kobe Hetherington

Interchange: 14. Billy Walters, 15. Corey Jensen, 16. Xavier Willison, 17. Brendan Piakura

Reserves: 18. Tyson Smoothy 19. Kotoni Staggs 20. Martin Taupau 21. Jaiyden Hunt 22. Jock Madden

Late Mail: Kotoni Staggs is gunning for an early return from a quad injury after being named on the extended bench. He will take part in captain’s run on Thursday and will play if he makes it through.

Cowboys

1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Robert Derby 3. Jaxon Purdue 4. Viliami Vailea 5. Murray Taulagi 6. Tom Dearden 7. Jake Clifford 8. Jordan McLean 9. Reece Robson 10. Jason Taumalolo 11. John Bateman 12. Kai O’Donnell 13. Reuben Cotter

Interchange: 14. Sam McIntyre 15. Jeremiah Nanai 16. Griffin Neame 17. Coen Hess

Reserves: 18. Harrison Edwards 19. Thomas Duffy 20. Thomas Mikaele 21. Karl Lawton 22. Jaxson Paulo

Late Mail: SuperCoach should monitor cheapie Robert Derby after the Cowboys confirmed Braidon Burns will miss 3-4 weeks with a hamstring injury.

Coach Todd Payten swung the axe on Tuesday, dumping halfback Thomas Duffy for Jake Clifford and recalling Jason Taumalolo and Jeremiah Nanai from Queensland Cup.

SHARKS V RABBITOHS

3pm Saturday 22nd March, Sharks Stadium, Sydney

Sharks

1. William Kennedy 2. Samuel Stonestreet 3. Jesse Ramien 4. Kayal Iro 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo 6. Braydon Trindall 7. Nicho Hynes 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Oregon Kaufusi 11. Briton Nikora 12. Teig Wilton 13. Cameron McInnes

Interchange: 14. Daniel Atkinson 15. Siosifa Talakai 16. Braden Hamlin-Uele 17. Tuku Hau Tapuha

Reserves: 18. Billy Burns 19. Mawene Hiroti 20. Hohepa Puru 21. Niwhai Puru 22. Jayden Berrell

Late Mail: Nicho Hynes trained only partly on Tuesday as he manages a leg injury but is expected to play.

Rabbitohs

1. Jye Gray 2. Isaiah Tass 3. Jack Wighton 4. Campbell Graham 5. Fletcher Myers 6. Cody Walker 7. Jamie Humphreys 8. Sean Keppie 9. Peter Mamouzelos 10. Davvy Moale 11. Keaon Koloamatangi 12. Jai Arrow 13. Tallis Duncan

Interchange: 14. Jayden Sullivan 15. Siliva Havili 16. Liam Le Blanc 17. Tevita Tatola

Reserves: 18. Mikaele Ravalawa 19. Lewis Dodd 20. Jacob Host 21. Thomas Fletcher 22. Salesi Ataata

Late Mail: Tallis Duncan is in considerable doubt due to a hip injury.

Fresh recruit Mikaele Ravalawa was named 18th man on Tuesday despite not yet having trained with the club.

He could push his way onto a wing. Young gun Lachlan Hubner has been suspended for two weeks.

DOLPHINS V WESTS TIGERS

5:30pm, Saturday 22nd March, Kayo Stadium, Redcliffe

Dolphins

1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Jake Averillo 4. Herbie Farnworth 5. Junior Tupou 6. Kodi Nikorima 7. Isaiya Katoa 8. Daniel Saifiti 9. Jeremy Marshall-King 10. Felise Kaufusi 11. Oryn Keeley 12. Max Plath 13. Tom Gilbert

Interchange: 14. Kurt Donoghoe 15. Josh Kerr 16. Mark Nicholls 17. Ray Stone

Reserves: 18. Sean O’Sullivan 19. Max Feagai 20. Kenny Bromwich 21. Jack Bostock 22. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki

Late Mail: Expect late changes with Jack Bostock (knee) and Kulikefu Finefeuiaki (concussion) named on the extended bench. Bostock has trained at centre and wing but would most likely replace Junior Tupou on the wing. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki likely starts in the back row for Oryn Keeley.

Wests Tigers

1. Jahream Bula 2. Sunia Turuva 3. Adam Doueihi 4. Starford To’a 5. Jeral Skelton 6. Lachlan Galvin 7. Jarome Luai 8. Terrell May 9. Apisai Koroisau 10. Fonua Pole 11. Samuela Fainu 12. Alex Seyfarth 13. Alex Twal

Interchange: 14. Tallyn Da Silva 15. Royce Hunt 16. Jack Bird 17. Sione Fainu

Reserves: 18. Latu Fainu 19. Heath Mason 20. Charlie Staines 21. Tony Sukkar 22. Solomona Faataape

Late Mail: Wests Tigers star Jarome Luai is confident fullback Jahream Bula won’t be a late omission from Saturday’s clash against the Dolphins.

Bula, who starred in the Tigers win over Parramatta, sent a scare through the Tigers camp after he was spotted in a moon boot after the match.

Coach Benji Marshall named Bula at fullback on Tuesday but rookie no.1 Heath Mason was also included in the extended squad, as a potential back-up if Bula is ruled out.

TITANS V KNIGHTS

7:35pm, Saturday 22nd March, Cbus Super Stadium, Gold Coast

Titans

1. Keano Kini 2. Tony Francis 3. Brian Kelly 4. Phillip Sami 5. Jojo Fifita 6. AJ Brimson 7. Jayden Campbell 8. Moeaki Fotuaika 9. Sam Verrills 10. Reagan Campbell-Gillard 11. Klese Haas 12. Beau Fermor 13. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui

Interchange: 14. Chris Randall 15. David Fifita 16. Iszac Fa’asuamaleaui 17. Brock Gray

Reserves: 18. Jaylan De Groot 19. Arama Hau 20. Jacob Alick-Wienke 21. Tom Weaver 22. Ken Maumalo

Late Mail: With Alofiana Khan-Pereira expected to miss at least four weeks due to a hamstring injury, SuperCoaches should monitor Tony Francis as a cheapie.

Reagan Campbell-Gillard has shed some light on why David Fifita played only 31 minutes in round 1 from the bench, where he has been named again this week.

“He might still be a bit underdone from the surgery he had in the off-season,” Campbell-Gillard said. “We need him to play. Even if he comes off the bench I’m sure he’ll do a job. If he starts he’ll do a job.”

Knights

1. Kalyn Ponga 2. James Schiller 3. Dane Gagai 4. Bradman Best 5. Greg Marzhew 6. Fletcher Sharpe 7. Jack Cogger 8. Jacob Saifiti 9. Phoenix Crossland 10. Brodie Jones 11. Dylan Lucas 12.Tyson Frizell 13. Adam Elliott

Interchange: 14. Jayden Brailey 15. Jack Hetherington 16. Thomas Cant 17. Mat Croker

Reserves: 18. Kyle McCarthy 19. Jermaine McEwen 20. Will Pryce 21. Matthew Arthur 22. Tyrone Thompson

Late Mail: Dylan Lucas is in doubt after picking up a hamstring injury at training and is expected to be ruled out. If that is the case we could see either Thomas Cant or Mat Croker come into the starting side, with Jermaine McEwen joining the bench.

EELS V BULLDOGS

4:05pm, Sunday 23rd March, CommBank Stadium, Sydney

Eels

1. Isaiah Iongi 2. Sean Russell 3. Will Penisini 4. Zac Lomax 5. Jordan Samrani 6. Dylan Brown 7. Dean Hawkins 8. Joe Ofahengaue 9. Brendan Hands 10. Junior Paulo 11. Shaun Lane 12. Jack Williams 13. J’maine Hopgood

Interchange: 14. Ryley Smith 15. Matt Dooery 16. Kitione Kautoga 17. Sam Tuivaiti

Reserves: 18. Ryan Matterson 19. Joash Papali’i 20. Dan Kier 21. Josh Addo-Carr 22. Joey Lussick

Late Mail: Josh Addo-Carr is back from a disciplinary suspension and set to come into the starting side for his Parramatta debut.

Bulldogs

1. Connor Tracey 2. Blake Wilson 3. Bronson Xerri 4. Stephen Crichton 5. Marcelo Montoya 6. Bailey Hayward 7. Toby Sexton 8. Max King 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Joshua Curran 11. Sitili Tupouniua 12. Jacob Preston 13. Kurt Mann

Interchange: 14. Kurt Mann 15. Harry Hayes 16. Daniel Suluka-Fifita 17. Kurtis Morrin

Reserves: 19. Joseph O’Neill 20. Jack Todd 21. Blake Taaffe 22. Luke Smith 23. Jonathan Sua

Late Mail: Halfback Toby Sexton missed training on Wednesday through illness but is expected to play.

SEA EAGLES V RAIDERS

6:15pm, Sunday 23rd March, 4 Pines Park, Sydney

Sea Eagles

1. Tom Trbojevic 2. Jason Saab 3. Tolutau Koula 4. Reuben Garrick 5. Lehi Hopoate 6. Luke Brooks 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Taniela Paseka 9. Jazz Tevaga 10. Siosiua Taukeiaho 11. Haumole Olakau’atu 12. Ben Trbojevic 13. Jake Trbojevic

Interchange: 14. Jake Simpkin 15. Corey Waddell 16. Ethan Bullemor 17. Josh Aloiai

Reserves: 18. Tommy Talau 19. Clayton Faulalo 20. Jakob Arthur 21. Nathan Brown 22. Raymond Tuiamalo Vaega

Late Mail: Tom Trbojevic is considered 50-50 due to hamstring tightness.

He has been cleared of any tear but will need to pass a fitness test.

Raiders

1. Kaeo Weekes 2. Savelio Tamale 3. Matthew Timoko 4. Sebastian Kris 5. Xavier Savage 6. Ethan Strange 7. Jamal Fogarty 8. Josh Papali’i 9. Tom Starling 10. Corey Horsburgh 11. Hudson Young 12. Matt Nicholson 13. Morgan Smithies

Interchange: 14. Owen Pattie 15. Simi Sasagi 16. Trey Mooney 17. Ata Mariota

Reserves: 18. Danny Levi 19. Albert Hopoate 20. Pasami Saulo 21. Jed Stuart 22. Ethan Sanders

Late Mail: To come

Originally published as NRL Late Mail round 3: Kotoni Staggs eyes return, Dylan Lucas out, Bula tipped to play