NRL teams Round 9, 2022: Early Mail, predicted changes for upcoming round
The Broncos have copped a big blow ahead of their Friday night clash with the Rabbitohs while Brian To’o is firming to return for the Panthers this weekend. UPDATED EARLY MAIL
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The Broncos have suffered a major blow with star prop Payne Haas set to be ruled out of Thursday night’s crucial away clash against South Sydney.
Brisbane’s quest for a third successive victory has been jolted by the reality Haas is facing an uphill battle to recover in time from a grade-one shoulder injury he first suffered two weeks ago against the Bulldogs.
It is understood Haas is at long odds to be named in the Broncos’ starting side with Brisbane coach Kevin Walters leaning towards giving the NSW Origin enforcer at least a week off in the hope his minor AC joint problem heals before their Magic Round clash against Manly in round 10.
Brisbane’s No.1 prop aggravated his damaged AC joint in the Broncos’ impressive 16-7 defeat of the Sharks last Thursday night.
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Despite being in obvious pain, Haas bravely soldiered on, with Brisbane’s chief front-rower still managing 125 metres from 13 runs before being called to the sidelines in the 54th minute.
Walters’ temptation is to play his most important forward as the Broncos chase a third successive victory which would entrench them in the top eight, but he is mindful of Haas suffering a more serious break down.
“We will look after him medically, we’re not about trying to overburden him.
“If his shoulder isn’t right, he won’t play,” Walters said in the wake of Brisbane’s defeat of the Sharks.
The Broncos enter the round 9 clash with a 4-4 record and the loss of Haas would be a blow to their hopes of beating Souths for the second time this season.
Queensland Origin prop Tom Flegler is likely to be promoted into the starting side alongside off-season recruit Corey Jensen, who was outstanding against the Sharks, charging for 163 metres in his best game for the Broncos.
Vice-captain Kurt Capewell said Brisbane’s upset of the Sharks, after also losing star halfback Adam Reynolds (cut eye) for a brief period, is evidence they can compete with the NRL’s top-eight teams.
“We have a good team connection and that was evident against the Sharks,” Capewell said.
“We want to be a resilient team, it’s something we pride ourselves on and the way we pulled together when we lost ‘Reyno’ and did the job was awesome.”
CROKER COMEBACK MET WITH CHEERS
Canberra captain Jarrod Croker has been named to make his comeback to the NRL.
The Raiders champion will return to first grade at centre as coach Ricky Stuart looks to spark a form revival from the Green Machine.
Croker has spent the opening months of the season overcoming major knee surgery before playing in the NSW Cup over the past few weeks.
The 31-year-old hasn’t played first grade since August last season. He is just nine games away from reaching the magic 300-game milestone.
Croker’s selection was met with wild cheers from his Raiders teammates at training on Tuesday.
Matt Frawley will be named in the halves as a replacement to suspended star Jack Wighton.
Charnze Nicoll-Klokstaad is also expected to return to fullback.
TO’O TAKES TO THE TRAINING PADDOCK
Premiers Penrith are in for a boost ahead of Friday’s battle of the west against Parramatta with blockbusting winger Brian To’o firming to take the field.
To’o has been sidelined with a knee injury but completed a full training session on Monday afternoon without any issues.
“I think he’ll get every chance to be out there. He trained really well today so it’s good to have him back on the field. I won’t rule him in or out at the moment,” captain Nathan Cleary said.
Centre Stephen Crichton and boom back Taylan May were notable omissions at training. The duo missed the session through illness but are not in doubt for Friday’s blockbuster.
Both returned negative Covid-19 tests and were sent home as a precaution.
Forward Moses Leota is scheduled back from a shoulder injury next week and also trained strongly on Monday
“He’s tracking well. He and Bizz (To’o) were on the same timeline. Both trained today and did the full session,” Cleary said.
To’o trained on the left edge alongside Izack Tago, while Charlie Staines ran on the right wing with Jaeman Salmon at right centre in place of May and Crichton.
MORE THAN A MANN DOWN FOR KNIGHTS
Kurt Mann will be missing for the Knights for an extended period after suffering an ankle injury. Mann skipped last weeks loss to the Storm but he will also be sidelined for at least the next two weeks.
The last-placed Knights injury woes continue with halfback Adam Clune sent for scans on a hand injury. The latest setback is likely to result in Knights coach Adam O’Brien naming a new-look halves pairing for the club’s must-win clash with the Cowboys on Saturday night.
While awaiting the results of the scans on his hand, Clune is also dealing with a PCL knee injury.
Tex Hoy, Phoenix Crossland and Jake Clifford are all considered the leading options for O’Brien in the halves. There is a discussion being held within the club that Clifford could be rested due to his below-par form. A further option is to move Kalyn Ponga into the halves, however, he is expected to remain at fullback for the clash with the Cowboys. In some positive news, powerful winger Dominic Young (knee) and Lachlan Fitzgibbon (knee) are set to return from injury this weekend.
RABBITOHS v BRONCOS
Thursday, 7.50pm, Accor Stadium, Sydney
Rabbitohs: Taane Milne returns from suspension, but following rookie Isaiah Tass’ strong performance in the win over Manly it’s unlikely he’ll be unseated.
Tass played left edge, with Campbell Graham remaining on the right.
Broncos: Payne Haas will again be the big watch at Red Hill, with his AC joint injury stirring in the win over Cronulla.
He failed to finish the match, but as per last week it’s only regarded as a pain tolerance issue rather than likelihood of suffering further damage.
He’ll be assessed throughout the week in an attempt to take on the Rabbitohs.
RAIDERS v BULLDOGS
Friday, 6pm, GIO Stadium, Canberra
Raiders: Star five-eighth Jack Wighton faces a two to three week suspension for his dangerous throw on Reece Walsh.
Matt Frawley was Ricky Stuart’s preferred option in the halves against the Cowboys in Round 2, so it’s likely he’d partner Brad Schneider.
Elliott Whitehead is likely to return in the back-row from a facial laceration. Harry Rushton is tipped to drop out of the 17.
Adam Elliott is likely to start at hooker again with Tom Starling preferred off the bench.
Jarrod Croker will come into the side.
Bulldogs: Billy Tsikrikas would have escaped with a fine for his charge at the judiciary, but being outside the club’s top 30 he’ll cop a one week suspension for his charge.
It may not have impacted the NRL side though, with club captain Josh Jackson returning from his stint out due to Covid.
He’ll return in the back-row, with Max King expected to move to the bench.
PANTHERS v EELS
Friday, 7.55pm, BlueBet Stadium, Penrith
Panthers: Brian To’o may be a massive inclusion when squads drop on Tuesday as he looks to return from a knee injury.
If cleared to play, I’d expect Taylan May to retain his place, with Charlie Staines dropping out of the side.
It’ll be very intriguing whether or not To’o returns on his preferred left wing or is switched to the right, with May and Tago striking up a nice combination this season on the left.
Moses Leota is also pushing to return from injury.
Eels: Tom Opacic’s impending return from a neck injury will have significant implications, with Dylan Brown to shift back into the halves and Jakob Arthur moving to the bench.
Sean Russell is also closing in on a lengthy return from a nasty rib/lung injury in Round 1 following a quick-fire hat-trick.
Should both be cleared, Hayze Perham would drop out of the squad.
SEA EAGLES v TIGERS
Saturday, 3pm, 4 Pines Park, Sydney
Sea Eagles: All eyes will be on Tommy Trbojevic as he pushes for a return in Round 9.
He’s a decent chance to take his place, this would see Reuben Garrick return to the wing, and Brad Parker likely drop out after suffering a knee injury.
If Parker did avoid damage and played, Tolutau Koula or Christian Tuipulotu would drop out of the side.
Karl Lawton is facing four to five weeks out for his high shot on Cam Murray that saw him sent off.
Haumole Olakau’atu returns from suspension and will take his place in the back-row alongside Josh Schuster who impressed in his first game back from injury.
Tigers: Ken Maumalo will push to return from a hamstring injury.
If cleared, this would likely see Luke Garner shift to the bench and Asu Kepaoa play centre.
However, Michael Maguire may opt to reward Garner’s form by keeping him in the starting backline.
ROOSTERS v TITANS
Saturday, 5.30pm, BB Print Stadium, Mackay
Roosters: Trent Robinson may be tempted to switch up a few parts of his side following a shock loss to the Bulldogs.
The back line may be the starting point, with Daniel Tupou returning from suspension on the wing.
Adam Keighran will likely make way, seeing Sam Walker regain goalkicking duties.
There’s a few options to play centre, including Paul Momirovski and Billy Smith should they be cleared to return, or Naiqama who could shift from the wing.
While likely to miss another week, Connor Watson will push to return from a throat injury and would come into the side at 14 if available in place of Drew Hutchinson.
Titans: David Fifita is set to miss four weeks with a knee injury.
This will see Kevin Proctor retain his starting spot in the back-row, Sam McIntyre or Jarrod Wallace would likely join the bench.
Following a gutsy performance against the defending premiers, it’s likely Justin Holbrook will stick with his new-look spine of AJ Brimson at fullback and Will Smith in the halves.
COWBOYS v KNIGHTS
Saturday, 7.35pm, QCB Stadium, Townsville
Cowboys: No likely changes expected at the in-form North Queensland Cowboys.
I’m sure Reuben Cotter will be named on the bench again before starting come game day.
Heilum Luki and Coen Hess are also likely to be named as starters before reverting to the bench.
Knights: A few faces should return to the back-row in the next week or two.
Kurt Mann should return at lock after being a late out against the Storm.
Jirah Momoisea and Lachlan Fitzgibbon are both pushing to return.
Momoisea would join the bench, while Fitzgibbon would likely start in the back-row if cleared, with Brodie Jones reverting to the bench.
Mitchell Barnett also returns from a lengthy suspension in Round 10.
STORM v DRAGONS
Sunday, 2pm, AAMI Park, Melbourne
Storm: Tepai Moeroa left the field with an arm injury. If unavailable, Chris Lewis would likely come in as the only expected change to the 17.
Dragons: Jack Bird missed the win over the Tigers with an arm injury.
He was a late scratching from the 17, indicating he’ll be in line to return for Round 9.
While likely to slot back in at five-eighth if cleared, Talatau Amone impressed on return to the starting side which will give Anthony Griffin a few selection headaches.
SHARKS v WARRIORS
Sunday, 4.05pm, PointsBet Stadium, Sydney
Sharks: Dale Finucane is expected to return after missing the Broncos clash with calf tightness.
He’ll either start at lock or prop, with the latter option allowing for Cam McInnes to potentially remain in the starting side.
Andrew Fifita may rejoin the bench after being rested last week.
Wade Graham will look to unseat Teig Wilton in the starting side either this week or next having played just 23 minutes in his first game of the season.
Warriors: A bit of movement at the Warriors as has been the theme of the season.
Dallin Watene-Zelezniak will return to the side if he passes concussion protocols.
Jesse Arthars suffered a shoulder injury, so that would present a straight swap.
Viliame Vailea was named on the wing but played in his preferred centre spot on return from injury.
Kodi Nikorima returns from Covid protocols and will either start in place of Daejarn Asi in the halves, or join the bench as the utility.
Aaron Pene returns from suspension and will join the bench.
Tohu Harris is expected to return within the next fortnight for his first game of the season.
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Originally published as NRL teams Round 9, 2022: Early Mail, predicted changes for upcoming round
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