NRL Early Mail round 21: Api Koroisau switch, Selwyn Cobbo and Brendan Piakura cleared, Angus Crichton sent for MRI
Wests Tigers star Api Koroisau will return from a calf injury this week but likely in a new position. Full predicted team changes for round 21.
Wests Tigers hooker Api Koroisau trained in the halves on Tuesday morning in a sign coach Benji Marshall could shake up his spine for Friday night’s clash with the Warriors.
Koroisau will return from a calf injury for the match in Auckland but could be in a different position.
Rising rake Tallyn Da Silva starred in Koroisau’s absence last weekend against South Sydney and is a chance of keeping the hooking spot this week.
Da Silva trained at dummy half on Tuesday.
Young playmaker Latu Fainu also spent some time training in the halves alongside Lachlan Galvin.
David Klemmer, John Bateman and Adam Doueihi did not train with the squad.
It’s understood their workloads are being managed.
The Tigers are also set to receive a boost with Penrith-bound Isaiah Papali’i gearing up to play his first game since Round 12.
Papali’i was last seen against North Queensland nine weeks ago where he fell victim to a hip drop tackle at the hands of Valentine Holmes, which required tightrope surgery and a lengthy stint on the sidelines.
—Fatima Kdouh and Tyson Jackson
STAR BRONCOS DUO CLEARED
Kevin Walters is set to name a full strength team for the first time since Round 9 as the Brisbane coach battles to salvage the Broncos’ finals hopes ahead of Saturday’s do-or-die clash against Canterbury.
Selwyn Cobbo has been given the green light to take the field against the Bulldogs after the star centre was rested following the State of Origin decider having pulled up from the brutal encounter with a groin injury.
In a further boost, Brendan Piakura was cleared of a serious groin injury suffered in last Saturday’s 30-14 win over Newcastle.
Piakura was sent for scans on Monday but medical staff are confident his issue is only minor and won’t sideline the back rower long term.
Piakura is still a chance of lining up on Saturday night and will be given the week to prove his fitness.
Injuries have ravaged Walters’ stocks this season and the coach will name a full-strength side for only the third time this year if Piakura passes his fitness tests during the week.
The only other time Walters’ side has been full strength was in Las Vegas for the season opener and in Round 9, when Reynolds tore his biceps against the Sydney Roosters.
-Fatima Kdouh
CRICHTON ON TRACK FOR SEA EAGLES CLASH
The Sydney Roosters are expecting Angus Crichton to line up against Manly on Saturday night despite being sent for an MRI following last weekend’s loss to Melbourne.
Crichton, who was caught in a nasty tackle with Reece Walsh in Wednesday night’s decider, was booked in for a MRI pre-Origin, but after backing up against the Storm last Saturday it was imperative the star second-rower was checked early this week.
On Monday morning Crichton took to X (formerly known as Twitter) posting “Don’t drink coffee before MRI,” which raised questions over whether the Wally Lewis medallist was potentially carrying an injury.
A Roosters representative told this masthead Crichton’s scan was precautionary and the results showed no damage to his neck.
—Tyson Jackson
Don’t drink coffee before MRI ðŸ‘
— Angus Crichton (@acrichton33) July 22, 2024
FULL LATE MAIL, BY TIM WILLIAMS
Friday, 6pm, Go Media Stadium, Auckland
Warriors: Taine Tuaupiki is unavailable due to a head knock, with Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad a chance to return from a calf injury at fullback.
If the regular No. 1 isn’t cleared, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck would shift to fullback.
Centre Adam Pompey is unlikely to play again this year. Pompey injured his knee on the halftime break against the Raiders. The injury is now expected to sideline the centre for the rest of the year with Marcelo Montoya a chance to return from a groin injury in his place.
Rocco Berry is also pushing to return from a shoulder injury and could be a direct replacement.
Shaun Johnson is nearing a return from an Achilles injury in coming weeks.
Tigers: Aidan Sezer is suspended with Api Koroisau likely to return from injury in the halves and Tallyn Da Silva to continue at hooker.
Alex Seyfarth returns from a head knock, while Isaiah Papali’i is set to return from an ankle injury.
Friday, 8pm, CommBank Stadium Sydney
Eels: Mitchell Moses is out for the season after being injured late in the Origin decider.
This is likely to see Daejarn Asi continue in the halves alongside Dylan Brown.
Kelma Tuilagi is nearing a return from a thumb injury.
Storm: Joe Chan faces a two to three match ban for a dangerous contact charge.
Grant Anderson suffered a knee injury in the win over the Roosters and is likely to be unavailable, which would see Sua Faalogo or Dean Ieremia come onto the wing.
Christian Welch, Bronson Garlick and Nelson Asofa-Solomona are all strong chances to return from injury to bolster the pack.
Cameron Munster is closing in on a return from a groin injury, but may need another week.
Saturday, 3pm, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Broncos: Brendan Piakura is cleared of a serious groin injury and is a chance of playing.
Selwyn Cobbo is likely to return at centre after being rested post Origin, with Deine Mariner pushing to the wing and Corey Oates dropping out.
Bulldogs: No changes expected for the Bulldogs.
Saturday, 5:30pm, QCB Stadium, Townsville
Cowboys: Semi Valemei is likely to be made available on return from an ankle injury, however he may struggle to replace in-form rookie Jaxon Purdue.
Sharks: Siosifa Talakai returns from suspension, either on the edge in place of Teig Wilton or off the bench.
Saturday, 7:35pm, Allianz Stadium, Sydney
Roosters: Joey Manu is nearing a return from a broken hand, but with a bye around the corner the club may opt to take a cautious approach with their strike-centre.
Sea Eagles: Lehi Hopoate suffered a suspected fractured eye socket that would rule him out for around a month if confirmed.
Corey Waddell is likely to be made available for selection on return from an ankle injury.
Sunday, 2pm, WIN Stadium, Wollongong
Dragons: Raymond Faitala-Mariner is expected to return from a back injury.
Panthers: Paul Alamoti suffered a suspected fractured forearm in the narrow win over the Dolphins, which will likely see rookie Casey McLean retained in the side with the Origin contingent returning.
Luke Garner is expected to return on the bench from a hamstring injury.
Sunday, 4:05pm, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Dolphins: No changes expected for the Dolphins.
Titans: AJ Brimson is a strong chance to return from a groin injury at fullback, which would likely see Keano Kini move to the bench.
Sunday, 6:15pm, GIO Stadium, Canberra
Raiders: No changes expected at the Raiders.
Rabbitohs: Richie Kennar will be unavailable due to a head knock, with Izaac Thompson likely to join the backline in his place.
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