NRL 2022 Early Mail Round 18: Predicted team changes, injuries
The Penrith Panthers are set for a huge reshuffle with State of Origin stars set to be rested against the last-placed Wests Tigers. Full predicted team changes.
There will be no ducks and drakes with the Panthers this week, with Penrith coach Ivan Cleary confirming that his seven State of Origin representatives will not be named to take on the Wests Tigers on Sunday afternoon.
The ladder-leaders are six points clear at the top with eight rounds to play so they have more than enough wiggle room to risk a loss against a Tigers team that has lost five games in a row.
There would have been a temptation to name Nathan Cleary, Isaah Yeo, Api Koroisau, Liam Martin, Stephen Crichton, Brian To’o and Jarome Luai for Sunday’s clash, but Cleary is confident the other guys in the squad can get the job done.
It was only last year that the Tigers smashed a Panthers side missing their Origin players, but Cleary liked what he saw from his fill-in players back in Round 13 when they beat the Bulldogs by 12 points.
“None of them are playing. They’ve all been told to stay away for a week. I don’t want to see them,” Cleary said. “We made that decision about a month ago.”
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“It was certainly confirmed after we played the Bulldogs without our Origin boys. I thought the boys that played that night did really well.
“Luckily, we’ve been able to win our games since then, so all things considered with the big build up to this Game Three tomorrow night and the big workload that they’ve had, they won’t get another chance to have a break.”
Cleary said Sunia Turuva would probably miss out on the 17 this week but that he was edging closer to an NRL debut after his stunning performance at fullback for Fiji a few weeks ago.
The premiership-winning coach also rubbished suggestions that he was only resting players because his side was playing the team at the bottom of the ladder with games against the Storm, Eels, Cowboys, Rabbitohs and Sharks still to come.
“They’re all tough. It’s just the time,” he said.
“I didn’t think it was worth resting them during Origin because then they’ve still got to come back, so I think it just works out best because Origin is over.
“Let them have a week off and see how they come back because there’s no guarantee that they’ll all come back ready. There’s a lot of evidence over the years that it takes guys a while to come down after an Origin series.”
SHOCK TIGERS HALVES SHAKE-UP
Interim Wests Tigers coach Brett Kimmorley is considering a shock reshuffle with halfback Jackson Hastings to move into lock for Sunday’s match against Penrith.
If Kimmorley confirms the move, Luke Brooks would revert back to halfback with Adam Doueihi to start at five-eighth.
The switching of the club’s three top line players is certainly being considered but is yet to be confirmed.
Wests Tigers trained on Tuesday morning with the team to be formally announced at 4pm.
Doueihi told Kimmorley last week that he desperately wanted to play number six while Brooks has always seen himself as a No. 7.
Brooks even came forward last week to suggest Doueihi’s best position was five-eighth.
Hastings will accept the positional switch but may not be entirely happy.
Kimmorley has not won a game since taking over from Michael Maguire, who was sacked by the club in early June.
Wests Tigers match against Penrith kicks off at 2pm this Sunday at CommBank Stadium.
SOUTHS PLAYMAKER SET TO BE NAMED
— Martin Gabor
South Sydney five-eighth Cody Walker is confident halves partner Lachlan Ilias will be named for Sunday’s game against the Bulldogs after the young playmaker was forced off after just two tackles in last week’s win over the Knights.
Ilias was knocked out in a sickening head clash that immediately drew blood, but Walker says his teammate nearly made it back onto the field last week.
The No.7 trained on Tuesday morning with a pink rehab bib on and got through most drills in a good sign he’ll be cleared to return on Sunday.
“I thought he was okay to come back on but I think he failed the last little bit,” Walker said.
“I was speaking to him after the game and he was okay and he still remembered a fair bit of it. The doctors obviously did all the tests but he just failed the last little bit. I don’t see any drama with him being back in the side.”
Winger Alex Johnston was a late scratching for the big win over Newcastle with a quad complaint but he too is a good chance of coming back into the starting side after getting through most of his work with the rehab group.
“I thought it was quite a big decision in the game that he made himself. He obviously didn’t feel right,” Walker said.
“He may have got through the game – who knows – but he put the team first, and that’s all we ask of AJ. I’m not sure how close he is, but he should be okay.”
The Rabbitohs will be sweating on the fitness of Shaq Mitchell who limped off with a lower-leg injury with a few minutes to go in Tuesday’s training session.
SAMI SET FOR RETURN
— Travis Meyn
Titans winger Phil Sami is set to make his return from injury in Saturday night’s derby against the Broncos, giving Gold Coast coach Justin Holbrook a near full complement of players to choose from as he fights for his future.
Sami hasn’t played since round 11 due to a persistent knee injury which has limited him to only seven games in 2022.
But the former Queensland Origin winger is expected to be named in the Titans’ 17 on Tuesday afternoon for the Cbus Super Stadium showdown with the Broncos.
If Sami returns, fullback Jayden Campbell will be the only player unavailable for selection out of the Gold Coast’s best 17.
Campbell is nearing his return from a hamstring injury and is expected to hit the field in the coming weeks.
Holbrook desperately needs a win to drag the Titans up from 15th spot on the ladder and secure his future at the club.
- Travis Meyn
MANLY SWEAT ON COVID CASE
— Dean Ritchie
Manly coach Des Hasler has Covid – but will still coach his Sea Eagles this weekend.
Hasler contracted the virus over Manly’s bye weekend and will return to Sea Eagles’ training later this week.
There were fears Hasler would miss Manly’s important game against Newcastle this Saturday afternoon at 4 Pines Park.
But Hasler quietly entered isolation late last week and will emerge from lockdown to take charge of his team for the Knights game.
Hasler preferred not to comment when contacted.
Other NRL coaches to have contracted Covid include Trent Robinson (Sydney Roosters), Craig Fitzgibbon (Cronulla), Ivan Cleary (Penrith) and Mick Potter (Canterbury).
STAR ROOSTER NEARING RETURN
—Fatima Kdouh
Sydney Roosters playmaker Luke Keary is edging closer to a return from his latest concussion after training at Moore Park but there was one notable omission on Sunday morning.
The Roosters had a ‘light’ training session in the wet ahead of Saturday’s must-win clash against St George Illawarra after being given the week off during the bye round.
Keary has not taken part in any contact training but the Roosters are confident the 30-year-old will be back this season, with suggestions he could make a return as soon as this weekend.
“He was training, he looked good,” fill-in five eighth Joey Manu said.
“I don’t know what the team (will look like) this week but he has been training and looking good.
“He had the week off but he’s back now and training hard to try and get back to playing. It’s good to see him out there.
“He’s important for us, he’s the dominant half and he manages the game well. He’s a big part of this team and hopefully he can be back soon.”
After five concussions between 2018 and 2019, Keary suffered another head knock in round 14 and has experienced headaches since the knock, a delayed symptom of concussion.
New recruit Matt Lodge had a hit out for feeder club, the North Sydney Bears, on Saturday and was given the day off training.
But the prop is primed to make his Roosters debut against the Dragons.
“I don’t know much about Lodge but I have played against him and he’s a strong player, which is good for us, having him on board will bring some extra power,” forward Sio Siua Taukeiaho said.
It’s expected Roosters coach Trent Robinson will name Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, who has been out with a hamstring issue since round 12, as the 10th placed Tricolours ramp up their finals push.
Waerea-Hargreaves put his hamstring to the test with some running drills on Sunday morning and finished the session unscathed.
“If we can get Jared back as fast as we can, that would be good,” Taukeiaho said.
“He has always been the leader of our forward pack. Just having him around, having that voice for us forwards. Everyone knows what he brings to a team, that bit of brutality. It will be good to have him back hopefully this week.”
BRAILEY REGAINS SPARK AFTER DARK DAYS
— Michael Carayannis
An emotional Jayden Brailey took time out ahead of his comeback to reflect on his journey – the heartache of missing the first half of the season because of a pre-season ruptured Achilles.
Brailey made a solid return in an unbroken 40-minute second-half stint during Newcastle’s loss to South Sydney on Friday night.
The Knights co-captain was a positive for the Knights after starting off the bench – laying on a try in his first game since last year’s week-one finals loss to Parramatta.
“I was pretty emotional through the week,” Brailey said. “It’s been a big six months.
“Before the game I wasn’t too nervous. I’m not sure if that was because I was coming off the bench. I wanted to be relaxed and have a bit of a spark.
“I reflected on the last six months. The club did a good job in welcoming me back. They made a video for me. I sat back with my girlfriend and took a look at a few of my old (rehabilitation) videos. The mental battles and, of course, the physical battles. It’s a good feeling to be back.”
Brailey has had just two weeks of full training. He said it had been “frustrating” watching his teammates slump towards the bottom of the premiership ladder.
“The first five minutes I felt the worst but once I got my second wind I felt really good,” he said. “It went really quick but it’s just unreal to be back. My fitness will come back.
“We’re a better side than what we’ve tossed up.”
LODGE LAYS SOLID FOUNDATION FOR NRL RETURN
Matt Lodge came through his first match since playing a suburban rugby game unscathed.
Lodge made his rugby league comeback after turning out for North Sydney on Saturday afternoon. He started at prop for the Bears against the Raiders and played about 40 minutes in two stints.
Lodge played an unbroken 20 minutes in the first half before returning midway through the second half during the Raiders’ 30-16 win.
It was Lodge’s first game of rugby league since his messy split with the Warriors in May, where he had been averaging a solid 113 metres from 13 runs in 47 minutes this season.
He made a cameo in Brisbane suburban rugby to keep his fitness up before signing with the Roosters for the rest of the season earlier this month.
Lodge is expected to be in contention to make his Roosters debut against St George Illawarra at Gosford on Saturday.
At his best, the 27-year-old could be a strong addition to a forward pack that already includes spearheads Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, Siosiua Taukeiaho, Lindsay Collins and Victor Radley.
Waerea-Hargreaves hasn’t played since round 12 due to hamstring issues, while Collins will be coming back from State of Origin duty with Queensland.
KAUFUSI EYES RETURN
— Brent Read
Melbourne forward Felise Kaufusi will return to Storm training midway through the week after being granted personal leave to be with his father in America.
The Storm said the condition of Kaufusi’s father Taniela had improved but he still faces a long period of recovery ahead.
“The Kaufusi family and Melbourne Storm thank everyone who has been in contact with personal messages over the past fortnight,” the Storm said.
Kaufusi missed the Storm’s loss to Cronulla on Thursday night after rushing to Los Angeles to be by his father’s side immediately after the second State of Origin game.
As a result, he was not considered for the Queensland side for the Origin decider, which will be played at Suncorp Stadium on Wednesday night.
Kaufusi’s return will be welcome news for the Storm as they deal with a myriad of injury problems. Back rower Kenny Bromwich and winger Grant Anderson finished the loss to the Sharks with injuries, adding to the catalogue of players who are already on the sidelines.
Bromich will miss at least a week with a knee issue while Anderson’s season appears over after he suffered an elbow injury.
SHARKS FORWARD RULED OUT FOR THE SEASON
— David Riccio
The NRL season of powerful Sharks forward Jack Williams is over.
The 25-year-old has undergone a shoulder reconstruction after first suffering the injury in round 10.
Nominated for the Sharks Player of the Year award in 2021, Williams was considered a major part of Craig Fitzgibbon’s forward pack plans this year.
Williams had attempted to rehabilitate the injury over the past two months.
However, after further medical advice Williams has opted for surgery.
He will aim to return for the Sharks 2023 pre-season training in November.
COWBOYS v SHARKS
Friday, 6pm, QCB Stadium, Townsville
Cowboys: After being ruled out of the Origin decider with Covid, Murray Taulagi is touch and go to be cleared to return for the Cowboys in the opening game of the round.
If out, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow would start in his place, with Jake Granville joining the bench.
Jordan McLean is out with a hamstring injury, while the Maroons contingent of Valentine Holmes, Jeremiah Nanai, Thomas Dearden and Tom Gilbert are all significant chances at earning rests on the unfortunate two day back up from Origin.
Should Holmes miss, Scott Drinkwater would take over the goal-kicking duties.
Sharks: Nicho Hynes and Toby Rudolf both missed the win over Melbourne due to Covid.
They’re both expected to return, with Hynes to make his way back into the halves, forcing Braydon Trindall out of the team.
Rudolf will return at prop, and with Braden Hamlin-Uele returning from injury last week, it’ll mean one of Royce Hunt, Aiden Tolman or Andrew Fifita will drop out of the side.
Briton Nikora copped a one match suspension for a dangerous throw, which will see Teig Wilton start in the back-row.
Siosifa Talakai should back up from Origin if he plays minimal minutes in the decider.
EELS v WARRIORS
Friday, 7.55pm, CommBank Stadium, Sydney
Eels: Ryan Matterson is a decent chance to return from a rib injury that’s been causing him plenty of discomfort. If cleared, he’d start at lock, with Makahesi Makatoa dropping to the bench.
Pending minutes in Origin, Junior Paulo is unlikely to back up on the two day turnaround for the Eels.
Warriors: Reece Walsh will return at fullback after being a late out with Covid for the New Zealand homecoming.
This will likely see Chanel Harris-Tavita shift to a bench utility role, or out of the side entirely.
Jack Murchie is due back from injury. If he regains his starting back-row role it would likely see Euan Aitken shift to centre, however they may opt to play him off the bench.
Viliame Vailea will push to return from a jaw injury that’s seen him miss a stretch of games.
ROOSTERS v DRAGONS
Saturday, 3pm, Central Coast Stadium, Gosford
Roosters: Plenty of movement at the Roosters with Jared Waerea-Hargeaves and recruit Matt Lodge expected to face the Dragons.
Luke Keary is also pushing to return from a concussion forced absence. If cleared, this would see Joey Manu move to centre, Sitili Tupouniua to the back-row, and Nat Butcher to the bench.
However, with Angus Crichton coming off Origin he may well start off the bench pending minutes in the decider, which would see Butcher retain his starting role.
Lindsay Collins, James Tedesco and Daniel Tupou are the other Origin players who will do everything they can to back up with the Roosters in a fight for the top eight.
Dragons: Tariq Sims will miss at least one game due to a careless high tackle, which will likely see Jack de Belin start at lock.
Mikaele Ravalawa suffered a hamstring injury in the loss to Brisbane, with Tautau Moga expected to replace him on the wing.
Ben Hunt will push to back-up from Origin in the halves in place of Jayden Sullivan.
SEA EAGLES v KNIGHTS
Saturday, 5.30pm, 4 Pines Park, Sydney
Sea Eagles: Provided they get through Origin unscathed, Daly Cherry-Evans and Jake Trbojevic will do everything possible to back up from Origin to aid Manly’s push for a top eight berth.
If Cherry-Evans did miss, Josh Schuster would deputise in the halves.
Josh Aloiai is due back from a concussion, while Reuben Garrick is expected to play despite carrying a niggle.
Knights: Kalyn Ponga, Dane Gagai and Jacob Saifiti will all push to back up from Origin.
Jayden Brailey made a successful return from a lengthy injury lay-off in the loss to South Sydney.
He’ll slot back into the starting hooker role in coming weeks, with Chris Randall to drop to the bench or out of the side entirely.
Replacing Tex Hoy at fullback, Ponga is expected to take over the goal-kicking duties.
Gagai’s return likely sees Enari Tuala drop out of the side.
TITANS v BRONCOS
Saturday, 7.35pm, Cbus Super Stadium, Gold Coast
Titans: Jarrod Wallace will miss two matches for a dangerous throw in Round 16. Philip Sami and Kevin Proctor are due back from injury, however it’s anyone’s guess what Justin Holbrook will do with his side each week.
David Fifita is likely to return to the starting side in place of Sam McIntyre.
Tino Fa’asuamaleaui will push to back up from Maroons duty for the struggling Titans.
Broncos: Cory Paix and Ezra Mam must both pass concussion protocols on a six day turnaround from the win over the Dragons.
If unavailable, Tyson Gamble and Jake Turpin would likely come into the team.
Selwyn Cobbo, Kurt Capewell, Pat Carrigan and Corey Oates are the Origin contingent who will aim to back up for Brisbane should they come through the decider unharmed.
TIGERS v PANTHERS
Sunday, 2pm, CommBank Stadium, Sydney
Tigers: James Tamou and Ken Maumalo are strong chances at returning from injury after being late scratchings in the loss to the Eels.
Tamou’s return would likely see Fonua Pole move to the bench, while Maumalo’s return on the wing would be at the expense of Junior Tupou.
Interim Wests Tigers coach Brett Kimmorley is considering a shock reshuffle with halfback Jackson Hastings to move into lock.
If Kimmorley confirms the move, Luke Brooks would revert back to halfback with Adam Doueihi to start at five-eighth.
Panthers: Having pulled a host of his NSW Cup contingent from their clash last round, it would indicate Ivan Cleary is looking to rest his Origin stars for the Round 18 clash with the Tigers.
This includes Brian To’o, Stephen Crichton, Jarome Luai, Nathan Cleary, Api Koroisau, Liam Martin and Isaah Yeo.
Cleary generally tries to back his representative players up when possible, and they are aided by a generous five day turnaround from Game III, so it’ll be interesting to see how things pan out.
STORM v RAIDERS
Sunday, 4.05pm, AAMI Park, Melbourne
Storm: Plenty of movement in Melbourne camp, starting with Cameron Munster who is expected to face Canberra having been ruled out of Origin with Covid.
He’d come in at five-eighth, shifting Nick Meaney to the wing in place of Grant Anderson who is out long-term with an elbow injury.
Felise Kaufusi is due back after missing games due to personal reasons, he’ll replace Kenny Bromwich who is likely to miss at least a week due to an ankle injury.
Brandon Smith may miss matches due to his misdemeanour in the loss to Cronulla, which will likely force Harry Grant to back up from Origin at hooker provided he gets through the game okay.
It will also mean Josh King starts at lock in Smith’s absence if the Kiwi forward does miss the clash.
Ryan Papenhuyzen is expected to be available despite carrying finger and back niggles.
Raiders: No changes expected at the Raiders with Josh Papali’i to back up from Origin assuming he gets through the game uninjured.
Ricky Stuart opted to play Adam Elliott in an impact role off the bench in Round 16, with Ryan Sutton starting at lock.
It’ll be intriguing to see if he opts for this tactic on the run home towards the finals.
BULLDOGS v RABBITOHS
Sunday, 6.15pm, Accor Stadium, Sydney
Bulldogs: Luke Thompson is a strong chance to return from a lengthy concussion enforced lay-off.
Declan Casey is expected to be replaced in the backline by Corey Allan.
Matt Burton is likely to back up from NSW Blues duties.
Rabbitohs: Halfback Lachlan Ilias is in doubt for the clash with concussion/cheekbone concerns after being forced from the field in the opening minute of the Rabbitohs win over the Knights.
If unavailable, Kodi Nikorima would come into the halves to partner Cody Walker.
Alex Johnston was a late scratching from the clash due to a quad injury, he’s a chance to return on the wing and would likely replace Richard Kennar.
However, coach Andrew Demetriou has a tough decision to make on who to drop in the backline after Kennar’s impressive three-try performance.
Mark Nicholls is due back having missed last game due to concussion protocols, while Jai Arrow, Cameron Murray and Damien Cook are all strong chances to play on the five day turnaround from Origin.
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