NRL 2022 Round 23 Early Mail: Mitchell Moses to return, Jake Trbojevic out for season
Damaging backrower David Fifita has called for his Keebra Park schoolmate to remain at halfback, saying “I have a good combination with him from growing up.”
David Fifita has called for Tanah Boyd to remain at halfback for the Titans long-term as Toby Sexton faces being benched for the remainder of the year.
Boyd was one of the Gold Coast’s best in last Sunday’s drought-breaking 44-24 win against Manly.
The utility replaced Sexton a fortnight ago and coach Justin Holbrook is expected to stick with a winning formula for Sunday’s trip to Wollongong to face the Dragons.
That has thrust Sexton’s immediate future under the spotlight following what’s been a tough season for the young playmaker, who faces not playing again in 2022.
And Fifita wants Holbrook to stick with his Keebra Park High School teammate Boyd at No. 7 going into next year.
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“Tanah is a great player and I have a good combination with him from growing up,” Fifita said.
“It’s good to be alongside him and hopefully we can stay there long-term, including next year. It will be good for us.
“He has been thrown in at hooker but his position is halfback. He is an organiser, great footy player and talker.
“He is only going to get better for it. Tanah is a good person too and a really great player.
“It will be good to finish off the last couple of games and get a good pre-season under our belt.”
The Titans snapped a 10-game losing streak against the Sea Eagles to climb off the bottom of the NRL ladder.
The only change for the Dragons game is expected to be the return of captain Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, who sat out the Manly clash as due to the impending arrival of his second child.
MOSES SET TO RETURN
Parramatta have received a massive boost ahead of Saturday’s local derby against Canterbury with halfback Mitchell Moses set to make an early return from a broken finger.
Eels coach Brad Arthur told NRL360 on Monday night that Moses had trained earlier in the day and would be on the Parramatta team sheet when it is announced at 4pm on Tuesday.
Moses hasn’t played since injuring his finger in his side’s 34-10 win over Penrith on July 29.
“He trained today and I’ll be naming him in the team,” Arthur told NRL360 on Monday night.
“He needs to get through everything for the week, but he’s a real good chance.
“Probably won’t be able to confirm that until our last session, but he’s keen and he’s confident of getting himself right to play.”
In his absence the Eels beat Manly 36-20 but crashed back to earth with a 26-0 loss to South Sydney last weekend.
Moses will reunite with Dylan Brown in the halves, with back-up No. 7 Jake Arthur to make way.
The seventh-placed Eels need a victory over the Bulldogs to keep their slim hopes alive for a top-four finish, or at least try to finish in fifth or sixth spot to earn home-ground advantage in what would be an elimination final.
CRUSHING MANLY BLOWS AS STARS RULED OUT LONG-TERM
Manly forward Jake Trbojevic has broken his hand and won’t play again this season.
He will now have to convince Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga he is fit and recovered when Australia’s World Cup squad is announced in October.
Trbojevic sustained the injury – which will require a four to six week recovery – in Manly’s horrible loss to Gold Coast on Sunday. X-rays taken on Monday confirmed the break.
Trbojevic’s setback comes after confirmation Manly winger Jason Saab ruptured his ACL against the Titans.
The loss of Trbojevic and Saab for the remaining three games are another blow to a Manly side which has endured a wretched past month – on and off the field.
Being absent for Manly’s last three matches of the season – against Cronulla (home), Canberra (away) and Canterbury (away) – will hurt the fiercely passionate Trbojevic. Trbojevic would be an automatic World Cup selection if fit.
Despite his desire to tour, Trbojevic’s brother, Tom, is unlikely to win World Cup selection due to his long-term shoulder injury.
In a positive for Saab, the flying Manly winger has been offered a three-year contract extension.
Saab – off contract after next season – is certain to agree to terms and remain at Brookvale until the end of 2026.
Manly hasn’t won a game since the pride jumper fiasco.
TRAINING SCARE FOR LATRELL
South Sydney will resist a strong temptation to rest Latrell Mitchell for Thursday night’s grand final replay despite a medical expert claiming the star fullback “wouldn’t be 100 per cent.”
Mitchell rocked the Rabbitohs after failing to finish training on Monday morning at Redfern Oval after sustaining a groin injury. He returned to the dressing rooms with his groin heavily iced.
The injury sent betting markets into a tailspin with Souths immediately drifting from $1.55 to $1.74 according to Sportsbet while TAB also eased the Rabbitohs from $1.65 to $1.67.
Mitchell’s injury scare comes four days after he clutched at a hamstring during South Sydney’s 26-0 win over Parramatta last Friday night.
The Daily Telegraph can reveal Mitchell injured the groin about 10 minutes before training concluded with Souths physio Eddie Farah and club head of performance, Travis Touma, moving quickly to establish whether the injury was serious.
There are only two full days between when he suffered the injury and Souths’ blockbuster against Penrith.
Rabbitohs coach Jason Demetriou was adamant Mitchell would play the Panthers, declaring: “Latrell will play, 100 per cent. He will be good to go.
“He just got tight in the groin. With back-to-back short turnarounds, we just wanted to make sure he got through all the defensive stuff (at training). That was enough for him. We got him off and got him some ice.
“We’re not in a position to rest him. It’s more he’s tight through the groin. He hasn’t torn anything. We will rest him up before he does tear something.
“We’ve got a big game obviously on Thursday before an eight or nine-day turnaround (against North Queensland in round 24) so there will be plenty of time to rest up after that.”
NRL physiotherapist and injury analyst, Brian Seeney believes Mitchell will play – but he won’t play at full capacity.
“I wouldn’t say he would be at 100 per cent (by Thursday night),” Seeney said.
“He could get close to that if they treat it well over the next couple of days. The risk is quite minor with minor groin strains – they are usually referred to as day-to-day injuries. That means it can improve quite drastically day-to-day.
“It’s not something that has massive repercussions and the risk of a complete tear would be quite small. The prospects of improvement in the next 72 hours are actually quite good with a minor groin issue.”
Latrell Mitchell failed to finish training with “groin tightness†per Souths. Most minor groin strains considered day to day (can improve significantly each day), but symptoms can linger. Many don’t miss time & worst case 1-2 weeks recovery, biggest effect will be on kicking pic.twitter.com/2XHXzNyIQl
— NRL PHYSIO (@nrlphysio) August 15, 2022
Once he felt a twinge, Mitchell elected against trying to push through and complete training. He walked directly to Farah and Touma and was made to complete some brief stretching exercises.
Mitchell then watched the final few minutes of training from the sideline.
Unless the injury flares up overnight, Mitchell is expected to be named at fullback when the Souths’ team is announced at 4pm on Tuesday. Demetriou is also certain Mitchell will participate in Wednesday’s captain’s run.
“He will do the majority of the captain’s run – it’s only a light session anyway so he should be sweet,” Demetriou said.
The injury isn’t related to the hamstring and knee injuries which plagued the early stages of his season. While it didn’t appear to bother him, Mitchell grabbed at a hamstring against the Eels.
“I do remember him clutching at something but he’s fine,” Demetriou said.
Mitchell has been in career-best form in a Souths side charging towards the finals. He is yet to play a finals game for Souths through injury and suspension.
“He is in great form,” Demetriou said. “The biggest thing is he is enjoying his footy. Latrell is loving the responsibility of the leadership role that he has. He is driving that through the week which is translating to his form on the field.
“The boys are right behind him at the moment and they’re really following his lead. With him and Cam Murray in the form that they are, it bodes well for the back-end of the year.
“These last four games will really see where we’re at. Last weekend (against Parramatta) was a good start but we now have to back it up against a different kind of challenge – a team that will come at us for the full 80 minutes. That will be a really good test for us this week.”
Souths’ officials continue contract negotiations in hope Mitchell will shortly sign a new long-term extension.
Scans confirmed a grade 2 MCL sprain (partial ligament tear) for Toby Rudolf, Sharks expecting around a 4 week recovery. Usual return range of 3-5 weeks, brace used initially to assist with healing. pic.twitter.com/juGWd79fIO
— NRL PHYSIO (@nrlphysio) August 15, 2022
RUDOLF LIKELY OUT UNTIL FINALS
Sharks prop Toby Rudolf may not be back until the finals after suffering a knee injury against the Wests Tigers last weekend.
Scans have revealed Rudolf has a grade two MCL knee injury, with the Sharks medical staff placing a three to four week timeline on the hard running forward’s recovery.
DOUBLE BOOST FOR PANTHERS
The Panthers are set for a boost ahead of Thursday’s grand final replay against South Sydney with two stars escaping serious injury as the reigning premiers ramp up their title defence.
NSW Origin forward Liam Martin could be back as soon as round 24 after scans cleared him of any serious damage.
Panthers medical staff had initially feared Martin’s season could be over, with the backrower facing a 12-week stint on the sidelines after he suffered an ankle injury in last week’s loss to Melbourne.
Martin remains in heavy doubt to take on the Rabbitohs but in promising news for the Panthers, the 25-year-old trained on Sunday and was able to complete unassisted sprints.
Prop Moses Leota limped off the field with what appeared to be a calf injury against the Storm, but like Martin, has received a better than expected prognosis.
Calf cramps hampered Leota last Friday night but the forward was able to finish Sunday’s training session in full and should be available for selection.
At Redfern, Lachlan Ilias is no certainty of returning from a back injury this week with coach Jason Demetriou reluctant to rush the young halfback into the side to take on Penrith.
Ilias was a late withdrawal from the Rabbitohs’ 26-0 win against Parramatta last Friday night.
Demetriou revealed the 22-year-old is managing back spasms after undergoing surgery in the off-season.
“I was going to find a way to give him a week off anyway but it worked well and by all accounts he’ll be good to go next week. But he is not, we will give him one more week. Off the back of what Deano (Dean Hawkins) did, there is no real pressure to push him,” Demetriou said on The Sunday Footy Show.
“He had back surgery in the off-season, so it was always a matter of time where he was going to need a week off.
“At the end of the Warriors game, he was having spasms so we got him off and rested him up during the week but it was just probably a week too soon.”
Hawkins was called in to replace Ilias in the halves alongside five-eighth Cody Walker and will line-up again in the No. 7 jumper if Ilias is unavailable against the Panthers.
Forward Tom Burgess is also scheduled to return from a groin injury, while centre Campbell Graham is likely to be available for selection after being sidelined since Round 17 with a facial fracture.
Cronulla forward Toby Rudolf suffered a low grade knee injury against the Wests Tigers and will miss between three and weeks.
Rudolf went down, in a non-contact injury, trying to tackle Tigers fullback Daine Laurie.
NRL ROUND 23 EARLY MAIL
RABBITOHS v PANTHERS
Thursday, 7.50pm, Accor Stadium, Sydney
Rabbitohs: Latrell Mitchell is in doubt after picking up a minor groin injury at training. Alex Johnston would replace him at fullback. South Sydney are set to welcome back a number of stars, with Campbell Graham and Tom Burgess both expected to return to face the reigning premiers.
This will likely see Jaxson Paulo move to the wing, with Izaac Thompson dropping out of the backline. Burgess’s return will come at the expense of either Davvy Moale or Taane Milne.
Lachlan Ilias is unlikely to return from a hamstring/back injury, if he was cleared though he’d replace Dean Hawkins in the halves.
Jed Cartwright is also expected to be eligible for selection after battling a hamstring injury, he may force his way onto the bench as the utility instead of Milne.
Panthers: Liam Martin is the latest casualty at the Panthers, he’s likely to miss this clash with a knee injury, which will see Chris Smith start on an edge in his place.
Dylan Edwards is pushing to return from injury, if cleared, Charlie Staines would likely move to the wing, with Sunia Turuva dropping out.
Taylan May is likely still another week away from returning from an AC joint injury.
COWBOYS v WARRIORS
Friday, 6pm, QCB Stadium, Townsville
Cowboys: Kyle Feldt is a strong chance to return from a hamstring injury on the wing in place of Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, who would revert to the bench.
Warriors: Aaron Pene (leg), Jesse Arthars (quad) and Chanel Harris-Tavita (knee) are all in line to return from respective injuries.
Interim coach Stacey Jones will be reluctant to change up a winning team, which again saw Josh Curran shift to the bench on game day against the Bulldogs.
Reece Walsh regained the goalkicking duties from Shaun Johnson in that clash.
BRONCOS v STORM
Friday, 7.55pm, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Broncos: Kobe Hetherington failed a HIA in the win over the Knights, he’ll need to pass concussion protocols to take his place against the Storm.
If unavailable, TC Robati would likely return from injury on the bench, with Ryan James again starting at lock.
Brenko Lee missed last weekend due to hamstring tightness, he’s likely to return at centre in place of Delouise Hoeter.
Storm: Jahrome Hughes will push to return from a shoulder injury against the Broncos.
If cleared, he’d likely replace Cooper Johns in the halves, with Nick Meaney remaining at five-eighth and Cameron Munster at fullback.
Felise Kaufusi lost his father last week, it’s unknown at this stage if he’ll return to face Brisbane.
EELS v BULLDOGS
Saturday, 3pm, CommBank Stadium, Sydney
Eels: Mitchell Moses is set to return from a broken finger.
Bailey Simonsson is a strong chance to return from a hamstring injury on the wing, pushing Waqa Blake to centre and Tom Opacic out of the team.
Bulldogs: Tevita Pangai Jnr is expected to come back into the side after missing the trip to New Zealand due to personal reasons.
Jackson Topine may start ahead of Harrison Edwards in the back-row.
SEA EAGLES v SHARKS
Saturday, 5.30pm, 4 Pines Park, Sydney
Sea Eagles: Jake Trbojevic is out for the season with a broken hand, while Jason Saab suffered a suspected ACL injury in the loss to the Titans.
This may see Morgan Harper earn a reprieve in the backline, after he was replaced by Brad Parker on Sunday.
Sean Keppie and Taniela Paseka are both pushing to return from injuries to face Cronulla.
Sharks: Toby Rudolf suffered an MCL injury that will see him miss the clash with Manly.
Royce Hunt is likely to start at prop, with Andrew Fifita rejoining the bench.
Siosifa Talakai (shoulder) and Connor Tracey (concussion) will push to return to the backline, but may be given another week off.
If cleared, Talakai would replace Matt Ikuvalu at centre, while Tracey would replace Lachlan Miller on the wing.
Matt Moylan is a strong chance to return from injury, he’d be a straight swap for Braydon Trindall in the halves.
ROOSTERS v TIGERS
Saturday, 7.35pm, SCG, Sydney
Roosters: Siosiua Taukeiaho is likely to return to bolster the forward stocks, while Lindsay Collins is also a chance but will continue to be monitored following another concussion a few weeks back.
Tigers: No major changes expected at the Tigers, with Luke Garner starting in the back-row on return from injury in the loss to the Sharks.
DRAGONS v TITANS
Sunday, 2pm, WIN Stadium, Wollongong
Dragons: No significant changes expected at the Dragons, although Jack Bird and Josh McGuire may switch between middle and edge, with Bird playing lock against the Raiders.
Titans: Tino Fa’asuamaleaui will return after being a late scratching on Sunday due to the birth of his child.
He’ll come in at prop, with either Jaimin Jolliffe or Jarrod Wallace moving to the bench.
KNIGHTS v RAIDERS
Sunday, 4.05pm, McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle
Knights: David Klemmer is an outside chance to return from injury to face the Raiders.
No major changes expected elsewhere, with Kurt Mann now listed as a Round 25 return with a leg issue.
Raiders: Nick Cotric returns from suspension on the wing in place of Albert Hopoate.
Joe Tapine is a chance to return from a rib cartilage injury, he’s likely to be named but will be monitored closely throughout the week.
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