NRL Early Mail round 13: Reece Walsh suffers minor tweak to knee injury, Addin Fonua-Blake pictured in sling

Reece Walsh has hit a setback in his bid to return from injury, while the Tigers’ replacement for Lachlan Galvin has been revealed ahead of his imminent departure. FULL EARLY MAIL.

Heath Mason will replace Lachie Galvin at five-eighth for the Tigers.

Latu Fainu is still recovering from injury with Mason now to start.

INJURY FEARS FOR WALSH AFTER TRAINING TWEAK

Brisbane have received a scare with Reece Walsh suffering a minor tweak to his knee injury in his comeback bid to ignite the Broncos’ season.

Superstar fullback Walsh is expected to be named on Tuesday to make his comeback from injury in Saturday night’s crucial clash against Manly in Sydney.

But Walsh still has to prove his full fitness after a slight setback on Monday during a training run with the Broncos.

It is understood Walsh reported some soreness to the knee he injured against the Warriors in Brisbane’s 20-18 loss in New Zealand five weeks ago.

Broncos coach Michael Maguire remains hopeful Walsh will get the green light to return against the Sea Eagles at Brookvale as Brisbane look to kickstart their season.

The Broncos, currently eighth with a 5-6 record, have lost five of their past six games and will drop out of the top eight if they lose to the ninth-placed Manly at 4 Pines Park.

Reece Walsh suffered a scare in training on Monday. Picture: Hannah Peters/Getty Images

Walsh was originally expected to be sidelined for four to six weeks on a knee complaint that cost him his Queensland No.1 jumper for the Origin opener on Wednesday night.

But the Maroons’ loss could be the Broncos’ gain, with Walsh set to play against Manly if he comes through a fitness test at Brisbane’s captain’s run on Friday.

Another Maroons star, Selwyn Cobbo, could also play against the Sea Eagles after being cleared of a fractured wrist following Brisbane’s 30-26 loss to the Dragons last Sunday week.

-Peter Badel

OLYMPIAN CHASING DEBUT FOR SAINTS

Australian Rugby Sevens Olympian Nathan Lawson is edging towards his NRL debut with the athletic talent set to be included in the Dragons 22-man squad to tackle Newcastle.

Shifting from rugby union to rugby league in December last year, Lawson has scored five tries in eight NSW Cup appearances for the Dragons.

The 25-year-old represented Australia at the Tokyo and Paris Olympics, while also 69-tries in 25 Sevens tournaments.

It’s anticipated that Lawson will duel with winger Christian Tuipulotu, who is aiming to return from a hamstring injury, for a spot in the Dragons backline against the Knights, while Saints will also need to assess the health of Valentine Holmes following his State of Origin match for Queensland on Wednesday night.

In a further dose of positive news for Saints, Emre Guler (shoulder) and Toby Couchman (shoulder) will also be given up until kick-off to prove their fitness for the clash with the Knights at Jubilee Oval.

—David Riccio, Brent Read

AFB CONCERNS FOR CRONULLA

Cronulla have been dealt another blow after their crushing 42-16 defeat to the Roosters, with front rower Addin Fonua Blake spotted in an arm sling after the game, battling an AC Joint complaint.

Fonua Blake was spotted out with his family on Sunday, with his arm held up by a black sling.

The enforcer finished the game on Saturday night, and has the week off due to the bye this round.

The Sharks are hoping the club’s bye will be enough time for the front-rower to recover, and are hopeful Fonua Blake will be available for selection in round 14.

-Tyson Jackson and David Riccio

Addin Fonua-Blake with his arm in a sling.

STARLING SUSPENDED

Canberra coach Ricky Stuart will turn to boom hooker Owen Pattie for Sunday’s clash against the Roosters after Tom Starling was whacked with a one-week ban on Monday.

Starling was hit with a grade two dangerous contact charge for a high shot on five-eighth Chanel Harris-Tavita late in Canberra’s win against the Warriors.

Starling, who was sin-binned for the late shot, can challenge the charge at the judiciary but will be facing two weeks on the sideline if he is unsuccessful.

The suspension opens the door for rookie rake Pattie to earn his first ever NRL start in the no.9 jumper after coming off the bench in the opening 12 season.

Skipper Joe Tapine has escaped a ban even though the Raiders forward was placed on report twice on Sunday.

Tapine is facing a $3,000 fine, with an early plea, for a grade one shoulder charge on Roger Tuivasa-Sheck but was not cited for a dangerous tackle that was put on report early in the first half.

Firebrand forward Corey Horsburgh, who was sin-binned for a professional foul, has also escaped a ban after he was hit with a $1,800 fine, with an early plea, for a grade one dangerous contact charge on Marata Nuikore.

-Fatima Kdouh

Tom Starling has been hit with a one-week ban. Picture: Hannah Peters/Getty Images

FULL EARLY MAIL VIA MAX BRYDEN

DRAGONS v KNIGHTS

Friday, 8:00pm, Jubilee Stadium

Dragons:

Barring injury, Valentine Holmes is likely to back up post State of Origin as the only impacted squad member for the Dragons.

Luciano Leilua will shift into the starting line-up to replace Dylan Egan who is out for the season after rupturing his ACL. Raymond Faitala-Mariner could rejoin the 17 as bench cover for the second row.

Christian Tuipulotu is nearing a return to action after a hamstring injury but is more likely to return in Round 14. Toby Couchman is also due back next week.

Knights:

Kalyn Ponga has overcome a quad injury to take his place for Queensland but may be rested with the tight turnaround from Wednesday night.

The strong performance from Fletcher Sharpe in the number 1 jersey may have given Adam O’Brien more cause to rest his superstar.

Adam Elliott is facing a long stint on the sideline with a biceps injury. Leo Thompson is likely to return this week having been a late out with illness last week. He’ll start at prop and push Frizell back to lock as a direct replacement for Elliott.

Greg Marzhew will push for a return this week but is more likely back next. Bradman Best is aiming for Round 15.

TITANS v STORM

Saturday, 3:00pm, CBUS Super Stadium

Titans:

Barring injury, skipper Tino Fa’asuamaleaui will backup for the Titans, as will teammates Beau Fermor and Mo Fotuaika.

Brian Kelly was a late out in the Titans last start but is expected to return. Iszac Fa’asuamaleaui is available for selection having missed their last game while in HIA protocols.

AJ Brimson is again expected to line up at fullback with Kieran Foran at five-eighth.

David Fifita is aiming for a return in Round 14 from ankle surgery.

AJ Brimson looks set to return to the No.1 jersey. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images

Storm:

The recent hamstring injury overcome by Harry Grant may give Craig Bellamy cause to rest his star hooker. Joining him on the sidelines could be Xavier Coates with the side balancing his workload following his own early season hamstring issues.

Should Coates be rested, Kane Bradley would likely start or Jack Howarth could return from injury with Grant Anderson shifting to the wing.

Cameron Munster is firming to back up from Origin pending injury, with Tyran Wishart on standby should the five-eighth rest.

COWBOYS v TIGERS

Saturday, 5:30pm, Queensland Country Bank Stadium

Cowboys:

Having missed their last two games through suspension, Reuben Cotter is expected to back up for the Cows post Origin.

Joining him will be Tom Dearden and Jeremiah Nanai with the forwards expected to have their minutes managed provided they’re able to play.

Todd Payten is also expected to persist with Jaxon Purdue in the halves, pushing Jake Clifford to reserve grade again.

Murray Taulagi is out for at least two rounds with a calf injury with Braidon Burns to take his place on the left wing and Zac Laybutt at left centre.

Tigers:

Lachlan Galvin’s move to the Bulldogs is set to force a shake-up at the Tigers. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

Lachie Galvin’s expected mid-season transfer to the Bulldogs will have a ripple effect on the Tigers makeup, but whether or not that happens this week remains to be seen.

Preventing this for now is the fitness of Latu Fainu – his heir apparent – who is unlikely to be fit until at least Round 14 from a hamstring issue.

If Galvin departed this week, the Tigers could push Adam Doueihi to halfback but may be reluctant to do so given the injury crisis in their outside backs.

Jeral Skelton is still at least one week away after a hamstring injury, Luke Laulili has a broken thumb and Brent Naden has bravely played on for three weeks despite an ongoing knee issue.

Joining the backs in the casualty ward is Samuela Fainu whose expected out for a few weeks with a lower leg issue. Fonua Pole is also aiming for a Round 16 return from a knee injury.

21-year-old Tony Sukkar is likely to shift into the starting left-edge spot, with Royce Hunt to start at prop and Alex Twal to pick up the bulk of the Pole minutes in the pack.

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SEA EAGLES v BRONCOS

Saturday, 7:35pm, 4 Pines Park

Sea Eagles:

Tom Trbojevic’s Origin revenge mission got off to a false start in his side’s last start loss to the Eels, but expect the fullback to continue to improve following reports he had been hampered by a bad quad cork.

Daly Cherry-Evans is odds on to back up from Origin, relegating Jake Arthur back to reserve grade.

Jake Trbojevic could return following his absence in Round 12 while in HIA protocols. Given it’s his second concussion in a short period of time however he could be given longer.

Lachlan Croker made a successful return via the bench last week and could be named to start.

Ben Trbojevic was a late out through illness in Round 12 and should return.

Tof Sipley is available to return post suspension and should come into the 17 with Siosiua Taukeiaho likely unavailable with a calf injury.

Broncos:

Off a three day turnaround, the Broncos Origin brigade is expected to back up in Round 13 provided there’s no injury concerns, but expect the minutes of Payne Haas and Pat Carrigan to be reduced.

Ezra Mam starred in his return to first grade before the bye and looks set to force Ben Hunt out of the halves when he is fit to return.

Selwyn Cobbo was cleared of a serious wrist injury following Round 11 and should be fit to play.

Reece Walsh will also push for a return following a knee injury. Should he be fit, Cobbo would shift to the wing with Deine Mariner back to the reserves.

Brisbane’s Origin brigade are expected to back up. Picture: Lachie Millard

RABBITOHS v WARRIORS

Sunday, 2:00pm, Accor Stadium

Rabbitohs:

On a two-game winning streak, the Rabbitohs should enjoy a rare week of minimal changes with the side expected to be named as per Round 11 with Keaon Koalamatangi and Jai Arrow in the front row.

Warriors:

James Fisher-Harris is back from suspension and Mitch Barnett likely to also play post State of Origin, which will see plenty of starch added into an already formidable Wahs pack.

Ali Leiataua made a successful return from an ankle injury in Round 12 which saw Kurt Capewell shift back to the second row. Marata Nuikore and Jackson Ford likely shift back to the bench.

PANTHERS v EELS

Sunday, 4:05pm, CommBank Stadium

Panthers:

The long turnaround time is expected to see the majority of the Origin contingent backup for the Panthers.

Nathan Cleary will start at halfback with Dylan Edwards to fullback. Isaah Yeo and Liam Martin will rejoin the forwards, but Brian To’o may be managed given he is only two weeks back from a lengthy layoff with a hamstring issue.

Isaiah Papali’i will miss Round 13 with a knee issue. Liam Henry has copped a two match suspension and won’t be available until Round 16.

Scott Sorensen will return in the second row following suspension.

Luke Garner missed Round 12 after suffering a concussion at training. Whilst he will have passed through the mandatory 11 day stand down period, given it’s his second concussion already this season the club may take a cautious approach.

With the doubts over To’o and Garner, Tom Jenkins is likely to hold a starting spot on the left edge.

The Blues halves are expected to back up and turn into opponents. Picture: Justin Lloyd.

Eels:

Parramatta’s two Origin stars are likely to back up and strike up a combination on the right edge.

Will Penisini was ruled out of the game early in Round 12 after failing a HIA and is unavailable. This could see Jordan Samrani hold his spot in the centres inside Zac Lomax.

Mitch Moses’ return would see Dean Hawkins move back to NSW Cup.

ROOSTERS v RAIDERS

Sunday, 6:15pm, Allianz Stadium

Roosters:

Angus Crichton, Spencer Leniu, Connor Watson and Lindsay Collins are all expected to back up for the Chooks on the longest possible turnaround from Wednesday night’s game.

Robert Toia will also push hard to play. Should he be fit, Dom Young would drop out of the side and Mark Nawaqanitawase shift back to the right wing.

Nat Butcher will again attempt a return from a knee injury, likely via the bench.

Raiders:

Coming off the bench for the Blues means Hudson Young will be odds on to back up, pushing Simi Sasagi back to the bench.

Joe Tapine is clear to play, however hooker Tom Starling has been hit with a one-week ban and is ruled out, meaning Owen Pattie could join the starting side for his run on.