NRL Early Mail Round 22: Mass changes for Bulldogs, Wests tigers recall Luke Brooks

The Bulldogs are set to drop almost 50% of the team that were thrashed last week with a host of big names returning while Wests Tigers have a fresh halves pairing.

Latrell Mitchell is back for the Rabbitohs. Picture: NRL Photos

It’s taken 22 weeks, but the Bulldogs will finally field their strongest team of the season with high-profile recruit Viliame Kikau set to make his return after three months out

Travelling to Queensland to tackle The Dolphins, Canterbury coach Cameron Ciraldo is preparing to make as many eight changes to the side that were trounced by Penrith last weekend.

Josh Addo-Carr, Toby Sexton, Braidon Burns, Ryan Sutton, Jacob Preston, Kikau, plus new Rabbitohs recruit Liam Knight are all set to be included in the Dogs round 22 squad.

Kikau hasn’t played since round four after suffering a torn pec at training.

BROOKS, STAINES BACK FOR TIGERS

Wests Tigers duo Luke Brooks and Charlie Staines will make their return from injuries as part of a revamped backline to take on South Sydney.

Brooks will start alongside Daine Laurie in the halves with Brandon Wakeham axed. A hamstring injury has kept Brooks sidelined since round 15. Tommy Talau has also been dropped out of the starting side.

Staines will start on the wing with David Nofoaluma. Youngster Junior Tupou is expected to switch to centre alongside Starford To’a. Staines has been sidelined since round eight after suffering a perforated bowel.

Charlie Staines is back for the Wests Tigers. Picture: Getty Images

RABBITOHS WELCOME BACK LATRELL

Statistics prove just how significant the return of the NRL superstar is for South Sydney’s flatlining premiership claims.

In danger of falling outside the top-eight by the end of this weekend, the one-time premiership favourites will welcome back their gun fullback next Friday night against the Wests Tigers after 10-weeks on the sidelines.

Mitchell has been declared a certain-starter for Souths after recovering from a calf injury he originally suffered prior to State of Origin II.

Unavailable since round 13, the Rabbitohs have won two of their last six matches without the explosive ballrunner.

It was following Friday night’s heavy 36-20 loss to the Broncos, that head coach Jason Demetriou declared just how influential Mitchell was for the club.

“We’re lacking a bit of accountability and intent and Latrell brings that,’’ Demetriou said.

“Our numbers defensively are a lot better when he does play compared to when he doesn’t play.’’

Latrell Mitchell is back for the Rabbitohs. Picture: NRL Photos

Fox Sports Stats reveal Demetriou is spot on.

Without Mitchell the Rabbitohs concede on average 23.3 points per-game compared to 16.6-points when he’s on the field.

Overall, the Rabbitohs have won just 52.8 per cent of their matches when Mitchell is unavailable compared to 71.7 per cent when he is in the myrtle and green.

ROUND 22 EARLY MAIL

BRONCOS v ROOSTERS

Thursday, 7:50pm, The Gabba, Brisbane

Broncos: Tom Flegler is due back from a foot injury in the front-row, offsetting the loss of Martin Taupau who faces a three match suspension for a dangerous contact charge.

Brendan Piakura is expected to return on the edge from a virus that saw him miss the clash with South Sydney, pushing Patrick Carrigan back to the middle.

Jesse Arthars is facing a one match suspension for a high tackle charge, with Deine Mariner likely to come into the backline.

Roosters: Victor Radley is likely to return after missing the win over the Titans due to hamstring tightness.

Connor Watson will also push to return to action after missing the entire season to date with a knee injury.

He’s expected to return through NSW Cup.

TIGERS v RABBITOHS

Friday, 6pm, Scully Park, Tamworth

Tigers: Charlie Staines will push to return from a lengthy layoff due to a health issue, likely via NSW Cup when cleared.

Luke Brooks is also due back in the next fortnight from a hamstring injury.

Rabbitohs: Latrell Mitchell failed at the final hurdle to return from a calf injury against the Broncos, but he is expected to line up at fullback in Round 22.

Tevita Tatola is also a chance to return from injury at prop, pushing Tom Burgess to the bench.

STORM v EELS

Friday, 8pm, Marvel Stadium, Melbourne

Storm: Tariq Sims was charged twice in the loss to Newcastle, this will likely see him miss two or three matches.

Eliesa Katoa is a strong chance to return from an eye injury on the edge.

Reimis Smith suffered an adductor injury and is in major doubt to face the Eels, with Marion Seve likely to come into the side at centre.

Eels: Shaun Lane suffered a dislocated elbow in the loss to the Cowboys that will see him miss some action.

Andrew Davey is likely to be promoted into a starting edge role, while Ryan Matterson is also an option.

Wiremu Greig is closing in on a return from a foot injury, while Dylan Brown has one more week to serve on his suspension.

RAIDERS v KNIGHTS

Saturday, 3pm, GIO Stadium, Canberra

Raiders: No changes expected at the Raiders.

Knights: Daniel Saifiti failed to finish the game against the Storm and is in doubt to face the Raiders in the only potential change to the in-form Knights.

Tariq Sims gets sent to the sin bin for this hit on Jackson Hastings.

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DRAGONS v SEA EAGLES

Saturday, 5:30pm, WIN Stadium, Wollongong

Dragons: Jack Bird is likely to come into the starting side on the edge, with Dan Russell to drop to the bench or out of the side entirely if Ben Murdoch-Masila is cleared to return from a knee injury.

Sea Eagles: Taniela Paseka (knee) and Josh Aloiai (dislocated shoulder) were casualties from the win over the Sharks, with both unlikely to face the Dragons.

Toa Sipley and Ethan Bullemor will likely join the 17 in their absence.

Jake Trbojevic suffered a category two concussion and must pass protocols to take his place in the side.

PANTHERS v SHARKS

Saturday, 7:35pm, BlueBet Stadium, Penrith

Panthers: Spencer Leniu is in doubt for the clash with Cronulla due to a knee injury sustained against the Bulldogs.

Izack Tago was ruled out late due to a minor leg issue, but he is expected to return at left centre in place of Tyrone Peachey.

Sharks: Braden Hamlin-Uele is pushing to return from a rib injury in the front-row.

Wade Graham and Siosifa Talakai are chances to return from injury likely off the bench, while either man may be catapulted into the starting left edge back-row slot with Jesse Colquhoun facing a one to two week suspension.

BULLDOGS v DOLPHINS

Sunday, 2pm, Salter Oval, Bundaberg

Bulldogs: The Bulldogs are set to welcome back a host of stars to face the Dolphins.

Jacob Preston will likely return on the edge after missing the loss to Penrith with the flu.

Viliame Kikau is a chance to return for his first game since Round 4, likely off the bench.

Josh Addo-Carr will continue his push to return from a hamstring injury on the wing.

Toby Sexton will return from a concussion in the halves, with Jake Averillo likely shifting to fullback, and Hayze Perham dropping out of the team.

Karl Oloapu is due back from a neck concern in coming weeks.

Dolphins: Jeremy Marshall-King will push to return from a shoulder injury at hooker in place of Harrison Graham.

Tesi Niu may replace Valynce Te Whare on the wing if cleared to return from injury.

TITANS v COWBOYS

Sunday, 4:05pm, Cbus Super Stadium, Gold Coast

Titans: No changes expected at the Titans despite the heavy defeat against the Roosters.

Cowboys: Jeremiah Nanai suffered a shoulder injury that may see him miss out on the clash with the Titans.

This will likely see Kulikefu Finefeuiaki start on the edge, while Heilum Luki is also a chance if cleared to return from a facial fracture.