NRL Early Mail Round 24: Kevin Walters confirms Broncos won’t rest star players in run to finals

The Sharks will be without one cult hero, but will regain a star winger while the Broncos welcome back some big names.

Ryan Papenhuyzen is set to play more minutes for the Falcons next week. Picture NRL photos

Cronulla are poised to be without towering prop and fan favourite Tom Hazleton following a high shot from South Sydney’s Tom Burgess.

Hazleton is set to be stood down under HIA protocols for a mandatory 11-days after he was collected high by Burgess last Saturday night.

The controversial tackle resulted in Burgess being suspended for three matches. Some commentators claimed the penalty was too harsh on the Bunnies power-forward.

Meanwhile, the Sharks are set to welcome back winger Ronaldo Mulitalo after missing the past two matches from a head knock suffered at training.

Mawene Hiroti, superb against the Rabbitohs, is likely to make way for Mulitalo while Jesse Colquhoun is tipped to replace Hazleton.

Ronaldo Mulitalo is back for the Sharks. Picture: Getty Images

CATTLE BACK FOR BRONCOS

The Broncos have received a boost with skipper Adam Reynolds, Herbie Farnworth and Jordan Riki set to be cleared for Friday night’s clash against the Eels.

In a setback for the Broncos, winger Jesse Arthars will be ruled out due to concussion, opening the door for Deine Mariner to take his place on the left wing.

Reynolds missed last week’s defeat of the Cowboys but the star halfback has been cleared of a groin injury and ran strongly at Broncos training on Tuesday.

Reynolds was joined on the field by Farnworth and Riki, the latter of whom has been sidelined for the past six weeks with a foot injury.

Rookie back-rower Brendan Piakura was outstanding against the Cowboys but is likely to drop back to the bench to accommodate the return of Riki.

Adam Reynolds is set to return from a groin injury. Picture: Getty

STORM PLOT PAPENHUYZEN’S NRL RETURN

—Dean Ritchie

Melbourne star Ryan Papenhuyzen will be sent back to Sunshine Coast Falcons next weekend as Storm officials start discussing when the champion fullback can make his NRL return.

While the club is yet to reach a decision on Papenhuyzen’s NRL comeback date, Melbourne hopes to get a better idea after Saturday’s game against Norths Devils in the Queensland Cup.

It seems certain Papenhuyzen, provided he remains injury-free with feeder club Sunshine Coast, will be back to give Melbourne a huge pre-finals boost.

Ryan Papenhuyzen is set to play more minutes for the Falcons next week. Picture NRL photos

FULL EARLY MAIL VIA TIM WILLIAMS

SEA EAGLES v PANTHERS

Thursday, 7:50pm, 4 Pines Park, Sydney

Sea Eagles: Matt Lodge tore his ACL which will require a lengthy recovery period.

Lodge’s injury leaves the Sea Eagles short on middle forwards to round out 2023.

Panthers: Izack Tago is expected to return at left centre from a leg injury, pushing Zac Hosking to the bench.

SHARKS v TITANS

Friday, 6pm, PointsBet Stadium, Sydney

Sharks: Ronaldo Mulitalo is a strong chance to return from a jaw injury on the wing, pushing Mawene Hiroti out of the team.

Titans: Moeaki Fotuaika is facing a one to two match ban for a careless high tackle.

Tino Fa’asuamaleaui returns from suspension in a direct replacement in the middle.

AJ Brimson faces further time on the sideline with an oblique injury, which would see Jayden Campbell stay at fullback.

Jai Arrow came off with back spasms, Souths not expecting anything serious. Spasms extremely painful but unlikely to require lengthy recovery, symptoms can linger/be easily re-aggravated if he plays too soon. Worst case underlying structural damage (eg disc) but hopefully avoided pic.twitter.com/MDIrot9rfM

— NRL PHYSIO (@nrlphysio) August 6, 2023

BRONCOS v EELS

Friday, 8pm, The Gabba, Brisbane

Broncos: Jesse Arthars is expected to be unavailable after suffering a concussion in the win over the Cowboys. Deine Mariner will come in on the left wing.

Herbie Farnworth is in doubt after suffering a knock to the knee.

Adam Reynolds is likely to return from a groin tightness issue, pushing Jock Madden out of the side.

Kobe Hetherington is also a chance to return from a corked back on the bench.

Eels: Andrew Davey is in doubt after suffering a concussion on Sunday.

Big guns Reagan Campbell-Gillard and Maika Sivo aren’t due back from suspension until next week.

RABBITOHS v DRAGONS

Saturday, 3pm, Barlow Park, Cairns

Rabbitohs: Tom Burgess is facing a three to four match ban for a careless high tackle.

Jai Arrow is in doubt after leaving the field early with back spasms.

This will leave the club sweating on fitness of Tevita Tatola and Hame Sele who are chances to return from injury to bolster the middle.

Dragons: Francis Molo must pass concussion protocols to take his place against the Rabbitohs.

Mikaele Ravalawa was placed on report for a high shot but escaped charge, while Blake Lawrie has copped a fine for his careless high tackle.

Moses Suli is a chance to return from a calf complaint at centre.

LISTEN TO OUR SUPERCOACH PODCAST!

TIGERS v WARRIORS

Saturday, 5:30pm, FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton

Tigers: Stefano Utoikamanu and Shawn Blore are both set to return from concussion to bolster the forward pack.

Warriors: Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad suffered another concussion early in the win over the Titans.

He’ll miss at least one match, with rookie fullback Taine Tuaupiki likely to deputise at fullback.

ROOSTERS v DOLPHINS

Saturday, 7:35pm, Allianz Stadium, Sydney

Roosters: Nathan Brown is facing a one to two match suspension for a careless high tackle charge.

Egan Butcher is due back from a concussion and will likely start on the left edge, with Josh Wong dropping to the bench.

Dolphins: No major changes expected at the Dolphins, with Isaiya Katoa starting in the halves against the Knights and Anthony Milford playing off the bench.

Storm expect George Jennings to miss 6-8 weeks with a suspected left MCL injury.

Likely moderate/high grade sprain with that recovery timeframe. Mechanism - knee into ground appeared to have “whiplash” like effect.

Rough run with injury - 2022 ACL rupture was to right knee. pic.twitter.com/mcaKXcKf9C

— NRL PHYSIO (@nrlphysio) August 5, 2023

STORM v RAIDERS

Sunday, 2pm, AAMI Park, Melbourne

Storm: George Jennings’ season may be over after suffering a knee injury.

Xavier Coates will likely return on the wing in his place, while Reimis Smith is a chance to return at centre from an adductor strain.

Jahrome Hughes remains in doubt to return from injury against the Raiders, meaning Jonah Pezet could retain his spot in the halves.

Tariq Sims returns from suspension off the bench.

Ryan Papenhuyzen made a successful return from injury via QLD Cup with the Sunshine Coast Falcons.

Raiders: Jack Wighton is free to play if he takes the early guilty plea for abusing the referee in Sunday’s win over the Tigers. He faces two weeks if he fights the charge and loses.

KNIGHTS v BULLDOGS

Sunday, 4:05pm, McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle

Knights: Jacob Saifiti is in doubt to face the Bulldogs due to a hamstring injury.

Bradman Best is also in doubt with groin tightness, with Enari Tuala likely to come into the side if required.

Bulldogs: Back from the bye and no major changes expected following their Round 22 win over the Dolphins.

Luke Thompson may come into the squad after recently returning via NSW Cup.

BYE: Cowboys