NRL Early Mail round 8: Big Broncos reshuffle after Reece Walsh injury

Broncos coach Michael Maguire is set to inject speed and hitting power following the injury to Reece Walsh, who is set to miss a month with a knee injury.

Broncos coach Michael Maguire is set to inject speed and hitting power by considering recalls for Brendan Piakura and Deine Mariner for Thursday night’s blockbuster against the Bulldogs.

After a month on the selection outer, Mariner – Brisbane’s fastest player – has rocketed into contention for a threequarter spot for the Broncos’ must-win round 8 clash against the unbeaten Dogs at Suncorp Stadium.

Reece Walsh’s knee injury could see Selwyn Cobbo moved from the wing to fullback, opening the door for the speedy Mariner to return to the flanks.

Mariner played the first three rounds while Kotoni Staggs was recovering from a hip flexor injury, but ultimately lost out to Gehamat Shibasaki when Brisbane’s No.1 centre was passed fit.

Meanwhile, the hard-hitting Piakura is again available for selection after serving a two-match suspension following a high shot against the Wests Tigers.

Maguire started prop Xavier Willison in the back row in last Saturday night’s 20-18 loss to the Warriors, making Piakura’s availability timely given second-rower Jack Gosiewski is sidelined for two months with a broken arm.

Maguire will name his preliminary squad on Tuesday afternoon but Mariner and Piakura are expected to appear in the 22-man extended line-up.

The Broncos (4-3) are under pressure to snap a two-match losing streak against ladder leaders the Bulldogs, who are the form team of the league with a perfect 6-0 record heading into the Suncorp showdown.

—Peter Badel

Reece Walsh is out for a month with a knee injury. Picture NRL Photos

GALVIN BACK FOR TIGERS AFTER BULLYING CLAIMS

Lachlan Galvin has been recalled to the Wests Tigers side for Sunday afternoon’s game against Cronulla at Leichhardt Oval in the latest bombshell development involving the club and their teenage star.

Galvin, who has taken legal action against the Tigers over claims of bullying and providing an unsafe work environment, will be named in the Tigers side by coach Benji Marshall on Tuesday afternoon.

Full story here

LUCAS BACK FROM HAMSTRING INJURY

Newcastle will welcome back Dylan Lucas from a hamstring injury for their game against the Warriors.

Lucas played his last match in round 2.

—Michael Carayannis

The return of Dylan Lucas could affect Thomas Cant. Picture: Brendon Thorne/Getty Images

RCG ‘FINE’ DESPITE BROKEN NOSE

Titans prop Reagan Campbell-Gillard has declared himself a certain starter against the Cowboys as try-scoring weapon Alofiana Khan-Pereira nears return.

Campbell-Gillard sustained a broken nose in Gold Coast’s 30-20 loss to Canberra on Easter Sunday.

He was sporting a bruised nose and black eyes on Tuesday morning, but will take his place in Townsville on Saturday as the Titans look to snap a three-game losing streak.

“It comes with the game and how we play,” he said.

“I’ve got shiner on the schnoz. It’s not feeling too good, but you get on with it. I’ll be fine.

“I’ll try to manage it this week and if I cop another knock on it I’ll have to deal with it.”

While dynamic duo Jayden Campbell (ankle) and David Fifita (hamstring) will miss the next few games, Khan-Pereira is close to returning.

The reigning Ken Irvine Medallist hasn’t played since round 2 but is pushing to return against a Cowboys team chasing a fourth straight win.

—Travis Meyn

INFECTION SIDELINES MARSHALL-KING

The in-form Dolphins have been dealt a double injury blow with starters Jeremy Marshall-King and Felise Kaufusi ruled out of Sunday’s showdown with the Raiders.

Marshall-King contracted an infection following a bad gash in his thigh in Redcliffe’s round 6 win against the Panthers.

He sat out the Dolphins’ Good Friday triumph over Melbourne and will be sidelined for at least another week.

Kaufusi suffered a knee injury in the Storm game and will miss at least one week.

In some good news for the Dolphins, utility Max Plath (foot) has been cleared of serious injury and is a chance of playing the Raiders.

—Travis Meyn

Jeremy Marshall-King's leg gash has become infected.. Picture: Instagram

RUDOLF TO MISS A MONTH

It’s a case of good and bad news for the Sharks with Toby Rudolf set to be sidelined for at least a fortnight with an ankle injury.

Rudolf suffered the injury in Cronulla’s big win over the Knights on Sunday.

Offsetting the loss of Rudolf is the anticipated availability of fellow prop Braden Hamlin-Uele, who has missed the past three weeks with a knee injury.

Hamlin-Uele is expected to be included in Cronulla’s extended squad to tackle the Wests Tigers at Leichhardt Oval on Sunday afternoon.

—Michael Carayannis and David Riccio

GRANT EYES ROUND 10

Queensland coach Billy Slater can breathe a huge sigh of relief after it emerged that Harry Grant was set to win his race to play in the opening game of the State of Origin series.

Grant missed the Storm’s loss to the Dolphins with a hamstring injury and there were initial reports he could be out for up to six weeks, which would have rubbed him out of the opening game of the series in Brisbane on May 28.

However, the Storm have now clarified that Grant could be back against the Wests Tigers in round 10. If not, the club is confident that he will return in round 11 against Cronulla - the weekend before the teams are named for the opening game of the Origin series.

It means Grant will play at least one game before the Queensland side for Origin I is selected by coach Billy Slater, which should be enough to guarantee he is part of the Maroons side heading into Origin.

It shapes as a huge fillip for Slater given the Maroons are expected to be without Brisbane fullback Reece Walsh for Origin I after he suffered a knee injury in the Broncos’ loss to the Warriors on Saturday night.

Bulldogs hooker Reed Mahoney was expected to come into the Maroons side if Grant was unavailable through injury.

Harry Grant has been cleared to return for the Storm before State of Origin I. Picture: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images

TURBO BOOST

Manly superstar Tom Trbojevic will be named for the Sea Eagles.

He trained with his teammates on Monday as he takes the first steps towards a welcome return from injury against Penrith on Saturday night.

Sea Eagles coach Anthony Seibold confirmed that Trbojevic took part in Monday’s session and emerged unscathed in a pointer towards him potentially taking his place against the defending premiers at Commbank Stadium.

Trbojevic was initially ruled out for four weeks with a knee problem and there had been a school of thought that Manly would wrap him in cotton wool for another fortnight given they have the bye the week after the Penrith game.

However, it is understood Trbojevic is pushing to play as he looks to help out the battling Sea Eagles, who have lost their past three games after a promising start to the year.

Their record with and without their talismanic fullback has been well documented. Manly win more than 65 percent of their games with Trbojevic in the side and less than 35 percent when he is missing.

They will likely want to see him get through a full week of training before he is cleared to take on the four-time premiers on Saturday night. It is understood, while he took part in training on Monday, he didn’t do the entire session.

Nevertheless, he pulled up well afterwards in an encouraging sign looking ahead to the weekend.

—Brent Read

Tom Trbojevic is eyeing a return this week. Picture: Matt King/Getty Images

FULL EARLY MAIL, VIA MAX BRYDEN

BRONCOS v BULLDOGS

Thursday, 7:50pm, Suncorp Stadium

Broncos:

Reece Walsh will miss 4-6 weeks of action after suffering a PCL injury to his knee. With limited options in reserve grade, Selwyn Cobbo is set to shift to fullback with Deine Mariner to the wing.

Brendan Piakura is due back from suspension but will need to pass through concussion protocols after failing a HIA in Round 6.

His return would be welcomed after a training incident resulted in a broken arm to Jack Gosiewski, who will now miss around six weeks.

Bulldogs:

Rookie Jack Todd broke his arm in the only sour note from the Dogs’ record breaking Round 7 win. He’s facing 8-10 weeks on the sideline.

With Villiami Kikau and Matt Burton both making successful returns from injury last week, expect the same starting side.

Prop Sam Hughes is nearing a return from ankle surgery and if fit could slide straight into the 17.

ROOSTERS v DRAGONS

Friday, 4:00pm, Allianz Stadium

Roosters:

Already short on middles, the Roosters look set to lose Nat Butcher for up to 10 weeks to a knee issue which forced him off early in the first half against the Panthers.

Billy Smith is due back from suspension and will slot straight back in at left centre. Coach Trent Robinson will need to pick two of Mark Nawaqanitawase, Robert Toia and Dominic Young on the right edge.

Angus Crichton is also expected back after a groin issue kept him out of action in Round 7.

“He was close to playing on the weekend, so I’ve got no doubt he’ll play this week,” said Victor Radley of Crichton.

Dragons:

Another left winger has gone down with Mat Faegai joining Christian Tuipulotu on the sidelines with a fractured lower leg. Neither player is due back until Round 11 at the earliest, with Sione Finau set to lock down the spot in the interim.

After two wins in a row the Dragons are likely to continue the late switch of Luciano Leilua and Dylan Egan between the bench and starting second row.

Bench prop Hamish Stewart suffered a concussion and has entered HIA protocols, making him unavailable for selection. Expect Emre Guler to replace him directly in the lineup having served a three week suspension.

WARRIORS v KNIGHTS

Friday, 6:05pm, Apollo Projects Stadium, Christchurch

Warriors:

Off the back of a golden point victory, the Warriors get the benefit of another week at home with a game in Christchurch on ANZAC Day.

Fullback Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad will return should he pass concussion protocols, with Taine Tuapiki set to shift back to the wing and Ed Kosi out of the side.

Centre Rocco Berry’s one match suspension has been served, with coach Andrew Webster now facing an interesting dilemma due to the form of Leka Halasima.

Halasima was one of the Wahs best and may have won a starting spot moving forward over incumbent Kurt Capewell who played Round 7 in the centres.

James Fisher-Harris is facing another 3-5 weeks on the sideline with a pectoral issue.

Knights:

The Knights are hoping to welcome back two big faces in their forward pack with second rower Dylan Lucas and lock Adam Elliott nearing returns from leg injuries.

Lucas will be named, which will see a shuffle in the forward pack. Tom Cant could shift to lock or otherwise join the bench rotation with Tyson Frizell a chance to stay at prop until the return of Jacob Saifiti from a calf issue.

Halfback Tyson Gamble may be replaced by Jack Cogger who is working his way back from a finger injury through NSW Cup.

Phoenix Crossland injured his ankle against the Sharks but should be fine to take his place in Round 8.

Dylan Lucas is due to return from a hamstring injury. Picture: NRL Photos

STORM v RABBITOHS

Friday, 8:10pm, AAMI Park

Storm:

Harry Grant is aiming for round 10 after a hamstring injuiry.

This issue could see his minutes managed upon return as well with a heavy workload expected due to Origin commitments. Bronson Garlick will start at hooker in the interim.

Jahrome Hughes will need to pass a fitness test after on his injured AC joint. If he is to miss any game time, Tyran Wishart would start in his place.

A suspected dislocated shoulder is expected to keep Jack Howarth out this week. The severity of the issue is yet to be determined and he could be out for three weeks to three months.

This will see Grant Anderson keep his place in the starting lineup and the return of Olympian Moses Leo into the side.

Kane Bradley scored a double on the right wing and now looks set to be the primary backup for Will Warbrick who is still on the comeback trail from a concussion suffered earlier this year.

Tui Kamikamica also picked up an ankle issue with scans this week to determine his prognosis moving forward.

Rabbitohs:

Wayne Bennett is a master at keeping people guessing and with half Jayden Sullivan available again after suspension, expect more changes this week.

One of them is forced, with Lachie Hubner failing a HIA and now in the NRL’s concussion protocols. Liam Le Blanc or Tallis Duncan will be promoted to the starting side.

Despite starting the game at five-eighth, Latrell Mitchell spent most of the game at left centre. Halfback Cody Walker couldn’t finish the game and was replaced by debutant Lewis Dodd.

Campbell Graham looks set to stay on the wing with Alex Johnston having picked up a hamstring issue which will keep him out for a few weeks.

COWBOYS v TITANS

Saturday, 5:30pm, Queensland Country Bank Stadium

Cowboys:

Winger Braidon Burns has overcome a hamstring issue and is available for selection.

After missing Round 6 through illness, John Bateman will also push for a return to the starting side. The rest of the lineup remains settled.

Titans:

Reagan Campbell-Gillard will play despite a broken nose.

David Fifita is expected to miss a month of footy with a hamstring issue. Beau Fermor and Klese Haas will start in the second row in his absence.

Jayden Campbell suffered a syndesmosis injury and is expected to miss four to five weeks. He will be replaced in the side by Tom Weaver, with Kieran Foran still at least a week away from contending for the spot.

Bench forward Brock Gray is available to return from suspension. While winger Alofi Khan-Periera is also nearing a return to full fitness following a hamstring issue.

PANTHERS v SEA EAGLES

Saturday, 7:35pm, CommBank Stadium

Panthers:

After earning his second start of the year at centre, Luke Garner suffered a concussion and will be replaced by Izack Tago in the starting lineup.

Blaize Talagi had his best performance of the year at five-eighth and looks set to keep the spot.

Mitch Kenny has copped a two match suspension for his tackle on Nat Butcher. Luke Sommerton will step into the starting lineup in his absence.

Brian To’o is a slim chance to return but most likely rejoins the lineup in Round 9.

Sea Eagles:

Tommy Trbojevic is due back from an MCL injury in what’s billed as a crucial clash for the hopes of the Sea Eagles keeping touch with the top eight.

Should he return, Lehi Hopoate would shift back to the wing with Tommy Talau dropping from the starting side.

Jake Trbojevic will miss the clash after failing a HIA against the Dragons. Ethan Bullemor also injured a knee and is in doubt.

Tof Sipley was referred straight to the judiciary for his hip drop tackle in Round 7 and will await his fate.

Lachlan Croker is facing at least another month on the sidelines after complications in his efforts to return from a knee issue.

RAIDERS v DOLPHINS

Sunday, 2:00pm, GIO Stadium

Raiders:

On a three game win streak, the Raiders are in form and in full health with the side expected to be named 1 to 17.

Dolphins:

The Dolphins have been dealt a double injury blow with starters Jeremy Marshall-King and Felise Kaufusi ruled out of Sunday’s showdown with the Raiders.

Marshall-King contracted an infection following a bad gash in his thigh in Redcliffe’s round 6 win against the Panthers.

He sat out the Dolphins’ Good Friday triumph over Melbourne and will be sidelined for at least another week.

Kaufusi suffered a knee injury in the Storm game and will miss at least one week.

In some good news for the Dolphins, utility Max Plath (foot) has been cleared of serious injury and is a chance of playing the Raiders.

TIGERS v SHARKS

Sunday, 4:05pm, Leichhardt Oval

Tigers:

Lachie Galvin will return for the Tigers after his axing last week.

He’s confirmed Latu Fainu will push for a return this week but shouldn’t be any later than Round 9.

Sharks:

Kayal Iro is close to a return but expected to be given at least one more week to prove his fitness, with Mawene Hiroti to keep the left centre job in the interim.

Prop Toby Rudolf is set to miss a month after suffering an ankle injury in his side’s victory of the Knights.

Offsetting the loss of Rudolf is the anticipated availability of fellow prop Braden Hamlin-Uele, who has missed the past three weeks with a knee injury.

BYE: Eels