NRL Early Mail Round 9: Clint Gutherson knee surgery, Simi Sasagi and James Schiller face the axe
Parramatta Eels captain Clint Gutherson has been sent for surgery on a knee injury, while the Broncos could welcome back two stars this weekend.
Clint Gutherson has been ruled out for up to five weeks after undergoing knee surgery.
In a major blow, the Eels have confirmed their co-captain is set for a stint on the sidelines.
“The Eels co-captain has undergone a minor operation on his knee and will be unavailable for 4-5 weeks,” the Parramatta press statement read.
Gutherson has been hampered this season by an ongoing knee issue.
Prior to succumbing to surgery, he was asked prior to last week’s loss to Manly about his pain management of the issue.
“I don’t really like missing things or missing training but you sort of get to a point where you need to and at the moment you have to look after what you can control,’’ Gutherson said.
“The main thing is to be ready to play game day, if I have to miss a few things here and there, get off the feet then that’s what I’ll do.
“I don’t want to miss games of footy for no reason so I’m doing everything possible to be able to play. We had to do it (against the Dolphins). It’s ups and downs and seeing how it feels each week.’’
MAM BACK FOR BRONCOS
The Broncos have received a boost with star pivot Ezra Mam set to be cleared for Friday night’s blockbuster against the Roosters.
Broncos coach Kevin Walters initially said Mam (hand) was an unlikely starter against the Roosters in the wake of last Saturday night’s defeat of the Tigers.
But Mam ran without a red no-contact bib at Broncos training on Tuesday in the strongest sign the grand-final playmaker will get the green light to take on the Roosters.
Mam sat out last week’s Tigers win after injuring his finger against the Raiders.
Centre Selwyn Cobbo trained alongside Mam in a red no-contact bib but remains in doubt for the round 9 clash at Suncorp Stadium.
Mam’s replacement Jock Madden hurt his pec muscle against the Tigers but the injury does not appear serious with the back-up playmaker running with the second-string Renegades in an opposed session on Tuesday.
—Peter Badel
Latest at Broncos training. Ezra Mam running at five-eighth. Selwyn Cobbo has red no-contact bib on for a second straight week, running with main squad. pic.twitter.com/dCIZdA2bgU
— Pete Badel (@badel_cmail) April 29, 2024
NORTH QUEENSLAND RECRUIT GETS A RUN
Viliami Vailea will make his Cowboys debut with the centre to replace the injured Tom Chester. Chester will miss at least a month with a hamstring injury opening the door for Vailea to play his first game since joining the Cowboys from the Warriors.
TWO RAIDERS ON THE OUTER
Two top SuperCoach cheapies face the axe this week with Simi Sasagi and James Schiller both potential outs.
Sasagi was last week’s most popular cheapie but could miss the squad due to the return of Elliott Whitehead. Schiller could lose his wing spot to Albert Hopoate, who is on the comeback trail from burns to his arm.
—Tim Williams
STORM PRODIGY RUPTURES ACL
Boom Melbourne half Jonah Pezet is set to miss the remainder of the season after injuring his knee playing for Brisbane Easts in the Queensland Cup at the weekend.
Pezet underwent scans which revealed he had ruptured his ACL.
“Unfortunately, scans have confirmed Jonah has ruptured his ACL which will require surgery in the coming days,” Storm director of football Frank Ponissi said.
“Jonah has been in good form this season and has already shown his ability to play at NRL level.
“While this is extremely disappointing for Jonah and the club, we will support him and his recovery to ensure he has every opportunity to get back on the field as soon as possible.”
—Brent Read
RABBITOHS v PANTHERS
Thursday, 7:50pm, Accor Stadium, Sydney
Rabbitohs: Taane Milne is facing a two to three week suspension for a dangerous throw charge.
This is likely to see Izaac Thompson come into the team on the wing.
Panthers: Scott Sorensen (knee) and Moses Leota (shoulder) are both chances to return after being ruled out late in round 8.
If cleared, Luke Garner and Lindsay Smith would drop to the bench.
SEA EAGLES v RAIDERS
Friday, 6pm, 4 Pines Park, Sydney
Sea Eagles: Haumole Olakau’atu and Daly Cherry-Evans are both facing two to three week suspensions for dangerous throw charges.
This is likely to see Ethan Bullemor start on the edge and rookie Jake Arthur step into the halves.
Toa Sipley is a chance to return from a knee injury in the pack.
Raiders: Elliott Whitehead is set to return from injury on the edge, pushing Simi Sasagi out of the team.
Albert Hopoate is a chance to replace James Schiller on the wing.
Hudson Young was placed on report in the heavy loss to the Sharks.
BRONCOS v ROOSTERS
Friday, 8pm, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Broncos: Reece Walsh and Adam Reynolds both failed to finish the win over the Tigers due to cramping, but both will be fine to face the Roosters in round 9.
Jock Madden suffered a suspected pectoral injury in the win, with Ezra Mam a chance to replace him in the halves if cleared to return from an injury of his own.
Selwyn Cobbo is a chance to return from injury at centre likely replacing Corey Oates, with Jesse Arthars returning to the wing.
Roosters: Michael Jennings is set for a lengthy stint on the sidelines due to a triceps injury.
If cleared to return from a knee injury, Daniel Tupou would come back on the wing, pushing Joseph Suaalii to centre.
Sitili Tupouniua is likely to return on the bench from a concussion, although he may struggle to make the 17 after the club’s big win over the Dragons on Anzac Day.
Victor Radley is a chance to return at lock from a hamstring injury, which would push Connor Watson to the bench.
BULLDOGS v TIGERS
Saturday, 3pm, Accor Stadium, Sydney
Bulldogs: Jacob Preston is a chance to return from a broken jaw on the edge, which would see Jaeman Salmon shift to lock and Josh Curran drop to the bench.
Tigers: Api Koroisau is in some doubt with a back issue, with Jake Simpkin likely to start at hooker if unavailable.
Starford Toa is due back from an ankle injury in coming weeks and could come straight into the backline.
TITANS v STORM
Saturday, 5:30pm, Cbus Super Stadium, Gold Coast
Titans: Phillip Sami is a chance to return from an ankle injury in the backline, pushing Aaron Schoupp out of the team.
Mo Fotuaika and Sam Verrills both failed HIAs in the win over the Warriors and are unlikely to face the Storm.
Storm: Xavier Coates is in doubt with a hamstring injury, with Sua Faalogo or Dean Ieremia likely to come in on the wing.
Nelson Asofa-Solomona is also in doubt with a hamstring injury.
COWBOYS v DOLPHINS
Saturday, 7:35pm, QCB Stadium, Townsville
Cowboys:
Viliami Vailea will make his Cowboys debut with the centre to replace the injured Tom Chester. Chester will miss at least a month with a hamstring injury opening the door for Vailea to play his first game since joining the Cowboys from the Warriors. Heilium Luki is a chance to return from injury on the edge, pushing Kulikefu Finefeuiaku to the bench.
Dolphins: Jesse Bromwich is unlikely to feature with a calf injury.
Kenny Bromwich must pass concussion protocols take his place against the Cowboys.
If unavailable, Connelly Lemuelu is likely to replace him on the edge.
Herbie Farnworth is expected to return from injury in the next fortnight at centre, pushing Tesi Niu out of the team.
Tom Flegler remains in major doubt to return from a shoulder injury.
Anthony Milford is available for selection after serving a suspension.
KNIGHTS v WARRIORS
Sunday, 2pm, McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle
Knights: Jacob Saifiti and Jed Cartwright are both in doubt to face the Warriors with ankle injuries.
Greg Marzhew is also in doubt with an ankle injury, with Tom Jenkins to come in on the wing if required.
Jack Hetherington returns from suspension on the bench.
Warriors: Kurt Capewell missed the Anzac Day clash with the Titans due to a throat injury.
If cleared to return, he’d replace Jacob Laban on the edge.
SHARKS v DRAGONS
Sunday, 4:05pm, PointsBet Stadium, Sydney
Sharks: No changes expected at the in-form Sharks.
Dragons: Moses Suli will be unavailable due to a concussion.
This is likely to see Zac Lomax shift to centre, and Savelio Tamale come in on the wing.
More Coverage
PM’s XIII highlights: NRL expansion boost, schoolboy shock, wild scenes
While Perth’s bid appears to be on shaky ground, Papua New Guinea’s quest to accommodate the NRL’s 18th franchise received a timely boost following three thrilling PM’s XIII fixtures in Port Moresby.
Parramatta’s public humiliation of Gutherson is outrageous
Clint Gutherson is a Parramatta club legend that is being treated like some D-grade wannabe. He isn’t just a player – he’s a leader and inspiration who deserves better than a club that’s slowly eroding his status, writes DEAN RITCHIE.