NRL Las Vegas Late Mail: Updated team news for Rabbitohs, Roosters, Manly and Broncos

The Roosters have been forced into a major backline reshuffle ahead of their Vegas blockbuster, while a Manly star is in doubt after missing training. LATE MAIL

The Sydney Roosters have been forced into a late backline reshuffle ahead of their Las Vegas season opener against Brisbane after centre Billy Smith was ruled out through injury.

Smith, who has had a shocking run with injury throughout his career, has been omitted from the side due to what the club described as “a minor hamstring complaint”.

As a result, Joseph-Aukuso Sua’ali’i replaces Smith in the centres, while Junior Pauga comes into the vacant right wing spot.

It’s also expected Joey Manu will shift from right to left centre to accommodate Sua’ali’i.

Joseph Sua'ali'i is set to shuffle to the centres. Picture: Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

BOOM RECRUIT MISSES MANLY TRAINING

Five-eighth Luke Brooks sparked concern when he sat out Manly’s final training run ahead of their clash with South Sydney.

The Sea Eagles held their captain’s run at Allegiant Stadium, but Brooks took no part in the main session.

He has been managing a calf issue, but Manly officials are adamant he will play.

Young half Jake Arthur remains on standby on the extended bench in case Brooks suffers a late setback.

Luke Brooks has been managing a calf issue. Picture: Damian Shaw

WALTERS DROPS MAJOR BRONCOS SUPERCOACH INTEL

Broncos coach Kevin Walters has explained the omission of Corey Oates, saying the pace of young gun Deine Mariner will be crucial in Sunday’s historic season opener in Las Vegas.

The Broncos completed their captain’s run at the home of NFL side Los Vegas Raiders, with Mariner to start ahead of Oates on the right wing and Jesse Arthars on the left against the Roosters at Allegiant Stadium.

Mariner is Brisbane’s fastest player – having clocked 4.7sec over 40 metres – and Walters believes his acceleration off the mark can trouble the Roosters in the round 1 blockbuster.

Asked why he opted for Mariner, Walters said: “Just the speed of Deine.

“I believe it’s going to be a fast game.

“The grass over here is a lot harder and a lot faster, that suits Deine more than anyone in our team.

“It was a tough call on ‘Oatesy’, but he has accepted it well and he will get his opportunity.

“He has been wonderful in pre-season.

Kevin Walters greets fans during the NRL season launch at Fremont Street Experience. Picture: Getty Images

“We all know what type of player he is and he will get his opportunity at some stage this season.

“He knows he will get his chance, he is too good a player to sit parked there.

“He has done everything he can to make himself available and I told that to him.

“Hats off to him for the way he took it.”

The Roosters are rated title contenders this season and Walters is wary of Sydney’s backline potency.

“I don’t think it will be too different to what we have seen from the Roosters in the past,” he said.

“It’s nearly the same team that played us at the Gabba last year.

“They are well coached and they have good strike, but we believe in ourselves and what we are doing here at the Broncos.

“We have a new team with four new guys into the squad so it’s very exciting.”

WALKER’S ON FOR THE RABBITOHS

Cody Walker is a certain starter for South Sydney’s Las Vegas blockbuster against the Sea Eagles.

The influential playmaker has fully recovered from a calf injury that impacted his preparation for the historic season launch.

“He’s fine,’’ Souths coach Jason Demetriou said.

“He’s trained all week and has been really good.

“He’s a world class player. I’m really happy that he was able to get the training done in San Diego, that was important for his prep and to be able to have a full week of training going into round one is got him in a good head space.’’