NRL Early Mail round 2: Eels welcome back big boppers, Dolphins add three big names

The Rabbitohs will field a dramatically revamped backline for round two while the Raiders will hand an NRL debut to English import Matty Nicholson. Full predicted NRL team changes.

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – FEBRUARY 25: Matty Nicholson of the Raiders does band work during a Canberra Raiders NRL training session at UFC Performance Institute on February 25, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

Struggling Parramatta are expected to welcome back two key forwards for their clash against the Tigers.

Shaun Lane and Kitione Kautoga are likely to be named for the Eels while Ryan Matterson, who was a late exclusion on Sunday, is also a chance of being in the extended squad.

The Tigers are hopeful Jahream Bula and Starford To’a will be right to play having missed their last-start loss to Newcastle.

The Eels could welcome back Shaun Lane for round two. Picture: Getty Images

THREE STEPS FORWARD, TWO STEPS BACK FOR DOLPHINS

Dolphins coach Kristian Woolf is set to recall ‘cyclone trio’ Kodi Nikorima, Mark Nicholls and Kenny Bromwich after the Redcliffe club was dealt a double blow.

Backrowers Connelly Lemuelu (fractured eye socket) and Kulikefu Finefeuiaki (head injury protocols) will miss Thursday night’s round 2 clash with the Knights in Newcastle.

They were injured in last Friday’s loss to the Rabbitohs, which was moved to Sydney at the eleventh hour due to Cyclone Alfred hitting south east Queensland.

New recruit Kulikefu Finefeuiaki has been ruled out of round two due to HIA protocols. Picture: Getty Images

Nikorima, Nicholls and Bromwich (18th man) withdrew from selection for the Rabbitohs game to remain with family at home.

The Dolphins lost the game 16-14 before returning to Brisbane on Saturday afternoon to begin preparations for the Knights.

With their Redcliffe base out of action due to power cuts and flooding, the Dolphins flew to Newcastle on Monday night.

Nikorima, Nicholls and Bromwich travelled with the team and are expected to be recalled for the Knights game after sitting out the narrow loss to Souths.

RAIDERS CALL UP IMPORT

The Raiders will be missing prop Joe Tapine through suspension due to a shoulder charge in Las Vegas.

Corey Horsburgh was named to start at prop in round one but actually played lock while Josh Papalii was named to start at lock but played prop.

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – FEBRUARY 25: Matty Nicholson of the Raiders does band work during a Canberra Raiders NRL training session at UFC Performance Institute on February 25, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

In the absence of Tapine Horsburgh and Paplii are likely to start at prop with Morgan Smithies elevated to the starting side in jumper 13 and Canberra’s English import Matty Nicholson is expected to make his NRL debut after being overlook for the Raiders’ opening game.

But coach Ricky Stuart cares little for team list Tuesday so there’s every chance he names an entirely different combination.

RABBITOHS HAVE LOTS OF HOLES TO FILL

South Sydney’s Jamie Humphreys looks set to retain the No.7 jumper this week against St George Illawarra with English halfback Lewis Dodd training in a rehab bib on Monday.

Dodd, who is back from suspension this week, ran with the squad but was put in a pink rehab bib once the skills session started.

He also ran opposite Humphreys and five-eighth Cody Walker in the drills sessions.

Star Centre Jack Wighton has accepted a one-match ban for a high tackle on Dolphins forward Kulikefu Finefeuiaki, ruling him out of the Dragons clash in Wollongong on Saturday.

It leaves coach Wayne Bennett in need of two outside backs after youngster Tyrone Munro suffered a broken collarbone, which is set to rule him out for 6-8 weeks.

Lewis Dodd at training on Monday. He later wore a pink rehab bib. Picture: Darrian Traynor/Getty Images

An injured Cameron Murray on the sidelines at South Sydney Rabbitohs training. Picture: Max Mason-Hubers

Latrell Mitchell trains with the rehab group. Picture: Max Mason-Hubers

Fletcher Myers and rookie Bayleigh Bentley-Hape trained on the edges alongside Campbell Graham and Isaiah Tass, putting the duo squarely in the frame for selection to start in the back five on Saturday afternoon.

Veteran flyer Alex Johnston (Achilles) also ran freely on Monday morning but did not complete the drills session after the warm-up. Johnston isn’t expected to be available until Round 4.

Skipper Cameron Murray (Achilles) was also at training sporting a cast on his left leg.

Superstar fullback Latrell Mitchell (hamstring) trained on the side alongside brother Shaq. Mitchell spent time on the exercise bike as part of his rehab program.

–Fatima Kdouh

Billy Smith closes in on return

Sydney Roosters centre Billy Smith has continued to impress his teammates on the training paddock as he edges closer to a return from a hip injury.

The embattled club also received a boost on Sunday when Victor Radley returned to light duties after suffering a scary head knock against Brisbane.

The 26-year-old Radley was smiling and joking with teammates, including Smith, as they completed a no contact training session at Moore Park as the Roosters prepare to face NRL premiers Penrith on Friday night.

Billy Smith is working his way back to full fitness. Picture: Roosters Instagram

He will miss the Panthers game under the NRL’s concussion protocols, but vision of Radley warming up will alleviate some concern for the future of the star forward, who has suffered six concussions within the past three seasons.

“Seeing him (on Sunday), he’s following the protocols at the moment and our club really respects those protocols and they’ve really led the way to be honest in regards to giving guys the required time off,” said halfback Chad Townsend.

Meanwhile, Smith is inching closer to his season debut.

The talented centre has been hampered by a hip injury but is training unencumbered as he nears a return to the field.

“He’s in all the reps now in training so he’s going to be ready to go soon, he’s in high spirits. I reckon he’ll be good to go soon,” said Dom Young.

–Pamela Whaley

Victor Radley trains with the Roosters on Sunday following a heavy head knock. Picture: Chris Huang / Matrix Pictures

FULL EARLY MAIL, VIA MAX BRYDEN

KNIGHTS v DOLPHINS

Thursday, 8pm, McDonald Jones Stadium

Knights: Tyson Gamble missed selection in Round 1 due to back surgery with his return to play yet to be confirmed. Until he does, expect Jack Cogger and Fletcher Sharpe to be safe in the halves.

After a Round 1 win, no changes are expected ahead of their first home game of the season.

Dolphins: Kulikefu Finefeuiaki will miss Thursday’s clash after failing an HIA in Round 1, while Connelly Lemuelu suffered a fractured eye-socket. Expect Kenny Bromwich or Oryn Keeley to join the bench.

Post Tropical Cyclone, the Dolphins are struggling for training facilities and some players may still be impacted on a personal front.

Kodi Nikorima and Mark Nicholls – both late withdrawals due to TC Alfred – will push for a return to the 17. Nikorima’s return would force Sean O’Sullivan out of the team.

WARRIORS v SEA EAGLES

Friday, 6pm, Go Media Stadium

Warriors: The Warriors will be keen to put the Las Vegas game behind them and are likely to run out 1-17.

We could see another late switch of Jackson Ford to prop, Mitchell Barnett to lock and Erin Clark to the bench.

Sea Eagles: Lachlan Croker is eyeing off a return in Round 4 at hooker, with the high-flying Eagles off to a great start in Round 1.

Tommy Talau won’t be far off contending for selection after a minor hamstring issue saw him miss the Round 1 squad.

Manly got through the clash with the Cows unscathed and should line up 1-17.

PANTHERS v ROOSTERS

Friday, 8pm, CommBank Stadium

Panthers: Despite failing an HIA in Vegas, the long turnaround in between games will allow Casey McLean to be available for selection should he pass his tests.

If unavailable, Daine Laurie or brother Jesse are favourites to take his spot in the starting side. Should Laurie earn the start, Trent Toelau would take the number 14 jersey.

After missing Round 1 through a hamstring injury, Brian To’o is another who will push for a return. That would see Luke Garner shift to the bench and Paul Alamoti to centre.

After starting in NSW Cup at five-eighth, Parramatta recruit Blaize Talagi will again push for selection in the NRL side.

Roosters: Victor Radley will miss at least a week after failing an HIA in the Chooks’ big round 1 loss. Early reports are that he’s responding well so far and is on track for Round 3.

After being a late out himself, Nat Butcher is also not expected to be available in Round 2. He and young prop De La Salle Va’a have both been in hospital for ‘outside of footy issues’.

Blake Steep is likely to start in Radley’s absence, with Suia Wong another option to shift from lock.

Spencer Leniu is due back in round 3 from suspension. Billy Smith is nearing a return to fitness and will contend for a centre spot.

Casey McLean copped an early concussion in Las Vegas. Picture: Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

DRAGONS v RABBITOHS

Saturday, 3pm, WIN Stadium

Dragons: There’s fears bench forward Ryan Couchman may have a serious leg injury after the 21-year-old lasted just eight minutes in Round 1.

Michael Molo or giant rookie Loko Pasifiki-Tonga are favoured to join the bench in his absence.

After impressing in 43 minutes off the bench, debutant Hamish Stewart will hold his spot.

Rabbitohs: Englishman Lewis Dodd trained in a rehab bib on Monday with Jamie Humphreys set to retain the halfback spot.

Young winger Tyrone Munro cannot catch a break. After two tries in the first half, he was subbed out after suffering his third collarbone injury in the last 12 months.

Jack Wighton adds to their woes after picking up a Grade 2 careless high tackle charge and will miss one match.

Isaiah Tass will earn the start at left centre with Fletcher Myers on one wing.

With Alex Johnston potentially still a couple of weeks away from returning, the Rabbitohs could seek an exemption to play Bailey Bentley-Hope from outside their Top 30.

COWBOYS v SHARKS

Saturday, 5:30pm, Queensland Country Bank Stadium

Cowboys: Three question marks hung over the team balance in pre-season, specifically the right-wing, left-centre and halfback jerseys. After a heavy loss to the Sea Eagles, those questions still remain.

Postponements to Queensland Cup fixtures due to Cyclone Alfred haven’t helped the club’s depth either.

Coach Todd Payten is likely to again back youngsters Tom Duffy and Jaxon Purdue after strong preseasons. But with a clash against another side fighting for a Top 4 spot he will have to consider bringing in more experience into his outfit.

Jason Taumalolo is nearing a return from a foot injury.

Sharks: After pushing the reigning premiers to the 80th minute in Vegas, no changes are forecast for the Sharks.

NSW Cup fullback Liam Ison appeared to suffer a serious leg injury in reserve grade which will hurt the depth of their backline stocks.

RAIDERS v BRONCOS

Saturday, 7:35pm, GIO Stadium

Raiders: Joseph Tapine and Xavier Savage will serve suspensions after picking up charges in Las Vegas. They’ll miss two and one matches respectively, with Albert Hopoate likely to get his first start of 2025 on the wing.

Corey Horsburgh could shift from lock to prop to cover for Tapine, with Smithies returning to the run on side. English import Matty Nicholson is tipped to come onto the bench for Smithies though Trey Mooney and Pasami Saulo are also options.

Broncos: New year, new attitude. That’s the vibe north of the border after a breathtaking Round 1 thumping of the Chooks.

Ben Hunt breathed new life into the left edge with both Jack Goseiwski and Gehamat Shibasaki scoring tries and seemingly cementing their positions in the starting side.

The Broncos should be unchanged in Round 2.

EELS v TIGERS

Sunday, 4:05pm, CommBank Stadium

Eels: The news Eels fans didn’t want to hear filtered through late last week – Mitch Moses will miss up to the first six weeks of the season.

Josh Addo-Carr is still another week away through suspension. Ryan Matterson was a late withdrawal due to a back injury but will again contend for a bench spot.

Tigers: Jahream Bula and Starford To’a are expected to return from injury and slot straight back into the starting side at the Tigers.

Heath Mason and Solomona Faataape will make way.

Api Koroisau is available to return from suspension which will see debutant Tristan Hope likely return to NSW Cup.

BULLDOGS v TITANS

Sunday, 6:15pm, Belmore Sports Ground

Bulldogs: Sam Hughes will again be given until game time to prove his fitness after an ankle injury ruled him out of Round 1.

Fan favourite Josh Curran will be available for selection and is expected to come into the bench.

Jacob Kiraz’s return still has no set date with the club leaving the time frame as “early rounds”.

Stephen Crichton and Jacob Preston are free to play after picking up fines for their judiciary charges from Round 1.

Despite an awesome image circulating on social media, Kurt Mann is expected to be available for selection despite his black eye.

Canterbury's Kurt Mann with a massive shiner. Picture: Instagram

Titans: The much awaited return to NRL for Tino Fa’asuamaleaui is here. The club debut of new forward pack running mate Reagan Campbell-Gillard will await the results of a fitness test following a shoulder issue.

Kieran Foran is expected to be unavailable for the first 12 weeks of the season after suffering a biceps injury in the Pre-Season Challenge.

Foran was tipped to play a bench utility role with Jayden Campbell having transitioned into the number 7 jersey. Campbell will link up with AJ Brimson in the halves.

Originally published as NRL Early Mail round 2: Eels welcome back big boppers, Dolphins add three big names