NRL Early Mail Rd 27: Selwyn Cobbo in doubt, mass changes at Bulldogs and Sea Eagles

The Broncos could suffer another injury blow with Queensland Origin star Selwyn Cobbo in doubt, while the Bulldogs and Sea Eagles are set for big changes.

The Broncos could suffer another injury blow with Queensland Origin star Selwyn Cobbo in doubt for Thursday night’s clash against Melbourne.

This masthead understands Cobbo is racing the clock to prove his fitness for the final-round game at Suncorp Stadium after copping a knock in last week’s heavy 40-6 derby loss to the Dolphins.

Cobbo played wing in the Battle of Brisbane and his potential scratching could open the door for veteran Corey Oates.

The off-contract Oates will not be signed by Brisbane next year and could play his 216th and final game for his beloved Broncos against the Storm.

In other selection news, Brisbane’s top tryscorer Deine Mariner is expected to return to the centres after missing the Dolphins clash due to the flu.

Selwyn Cobbo is in doubt following a knock. Picture: Steve Pohlner

BIG CHANGES FOR DOGS

Canterbury’s Drew Hutchison is set to earn a re-call in the halves after five-eighth Matt Burton was ruled out of the Cowboys clash due to concussion.

Hutchison started the season in the no.7 jumper but was relegated to NSW Cup after round 13 with coach Cameron Ciraldo preferring Toby Sexton at halfback.

He made a cameo at centre in round 16 but hasn’t been in the NRL side since.

Ciraldo also has the option to use Jaeman Salmon and Bailey Hayward in the halves as well

But hooker Reed Mahoney backed Hutchison to get the job done against the Cowboys alongside Sexton.

“I have full confidence in Drew to come in and do his job. He’s been playing really well in NSW Cup. He’s been playing great footy before he went down there,” Mahoney said.

“I full confidence in him. He’s old shoulders within the group. He’ll control us really well. He doesn’t have the speed of Burto but we’ve got other weapons we can use.”

Josh Addo-Carr was in some initial doubt after copping a knock to his ankle but the winger has overcome the minor issue and will line-up on Saturday.

Skipper Stephen Crichton is back from suspension, but may move to left centre to cover the suspension of Bronson Xerri. Should this happen Jacob Kiraz will continue to deputise at right centre with Jeral Skelton keeping his place on the wing.

Drew Hutchison (L) is set for a recall while Bronson Xerri (R) will miss the match due to suspension. Picture: Justin Lloyd.

KOULA TO DEPUTISE FOR TOM TRBOJEVIC

Tolu Koula is set to deputise for the injured Tom Trbojevic as Manly’s hopes of a home final go on the line against Cronulla at 4Pines Park on Sunday afternoon.

Koula, who was outstanding at the back when Trbojevic was sideline last season, will be named in No.1 jersey on Tuesday afternoon by coach Anthony Seibold for the Sharks game.

Lehi Hopoate, the other leading contender for the spot, will remain on the wing as Seibold looks to allow the teenager to settle into that role.

Trbojevic is only expected to miss one week after suffering an AC joint injury in the Sea Eagles’ win over the Bulldogs last week.

Young NSW fullback Clayton Faulalo and is also expected to come into contention for a place in the extended squad as Seibold looks for cover in the outside backs.

Tolutau Koula is expected to line up at fullback for the Sea Eagles. Picture: Getty Images

THREE BACK FOR KNIGHTS

Adam O’Brien is poised to have a trio of key figures available for selection for Newcastle’s biggest game of the season against The Dolphins on Sunday.

Tyson Gamble (hand), Kai Pearce-Paul (laceration) and Tyson Frizell (HIA) are all are poised to be fit for selection.

O’Brien’s biggest call could be to find a spot for Gamble following the solid performance of the Knights halves of Jack Cogger and Phoenix Crossland last weekend against the Titans.

ROUND 27 EARLY MAIL

BRONCOS v STORM

Thursday, 7:50pm, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane

Broncos: Selwyn Cobbo is in doubt with Corey Oates on standby.

Kotoni Staggs is set to miss out with a quad injury, with Deine Mariner to return from illness at centre in his place.

Brendan Piakura suffered a suspected syndesmosis injury and will be monitored throughout the week.

Xavier Willison is facing a one to two week suspension for a careless high tackle charge.

Kobe Hetherington returns from suspension on the bench.

Reece Walsh was pushing to return from a hand injury, but with the Broncos finals hopes over he may remain on ice.

Storm: Melbourne welcome back a host of rested stars for their final game of the regular season.

Ryan Papenhuyzen suffered bone bruising that has him in doubt to face Brisbane.

If unavailable, Sua Fa’alogo would deputise at fullback.

Xavier Coates is set to return from a hamstring injury on the wing.

Marion Seve suffered a syndesmosis injury in the loss to the Cowboys.

Ryan Papenhuyzen is in doubt with bone bruising. Picture: Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images

TIGERS v EELS

Friday, 6pm, Campbelltown Sports Stadium, Sydney

Tigers: Luke Laulilii returns from a concussion, likely on the wing in place of Solomon Alaimalo.

Eels: Wiremu Grieg returns from a suspension, while Kelma Tuilagi is a chance to return on the edge, pushing Shaun Lane to the middle rotation.

RABBITOHS v ROOSTERS

Friday, 8pm, Accor Stadium, Sydney

Rabbitohs: South Sydney have suffered a blow ahead of their derby clash with the Roosters with Jack Wighton ruled out with a calf injury.

The Bunnies confirmed Wighton suffered the injury last weekend with scans confirming a low-grade calf strain.

“The injury occurred late in our Round 26 match against the Panthers. With our next game scheduled for this Friday, Jack has been ruled out,’’ The Rabbitohs statement said.

Roosters: Major injury concerns at the Roosters following the loss to the Raiders.

Sam Walker suffered an ACL injury and is out long-term.

Sandon Smith is expected to come into the halves in his place.

Brandon Smith also suffered an ACL injury, with Connor Watson to play hooker.

Victor Radley suffered a fractured scapula could miss the rest of the season, while Nat Butcher failed a HIA and is out for at least one week. Naufahu Whyte and Siua Wong would be the leading contenders to replace the pair.

Joseph-Aukuso Sua’ali’i is a chance to return from a neck injury at centre in place of Michael Jennings.

Connor Watson is set to play hooker. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

DRAGONS v RAIDERS

Saturday, 3pm, Jubilee Stadium, Sydney

Dragons: Christian Tuipulotu (hamstring) and Moses Suli (knee) are chances to return for the Dragons must-win clash with the Raiders.

If available, Mikaele Ravalawa and either of Mat or Max Feagai would drop out.

Raiders: Jordan Rapana will be unavailable with a cheekbone injury, with Kaeo Weekes to play fullback.

Ethan Strange is a chance to return from a calf injury, while Jamal Fogarty is also a chance to return from a hamstring injury at halfback.

Elliott Whitehead is facing a four-week ban for a hip drop on Brandon Smith, likely ending his NRL career.

BULLDOGS v COWBOYS

Saturday, 5:30pm, Accor Stadium, Sydney

Bulldogs: Bronson Xerri faces a one to two match ban for a dangerous contact charge.

Stephen Crichton returns from a suspension of his own in the place of Xerri.

Matt Burton is unavailable due to a concussion, with Drew Hutchison to come into the halves.

Cowboys: Kulikefu Finefuiaki is a chance to return from a hand injury on the bench.

Reece Robson is in minor doubt with a slight hamstring concern, but he is expected to play at this stage.

PANTHERS v TITANS

Saturday, 7:35pm, BlueBet Stadium, Penrith

Panthers: Scott Sorensen is a chance to return from a hamstring injury on the edge, pushing Luke Garner to the bench.

Titans: Keano Kini is expected to return from a cork at fullback in place of Jaylan de Groot.

Phil Sami is also a chance to return in the backline for the final game of the season.

If confirmed, Beau Fermor would shift to the back-row with Chris Randall moving to lock.

Best SuperCoach scores from round 26.

SEA EAGLES v SHARKS

Sunday, 2pm, 4 Pines Park, Sydney

Sea Eagles: Tom Trbojevic is unavailable due to an AC joint injury, but he is confirmed to play in week one of finals.

This will see Tolutau Koula play fullback, with Lehi Hopoate remaining on the wing.

Jason Saab suffered a high ankle sprain and will miss the final game of the regular season.

This is likely to see Tommy Talau shift to the wing and Ben Trbojevic come into the team at centre.

Sharks: Jesse Ramien returns from a suspension at centre, while Ronaldo Mulitalo is a chance to return from a knee injury on the wing.

This would see Sam Stonestreet and Daniel Atkinson drop out of the starting team, while Craig Fitzgibbon may try and find a bench role for the in-form Atkinson.

Siosifa Talakai is a pushing to return from a calf injury.

KNIGHTS v DOLPHINS

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

Knights: Tyson Frizell returns from a concussion on the edge, with Kai Pearce-Paul a chance to return from a laceration on his leg.

Brodie Jones will drop to the bench, while Pearce-Paul if confirmed would fight for the starting edge role alongside Dylan Lucas.

Dolphins: Felise Kaufusi faces a two to three week ban for a dangerous contact charge.

This will likely see Kenny Bromwich start on the edge in his place.

Kodi Nikorima returns from a concussion at five-eighth, with uncertainty as to where this will leave stand-in five-eighth Jake Averillo.

Jesse Bromwich returns from a concussion at prop.

Originally published as NRL Early Mail Rd 27: Selwyn Cobbo in doubt, mass changes at Bulldogs and Sea Eagles