NRL Early Mail round 19: Marcelo Montoya out until finals, Tallyn Da Silva debut

The Bulldogs have lost an in-form star for six weeks, Tallyn Da Silva is set to debut for his new club while the Broncos welcome a big name back to complete their spine.

Bulldogs winger Marcelo Montoya will miss the next six weeks after undergoing clean-out surgery on his neck.

A key member in Canterbury’s surge towards a premiership this season, Montoya has been pushing through the pain barrier for the past six weeks with referred pain from a bone in his neck to his shoulder.

The “clean-out” surgery was due to be performed on Tuesday with the plan for the talented winger to return in time for the finals series.

In career best form for the Dogs since arriving from the Warriors, Montoya has scored eight tries in 15 matches for Canterbury.

With Jacob Kiraz on one wing, head coach Cameron Ciraldo will turn to either Enari Tuala, Blake Wilson, Johnathan Sua or rookie Jethro Rinakama to cover the omission of Montoya.

-David Riccio

Marcelo Montoya is out for six weeks. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

HUNT BACK FOR BRONCOS

Marquee Brisbane recruit Ben Hunt has been given the green light by Broncos doctors to play in Sunday’s derby clash against the Titans.

Hunt trained strongly at Broncos training on Tuesday and is on track to return from a hamstring injury in a scenario that finally gives Brisbane coach Michael Maguire his playmaking Dream Team.

Ben Hunt remains is set to return from a lingering hamstring injury. Picture: Nigel Hallett

Fullback Reece Walsh, five-eighth Ezra Mam, halfback Adam Reynolds and hooking utility Hunt are set to appear for the first time in Brisbane’s spine after 19 rounds of waiting.

The ex-Queensland Origin utility has had a frustrating battle with a hamstring tendon issue he suffered against Souths in round 10.

He was hoping to return a fortnight ago and was keen to play in last week’s epic 22-18 defeat of the Bulldogs, but was overruled by Brisbane’s medical team.

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- Peter Badel

WARRIORS TURN TO TANAH

The Warriors premiership hopes have turned to former Titans playmaker Tanah Boyd.

In the wake of Luke Metcalf’s season-ending knee injury, Boyd will make his club debut for the fourth-placed Warriors at halfback against the Wests Tigers in Auckland on Sunday.

Having joined the Warriors this season after five-seasons on the Gold Coast, Boyd has been rewarded with the task of steering the Warriors after his superb form in leading the NSW Cup team to the top of the reserve grade competition adder.

In further news for the Warriors, rising star Taine Tuaupiki will be named at fullback to replace the injured Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad (knee).

Meanwhile, in a major boost, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak (syndesmosis) is poised to make a shock return from injury to tackle the Tigers.

Watene-Zelezniak was originally ruled out for four to six weeks after suffering the painful ankle injury three weeks ago against Penrith.

-David Riccio

Former Titans half Tanah Boyd is set for his Warriors debut. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images

DA SILVA TO MAKE EELS DEBUT

Prized Parramatta recruit Tallyn Da Silva is expected to be thrust into Jason Ryles’ outfit for Sunday’s western Sydney showdown against Penrith.

Da Silva was released by the Wests Tigers to join the Eels on a four and a half year deal worth around $650,000 per season.

The rising rake hit the ground running, reporting for his first training session in the Blue and Gold last Monday, less than 24-hours after agreeing to join the club.

New Parramatta hooker Tallyn Da Silva. Pic: Eels Instagram

Parramatta had the bye last weekend, which will give Da Silva two weeks to acclimatise and familiarise himself with Ryles’ systems before taking the field at CommBank Stadium on Sunday.

Da Silva is set to make his Eels debut against the Panthers with fellow rookie dummy-half Ryley Smith currently sidelined with suspension.

Smith will be available for selection next week against Canberra after serving a two-week ban for a lifting tackle.

The 22-year old, who made his NRL debut for the Eels in Round 1, is also a highly rated prospect at the club.

Ryles locked in Smith for a further two seasons, until the end of 2027 and he’ll be upgraded into the top 30 roster from 2026.

IS WALKER ON?

The Roosters are hopeful that Sam Walker will play his first game of the season against the Dragons next Saturday.Walker is expected to make a recovery from a broken thumb in time to play St George Illawarra.

SHARKS v DOLPHINS

Friday, 8:00pm, Accor Stadium

Sharks:

With no Origin players, the Sharks are expected to name a fairly settled side this week.

Winger Sam Stonestreet could be available for selection as he looks to overcome an ankle injury, albeit his return will most likely come via NSW Cup.

Centre Mawene Hiroti is pushing to return next week.

Dolphins:

The high-flying ‘Phins will be without five-eighth Kodi Nikorima for around five weeks following his hamstring injury. How they replace him however is unclear.

Jake Averillo trained in the halves in pre-season and could shift from the wing. Alternatively lock Kurt Donoghoe could also play there.

The rest of the team is fairly settled with Max Feagai now a fixture in the starting side as the replacement for Jack Bostock.

KNIGHTS v STORM

Saturday, 3:00pm, McDonald Jones Stadium

Knights:

It’s highly likely we have seen the last of Kalyn Ponga for 2025 with the fullback having undergone surgery on a Lisfranc injury on his foot.

With Fletcher Sharpe’s return also questionable, the Knights will be looking for a fullback to deputise for the rest of the season.

Dane Gagai is one option, which would see Kyle McCarthy likely called up to play right centre. Fletcher Hunt could also get the job having filled in previously in Round 15.

In better news, Greg Marzhew is expected to return this week from a neck issue and prop Leo Thompson is available having served a long suspension for a crusher tackle.

Thompson’s return could see Tyson Frizell shift back to lock, with Phoenix Crossland at hooker and Jayden Brailey to the bench.

Storm:

Having backed up twice after Origin this year, Cameron Munster is odds on to be given a rest this week.

Tyran Wishart or Jonah Pezet could start at five-eighth.

Xavier Coates could also be rested, with Harry Grant, Trent Loiero and Stefano Utoikamanu more likely to back up from Origin.

Ryan Papenhuyzen will be racing the clock to prove his fitness after being a late out in Round 18 with calf tightness. The strong performance from Nick Meaney when replacing him could give Craig Bellamy cause to act on the cautious side.

Kane Bradley is expected to start on the right wing until at least round 20 with Sua Fa’alogo facing a further 7-9 weeks on the sidelines with a hamstring tear.

Meaney went HUGE 🔥 pic.twitter.com/AkICRQDBNi

— SuperCoach NRL (@SuperCoachNRL) July 5, 2025

DRAGONS v ROOSTERS

Saturday, 5:30pm, Jubilee Stadium

Dragons:

Luciano Leilua and Hamish Stewart are due back for the Dragons, who played bravely despite a mounting injury ward.

Tyrell Sloan starred on the right wing and should hold his spot, with Val Holmes expected to back up after State of Origin.

Val’s return most likely sees Sione Finau dropped back to NSW Cup and Corey Allan shifted from centre to wing.

Christian Tuipulotu is aiming for a return from his latest hamstring setback in Round 21.

Roosters:

Angus Crichton, Spencer Leniu, Connor Watson, Lindsay Collins and Robert Toia are all expected to back up post Origin.

Sam Walker is also pushing hard for his much awaited season debut as he overcomes a broken finger. His return would push Sandon Smith to jersey 14 with Hugo Savala to play five-eighth.

Victor Radley is also close to a return having had several weeks off to overcome concussion symptoms. He would start at lock, forcing Blake Steep back to the bench.

Billy Smith was a late out in Round 18 but is expected to be named this week, which will see Ethan King drop back to NSW Cup.

Mark Nawaqanitawase will also shift back to the right wing in place of Tom Rodwell.

COWBOYS v BULLDOGS

Saturday, 7:35pm, Queensland Country Bank Stadium

Cowboys:

The Origin contingent of Reuben Cotter, Reece Robson, Tom Dearden and Jeremiah Nanai will all back up this week pending fitness.

Murray Taulagi is expected to miss another week after being a late withdrawal in Round 18 with a calf issue. Braidon Burns will start in his absence.

Utility Sam McIntyre came from the field early with a calf issue and is expected to miss 1-2 weeks.

Bulldogs:

Back to back losses for the Dogs has them in third and will put pressure on Cameron Ciraldo to back up his Origin stars in Stephen Crichton, Max King and Kurt Mann.

Jacob Kiraz, who is 18th man for the Blues, will also be parachuted back into the side on the wing in place of Enari Tuala.

Tuala could switch to the other wing to replace Marcelo Montoya, who is out for six weeks due to a neck injury.

Matt Burton is expected to return to the five-eighth role despite starring in the centres, which would likely see Lachlan Galvin return to the bench.

MASSIVE 🔥 pic.twitter.com/ocuGWUrHB8

— SuperCoach NRL (@SuperCoachNRL) July 5, 2025

WARRIORS v WESTS TIGERS

Sunday, 2:00pm, Go Media Stadium

Warriors:

Luke Metcalf is gone for the season and Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad is out until at least Round 21.

Tanah Boyd is expected to get first crack at halfback with Te Maire Martin to continue in the number 14. Taine Tuaupiki will play fullback until the return of CNK.

Kurt Capewell is expected to backup post Origin.

Wests Tigers:

What a difference a week makes! A brave win from the Tigers will be made better by the return of several key team members this week.

Co-captains Api Koroisau (concussion) and Jarome Luai (Origin) should both return in the spine. Heath Mason is also available after serving a one match suspension and could play fullback or shift into the number 14 jersey.

After a solid performance, Sunia Turuva could hold his spot in the fullback jersey with Charlie Staines remaining on the wing.

Adam Doueihi will shift back to the centres with Luke Laulili dropping back to NSW Cup.

EELS v PANTHERS

Sunday, 4:05pm, CommBank Stadium

Eels:

A long turnaround post Game 3 will give Zac Lomax a great chance of suiting up for the Eels this week.

Bailey Simonsson is nearing a return from a foot injury. He could return via NSW Cup but will place pressure on Jordan Samrani for the right centre spot with Will Penisini suspended until Round 21.

Hooker Ryley Smith is also suspended for a further week, which should give Eels fans their first glimpse of new signing Tallyn Da Silva. TDS is expected to share time with Joey Lussick in the role this week.

Bench forward Sam Tuivaiti is also nearing a return and could come into the 17.

Panthers:

Pending injury, Origin stars Nathan Cleary, Dylan Edwards, Isaah Yeo and Liam Martin should all back up.

In doubt is Brian To’o who injured his knee in Round 17 and may be handled cautiously. Paul Alamoti would start should To’o be rested.

Scott Sorensen is due back in Round 20 from suspension with Luke Garner likely to start in his absence.

TITANS v BRONCOS

Sunday, 6:15pm, Cbus Super Stadium

Titans:

Tino Fa’asuamaleaui is expected to start in this one given the long turnaround from Origin.

Jayden Campbell will also make a return in the halves having missed their last encounter while in HIA protocols.

David Fifita, who hasn’t featured since Round 8, will push for a return to the side this week which would most likely come via the bench.

The make-up of their back five remains up in the air with coach Des Hasler having dropped Alofiana Khan-Pereira to Queensland Cup last week.

First choice fullback Keano Kini has pencilled in Round 21 for his attempted return following neck surgery.

Broncos:

Payne Haas’ availability is uncertain and with the revelation he has had a needle to help him get through State of Origin game 3, a rest could be in order with a view towards their bye next week.

Pat Carrigan and Gehamet Shibasaki are more likely to backup post Origin, shifting Kobe Hetherington back to the bench and Deine Mariner out of the 17.

Reece Walsh, 18th man for Queensland, will also return to the side at fullback. Jesse Arthars will be touch and go to return on the right wing this week, with Selwyn Cobbo likely on standby to cover him.

BYE: Sea Eagles, Rabbitohs, Raiders

Originally published as NRL Early Mail round 19: Marcelo Montoya out until finals, Tallyn Da Silva debut