NRL Late Mail round 20: Sean O’Sullivan out, Ryan Papenhuyzen lifts lid on calf issue

The Dolphins have made a significant late change for their clash against the Cowboys, while Ryan Papenhuyzen has revealed the full extent of his calf injury.

The Dolphins have dropped playmaker Sean O’Sullivan for Thursday night’s clash against the Cowboys.

Coach Kristian Woolf has opted to switch Jake Averillo to five-eighth, with Tevita Naufahu coming onto the flank.

-Travis Meyn

Sean O'Sullivan has missed the final squad after being named at five-eighth on Tuesday.

Full extent of Papenhuyzen’s ‘annoying’ injury

Storm star Ryan Papenhuyzen says his lingering calf issue will likely need to be managed for the rest of the season.

Papenhuyzen will miss his third game in a row this weekend due to an injury initially referred to by the Storm as “calf tightness”.

Although the man himself says the injury is a “calf strain”.

Papenhuyzen told his 167Podcast: “I just got a little calf strain.

“I did it in the Souths game a few weeks ago.

“I played the Sharks game and just felt it again and then I tried to get up for the Cowboys but it wasn’t quite right.

“Then we just shut it down for the week against the Knights because I knew I wasn’t playing then.

“And then this week, I’m trying to run tomorrow so it’s probably a bit too late to be named in the squad, to then be pulled out.

“(We have a) short turnaround into the Roosters as well. If I played this week I probably wouldn’t have played against the Roosters …

“I hate how they (the Storm) put out there as ‘calf tightness’ and I’m like ‘tell them it’s a strain.’

“A strain and tightness, they are not too different, it’s not like I’ve ruptured it.

“When you say calf tightness for three weeks, I think people who can read between the lines can see that it’s more.

Papenhuyzen earlier confirmed on 2GB that he’ll need to manage the injury for the rest of the year.

ROUND 20 LATE MAIL

DOLPHINS v COWBOYS

Thursday, 7:50pm, Suncorp Stadium

Dolphins

1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Max Feagai 4. Herbie Farnworth 18. Tevita Naufahu 5. Jake Averillo 7. Isaiya Katoa 8. Francis Molo 9. Jeremy Marshall-King 10. Aublix Tawha11. Connelly Lemuelu 12. Oryn Keeley 13. Kurt Donoghoe

Interchange: 14. Harrison Graham 15. Ray Stone 16. Josh Kerr 17. Peter Hola

Reserves: 19. Kenneath Bromwich 21. Trai Fuller

Players cut: 6. Sean O’Sullivan 20. LJ Nonu 22. Ryan Jackson

Late Mail: Five-eighth Sean O’Sullivan is out.

Jake Averillo moves to the halves with Tevita Naufahu coming onto the wing.

Kulikefu Finefeuiaki (fractured thumb) will miss 4-6 weeks.

Mark Nicholls (concussion) and Felise Kaufusi (MCL) are due back after next week’s bye.

Cowboys

1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Jaxson Paulo 3. Braidon Burns 4. Zac Laybutt 5. Murray Taulagi 6. Jaxon Purdue 7. Tom Dearden 8. Thomas Mikaele 9. Reece Robson 10. Griffin Neame 11. Reuben Cotter 12. Jeremiah Nanai 13 Harrison Edwards

Interchange: 14. Karl Lawton 15. Kaiden Lahrs 16. Kai O’Donnell 17. Coen Hess

Reserves: 19. Robert Derby 21. Marly Bitugane

Players cut: 18. Ryan Rivett 20. Temple Kalepo 22. Dane Aukafolau

Late Mail: Remain 1-17 at the 24-hour cut.

The Cowboys expect Jake Clifford (quad) back in round 21.

“He’s looking to play next week and things are heading in the right direction,” said coach Todd Payten.

Jordan McLean (calf) is aiming for a return in round 22.

SHARKS v ROOSTERS

Friday, 6:00pm, Sharks Stadium

Sharks

1. William Kennedy 2. Sione Katoa 3. Jesse Ramien 4. Siosifa Talakai 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo 6. Braydon Trindall 7. Nicho Hynes 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Oregon Kaufusi 11. Briton Nikora 12. Teig Wilton 13. Cameron McInnes

Interchange: 14. Daniel Atkinson 15. Jesse Colquhoun 16. Toby Rudolf 17. Braden Hamlin-Uele

Reserves: 18. Billy Burns 19. Chris Vea’ila 20. Niwhai Puru 21.Samuel Stonestreet 22. Jayden Berrell

Players cut: To come

Late Mail: No changes expected.

Addin Fonua-Blake played last week just hours after the funeral of his grandfather.

Mawene Hiroti (calf) is set to come into contention for a backline spot next week.

Roosters

1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Billy Smith 4. Robert Toia 5. Mark Nawaqanitawase 5. 6. Chad Townsend 7. Sam Walker 8. Naufahu Whyte 9. Connor Watson 10. Lindsay Collins 11. Angus Crichton 12. Salesi Foketi 13. Victor Radley

Interchange: 14. Zach Dockar-Clay 15. Blake Steep 16. Egan Butcher 17. Spencer Leniu

Reserves: 18. Ethan King 19. Taylor Losalu 20. Sandon Smith 21. Benaiah Ioelu 22. Tom Rodwell

Players cut: To come

Late Mail: Chad Townsend will take his place in the halves despite a recent concussion in NSW Cup.

Hugo Savala (wrist) missed the squad on Tuesday but is only expected to miss one week.

PANTHERS v RABBITOHS

Friday, 8:00pm, CommBank Stadium

Panthers

1. Dylan Edwards 2. Thomas Jenkins 3. Paul Alamoti 4. Casey McLean 5. Brian To’o 6. Blaize Talagi 7. Brad Schneider 8. Moses Leota 9. Mitch Kenny 10. Lindsay Smith 11. Scott Sorensen 12. Luke Garner 13. Isaiah Papali’i

Interchange: 14. Daine Laurie 15. Liam Henry 16. Luron Patea 17. Matt Eisenhuth

Reserves: 18. Jack Cole, 19. Luke Sommerton 20. Mavrik Geyer 21. Harrison Hassett 22. Preston Riki

Players cut: To come

Late Mail: Brian To’o is a confirmed starter after being rested last week.

Origin stars Nathan Cleary, Isaah Yeo (rested) and Liam Martin (hand) are all due back next week.

Rabbitohs

1. Latrell Mitchell, 2. Alex Johnston 3. Isaiah Tass 4. Tallis Duncan 5. Tyrone Munro 6. Jack Wighton 7. Jamie Humphreys 8. Tevita Tatola 9. Siliva Havili 10. Keaon Koloamatangi 11. Euan Aitken 12. Jacob Host 13. Jai Arrow

Interchange: 14. Peter Mamouzelos 15. Lachlan Hubner 16. Sean Keppie 17. Lewis Dodd

Reserves: 18. Liam Le Blanc 19. Thomas Fletcher 20. Ryan Gray 21. Shaq Mitchell 22 Ammaron Gudgeon

Players cut: To come

Late Mail: Liam Le Blanc (back) could come into contention after being named 18th man.

Cody Walker may not play again this season after a fresh calf injury.

Brandon Smith (knee) is aiming for round 24-26, while Davvy Moale (wrist) is out for the season.

RAIDERS v EELS

Saturday, 3:00pm, GIO Stadium Stadium

Raiders

1. Kaeo Weekes 2. Jed Stuart 3. Matthew Timoko 4. Sebastian Kris 5. Xavier Savage 6. Ethan Strange 7. Jamal Fogarty 8. Josh Papali’i 9. Tom Starling 10. Joseph Tapine 11. Hudson Young 12. Zac Hosking 13. Corey Horsburgh

Interchange: 14. Owen Pattie 15. Simi Sasagi 16. Morgan Smithies 17. Ata Mariota

Reserves: 18. Chevy Stewart 19. Trey Mooney 20. Noah Martin 21. Danny Levi 22. Ethan Sanders

Players cut: To come

Late Mail: Origin player Hudson Young is carrying osteitis pubis and was rested last match for the Raiders, but will take the field this weekend.

Eels

1. Isaiah Iongi 2. Zac Lomax 3. Bailey Simonsson 4. Sean Russell 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Joash Papali’i 7. Dean Hawkins 8. J’maine Hopgood 9. Ryley Smith 10. Junior Paulo 11. Charlie Guymer 12. Jack Williams 13. Dylan Walker

Interchange: 14. Tallyn Da Silva 15. Jordan Samrani 16. Matt Doorey 17. Sam Tuivaiti

Reserves: 18. Dylan Brown 19. Dan Keir 20. Toni Mataele 21. Ronald Volkman 22. Haze Dunster

Players cut: To come

Late Mail: Ryley Smith slots straight back into the starting side on his return from suspension, but will now share the hooking role with recruit Tallyn Da Silva.

The Eels have confirmed Kitione Kautoga (ankle) will miss the rest of the season.

Star halfback Mitch Moses (calf) is hoping to play next week or the week after.

BULLDOGS v DRAGONS

Saturday, 5:30pm, Accor Stadium

Bulldogs

1. Connor Tracey 2. Jacob Kiraz 3. Enari Tuala 4. Stephen Crichton 5. Jethro Rinakama 6. Matt Burton 7. Lachlan Galvin 8. Max King 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Samuel Hughes 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Jacob Preston 13. Jaeman Salmon

Interchange: 14. Kurt Mann 15. Harry Hayes 16. Josh Curran 17. Bailey Hayward

Reserves: 19. Sitili Tupouniua 20. Blake Wilson 21. Daniel Suluka-Fifita 22. Kurtis Morrin 23. Toby Sexton

Players cut: To come

Late Mail: The Bulldogs’ depth in the run to the finals has suffered a blow with attacking weapon Blake Taaffe ruled out for up to six weeks.

The utility fullback, centre or half has suffered a significant hamstring injury, which has forced him to the sidelines.

Featuring from the Bulldogs bench in four games this season, Taaffe’s injury blow has emerged as the Dogs also deal with a groin injury to centre Bronson Xerri and neck surgery for winger Marcelo Montoya.

Meanwhile, Sitili Tupouniua (hamstring) has been named on the extended bench as he aims to return from injury.

As per Tuesday’s team, Lachlan Galvin will play halfback with Toby Sexton out of the 17.

Dragons

1. Clinton Gutherson 2. Tyrell Sloan 3. Moses Suli 4. Valentine Holmes 5. Sione Finau 6. Lyhkan King-Togia 7. Kyle Flanagan 8. Emre Guler 9. Damien Cook 10. David Klemmer 11. Luciano Leilua 12. Jaydn Su’A 13. Jack de Belin

Interchange: 14. Jacob Liddle 15. Blake Lawrie 16. Hamish Stewart 17. Michael Molo

Reserves: 18. Corey Allan 19. Loko Jnr Pasifiki Tonga 20. Lachlan Ilias 21. Mathew Feagai 22. Nicholas Tsougranis

Players cut: To come

Late Mail: To come

STORM v SEA EAGLES

Saturday, 7:35pm, AAMI Park

Storm

1. Nick Meaney 2. Kane Bradley 3. Jack Howarth 4. Grant Anderson 5. Xavier Coates 6. Cameron Munster 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Stefano Utoikamanu 9. Harry Grant 10. Josh King 11. Shawn Blore 12. Eliesa Katoa 13. Trent Loiero

Interchange: 14. Tyran Wishart 15. Tui Kamikamica 16. Nelson Asofa-Solomona 17. Ativalu Lisati

Reserves: 18. Joe Chan 19. Bronson Garlick 20. Jonah Pezet 21. Siulagi Tuimalatu-Brown 22. Lazarus Vaalepu

Players cut: To come

Late Mail: Ryan Papenhuyzen is aiming to return next week from a calf injury.

Cameron Munster will return after missing last week due to the passing of his father.

Sea Eagles

1. Lehi Hopoate 2. Jason Saab 3. Tolutau Koula 4. Tom Trbojevic 5. Reuben Garrick 6. Luke Brooks 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Matthew Lodge 9. Jazz Tevaga 10. Siosiua Taukeiaho 11. Corey Waddell 12. Ben Trbojevic 13. Jake Trbojevic

Interchange: 14. Jake Simpkin 15. Tommy Talau 16. Ethan Bullemor 17. Toafofoa Sipley

Reserves: 18. Aaron Schoupp 19. Clayton Faulalo 20. Caleb Navale 21. Joey Walsh 22. Gordon Chan Kum Tong

Players cut: To come

Late Mail: No changes at this stage.

The Sea Eagles are hopeful Haumole Olakau’atu (shoulder) will return next week.

WESTS TIGERS v TITANS

Sunday, 2:00pm, Leichhardt Oval

Wests Tigers

1. Sunia Turuva 2. Charlie Staines 3. Taylan May 4. Starford To’a 5. Jeral Skelton 6. Jarome Luai 7. Latu Fainu 8. Terrell May 9. Apisai Koroisau 10. Alex Twal 11. Alex Seyfarth 12. Tony Sukkar 13. Adam Doueihi

Interchange: 14. Tristan Hope 15. Sione Fainu 16. Fonua Pole 17. Jack Bird

Reserves: 18. Brent Naden 19. Heath Mason 20. Kit Laulilii 21. Luke Laulilii 22. Krystian Mapapalangi

Players cut: To come

Late Mail: Taylan May will make his Tigers debut after a long absence from the NRL.

Adam Doueihi’s clash with Tino Fa’asuamaleaui at lock will be an interesting one. Could you get two more contrasting 13s?

Titans

1. AJ Brimson 2. Jaylan De Groot 3. Brian Kelly 4. Jojo Fifita 5. Phillip Sami 6. Kieran Foran 7. Jayden Campbell 8. Moeaki Fotuaika 9. Sam Verrills 10. Reagan Campbell-Gillard 11. Chris Randall 12. Beau Fermor 13. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui

Interchange: 14. Alofiana Khan-Pereira 15. Jaimin Jolliffe 16. David Fifita 17. Klese Haas

Reserves: 18. Iszac Fa’asumaleaui 19. Jacob Alick-Wiencke 20. Arama Hau 21. Sean Mullany 22. Tom Weaver

Players cut: To come

Late Mail: Sam Verrills (concussion) has been cleared after passing his HIA post-match against the Broncos.

Tino Fa’asuamaleaui returbn to the starting side after playing from the bench post-Origin.

Keano Kini (neck) has officially been ruled out for the season.

KNIGHTS v WARRIORS

Sunday, 4:05pm, McDonald Jones Stadium

Knights

1. Dane Gagai 2. Dominic Young 3. Fletcher Hunt 4. Bradman Best 5. Greg Marzhew 6. Jackson Hastings 7. Jack Cogger 8. Jacob Saifiti 9. Jayden Brailey 10. Leo Thompson 11. Brodie Jones 12. Kai Pearce-Paul 13. Phoenix Crossland

Interchange: 14. Tyson Gamble 15. Mathew Croker 16. Tyson Frizell 17. Jermaine McEwen

Reserves: 18. Thomas Cant 19. James Schiller 20. Elijah Leaumoana 21. Jack Hetherington 22. Kyle McCarthy

Players cut: To come

Late Mail: Three of the Knights top stars are out for the season - Kalyn Ponga (foot), Fletcher Sharpe (spleen/kidney) and Dylan Lucas (foot).

Warriors

1. Taine Tuaupiki 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 3. Adam Pompey 4. Kurt Capewell 5. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 6. Chanel Harris-Tavita 7. Tanah Boyd 8. James Fisher-Harris 9. Wayde Egan 10. Jackson Ford 11. Leka Halasima 12. Marata Niukore 13. Erin Clark

Interchange: 14. Te Maire Martin 15. Jacob Laban 16. Demitric Vaimauga 17. Tanner Stowers-Smith

Reserves: 18. Samuel Healey 20. Eddie Ieremia 21. Bunty Afoa 22. Ali Leiataua 23. Kayliss Fatialofa

Players cut: To come

Late Mail: Kurt Capewell returns from an Origin resting at centre in place of Rocco Berry (shoulder), who is out for six weeks.

The Warriors are hopeful Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad (knee) will return next week.

Originally published as NRL Late Mail round 20: Sean O’Sullivan out, Ryan Papenhuyzen lifts lid on calf issue