Damien Cook recalled for South Sydney after shock NRL hiatus

After two weeks in reserve grade, axed hooker Damien Cook is set for a recall this week for the struggling Bunnies.

Damien Cook is finally set for a recall to the Rabbitohs. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

The Rabbitohs are set to recall axed hooker Damien Cook after his shock omission led to a stint in reserve grade.

The Knights have a fullback headache after superstar Kalyn Ponga’s sideline stint was confirmed after suffering a Lisfranc injury.

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Meanwhile, both the Roosters and Broncos will enjoy the return of several key players ahead of Round 8.

Check out all the team lists below.

THURSDAY, APRIL 25

New Zealand Warriors vs Gold Coast Titans, 2pm @ Go Media Stadium

Last week’s Warriors team: 1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 3. Rocco Berry 4. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 5. Marcelo Montoya 6. Te Maire Martin 7. Shaun Johnson 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Wayde Egan 10. Mitchell Barnett 11. Jackson Ford 12. Kurt Capewell 13. Tohu Harris 15. Tom Ale 16. Jacob Laban 17. Adam Pompey 23. Paul Roache

Team Tips: Veteran utility Dylan Walker is close to returning from an ankle injury. If right, he’ll likely replace Paul Roache on the bench.

Last week’s Titans team: 6. AJ Brimson 2. Alofiana Khan-Pereira 3. Brian Kelly 4. Harley Smith-Shields 5. Jojo Fifita 20. Tanah Boyd 7. Kieran Foran 8. Moeaki Fotuaika 9. Chris Randall 10. Jaimin Jolliffe 12. Beau Fermor 13. Klese Haas 16. Isaac Liu 11. David Fifita 14. Sam Verrills 15. Erin Clark 17. Josiah Pahulu

Team Tips: Phil Sami was named at fullback for last week’s game vs. Manly but was withdrawn from the side due to an ankle injury. That forced coach Des Hasler to switch up his backline, recalling Tanah Boyd and moving AJ Brimson to fullback. The maligned Boyd played his best game of the season, and the Titans were impressive in attack. Sami is due to return this weekend and is too good to be left out of the side. If he doesn’t play fullback, he’ll likely come into the centres and replace Harley Smith-Shields. Former Bronco Keenan Palasia will be a welcome addition to this forward pack. He’s missed the last few games with a quad injury.

Sam Walker is expected to return to the Roosters side this week. Picture: NRL Imagery / Anthony Kourembanas

St. George-Illawarra Dragons vs. Sydney Roosters, 4:05pm @ Allianz Stadium

Last week’s Dragons team: 1. Tyrell Sloan 2. Christian Tuipulotu 3. Moses Suli 4. Zac Lomax 5. Mikaele Ravalawa 6. Kyle Flanagan 7. Ben Hunt 8. Francis Molo 9. Jacob Liddle 10. Hame Sele 11. Raymond Faitala-Mariner 12. Jaydn Su’A 13. Tom Eisenhuth 22. Fa’amanu Brown 15. Blake Lawrie 16. Jack de Belin 17. Ben Murdoch-Masila

Team Tips: The Dragons were a team on a mission in Round 7. Jack Bird is due to return from a head knock, meaning Zac Lomax will return to the wing after a mammoth performance in the centres. Luciano Leilua could also be fit to play after battling a calf injury, likely shifting Ben Murdoch-Masila off the pine.

Last week’s Roosters team: 1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Michael Jennings 4. Joseph Manu 5. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii 6. Connor Watson 7. Luke Keary 8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves 9. Brandon Smith 10. Lindsay Collins 11. Nat Butcher 12. Angus Crichton 13. Victor Radley 14. Zach Dockar-Clay 15. Naufahu Whyte 16. Egan Butcher 17. Terrell May 18th man: 18. Fetalaiga Pauga

Team Tips: The Roosters are set to welcome back three key stars this round. Sam Walker will return to the halves after sitting out for two games due to ongoing concussion symptoms. He will replace Connor Watson, who will battle with Sandon Smith for a place on the bench as the utility. Smith is set to return from an elbow injury but could be given minutes in NSW Cup, with Zach Dockar-Clay another man likely to drop out of the side. Meanwhile, Dom Young returns his suspension and will replace Michael Jennings, with Joseph Suaalii shifting into the centres.

Melbourne Storm vs. South Sydney Rabbitohs, 7:50pm @ AAMI Park

Last week’s Storm team: 1. Ryan Papenhuyzen 2. William Warbrick 3. Reimis Smith 4. Nick Meaney 5. Xavier Coates 6. Cameron Munster 7. Jahrome Hughes 15. Christian Welch 9. Harry Grant 10. Josh King 11. Shawn Blore 12. Eliesa Katoa 13. Trent Loiero 8. Nelson Asofa-Solomona 14. Tyran Wishart 16. Joe Chan 17. Alec MacDonald 18th man: 19. Jack Howarth

Team Tips: The Storm are unlikely to make any changes to their side after beating the Roosters in Round 7. Tepai Moeroa could return from a back injury, but is unlikely to displace Joe Chan after a strong performance in the middle rotation.

Round 6 Rabbitohs team: 1. Jye Gray 2. Tyrone Munro 3. Jack Wighton 4. Isaiah Tass 5. Taane Milne 6. Cody Walker 7. Dean Hawkins 8. Tevita Tatola 9. Peter Mamouzelos 10. Thomas Burgess 11. Keaon Koloamatangi 12. Jacob Host 13. Cameron Murray 14. Michael Chee Kam 15. Siliva Havili 16. Shaquai Mitchell 17. Davvy Moale

Team Tips: Tevita Tatola is out for an extended period with a fractured foot. His omission will see Davvy Moale or Shaquai Mitchell slot into the front row. Tyrone Munro also broke his collarbone, meaning Izack Thompson could return on the wing. Jai Arrow is still likely a week away from returning and could be named ahead of Round 9. Latrell Mitchell is one more game away from returning from a suspension. Meanwhile, Damien Cook is also set to return according to the SMH’s Michael Chammas which would Peter Mamouzelos remain in the No. 9 jersey and Cook ply his trade off the bench.

LATEST
Demetriou recalls Cook for Rabbitohs after NRL axing https://t.co/XyzHDYlnNrpic.twitter.com/1422911gfu

— Michael Chammas (@MichaelChammas) April 22, 2024

FRIDAY, APRIL 26

Manly Sea Eagles vs. Parramatta Eels, 8pm @ 4 Pines Park

Last week’s Sea Eagles team: 1. Tom Trbojevic 2. Jason Saab 3. Tolutau Koula 4. Reuben Garrick 5. Tommy Talau 6. Luke Brooks 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Taniela Paseka 9. Lachlan Croker 10. Matthew Lodge 11. Haumole Olakau’atu 12. Corey Waddell 13. Jake Trbojevic 14. Karl Lawton 15. Ethan Bullemor 16. Aaron Woods 19. Dean Matterson

Team Tips: Two big inclusions in the middle for the Sea Eagles. Josh Aloiai is set to return from suspension, shifting Matt Lodge to the pine. Meanwhile, Nathan Brown could also return from a knee injury and replace Aaron Woods or Dean Matterson on the bench. Ben Trbojevic remains three rounds away from returning.

Last week’s Eels team: 1. Clinton Gutherson 2. Bailey Simonsson 3. Viliami Penisini 4. Morgan Harper 5. Sean Russell 6. Daejarn Asi 7. Dylan Brown 8. Reagan Campbell-Gillard 9. Joey Lussick 16. Joe Ofahengaue 11. Shaun Lane 12. Bryce Cartwright 13. J’maine Hopgood 10. Junior Paulo 14. Luca Moretti 15. Ryan Matterson 17. Blaize Talagi

Team Tips: Daejarn Asi will have to pass concussions protocols to take the field after suffering a head knock in Round 7. Blaize Talagi is the obvious replacement in the halves, while young gun Ethan Sanders is another option to earn an NRL debut.

SATURDAY, APRIL 27

Wests Tigers vs. Brisbane Broncos, 5:30pm @ Campbelltown Stadium

Last week’s Tigers team: 1. Jahream Bula 2. Charlie Staines 3. Brent Naden 4. Justin Olam 5. Junior Tupou 6. Lachlan Galvin 7. Aidan Sezer 8. Stefano Utoikamanu 9. Apisai Koroisau 10. David Klemmer 11. Isaiah Papali’i 12. John Bateman 13. Fonua Pole 14. Latu Fainu 15. Alex Twal 16. Alex Seyfarth 17. Samuela Fainu

Team Tips:Junior Tupou has suffered a suspected broken foot, which means he could be sidelined for an extended period. Starford Toa could return early from an ankle injury, but if he’s unfit Josh Feledy or Solomon Alaimalo are the two wing options to replace him.

Last week’s Broncos team: 1. Reece Walsh 2. Corey Oates 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Selwyn Cobbo 5. Jesse Arthars 6. Ezra Mam 7. Jock Madden 8. Corey Jensen 9. Billy Walters 10. Fletcher Baker 11. Jaiyden Hunt 12. Jordan Riki 13. Patrick Carrigan 14. Tyson Smoothy 15. Xavier Willison 16. Kobe Hetherington 17. Tristan Sailor

Team Tips: A wave of star players return for the Broncos. Adam Reynolds will be a straight swap for Jock Madden in the halves, returning from a hamstring injury. Payne Haas will take up his spot in the front row, with Tristan Sailor a chance of dropping off the bench with Fletcher Baker likely reverting to the pine. Meanwhile, Brendan Piakura will also return to the backrow and will likely replace Jaiyden Hunt who could either drop to the bench or out of the side.

NQ Cowboys vs. Penrith Panthers, 7:35pm @ QLD Country Bank Stadium

Last week’s Cowboys team: 1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Kyle Feldt 3. Valentine Holmes 4. Tomas Chester 5. Semi Valemei 6. Tom Dearden 7. Chad Townsend 8. Jordan McLean 9. Reece Robson 10. Jason Taumalolo 11. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki 17. Jack Gosiewski 13. Reuben Cotter 12. Jeremiah Nanai 14. Jake Granville 15. Griffin Neame 16. Sam McIntyre

Team Tips: Cowboys coach Todd Payten suggested changes are afoot after his side’s horror performance against the Sharks. The good news for North Queensland is that back rower Heilum Luki is close to returning. Winger Murray Taulagi is still a couple of weeks away after picking up a hamstring injury in Round 6. Jack Gosiewski could be the man ommited from the team if Luki returns.

Last week’s Panthers team: 1. Dylan Edwards 2. Sunia Turuva 3. Izack Tago 21. Paul Alamoti 5. Brian To’o 6. Jarome Luai 7. Brad Schneider 8. Moses Leota 9. Mitch Kenny 10. James Fisher-Harris 11. Scott Sorensen 12. Liam Martin 13. Isaah Yeo 14. Daine Laurie 15. Lindsay Smith 16. Liam Henry 17. Luke Garner

Team Tips: Star half Nathan Cleary is set to return from a hamstring injury. Cleary has missed three games, with the Panthers going 2-1 in his absence. Dylan Edwards felt some tightness in his hamstring in the win over the Tigers but is likely to be right. Centre Taylan May was withdrawn from the Tigers clash and replaced by Paul Alamoti. According to The Daily Telegraph, the late scratching had nothing to do with the controversy surrounding May and the video he posted of him as a passenger in a car that was speeding. May is expected to travel to Townsville and play against the Cowboys.

SUNDAY, APRIL 28

Dolphins vs. Newcastle Knights, 2pm @ Suncorp Stadium

Last week’s Dolphins team: 1. Trai Fuller 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Jake Averillo 4. Tesi Niu 5. Jack Bostock 6. Kodi Nikorima 7. Isaiya Katoa 8. Jesse Bromwich 9. Jeremy Marshall-King 10. Mark Nicholls 11. Kenny Bromwich 12. Euan Aitken 13. Max Plath 14. Josh Kerr 15. Sean O’Sullivan 16. Ray Stone 18. Oryn Keeley

Team Tips: Jake Averillo is expected to play despite picking up a knee issue against the Eels. Tom Flegler is likely to return from a shoulder injury, but Herbie Farnworth is still at least a week away. Kurt Donoghoe is available for selection this week after missing the last two games because of a suspension and will likely join the bench as a utility.

Last week’s Knights team: 1. Kalyn Ponga 2. Greg Marzhew 4. Bradman Best 5. Enari Tuala 22. Thomas Jenkins 20. Tyson Gamble 7. Jackson Hastings 15. Daniel Saifiti 9. Jayden Brailey 10. Leo Thompson 11. Dylan Lucas 12. Kai Pearce-Paul 13. Adam Elliott 8. Jacob Saifiti 14. Phoenix Crossland 16. Jack Hetherington 19. Brodie Jones. 18th man: 17. Mathew Croker

Team Tips: In a crushing blow for the Knights, fullback Kalyn Ponga is facing three months on the sideline with a foot injury. Ponga suffered the Lisfranc injury in the loss to the Dogs and has been sent for surgery. Exciting rookie David Armstrong and veteran Dane Gagai are the two options the Knights are pondering to replace Ponga according to The Daily Telegraph.Tom Jenkins has also suffered a knee injury, meaning the Knights will likely shift Tuala back to the wing and welcome Gagai into the centres after missing the Bulldogs loss with a calf injury. The Knights’ halves roundabout may continue after a disappointing performance. Despite being named to start, Jack Cogger was dropped from the side and played NSW Cup in a game where the Knights were hammered 52-6.

Canberra Raiders vs. Cronulla Sharks, 4:05pm @ GIO Stadium 

Last week’s Raiders team: 1. Chevy Stewart 2. James Schiller 3. Matthew Timoko 4. Sebastian Kris 5. Xavier Savage 6. Ethan Strange 7. Jamal Fogarty 8. Josh Papali’i 9. Danny Levi 10. Joseph Tapine 11. Hudson Young 15. Simi Sasagi 13. Morgan Smithies 12. Ata Mariota 14. Tom Starling 16. Trey Mooney 17. Pasami Saulo

Team Tips: According to the Canberra Times, the versatile Kaeo Weekes is set to get the nod in the halves with Jamal Fogarty likely out for most of the season due to a biceps injury. Weekes will partner Ethan Strange in the halves in what will be his first game for the Raiders. The two battled for the No. 6 jersey in the pre-season, with Strange winning that duel. Skipper Elliott Whitehead is still sidelined with a calf injury. Corey Horsburgh (groin) and Jordan Rapana (knee) are still at least a couple of weeks away. Albert Hopoate featured at fullback in NSW Cup and could be set for a return to first grade. Chevy Stewart and James Schiller could be under pressure to keep their spots.

Last week’s Sharks team: 1. William Kennedy 2. Samuel Stonestreet 3. Jesse Ramien 4. Kayal Iro 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo 6. Braydon Trindall 7. Nicho Hynes 8. Thomas Hazelton 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Oregon Kaufusi 11. Briton Nikora 12. Teig Wilton 13. Cameron McInnes 14. Jack Williams 15. Toby Rudolf 16. Siosifa Talakai 17. Braden Hamlin-Uele

Team Tips: The Sharks couldn’t have been any more impressive in their demolition of the Cowboys. In an added boost, they will welcome back a number of key pieces. Winger Sione Katoa will replace Sam Stonestreet while veteran Dale Finucane is slated to return, as is prop Royce Hunt. Jack Williams and Siosifa Talakai could be on the chopping block, while Kayal Iro could also make way to include Talakai in the backline.

Bye: Bulldogs

Originally published as Damien Cook recalled for South Sydney after shock NRL hiatus