Manly forward Haumole Olakau’atu is set to make his return from a suspension imposed following the State of Origin decider, while Cronulla’s Blayke Brailey has a new role for Friday’s clash with the Gold Coast.
Brailey has shifted from hooker to halfback after Braydon Trindall was ruled out with a minor hamstring injury.
NRL Late Mail: Round 23
Rabbitohs v Storm, Thursday 7.50pm at Accor Stadium
Rabbitohs: Coach Ben Hornby said on Wednesday morning he’s confident halfback Cody Walker will return from a calf injury that saw him miss last week’s loss to the Sharks. Shaquai Mitchell and Peter Mamouzelos have come on to the bench in a new-look interchange.
Storm: Nelson Asofa-Solomona has shifted to the back row in a move that could see him running free as an edge forward after Eli Katoa was ruled out with a knee injury. Prop Tui Kamikamica is also set to line up after missing last week’s loss with a groin injury.
Titans v Sharks, Friday 6.00pm at Cbus Super Stadium
Titans: Klese Haas has come into the side after Beau Fermor suffered kidney bruising last weekend. It’s the only change for coach Des Hasler as his team builds momentum in a late charge for the finals.
Sharks: Craig Fitzgibbon has been less fortunate and has been forced to reshuffle his side following a minor hamstring injury to Braydon Trindall. Blayke Brailey has shifted to halfback, with skipper Cameron McInnes returning to hooker and Jack Williams lining up at lock. Braden Hamlin-Uele will also miss the game due to knee soreness. Rookie Jayden Berrell is in line for his second NRL match after being named on the bench, two weeks after his debut.
Eels v Panthers, Friday 8.00pm at CommBank Stadium
Eels: Canberra-bound young gun Ethan Sanders is in the mix to feature on Friday night after he was listed as 18th man. Coach Trent Barrett has named the same 17 that defeated the Warriors last week.
Panthers: Daine Laurie is on track to return from a head knock and is looking to line up at fullback. It’s the only change to Ivan Cleary’s squad as Penrith look to mount a late bid for the minor premiership.
Raiders v Sea Eagles, Saturday 3.00pm at GIO Stadium
Raiders: Emerging playmaker Ethan Strange is back in the starting side after he was rested last weekend. Adam Cook moves to the bench as a result, with Danny Levi moving to the reserves. Simi Sasagi has also been recalled following the season-ending shoulder injury to Zac Hosking.
Sea Eagles: A host of troops are set to return for Anthony Seibold’s side in the nation’s capital, with Lachlan Croker preparing for his first match since Round 9. Haumole Olakau’atu and Lehi Hopoate are also back, while Jason Saab and Reuben Garrick look set to play after recovering from head knocks suffered prior to last week’s bye.
Cowboys v Broncos, Saturday 5.30pm at Queensland Country Bank Stadium
Cowboys: Heilum Luki has been named in the second row as he continues to progress through the head knock protocols after he was hit high by Justin Olam last week. Reuben Cotter is also on track to return from a concussion suffered a fortnight ago. Jeremiah Nanai will wear jersey No.24, with the No.12 retired in honour of Carl Webb.
Broncos: A double blow for Brisbane with Payne Haas and Ezra Mam ruled out following foot and ankle injuries suffered last weekend. Josh Rogers comes in at five-eighth and Xavier Willison is set to start at prop as the Broncos fight to keep their season alive. Corey Oates has also been dropped to the reserves, with Josiah Karapani to start on the wing.
Dragons v Bulldogs, Saturday 7.35pm at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium
Dragons: Fullback Tyrell Sloan retains the No.1 jumper after an impressive performance last week in his return from reserve grade. Mat Feagai has been named as 18th man after missing the game with a head knock. Jack Bird also remains a chance of fighting his way back into first grade and was named on the extended bench.
Bulldogs: Prop Josh Curran is on track to line up on Saturday night after picking up a shoulder injury last weekend. No changes at this stage for the Bulldogs, with Cameron Ciraldo sticking with the side that got the job done against the Raiders.
Dolphins v Warriors, Sunday 2.00pm at Suncorp Stadium
Dolphins: Tevita Pangai jnr and Kodi Nikorima are on track to return after missing last week’s loss to the Roosters as the Dolphins look to climb into the top eight. Jamayne Isaako is also expected to line up despite rolling his ankle last weekend.
Warriors: Shaun Johnson will start at halfback just days after announcing his retirement from rugby league at the end of the season. There is just one change for the Warriors this weekend. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck has shifted to the centres with Moala Graham-Taufa dropping out and Ed Kosi coming back in on the win.
Knights v Wests Tigers, Sunday 4.05pm at McDonald Jones Stadium
Knights: Phoenix Crossland remains the Newcastle halfback in a bid to keep their finals chances alive, with coach Adam O’Brien largely sticking with the group that fell to Penrith in a tight loss. Brodie Jones is set to replace Thomas Cant, while Jacob Saifiti will miss the match after going down in the warm up last week. Origin centre Bradman Best remains sidelined with a hamstring injury.
Wests Tigers: Adam Doueihi will make his return to the centres after Justin Olam accepted a four-game suspension for a high shot and was sent for double knee surgery. Halfback Aidan Sezer is also back from suspension, with young gun Latu Fainu entering the concussion protocols. In another boost, Fonua Pole is on track to return from a rib injury.
