Brisbane coach Michael Maguire has thrown his confidence behind Billy Walters to shine in his switch to five-eighth.
Walters has been selected will play No.6 against the Dolphins on Saturday night in place of the injured Ezra Mam, alongside Ben Hunt who is covering for Adam Reynolds who was injured on the same play last week.
A hooker in recent seasons, Walters had one of his best games as a playmaker in 2020 while at Wests Tigers when Maguire was the coach. In round 10 at Leichhardt Oval, the Tigers beat the Broncos 48-0, with him wearing the No.6 in a stunning display.
Dual Broncos premiership winner Kerrod Walters said his nephew had the game and the mentality to shine at five-eighth.
“I remember that 2020 game for the Tigers where Billy went really well but he grew up playing in the halves,” he told AAP.
“He defends well, his kicking is good and his passes are timed very well.
“He has got good game awareness and will understand his role is to add to what Ben Hunt does to make sure the partnership is successful.
“Billy is also a competitor and a great team player who will do whatever it takes for the team to win.
“Even when he got demoted to the bench behind Cory Paix this year he didn’t let it affect his commitment to the team. Wherever he plays he brings a lot of skill and enthusiasm.”
Billy Walters celebrates scoring Brisbane’s first try. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)
Cory Paix will start at No.9, while Tyson Smoothy can also cover the hooker role off the bench if needed.
Broncos captain Reynolds is set to miss up to four weeks and could be available for the final round clash with the Storm, while halves partner Ezra Mam is expected to miss more than four weeks after also injuring his hamstring in Thursday’s loss to Melbourne.
Brisbane winger Selwyn Cobbo limped off with two minutes left on the clock after doing a hammy and he too is a four weeks-plus proposition.
Coen Hess’s NRL season is over after the North Queensland enforcer accepted the guilty plea for a three-game ban for his cannonball tackle on Joash Papalii.
Hess avoided the sin bin on Sunday but has since received a grade-two dangerous contact charge for attacking Papalii’s legs in a tackle early in the Cowboys’ 19-18 loss to Parramatta.
The NRL has taken a dim view of cannonball tackles in recent weeks, with Dolphins star Felise Kaufusi suspended for the hit that injured Jacob Laban in round 22.
Given the Cowboys have a bye across the final month of the regular season and won’t play finals, Hess will be suspended for the rest of the campaign.
Cronulla will be without Briton Nikora until week one of the finals after the forward was charged with a Grade 2 Careless High Tackle.
He has also accepted a three-game ban with an early guilty plea, which would have risen to four matches if he unsuccessfully contested the charge.
Spencer Leniu will be free to take on the Bulldogs at Allianz Stadium after being charged with two contrary conduct offences following the fiery melee he ignited after Mark Nawaqanitawase’s second try in the clash with the Dolphins.
However, Francis Molo will miss Saturday’s blockbuster Brisbane derby, after taking an early guilty plea for a Grade 2 Careless High Tackle.
Naufahu Whyte and Aublix Tawha tangle. (Photo by Regi Varghese/Getty Images)
Manly’s hopes of squeaking into the playoffs have been dealt a blow with Jake Trbojevic ruled out of Sunday’s tussle with the Tigers.
Trbojevic suffered his third head knock of the season in Friday’s loss to the Raiders and will be stood down under category-one concussion protocols.
Coincidentally, his brother Ben missed the last round due to a concussion and should be right to return for the Wests showdown at Allianz Stadium.
Canberra lock Corey Horsburgh was slapped with a grade 1 shoulder charge offence for a tackle on Manly veteran Jazz Tevaga in the 74th minute at GIO Stadium.
He will pay a $3000 fine after taking an early guilty plea rather than risking a two-game ban by challenging the judiciary.
Roosters second-rower Siua Wong was diagnosed with category-one symptoms after he was smashed in a three-man Dolphins tackle from a kick-off on Saturday night.
He will sit out their crucial clash with the Bulldogs on Friday night.
Round 24 teams
All times AEST
Panthers vs Storm at AAMI Park: 7.50pm, Thursday August 14
Panthers: 1. Dylan Edwards 2. Thomas Jenkins 3. Izack Tago 4. Casey Mclean 5. Brian To’o 6. Blaize Talagi 7. Nathan Cleary 8. Moses Leota 9. Mitch Kenny 10. Lindsay Smith 11. Luke Garner 12. Liam Martin 13. Isaiah Papali’i 14. Brad Schneider 15. Liam Henry 16. Matthew Eisenhuth 17. Scott Sorensen 18. Paul Alamoti 19. Jack Cole 20. Daine Laurie 21. Mavrik Geyer 22. Trent Toelau
Co-captain Isaah Yeo (shoulder) and Luron Patea (collarbone) will be out for a few more weeks, as Ivan Cleary names the same 17 that won last week.
Storm: 1. Nick Meaney 2. Grant Anderson 3. Joe Chan 4. Marion Seve 5. Xavier Coates 6. Cameron Munster 7. Tyran Wishart 8. Stefano Utoikamanu 9. Harry Grant 10. Josh King 11. Shawn Blore 12. Eliesa Katoa 13. Trent Loiero 14. Jonah Pezet 15. Alec Macdonald 16. Tui Kamikamica 17. Ativalu Lisati 18. Bronson Garlick 19. Kane Bradley 20. Siulagi Tuimalatu-brown 21. Lazarus Vaalepu 22. Nelson Asofa-solomona
Star fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen is sidelined by concussion as Nick Meaney moves to fullback.
Front-rower Nelson Asofa-Solomona was dropped to the Queensland Cup after serving a two-match ban, and has been named as a reserve.
Warriors vs Dragons at Go Media Stadium: 6pm, Friday August 15
Warriors: 1. Taine Tuaupiki 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 3. Adam Pompey 4. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 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 14. Samuel Healey 15. Eddie Ieremia-Toeava 16. Demitric Vaimauga 17. Tanner Stowers-Smith 18. Freddy Lussick 20. Edward Kosi 21. Tom Ale 22. Kayliss Fatialofa 25. Bunty Afoa
Wayde Egan makes an early return after not expecting to be back until the finals after injuring his shoulder recently against the Eels.
Veteran playmaker Te Maire Martin was concussed in Saturday’s loss to Canterbury, with Tanah Boyd getting a recall at halfback. Kurt Capewell will also miss the game.
Dragons: 1. Clint Gutherson 2. Tyrell Sloan 3. Hayden Buchanan 4. Mat Feagai 5. Corey Allan 6. Lyhkan King-Togia 7. Kyle Flanagan 8. Emre Guler 9. Damien Cook 10. David Klemmer 11. Luciano Leilua 12. Hamish Stewart 13. Jack De Belin 14. Jacob Liddle 15. Michael Molo 16. Hame Sele 17. Loko Pasifiki Tonga 18. Ben Murdoch-Masila 19. Lachlan Ilias 20. Jacob Halangahu 21. Nathan Lawson 22. Christian Tuipulotu
Mat Feagai returns after being ruled out of the win over the Sharks with a groin problem, to replace Moses Suli (knee).
Hayden Buchanan was impressive in his debut at centre and retains his spot.
Michael Molo returns from an ankle injury alongside Loko Pasifiki Tonga in his first NRL game since Round 18, both have been listed on the bench.
Roosters vs Bulldogs at Allianz Stadium: 8pm, Friday August 15
Roosters: 1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Billy Smith 4. Robert Toia 5. Mark Nawaqanitawase 6. Hugo Savala 7. Sam Walker 8. Naufahu Whyte 9. Connor Watson 10. Lindsay Collins 11. Angus Crichton 12. Egan Butcher 13. Victor Radley 14. Benaiah Ioelu 15. Salesi Foketi 16. Blake Steep 17. Spencer Leniu 18. Ethan King 19. Taylor Losalu 20. Sandon Smith 21. Zach Dockar-Clay 22. Junior Tupou
Siua Wong is out with a concussion from the big win over the Dolphins, with Victor Radley promoted to a starting spot at lock, and Naufahu Whyte goes to prop. Egan Butcher also joins the starting side.
Enforcer Spencer Leniu is free to play after being charged with contrary conduct for his role in the melee at Suncorp Stadium.
Bulldogs: 1. Jacob Kiraz 2. Jethro Rinakama 3. Bronson Xerri 4. Stephen Crichton 5. Enari Tuala 6. Matt Burton 7. Lachlan Galvin 8. Max King 9. Bailey Hayward 10. Samuel Hughes 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Jacob Preston 13. Jaeman Salmon 14. Kurt Mann 15. Harry Hayes 16. Josh Curran 17. Reed Mahoney 19. Jake Turpin 20. Daniel Suluka-Fifita 21. Connor Tracey 22. Kurtis Morrin 23. Toby Sexton
It’s the same Bulldogs 17 that got the job done against New Zealand Warriors. Fullback Connor Tracey (abdominal) has been named among the reserves as Sitili Tupouniua (hamstring) is nearing a return from more than a month out, but still needs more time.
Sitili Tupouniua is tackled by Hamish Stewart. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)
Sharks vs Titans at Sharks Stadium: 3pm, Saturday August 16
Sharks: 1. William Kennedy 2. Sione Katoa 3. Mawene Hiroti 4. Siosifa Talakai 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo 6. Braydon Trindall 7. Nicho Hynes 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Toby Rudolf 11. Billy Burns 12. Teig Wilton 13. Cameron McInnes 14. Daniel Atkinson 15. Jesse Colquhoun 16. Thomas Hazelton 17. Braden Hamlin-Uele 18. Tuku Hau Tapuha 19. Hohepa Puru 20. Niwhai Puru 21. Jayden Berrell 22. Chris Veaila
A backline reshuffle, with the loss of Jesse Ramien bringing in Mawene Hiroti to the centres.
Second-rower Jesse Colquhoun is back after he copped a one-game ban for dangerous contact for a hip-drop tackle on Cowboys winger Robert Derby.
Briton Nikora will be out until week one of the finals after a Grade 2 Careless High Tackle charge, and Billy Burns has been named as his replacement in the starting side.
Titans: 1. AJ Brimson 2. Jaylan De Groot 3. Phillip Sami 4. Jojo Fifita 5. Tony Francis 6. Kieran Foran 7. Jayden Campbell 8. Moeaki Fotuaika 9. Sam Verrills 10. Jaimin Jolliffe 11. Chris Randall 12. Beau Fermor 13. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui 14. Klese Haas 15. Reagan Campbell-Gillard 16. Iszac Fa’asumaleaui 17. Josh Patston 18. Keano Kini 19. Jacob Alick-Wiencke 20. Tukimihia Simpkins 21. Tom Weaver 22. Allan Fitzgibbon
Tino Fa’asuamaleaui is named to return after three games out with a knee injury, with Klese Haas and Reagan Campbell-Gillard named on the bench.
Phil Sami (concussion) and Moeaki Fotuaika (illness) are also back, but Brian Kelly has entered the concussion protocols.
Broncos vs Dolphins at Suncorp Stadium: 5.30pm, Saturday August 16
Broncos: 1. Reece Walsh 2. Josiah Karapani 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Gehamat Shibasaki 5. Deine Mariner 6. Billy Walters 7. Ben Hunt 8. Corey Jensen 9. Cory Paix 10. Payne Haas 11. Jack Gosiewski 12. Jordan Riki 13. Patrick Carrigan 14. Tyson Smoothy 15. Kobe Hetherington 16. Ben Talty 17. Jaiyden Hunt 18. Jesse Arthars 19. Va’a Semu 20. Jock Madden 21. Delouise Hoeter 22. Josh Rogers
Billy Walters will be alongside new halfback Ben Hunt, with Cory Paix slotting in at dummy-half after Ezra Mam and Adam Reynolds suffered hamstring tears in the loss to Melbourne.
The Broncos also lost winger Selwyn Cobbo, who tore a hamstring late against the Storm, with Josiah Karapani coming onto the wing.
Brendan Piakura (concussion) remains sidelined after missing the past fortnight.
Dolphins: 1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Jake Averillo 4. Max Feagai 5. Tevita Naufahu 6. Kodi Nikorima 7. Isaiya Katoa 8. Mark Nicholls 9. Jeremy Marshall-King 10. Aublix Tawha 11. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki 12. Oryn Keeley 13. Kurt Donoghoe 14. Ray Stone 15. Connelly Lemuelu 16. Josh Kerr 17. Kenny Bromwich 18. Peter Hola 19. LJ Nonu 20. Trai Fuller 21. Harrison Graham 22. James Walsh
The ban for Francis Molo sees Mark Nicholls named at starting prop, with veteran Kenny Bromwich joining the bench. Jake Averillo has been named at centre with Tevita Naufahu on the wing.
Felise Kaufusi has one more match to serve on his dangerous contact ban.
Rabbitohs vs Eels at Allianz Stadium: 7.35pm, Saturday August 16
Rabbitohs: 1. Jye Gray 2. Alex Johnston 3. Latrell Mitchell 4. Isaiah Tass 5. Bayleigh Bentley-Hape 6. Ashton Ward 7. Jamie Humphreys 8. Siliva Havili 9. Peter Mamouzelos 10. Sean Keppie 11. Jacob Host 12. Tallis Duncan 13. Jai Arrow 14. Shaquai Mitchell 15. Liam Le Blanc 16. Brandon Smith 17. Thomas Fletcher 18. Tyrone Munro 19. Lewis Dodd 20. Salesi Ataata 21. Haizyn Mellars 22. Cody Walker
The only change for Wayne Bennett, Lachlan Hubner is out after suffering a head knock last week and replaced by Shaquai Mitchell.
Souths have shut down centre Campbell Graham for the rest of the season due to a nagging back problem.
Cody Walker is closing in on a return and is on an extended reserves list.
Eels: 1. Joash Papali’i 2. Zac Lomax 3. Viliami Penisini 4. Dylan Brown 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Dean Hawkins 7. Mitchell Moses 8. J’maine Hopgood 9. Ryley Smith 10. Junior Paulo 11. Charlie Guymer 12. Jack Williams 13. Luca Moretti 14. Tallyn Da Silva 15. Dylan Walker 16. Matt Doorey 17. Kelma Tuilagi 18. Jordan Samrani 19. Dan Keir 20. Haze Dunster 21. Isaiah Iongi 22. Toni Mataele
It’s the same 17 that beat the Cowbys, with rookie fullback Isaiah Iongi likely to need another week out before he can make a comeback from his hand fracture, however, he has been listed as a reserve.
Tigers vs Sea Eagles at Allianz Stadium: 2pm, Sunday August 17
Tigers: 1. Jahream Bula 2. Sunia Turuva 3. Taylan May 4. Starford To’a 5. Jeral Skelton 6. Jarome Luai 7. Adam Doueihi 8. Terrell May 9. Apisai Koroisau 10. Fonua Pole 11. Samuela Fainu 12. Sione Fainu 13. Alex Twal 14. Latu Fainu 15. Royce Hunt 16. Charlie Murray 17. Tony Sukkar 18. Heath Mason 19. Brent Naden 20. Kit Laulilii 21. Krystian Mapapalangi 22. Luke Laulilii
Starford To’a returns after missing the win over the Bulldogs, with Brent Naden dropping back to the reserves.
Taylan May has passed the concussion protocols after copping a high shot from Stephen Crichton in their win over the Dogs before the bye, and is named at centre.
But Alex Seyfarth’s suspension has forced a forward pack reshuffle, with Alex Twal moving to the back row and Fonua Pole joining the starting side at prop.
Sea Eagles: 1. Tom Trbojevic 2. Jason Saab 3. Tolutau Koula 4. Reuben Garrick 5. Lehi Hopoate 6. Luke Brooks 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Matthew Lodge 9. Jake Simpkin 10. Siosiua Taukeiaho 11. Corey Waddell 12. Ben Trbojevic 13. Jazz Tevaga 14. Tommy Talau 15. Caleb Navale 16. Ethan Bullemor 17. Toafofoa Sipley 18. Aaron Schoupp 19. Clayton Faulalo 20. Michael Chee Kam 21. Joey Walsh 22. Gordon Chan Kum Tong
Tom Trbojevic remains at fullback with the returning Lehi Hopoate back from a shoulder injury and will line up on the wing with Reuben Garrick moving to centre.
Ben Trbojevic missed the last round due to a concussion, and will return to the second row.
Jake Trbojevic will be out this weekend for the same reason, with hooker Jazz Tavaga shifting to lock.
Cowboys vs Knights at QCB Stadium: 7.35pm, Sunday August 17
Cowboys: 1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Semi Valemei 3. Jaxon Purdue 4. Zac Laybutt 5. Braidon Burns 6. Jake Clifford 7. Tom Dearden 8. Jordan McLean 9. Reece Robson 10. Jason Taumalolo 11. John Bateman 12. Jeremiah Nanai 13. Reuben Cotter 14. Karl Lawton 15. Harrison Edwards 16. Kai O’Donnell 17. Thomas Mikaele 18. Viliami Vailea 19. Marly Bitungane 20. Nicholas Lenaz 21. Jaxson Paulo 22. Kaiden Lahrs
Front-rower Jordan McLean (calf) returns to fill the void left by Coen Hess in the starting pack, with Karl Lawton (suspension) also right to return and will come off the bench. Thomas Mikaele (knee) also returns.
Knights: 1. Connor Votano 2. Dominic Young 3. Dane Gagai 4. Bradman Best 5. Greg Marzhew 6. Jakob Arthur 7. Jack Cogger 8. Jacob Saifiti 9. Jayden Brailey 10. Leo Thompson 11. Jermaine McEwen 12. Kai Pearce-Paul 13. Tyson Frizell 14. Matthew Arthur 15. Mathew Croker 16. Thomas Cant 17. Brodie Jones 18. Jackson Hastings 19. James Schiller 20. Elijah Leaumoana 21. Fletcher Hunt 22. Jack Hetherington
Newcastle will blood teenager Connor Votano, who is making his NRL debut at fullback as Dane Gagai returns to the centres.
Tyson Frizell will start at lock in the absence of Phoenix Crossland (head knock), while Second-rower Brodie Jones (illness) will return off the bench.
Bye – Raiders
with AAP