The Broncos are set to welcome back two key forwards, while the Storm are facing a big halves blow with Cameron Munster unlikely to feature in Round 21.
Meanwhile, the Dragons’ outside back stocks took a further hit with a fresh injury while the Eels are due to welcome back their marquee man.
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Read on for all of the team news ahead of Round 21.
THURSDAY
Sydney Roosters vs Melbourne Storm, 7.50pm AEST at Allianz Stadium
Last week’s Roosters team: 1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Billy Smith 4. Robert Toia 5. Mark Nawaqanitawase 6. Chad Townsend 7. Sam Walker 8. Naufahu Whyte 9. Connor Watson 10. Lindsay Collins 11. Angus Crichton 12. Salesi Foketi 13. Victor Radley 14. Zach Dockar-Clay 15. Blake Steep 16. Egan Butcher 17. Spencer Leniu 18. Ethan King
Team Tips: The Roosters are set to be without Billy Smith after he suffered a head knock, with Tom Rodwell the likely man to join the backline on the wing, shifting Mark Nawaqanitawase to the centres. Hugo Savala is also due to return from a wrist injury, meaning Chad Townsend’s NRL recall will come to an end after a single week. In a further blow, Victor Radley is reportedly set to be sent for scans on a shoulder injury he suffered in Round 20 according to Code Sports. He could be set for an extended sideline stint depending on what those scans uncover, with Egan Butcher the likely man to take his place.
Last week’s Storm team: 1. Nick Meaney 4. Grant Anderson 3. Jack Howarth 18. Joe Chan 5. Xavier Coates 6. Cameron Munster 7. Jahrome Hughes 15. Tui Kamikamica 9. Harry Grant 10. Josh King 11. Shawn Blore 12. Eliesa Katoa 13. Trent Loiero 8. Stefano Utoikamanu 14. Tyran Wishart 16. Nelson Asofa-Solomona 17. Ativalu Lisati. 18th man: 19. Bronson Garlick
Team Tips: Craig Bellamy believes Cameron Munster is unlikely to feature for the Storm this week, with his father’s funeral scheduled for Friday. It will be incredibly difficult for the gun five-eighth to play on Thursday night in Sydney before travelling to Rockhampton, meaning he could sit out in Round 21 with Tyran Wishart taking his place in the halves. Nelson Asofa-Solomona is also facing a two-game ban, with Bronson Garlick and Lazaras Vaalepu the contenders to join the bench. Ryan Papenhuyzen’s return from a calf injury also remains unclear, with Bellamy revealing he was “not quite sure when he’ll be back”. For now, it looks likely Papenhuyzen will remain sidelined.
FRIDAY
North Queensland Cowboys vs St George Illawarra Dragons, 6pm AEST at Queensland Country Bank Stadium
Last week’s Cowboys team: 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 14. Karl Lawton 15. Kaiden Lahrs 16. Kai O’Donnell 17. Coen Hess
Team Tips: Murray Taulagi suffered a fresh hamstring injury in Round 20, while Thomas Mikaele was sidelined due to an MCL injury, with both players set to be sidelined. John Bateman is due to return from a groin injury, likely shifting Reuben Cotter into the front row to replace Mikaele. Robert Derby is the likely man to join the backline.
Last week’s Dragons team: 1. Clinton Gutherson 2. Tyrell Sloan 3. Moses Suli 18. Corey Allan 5. Sione Finau 6. Lyhkan King-Togia 7. Kyle Flanagan 17. Michael Molo 9. Damien Cook 10. David Klemmer 11. Luciano Leilua 12. Jaydn Su’A 13. Jack de Belin 8. Emre Guler 14. Jacob Liddle 15. Blake Lawrie 16. Hamish Stewart. 18th man: 22. Nicholas Tsougranis
Team Tips: After losing Valentine Holmes to a shoulder injury, winger Sione Finau’s season is now likely over after he dislocated his shoulder in Round 20. Christian Tuipulotu is scheduled to return from a hamstring injury, but if he’s unable to take the field Mat Feagai will join the side, with Nick Tsougranis another contender.
Brisbane Broncos vs Parramatta Eels, 8pm AEST at Suncorp Stadium
Round 19 Broncos team: 1. Reece Walsh 2. Josiah Karapani 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Gehamat Shibasaki 5. Deine Mariner 6. Ezra Mam 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Xavier Willison 9. Ben Hunt 15. Kobe Hetherington 11. Brendan Piakura 12. Jordan Riki 13. Patrick Carrigan 14. Billy Walters 16. Jack Gosiewski 17. Tyson Smoothy 19. Ben Talty. 18th man: 21. Jaiyden Hunt
Team Tips: The Broncos enjoyed the week off in Round 20 and after being rested following the Origin decider, Payne Haas (back) and Corey Jensen (calf) are strong chances to return according to AAP’s Joel Gould after training with the main squad. Jesse Arthars, meanwhile, trained in a no-contact bib but could still be fit to play this weekend. Tyson Smoothy and Ben Talty are the likely players to drop off the bench, with Xavier Willison and Kobe Hetherington reverting to the pine.
Last week’s Eels team: 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 14. Tallyn Da Silva 15. Jordan Samrani 16. Matt Doorey 17. Sam Tuivaiti. 18th man: 19. Dan Keir
Team Tips: In a big boost, Mitchell Moses is due to return from a calf injury and will likely displace Dean Hawkins in the No.7 jersey. Will Penisini also returns from suspension, with Bailey Simonsson and Sean Russell on the chopping block. Luca Moretti is also scheduled to return from an ankle injury and could join the pine. As it stands, Ryley Smith will likely remain Parramatta’s starting hooker, with Tallyn Da Silva providing impact off the bench.
DCE’s magic moment saves Manly | 00:33
SATURDAY
New Zealand Warriors vs Gold Coast Titans, 3pm AEST at Go Media Stadium
Last week’s Warriors team: 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 14. Te Maire Martin 15. Jacob Laban 16. Demitric Vaimauga 17. Tanner Stowers-Smith 18. Samuel Healey
Team Tips: The Warriors are set to receive a huge boost with Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad returning from a knee injury. He will likely be a straight swap for Taine Tuaupiki at fullback, with Kurt Capewell remaining in the backline following a barnstorming performance from Leka Halasima in the backrow.
Last week’s Titans team: 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 15. Jaimin Jolliffe 11. Chris Randall 12. Beau Fermor 13. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui 10. Reagan Campbell-Gillard 14. Alofiana Khan-Pereira 16. David Fifita 17. Klese Haas 18. Iszac Fa’asumaleaui
Team Tips: A huge blow for the Titans with skipper Tino Fa’asuamaleaui suffering a knee injury, with a stint on the sidelines looming for the key Gold Coast player. He came off after 24 minutes, having struggled to play the ball after an awkward tackle. Should he be sidelined, Chris Randall will likely shift to lock, with David Fifita a chance of joining the starting side after spending less than 20 minutes on the field in Round 20.
Penrith Panthers vs Wests Tigers, 5.30pm AEST at CommBank Stadium
Last week’s Panthers team: 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 15. Liam Henry 16. Luron Patea 17. Matt Eisenhuth 18. Jack Cole. 18th man: 20. Mavrik Geyer
Team Tips: Star winger Brian To’o aggravated a knee injury in Round 20 after a collision, which saw him limp off the field. It remains to be seen if he will miss any games, however he may be given a rest with Izack Tago due to return from suspension. It remains to be seen if Nathan Cleary will take the field after sitting out with a groin injury. Should he return, he will take Brad Schneider’s spot in the halves, with Mitch Kenny revealing on the Matty Johns show on Sunday night the former Raider will likely find himself in the 17 for the remainder of the year, meaning he could take a spot on the pine.
Last week’s Tigers team: 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 14. Tristan Hope 10. Alex Twal 17. Jack Bird 12. Tony Sukkar 13. Adam Doueihi 9. Apisai Koroisau 11. Alex Seyfarth 15. Sione Fainu 16. Fonua Pole 22. Krystian Mapapalangi
Team Tips: Jahream Bula is due to return from a hamstring injury in Round 21, which will see Sunia Turuva revert to the wing and Charlie Staines drop out after a performance littered with errors against the Titans. Taylan May’s NRL return was a success and he will remain in the centres. Alex Twal, Alex Seyfarth and Tony Sukkar all got through their clash against the Titans unscathed, battling with illness in the lead-up to the clash and will likely once again take their spots in the side this week.
South Sydney Rabbitohs vs Cronulla Sharks, 7.35pm AEST at Industree Group Stadium
Last week’s Rabbitohs team: 2. Alex Johnston 3. Isaiah Tass 4. Tallis Duncan 11. Euan Aitken 5. Tyrone Munro 6. Jack Wighton 7. Jamie Humphreys 8. Tevita Tatola 9. Siliva Havili 10. Keaon Koloamatangi 12. Jacob Host 13. Jai Arrow 15. Lachlan Hubner 14. Peter Mamouzelos 16. Sean Keppie 17. Lewis Dodd 18. Liam Le Blanc. 18th man: 19. Thomas Fletcher
Team Tips: With Latrell Mitchell sidelined, Alex Johnston is set to remain at fullback for the next three games at least. In a further blow, Keaon Koloamatangi is set to sit out for the remainder of the year after suffering a syndesmosis injury which required surgery. Lachlan Hubner could join the starting side at prop, while Peter Mamouzelos will also sit out of their clash with the Sharks due to a head knock. Siliva Havili could be called on to play 80 minutes at hooker, with Jye Gray still sidelined due to a broken thumb. The Rabbitohs’ casualty ward runs deep, but for now Wayne Bennett is unlikely to welcome any troops back into his side.
Last week’s Sharks team: 1. William Kennedy 2. Sione Katoa 19. Chris Vea’ila 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 15. Jesse Colquhoun 16. Toby Rudolf 17. Braden Hamlin-Uele 18. Billy Burns 18th man: 14. Daniel Atkinson
Team Tips: Gun back rower Briton Nikora will sit out for a week after suffering a head knock, with Billy Burns set to join the starting side. Jesse Ramien also sat out for a week due to hamstring tightness, meaning he’s a chance to slot back into the centres in place of debutant Chris Vea’ila. Dan Atkinson could join the bench after he was initially named in the utility before reverting to 18th man.
Webster delighted with winner after bell | 04:41
SUNDAY
Canberra Raiders vs Newcastle Knights, 2pm AEST at GIO Stadium
Last week’s Raiders team: 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 14. Owen Pattie 15. Simi Sasagi 16. Morgan Smithies 17. Ata Mariota. 18th man: 18. Chevy Stewart
Team Tips: The Raiders got through their clash against the Eels unscathed, with their dream run regarding injuries continuing. Matty Nicholson is scheduled to return in Round 23 and Savelio Tamale three weeks after that.
Last week’s Knights team: 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 17. Jermaine McEwen 12. Kai Pearce-Paul 13. Phoenix Crossland 14. Tyson Gamble 15. Mathew Croker 16. Tyson Frizell 18. Thomas Cant 21. Jack Hetherington
Team Tips: The Knights were ravaged by illness heading into their Round 20 clash, but luckily only Brodie Jones had to pull out. He will likely slot back into the side if he recovers, with Thomas Cant to drop out of the side. Jermaine McEwen had an impressive game in the back row and is a strong chance of keeping his spot in the starting side. Dane Gagai was also excellent at fullback, with O’Brien’s backline likely to remain the same.
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs vs Manly Sea Eagles, 4.05pm AEST at Allianz Stadium
Last week’s Bulldogs team: 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 16. Josh Curran 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Jacob Preston 13. Jaeman Salmon 14. Kurt Mann 15. Harry Hayes 17. Bailey Hayward 19. Sitili Tupouniua. 18th man: 22. Kurtis Morrin
Team Tips: Lachlan Galvin produced the match winning try assist to lift the Dogs over the Dragons, vindicating Cameron Ciraldo’s call to pick the young gun over Toby Sexton. Galvin will remain in the No. 7 jersey going forward. It’s been an interrupted season for Sitili Tupouniua and the injury bug has struck the second rower yet again. In his return game from a hamstring injury in which he missed seven weeks, Tupouniua suffered another hamstring injury against the Dragons. You’d have to think it’s unlikely he’ll play again in the regular season. That opens the door for Kurtis Morrin or Sam Hughes to earn a recall.
Last week’s Sea Eagles team: 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 14. Jake Simpkin 15. Tommy Talau 16. Ethan Bullemor 17. Toafofoa Sipley. 18th man: 18. Aaron Schoupp
Team Tips: In a huge boost for the in-form Sea Eagles, gun back rower Haumole Olakau’atu is set to return from a shoulder injury. Manly will need him if they want to make a late season surge up the ladder. Back up hooker Jake Simpkin will miss one week after failing a HIA. Lachlan Croker is nearing a return. NRL legend Cooper Cronk called for Anthony Seibold to shift Tom Trbojevic back to his natural position of fullback, but given Turbo’s recent form in the centres, don’t expect that switch to be made this week.
Bye: Dolphins