After suffering their sixth consecutive loss last weekend, the Melbourne Storm have been dealt a significant injury blow as coach Craig Bellamy prepares to wield the axe and make mass changes.
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Meanwhile, the Brisbane Broncos are set to welcome back two star players and the Wests Tigers are sweating on the availability of two members of their spine.
Read on for NRL Team Tips for Round 9!
FRIDAY 1ST MAY
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs vs North Queensland Cowboys @ Accor Stadium, 6pm AEST
Last week’s Bulldogs team:1. Connor Tracey 2. Jonathan Sua 3. Bronson Xerri 4. Stephen Crichton 5. Marcelo Montoya 6. Matt Burton 7. Lachlan Galvin 8. Samuel Hughes 17. Jake Turpin 10. Leo Thompson 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Jacob Preston 13. Jaeman Salmon 9. Bailey Hayward 14. Kurt Mann 15. Sitili Tupouniua 16. Harry Hayes 19. Josh Curran 21. Jethro Rinakama
Team Tips: The Bulldogs will be forced into making at least one change after Harry Hayes (suspension) copped a one-match ban. However, given their poor form, it wouldn’t be surprising if coach Cameron Ciraldo decides to make more changes on top of that. Jake Turpin is likely to keep his spot in the team, but it will be interesting to see if he is named to start or will come off the interchange bench. Viliame Kikau (pec) is also under an injury cloud and the club will sweat on the results.
Last week’s Cowboys team: 1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Braidon Burns 3. Jaxon Purdue 4. Tomas Chester 5. Murray Taulagi 6. Jake Clifford 7. Tom Dearden 8. Coen Hess 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Jason Taumalolo 11. Heilum Luki 16. Thomas Mikaele 13. Reuben Cotter 12. Jeremiah Nanai 14. Soni Luke 15. Sam McIntyre 17. Griffin Neame 18. Matthew Lodge 20. Zac Laybutt
Team Tips: After a strong performance against the Cronulla Sharks in Townsville, coach Todd Payten is only set to make one change and that comes after winger Murray Taulagi (concussion) failed his HIA and will be unavailable due to the mandatory stand-down policy. Speaking post-match, Payten admitted he could potentially miss another week too after suffering another concussion earlier in the season. Zac Laybutt looms as the obvious replacement. Meanwhile, John Bateman is set to report back to the club after briefly returning to Canberra to reunite with his family.
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Viliame Kikau.Source: The Daily Telegraph
Dolphins vs Melbourne Storm @ Suncorp Stadium, 8pm AEST
Last week’s Dolphins team: 1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Jake Averillo 4. Herbie Farnworth 5. Selwyn Cobbo 17. Trai Fuller 7. Isaiya Katoa 15. Thomas Flegler 9. Max Plath 10. Francis Molo 11. Connelly Lemuelu 12. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki 8. Tom Gilbert 14. Ray Stone 16. Felise Kaufusi 18. Lewis Symonds 19. Tevita Naufahu 20. Brian Pouniu 22. John Fineanganofo
Team Tips: New Zealand international dummy-half Jeremy Marshall-King (knee) is set to make his long-awaited return to the field for this week. However, it doesn’t look good for utility back Jake Averillo (hand) who left the field in an ambulance after suffering a nasty injury. “A bit unsure (of what the injury is), he’s not great,” coach Kristian Woolf said. “When I say unsure, I know he’s split his hand open and obviously he was quite exposed there, but what exactly he’s done, we won’t know. All but confirmed not to play, Brad Schneider will come into the side and accompany Isaiya Katoa in the halves. Winger Jack Bostock (ACL) made a successful return to the field over the weekend via the QLD Cup.
Last week’s Storm team: 1. Sualauvi Faalogo 2. William Warbrick 3. Jack Howarth 5. Manaia Waitere 5. Nick Meaney 6. Cameron Munster 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Stefano Utoikamanu 9. Harry Grant 10. Josh King 11. Joe Chan 12. Cooper Clarke 13. Trent Loiero 14. Tyran Wishart 15. Alec MacDonald 16. Shawn Blore 17. Davvy Moale 19. Hugo Peel 21. Josiah Pahulu
Team Tips: The Storm will be without star halfback Jahrome Hughes (concussion) after he failed his HIA, but in some positive news, he has been cleared of a wrist injury. Meanwhile, coach Craig Bellamy has promised to make changes after suffering six consecutive defeats. “Yeah, we might have to go down a little bit further to be quite honest,” he said. “At the end of the day I’ve stuck with basically the same side the last six weeks. I think it’s time to make some changes.” Hugo Peel, Moses Leo, Jack Hetherington, and Lazarus Vaalepu are all potential options that can come into the side.
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Woolf not bothered by narrow losses | 02:54
SATURDAY 2ND MAY
Gold Coast Titans vs Canberra Raiders @ Cbus Super Stadium, 3pm AEST
Round 7 Titans team: 1. Keano Kini 2. Sialetili Faeamani 3. Jojo Fifita 18. Jaylan De Groot 5. Phillip Sami 6. Lachlan Ilias 7. Jayden Campbell 8. Kurtis Morrin 9. Sam Verrills 10. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui 11. Arama Hau 12. Beau Fermor 15. Cooper Bai 14. Oliver Pascoe 16. Moeaki Fotuaika 17. Adam Christensen 19. Klese Haas 20. Zane Harrison 21. Josh Patston
Team Tips: The Gold Coast Titans will receive multiple boosts for this week, with up to four sidelined players slated to make their returns. AJ Brimson is a definite in after missing last week due to the birth of his child, and will slot straight into the centres. Brock Gray (ACL), Chris Randall (calf) and Klese Haas (leg) are all set to return but it’s unknown if Josh Hannay will use them in the QLD Cup first before slowly transitioning them back into first-grade. Keano Kini (ribs) had a minor injury from last week but is set to be available.
Last week’s Raiders team: 1. Kaeo Weekes 2. Sebastian Kris 19. Savelio Tamale 4. Matthew Timoko 5. Jed Stuart 6. Ethan Strange 7. Ethan Sanders 10. Joseph Tapine 9. Tom Starling 17. Morgan Smithies 11. Zac Hosking 12. Noah Martin 13. Corey Horsburgh 8. Ata Mariota 14. Jayden Brailey 15. Daine Laurie 16. Joseph Roddy 18. Chevy Stewart 20. Owen Pattie
Team Tips: The Canberra Raiders are confident that Simi Sasagi (hamstring) will return this week after being a last-minute omission for last week’s match, per The Canberra Times. If he returns, it is unknown if he will slot into the backs or forwards, as Hudson Young (suspension) will be unavailable for another week. Although the Raiders have been incredibly inconsistent this season, coach Ricky Stuart is not known for making drastic changes to the squad.
AJ Brimson.Source: Getty Images
Parramatta Eels vs New Zealand Warriors @ Commbank Stadium, 5:30pm AEST
Last week’s Eels team: 1. Joash Papali’i 2. Brian Kelly 3. Viliami Penisini 4. Sean Russell 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Ronald Volkman 7. Mitchell Moses 8. Luca Moretti 9. Ryley Smith 10. Junior Paulo 11. Charlie Guymer 12. Jack Williams 17. Jack de Belin 13. Dylan Walker 14. Tallyn Da Silva 15. Saxon Pryke 16. Toni Mataele 18. Kelma Tuilagi 19. Lorenzo Talataina
Team Tips: The Eels can’t seem to catch a break when it comes to injuries. Their horror injury tool has worsened with Dylan Walker (arm) seen in a sling after an incident with opposing back-rower Haumole Olakau’atu. The club are also likely to be without Tallyn Da Silva after he was sent to the sin-bin and placed on report for a lifting tackle on Jake Simpkin. They aren’t expecting any of their injured players back at this stage.
Last week’s Warriors team: 1. Taine Tuaupiki 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 3. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 4. Ali Leiataua 5. Alofiana Khan-Pereira 6. Chanel Harris-Tavita 7. Tanah Boyd 8. James Fisher-Harris 9. Wayde Egan 10. Jackson Ford 11. Leka Halasima 12. Kurt Capewell 13. Erin Clark 14. Samuel Healey 15. Mitchell Barnett 16. Demitric Vaimauga 17. Jacob Laban 20. Luke Hanson 21. Eddie Ieremia-Toeava
Team tips: New Zealand Warriors coach Andrew Webster has confirmed that duo Ali Leiataua (concussion) and Mitch Barnett (concussion) will be out for this week after suffering head knocks. Although he didn’t give a clear update on their status, Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad (neck), Luke Metcalf (hamstring) and Te Maire Martin (leg) are all slated to be available for this week, but more will be known in the coming days. If they are available, it could cause Webster to make a major shift in his spine.
Webster weighs-in on Hip Drop debate | 06:14
Sydney Roosters vs Brisbane Broncos @ Allianz Stadium, 7:35pm AEST
Last week’s Roosters team: 1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Hugo Savala 4. Robert Toia 5. Mark Nawaqanitawase 6. Daly Cherry-Evans 7. Sam Walker 8. Naufahu Whyte 9. Reece Robson 10. Lindsay Collins 11. Angus Crichton 12. Siua Wong 13. Victor Radley 14. Connor Watson 15. Spencer Leniu 16. Nat Butcher 17. Salesi Foketi 18. Cody Ramsey 22. Tommy Talau
Team Tips: Named on the reserves for last week’s match, centre Billy Smith (knee) is available for selection but it’s hard to see him getting a look into the side due to the Roosters tremendous form and the ability Hugo Savala has to roam the field and play in the centres. No other changes are set to be made, but forward duo Egan Butcher and Blake Steep could come into consideration after a great showing in the NSW Cup competition.
Last week’s Broncos team: 18. Hayze Perham 2. Josiah Karapani 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Gehamat Shibasaki 5. Deine Mariner 6. Ezra Mam 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Ben Talty 9. Cory Paix 10. Jack Gosiewski 11. Brendan Piakura 12. Jordan Riki 13. Xavier Willison 14. Josh Rogers 15. Jaiyden Hunt 16. Preston Riki 17. Va’a Semu 19. Antonio Verhoeven 20. Thomas Duffy
Team Tips: The Broncos could be in line to receive a massive boost for this week, with Michael Maguire revealing that fullback Reece Walsh (broken cheekbone and lacerated foot) is a chance to return. “I’m pretty confident Reece will be ready to get back and play this week,” Maguire told Code Sports. This comes as they will also get Patrick Carrigan (suspension) back, while Preston Riki has been ruled out after copping a one-match ban.
Reece Walsh.Source: Supplied
SUNDAY 3RD MAY
Newcastle Knights vs South Sydney Rabbitohs @ McDonald Jones Stadium, 2pm AEST
Last week’s Knights team: 1. Fletcher Sharpe 2. Dominic Young 3. Dane Gagai 4. Fletcher Hunt 5. James Schiller 6. Sandon Smith 7. Dylan Brown 8. Jacob Saifiti 9. Phoenix Crossland 15. Pasami Saulo 11. Francis Manuleleua 12. Jermaine McEwen 13. Mathew Croker 10. Trey Mooney 14. Harrison Graham 16. Cody Hopwood 17. Elijah Leaumoana 18. Asu Kepaoa 19. Kyle McCarthy
Team Tips: The Newcastle Knights will receive an overdue boost with up to five players set to make their returns from injury this week. Bradman Best (groin) and Kalyn Ponga (hamstring) are on track to make their returns and will be joined by Greg Marzhew (concussion) and Tyson Frizell (ribs). Meanwhile, back-rower Dylan Lucas (hamstring) is 50/50 to make his return as well. “Yeah (Ponga and Best should be back). I wouldn’t say certain, but they’re on track. Greg (Marzhew) will come back, Tyson Frizell, and maybe Dylan Lucas, he’s an outside chance,” coach Justin Holbrook said. If Ponga returns, Fletcher Sharpe will move out of the No.1 jersey but Holbrook failed to provide an indication on who will be used in the atarting halves.
Last week’s Rabbitohs team: 1. Matthew Dufty 2. Alex Johnston 3. Latrell Mitchell 4. Jack Wighton 5. Campbell Graham 6. Cody Walker 7. Jamie Humphreys 8. Tevita Tatola 9. Bronson Garlick 10. Sean Keppie 11. Brandon Smith 12. Tallis Duncan 13. Cameron Murray 14. Peter Mamouzelos 15. Lachlan Hubner 16. Jayden Sullivan 17. Keaon Koloamatangi 18. Euan Aitken 19. Edward Kosi
Team Tips: The Rabbitohs will be sweating on the availability of Brandon Smith (calf) after he departed the field 13 minutes into the club’s match last round against the Storm. “He’s hurt his leg, we don’t think it’s too bad. Hopefully he will be ok next week, if it’s not next week, it will be the week after,” coach Wayne Bennett said. Halfback Jamie Humphreys (rib) also left the field early, but he is understood to be available for this week.
Holbrook praises Knights despite defeat | 04:55
Cronulla Sutherland Sharks vs Wests Tigers @ Ocean Protect Stadium, 4:05pm AEST
Last week’s Sharks team: 1. William Kennedy 2. Mawene Hiroti 3. Siosifa Talakai 4. KL Iro 5. Samuel Stonestreet 6. Braydon Trindall 7. Nicho Hynes 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Toby Rudolf 11. Billy Burns 12. Teig Wilton 13. Jesse Colquhoun 14. Briton Nikora 15. Cameron McInnes 16. Oregon Kaufusi 17. Thomas Hazelton 18. Hohepa Puru 20. Riley Jones
Team Tips: Centre Jesse Ramien (knee) is a chance to return to the side and will be a great addition for the club in the back-line. However, it is unknown whether any other changes are planned. There are whispers that Sione Katoa suffered an injury in NSW Cup after being dropped to reserve-grade last week. This reportedly occurred in the same match the young fullback Liam Ison (ACL) finally made his return to the rugby league field. It wouldn’t be surprising to see Briton Nikora promoted from the interchange bench to the starting side after a strong showing.
Last week’s Tigers team: 1. Jahream Bula 2. Sunia Turuva 3. Taylan May 4. Starford To’a 5. Luke Laulilii 6. Jarome Luai 7. Adam Doueihi 8. Terrell May 9. Apisai Koroisau 10. Fonua Pole 11. Samuela Fainu 12. Kai Pearce-Paul 13. Alex Twal 14. Jock Madden 15. Sione Fainu 16. Royce Hunt 17. Alex Seyfarth 18. Patrick Herbert 19. Tristan Hope
Team Tips: The Wests Tigers will be sweating on the availability of fullback Jahream Bula (shoulder) and Taylan May (wrist/shoulder) after they departed the field early against the Raiders. Bula was confident he would be available this week, but an update on May has yet to be provided. This comes as they will be forced into at least two changes with Apisai Koroisau (suspension) and Kai Pearce-Paul (concussion) unavailable for Sunday’s match. Rookies Heamasi Makasini (foot) and Tino Tavana (hamstring) remain sidelined with respective injuries.
Api Koroisau.Source: Getty Images
Penrith Panthers vs Manly Sea Eagles @ Commbank Stadium, 6:15pm AEST
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. Nathan Cleary 8. Moses Leota 9. Freddy Lussick 10. Lindsay Smith 11. Isaiah Papali’i 12. Luke Garner 13. Isaah Yeo 14. Jack Cogger 15. Scott Sorensen 16. Kalani Going 17. Billy Phillips 18. Izack Tago 19. Jack Cole
Team Tips: Don’t expect any changes from Ivan Cleary, as the Panthers suffered no injuries during their match last week against the Knights. Liam Henry did not play in NSW Cup as he continues to make a slow return from injury. Meanwhile, Luron Patea is expected to push for a spot in the first-grade side in the coming weeks after making a successful return from injury that saw him spend multiple weeks on the sidelines.
Last week’s Sea Eagles team: 1. Tolutau Koula 2. Jason Saab 3. Clayton Faulalo 4. Reuben Garrick 5. Lehi Hopoate 6. Luke Brooks 7. Jamal Fogarty 8. Taniela Paseka 9. Brandon Wakeham 10. Kobe Hetherington 11. Haumole Olakau’atu 12. Ben Trbojevic 13. Jake Trbojevic 14. Jake Simpkin 15. Corey Waddell 16. Ethan Bullemor 17. Siosiua Taukeiaho 18. Simione Laiafi 19. Josh Feledy
Team Tips:The Sea Eagles and Kieran Foran will be hoping that Jamal Fogarty (groin) will be ready to go for their match against the Panthers. The veteran halfback departed the field with a couple of minutes left in the match, but it is understood to be only preliminary. Meanwhile, they will have to make one change after versatile forward Corey Waddell (pectoral) sustained an injury against the Eels.
Bye: St George Illawarra Dragons