Grand final backrower Aitvalu Lisati has been cleared to return from a calf injury for the Melbourne Storm this weekend.
“Ativalu was very close to selection for the Anzac Day game, but we felt he was just a bit short,” said Storm Head of Football Frank Ponissi.
“He’s right for this weekend’s game (against the Dolphins) and will be a welcomed addition to our team.”
—Tom Sangster
TAVANA SET FOR LATE INCLUSION
—Tyson Jackson
Wests Tigers rookie Faaletino Tavana is in line to make a return to the NRL this week after training with the first grade side on Wednesday.
Tavana, who was named in jersey No.19, trained with the NRL squad on Wednesday in place of named winger Jeral Skelton.
Skelton was seen wearing the Tigers reserves jersey for their opposed session.
Young gun Heamasi Makasini was out of his moon boot and on the field with his teammates after injuring his foot against the Broncos.
KIKAU OUT 12 WEEKS
—Dean Ritchie
In a horrid blow to Canterbury, forward Viliame Kikau has been ruled out of action for up to three months.
Scans confirmed on Tuesday afternoon that Kikau sustained a serious pectoral injury in last Friday’s loss to Brisbane and won’t return until late July.
The club confirmed Kikau will undergo surgery. In an act of courage, Kikau initially played on after suffering the injury.
“Viliame is conscious of the rehab ahead and the support he has around him and we’ll make sure every resource we have is behind him through that process,” said club CEO Aaron Warburton.
“The priority is simple: get the surgery right, get the rehab right, and bring him back in the best possible shape. Twelve weeks is our current guide and we’ll manage that carefully.
Bulldogs second-rower Jake Preston will now switch from right to left edge to cover for Kikau.
Sitili Tupouniua has been named in the starting side for Friday night’s match against North Queensland at Accor Stadium.
Kikau’s injury setback comes after skipper Stephen Crichton admitted to taking painkilling injections pre-game and at halftime to cover an AC shoulder injury sustained against Souths on Good Friday.
Crichton’s return to the field after missing just two games was described as “miraculous.”
In a frank admission, Crichton revealed Preston has also been having painkilling needles most of this season after sustaining injuries in both AC joints.
Forward Harry Hayes accepted an early tripping charge and miss the Cowboys game while winger Jacob Kiraz (knee) and prop Max King (jaw) are also sidelined.
Bailey Hayward will return as first-string hooker after being benched to start last week’s game against Brisbane. Jake Turpin, who started at dummy half against the Broncos, will come off the bench.
PEZET DUMPED TO NSW CUP
—Tom Sangster
Star signing Jonah Pezet will return from a hamstring injury in NSW Cup this weekend.
Pezet, who hasn’t played since injuring his hamstring in Round 5, has been named at halfback in Parramatta’s reserve grade side.
Ronald Volkman retains the five-eighth spot in first grade alongside halfback Mitchell Moses.
NRL ROUND NINE TEAMS
BULLDOGS v COWBOYS
Friday May 1, 6pm, Accor Stadium, Sydney
Bulldogs
1. Connor Tracey 2. Jonathan Sua 3. Bronson Xerri 4. Stephen Crichton 5.Enari Tuala 6. Matt Burton 7. Lachlan Galvin 8. Samuel Hughes 9. Bailey Hayward 10. Leo Thompson 11. Sitili Tupouniua 12. Jacob Preston 13. Jaeman Salmon
Interchange: 14. Kurt Mann 15. Josh Curran 16. Lipoi Hopoui 17. Jake Turpin 19. Marcelo Montoya 20. Alekolasimi Jones
Reserves: 21. Sean O’Sullivan 22. Logan Spinks 23. Jethro Rinakama
Players cut: To come
Late Mail: The Bulldogs have revealed Viliame Kikau (pectoral) will miss up to three months.
Second-rower Jacob Preston will switch from right to left edge to cover Kikau, with Sitili Tupouniua starting on the other edge.
Enari Tuala (hamstring) is right to return, having ousted Marcelo Montoya for a wing spot.
Cowboys
1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Braidon Burns 3. Jaxon Purdue 4. Tomas Chester 5. Zac Laybutt 6. Jake Clifford 7. Tom Dearden 8. Coen Hess 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Jason Taumalolo 11. Heilum Luki 12. Jeremiah Nanai 13. Reuben Cotter
Interchange: 14. Soni Luke 15. Sam McIntyre 16. Thomas Mikaele 17. Griffin Neame 18. Matt Lodge 19. Mason Barber
Reserves: 20. Kai O’Donnell 21. Kaiden Lahrs 22. Robert Derby
Players cut: To come
Late Mail: Coach Todd Payten says Murray Taulagi could miss more than a month due to concussion.
“He’s had two concussions in three weeks … He was still symptomatic a couple of days ago, which is not a great sign,” Payten said.
“He’s going to miss three or four games at least.”
DOLPHINS v STORM
Friday May 1, 8pm, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Dolphins
1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Trai Fuller 4. Herbie Farnworth 5. Selwyn Cobbo 6. Brad Schneider 7. Isaiya Katoa 8. Tom Gilbert 9. Max Plath 10. Francis Molo 11. Connelly Lemuelu 12. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki 13. Morgan Knowles
Interchange: 14. Ray Stone 15. Thomas Flegler 16. Felise Kaufusi 17. Oryn Keeley 18. Lewis Symonds 19. Tevita Naufahu
Reserves: 20. John Fineanganofo 21. Kurt Donoghoe 22. Jack Bostock
Players cut: To come
Late Mail: Jake Averillo will miss six weeks due to multiple dislocations in his hand, plus an associated wound.
After initially being slated for this week, the return of Jeremy Marshall-King (ankle) has been pushed back to Round 11.
The club expects Brad Schneider (illness) and Morgan Knowles (calf) to return this week as named, while Kurt Donoghoe (hamstring) is also pushing to return after being named in the extended squad.
Jack Bostock returned from an ACL injury in Queensland Cup last week and could come into contention for an NRL spot after being named in jersey 22.
Storm
1. Sualauvi Faalogo 2. William Warbrick 3. Jack Howarth 4. Nick Meaney 5. Hugo Peel 6. Cameron Munster 7. Tyran Wishart 8. Stefano Utoikamanu 9. Harry Grant 10. Josh King 11. Shawn Blore 12. Ativalu Lisati 13. Alec MacDonald
Interchange: 14. Trent Tolau 15. Joe Chan 16. Davvy Moale 17. Trent Loiero 18. Cooper Clarke 19. Manaia Waitere
Reserves: 20. Josiah Pahulu 21. Moses Leo 22. Jack Hetherington
Players cut: To come
Late Mail: Ativalu Lisati (calf) is a confirmed starter. Hugo Peel will make his NRL debut on the wing.
Xavier Coates (Achilles) is aiming for Round 12, while Jahrome Hughes (concussion) will return next week.
TITANS v RAIDERS
Saturday May 2, 3pm, Cbus Super Stadium, Gold Coast
Titans
1. Keano Kini 2. Sialetili Faeamani 3. Jojo Fifita 4. AJ Brimson 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 13. Chris Randall
Interchange: 14. Oliver Pascoe 15. Cooper Bai 16. Moeaki Fotuaika 17. Klese Haas 18. Jaylan De Groot 19. Josh Patston
Reserves: 20. Zane Harrison 21. Adam Christensen 22. Bodhi Sharpley
Players cut: To come
Late Mail: The Titans are rested up after the bye with AJ Brimson (birth of child) and Chris Randall (calf) to both return.
Raiders
1. Kaeo Weekes 2. Savelio Tamale 3. Sebastian Kris 4. Matthew Timoko 5. Jed Stuart 6. Ethan Strange 7. Ethan Sanders 8. Corey Horsburgh 9. Tom Starling 10. Joseph Tapine 11. Ata Mariota 12. Simi Sasagi 13. Jayden Brailey
Interchange: 14. Chevy Stewart 15. Daine Laurie 16. Morgan Smithies 17. Joseph Roddy 18. Owen Pattie 19. Jordan Uta
Reserves: 20. Ethan Alaia 21. Jake Clydsdale 22. Sione Finau
Players cut: To come
Late Mail: Ethan Strange (ankle) and Simi Sasagi (hamstring) have been named but must pass fitness tests.
Zac Hosking will miss at least three weeks with a serious concussion.
Noah Martin has been sent for surgery on both ankles and is out indefinitely.
EELS v WARRIORS
Saturday May 2, 5:30pm, CommBank Stadium, Sydney
Eels
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 13. Jack de Belin
Interchange: 14. Tallyn Da Silva 15. Saxon Pryke 16. Toni Mataele 17. Dylan Walker 18. Kelma Tuilagi 19. Lorenzo Talataina
Reserves: 20. Jordan Samrani 21. Teancum Brown 22. Araz Nanva
Players cut: To come
Late Mail: Jonah Pezet will return from a hamstring injury in NSW Cup.
Dylan Walker was seen in a sling on the sideline yet was named in the No. 17 jersey on Thursday.
Warriors
1. Taine Tuaupiki 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 3. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 4. Adam Pompey 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
Interchange: 14. Samuel Healey 15. Tanner Stowers-Smith 16. Demitric Vaimauga 17. Jacob Laban 18. Eddie Ieremia-Toeava 20. Luke Metcalf
Reserves: 21. Kayliss Fatialofa 22. Te Maire Martin 23. Makaia Tafua
Players cut: To come
Late Mail: Playmakers Luke Metcalf (hamstring) and Te Maire Martin (broken leg) are lurking on the extended bench as they eye comebacks.
Both have been cleared to return, although coach Andrew Webster may be reluctant to break up the halves combination of Tanah Boyd and Chanel Harris-Tavita that has taken the Warriors to second on the ladder.
Tanner Stowers-Smith (hamstring) is right to go after missing the last two weeks.
Ali Leiataua, Mitch Barnett and Marata Niukore all missed the squad due to concussion.
The planned return of Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad (neck) has been delayed another week.
ROOSTERS v BRONCOS
Saturday May 2, 7:35pm, Allianz Stadium, Sydney
Roosters
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
Interchange: 14. Connor Watson 15. Spencer Leniu 16. Nat Butcher 17. Salesi Foketi 18. Cody Ramsey 19. Tommy Talau
Reserves: 20. Benaiah Ioelu 21. Egan Butcher 22. Blake Steep
Players cut: To come
Late Mail: Same squad for the fourth consecutive week.
Billy Smith (knee) is the only member of the top squad currently injured.
Broncos
1. Reece Walsh 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. Xavier Willison 12. Jordan Riki 13. Pat Carrigan
Interchange: 14. Josh Rogers 15. Jaiyden Hunt 16. Va’a Semu 17. Aublix Tawha 18. Jesse Arthars 19. Hayze Perham
Reserves: 20. Luke Gale 21. Tom Duffy 22. Antonio Verhoeven
Players cut: To come
Late Mail: The battered Broncos have received a huge boost with injured superstar fullback Reece Walsh medically cleared.
Walsh visited his surgeon on Wednesday morning and received final clearance on the broken cheekbone he suffered in round 5.
Walsh trained strongly on Tuesday, running with a red no-contact bib to avoid fresh facial damage.
Now the classy custodian only has to get through Friday’s captain’s run.
The cavalry is returning for the Broncos, who will also welcome back vice-captain Pat Carrigan from suspension.
The Broncos have confirmed Corey Jensen will miss three months due to a blood clot in his lung.
KNIGHTS v RABBITOHS
Sunday May 3, 2pm, McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle
Knights
1. Kalyn Ponga 2. Dominic Young 3. Dane Gagai 4. Bradman Best 5. Greg Marzhew 6. Fletcher Sharpe 7. Dylan Brown 8. Jacob Saifiti 9. Phoenix Crossland 10. Trey Mooney 11. Dylan Lucas 12. Jermaine McEwen 13. Mat Croker
Interchange: 14. Sandon Smith 15. Tyson Frizell 16. Pasami Saulo 17. Fletcher Hunt 18. Harrison Graham 19. Francis Manuleleua
Reserves: 20. Cody Hopwood 21. Kyle McCarthy 22. James Schiller
Players cut: To come
Late Mail: Kalyn Ponga (hamstring), Bradman Best (groin), Greg Marzhew (concussion), Dylan Lucas (throat) and Tyson Frizell (ribs) are all on track to return in a huge boost for the Knights.
Rabbitohs
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. Keaon Koloamatangi 12. Tallis Duncan 13. Cameron Murray
Interchange: 14. Peter Mamouzelos 15. Lachlan Hubner 16. Euan Aitken 17. Liam Le Blanc 18. Jayden Sullivan 19. Moala Graham-Taufa
Reserves: 20. Adam Elliott 21. Latrell Siegwalt 22. Brandon Smith
Players cut: To come
Late Mail: Jamie Humphreys failed to finish due to a rib injury on the weekend but was named on Tuesday.
Jayden Sullivan is on the six-man bench as cover.
There’s plenty of action in the extended squad with Adam Elliott and Brandon Smith both pushing to return from calf injuries.
For Elliott, it would be his South Sydney debut, while Smith made it through just 13 minutes last week.
SHARKS v WESTS TIGERS
Sunday May 3, 4:05pm, Ocean Protect Stadium, Sydney
Sharks
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. Briton Nikora 12. Teig Wilton 13. Cameron McInnes
Interchange: 14. Jesse Colquhoun 15. Billy Burns 16. Oregon Kaufusi 17. Thomas Hazelton 18. Hohepa Puru 19. Braden Hamlin-Uele
Reserves: 20. Riley Jones 21. Niwhai Puru 22. Chris Veaila
Players cut: To come
Late Mail: Jesse Ramien (knee) is aiming for next week, while Ronaldo Mulitalo (ACL) says he could return the week after.
Sione Katoa was unavailable for selection after going down injured in NSW Cup last week.
Briton Nikora will start in the back row with Billy Burns moving to the bench.
Wests Tigers
1. Sunia Turuva 2. Jeral Skelton 3. Taylan May 4. Starford To’a 5. Luke Laulilii 6. Jarome Luai 7. Adam Doueihi 8. Terrell May 9. Tristan Hope 10. Fonua Pole 11. Samuela Fainu 12. Tony Sukkar 13. Alex Twal
Interchange: 14. Jock Madden 15. Sione Fainu 16. Royce Hunt 17. Alex Seyfarth 18. Latu Fainu 19. Faaletino Tavana
Reserves: 20. Patrick Herbert 21. Bunty Afoa 22. Charlie Murray
Players cut: To come
Late Mail: Faaletino Tavana (hamstring) is expected to come onto the wing for Jeral Skelton.
Tristan Hope is the new hooker after Apisai Koroisau (suspension) copped three weeks for a hip drop.
Kai Pearce-Paul (concussion) will be available next week.
PANTHERS v SEA EAGLES
Sunday May 3, 6:15pm, CommBank Stadium, Sydney
Panthers
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
Interchange: 14. Jack Cogger 15. Scott Sorensen 16. Kalani Going 17. Billy Phillips 18. Izack Tago 19. Jack Cole
Reserves: 20. Luron Patea 21. Billy Scott 22. Sione Fonua
Players cut: To come
Late Mail: Izack Tago played in the second row off the bench and could do so once more this week.
Sea Eagles
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
Interchange: 14. Jake Simpkin 15. Nathan Brown 16. Ethan Bullemor 17. Siosiua Taukeiaho 18. Blake Wilson 19. Jackson Shereb
Reserves: 20. Joey Walsh 21. Simione Laiafi 22. Zach Dockar-Clay
Players cut: To come
Late Mail: Corey Waddell (pectoral) went down with a serious injury last week and is eyeing Round 21.