Michael Maguire has dropped an enormous selection bombshell, dropping Broncos five-eighth Ezra Mam to the bench for this weekend’s clash.
After four-straight losses, Mam has been replaced by Tom Duffy in the starting side for Brisbane’s round 14 showdown against the Titans.
Ezra Mam has been dropped by the Broncos. Getty
Mam was part of Billy Slater’s Maroons squad for the State of Origin series opener last week, but has now become a casualty of Brisbane’s poor form.
It comes as star teammates Patrick Carrigan and Gehamat Shibasaki have both been ruled out due to injuries suffered against the Dragons.
Elsewhere, the Sharks have copped a fresh injury blow, while the Eels have made a huge decision on the fitness of captain Mitchell Moses.
St George Illawarra earned some good news after a breakthrough win, while Cameron Ciraldo has made some changes for the Bulldogs.
Penrith rested some big guns on Sunday night after State of Origin duties, but are set to welcome them back this weekend.
Nine.com.au takes a look at all the team news for round 14.
Thursday
Manly Sea Eagles vs South Sydney Rabbitohs, Broovkale Oval (7.50pm)
Tolu Koula will return this week. Getty
Sea Eagles team: 1. Clayton Faulalo 2. Jason Saab 3. Tolutau Koula 4. Reuben Garrick 5. Lehi Hopoate 6. Luke Brooks 7. Jamal Fogarty 8. Taniela Paseka 9. Jake Simpkin 10. Kobe Hetherington 11. Haumole Olakau’atu 12. Ben Trbojevic 13. Jake Trbojevic 14. Brandon Wakeham 15. Nathan Brown 16. Jackson Shereb 17. Simione Laiafi 18. Josh Feledy 19. Joey Walsh 20. Blake Wilson 21. Onitoni Large 22. Aaron Schoupp
Sea Eagles team news: Tolu Koula (concussion) has been cleared to play after receiving clearance from the NRL, slotting into the centres. Haumole Olakau’atu returns in the back-row after being rested last weekend.
Rabbitohs team: 1. Jye Gray 2. Alex Johnston 3. Latrell Siegwalt 4. Campbell Graham 5. Edward Kosi 6. Cody Walker 7. Ashton Ward 8. Tevita Tatola 9. Brandon Smith 10. Keaon Koloamatangi 11. David Fifita 12. Tallis Duncan 13. Cameron Murray 14. Lachlan Hubner 15. Jamie Humphreys 16. Euan Aitken 17. Sean Keppie 18. Matthew Dufty 19. Liam Le Blanc 20. Moala Graham-Taufa 21. Bronson Garlick 22. Thomas Fletcher
Rabbitohs team news: Huge boost with David Fifita (hamstring), Brandon Smith (calf), Campbell Graham (calf) and Cameron Murray (Origin) all returning to the starting side. Peter Mamouzelos drops out of the squad completely, Tallis Duncan shifts to the back-row, Keaon Koloamatangi lines up at prop and Edward Kosi comes onto the wing for rookie Talanoa Penitani (hamstring). Jye Gray has regained his fullback spot, with Matt Dufty shifting to the six-man bench. Adam Elliott (ankle) looks set to miss the rest of the season.
Friday
Melbourne Storm vs Newcastle Knights, AAMI Park (6pm)
Storm team: 1. Sualauvi Faalogo 2. William Warbrick 3. Jack Howarth 4. Manaia Waitere 5. Moses Leo 6. Cameron Munster 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Stefano Utoikamanu 9. Harry Grant 10. Josh King 11. Cooper Clarke 12. Ativalu Lisati 13. Trent Loiero 14. Trent Toelau 15. Alec MacDonald 16. Jack Hetherington 17. Josiah Pahulu 18. Joe Chan 19. Siulagi Tuimalatu-Brown 20. Shawn Blore 21. Keagan Russell-smith 22. Angus Hinchey
Storm team news: Nick Meaney (calf) has been ruled out and will be replaced by Manaia Waitere at dentre. Shawn Blore (concussion) has been named among the reserves after missing Melbourne’s round 13 victory.
Nick Meaney has been ruled out for the Storm. Getty
Knights team: 1. Kalyn Ponga 2. Dominic Young 3. Dane Gagai 4. Fletcher Hunt 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. Mathew Croker 14. Harrison Graham 15. Tyson Frizell 16. Pasami Saulo 17. Thomas Cant 18. Cody Hopwood 19. Francis Manuleleua 20. James Schiller 21. Kyle McCarthy 22. Elijah Leaumoana
Knights team news: Sandon Smith (calf) is facing a stint on the sidelines, forcing a reshuffle to the backline with Fletcher Sharpe at five-eighth and Fletcher Hunt named to play centre.
Canberra Raiders vs Sydney Roosters, GIO Stadium (8pm)
Raiders team: 1. Kaeo Weekes 2. Savelio Tamale 3. Daine Laurie 4. Matthew Timoko 5. Xavier Savage 6. Ethan Strange 7. Ethan Sanders 8. Corey Horsburgh 9. Tom Starling 10. Joseph Tapine 11. Hudson Young 12. Zac Hosking 13. Jayden Brailey 14. Owen Pattie 15. Ata Mariota 16. Morgan Smithies 17. Jed Stuart 18. Chevy Stewart 19. Joseph Roddy 20. Coby Black 21. Vena Patuki-Case 22. Ethan Alaia
Raiders team news: Jayden Brailey (concussion) returns at lock, with Daine Laurie shifting to the centres in place of Seb Kris (concussion). Joe Roddy (hand) has been named to make his return on the six-man bench this week.
Roosters team: 1. James Tedesco 2. Billy Smith 3. Hugo Savala 4. Robert Toia 5. Cody Ramsey 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. Reece Foley 19. Egan Butcher 20. Benaiah Ioelu 21. Tom Rodwell 23. Mark Nawaqanitawase
Roosters team news: No changes despite last weekend’s loss, however star winger Mark Nawaqanitawase (ankle) has been named among the reserves as he pushes for an early return from a syndesmosis injury.
Mark Nawaqanitawase could be a late inclusion. NRL Images
Saturday
North Queensland Cowboys vs Dolphins, QCB Stadium (5.30pm)
Cowboys team: 1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Zac Laybutt 3. Jaxon Purdue 4. Tomas Chester 5. Murray Taulagi 6. Liam Sutton 7. Jake Clifford 8. Thomas Mikaele 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Jason Taumalolo 11. Heilum Luki 12. Sam McIntyre 13. Reuben Cotter 14. Soni Luke 15. Griffin Neame 16. Matthew Lodge 17. Coen Hess 18. Robert Derby 19. Ethan King 20. Wiremu Greig 21. Viliami Vailea 22. Xavier Kerrisk
Cowboys team news: Reuben Cotter returns after being rested last weekend and will start at lock, while Thomas Mikaele (knee) has been named despite limping off on Sunday afternoon. Soni Luke (knee) is back on the bench this week.
Dolphins team: 1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Jack Bostock 4. Herbie Farnworth 5. Selwyn Cobbo 6. Kodi Nikorima 7. Isaiya Katoa 8. Thomas Flegler 9. Max Plath 10. Francis Molo 11. Connelly Lemuelu 12. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki 13. Morgan Knowles 14. Jeremy Marshall-King 15. Kurt Donoghoe 16. Tom Gilbert 17. Ray Stone 18. Felise Kaufusi 19. Brad Schneider 20. Oryn Keeley 21. Trai Fuller 22. Tevita Naufahu
Dolphins team news: Herbie Farnworth (hamstring) and Kodi Nikorima (hamstring) have both been named to return in a major boost, while the club’s Origin contingent are also back on deck.
Brisbane Broncos vs Gold Coast Titans, Suncorp Stadium (7.35pm)
Broncos team: 1. Reece Walsh 2. Josiah Karapani 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Grant Anderson 5. Jesse Arthars 6. Thomas Duffy 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Preston Riki 9. Cory Paix 10. Payne Haas 11. Brendan Piakura 12. Jack Gosiewski 13. Xavier Willison 14. Ben Hunt 15. Ben Talty 16. Va’a Semu 17. Aublix Tawha 18. Ezra Mam 19. Hayze Perham 20. Jaiyden Hunt 21. Phillip Coates 22. Josh Rogers
Patrick Carrigan suffered an ankle injury in round 13. NRL Imagery
Broncos team news: Ezra Mam has been dropped to the bench and replaced by Tom Duffy at five-eighth in a huge move from coach Michael Maguire. Star forward Patrick Carrigan (ankle) is sidelined, with Jack Gosiewski starting in the back-row and Xavier Willison shifting to lock. Gehamat Shibasaki (knee) is facing up to six weeks out, with Grant Anderson named to replace him.
Titans team: 1. Keano Kini 2. Jenson Taumoepeau 3. Jojo Fifita 4. AJ Brimson 5. Phillip Sami 6. Jayden Campbell 7. Zane Harrison 8. Moeaki Fotuaika 9. Oliver Pascoe 10. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui 11. Arama Hau 12. Beau Fermor 13. Cooper Bai 14. Kurtis Morrin 15. Josh Patston 16. Chris Randall 17. Klese Haas 18. Jaylan De Groot 19. Luke Sommerton 20. Tony Francis 21. Bodhi Sharpley 22. Lachlan Ilias
Titans team news: Tino Fa’asuamaleaui and Jojo Fifita are back from Origin duties, pushing Klese Haas and Jaylan De Groot to the bench. Oliver Pascoe (concussion) has been cleared and will start at hooker.
Sunday
Wests Tigers vs Penrith Panthers, CommBank Stadium (2pm)
Tigers team: 1. Jahream Bula 2. Jeral Skelton 3. Sunia Turuva 4. Heamasi Makasini 5. Faaletino Tavana 6. Jarome Luai 7. Jock Madden 8. Terrell May 9. Apisai Koroisau 10. Fonua Pole 11. Mavrik Geyer 12. Kai Pearce-Paul 13. Charlie Murray 14. Latu Fainu 15. Alex Seyfarth 16. Royce Hunt 17. Ethan Roberts 18. Bunty Afoa 19. Starford To’a 20. Tristan Hope 21. Heath Mason 22. Javon Andrews
Tigers team news: Heamasi Makasini (shoulder) has been cleared to play, but the news is less positive for Sione Fainu (concussion) and Alex Twal (knee), who have both been ruled out. Charlie Murray and Mavrik Geyer will start in the forwards.
Heamasi Makasini has been cleared to play. NRL Imagery
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. Liam Martin 13. Isaah Yeo 14. Jack Cogger 15. Scott Sorensen 16. Liam Henry 17. Izack Tago 18. Luke Garner 19. Jack Cole 20. Billy Phillips 21. Billy Scott 22. Luron Patea
Panthers team news: Nathan Cleary, Isaah Yeo and Brian To’o have all been named to return after being rested last weekend. Paul Alamoti moves to centre while Izack Tago, Jack Cogger and Liam Henry shift to the bench.
Cronulla Sharks vs St George Illawarra Dragons, Shark Park (4.05pm)
Sharks team: 1. William Kennedy 2. Samuel Stonestreet 3. Jesse Ramien 4. Mawene Hiroti 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo 6. Braydon Trindall 7. Niwhai Puru 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Jayden Berrell 10. Toby Rudolf 11. Briton Nikora 12. Teig Wilton 13. Cameron McInnes 14. Siosifa Talakai 15. Billy Burns 16. Jesse Colquhoun 17. Thomas Hazelton 18. Hohepa Puru 19. Oregon Kaufusi 20. Riley Jones 21. KL Iro 22. Sione Katoa
Sharks team news: Jayden Berrell will step into the hooker role this week with Blayke Brailey (broken arm) out injured. Briton Nikora returns after being rested last week, while KL Iro (knee) and Sione Katoa (ankle) are among the reserves.
Dragons team: 1. Clinton Gutherson 2. Setu Tu 3. Moses Suli 4. Valentine Holmes 5. Mathew Feagai 6. Daniel Atkinson 7. Kyle Flanagan 8. Loko Jnr Pasifiki Tonga 9. Damien Cook 10. Toby Couchman 11. Dylan Egan 12. Hamish Stewart 13. Ryan Couchman 14. Jacob Liddle 15. Josh Kerr 16. Luciano Leilua 17. Blake Lawrie 18. Lyhkan King-Togia 19. Emre Guler 20. Tyrell Sloan 21. Jaydn Su’A 22. Nathan Lawson
Dragons team news: Clint Gutherson (calf) has been named despite limping off in Sunday’s breakthrough victory, with Tyrell Sloan dropping out of the side. Jacob Liddle (hamstring) returns on the bench, while Jaydn Su’A (calf) could make an early return after being named among the reserves.
Clint Gutherson has been named at fullback. NRL Images
Monday
Canterbury Bulldogs vs Parramatta Eels, Accor Stadium (4.05pm)
Bulldogs team: 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. Kurt Mann 10. Leo Thompson 11. Sitili Tupouniua 12. Jaeman Salmon 13. Harry Hayes 14. Bailey Hayward 15. Jed Reardon 16. Jack Underhill 17. Josh Curran 19. Sean O’Sullivan 20. Logan Spinks 21. Lipoi Hopoi 22. Connor Tracey 23. Marcelo Montoya
Bulldogs team news: No major changes this week, however fullback Connor Tracey (hamstring) has again been named among the reserves. Sean O’Sullivan and Logan Spinks have been promoted to the six-man bench.
Mitchell Moses has been left out of Parramatta’s squad. Getty
Eels team: 1. Isaiah Iongi 2. Brian Kelly 3. Jordan Samrani 4. Sean Russell 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Joash Papali’i 7. Ronald Volkman 8. Luca Moretti 9. Tallyn Da Silva 10. Jack Williams 11. Kelma Tuilagi 12. Kitione Kautoga 13. Jack de Belin 14. Dylan Walker 15. Sam Tuivaiti 16. Toni Mataele 17. Harrison Edwards 18. Apa Twidle 19. Teancum Brown 20. Charlie Guymer 21. Ryley Smith 22. Araz Nanva
Eels team news: Mitchell Moses (hamstring) hasn’t been named in the 22-man squad, whilech all-but rules him out for State of Origin game two. Joash Papali’i and Ronald Volkman will remain in the halves together for another week.