Dogs\u2019 fresh spine shock as Bellamy gets \u2018filthy\u2019 at Storm \u2014 NRL Talking Points<\/a><\/p>\nWas a debacle!’ Fatty’s wild ride | 01:26<\/p>\n
SATURDAY MAY 30<\/p>\n
Newcastle Knights vs. Parramatta Eels at McDonald Jones Stadium, 3pm AEST<\/p>\n
Knights team: 1. Kalyn Ponga 2. Dominic Young 3. Dane Gagai 4. Fletcher Sharpe 5. Greg Marzhew 6. Sandon Smith 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. Cody Hopwood 18. Thomas Cant 19. Fletcher Hunt 20. Francis Manuleleua 21. James Schiller 22. Elijah Leaumoana 23. Kyle McCarthy<\/p>\n
Analysis: No changes to a winning formula for coach Justin Holbrook, with Kalyn Ponga and Jacob Saifiti both named to back up from State of Origin. If they are unavailable, expect Fletcher Hunt to come into the backline either at fullback or centre depending on what Holbrook wants do with Sharpe while Pasami Saulo looms as the likely replacement for Saifiti in the starting line-up.<\/p>\n
Eels team: 1. Isaiah Iongi 2. Brian Kelly 3. Jordan Samrani 4. Sean Russell 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Joash Papali\u2019i 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. Charlie Guymer 16. Toni Mataele 17. Harrison Edwards 18. Apa Twidle 19. Teancum Brown 20. Sam Tuivaiti 21. Lorenzo Talataina 22. Araz Nanva<\/p>\n
Analysis: Well, do you want to start with the good or bad news Eels fans? The good news is that fullback Isaiah Iongi returns from his ankle injury in a much-needed boost given it allows Joash Papali\u2019i to shift to the halves to cover the injured Mitchell Moses. NSW coach Laurie Daley said on Tuesday that Moses could have played NRL this weekend, so while he may be sitting out this week it sounds like his hamstring issue isn\u2019t a serious one and he could be back in first grade sooner rather than later. But where\u2019s Jonah Pezet? This isn\u2019t a matter of Pezet being overlooked since he\u2019s not at the club next year. Rather, Pezet has picked up a hamstring issue of his own at training. The severity of the injury is not known at this stage. In better news, Kitione Kautoga (knee) is back while Sam Tuivaiti is a chance of returning from a shoulder injury after being named on the reserves. But it isn\u2019t all good news up front, with Junior Paulo (knee) out for the next eight weeks as Jack Williams replaces him in the starting side.<\/p>\n
Moses injury ‘a huge loss’ for the Blues | 01:33<\/p>\n
SATURDAY MAY 30<\/p>\n
Wests Tigers vs. Bulldogs at CommBank Stadium, 5.30pm AEST<\/p>\n
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. Sione Fainu 12. Kai Pearce-Paul 13. Alex Twal 14. Latu Fainu 15. Alex Seyfarth 16. Royce Hunt 17. Charlie Murray 18. Mavrik Geyer 19. Starford To\u2019a 20. Tristan Hope 21. Ethan Roberts 22. Heath Mason<\/p>\n
Analysis: Big changes for the Tigers, and welcome ones too. Their first-choice spine is starting to get healthy with Jahream Bula back from a shoulder injury while Apisai Koroisau returns from suspension. Adam Doueihi is still out but Jock Madden remains a more than dependable back-up. Elsewhere, Alex Twal (knee) and Heamasi Makasini (foot) also return. Makasini was struggling for confidence when he went down with the foot injury, so the hope is that the time away from the spotlight will have allowed him to reset and continue to prove why he is one of the most promising young players in the game. His return is a timely one too given Taylan May (shoulder) and Patrick Herbert (suspension) are both missing. <\/p>\n
Bulldogs team: 1. Jacob Kiraz 2. Jethro Rinakama 3. Bronson Xerri 4. Enari Tuala 5. Marcelo Montoya 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. Lipoi Hopoi 20. Jonathan Sua 21. Sean O\u2019Sullivan 22. Connor Tracey 23. Stephen Crichton<\/p>\n
Analysis: Connor Tracey has been named in the reserves as he eyes a return from a hamstring injury, although given what Jacob Kiraz produced last week coach Cameron Ciraldo may like to get another look at the winger at fullback. If Kiraz impresses again even though the Bulldogs just extended Tracey it may be worth persisting with him there and playing the versatile Tracey elsewhere. Centres would make the most sense, but Bronson Xerri is coming off his best game of the season and Stephen Crichton is locked into the other spot when healthy. For now, it is a headache for another day. In other news, Jacob Preston is out with his forearm injury for six to eight weeks after undergoing surgery so Jaeman Salmon moves to the second row while Harry Hayes returns at lock. Josh Curran, elsewhere, is back in the frame after playing NSW Cup last week. As for the club\u2019s Origin contingent, Matt Burton has been named to start given he is not expected to get any playing time with the Blues. The same can\u2019t be said for Crichton, who has been playing banged up since suffering a shoulder injury on Good Friday. He has been named on the extended bench and may be given a much-needed rest.<\/p>\n
Kiraz full-time fullback at Bulldogs? | 04:27<\/p>\n
SATURDAY MAY 30<\/p>\n
Melbourne Storm vs. Sydney Roosters at AAMI Park, 7.35pm AEST<\/p>\n
Storm team: 1. Sualauvi Faalogo 2. William Warbrick 3. Jack Howarth 4. Nick Meaney 5. Moses Leo 6. Cameron Munster 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Stefano Utoikamanu 9. Harry Grant 10. Josh King 11. Alec MacDonald 12. Ativalu Lisati 13. Trent Loiero 14. Trent Toelau 15. Cooper Clarke 16. Davvy Moale 17. Josiah Pahulu 18. Joe Chan 19. Manaia Waitere 20. Jack Hetherington 21. Angus Hinchey 22. Gabriel Satrick 23. Keagan Russell-smith<\/p>\n
Analysis: Cameron Munster, Harry Grant and Trent Loiero have all been named in the starting side despite the short turnaround after playing for the QLD Maroons on Wednesday night. Their returns see Keagan Russell-Smith, Gabriel Satrick and Stanley Huen drop out. Meanwhile, Shawn Blore (concussion) is unavailable after being placed in HIA protocols – Alex MacDonald replace him in the starting team.<\/p>\n
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<\/p>\n
Analysis: An injury to veteran winger Daniel Tupou (calf) will see Billy Smith (knee) make his long-awaited return from injury. Coach Trent Robinson has decided to name all of his Origin representatives (James Tedesco, Victor Radley, Reece Robson, Robert Toia, Lindsay Collins and Sam Walker) but it will only be known at a later date if they will take the field. If they don\u2019t, this could open the door for the likes of Benaiah Ioelu, Taylor Losalu, Tom Rodwell, Junior Tupou and young gun Rex Bassingthwaighte to play after being listed on the reserves. Although Cody Ramsey said he has spent plenty of time training at fullback so expect him to line up there if Tedesco is unavailable.<\/p>\n
Cowboys beat Bunnies to close on top 8 | 03:54<\/p>\n
SUNDAY MAY 31<\/p>\n
Brisbane Broncos vs. St. George Illawarra Dragons at Suncorp Stadium, 2pm AEST<\/p>\n
Broncos team: 1. Reece Walsh 2. Josiah Karapani 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Gehamat Shibasaki 5. Jesse Arthars 6. Ezra Mam 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Preston Riki 9. Cory Paix 10. Payne Haas 11. Brendan Piakura 12. Xavier Willison 13. Patrick Carrigan 14. Ben Hunt 15. Ben Talty 16. Va\u2019a Semu 17. Jack Gosiewski 18. Grant Anderson 19. Hayze Perham 20. Thomas Duffy 21. Jaiyden Hunt 22. Phillip Coates 23. Aublix Tawha 24. Josh Rogers<\/p>\n
Analysis: The Broncos have been delivered a massive boost with forward duo Brendan Piakura (knee) and Payne Haas (knee) both named to play. Grant Anderson (knee) and Jack Gosiewski (concussion) have also been named but will come off the interchange bench following a stint on the sidelines. Meanwhile, the club\u2019s two Origin representatives – Patrick Carrigan and Gehamat Shibasaki – have been named to start. Aublix Tawha, Phillip Coates and Jaiyden Hunt move to the reserves.<\/p>\n
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. Blake Lawrie 16. Josh Kerr 17. Luciano Leilua 18. Emre Guler 19. Lyhkan King-Togia 20. Tyrell Sloan 21. Isaiah Fagalilo 22. Tyler Peckham-Harris<\/p>\n
Analysis: Just like the Broncos, the Dragons will also receive a massive boost with Jacob Liddle (hamstring) and Moses Suli (back) making their returns from injury. However, Hayden Buchanan (shoulder) and Jaydn Su\u2019A (calf) remain sidelined while Christian Tuipulotu (hamstring) is a new face to join the casualty ward. Mat Feagai gets a start in the outside backs.<\/p>\n
‘No one in Nathan’s corner more than me’ | 04:59<\/p>\n
SUNDAY MAY 31<\/p>\n
Canberra Raiders vs. North Queensland Cowboys at GIO Stadium, 4.05pm AEST<\/p>\n
Raiders team: 1. Kaeo Weekes 2. Savelio Tamale 3. Sebastian Kris 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. Daine Laurie 14. Owen Pattie 15. Ata Mariota 16. Morgan Smithies 17. Jed Stuart 18. Chevy Stewart 19. Jordan Uta 20. Coby Black 21. Vena Patuki-Case 22. Ethan Alaia<\/p>\n
Analysis: Ethan Strange and Hudson Young have been named to start despite the short turnaround from Game One of the 2026 State of Origin series. Last week\u2019s debutant Jordan Uta keeps his spot on the six-man bench, while Sebastian Kris returns after being a late omission last week after suffering an injury during the warm-up. As a result, Jed Stuart moves back to the interchange bench.<\/p>\n
Cowboys team:\u00a01. 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. Viliami Vailea 15. Griffin Neame 16. Matthew Lodge 17. Coen Hess 18. Robert Derby 19. Ethan King 20. Xavier Kerrisk 21. Wiremu Greig 22. Mason Barber<\/p>\n
Analysis: Cowboys captain Reuben Cotter has been named at lock after missing last week, while Murray Taulagi (concussion) takes his spot on the wing as he fights for his future. This will see Papua New Guinea international Robert Derby forced out of the starting side.<\/p>\n
What does a huge Origin do for Walker? | 03:19<\/p>\n
SUNDAY MAY 31<\/p>\n
Penrith Panthers vs. Warriors at CommBank Stadium, 6.15pm AEST<\/p>\n
Panthers team: 1. Dylan Edwards 2. Thomas Jenkins 3. Izack Tago 4. Luke Garner 5. Paul Alamoti 6. Blaize Talagi 7. Jack Cogger 8. Moses Leota 9. Freddy Lussick 10. Liam Henry 11. Isaiah Papali\u2019i 12. Liam Martin 13. Lindsay Smith 14. Jack Cole 15. Scott Sorensen 16. Billy Phillips 17. Luron Patea 18. Billy Scott 19. Sione Fonua 20. Kalani Going 21. Casey McLean 22. Isaah Yeo 23. Nathan Cleary 24. Brian To\u2019o<\/p>\n
Analysis: All four of the Panthers\u2019 Origin representatives (Brian To\u2019o, Casey McLean, Isaah Yeo and Nathan Cleary) have been named among the reserves but their availability will depend on if coach Ivan Cleary wants to rest them for a week or not. As it stands, Luke Garner, Izack Tago, Jack Cogger and Liam Henry have all been shifted into the starting side. Meanwhile, Liam Martin has been named to make his return from injury and Luron Patea joins the six-man bench after a long stint in reserve-grade.<\/p>\n
Warriors team: 1. Taine Tuaupiki 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 3. Ali Leiataua 4. Adam Pompey 5. Alofiana Khan-Pereira 6. Chanel Harris-Tavita 7. Te Maire Martin 8. James Fisher-Harris 9. Wayde Egan 10. Jackson Ford 11. Leka Halasima 12. Jacob Laban 13. Erin Clark 14. Samuel Healey 15. Tanner Stowers-Smith 16. Demitric Vaimauga 17. Marata Niukore 18. Kayliss Fatialofa 20. Luke Hanson 21. Makaia Tafua 22. Luke Metcalf 23. Jason Seu Salalilo<\/p>\n
Analysis: Coach Andrew Webster has opted to keep the same halves pairing of Chanel Harris-Tavita and Te Maire Martin. Meanwhile, Luke Metcalf has been named among the reserves alongside rookies Makaia Tafua and Jason Salalilo. Webster had previously said Metcalf would come into calculations for selection when he was match fit and with the halfback named on the reserves, there is still a chance if he gets through enough work at training he could force his way into the team. For now though, it is hard to see Webster changing a winning formula. One other option would be re-introducing Metcalf off the bench, although that would pose the question of who he would come into the game for given the Warriors have a strong one-two punch at hooker with Wayde Egan and Samuel Healey, so it wouldn\u2019t make sense to shift either Chanel Harris-Tavita or Te Maire Martin there mid-game to accommodate Metcalf. At this stage, it seems like last year\u2019s Dally M contender will have to bide his time. Other changes will see Adam Pompey start in the centres following an ACL rupture to Roger Tuivasa-Sheck while Marata Niukore returns to the six-man bench.<\/p>\n
Bye: Dolphins, Rabbitohs, Titans<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"The Sharks and Eels have both been dealt big injury blows in the halves, with Nicho Hynes (calf)…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":695213,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[43,44,85,41,39,42,40],"class_list":["post-695212","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-headlines","tag-headlines","tag-news","tag-sports","tag-top-news","tag-top-stories","tag-topnews","tag-topstories"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/695212","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=695212"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/695212\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/695213"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=695212"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=695212"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=695212"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
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