The injury and suspension crisis at the Brisbane Broncos has continued with a further four players set to spend this week on the sidelines.
But this could allow Michael Maguire to unearth a debutant who is regarded as a key member of their long-term spine.
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Meanwhile, the Penrith Panthers have suffered a massive blow to their forwards with an Origin representative set for a significant time on the sidelines and the Knights will welcome back a $13 million star playmaker.
Read on for the NRL Team Tips for Round 7.
THURSDAY 16TH APRIL
North Queensland Cowboys v Manly Sea Eagles @ QLD Country Bank Stadium, 7:50pm
Last week’s Cowboys team: 1. Scott Drinkwater 5. Murray Taulagi 3. Jaxon Purdue 4. Tomas Chester 18. Zac Laybutt 6. Jake Clifford 7. Tom Dearden 8. Coen Hess 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Jason Taumalolo 11. Heilum Luki 12. Kai O’Donnell 13. Reuben Cotter 14. Soni Luke 15. Griffin Neame 16. Thomas Mikaele 17. Matthew Lodge 19. Mason Barber 22. Robert Derby
Team Tips: Despite early reports indicating that he failed his HIA, the North Queensland Cowboys confirmed on Saturday that Reed Mahoney did indeed pass his HIA and the reason behind him not returning to the field was due to the club’s medical staff keeping him out for the remainder of the match. The club confirmed that he will be monitored over the week and if he is made unavailable, Soni Luke will slot straight into the No.9 jumper. Murray Taulagi (concussion) has been ruled out of the contest after failing his HIA. After being a late withdrawal, Braidon Burns (ankle) looms as the obvious replacement for the wing spot, while Robert Derby is another option. Jeremiah Nanai is also closing in on a return and could play his first match of the season in Round 7.
Last week’s Sea Eagles team: 1. Tom Trbojevic 2. Jason Saab 3. Tolutau Koula 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. Simione Laiafi 18. Paul Bryan 19. Clayton Faulalo
Team Tips: The Manly Sea Eagles remain hopeful that veteran Jake Trbojevic will be fit to play on Thursday night after suffering a gruesome face injury against the Dragons. According to AAP, club officials have cleared him of any bone damage, with it instead being a soft-tissue injury. It is understood that the club will see how the swelling is, but there is hope he will be fine to travel to Townsville. Meanwhile, fellow forward Siosiua Taukeiaho (calf) is a chance to make his return having not played since the opening round. Paul Bryan could be the man to make way.
Manly score INSANE 100m try | 01:32
FRIDAY 17TH APRIL
Canberra Raiders v Melbourne Storm @ GIO Stadium, 6pm
Last week’s Raiders team: 1. Kaeo Weekes 2. Savelio Tamale 3. Simi Sasagi 4. Sebastian Kris 5. Jed Stuart 6. Ethan Strange 7. Ethan Sanders 16. Ata Mariota 9. Tom Starling 10. Joseph Tapine 11. Hudson Young 15. Zac Hosking 8. Josh Papali’i 12. Noah Martin 13. Corey Horsburgh 17. Morgan Smithies 14. Jayden Brailey 18. Daine Laurie 19. Joseph Roddy
Team Tips: No changes are expected to be made by the Canberra Raiders ahead of their match against the Storm. Xavier Savage (ankle) remains out until Round 14, meaning Jed Stuart will retain his spot on the wing, but New Zealand international Matthew Timoko remains hot on his tail. While no squad changes are likely to occur, it will be interesting to see what team Stuart runs out with, considering he dropped duo Corey Horsburgh and Noah Martin to the reserves in favour of Ata Mariota and Zac Hosking.
Last week’s 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. Joe Chan 12. Cooper Clarke 13. Trent Loiero 14. Tyran Wishart 15. Alec MacDonald 16. Jack Hetherington 17. Davvy Moale 18. Lazarus Vaalepu 19. Manaia Waitere
Team Tips: The Storm suffered no injuries last week, but coach Craig Bellamy admitted that changes are likely to be made to the side as they look to get back into the winning column. “I think we all have got to take responsibility and if there’s people not doing their jobs properly, well we need to make changes,” he said. While Ativalu Lisati (calf) is set to return the following round, Lazarus Vaalepu, Josiah Pahulu and Shawn Blore all had strong showings in the NSW Cup. Rookie Hugo Peel also has a chance to make his NRL debut after scoring a hat-trick and could enter the team on the wing for Moses Leo. Joe Chan’s position in the side is also in doubt after he played only 45 minutes on an edge and also received a bake from Bellamy at half time.
Dolphins v Penrith Panthers @ TIO Stadium (Darwin), 8pm
Round 5 Dolphins team: 1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Jake Averillo 4. Herbie Farnworth 5. Selwyn Cobbo 6. Kodi Nikorima 7. Isaiya Katoa 8. Tom Gilbert 9. Max Plath 10. Felise Kaufusi 11. Connelly Lemuelu 12. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki 13. Morgan Knowles 14. Brad Schneider 15. Thomas Flegler 16. Ray Stone 17. Francis Molo 18. Kurt Donoghoe 19. Trai Fuller
Team Tips: Coming off the bye, it’s hard to see the Dolphins make any changes to their squad. Unfortunately, regular starters Daniel Saifiti (shoulder), Jack Bostock (knee) and Jeremy Marshall-King (knee) all remain on the sidelines. However, rookie Tevita Naufahu has been dominating the QLD Cup and could come into contention if coach Kristian Woolf decides to shake up his back-line.
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. Mitch Kenny 10. Lindsay Smith 11. Isaiah Papali’i 12. Liam Martin 13. Isaah Yeo 14. Jack Cogger 15. Billy Phillips 16. Scott Sorensen 17. Luke Garner 18. Izack Tago 19. Freddy Lussick 20. Sione Fonua
Team Tips: Not only did the Penrith Panthers lose their first match of the season last week, but they also suffered a double blow during the contest. Casey McLean has accepted a one-week suspension after being charged with a Careless High Tackle on Max King. This will see Izack Tago return to the first-grade side after spending several weeks in NSW Cup and on the reserves. Liam Martin (knee) is also unavailable after exiting the field with an MCL concern. Penrith officials told AAP on Sunday that he is “no chance” of facing the Dolphins and will be replaced by Luke Garner or Scott Sorensen. However, in some positive news Liam Henry and Luron Patea both returned to the field over the weekend via NSW Cup and will come under consideration.
Bellamy blasts Chan in halftime spray | 00:34
SATURDAY 18TH APRIL
NZ Warriors v Gold Coast Titans @ Go Media Stadium, 3pm
Last week’s Warriors team: 1. Taine Tuaupiki 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 23. Ali Leiataua 5. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 20. Alofiana Khan-Pereira 6. Chanel Harris-Tavita 7. Tanah Boyd 8. James Fisher-Harris 9. Wayde Egan 10. Jackson Ford 15. Marata Niukore 11. Leka Halasima 13. Erin Clark 12. Jacob Laban 14. Samuel Healey 16. Demitric Vaimauga 17. Tanner Stowers-Smith 18. Eddie Ieremia-Toeava 22. Luke Hanson
Team Tips: The Warriors will be sweating on the availability of duo Tanah Boyd and Tanner Stowers-Smith after they both sustained potential hamstring injuries against the Storm on Saturday night. Coach Andrew Webster confirmed post-match that he didn’t know the severity of Stowers-Smith but he was seen with ice on his hamstring and didn’t return to the field after being taken off. Meanwhile, reports from AAP indicate Boyd experienced hamstring tightness and the club is still assessing the severity of the injury. If unavailable, they will need to shake up their spine once again with Luke Hanson entering the team. Luke Metcalf and Te Maire Martin remain sidelined. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad (neck) and Kurt Capewell (calf) are both a chance to be available for selection.
Last week’s Titans team: 1. Keano Kini 2. Sialetili Faeamani 3. Jojo Fifita 4. AJ Brimson 5. Phillip Sami 6. Lachlan Ilias 7. Jayden Campbell 14. Kurtis Morrin 9. Sam Verrills 10. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui 11. Arama Hau 12. Beau Fermor 13. Chris Randall 15. Cooper Bai 16. Moeaki Fotuaika 17. Oliver Pascoe 18. Jaylan De Groot 20. Zane Harrison 21. Adam Christensen
Team Tips: After scoring 50 points for only the second time in the club’s history, coach Josh Hannay may opt to make no changes for Round 7. However, he will receive two potential additions with forwards Josh Patston (suspension) and Klese Haas (leg), both available for selection. Brock Gray (knee) is nearing a return to the field after rupturing his ACL last season but isn’t expected to be available until at least Round 9.
South Sydney Rabbitohs v St. George Illawarra Dragons @ Accor Stadium, 5:30pm
Last week’s Rabbitohs team: 1. Jye Gray 2. Alex Johnston 3. Latrell Mitchell 4. Jack Wighton 5. Campbell Graham 6. Cody Walker 7. Jamie Humphreys 8. Tevita Tatola 9. Brandon Smith 10. Keaon Koloamatangi 11. David Fifita 12. Tallis Duncan 13. Cameron Murray 14. Peter Mamouzelos 15. Lachlan Hubner 16. Sean Keppie 17. Liam Le Blanc 19. Jayden Sullivan 20. Edward Kosi
Team Tips: The Rabbitohs are sweating on the fitness of fullback Jye Gray (shoulder) after he departed the field in their loss to Canberra after suffering suspected damage to his AC joint. If unavailable, Latrell Mitchell is the obvious replacement but rumours have emerged in recent days that former Dragons fullback Matt Dufty is another option. A standout in NSW Cup at the moment, Dufty is currently on a NSWRL deal but the club have a vacant spot on their Top 30 roster meaning he could potentially be upgraded to a full-time deal. Edward Kosi or Moala Graham-Taufa may shift to the wing pushing Campbell Graham to the centres if Mitchell wears the No.1 jumper.
Last week’s Dragons team: 1. Tyrell Sloan 2. Christian Tuipulotu 3. Moses Suli 4. Valentine Holmes 5. Setu Tu 6. Daniel Atkinson 7. Kyle Flanagan 8. Emre Guler 9. Damien Cook 10. Toby Couchman 11. Luciano Leilua 12. Jaydn Su’A 13. Hamish Stewart 14. Jacob Liddle 15. Blake Lawrie 17. Josh Kerr 18. Hame Sele 19. Kade Reed 20. Mathew Feagai
Team Tips: The Dragons season has gone from bad to worse with Code Sports reporting that centre Moses Suli (fractured eye socket) is set to be sidelined between two and six weeks, depending on the severity. Matt Feagai and the returning Hayden Buchanan (concussion) are all potential options to replace him in the centres. The club will be sweating on the fitness of Christian Tuipulotu (knee) who departed the field in the first-half in their match last week against the Sea Eagles, while Dylan Egan (ACL), Clint Gutherson (hamstring) and Ryan Couchman (suspension) will all be unavailable for at least one more week.
Crowd ERUPTS for Insane Herbert pass | 01:31
Wests Tigers v Brisbane Broncos @ Campbelltown Sports Stadium, 7:35pm
Last week’s Tigers team: 1. Jahream Bula 4. Heamasi Makasini 3. Sunia Turuva 19. Patrick Herbert 5. Jeral Skelton 6. Jock Madden 7. Adam Doueihi 8. Terrell May 9. Apisai Koroisau 10. Fonua Pole 11. Samuela Fainu 12. Kai Pearce-Paul 13. Alex Twal 14. Latu Fainu 15. Sione Fainu 16. Royce Hunt 17. Alex Seyfarth 18. Tristan Hope 21. Tony Sukkar
Team Tips: Co-captain Jarome Luai (knee) is slated to make his return this week, but will undergo a fitness test later in the week to determine his availability. “Yeah, I think he’ll be right. He’s just going to have a fitness test later in the week but we’ll see,” Benji Marshall said. Faaletino Tavana (hamstring) was a late withdrawal against the Knights but will come under consideration. If picked, he will be selected for Patrick Herbert as Taylan May (shoulder) remains in the casualty ward. Back-rower Samuela Fainu (knee) sustained a minor injury but early reports indicate that it isn’t serious and he will be fit to play.
Last week’s Broncos team: 1. Jesse Arthars 2. Josiah Karapani 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Gehamat Shibasaki 5. Deine Mariner 6. Ezra Mam 18. Thomas Duffy 8. Corey Jensen 9. Cory Paix 10. Payne Haas 11. Brendan Piakura 12. Jordan Riki 13. Patrick Carrigan 14. Blake Mozer 15. Xavier Willison 16. Ben Talty 17. Aublix Tawha 19. Hayze Perham 22. Josh Rogers
Team Tips: The Broncos’ woes keep getting worse with Blake Mozer (jaw), Cory Paix (concussion) and Patrick Carrigan (suspension) all set to miss this week’s match. The club confirmed on Saturday that Mozer will be out for around six weeks. Despite being ruled out with a Category 1 concussion, the Broncos have decided to lodge an application for Paix to be cleared to play, per News Corp. This will see rookie Cameron Bukowski in line to make his NRL debut against the Tigers, while coach Michael Maguire will be sweating on the availability and fitness of halfback Adam Reynolds (groin). Aublix Tawha will also be unavailable after picking up a concussion in the QLD Cup over the weekend, via AAP’s Joel Gould.
SUNDAY 19TH APRIL
Sydney Roosters v Newcastle Knights @ Allianz Stadium, 2pm
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 19. Tommy Talau
Team Tips: After receiving a massive boost in Spencer Leniu and Victor Radley last week, the Roosters are set to keep a similar team to the one that took on the Sharks in Round 6. Hugo Savala adjusted well after making the transition from the halves into the centres. This will keep Tommy Talau and Junior Tupou (ankle) out of the starting team with the latter set to make his return from the sidelines this weekend.
Last week’s Knights team: 1. Fletcher Hunt 2. Dominic Young 3. Dane Gagai 4. Wilson De Courcey 5. Greg Marzhew 6. Fletcher Sharpe 7. Sandon Smith 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. Tyson Gamble 19. Cody Hopwood
Team Tips: The Knights are set to receive a massive boost for this week with Dylan Brown (knee) projected to make his return to the field. Coach Justin Holbrook stated that he expects to have the playmaker available for their clash against the Roosters. Apart from Brown, the Knights will be forced into at least one change with Tyson Frizell (rib) picking up an injury against the Tigers and he was subsequently ruled out of the contest. ‘I’m not to sure how bad it is,” Holbrook said. If Brown returns, Sharpe could shuffle to fullback, while Smith could also revert to a bench utility role. Don’t be surprised to see Wilson De Courcey drop out too, after he was pulled off at half-time having been targeted by the duo of Patrick Herbert and Sunia Turuva where they scored multiple tries down his edge. If he is dropped, Hunt could shuffle into the backline should Sharpe claim the No.1 jersey.
Ryles “Not gonna blame injuries” | 05:27
Parramatta Eels v Canterbury Bulldogs @ CommBank Stadium, 4:05pm
Last week’s Eels team: 1. Joash Papali’i 2. Araz Nanva 3. Viliami Penisini 4. Brian Kelly 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Ronald Volkman 7. Mitchell Moses 8. Jack Williams 9. Ryley Smith 10. Junior Paulo 11. Kelma Tuilagi 12. Kitione Kautoga 13. Dylan Walker 14. Tallyn Da Silva 15. Charlie Guymer 16. Sam Tuivaiti 17. Luca Moretti 18. Jack de Belin 22. Lorenzo Talataina
Team Tips: The Eels injury crisis continues to get worse with Kelma Tuilagi (concussion) and Sam Tuivaiti (concussion) both ruled out of Round 7 due to the mandatory stand-down protocols after failing their HIA’s. Charlie Guymer or Luca Moretti loom as Tuilagi’s replacement in the starting team, while Teancum Brown could be moved on to the reserves after being named on the extended bench for a number of weeks. In some good news for Eels fans, Sean Russell (concussion) will make his return with debutant Araz Nanva dropping out of the starting back-line.
Last week’s Bulldogs team: 1. Connor Tracey 2. Jacob Kiraz 3. Enari Tuala 4. Bronson Xerri 5. Marcelo Montoya 6. Matt Burton 7. Lachlan Galvin 8. Max King 9. Bailey Hayward 10. Samuel Hughes 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Jacob Preston 13. Jaeman Salmon 14. Kurt Mann 15. Sitili Tupouniua 16. Harry Hayes 19. Jake Turpin 20. Lipoi Hopoi 23. Jethro Rinakama
Team Tips: The Bulldogs will be forced to make a change to their forward pack after Max King (broken jaw) is set to be sidelined for around one month. Breaking his jaw in the 8th minute, King went on to play the remainder of the match, where he registered 45 minutes of game time. Sitili Tupouniua or Lipoi Hopoi is likely to replace him in the starting side, with either Fletcher Baker or Logan Spinks coming on to the bench. Kurt Mann (concussion) suffered a minor head knock but will be available to play this round.
Bye – Cronulla Sharks