Brandon Smith’s breach notice has cast doubt over whether he will be named for the Roosters’ Round 15 clash against the Eels.
Meanwhile, Parramatta have a headache of their own with interim coach Trent Barrett admitting the club’s Origin star shouldn’t have played against the Bulldogs.
Broncos veteran Corey Oates has suffered a knee knock at training and is in some doubt to take the field against the Rabbitohs.
Elsewhere, the Tigers welcome back a key playmaker, who will be desperate to turn the club’s fortunes around in the absence of a young gun.
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THURSDAY
Cronulla Sharks vs Dolphins, 7.50pm AEST at PointsBet Stadium
Last week’s Sharks team: 1. William Kennedy 2. Sione Katoa 3. Jesse Ramien 4. Kayal Iro 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo 6. Daniel Atkinson 7. Braydon Trindall 8. Thomas Hazelton 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Oregon Kaufusi 11. Briton Nikora 12. Siosifa Talakai 13. Cameron McInnes 14. Jack Williams 15. Toby Rudolf 16. Royce Hunt 17. Tuku Hau Tapuha 18. Mawene Hiroti 19. Billy Burns
Team Tips: In a huge boost the Sharks are set to welcome back Nicho Hynes, who sat out of Round 14 due to his niggling calf injury. His inclusion will likely see Braydon Trindall drop out of the side, while a return for Teig Wilton remains uncertain after he was sidelined due to an AC joint injury in Round 14.
Round 13 Dolphins team: 1. Trai Fuller 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Jake Averillo 4. Herbie Farnworth 5. Jack Bostock 17. Anthony Milford 7. Isaiya Katoa 8. Jesse Bromwich 9. Jeremy Marshall-King 10. Mark Nicholls 11. Connelly Lemuelu 12. Euan Aitken 13. Max Plath 14. Josh Kerr 15. Kenny Bromwich 16. Ray Stone 21. Kurt Donoghoe
Team Tips: The Dolphins enjoyed the bye in Round 14, and are set to welcome back two key troops. Kodi Nikorima is a chance of taking the field to replace Anthony Milford with the gun five-eighth sidelined due to a calf injury. Meanwhile, Jesse Bromwich suffered a rib injury and is expected take the field which is a huge boost for the Dolphins, with initial fears he could be out for the season after the injury blow. If he can’t take the field, Josh Kerr is a strong chance of taking his spot in the starting side. Tom Flegler meanwhile, is not expected to return this season.
FRIDAY
Canberra Raiders vs North Queensland Cowboys, 6pm AEST at GIO Stadium
Round 13 Raiders team: 1. Jordan Rapana 2. Nick Cotric 3. Matthew Timoko 4. Sebastian Kris 5. Xavier Savage 6. Ethan Strange 7. Kaeo Weekes 17. Emre Guler 9. Danny Levi 10. Joseph Tapine 11. Ata Mariota 12. Elliott Whitehead 13. Morgan Smithies 8. Josh Papali’i 14. Tom Starling 15. Simi Sasagi 16. Trey Mooney
Team Tips: The Raiders are another team who had a week to freshen up in Round 14, and one key player looks likely to return. Corey Horsburgh has been sidelined since Round 5 due to a groin injury. As rugby league fans have seen with Cameron Munster’s injury management, groins can take an extended period to get back to full working order, and the Raiders have taken every precaution to see Horsburgh return to the field.
Last week’s Cowboys team: 1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Kyle Feldt 19. Valentine Holmes 4. Viliami Vailea 5. Braidon Burns 21. Tom Dearden 7. Chad Townsend 24. Reuben Cotter 15. Harrison Edwards 10. Griffin Neame 11. Heilum Luki 12. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki 13. Thomas Mikaele 3. Jaxon Purdue 9. Sam McIntyre 17. Jason Taumalolo 23. Jeremiah Nanai
Team Tips:Jordan McLean looks likely to sit out for another week, with Todd Payten explaining his “calf tightened up yesterday. He’s had a little bit of history there with soft tissue. He knows his body really well”. The Cowboys will know by Wednesday if he will take the field, meaning he’s likely to be named. Elsewhere, both Reece Robson and Murray Taulagi are expected to take the field after sitting out with respective neck and shoulder niggles following the Origin series opener. Harrison Edwards will likely shift back to the bench, while Braidon Burns or Viliami Vailea will drop out in place of Taulagi.
Buzz reveals how Wests vetoed Flanno | 02:28
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South Sydney Rabbitohs vs Brisbane Broncos, 8pm AEST at Accor Stadium
Last week’s Rabbitohs team: 1. Latrell Mitchell 2. Alex Johnston 3. Taane Milne 4. Richard Kennar 5. Jacob Gagai 6. Jack Wighton 7. Cody Walker 8. Davvy Moale 9. Damien Cook 10. Sean Keppie 11. Michael Chee Kam 12. Jai Arrow 13. Keaon Koloamatangi 14. Peter Mamouzelos 15. Tallis Duncan 16. Siliva Havili 17. Thomas Burgess
Team Tips: In what could be a huge boost Cameron Murray is an “outside chance” to return according to Ben Hornby, giving him one game to audition for the NSW side. His inclusion could see Keaon Koloamatangi shift back to the edge, and Michael Chee Kam potentially drop out of the side or shift to the bench. Siliva Havili is also in doubt due to a calf complaint, however he looks likely to take the field. Murray has been sidelined with a hip injury since the start of May.
Last week’s Broncos team: 23. Tristan Sailor 2. Corey Oates 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Selwyn Cobbo 5. Deine Mariner 6. Ezra Mam 7. Jock Madden 8. Corey Jensen 9. Billy Walters 10. Payne Haas 11. Brendan Piakura 12. Jordan Riki 13. Patrick Carrigan 14. Tyson Smoothy 16. Kobe Hetherington 17. Jack Gosiewski 19. Fletcher Baker 22. Josiah Karapani
Team Tips: Corey Oates has reportedly suffered a minor knee injury at training and is in some doubt to play according to The Courier Mail’s Peter Badel. Both Kotoni Staggs and Jordan Riki will take the field in Round 15, having briefly left the field against the Sharks due to knocks. Meanwhile, Xavier Willison is set to return to the bench, meaning Fletcher Baker or Jack Gosiewski will drop off the pine. Elsewhere, Reece Walsh will sit out after hit Origin head knock, with Tristan Sailor remaining at fullback.
SATURDAY
Wests Tigers vs Gold Coast Titans, 3pm AEST at Leichhardt Oval
Last week’s Tigers team: 1. Jahream Bula 2. Alex Lobb 3. Charlie Staines 4. Justin Olam 5. Solomon Alaimalo 6. Lachlan Galvin 7. Jayden Sullivan 8. Stefano Utoikamanu 9. Apisai Koroisau 10. Alex Twal 11. Samuela Fainu 12. Alex Seyfarth 13. Justin Matamua 14. Brent Naden 15. Fonua Pole 16. Sione Fainu 17. Reuben Porter
Team Tips: In a huge boost Aidan Sezer returns to the side after serving his suspension and will be a straight swap for Lachlan Galvin, who is set to rest his fractured hand that he’s played with through painkilling injections for at least three rounds. Solomon Alaimalo has also suffered a head knock and will likely be sidelined, meaning Solomona Faataape or Josh Feledy will take his place with Junior Tupou and Starford To’a still out due to their respective foot and hamstring injuries.
Last week’s Titans team: 1. Keano Kini 2. Alofiana Khan-Pereira 3. Brian Kelly 12. Beau Fermor 5. Jojo Fifita 19. Jayden Campbell 7. Kieran Foran 8. Moeaki Fotuaika 6. Chris Randall 10. Josiah Pahulu 11. David Fifita 13. Klese Haas 15. Keenan Palasia 9. Sam Verrills 14. Isaac Liu 16. Erin Clark 17. Jacob Alick-wiencke
Team Tips: Phillip Sami is set to return, and will likely shift Beau Fermor back to the edge forwards, with Klese Haas reverting to the bench or lock position in the only change expected for Des Hasler’s side.
New Zealand Warriors vs Melbourne Storm, 5:30pm AEST at Go Media Stadium
Last week’s Warriors team: 1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 3. Rocco Berry 4. Adam Pompey 5. Marcelo Montoya 6. Chanel Harris-Tavita 7. Te Maire Martin 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Wayde Egan 10. Jackson Ford 11. Marata Niukore 12. Mitchell Barnett 14. Dylan Walker 13. Tohu Harris 15. Jazz Tevaga 17. Kurt Capewell 18. Freddy Lussick
Team Tips: Star halfback Shaun Johnson’s injury omission has been covered by Te Maire Martin, who has been excellent at No. 7 during the club’s win streak (nine try assists). With that said, a healthy Johnson would make any side better, and he is likely to return this weekend against the Storm. That would push Martin back into the No. 6 jersey. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck is a minor chance of returning this week and will take Adam Pompey’s place in the centres if he does.
Last week’s Storm team: 1. Sualauvi Faalogo 2. Grant Anderson 3. Reimis Smith 4. Nick Meaney 5. Xavier Coates 6. Tyran Wishart 7. Jahrome Hughes 13. Josh King 14. Bronson Garlick 10. Tui Kamikamica 11. Shawn Blore 12. Eliesa Katoa 15. Trent Loiero 8. Christian Welch 9. Harry Grant 16. Nelson Asofa-Solomona 18. Joe Chan 18th man: 19. Jack Howarth
Team Tips: Reimis Smith suffered a head knock and could miss a week, depending on if he passed the HIA. Will Warbrick has been dealing with a groin injury but Craig Bellamy said in his post-match presser over the weekend that the winger “should be right” to play. Ryan Papenhuyzen is getting closer to a return according to Bellamy, however this week’s game in New Zealand is too soon. Potentially, the popular fullback could be named for the Round 16 clash against the Dolphins.
‘Cost us the GAME!’ Gutho’s ref blow up | 01:13
Parramatta Eels vs Sydney Roosters, 7:35pm AEST at CommBank Stadium
Last week’s Eels team: 1. Clinton Gutherson 4. Blaize Talagi 3. Viliami Penisini 18. Daejarn Asi 5. Sean Russell 6. Dylan Brown 7. Mitchell Moses 8. Reagan Campbell-Gillard 9. Brendan Hands 17. Wiremu Greig 11. Kelma Tuilagi 12. Bryce Cartwright 13. J’maine Hopgood 10. Junior Paulo 14. Joe Ofahengaue 15. Shaun Lane 20. Joey Lussick 16. Makahesi Makatoa
Team Tips: J’maine Hopgood sustained a “nerve problem in his back” when playing for Queensland last Wednesday. “I think Liam Martin in Origin had a bit to do with it,” Barrett said when asked how Hopgood’s injury occurred, referencing Martin’s huge hit on the Eels lock. Barrett said after his side’s loss to the Bulldogs that Hopgood should have been rested for the club game. “In hindsight he probably shouldn’t have played. It was a big effort for him to get out there.” Based on that, you’d think Hopgood would be long odds to take the field against the Roosters. Maika Sivo was ruled out of Monday’s clash against the Dogs with a hamstring issue. Barrett says the winger is “a chance of being available”. If Sivo can’t go, Barrett may look at changing the backline that started against the Bulldogs. Daejarn Asi was brought into the side to play centre with Blaize Talagi shifting to the wing. However, the Dogs tore that Eels’ left edge defence to shreds with Asi struggling mightily at times.
Round 14 Roosters team: 4. Joseph Manu 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Fetalaiga Pauga 17. Michael Jennings 5. Dominic Young 6. Luke Keary 7. Sam Walker 8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves 9. Brandon Smith 10. Terrell May 11. Nat Butcher 12. Victor Radley 13. Naufahu Whyte 14. Sandon Smith 15. Siua Wong 16. Sitili Tupouniua 19. Blake Steep
Team Tips:Joseph Sua’ali’i has been suspended four games after being sent off during Origin Game I. Junior Pauga took Sua’ali’li’s place in the backline against the Cowboys in Round 13 and will retain his spot. Connor Watson has missed a few weeks with a throat issue but is reportedly a hope of returning to the line up. It’s unsure whether Brandon Smith will play after receiving a breach notice from the club over the weekend after missing a mid-season review. Prop Jared Waerea-Hargreaves injured his hamstring against the Cowboys nine days ago and didn’t return to the game. He’s in some doubt for the Eels clash.
SUNDAY
Manly Sea Eagles vs St George Illawarra Dragons, 2pm AEST at 4 Pines Park
Last week’s Sea Eagles team: 1. Lehi Hopoate 2. Jason Saab 3. Tolutau Koula 4. Reuben Garrick 5. Tommy Talau 6. Luke Brooks 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Taniela Paseka 9. Karl Lawton 10. Josh Aloiai 11. Haumole Olakau’atu 12. Ben Trbojevic 13. Jake Trbojevic 14. Gordon Chan Kum Tong 15. Corey Waddell 16. Toafofoa Sipley 17. Nathan Brown 19. Raymond Tuiamalo Vaega
Team Tips:Lehi Hopoate looks set to continue as Manly’s fullback in the absence of Tom Trbojevic. Tolu Koula returned at left centre against the Panthers, enjoying great success with Tommy Talau as his pairing, making any backline changes unlikely. Recent Blues debutant Haumole Olakau’atu’s minor calf complaint will be something to monitor, with Corey Waddell a ready-made replacement option. Karl Lawton will continue as the stand-in hooker starter as Lachlan Croker (neck) remains unavailable. Josh Aloiai is set to miss the next two games, charged with Dangerous Conduct (tripping), forcing the Sea Eagles to dig even deeper into its middle forward stocks.
Last week’s Dragons team: 1. Tyrell Sloan 5. Mathew Feagai 3. Moses Suli 4. Max Feagai 23. Zac Lomax 6. Kyle Flanagan 21. Ben Hunt 8. Francis Molo 9. Jacob Liddle 10. Jack de Belin 22. Jaydn Su’A 12. Raymond Faitala-Mariner 13. Tom Eisenhuth 11. Luciano Leilua 14. Blake Lawrie 15. Ben Murdoch-Masila 16. Toby Couchman
Team Tips: Winger Mikaele Ravalawa’s bid for a recall took a cruel twist, sent off in the NSW Cup last weekend. With Zac Lomax backing up from his Origin debut, the Dragons backline fired and should look the same this week. Hooker Jacob Liddle passed his HIA against former club the Tigers and no news suggests he will miss any time.
‘That’s a first!’ Genius Eels challenge | 00:49
Newcastle Knights vs Penrith Panthers, 4:05pm AEST at McDonald Jones Stadium
Last week’s Knights team: 22. Fletcher Sharpe 2. Enari Tuala 3. Dane Gagai 12. Dylan Lucas 5. Greg Marzhew 6. Jack Cogger 7. Jackson Hastings 8. Jacob Saifiti 14. Phoenix Crossland 10. Leo Thompson 11. Kai Pearce-Paul 16. Tyson Frizell 13. Adam Elliott 9. Jayden Brailey 17. Brodie Jones 19. Mathew Croker 21. Jack Hetherington
Team Tips: Fletcher Sharpe was a late inclusion for David Armstrong, who is managing a quad complaint and will be touch and go this week. Bradman Best is still likely a week away, which should prompt coach Adam O’Brien to hand Krystian Mapapalangi another crack in the centres, after being relegated to 18th man against the Storm. Dylan Lucas was the one that ended up starting in Best’s usual spot, but the 23-year-old breakout prospect should return to his starting edge forward role this week. Tyson Frizell looked ginger as he came from the field late, hurting his leg as he was sin binned for crowding – his status needs to be monitored this week, after his late elevation to the starting 13 on game day. Fellow edge forward Kai Pearce-Paul escaped with a fine for his Dangerous Throw on Trent Loiero, clearing doubt over his availability. Prop Daniel Saifiti, like Best, still looks a week away.
Last week’s Panthers team: 1. Daine Laurie 2. Sunia Turuva 3. Izack Tago 4. Paul Alamoti 5. Brian To’o 6. Jack Cole 7. Jarome Luai 8. Moses Leota 9. Mitch Kenny 10. James Fisher-Harris 11. Scott Sorensen 17. Luke Garner 13. Isaah Yeo 14. Trent Toelau 15. Lindsay Smith 16. Liam Henry 20. Matt Eisenhuth 22. Preston Riki
Team Tips: Dylan Edwards is likely to miss one more week with the quad problem that denied him an Origin debut, keeping Daine Laurie at fullback. Sunia Turuva watched his opposite number, Tommy Talau, score four tries on him last week, but likely isn’t at risk of losing his spot. Nathan Cleary is still a few weeks away with his hamstring issue. Liam Martin will most likely miss this week’s NRL game with the ankle problem he took from Origin I, but will be ready for the Blues in their must-win match. Lock Isaah Yeo entered an early guilty plea for his Grade One Careless High Tackle charge but escapes with a fine.
Bye: Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs