NRL Late Mail: Round 13 – Roosters wait on Keary

NSW Blues squad member Luke Keary is expected to be released from Origin camp to play for the Roosters against the Cowboys on Sunday.

The Knights welcome Daniel Saifiti back from suspension and also have Krystian Mapapalangi in the centres for his first NRL game since late in 2022.

See all the late mail, official team news and updates ahead of Round 13 of the 2024 NRL Telstra Premiership competition below.

NRL Late Mail: Round 13

Knights v Bulldogs, Friday at McDonald Jones Stadium

Knights: Daniel Saifiti returns from suspension to take a place on the bench ahead of Jack Hetherington, who drops back to the reserves. Young gun fullback Fletcher Sharpe has been named in jersey 22 but isn’t expected to come into the side with David Armstrong set to retain the No.1 jumper after performing admirably in Kalyn Ponga’s absence so far. Centre Krystian Mapapalangi comes in for his first game since 2022 to replace the injured Bradman Best.

Bulldogs: Kurt Mann is back at lock after being rested last week, with his inclusion seeing Josh Curran remain on the interchange list. Jacob Kiraz will play centre with Blake Wilson returning on the wing while Jaeman Salmon remains in the back row following an injury to Viliame Kikau. 

Panthers v Dragons, Saturday at BlueBet Stadium

Panthers: Brad Schneider and Jake Cole have both been named despite being injury doubts and will be monitored throughout the week, with Trent Toelau on the bench and Isaiah Iongi in jersey 18 possible replacements should they be ruled out. Tyrone Peachey will play just his second game of the season while Daine Laurie starts at fullback for the first time since returning to the club.

Dragons: Mass changes for the Dragons with the Feagai brothers named to start and the Couchman brothers both named on the bench. Jesse Marschke is the new halfback in Ben Hunt’s absence while Jack de Belin moves to prop to cover for Hame Sele (shoulder) with Luciano Leilua called into the starting side.

Dolphins v Raiders, Saturday at Kayo Stadium

Dolphins: No late changes expected. Trai Fuller returns with Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow on Maroons duty while Mark Nicholls moves into the starting side. 

Raiders: Also set to be as per program. Simi Sasagi is the new face on the bench with Ata Mariota named in the back row for Hudson Young (Origin). Josh Papali’i’s return from suspension results in Peter Hola dropping back to the reserves. 

Roosters v Cowboys, Sunday at Allianz Stadium

Roosters: Luke Keary has been named at five-eighth and is expected to be released from NSW camp where he is on standby for Nicho Hynes, but likely won’t join the side until their final training sessions on Friday or Saturday. Victor Radley will remain on an edge following his impressive showing last week, with Naufahu Whyte holding on to the No.13 jersey. Whyte will likely spend time in the front row with a utility, outside back and two edge forwards named on the bench.

Cowboys: Tom Chester returns from a hamstring injury in the centres while Braidon Burns gets another shot on the wing after an impressive club debut in Round 11. Harrison Edwards and Gehamat Shibasaki have been added to the bench with six players unavailable due to Origin commitments.