The Sea Eagles might be boosted by the return of a number of key gamers from harm, none extra notable than Jake Trbojevic.
Joseph Suaalii is again for the Roosters after serving a 3 sport suspension for harmful contact and Origin hero Cameron Munster will return for Melbourne of their blockbuster conflict towards the Panthers.
Meanwhile, Ben Hunt’s launch request has been rejected by the Dragons (for now), and it seems he’ll be lining up towards the Sharks on Thursday.
Read on for all the NRL group news forward of Round 18.
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THURSDAY
Cronulla Sharks vs St George Illawarra Dragons 7.50pm AEST at PointsBet Stadium
Round 16 Sharks group: 1. William Kennedy 2. Sione Katoa 3. Jesse Ramien 4. Siosifa Talakai 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo 6. Matt Moylan 7. Nicho Hynes 8. Oregon Kaufusi 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Braden Hamlin-Uele 11. Briton Nikora 12. Teig Wilton 13. Dale Finucane 14. Cameron McInnes 15. Wade Graham 16. Jack Williams 17. Thomas Hazelton
Team Tips: Toby Rudolf (foot) is because of return. He might slot again into the aspect on the expense of Thomas Hazelton or Jack Williams, in any other case, don’t count on a lot change from the aspect that thrashed the Bulldogs two weeks in the past.
Last week’s Dragons group: 1. Tyrell Sloan 2. Mathew Feagai 3. Moses Suli 4. Zac Lomax 5. Mikaele Ravalawa 6. Jayden Sullivan 7. Ben Hunt 8. Francis Molo 9. Jacob Liddle 10. Blake Lawrie 11. Jack Bird 12. Jaydn Su’A 13. Jack de Belin 14. Talatau Amone 15. Michael Molo 16. Ben Murdoch-Masila 17. Zane Musgrove
Team Tips: Ben Hunt’s contract stand-off hasn’t been resolved with the Dragons blocking his launch request. Hunt is predicted to be at coaching on Wednesday and at this stage, will play on Thursday. Moses Suli (head knock) might be monitored via the week.
Dragons DENY Hunt a direct launch | 02:54
FRIDAY
New Zealand Warriors vs South Sydney Rabbitohs 6pm AEST at Go Media Stadium
Last week’s Warriors group: 1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 3. Rocco Berry 4. Adam Pompey 5. Marcelo Montoya 6. Luke Metcalf 7. Shaun Johnson 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Wayde Egan 10. Bunty Afoa 11. Jackson Ford 12. Marata Niukore 13. Tohu Harris 14. Dylan Walker 15. Josh Curran 16. Bayley Sironen 17. Tom Ale
Team Tips: Marata Niukore is taking a look at a 3-4 week stint on the sideline for a excessive sort out. Josh Curran is predicted to start out in his place. Mitch Barnett might be welcomed again from his six-week suspension. Te Maire Martin (leg) is nearing a return however the Warriors might elect to play it protected because of the latest type of Luke Metcalf at five-eighth.
Last week’s Rabbitohs group: 1. Blake Taaffe 2. Alex Johnston 3. Isaiah Tass 4. Campbell Graham 5. Richard Kennar 6. Cody Walker 7. Lachlan Ilias 8. Tevita Tatola 9. Damien Cook 10. Hame Sele 11. Keaon Koloamatangi 20. Jacob Host 13. Cameron Murray 12. Jed Cartwright 16. Davvy Moale 17. Thomas Burgess 19. Peter Mamouzelos
Team Tips: Jacob Host (shoulder cost) faces a two-match ban with an early plea. Jed Cartwright seemingly begins within the second row. Coach Jason Demetriou might look to make modifications to the aspect that have been embarrassed by the Cowboys.
Melbourne Storm vs Penrith Panthers 8pm AEST at Marvel Stadium
Last week’s Storm group: 1. Nick Meaney 2. William Warbrick 3. Reimis Smith 4. Justin Olam 5. Xavier Coates 22. Jonah Pezet 7. Jahrome Hughes 15. Tariq Sims 9. Harry Grant 10. Christian Welch 11. Trent Loiero 12. Nelson Asofa-Solomona 13. Josh King 14. Bronson Garlick 16. Aaron Pene 17. Tyran Wishart 21. Alec MacDonald
Team Tips: Craig Bellamy expects Cam Munster (sickness) to be proper after the Origin star missed final week. Despite his spectacular displaying in that sport, Jonah Pezet will make method. Aaron Pene twisted his ankle however Bellamy stated he “didn’t think it was too serious.” The Storm might be boosted by the return of Eliesa Katoa (eye). Nelson Asofa-Solomona’s dominant efficiency might see him stay on the sting however with Katoa’s return, he’ll seemingly return to prop.
Last week’s Panthers group: 1. Dylan Edwards 2. Sunia Turuva 3. Izack Tago 21. Tyrone Peachey 22. Thomas Jenkins 17. Jaeman Salmon 7. Jack Cogger 8. Moses Leota 9. Mitch Kenny 10. James Fisher-Harris 11. Scott Sorensen 18. Zac Hosking 19. Matt Eisenhuth 14. Soni Luke 15. Lindsay Smith 16. Spencer Leniu 20. Luke Garner
Team Tips: Origin stars Stephen Crichton, Brian To’o, Jarome Luai, Liam Martin and Isaah Yeo will return for this blockbuster,with Jaeman Salmon to seemingly begin on the bench.
Panthers Press Conference | 06:10
SATURDAY
Canberra Raiders vs Gold Coast Titans 3pm AEST at GIO Stadium
Last week’s Raiders group: 1. Sebastian Kris 2. Albert Hopoate 3. Jarrod Croker 4. Matthew Timoko 5. Jordan Rapana 6. Jack Wighton 7. Jamal Fogarty 8. Josh Papali’i 9. Zac Woolford 10. Joseph Tapine 11. Hudson Young 12. Elliott Whitehead 13. Corey Horsburgh 14. Tom Starling 15. Emre Guler 16. Nick Cotric 17. Pasami Saulo
Team Tips: Raiders cop an enormous blow with Josh Papali’i set to overlook at the least a few weeks with a hamstring harm. Expect Emre Guler to be promoted from the bench. Xavier Savage is being saved out of the aspect because of the stellar play of the Canberra backline, notably Seb Kris.
Last week’s Titans group: 1. AJ Brimson 2. Alofiana Khan-Pereira 3. Brian Kelly 4. Aaron Schoupp 5. Phillip Sami 6. Kieran Foran 7. Tanah Boyd 8. Moeaki Fotuaika 9. Sam Verrills 16. Jaimin Jolliffe 11. David Fifita 12. Joe Stimson 13. Isaac Liu 14. Jayden Campbell 15. Erin Clark 19. Iszac Fa’asumaleaui 18. Chris Randall
Team Tips: Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, who was rested towards the Broncos, will seemingly be the one change Titans interim coach Jim Lenihan makes.
MORE NRL NEWS
TALKING POINTS: Calls to repair flawed system amid ugly Hunt saga
‘NO REASON FOR IT’: Tedesco’s brutally sincere admission as worrying flaw emerges
BIG HITS: Drinkwater masterclass for resurgent Cowboys; Souths’ Achilles heel in slide
Titans take spectacular win over Broncos | 02:26
Norths Queensland Cowboys vs Wests Tigers 5.30pm AEST at Queensland Country Bank Stadium
Last week’s Cowboys group: 1. Scott Drinkwater 24. Murray Taulagi 4. Peta Hiku 22. Valentine Holmes 5. Semi Valemei 6. Tom Dearden 7. Chad Townsend 8. Jordan McLean 20. Reece Robson 10. Coen Hess 11. Luciano Leilua 21. Jeremiah Nanai 9. Jake Granville 12. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki 15. Griffin Neame 16. Jamayne Taunoa-Brown 23. Reuben Cotter
Team Tips: Jason Taumalolo (hamstring) is an opportunity to play after lacking the win over Souths. The week prior, he handed in a profitable return towards Penrith after spending seven weeks on the sideline because of the hamstring harm. Heilum Luki (facial fracture) isn’t anticipated to return till Round 22.
Round 16 Tigers group: 1. Jahream Bula 2. David Nofoaluma 3. Brent Naden 4. Asu Kepaoa 5. Junior Tupou 6. Starford To’a 7. Brandon Wakeham 8. Fonua Pole 9. Jake Simpkin 10. David Klemmer 11. Isaiah Papali’i 12. Shawn Blore 13. John Bateman 14. Tallyn Da Silva 15. Tommy Talau 16. Alex Twal 17. Alex Seyfarth
Team Tips: According to SMH, Daine Laurie is in line for a return to first grade within the quantity six jersey. He’ll pair with Brandon Wakeham within the halves. Laurie hasn’t appeared in an NRL sport since Round 4. Expect Starford To’a to maneuver again to the centres.
MORE NRL NEWS
‘LATRELL DOESN’T STOP THAT’: Demetriou accuses Souths of getting ‘comfortable’
NRL RICH LIST: The 9 big-name gamers who lead an exodus from prime earners
Brisbane Broncos vs Dolphins 7.35pm AEST at The Gabba
Last week’s Broncos group: 1. Reece Walsh 2. Corey Oates 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Herbie Farnworth 5. Selwyn Cobbo 6. Ezra Mam 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Thomas Flegler 9. Billy Walters 10. Payne Haas 11. Brendan Piakura 12. Jordan Riki 13. Patrick Carrigan 14. Tyson Smoothy 15. Corey Jensen 16. Kobe Hetherington 17. Martin Taupau
Team Tips: Reece Walsh has been referred straight to the judiciary and could possibly be taking a look at a sideline stint, if he’s suspended Tristan Sailor is predicted to play fullback following his stellar membership debut earlier this month.
Last week’s Dolphins group: 1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Euan Aitken 4. Valynce Te Whare 5. Brayden Mcgrady 6. Kodi Nikorima 19. Sean O’Sullivan 8. Jesse Bromwich 7. Isaiya Katoa 10. Herman Ese’ese 11. Felise Kaufusi 12. Kenny Bromwich 13. Ray Stone 14. Josh Kerr 15. Mark Nicholls 16. Connelly Lemuelu 18. Harrison Graham. 18th man: 17. Max Plath
Team Tips: The NRL’s latest aspect might be boosted by the return of hooker Jeremy Marshall-King (shoulder). Sean O’Sullivan will begin at halfback with Isaiya Katoa or Kodi Nikorima to maneuver to the bench, that means Harrison Graham drops out of the aspect. Anthony Milford and Jarrod Wallace are one week away from getting back from suspensions.
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SUNDAY
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs vs Newcastle Knights 2pm AEST at Accor Stadium
Round 16 Bulldogs group: 1. Hayze Perham 2. Jacob Kiraz 3. Jake Averillo 4. Paul Alamoti 5. Braidon Burns 6. Karl Oloapu 20. Kyle Flanagan 8. Chris Patolo 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Tevita Pangai Junior 11. Jayden Okonbor 12. Jacob Preston 15. Kurtis Morrin 14. Khaled Rajab 16. Max King 17. Corey Waddell 23. Franklin Pele
Team Tips: Raymond Faitala-Mariner (sickness)returned by way of NSW Cup final weekend and performed a full 80 minutes, whereas Harrison Edwards (concussion) must also come again right into a Dogs aspect in determined want of a win.
Last week’s Knights group: 1. Kalyn Ponga 2. Dominic Young 3. Dane Gagai 4. Bradman Best 5. Greg Marzhew 6. Tyson Gamble 7. Jackson Hastings 8. Daniel Saifiti 9. Phoenix Crossland 10. Leo Thompson 11. Tyson Frizell 12. Dylan Lucas 13. Adam Elliott 14. Kurt Mann 15. Jacob Saifiti 16. Jack Hetherington 17. Mathew Croker
Team Tips: Lachlan Fitzgibbon (concussion) returns with Dylan Lucas anticipated to drop out of the 17. Jackson Hastings went off with an ankle harm towards the Panthers however got here again on and completed the sport. Coach Adam O’Brien stated he pulled up okay.
‘How did the Knights lose?!’ | 00:17
Manly Sea Eagles vs Sydney Roosters 4.05pm AEST at 4 Pines Park
Last week’s Sea Eagles group: 4. Reuben Garrick 21. Ray Tuaimalo-Vaega 3. Tolutau Koula 20. Morgan Harper 5. Christian Tuipulotu 6. Josh Schuster 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Taniela Paseka 9. Lachlan Croker 10. Toafofoa Sipley 11. Haumole Olakau’atu 12. Ethan Bullemor 16. Aaron Woods 13. Sean Keppie 14. Karl Lawton 15. Josh Aloiai 17. Ben Condon
Team Tips: Reuben Garrick will play fullback for the remainder of 2023 after Tom Trbojevic’s season ended with a pectoral harm within the opening minutes of Origin II. But Jake Trbojevic, Ben Trbojevic, Jason Saab and Brad Parker will all return this week, whereas Kelma Tuilagi is an opportunity after taking part in reserve grade on Sunday. Aaron Woods will shift again to the bench and Raymond Tuaimalo Vaega will drop out of the 17.
Last week’s Roosters group: 1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Billy Smith 4. Joseph Manu 5. Junior Pauga 6. Luke Keary 7. Sandon Smith 8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves 9. Jake Turpin 10. Lindsay Collins 11. Egan Butcher 14. Angus Crichton 13. Victor Radley 15. Nathan Brown 17. Naufahu Whyte 18. Terrell May 19. Drew Hutchison
Team Tips: Joseph Suaalii (suspension) returns with both Billy Smith or Junior Pauga to make method. Sitili Tupouniua was a late scratching in Round 17 after he “woke up with nerve pain” coach Trent Robinson revealed, whereas Nat Butcher additionally missed the conflict towards the Raiders resulting from an ankle harm. Both gamers are an opportunity to return this week. Brandon Smith (thumb) and Sam Walker (knee) are each at the least one other week away.
Bye: Parramatta Eels
Source: www.foxsports.com.au