Manly’s Tom Trbojevic has been cleared of major injury after undergoing scans following the groin injury that ended his involvement in Sunday’s win over the Wests Tigers late in the second half.
A statement released by the Sea Eagles revealed that the fullback had suffered a minor adductor injury and would be fit to play in this weekend’s meeting with the Gold Coast Titans, pending a fitness test later in the week.
Roosters coach Trent Robinson won’t make a late switch for Angus Crichton when the star forward makes his first appearance for the season in the Anzac Day clash with the Dragons.
Crichton, who took time out from the game after playing for the Kangaroos in last year’s World Cup after being diagnosed with bipolar disorder, has been named to start the match in the second row and there was speculation suggesting he may be used from the interchange.
However, Robinson said Crichton would definitely start to get amongst it from kick-off with the Roosters’ other second-rower on the comeback trail, Sitili Tupouniua, on the bench in his first NRL match since knee surgery.
They are without regular back-rower Nat Butcher after he took a one-match suspension for a hip-drop tackle on Cronulla’s Briton Nikora.
(Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)
Young halfback Sam Walker has paid the price for their back-to-back losses by being dropped to NSW Cup where he played on Sunday at Wentworth Park against St George Illawarra.
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Robinson has shifted Joey Manu to five-eighth and use Luke Keary at halfback in a bid to avoid a third straight defeat.
Melbourne’s Tui Kamikamica will miss the home showdown with the Warriors on Anzac Day after he was suspended for a fortnight for dangerous contact against Manly, but teammates Justin Olam ($1800 for the same offence) and Trent Loiero ($1000 fine for a careless high tackle) are free to play.
His absence is likely to be offset by the return of fellow prop Nelson Asofa-Solomona, who has been out for six weeks with a knee injury.
Melbourne are still to finalise their 17 with Tom Eisenhuth set to drop off the bench due to a hip injury. Asofa-Solomona trained strongly on Monday and is set for his first game since suffering a knee injury in round two.
With a bye next round, coach Craig Bellamy said they would take a cautious approach with Asofa-Solomona if he showed any signs of soreness following the session. He said that the Kiwi giant would only play limited minutes.
“We’re not expecting miracles from him as he’s a big man and he hasn’t done a whole heap of training,” Bellamy said of Asofa-Solomona.
Parramatta prop Reagan Campbell-Gillard was the other big-name casualty from Round 8 after he suffered a serious groin injury following a hip-drop tackle from Brisbane’s Payne Haas.
Payne Haas. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)
The Eels are yet to announce an official timeframe for RCG but there are fears he could spend as long as three months on the sidelines.
Haas and teammate Ezra Mam were charged with grade-two dangerous conduct for hip-drop tackles and have accepted a ban of one match instead of risking two at the judiciary while Eels forward J’maine Hopgood copped a $1800 fine for a grade-one offence.
Keenan Palasia is likely to be promoted to Brisbane’s pack while Jock Madden is set to replace Mam in the halves for Friday’s blockbuster against the Bunnies at Suncorp Stadium.
Corey Oates is in doubt with a knee injury with Jesse Arthars on standby to replace him on the wing.
Cowboys winger Murray Taulagi has been fined $750-$1000 for a late hit on Dane Gagai in Saturday night’s win in Townsville.
Manly prop Aaron Woods was the only player charged from Sunday’s matches and faces a fine of $750-$1000 for a Grade One Dangerous Contact offence on Wests Tigers forward Alex Twal.
There are several players set to make a return in Round 9 with Canberra winger Jordan Rapana (head cut), Dolphins duo Tesi Niu (knee) and Anthony Milford (hamstring), Manly forward Kelma Tuilagi (concussion), Souths prop Tevita Tatola (knee), Warriors hooker Wayde Egan (concussion) and Tigers centre Brent Naden (shoulder) pushing to play.
Anzac Day team lists
Roosters vs Dragons, at Allianz Stadium – 4.05pm, Tuesday, April 25
Roosters: 1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Joseph Suaalii 4. Paul Momirovski 5. Jaxson Paulo 6. Joseph Manu 7. Luke Keary 8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves 9. Brandon Smith 10. Lindsay Collins 11. Egan Butcher 12. Angus Crichton 13. Victor Radley 14. Drew Hutchison 15. Terrell May 16. Sitili Tupouniua 17. Matthew Lodge 18. Corey Allan 19. Nathan Brown 20. Naufahu Whyte 21. Jake Turpin 22. Sam Walker
Nat Butcher has been suspended but with fellow second-rowers Sitili Tupouniua (knee) and Angus Crichton making successful comebacks in the NSW Cup, coach Trent Robinson has experienced options to replace him. Nathan Brown has also been listed to play his first match as a Rooster among the reserves.
Fellow forward Fletcher Baker should be back next week from a head knock.
Sam Walker has been axed with centre Joey Manu joining Luke Keary in the halves. Paul Momirovski starts at centre.
Dragons: 1. Tyrell Sloan 2. Mathew Feagai 3. Moses Suli 4. Zac Lomax 5. Tautau Moga 6. Talatau Amone 7. Ben Hunt 8. Zane Musgrove 9. Moses Mbye 10. Blake Lawrie 11. Ben Murdoch-Masila 12. Jack Bird 13. Jack de Belin 14. Jacob Liddle 15. Michael Molo 16. Toby Couchman 17. Josh Kerr 18. Jaiyden Hunt 19. Max Feagai 20. Jayden Sullivan 21. Billy Burns 22. Viliami Fifita
Mikaele Ravalawa is likely to miss a few weeks with his hamstring problem so Tautau Moga holds his spot on the wing.
Jaydn Su’A has a shoulder problem so Ben Murdoch-Masila returns to the pack.
Nick Meaney is tackled by Joe Stimson. (Photo by Jono Searle/Getty Images)
Storm vs Warriors, at AAMI Park – 7pm, Tuesday, April 25
Storm: 1. Nick Meaney 2. William Warbrick 3. Reimis Smith 4. Justin Olam 5. Xavier Coates 6. Cameron Munster 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Nelson Asofa-Solomona 9. Harry Grant 10. Christian Welch 11. Trent Loiero 12. Eliesa Katoa 13. Josh King 14. Bronson Garlick 15. Alec MacDonald 16. Tom Eisenhuth 17. Tariq Sims 18. Grant Anderson 19. Aaron Pene 20. Tyran Wishart 21. Jonah Pezet 22. Jack Howarth
Tui Kamikamica’s ban is another blow to Craig Bellamy’s depleted pack. Nick Meaney (concussion) is right again so Cameron Munster will switch from fullback to five-eighth with rookie Jonah Pezet relegated to the bench.
Nelson Asofa-Solomona (knee) is set to return this round, replacing Kamikamica.
Warriors: 1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 3. Marcelo Montoya 4. Adam Pompey 5. Edward Kosi 6. Dylan Walker 7. Shaun Johnson 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Freddy Lussick 10. Jazz Tevaga 11. Jackson Ford 12. Marata Niukore 13. Tohu Harris 14. Bayley Sironen 15. Josh Curran 16. Bunty Afoa 17. Tom Ale 18. Viliami Vailea 20. Taine Tuaupiki 21. Ronald Volkman 22. Demitric Sifakula 23. Zyon Maiu’u
Marata Niukore will return after serving his ban for a hip-drop tackle while Wayde Egan (head knock) will have another week off with Freddy Lussick at hooker.
Round 9 teams
Sharks vs Cowboys, at PointsBet Stadium – 7.50pm, Thursday, April 27
Sharks: Suspended skipper Dale Finucane and injured prop Toby Rudolf (foot) are Cronulla’s only top-liners unavailable.
Cowboys: Second-rower Heilum Luki is another week or two away from a return from his hamstring injury while winger Murray Taulagi is free to play after avoiding a ban and copping a fine for his late hit on Dane Gagai in the win over Newcastle.
Reagan Campbell-Gillard. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)
Eels vs Knights, at CommBank Stadium – 6pm, Friday, April 28
Eels: Reagan Campbell-Gillard’s groin injury means Wiremu Greig is likely to be elevated to the run-on side with Jack Murchie or Makahesi Makatoa brought onto the interchange.
Winger Bailey Simonsson (concussion) is under a cloud.
Knights: Kalyn Ponga could be elevated to the starting side after making his comeback from a concussion break via the bench.
Versatile forward Brodie Jones (thigh injury) is a chance to return after sitting out the loss to the Cowboys.
Broncos vs Rabbitohs, at Suncorp Stadium – 8pm, Friday, April 28
Broncos: Corey Oates is in doubt with a knee injury while Ezra Mam and Payne Haas have been banned this week for hip-drop tackles. Jesse Arthars is the likely new winger if Oates is out while Keenan Palasia and Jock Madden are in contention to play for the banned duo.
Rabbitohs: Front-rower Tevita Tatola (knee) is a chance to make his comeback while Izaac Thompson (ankle) is also hoping to play.
Raiders vs Dolphins, at McDonalds Park, Wagga Wagga – 3pm, Saturday, April 29
Raiders: Hudson Young copped a nasty facial cut in the win over the Dragons before the bye but will be right to play.
Dolphins: Veteran forward Kenny Bromwich will return from his suspension while winger Tesi Niu (knee) and five-eighth Anthony Milford (hamstring) are possible inclusions.
Kenny Bromwich is binned. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)
Sea Eagles vs Titans, at 4 Pines Park – 5.30pm, Saturday, April 29
Sea Eagles: Tom Trbojevic’s groin injury has sent a major scare through the camp with the club awaiting scan results.
Second-rower Kelma Tuilagi (concussion) should be right to play while centre Brad Parker (knee) and utility forward Karl Lawton (shoulder) will also be monitored.
Titans: Coach Justin Holbrook could swing the axe after their second-half meltdown to the Dolphins. There are no injured players returning with Toby Sexton (wrist) still a couple of weeks away and Aaron Booth (knee), Jaimin Jolliffe (pectoral), Sam Verrills (collarbone) and Beau Fermor (knee) all out long term.
Panthers vs Tigers, at Carrington Park, Bathurst – 7.35pm, Saturday, April 29
Panthers: Liam Martin (hamstring) is likely to need a couple more weeks out but Luke Garner (ribs) is finally set to return after being close to playing last week in the loss to Souths.
Tigers: Brent Naden (collarbone) is a chance to return but Tim Sheens doesn’t have many other alternative selections apart from the 17 who lost narrowly to Manly on Sunday.
Brent Naden. (Photo by Jason McCawley/Getty Images)
Warriors vs Roosters, at Mt Smart Stadium – 2pm, Sunday, April 30
Warriors: Hooker Wayde Egan (head knock) should be right to return this weekend.
Roosters: Nat Butcher will be available after serving his suspension on Anzac Day.
Fellow forward Fletcher Baker should also be back from a head knock, if needed.
Dragons vs Bulldogs, at WIN Stadium – 4.05pm, Sunday, April 30
Dragons: No changes expected with Francis Molo (suspended), Mikaele Ravalawa (hamstring) and Jaydn Su’A (shoulder) all at least another week away.
Bulldogs: Cameron Ciraldo doesn’t have too many troops left with Jacob Kiraz (knee), Fa’amanu Brown (elbow), Chris Patolo (knee), Franklin Pele (arm), Josh Addo-Carr (ankle), Luke Thompson (foot), Bailey Biondi-Odo (knee) and Viliame Kikau (pectoral) out for the next couple of weeks or much longer.
Bye – Storm
Tui Kamikamica will miss the next game after the bye due to his dangerous contact ban from the loss to Manly.
Dumbo
Roar Rookie
Oh really, don't be so dismissive! Sam Walker is just 20 years old with 50 games in first grade. Certainly he is not in the Cleary/DCE/Hunt class, but they are 25/34/33 and have played 150/300/300 games. Wait a few more years before you make a decision on whether to write him off.
Muzz Manyana
Roar Rookie
It's not Keary's job to steer the team around the park.His job is to feed the edges with good clean timely ball. It's always been the halfbacks role to steer the ship and call the plays under Trent Robinson.
Muzz Manyana
Roar Rookie
Long term yes. The next 2 to 3 years when the team should be ripe, No. If only we had your puppy farm :laughing:
Albo
Roar Rookie
Laurie is a handy fullback option, but I reckon the Panthers are still pretty well covered in that spot . Apart from Edwards, they have Turuva, a Fijian International fullback, and Isaiah Iongi in the reserves who is coming along OK. I fancy that Jesse McLean might be a future fullback also. But I guess you can't have too many options ?
Albo
Roar Rookie
100% PaulC ! The Chooks have particularly missed Lodge, Crichton & Sitili Tupouniua in the pack and they have dominated no opposition packs this season . Their halves have been trying to create off the back foot. In saying all that I think their halves pairing of Keary & Walker are also exposure points for them. Both are small bodies and opposition targets where their resilience is always tested. Whether Manu improves things at 6 is still up in the air for me, as he runs hard but doesn't like passing the ball . The outside backs might still be getting cold ? But it looks like the pack might be improved .
Dodgy Dragons
Roar Rookie
Can anyone work Hook out? Drops Kerr, who is the only forward who offers 2nd phase play, starts with Mbye and he gets 65 mins, yet we are 10x better with Liddle on the field, gives Couchman 15 mins a week and he has been one of our better defenders. I feel sorry for the rest of the comp, we will play the chooks into form. Our only hope is if Radley has a couple of stints in the bin, hopefully with a head high on Mbye in the first set and on Hook in the tunnel at half time so the players don’t get his famous half time eulogy
Panthers
Roar Rookie
Really? You mean before Keary also led the Roosters to 2 Premiership wins in 2018 & 2019. Being the Clive Churchill man of the match in the 2018 Grand Final. I can see the reasoning there? :laughing:
Panthers
Roar Rookie
How do the Roosters work this one ? You’d have to think that the Roosters must see Walker as their main halfback long term. Keary is getting on now & they will soon be looking to put in a replacement for him. They wouldn’t wish to also have to replace Walker.
Panthers
Roar Rookie
I thought Momirovski was a bit pedestrian at Penrith. In general though, did a good, solid job when in the team. I bet he’s been happy being back at the Roosters playing mostly NSW Cup.
Panthers
Roar Rookie
They’ve always got plenty of money to spend, so no problem!
Panthers
Roar Rookie
Don’t tell them that! All that money spent on him. He’s not going anywhere.
Panthers
Roar Rookie
Should Penrith put in a cheeky offer to get Daine Laurie back, at the end of the season ? Penrith have Cole & he’s a centre or half . I think he’s going fairly well. Yet , they are a bit short with the loss of 3 halves from last year. Good to get a former Panther back.
Bill
Roar Rookie
Weekes hasn't been great but I blame that partly on the fact he's being put in positions he isn't used to. He still adds energy in my opinion and I feel that helps the boys. Regardless of how effective his actual play is.
Bill
Roar Rookie
I think Croker is always a HIA chance for some reason and Shuster doesn't have great injury form on the board. Will see how it plays out
csps
Roar Rookie
Sam Walker is not a championship calibre half and probably never will. He remains rather weak physically, does not have good distant kicking skills and most importantly, often can’t read the game more than one play ahead.
PaulC
Roar Rookie
Albo, I feel sorry for Sam Walker being dropped. Halfbacks don't lose games, it is the forward packs that lose the forward battle that are the Roosters problem.
DP Schaefer
Roar Rookie
injured apparently..
Albo
Roar Rookie
Strange seeing him dropped ? Or is he injured ? He was one of the Dragons best in Canberra , I thought ? At least he gives 100% all game.
Albo
Roar Rookie
Apparently that Tigers young fullback Jahream Bula has plenty of ability. I guess they are looking for some attacking flair, that Charlie doesn't have at the back ? But it is certainly time for the experienced Tigers pack to man up ! And for Manly , they will be a long way over the bridge from Brookie ! I smell an upset brewing .
Joe
Roar Rookie
I like the Roosters lineup with Manu at 6. I think he is wasted playing center and has the ability to be Munster like at 6. Momorovski is a decent center but has his defensive lapses but I think overall the changes will be a good thing for the Roosters. Good to see big NASty back although slightly offset by Tui getting suspended. Meaney also back so Munster back to 6 after the failed experiment last week at 1. Should be a good game as the Warriors are a different proposition this year....playing way above expectations.