NSW hopeful Cody Walker has suffered a quad injury but he, Latrell Mitchell and Cam Murray are still “every chance” of being fit for the second State of Origin match, according to South Sydney coach Jason Demetriou.

Veteran five-eighth Walker tweaked his quad warming up for training on Friday morning and took no further part in the session. Dean Hawkins will replace him in the halves against St George Illawarra this Saturday for what would have been Walker’s last chance to assert his Origin credentials before the Blues team is named on Tuesday morning.

Walker has been considered a serious chance to reunite with former Souths teammate Adam Reynolds in the halves for NSW, who have lost halfback Nathan Cleary to injury and must defeat Queensland on June 21 to keep the series alive. Demetriou said Walker’s injury was not serious enough to rule him out of Origin contention at this stage.

“(Walker) is every chance of being available,” Demetriou said. “It’s an injury that’s really short-term. It’s only happened a couple of days before the game so we’re not in a position to risk him but Origin’s not for nearly two weeks. For us, we know he’ll be back for the game after the bye (in round 16), which is only a few days after Origin.”

Rabbitohs forward Jai Arrow will miss 6-8 weeks after undergoing surgery on Monday after suffering a syndesmosis injury from a hip-drop tackle in Saturday’s win over the Titans. It means his State of Origin series is over after he was solid for the Maroons off the bench in their victory last week in Adelaide.

Dolphins coach Wayne Bennett says he’s “confused” by the NRL’s commitment to tackling concussion as his side prepares to face a Manly side with star fullback Tom Trbojevic passed fit to play.

Trbojevic was diagnosed with a category one concussion by the bunker doctor in State of Origin I after being whacked high by Maroons prop Tom Flegler in the dying stages.

That diagnosis meant, under the NRL’s 11-day stand-down rules, Trbojevic should be ruled out of Friday’s game against the Dolphins. But Manly successfully overturned the decision, arguing with the support of the Blues and an independent doctor Trbojevic had not showed any signs of concussion.

Bennett was puzzled, the supercoach implying the NRL had caused uncertainty by allowing Trbojevic to play.

“I don’t know what to make of it, there’s such a position we have on head injuries and I’m a bit confused by it,” Bennett said. “I don’t know all the background but it looked like he had taken a pretty heavy knock, I don’t think there’s any doubt about that part of it. After that I don’t know, all I know is the rules are there to protect the players.

“(The waters) are muddied, don’t worry about that. That’s the problem, they make the rules, and the same people who make the rules – the NRL itself – then put doubt in your mind about how serious they are about what they’re doing.”

The Dolphins have been dealt a triple blow with Maroons forward Tom Gilbert (dislocated shoulder) ruled out for the rest of the season while former State of Origin players Anthony Milford and Jarrod Wallace have been banned three games after being charged following the 30-8 loss to the Warriors.

Joseph Suaalii has accepted a three-game suspension after he raised his knees while running into a tackle in the Roosters’ win over Canterbury. Suaalii was not cited at the time, despite his right knee making contact with the head of Bulldogs hooker Reed Mahoney on Sunday.

Roosters hooker Jake Turpin was hit with a grade one careless high tackle charge but has copped a fine of $1000.

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Mahoney went off for a head injury assessment and did not return after the Suaalii incident, but will be allowed to play in Monday’s meeting with his former club Parramatta if cleared by an independent doctor.

The NRL has decided to stand Dylan Brown down after police charged the Parramatta star with sexually touching a woman without her consent at a pub in Sydney’s eastern suburbs.

The Eels five-eighth was arrested at the Golden Sheaf in Double Bay after police were called to the venue about 11.40pm on Saturday. NSW Police said officers arrested a 22-year-old man, who was taken to Waverley Police Station and charged with five counts of sexually touching another person without consent.

Blues star Nathan Cleary’s absence with a torn hamstring means Jack Cogger will start at halfback in Round 15 against the Roosters after an encouraging club debut in Sunday’s win over the Dragons.

North Queensland Cowboys prop Coen Hess has escaped with a fine following his high tackle on Melbourne winger Xavier Coates.

Souths journeyman Richie Kennar ($1000 for a shoulder charge), Sharks trio Ronaldo Mulitalo ($1000 for a crusher tackle), Blayke Brailey ($750 for a dangerous contact for a hip-drop tackle) and Braden Hamlin-Uele ($3000 for a crusher tackle) have been charged but will avoid bans by paying a fine.

Earlier in the round, Zac Woolford and Isaiah Papali’i were charged over incidents in Canberra’s dramatic win over Wests Tigers at Campbelltown.

Woolford immediately said he would pay his fine, saying it’s the best $2500 he’s ever spent because it means he will avoid a two-week ban and be able to play in teammate Jarrod Croker‘s 300th game celebration on Friday against the Warriors at GIO Stadium.

Best $2500 I’ll ever spend #croker300 https://t.co/MLQ7ULzKWv

— Zac woolford (@zacwoolford9) June 3, 2023

Papali’i was charged with dangerous contact for his late chargedown on Jamal Fogarty as he tried to kick a match-winning field goal. He was fined $1800 for the incident which ultimately led to the Raiders booting a penalty goal to seal a 20-19 triumph.

Round 15 teams

Titans vs Tigers, at Cbus Super Stadium – 7.50pm, Thursday, June 8

Titans: 1. AJ Brimson 2. Alofiana Khan-Pereira 3. Brian Kelly 4. Aaron Schoupp 5. Phillip Sami 6. Jayden Campbell 7. Tanah Boyd 8. Moeaki Fotuaika 9. Sam Verrills 10. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui 11. Klese Haas 12. Joe Stimson 13. Isaac Liu 14. Kruise Leeming 15. Erin Clark 16. Jaimin Jolliffe 17. Iszac Fa’asumaleaui 18. Jojo Fifita 19. Keano Kini 20. Thomas Mikaele 21. Jo Vuna 22. Ken Maumalo

Hooker Sam Verrills returned from the broken collarbone he suffered early in the season via the bench last weekend so he has been elevated to the starting side with Chris Randall banned a match for his hip-drop on Jai Arrow. Kruise Leeming is the new back-up rake on the bench.

Five-eighth Kieran Foran is still out with his foot injury but AJ Brimson returns with Jayden Campbell staying at five-eighth fullback and rookie Keano Kini missing out after playing in the loss to Souths.

Maroons forward David Fifita (concussion) is out but should be right for Origin selection.

Tigers: 1. Jahream Bula 2. David Nofoaluma 3. Starford To’a 4. Tommy Talau 5. Junior Tupou 6. Brandon Wakeham 7. Luke Brooks 8. Stefano Utoikamanu 9. Apisai Koroisau 10. David Klemmer 11. Isaiah Papali’i 12. John Bateman 13. Fonua Pole 14. Jake Simpkin 15. Alex Seyfarth 16. Alex Twal 17. Asu Kepaoa 18. Daine Laurie 19. Shawn Blore 20. Aistasi James 21. Justin Matamua 22. Tallyn Da Silva

Isaiah Papali’i is able to play after only being fined for his controversial late hit on Jamal Fogarty in the loss to Canberra.

Raiders vs Warriors, at GIO Stadium – 6pm, Friday, June 9

Raiders: 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 18. Matt Frawley 19. Danny Levi 20. Ata Mariota 21. Xavier Savage 22. Peter Hola

Jarrod Croker will celebrate his 300th NRL game for the Green Machine after he was controversially left out of the away clash with Wests. 

Nick Cotric is back on the bench with Albert Hopoate heading to the wing with Croker back.

Zac Woolford is free to play after copping a $2500 fine for a dangerous throw on John Bateman while Elliott Whitehead boosts the pack after serving a two-game ban.

Warriors: 1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 3. Ali Leiataua 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. Bayley Sironen 15. Josh Curran 16. Mitchell Barnett 17. Tom Ale 18. Ronald Volkman 20. Taine Tuaupiki 21. Freddy Lussick 22. Brayden Wiliame 23. Zyon Maiu’u

Centre Rocco Berry (head knock) is out so Ali Leiataua will make his NRL debut while Dylan Walker (toe) is again out this weekend.

Sea Eagles vs Dolphins, at 4 Pines Park – 8pm, Friday, June 9

Sea Eagles: 1. Tom Trbojevic 2. Jason Saab 3. Tolutau Koula 4. Reuben Garrick 5. Christian Tuipulotu 6. Josh Schuster 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Taniela Paseka 9. Lachlan Croker 10. Toafofoa Sipley 11. Haumole Olakau’atu 12. Samuela Fainu 13. Sean Keppie 14. Karl Lawton 15. Josh Aloiai 16. Ethan Bullemor 17. Ben Condon 18. Kaeo Weekes 19. Ray Tuaimalo-Vaega 20. Jakob Arthur 21. Dean Matterson 22. Gordon Chan Kum Tong

Tom Trbojevic has been cleared under the NRL’s concussion protocols and will play. Josh Aloiai (shoulder) is a chance to play after being named on the bench. Daly Cherry-Evans’ return from Origin moves Cooper Johns to the reserves.

Dolphins: 1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Euan Aitken 4. Brenko Lee 5. Tesi Niu 6. Kodi Nikorima 7. Isaiya Katoa 8. Jesse Bromwich 9. Jeremy Marshall-King 10. Poasa Faamausili 11. Kenny Bromwich 12. Connelly Lemuelu 13. Ray Stone 14. Herman Ese’ese 15. Mark Nicholls 16. Kurt Donoghoe 17. Valynce Te Whare 18. Max Plath 19. Jack Bostock 20. JJ Collins 21. Robert Jennings 22. Oliver Gildart

Anthony Milford and Jarrod Wallace have copped three-game bans while Tom Gilbert (shoulder) is out long term with a dislocated shoulder.

Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow will resume his spot at fullback after the Maroons star was rested for the loss to the Warriors last Saturday while Jeremy Marshall-King (shoulder) is back at hooker.

Dragons vs Rabbitohs, at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium – 3pm, Saturday, June 10

Dragons: 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. Michael Molo 11. Billy Burns 12. Jaydn Su’A 13. Ben Murdoch-Masila 14. Moses Mbye 15. Jaiyden Hunt 16. Josh Kerr 17. Zane Musgrove 18. Talatau Amone 19. Toby Couchman 20. Tautau Moga 21. Jack Bird 22. Blake Lawrie

Veteran lock Jack de Belin will sit out this match after copping a heavy knock in the loss to Penrith. Blake Lawrie (hand) and Jack Bird (knee) are unlikely to play but have been named in the reserves.

Rabbitohs: 1. Blake Taaffe 2. Alex Johnston 3. Isaiah Tass 4. Campbell Graham 5. Richard Kennar 6. Cody Walker 22. Dean Hawkins 7. Lachlan Ilias 8. Tevita Tatola 9. Damien Cook 10. Hame Sele 11. Keaon Koloamatangi 12. Jacob Host 13. Shaq Mitchell 14. Jed Cartwright 15. Michael Chee Kam 16. Siliva Havili 17. Daniel Suluka-Fifita 18. Taane Milne 19. Tallis Duncan 20. Ben Lovett 21. Liam Knight

Jai Arrow’s ankle injury is likely to keep him out for 6-8 weeks while Cameron Murray (groin) is out this weekend along with Cody Walker, with Dean Hawkins slotting into the halves.

Front-rowers Tom Burgess (back) and Davvy Moale (knee) remain sidelined but fellow forward Siliva Havili (ankle) is back from a lengthy spell on the sidelines. 

Broncos vs Knights, at Suncorp Stadium – 5.30pm, Saturday, June 10

Broncos: 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. Kurt Capewell 12. Jordan Riki 13. Patrick Carrigan 14. Cory Paix 15. Brendan Piakura 16. Kobe Hetherington 17. Martin Taupau 18. Jesse Arthars 19. Corey Jensen 20. Keenan Palasia 21. Deine Mariner 22. Tyson Smoothy

Selwyn Cobbo (hip) was the only Origin player who didn’t back up for Brisbane in their win over Cronulla and his replacement, Corey Oates, was one of their best at Shark Park. Cobbo’s return means Jesse Arthars is back in the reserves.

Knights: 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. Lachlan Fitzgibbon 13. Adam Elliott 14. Kurt Mann 15. Jacob Saifiti 16. Jack Hetherington 17. Mathew Croker 18. Dylan Lucas 19. Enari Tuala

Lachlan Fitzgibbon (calf) is back in the second row alongside Tyson Frizell, returning from Blues duty.

Roosters vs Panthers, at Allianz Stadium – 7.35pm, Saturday, June 10

Roosters: 1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Corey Allan 4. Billy Smith 5. Junior Pauga 6. Joseph Manu 7. Luke Keary 8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves 9. Jake Turpin 10. Lindsay Collins 11. Egan Butcher 12. Nat Butcher 13. Sitili Tupouniua 14. Sandon Smith 15. Nathan Brown 16. Angus Crichton 17. Matthew Lodge 18. Drew Hutchison 19. Zach Dockar-Clay 20. Jaxson Paulo 21. Fletcher Baker 22. Naufahu Whyte

Joseph Suaalii is out after being banned for 3-4 games for raising his knees but hooker Jake Turpin just copped a fine of $1000 for a high tackle.

Panthers: 1. Dylan Edwards 2. Sunia Turuva 3. Izack Tago 4. Stephen Crichton 5. Brian To’o 6. Jarome Luai 7. Jack Cogger 8. Moses Leota 9. Mitch Kenny 10. James Fisher-Harris 11. Scott Sorensen 12. Zac Hosking 13. Isaah Yeo 14. Liam Martin 15. Lindsay Smith 16. Spencer Leniu 17. Jaeman Salmon 18. Tyrone Peachey 19. Luke Garner 20. Thomas Jenkins 21. Matt Eisenhuth 22. Soni Luke

Nathan Cleary’s absence with a torn hamstring means Jack Cogger will start at halfback after an encouraging club debut in Sunday’s win over the Dragons.

Storm vs Sharks, at AAMI Park – 4.05pm, Sunday, June 11

Storm: 1. Nick Meaney 2. William Warbrick 3. Reimis Smith 4. Grant Anderson 5. Xavier Coates 6. Cameron Munster 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Tui Kamikamica 9. Harry Grant 10. Christian Welch 11. Trent Loiero 12. Eliesa Katoa 13. Josh King 14. Bronson Garlick 15. Aaron Pene 16. Nelson Asofa-Solomona 17. Tariq Sims 18. Sualauvi Faalogo 19. Marion Seve 20. Kane Bradley 21. Tyran Wishart 22. Tom Eisenhuth

PNG centre Justin Olam failed to finish the loss to the Cowboys due to a head knock so he has been replaced by Grant Anderson. Storm coach Craig Bellamy has resisted the temptation to swing the selection axe after blasting his team’s performance as putrid.

Sharks: 1. Will 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. Royce Hunt 11. Briton Nikora 12. Teig Wilton 13. Dale Finucane 14. Cameron McInnes 15. Wade Graham 16. Jack Williams 17. Braden Hamlin-Uele 18. Braydon Trindall 19. Connor Tracey 20. Thomas Hazelton 21. Daniel Atkinson 22. Jesse Colquhoun

Sharks trio Ronaldo Mulitalo ($1000 for a crusher tackle), Blayke Brailey ($750 for a dangerous contact for a hip-drop tackle) and Braden Hamlin-Uele ($3000 for a crusher tackle) were fined for incidents in the loss to Brisbane. Veteran forward Cameron McInnes (hand) is back on the bench ahead of Tom Hazelton.

Bulldogs vs Eels, at Accor Stadium – 4.05pm, Monday, June 12

Bulldogs: 1. Hayze Perham 2. Jacob Kiraz 3. Jake Averillo 4. Paul Alamoti 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Karl Oloapu 7. Matt Burton 8. Max King 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Tevita Pangai Junior 11. Jayden Okunbor 12. Jacob Preston 13. Harrison Edwards 14. Khaled Rajab 15. Kurtis Morrin 16. Chris Patolo 17. Corey Waddell 19. Kyle Flanagan 20. Jackson Topine 21. Braidon Burns 22. Blake Wilson 23. Franklin Pele

Reed Mahoney went off for a head injury assessment and did not return after the Joseph Suaalii incident, which initially ruled him out of the meeting with his former club Parramatta under the NRL’s concussion rules. But if he does not train and is declared fully fit by an independent neurological expert appointed by the NRL, he will be allowed to play.

Eels: 1. Clint Gutherson 2. Maika Sivo 3. Viliami Penisini 4. Bailey Simonsson 5. Sean Russell 6. Dylan Brown 7. Mitchell Moses 8. Reagan Campbell-Gillard 9. Josh Hodgson 10. Junior Paulo 11. Bryce Cartwright 12. Andrew Davey 13. J’maine Hopgood 14. Ofahiki Ogden 15. Brendan Hands 16. Matt Doorey 17. Makahesi Makatoa 18. Daejarn Asi 19. Jack Murchie 20. Ky Rodwell 21. Haze Dunster 22. Luca Moretti

Five-eighth Dylan Brown has been stood down by the NRL after being charged over an incident at a Sydney pub.

Front-rower Reagan Campbell-Gillard will make an early return from a groin injury to potentially earn a NSW recall.

Bye – Cowboys 

Jason Taumalolo should be right to return from knee surgery after he was named on the extended bench for the past two weeks before being a late withdrawal.

Cowboys prop Coen Hess has accepted an early guilty plea for a careless high tackle and will be available for their clash next week with the Panthers.

with AAP