The Dragons are facing a crisis at the selection table following a playmaker’s impending judiciary hearing and a star outside back’s injury.
Warriors halfback Shaun Johnson is expected to be back on deck as he aims to end his NRL career with a bang.
Meanwhile, Penrith will be without their two starting second rowers for their top-of-the-table clash against the Storm.
Read on for all of the team news ahead of Round 24.
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THURSDAY
Penrith Panthers vs. Melbourne Storm, 7.50pm AEST at BlueBet Stadium
Last week’s Panthers team: 1. Daine Laurie 2. Sunia Turuva 3. Izack Tago 4. Casey McLean 5. Brian To’o 6. Jarome Luai 7. Nathan Cleary 8. Moses Leota 9. Mitch Kenny 15. Matt Eisenhuth 11. Scott Sorensen 12. Liam Martin 13. Isaah Yeo 10. Lindsay Smith 14. Trent Toelau 17. Mavrik Geyer 18. Luron Patea
Team Tips: Panthers star Liam Martin will miss the Storm blockbuster after copping a one-game ban for a dangerous tackle. His absence has been compounded with news that second row partner Scott Sorensen will miss at least a couple of weeks with a hamstring injury. Liam Henry and Mav Geyer are the two players most likely to come into the starting side. Coach Ivan Cleary revealed that injured stars Dylan Edwards and James Fisher-Harris were “both a chance” to return for Penrith next weekend.
Last week’s Storm team: 1. Ryan Papenhuyzen 2. William Warbrick 3. Jack Howarth 4. Nick Meaney 5. Grant Anderson 6. Cameron Munster 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Tui Kamikamica 9. Harry Grant 10. Josh King 11. Shawn Blore 12. Trent Loiero 13. Nelson Asofa-Solomona 14. Tyran Wishart 15. Lazarus Vaalepu 16. Chris Lewis 17. Alec MacDonald
Team Tips: Star back rower Eli Katoa was rested from the Souths clash citing a knee issue but is set to return against Penrith. Nelson Asofa-Solomona played in the back row against Souths in Katoa’s absence. Coach Craig Bellamy says he’s unsure if Xavier Coates (hamstring) and Christian Welch (back) will return but they’re getting closer.
Storm down Souths to extend lead at top | 01:51
FRIDAY
Manly Sea Eagles vs. New Zealand Warriors, 6pm AEST at 4 Pines Park
Last week’s Sea Eagles team: 1. Tom Trbojevic 2. Jason Saab 3. Tommy Talau 4. Reuben Garrick 5. Lehi Hopoate 6. Luke Brooks 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Taniela Paseka 9. Lachlan Croker 10. Nathan Brown 11. Haumole Olakau’atu 12. Karl Lawton 13. Jake Trbojevic 14. Gordon Chan Kum Tong 15. Ben Trbojevic 16. Ethan Bullemor 17. Toafofoa Sipley 19. Clayton Faulalo
Team Tips: Josh Aloiai is expected to be back on deck for the Warriors clash. If he is, that will push Nathan Brown to the bench. Speedster Tolu Koula is nearing a return from a knee injury. Other than that, don’t expect Anthony Seibold to make any changes to the side that thrashed Canberra last weekend.
Last week’s Warriors team: 1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 3. Ali Leiataua 4. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 5. Edward Kosi 6. Chanel Harris-Tavita 18. Te Maire Martin 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Wayde Egan 10. Mitchell Barnett 11. Marata Niukore 12. Kurt Capewell 13. Dylan Walker 14. Freddy Lussick 15. Tom Ale 16. Jazz Tevaga 20. Demitric Sifakula
Team Tips: Shaun Johnson was a late out of the clash against the Dolphins. Following the game, coach Andrew Webster said the star halfback will “definitely” be available for selection. With their top eight hopes officially over, the Warriors will want to send the retiring Johnson out on a high note over the final four rounds. Marcelo Montoya is in line to return on the wing, with Ed Kosi the player to likely make way.
Sydney Roosters vs. Parramatta Eels, 8pm AEST at Allianz Stadium
Round 22 Roosters team: 1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii 4. Joseph Manu 5. Dominic Young 6. Luke Keary 7. Sam Walker 8. Spencer Leniu 9. Brandon Smith 10. Lindsay Collins 11. Angus Crichton 12. Victor Radley 13. Connor Watson 14. Sitili Tupouniua 15. Naufahu Whyte 16. Nat Butcher 17. Terrell May
Team Tips:Dom Young picked up a hamstring injury in the Roosters’ last game and is in some doubt. Junior Pauga has too been battling injury of late, but if right, he’ll come into the side for Young if the star winger is out. There’s a chance Joseph Suaalii could push out to the wing. Back rower Nat Butcher has a rib injury and is in doubt.
Last week’s Eels team: 1. Clinton Gutherson 2. Jake Tago 3. Viliami Penisini 4. Blaize Talagi 5. Sean Russell 6. Dylan Brown 7. Daejarn Asi 8. Reagan Campbell-Gillard 9. Brendan Hands 10. Wiremu Greig 11. Shaun Lane 12. Bryce Cartwright 13. Ryan Matterson 14. Joey Lussick 15. Joe Ofahengaue 16. Matt Doorey 17. Dan Keir
Team Tips: Somehow the Eels coughed up a 14-point lead to the defending champions but there were plenty of good signs. Expect interim coach Trent Barrett to roll with the same team, although back rower Kelma Tuilagi may force his way back into the side as he’s set to return from a thumb injury.
‘Crichton placed his nose in his mouth?’ | 01:22
MORE NRL NEWS
‘IT’S ALL THE NOISE’: Ricky fumes at NRL amid ‘confused’ controversial calls
‘IT HURTS’: Frustrated Payten’s assessment of Cowboys who ‘missed their assignment’
WWL: Star centre ignites Broncos’ 36-point fury as Cowboys’ finals hopes slip away
SATURDAY
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs vs. Dolphins, 3pm AEST at Salter Oval, Bundaberg
Last week’s Bulldogs team: 1. Connor Tracey 2. Jacob Kiraz 3. Bronson Xerri 4. Stephen Crichton 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Matt Burton 7. Toby Sexton 8. Josh Curran 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Samuel Hughes 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Jacob Preston 13. Kurt Mann 14. Bailey Hayward 15. Lipoi Hopoi 16. Kurtis Morrin 17. Harry Hayes 18th Man: 23. Drew Hutchison
Team Tips: In a blow to the club’s outside backs depth, winger Blake Wilson sustained an ankle injury in NSW Cup and is likely to miss the rest of the season. Max King is set to return in the coming weeks.
Last week’s Dolphins team: 1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Jake Averillo 4. Herbie Farnworth 5. Jack Bostock 6. Kodi Nikorima 7. Isaiya Katoa 8. Jesse Bromwich 9. Max Plath 10. Tevita Pangai Junior 11. Felise Kaufusi 12. Connelly Lemuelu 13. Kenny Bromwich 14. Oryn Keeley 15. Mark Nicholls 16. Ray Stone 17. Sean O’Sullivan
Team Tips: Coach Wayne Bennett confirmed Mark Nicholls will miss at least a week with a concussion after failing a HIA. “He was knocked out,” Bennett said. Josh Kerr is in line to return to the side for Nicholls.
North Queensland Cowboys vs. Canberra Raiders, 5.30pm AEST at Queensland Country Bank Stadium
Last week’s Cowboys team: 1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Kyle Feldt 3. Valentine Holmes 4. Viliami Vailea 5. Murray Taulagi 6. Tom Dearden 7. Chad Townsend 8. Jordan McLean 9. Reece Robson 10. Sam McIntyre 11. Heilum Luki 24. Jeremiah Nanai 13. Reuben Cotter 14. Harrison Edwards 16. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki 17. Griffin Neame 18. Jaxon Purdue 18th man: 15. Thomas Mikaele
Team Tips: Cowboys coach Todd Payten signalled that changes could be coming following his side’s embarrassing fadeout against the Broncos. Jeremiah Nanai is a forced changed after failing a HIA. Kulikefu Finefeuaki will replace him in the starting side. Jason Taumalolo is at least a couple of weeks away from returning from a cheekbone injury.
Last week’s Raiders team: 1. Kaeo Weekes 2. Jordan Rapana 3. Matthew Timoko 4. Sebastian Kris 5. Xavier Savage 6. Ethan Strange 7. Jamal Fogarty 8. Josh Papali’i 9. Tom Starling 10. Joseph Tapine 11. Hudson Young 12. Elliott Whitehead 13. Morgan Smithies 14. Adam Cook 15. Trey Mooney 16. Ata Mariota 17. Simi Sasagi 18. Albert Hopoate
Team Tips: Jordan Rapana is in doubt after suffering a head knock against Manly. Albert Hopoate is the leading contender to replace Rapana. Adam Cook played 56 minutes off the bench, coming on for Rapana. If Cook is dropped, Danny Levi likely comes back into the side as the reserve hooker.
Papalii’s hero entrance for GAME 300 | 01:27
MORE NRL NEWS
WWL: Dolphins hero sets Suncorp alight with 43m winner to sink Warriors in GP finish
HERE WE GO: Flanagan sent straight to judiciary over Crichton’s biting claim
SURELY NOT: Warriors star’s sin binning under fire as legend’s slam ‘questionable’ call
CAS WARD: Dragons set record straight after enforcer’s hospital scare
Wests Tigers vs. South Sydney Rabbitohs, 7.35pm AEST at Campbelltown Sports Stadium
Last week’s Tigers team: 1. Jahream Bula 2. Solomon Alaimalo 3. Solomona Faataape 4. Adam Doueihi 5. Charlie Staines 6. Lachlan Galvin 7. Aidan Sezer 8. Stefano Utoikamanu 9. Apisai Koroisau 10. David Klemmer 11. Reuben Porter 12. Samuela Fainu 13. Isaiah Papali’i 14. Tallyn Da Silva 15. Alex Seyfarth 16. Fonua Pole 17. Alex Twal 18. Heath Mason
Team Tips: Latu Fainu missed the loss to Newcastle with a concussion but could be recalled into the side with Aidan Sezer in doubt with an injury concern. Coach Benji Marshall says Sezer has a bit of bone bruising on the knee. Rookie outside back Luke Laulilii is available
Last week’s Rabbitohs team: 1. Jye Gray 2. Fletcher Myers 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. Cameron Murray 12. Michael Chee Kam 13. Keaon Koloamatangi 14. Peter Mamouzelos 15. Tallis Duncan 16. Thomas Burgess 17. Shaquai Mitchell
Team Tips:
SUNDAY
St George Illawarra Dragons vs. Gold Coast Titans, 2pm AEST at WIN Stadium
Last week’s Dragons team: 1. Tyrell Sloan 2. Zac Lomax 3. Moses Suli 4. Max Feagai 5. Christian Tuipulotu 6. Kyle Flanagan 7. Ben Hunt 14. Hame Sele 9. Jacob Liddle 17. Blake Lawrie 11. Luciano Leilua 12. Jaydn Su’A 13. Tom Eisenhuth 8. Francis Molo 10. Jack de Belin 15. Raymond Faitala-Mariner 16. Ryan Couchman
Team Tips: The big story out of the weekend was Kyle Flanagan’s alleged bite. The Dragons playmaker will face the judiciary and could miss several weeks if found guilty. Moses Suli will miss some time with a knee injury. “We’ll get it assessed and have some scans. I think it’s a medial so it doesn’t look good,” coach Shane Flanagan said post-game. Matt Feagai is his likely replacement for the Titans clash. Forward Hame Sele is another in doubt after he was sent to hospital
Last week’s Titans team: 1. Keano Kini 2. Alofiana Khan-Pereira 4. Phillip Sami 5. Jojo Fifita 6. Jayden Campbell 7. Kieran Foran 8. Moeaki Fotuaika 9. Sam Verrills 15. Jaimin Jolliffe 11. David Fifita 12. Klese Haas 13. Chris Randall 10. Erin Clark 14. Isaac Liu 16. Josiah Pahulu 22. Tony Francis
Team Tips: Beau Fermor missed last week’s game with a kidney injury but may return this weekend. AJ Brimson was average in his return from a groin injury. He played in the centres against the Sharks, replacing Brian Kelly (illness). Expect Kelly to be named as he’s been one of the Gold Coast’s best this season. Prop Mo Fotuaikia is set to miss a week for a careless high tackle.
Cronulla Sharks vs. Newcastle Knights, 4.05pm AEST at PointsBet Stadium
Last week’s Sharks team: 1. William Kennedy 2. Sione Katoa 3. Jesse Ramien 4. Kayal Iro 5. Samuel Stonestreet 6. Daniel Atkinson 7. Blayke Brailey 16. Toby Rudolf 9. Cameron McInnes 10. Oregon Kaufusi 11. Briton Nikora 15. Siosifa Talakai 13. Jack Williams 8. Royce Hunt 14. Jayden Berrell 17. Thomas Hazelton 20. Billy Burns
Team Tips: Prop Braden Hamlin-Uele is close to returning from a knee injury. Oregon Kaufusi would likely be the man to make way. After being named last week, Teig Wilton was ruled out with a hamstring issue. He’ll likely return to the starting side, which would mean Siosifa Talakai will begin the game on the bench. While Blayke Brailey was named at halfback, Cam McInnes attacked in the halves and defended at hooker. The Sharks likely go with a similar tact if Braydon Trindall isn’t fit enough to return.
Last week’s Knights team: 1. Kalyn Ponga 2. Fletcher Sharpe 3. Dane Gagai 22. Krystian Mapapalangi 5. Greg Marzhew 6. Tyson Gamble 7. Phoenix Crossland 8. Daniel Saifiti 9. Jayden Brailey 10. Leo Thompson 11. Tyson Frizell 12. Kai Pearce-Paul 13. Adam Elliott 14. Jack Cogger 15. Mathew Croker 16. Jack Hetherington 17. Brodie Jones 18. Thomas Cant
Team Tips: A much needed win from the Knights against the Tigers, keeping their finals hopes alive. The Knights have seemingly solved their halves puzzle for now with halfback Phoenix Crossland playing well in the No. 7 jersey in the past two games. The versatile Dylan Lucas is nearing a return from a hamstring injury.
Bye: Brisbane Broncos
Knights down Tigers to stay alive | 01:43
