The Roosters suffered several huge injury blows in Round 26, and Trent Robinson is facing a huge call as to who will replace his trio of stars.
The Sea Eagles have been forced into a backline reshuffle following an injury to Tom Trbojevic and Jason Saab.
Meanwhile, the Storm will field a vastly different team to the one that ran out against the Cowboys with a staggering 11 players potentially returning.
Read on for all of the team news ahead of Round 27.
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THURSDAY
Brisbane Broncos vs Melbourne Storm 7.50pm AEST at Suncorp Stadium
Last week’s Broncos team: 1. Tristan Sailor 2. Selwyn Cobbo 3. Kotoni Staggs 16. Josiah Karapani 5. Jesse Arthars 6. Joshua Rogers 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Corey Jensen 9. Billy Walters 22. Payne Haas 11. Brendan Piakura 12. Jordan Riki 13. Patrick Carrigan 10. Xavier Willison 14. Blake Mozer 15. Benjamin Te Kura 17. Martin Taupau 20. Corey Oates
Team Tips: The Broncos were dumped out of the finals race in Round 26, and to further add to their woes will be missing Kotoni Staggs to close out the season after he suffered a quad injury. Selwyn Cobbo will likely shift into the centres and Corey Oates could join the side on the wing. Kobe Hetherington is also set to join the side after he sat out due to a head knock, replacing Xavier Willison who has been handed a one-game ban.
Last week’s Storm team: 1. Ryan Papenhuyzen 2. Dean Ieremia 3. Marion Seve 4. Young Tonumaipea 5. Sua Fa’alogo 6. Cameron Munster 7. Grant Anderson 8. Lazarus Vaalepu 9. Tyran Wishart 10. Christian Welch 11. Kane Bradley 12. Joe Chan 13. Alec MacDonald 14. Keagan Russell-Smith 15. Tepai Moeroa 16. Ativalu Lisati 17. Tristan Powell
Team Tips: A host of Storm stars are set to return this week after Bellamy rested 11 players. Jahrome Hughes, Harry Grant, Will Warbrick, Jack Howarth, Nick Meaney, Nelson Asofa-Solomona, Josh King, Shawn Blore, Eli Katoa, Trent Loiero and Tui Kamikamica will all return to the side after sitting out again the Cowboys. Ryan Papenhuyzen remains in doubt after suffering bone bruising in his knee, with Sua Fa’alogo a chance to replace him at fullback of ruled out. Outside of the fullback spot, Cameron Munster, Grant Anderson, Tyran Wishart and Christian Welch will all keep their places in the starting 17. Xavier Coates is a chance of returning from a hamstring injury while Lazarus Vaalepu did his chances of winning a spot on the bench no harm with a barnstorming Round 26 performance.
FRIDAY
Wests Tigers vs Parramatta Eels vs 6pm AEST at Campbelltown Sports Stadium
Round 25 Tigers team: 1. Heath Mason 2. Solomon Alaimalo 3. Solomona Faataape 4. Junior Tupou 5. Charlie Staines 6. Lachlan Galvin 7. Aidan Sezer 8. Stefano Utoikamanu 9. Apisai Koroisau 10. David Klemmer 11. Alex Seyfarth 12. Samuela Fainu 13. Isaiah Papali’i 14. Latu Fainu 15. Sione Fainu 16. Fonua Pole 17. Alex Twal 18. Tim Johannssen
Team Tips: Aidan Sezer suffered a shoulder injury in Round 25 and his season is over. Latu Fainu is the likely man to take his spot in the halves after featuring off the bench, while Jayden Sullivan could also earn a call-up. Adam Doueihi’s season is also over so he won’t return, with changes unlikely to this line-up ahead of wooden spoon-deciding clash.
Last week’s Eels team: 1. Clinton Gutherson 2. Maika Sivo 3. Viliami Penisini 4. Blaize Talagi 18. Jake Tago 6. Dylan Brown 7. Daejarn Asi 8. Reagan Campbell-Gillard 9. Brendan Hands 22. Ofahiki Ogden 10. Shaun Lane 12. Bryce Cartwright 13. Joe Ofahengaue 14. Joey Lussick 15. Makahesi Makatoa 16. Luca Moretti 17. Dan Keir 20. Ethan Sanders
Team Tips: Trent Barrett flagged the Eels will likely welcome Kelam Tuilagi back ahead of the ‘spoon bowl’. The gun backrower will slot into the side and likely start after he was named in the No.12 jersey last week before being omitted. Clint Gutherson should be free to take the field and said he “should be sweet” after suffering a cork and leaving the field in the dying stages against the Dragons. Wiremu Greig is also due to return from suspension, and could displace Dan Keir or Makahesi Makatoa on the bench.
Knights too good for tame Tigers | 00:43
South Sydney Rabbitohs vs Sydney Roosters, 8pm AEST at Accor Stadium
Last week’s Rabbitohs team: 1. Jye Gray 2. Tyrone Munro 3. Taane Milne 4. Fletcher Myers 5. Jacob Gagai 6. Jack Wighton 7. Cody Walker 8. Davvy Moale 9. Damien Cook 10. Sean Keppie 12. Tallis Duncan 15. Jacob Host 11. Keaon Koloamatangi 14. Peter Mamouzelos 16. Thomas Burgess 17. Siliva Havili 19. Liam Le Blanc
Team Tips: In a further blow for the already injury-ravaged Rabbitohs, Jack Wighton is set to be sidelined to close out the year after suffered a hamstring injury. Dean Hawkins is the likely man to replace him in the halves. “How our season’s gone so far, there’s a good chance he won’t be there next week,” Hornby said of Wighton.
Last week’s Roosters team: 1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Michael Jennings 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. Nat Butcher 14. Connor Watson 15. Naufahu Whyte 16. Sitili Tupouniua 17. Terrell May 21. Zach Dockar-Clay
Team Tips: Could Round 26 have gone any worse for the Roosters? Sam Walker, Brandon Smith and Victor Radley all suffered season-ending injuries in their loss to the Raiders. Throw in the mix a head knock to Nat Butcher and the Tricolours have been decimated. Replacing Walker at halfback will be Sandon Smith, who is considered the club’s long-term halves partner for Walker. At hooker, Connor Watson is the likely man to take over with Zack Dockar-Clay joining the bench as a utility. Sitili Tupouniua could be the man to take over from Radley in the backrow, with Naufahu Whyte wearing the No.13 jersey in Butcher’s absence. Siua Wong and Blake Steep are the leading chances to join the bench, while Joseph Suaalii potentially set to return from a neck injury and displace Michael Jennings.
SATURDAY
St George Illawarra Dragons vs Canberra Raiders, 3pm AEST at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium
Last week’s Dragons team: 1. Tyrell Sloan 2. Zac Lomax 3. Mathew Feagai 4. Max Feagai 19. Mikaele Ravalawa 6. Jack Bird 7. Ben Hunt 8. Francis Molo 21. Connor Muhleisen 10. Jack de Belin 11. Luciano Leilua 12. Jaydn Su’A 13. Tom Eisenhuth 14. Toby Couchman 15. Ryan Couchman 17. Raymond Faitala-Mariner 18. Lyhkan King-Togia 16. Blake Lawrie
Team Tips: After sitting out after his wife went into labour, Jacob Liddle will return at hooker in a straight swap for Connor Muhleisen who was one of few bright spots for the Red V. Christian Tuipulotu looks unlikely to return from a hamstring injury, meaning Mikaele Ravalawa could keep his spot in the backline. Elsewhere, Hame Sele was a chance of playing last week and could be in line to return after a chest scare, likely displacing Ryan Couchman on the Dragons’ pine.
Last week’s Raiders team: 1. Jordan Rapana 2. Albert Hopoate 3. Matthew Timoko 4. Sebastian Kris 5. Xavier Savage 6. Kaeo Weekes 21. Adam Cook 15. Corey Horsburgh 14. Danny Levi 10. Joseph Tapine 11. Hudson Young 12. Elliott Whitehead 13. Morgan Smithies 8. Josh Papali’i 9. Tom Starling 16. Ata Mariota 17. Simi Sasagi 18. Jed Stuart
Team Tips: Skipper Elliott Whitehead has been handed a three-game suspension for his hip drop tackle on Brandon Smith. If he accepts the ban, he will likely be replaced by Ata Mariota or Simi Sasagi in the back row. Elsewhere, Jordan Rapana has suffered a suspected fractured cheekbone, with Chevy Stewart a chance of earning an NRL return at the back. Otherwise Albert Hopoate could fill in at fullback, with Nick Cotric called on to the wing or Jed Stuart, who was 18th man in Round 26.
Roosters carnage as Raiders secure win | 02:56
MORE NEWS
CASUALTY WARD: Roosters trio’s seasons OVER as title hopes dealt crushing blow
TALKING POINTS: Tough question Roosters must face after ‘mortal’ blow
‘HE TURNED ON ME’: Robbo, Raiders skipper’s explosive post-match run-in revealed
RUN HOME: Knights set up last-day showdown for eighth as pair left praying
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs vs North Queensland Cowboys 5.30pm AEST at Accor Stadium
Last week’s Bulldogs team: 1. Connor Tracey 2. Jeral Skelton 3. Bronson Xerri 4. Jacob Kiraz 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Matt Burton 7. Toby Sexton 8. Max King 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Samuel Hughes 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Jacob Preston 13. Jaeman Salmon 14. Bailey Hayward 15. Kurtis Morrin 16. Harry Hayes 17. Josh Curran
Team Tips: Matt Burton could be sidelined due to a head knock and will have to pass concussion protocols to take the field. Drew Hutchison the likely man to partner Toby Sexton in the halves, however he missed the Dogs’ last reserve grade clash. Bronson Xerri has also been handed a one-game ban, but his omission is offsetted by the return of Stephen Crichton.
Last week’s Cowboys team: 1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Kyle Feldt 3. Valentine Holmes 4. Viliami Vailea 5. Murray Taulagi 6. Tom Dearden 7. Jake Clifford 8. Jordan McLean 9. Reece Robson 14. Sam McIntyre 11. Heilum Luki 12. Jeremiah Nanai 13. Reuben Cotter 10. Jason Taumalolo 15. Harrison Edwards 17. Griffin Neame 18. Jaxon Purdue
Team Tips: Reece Robson handed the Cowboys a scare with his history of hamstring injuries, but he left the field with a cramp against the Storm and will be good to go this week. Jordan McLean left the field after battling some hamstring tightness, but he’s also expected to be cleared to play. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki was a late omission, battling a hand injury and he could be cleared to return this week, but it all comes down to pain management according to Todd Payten. If he’s cleared, Jaxon Purdue will be the likely man to make way.
Penrith Panthers vs Gold Coast Titans 7.35pm AEST at BlueBet Stadium
Last week’s Panthers team: 1. Dylan Edwards 2. Sunia Turuva 3. Izack Tago 4. Paul Alamoti 5. Brian To’o 6. Brad Schneider 7. Jarome Luai 16. Liam Henry 9. Mitch Kenny 10. James Fisher-Harris 11. Luke Garner 12. Liam Martin 13. Isaah Yeo 8. Moses Leota 14. Trent Toelau 15. Lindsay Smith 18. Matt Eisenhuth
Team Tips: A triumphant return to first grade for Sunia Turuva, with Ivan Cleary saying “I thought it was possibly his best game of the year” post-match. Cleary also made it clear he isn’t keen on resting players as he’s not fully happy with his team’s performances as yet. However, Dylan Edwards could be carrying a niggling knee injury, and a week to freshen up could help the gun fullback with Daine Laurie waiting in the wings to wear the No.1 jersey. It remains to be seen when Scott Sorensen will be cleared to return from a hamstring injury.
Last week’s Titans team: 22. Jaylan De Groot 2. Alofiana Khan-Pereira 3. Brian Kelly 12. Beau Fermor 5. Jojo Fifita 6. Jayden Campbell 7. Kieran Foran 8. Moeaki Fotuaika 9. Sam Verrills 10. Jaimin Jolliffe 11. David Fifita 13. Chris Randall 15. Isaac Liu 14. Josiah Pahulu 16. Erin Clark 17. Klese Haas 19. Keenan Palasia 18. Tanah Boyd
Team Tips: Keano Kini will likely return at fullback this week after he was ruled out due to a cork. Jaylan De Groot was solid on debut and could force himself into a spot on the bench, however that seems unlikely. Phil Sami was also a scratching due to niggling injuries and it looms unlikely he will return to the side in the final game of the year.
Roosters carnage as Raiders secure win | 02:56
SUNDAY
Manly Sea Eagles vs Cronulla Sharks 2pm 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 17. Matthew Lodge 11. Haumole Olakau’atu 19. Karl Lawton 13. Jake Trbojevic 10. Nathan Brown 14. Tolutau Koula 15. Josh Aloiai 16. Ethan Bullemor
Team Tips: Tom Trbojevic suffered a grade three AC joint injury against the Bulldogs, with the Sea Eagles confirming he would be sidelined for a single game. However, it’s an important one for Manly, facing off against the Sharks in what could be a preview of what could be to come in the finals. Lehi Hopoate is the likely man to shift to fullback, with Tolu Koula returning to the backline. Jason Saab’s ankle injury also opens a path for Jaxson Paulo to return to the side on the wing after playing fullback in NSW Cup.
Last week’s Sharks team: 1. William Kennedy 2. Sione Katoa 6. Daniel Atkinson 4. Kayal Iro 5. Samuel Stonestreet 22. Nicho Hynes 7. Braydon Trindall 8. Toby Rudolf 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Oregon Kaufusi 11. Briton Nikora 12. Teig Wilton 13. Cameron McInnes 14. Jack Williams 15. Royce Hunt 16. Braden Hamlin-Uele 17. Thomas Hazelton 18. Chris Veaila
Team Tips: Ronaldo Mulitalo, Jesse Ramien and Siosifa Talakai are all due to return in a huge boost. Mulitalo should replace Stonestreet on the wing, while Talakai should join the bench in place of Royce Hunt or Braden Hamlin-Uele. What complicates matters is Daniel Atkinson, who has been excellent for the Sharks this season and shifted into the centres with the return of Nicho Hynes. Atkinson will likely drop to the bench as a utility, but is deserving of retaining his spot in the starting side.
Newcastle Knights vs Dolphins, 4.05pm AEST at McDonald Jones Stadium
Last week’s Knights team: 1. Kalyn Ponga 2. Fletcher Sharpe 3. Dane Gagai 4. Bradman Best 5. Greg Marzhew 6. Jack Cogger 7. Phoenix Crossland 8. Daniel Saifiti 9. Jayden Brailey 10. Leo Thompson 11. Dylan Lucas 12. Brodie Jones 13. Adam Elliott 14. Will Pryce 15. Mathew Croker 16. Jack Hetherington 17. Thomas Cant 18. Kyle McCarthy
Team Tips: When asked if both Kai Pearce-Paul and Tyson Frizell will return this week, Adam O’Brien replied: “Yep”. Brodie Jones will likely shift to the bench with Tom Cant dropping out, with Frizell replacing Jack Hetherington on the pine and the Englishman taking up a starting spot. Knights fans will have to wait one more week to see Jacob Saifiti back in action, and he will be fit to return should Newcastle sneak into the finals.
Last week’s Dolphins team: 20. Trai Fuller 2. Jamayne Isaako 1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 4. Herbie Farnworth 5. Jack Bostock 3. Jake Averillo 6. Sean O’Sullivan 10. Mark Nicholls 9. Max Plath 19. Tevita Pangai Junior 11. Felise Kaufusi 12. Connelly Lemuelu 18. Lachlan Hubner 7. Isaiya Katoa 8. Kenny Bromwich 13. Ray Stone 22. Jeremy Marshall-King 15. Oryn Keeley
Team Tips: Wayne Bennett sprung a host of changes ahead of the Battle of Brisbane, and they worked. Jesse Bromwich will return to the forward pack and shift Tevita Pangai Junior to the bench, with Oryn Keeley likely making way. But the halves situation could become messy, with Kodi Nikorima also due to return. It remains to be seen whether Bennett will split up a winning pairing and Averillo had a huge game against the Broncos. Isaiya Katoa featured off the bench, however due to Nikorima’s versatility, the young gun could be squeezed out of the 17 altogether, with the returning playmaker on the pine.
Bye: New Zealand Warriors
