The Roosters are set to receive a much-needed boost for their clash against the Dolphins, with star centre Joey Manu close to a return from a hand injury.
Bulldogs coach Cameron Ciraldo expects skipper Stephen Crichton to be back on deck after missing the win over the Broncos.
Meanwhile, Ivan Cleary will have to make a big backline call this week with Penrith’s two first choice fullbacks both unavailable.
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Here is all of the team list news ahead of Round 22.
THURSDAY
Wests Tigers vs North Queensland Cowboys, 7.50pm AEST at Leichhardt Oval
Last week’s Tigers team: 1. Jahream Bula 2. Luke Laulilii 3. Solomona Faataape 4. Starford To’a 5. Charlie Staines 6. Lachlan Galvin 9. Apisai Koroisau 8. Stefano Utoikamanu 14. Tallyn Da Silva 10. Fonua Pole 11. Reuben Porter 12. Samuela Fainu 17. Alex Twal 7. Latu Fainu 13. Isaiah Papali’i 15. Alex Seyfarth 16. Sione Fainu
Team Tips: Coach Benji Marshall said in his post-match press conference that Starford To’a will again be sidelined after picking up a fresh hamstring injury against the Warriors. After being rested, Adam Doueihi will be named in the centres. Boom rookie Lachlan Galvin didn’t finish the Warriors clash and is in some doubt. Latu Fainu will replace him in the halves and likely partner Api Koroisau, with Aidan Sezer still suspended. Luke Laulilii will miss at leat one game after suffering a head knock.
Last week’s Cowboys team: 1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Kyle Feldt 5. Valentine Holmes 4. Viliami Vailea 21. Murray Taulagi 6. Tom Dearden 7. Chad Townsend 8. Jordan McLean 9. Reece Robson 10. Jason Taumalolo 12. Jeremiah Nanai 16. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki 13. Reuben Cotter 3. Jaxon Purdue 14. Sam McIntrye 15. Harrison Edwards 17. Griffin Neame
Team Tips: The Cowboys will be without co-captain Reuben Cotter, who was concussed after an ugly collision with Jesse Ramien. He has been stood down for 11 days under the concussion protocol. Sam McIntyre likely comes into the starting side at lock. Jason Taumalolo is in doubt after picking up a cheekbone injury against the Sharks which means Griffin Neame will start at prop. Murray Taulagi made a successful return from a hamstring injury in the Cronulla win.
FRIDAY
New Zealand Warriors vs Parramatta Eels, 6pm AEST at Go Media Stadium
Last week’s Warriors team: 1. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 3. Ali Leaitaua 4. Moala Graham-Taufa 5. Edward Kosi 6. Chanel Harris-Tavita 7. Te Maire Martin 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Wayde Egan 10. Mitchell Barnett 11. Marata Niukore 12. Kurt Capwell 13. Dylan Walker 14. Freddy Lussick 15. Jackson Ford 16. Jazz Tevaga 17. Leka Halasima
Team Tips: The Warriors may welcome back two fullbacks in Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad (calf) and Taine Tuaupiki (head knock). That creates a dilemma for coach Andrew Webster, with Roget Tuivasa-Sheck starring for the Warriors at the back against the Tigers. The Warriors are unbeaten this season when RTS starts at fullback. Nicoll-Klokstad has played five eighth this season but what’s more likely if he returns is Tuivasa-Sheck moves into the centres. Jackson Ford picked up a knee injury against the Tigers and is a chance of missing some time. Winger Marcelo Montoya is close to returning as is halfback Shaun Johnson (achilles).
Last week’s Eels team: 1. Clint Gutherson 2. Jake Tago 3. Blaize Talagi 4. Will Penisini 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. Luca Moretti 22. Dan Keir
Team Tips: The Eels tried hard against the Storm but couldn’t go with the opposition in the second half. Kelma Tuilagi is in line to rejoin the side after recovering from a thumb injury. If he’s right to go, Dan Keir is the most likely to make way, although the 26-year-old was solid in his NRL debut.
Dolphins vs Sydney Roosters, 8pm AEST at HBF Park, Perth
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. Kenneath Bromwich 14. Josh Kerr 15. Mark Nicholls 16. Ray Stone 18. Sean O’Sullivan
Team Tips: The Dolphins welcome back Kurt Donoghoe from suspension. With Jeremy Marshall-King injured, Donoghoe may start which would push Max Plath to lock. Otherwise, the Dolphins will start Plath at hooker again with Donoghoe to come off the pine. Wayne Bennett could look to make some changes to a side who didn’t score any points in the final 58 minutes in a loss to the Gold Coast.
Last week’s Roosters team: 1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Joseph-Aukuso Sua’ali’i 18. Michael Jennings 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 4. Sitili Tupouniua 15. Naufahu Whyte 16. Nat Butcher 17. Terrell May
Team Tips: Joey Manu is nearing a return from a hand injury and could be named this week. It would be a huge boost considering Michael Jennings faces a two week ban for a high tackle. Junior Pauga’s served his four-game suspension, but his return could be delayed given he has a knee issue.
Tupou to remain a Rooster for life | 00:27
SATURDAY
Gold Coast Titans vs Brisbane Broncos, 3pm AEST at Cbus Super Stadium
Last week’s Titans team: 1. Keano Kini 2. Alofiana Khan-Pereira 3. Brian Kelly 4. Phillip Sami 5. Jojo Fifita 6. Jayden Campbell 7. Kieran Foran 8. Moeaki Fotuaika 9. Sam Verrills 16. Keenan Palasia 11. David Fifita 12. Beau Fermor 13. Chris Randall 10. Erin Clark 14. Isaac Liu 15. Klese Haas 17. Josiah Pahulu
Team Tips: AJ Brimson has missed the last two games as the Titans continue to manage a groin injury which he suffered in Round 10. He played in a Round 19 win over Parramatta and seemingly got through that game ok but hasn’t featured since. If right, it’s unclear where he’ll play given Keano Kini has been excellent in the No. 1 jersey. Forward Jaimin Jolliffe is close to a return from a pec injury.
Last week’s Broncos team: 1. Reece Walsh 2. Selwyn Cobbo 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Deine Mariner 5. Jesse Arthars 6. Ezra Mam 7 Adam Reynolds 8. Corey Jensen 9. Billy Walters 10. Payne Haas 11. Kobe Hetherington 12. Jordan Riki 13. Patrick Carrigan 14. Blake Mozer 16. Xavier Willison 17. Martin Taupau 18. Corey Oates
Team Tips: Brendan Piakura was close to playing against the Dogs but was given a week to recover from a groin injury. He’ll come straight back into the starting side if right. Deine Mariner copped a knock to the knee and came off late in the Bulldogs clash but Kevin Walters said it isn’t anything serious. He may still miss some time which means Corey Oates will come back into the side.
Melbourne Storm vs St George Illawarra Dragons, 5.30pm AEST at AAMI Park
Last week’s Storm team: 1. Ryan Papenhuyzen 2. Will Warbrick 3. Jack Howarth 4. Nick Meaney 5. Grant Anderson 6. Tyran Wishart 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Tui Kamikamica 9. Harry Grant 10. Josh King 11. Shawn Blore 12. Eliesa Katoa 13. Trent Loeiro 14. Sualauvi Faalogo 16. Nelson Asofa-Solomona 17. Lazarus Vaalepu 20. Cameron Munster
Team Tips: Cam Munster played just over a half against the Eels in his return from a groin injury. He started on the bench that night, but will now come into the starting side. Tyran Wishart has been very good in Munster’s absence but likely heads to the bench. Christian Welch was tipped to return from a back injury last week but didn’t play. He’s in the mix.
Last week’s Dragons team: 18. Mathew Feagai 2. Zac Lomax 3. Moses Suli 4. Max Feagai 5. Christian Tuipulotu 6. Kyle Flanagan 7. Ben Hunt 8. Francis Molo 9. Jacob Liddle 10. Jack De Belin 11. Raymond Faitala-Mariner 12. Jaydn Sua 13. Tom Eisenhuth 14. Hame Sele 15. Luciano Leilua 16. Toby Couchman 17. Ben Murdoch-Masila 19. Blake Lawrie
Team Tips: The one forced change for Shane Flanagan is Mat Feagai, who will miss a week after suffering a head knock in a tackle gone wrong on Daine Laurie. Feagai was a shock inclusion at fullback against the Panthers, with Flanagan electing to drop Tyrell Sloan to NSW Cup. Sloan scored a try in reserve grade, and with no clear replacement, he’ll likely find himself back in the NRL this weekend. Mikaele Ravalawa also scored a try for the Dragons’ NSW Cup side and is pushing to retain his NRL spot. Flanagan could make several changes to the side that was thrashed 46-10 by Penrith.
Cronulla Sharks vs South Sydney Rabbitohs, 7.35pm AEST at PointsBet Stadium
Last week’s Sharks team: 1. Liam Ison 2. Sione Katoa 3. Jesse Ramien 4. Kayal Iro 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo 6. Daniel Atkinson 7. Braydon Trindall 15. Thomas Hazleton 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Oregon Kaufusi 11. Briton Nikora 12. Teig Wilton 13. Cameron McInnes 14. Siosifa Talakai 16. Toby Rudolf 17. Braden Hamlin-Uele 21. Jayden Berrell
Team Tips: Like several Sharks teammates, Royce Hunt battled with illness last week but didn’t line up against the Cowboys. Coach Craig Fitzgibbon said he recovered in time to play NSW Cup though. Liam Ison was solid in his NRL debut but he’ll make way with Will Kennedy back from a one-game suspension.
Last week’s Rabbitohs team: 1. Jye Gray 2. Alex Johnston 3. Taane Milne 4. Michael Chee Kam 5. Jacob Gagai 6. Jack Wighton 7. Cody Walker 8. Davvy Moale 9. Damien Cook 10. Sean Keppie 11. Jacob Host 12. Tallis Duncan 13. Keaon Koloamatangi 14. Peter Mamouzelos 15. Siliva Havili 16. Thomas Burgess 17. Liam Le Blanc
Team Tips: Captain Cam Murray is back on deck after missing two games for a suspension he copped from the Origin decider brawl. In a savage blow, Rabbitohs veteran Alex Johnston ruptured his Achilles against Canberra and is out for the season. Richard Kennar is back (concussion) and will play centre with Taane Milne likely to shift to the wing. Cody Walker didn’t finish the Raiders clash after sustaining a hip flexor injury and could be in doubt.
Hornby confident Souths can improve | 03:18
SUNDAY
Penrith Panthers vs Newcastle Knights, 2pm 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 10. James Fisher-Harris 11. Scott Sorensen 12. Liam Martin 13. Isaah Yeo 14. Trent Toelau 15. Lindsay Smith 16. Liam Henry 17. Mavrik Geyer 18. Matthew Eisenhuth
Team Tips: Star prop James Fisher-Harris could be facing some time on the sideline after leaving the Dragons win within the first five minutes with a groin injury. If he’s out, Lindsay Smith comes into the starting side. Penrith have a decision to make at fullback with Daine Laurie out for at least a week (head knock) and Dylan Edwards still sidelined (knee). Sunia Turuva is the likely replacement however NSW Cup fullback Isaiah Iongi could be called upon.
Round 19 Knights team: 1. Kalyn Ponga 2. Krystian Mapapalangi 3. Dane Gagai 4. Bradman Best 5. Greg Marzhew 18. Tyson Gamble 7. Jackson Hastings 8. Daniel Saifiti 9. Phoenix Crossland 10. Leo Thompson 11. Tyson Frizell 12. Kai Pearce-Paul 17. Dylan Lucas 14. Jayden Brailey 15. Jacob Saifiti 16. Jack Hetherington 19. Mathew Croker
Team Tips: Adam Elliott is in line to return after missing one game with a calf injury. Dylan Lucas will likely be given the nod at centre with Bradman Best to miss a month with a hamstring injury. Tyson Gamble is in some doubt with a foot injury which could open the door for Will Pryce to be recalled.
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs vs Canberra Raiders, 4.05pm AEST at Belmore Sports Ground
Last week’s Bulldogs team: 1. Connor Tracey 22. Jeral Skelton 3. Bronson Xerri 2. Jacob Kiraz 5. Blake Wilson 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
Team Tips: Coach Cameron Ciraldo said after last Saturday’s win over the Broncos that Stephen Crichton (neck) should only miss one game, meaning he is likely to be back in the line-up for Sunday’s clash. Josh Addo-Carr is set to return as well with Ciraldo saying on the winger “it looks like he might be right”. Considering how well the Bulldogs outside backs are playing, it’ll be harsh to axe one, but Blake Wilson and Jeral Skelton will likely make way for Addo-Carr and Crichton respectively.
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 Papalii 9. Tom Starling 10. Joseph Tapine 11. Hudson Young 12. Elliot Whitehead 13. Morgan Smithies 14. Danny Levi 15. Trey Mooney 16. Ata Mariota 17. Zac Hosking
Team Tips: Raiders didn’t make any changes to their side following the win over the Warriors and with no real injury concerns, it’s likely Ricky Stuart will stick with the same 17 that thrashed the Rabbitohs.
