Zac Lomax kicked Parramatta to their first win of the season with a broken foot, which is set to leave the winger in a race against time to be fit for the State of Origin series opener.
Lomax sealed the Eels’ first win of Jason Ryles‘ tenure last Saturday when he kicked a golden-point field goal in Parramatta’s 23-22 win over his former club St George Illawarra.
It was initially believed that Lomax had suffered bruising to his foot after he spent a good chunk of the second half limping.
But scans revealed late on Tuesday that Lomax had a minor fracture in his foot, with the 25-year-old set to miss the next six weeks of action, starting with Saturday’s clash against Canberra in Darwin.
The injury leaves Lomax at long odds to return to the NSW squad for State of Origin I in Brisbane on May 28.
If Lomax’s return to fitness goes to schedule he will line up for the Eels in round 11 against Newcastle on May 16, giving him just one match to press his claim for a recall.
In other team news, Roosters coach Trent Robinson has swung the axe with veteran halfback Chad Townsend dropped completely from the 17-man squad to take on the Broncos.
Youngster Hugo Savala will get to wear the starting No.7 in just his fourth NRL game, with Townsend on the extended reserves list.
Victor Radley also returns to the starting side, but Maroons prop Lindsay Collins suffered medial damage for the Roosters in their loss to Souths and is out. Mark Nawaqanitawase could return to the starting side if he proves his fitness later in the week, but for now has been named 18th man.
Souths have sprung another selection surprise with star Latrell Mitchell named as five-eighth for their clash with the Cowboys, with Jayden Sullivan coming in as halfback.
On the same day that the Rabbitohs confirmed that halves Cody Walker and Jamie Humphreys would miss up to three and five weeks respectively, and winger Mikaele Ravalawa will miss eight weeks with his hamstring injury, Lewis Dodd also found trouble, copping a one-game ban for a crusher tackle while playing NSW Cup on Sunday.
Forgotten star Josh Schuster is set to make his long-awaited return this weekend after sitting out last season following his abrupt exit from Manly.
Schuster was handed a one-year deal at Souths but has been hampered by a calf injury since the pre-season but has been cleared to make his comeback and will line up in the NSW Cup this weekend.
Dylan Edwards and Scott Sorensen will make timely returns for Penrith in Round 6 as the premiers try to avoid a fourth-straight loss on Thursday night against the Dolphins in Brisbane.
Edwards will return at fullback after missing three matches with a groin injury while Sorensen will boost the pack after sitting out last Friday’s loss to the Cowboys with a concussion.
Five-eighth Jack Cole (concussion) is out along with hooker Mitch Kenny (shoulder).
Manly forward Corey Waddell is set to receive a two-game ban for a high shot on Storm playmaker Tyran Wishart in the late stages of Sunday’s match.
Broncos skipper Adam Reynolds looks to have shrugged off his hamstring damage and is set to play this week after failing to finish the win over Wests Tigers.
Tigers half Latu Fainu will not suit up in Round 6, although Wests have Jarome Luai returning from a one-game high tackle ban.
Titans skipper Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, Broncos forward Brendan Piakura and Dolphins utility Ray Stone have been banned for high shots as the NRL ramps up its mid-season crackdown.
Piakura, who was already unable to play this week due to a serious concussion suffered late in the Tigers’ win, is also suspended for two matches after taking the guilty plea for a grade-two careless offence on prop Terrell May. Both Fa’asuamaleaui and Stone also took the plea and will miss one game for the same charge.
Seven players were pinged by the match review committee from Saturday’s three fixtures with Eels centre Will Penisini ($750 for dangerous contact), Titans duo Jaimin Jolliffe ($1000) and Beau Fermor ($750) for high tackles and Broncos centre Kotoni Staggs ($1000 for tripping) copping fines.
Round 6 teams
All times AEDT
Dolphins vs Panthers at Suncorp Stadium: 8pm, Thursday April 10
Dolphins: 1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Jake Averillo 4. Herbie Farnworth 5. Jack Bostock 6. Kodi Nikorima 7. Isaiya Katoa 8. Daniel Saifiti 9. Jeremy Marshall-King 10. Felise Kaufusi 11. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki 12. Tom Gilbert 13. Max Plath 14. Kurt Donoghoe 15. Mark Nicholls 16. Connelly Lemuelu 17. Josh Kerr 18. Sean O’Sullivan 19. Kenny Bromwich 20. Oryn Keeley 21. Max Feagai 22. Junior Tupou
A big boost for Kristian Woolf’s crew with Tom Gilbert returning from a one-game ban for a high shot on Broncos centre Kotoni Staggs. His return will offset the likely loss of Ray Stone, who is facing a one-game high tackle ban.
Max Plath moves to lock, Felise Kaufusi to prop and Mark Nicholls to the bench.
Panthers: 1. Dylan Edwards 2. Paul Alamoti 3. Izack Tago 4. Thomas Jenkins 5. Casey McLean 6. Blaize Talagi 7. Nathan Cleary 8. Moses Leota 9. Luke Sommerton 10. Lindsay Smith 11. Scott Sorensen 12. Liam Martin 13. Isaah Yeo 14. Brad Schneider 15. Isaiah Papali’i 16. Liam Henry 17. Luke Garner 18. Daine Laurie 19. Matt Eisenhuth 20. Trent Toelau 21. Mavrik Geyer 22. Jesse McLean
Dylan Edwards returns from a groin injury at fullback, but Jack Cole is out with a concussion, with Blaize Talagi to take over at five-eighth, and Daine Laurie drops to 18th man.
Hooker Mitch Kenny is also out while Kiwi forward Scott Sorensen will be back in the second row after a one-week concussion layoff.
Star winger Brian To’o (hamstring) has not been named in the squad and is at least another week away from returning.
Dragons vs Titans at WIN Stadium: 6pm, Friday April 11
Dragons: 1. Clint Gutherson 2. Tyrell Sloan 3. Moses Suli 4. Valentine Holmes 5. Christian Tuipulotu 6. Kyle Flanagan 7. Lachlan Ilias 8. Toby Couchman 9. Damien Cook 10. David Klemmer 11. Luciano Leilua 12. Jaydn Su’A 13. Jack de Belin 14. Jacob Liddle 15. Blake Lawrie 16. Hamish Stewart 17. Dylan Egan 18. Mathew Feagai 19. Raymond Faitala-Mariner 20. Sione Finau 21. Lyhkan King-Togia 22. Loko Jnr Pasifiki Tonga
Coach Shane Flanagan has named the same 17 that went down to the Eels in Golden Point, while Emre Guler has two more weeks to serve on his suspension.
Titans: 1. Jaylan De Groot 2. Tony Francis 3. Brian Kelly 4. Phillip Sami 5. Jojo Fifita 6. AJ Brimson 7. Jayden Campbell 8. Moeaki Fotuaika 9. Sam Verrills 10. Reagan Campbell-Gillard 11. Klese Haas 12. Beau Fermor 13. Chris Randall 14. Arama Hau 15. David Fifita 16. Jaimin Jolliffe 17. Brock Gray 18. Tom Weaver 19. Jacob Alick-Wiencke 20. Sean Mullany 21. Tukimihia Simpkins 22. Allan Fitzgibbon
Hooker Sam Verrills (hip) returns straight into the side, with Chris Randall sliding to lock to cover for captain Tino Fa’asuamaleaui who is suspended for one match for his hit on Felisa Kaufusi.
Winger Jojo Fifita (thigh) is also back on deck, so Phil Sami pushes to the centres.
(Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)
Broncos vs Roosters at Suncorp Stadium: 8pm, Friday April 11
Broncos: 1. Reece Walsh 2. Selwyn Cobbo 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Gehamat Shibasaki 5. Jesse Arthars 6. Ben Hunt 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Patrick Carrigan 9. Cory Paix 10. Payne Haas 11. Jack Gosiewski 12. Jaiyden Hunt 13. Kobe Hetherington 14. Billy Walters 15. Corey Jensen 16. Xavier Willison 17. Martin Taupau 18. Tyson Smoothy 19. Deine Mariner 20. Jock Madden 21. Benjamin Te Kura 22. Blake Mozer
Adam Reynolds has been named in his starting halfback role despite suffering a hamstring strain against the Tigers that ended his game early.
Back-rower Jordan Riki has another match to serve for a grade-two careless high tackle, and Brendan Piakura has also been sidelined with suspension. That means Jaiyden Hunt is in the starting side, and Martin Taupau comes onto the bench
Roosters: 1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Billy Smith 4. Robert Toia 5. Dominic Young 6. Sandon Smith 7. Hugo Savala 8. Nat Butcher 9. Connor Watson 10. Naufahu Whyte 11. Angus Crichton 12. Siua Wong 13. Victor Radley 14. Zach Dockar-Clay 15. Salesi Foketi 16. Blake Steep 17. Spencer Leniu 18. Mark Nawaqanitawase 19. Taylor Losalu 20. Ethan King 21. Chad Townsend 22. Makahesi Makatoa
Veteran halfback Chad Townsend has been dropped from the side to the extended reserves, making way for youngster Hugo Savala.
Victor Radley is set to make an early return from a cheekbone injury and has been named at lock. However, Lindsay Collins (knee) is set to be out for six weeks, with Nat Butcher starting at prop, while Spencer Leniu returns via the bench.
Mark Nawaqanitawase was a late scratching for the loss to Souths with a calf complaint but returns this week as the 18th man – although he could force his way into the starting side if he proves his fitness later in the week.
Sharks vs Sea Eagles at Optus Stadium, Perth: 3pm, Saturday April 12
Sharks: 1. Will Kennedy 2. Samuel Stonestreet 3. Jesse Ramien 4. Mawene Hiroti 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo 6. Braydon Trindall 7. Nicho Hynes 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Oregon Kaufusi 11. Briton Nikora 12. Teig Wilton 13. Cameron McInnes 14. Daniel Atkinson 15. Siosifa Talakai 16. Toby Rudolf 17. Thomas Hazelton 18. Tuku Hau Tapuha 19. Billy Burns 20. Hohepa Puru 21. Jayden Berrell 22. Jesse Colquhoun
Teig Wilton (illness) and Siosifa Talakai (concussion) will bolster the pack after the Sharks’ last-minute loss in Canberra.
Sea Eagles: 1. Lehi Hopoate 2. Jason Saab 3. Tolutau Koula 4. Reuben Garrick 5. Clayton Faulalo 6. Luke Brooks 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Josh Aloiai 9. Jazz Tevaga 10. Siosiua Taukeiaho 11. Haumole Olakau’atu 12. Ben Trbojevic 13. Jake Trbojevic 14. Jake Simpkin 15. Nathan Brown 16. Ethan Bullemor 17. Toafofoa Sipley 18. Tommy Talau 19. Aaron Schoupp 20. Jakob Arthur 21. Lachlan Croker 22. Michael Chee Kam
Prop Josh Aloiai (shoulder) is back in the starting side, so Toafofoa Sipley moves to the bench. Tommy Talau is the 18th man.
Lachlan Croker is closing in on a return after being sidelined since the pre-season with a knee complaint and has been named on the reserves list.
Bench forward Corey Waddell is out with a two-game ban for a high shot on Tyran Wishart in Sunday’s loss to the Storm.
Jamie Humphreys. (Photo by Brett Hemmings/Getty Images)
Rabbitohs vs Cowboys at Optus Stadium: 5.30pm, Saturday April 12
Rabbitohs: 1. Jye Gray 2. Alex Johnston 3. Euan Aitken 4. Jack Wighton 5. Isaiah Tass 6. Latrell Mitchell 7. Jayden Sullivan 8. Sean Keppie 9. Peter Mamouzelos 10. Tevita Tatola 11. Keaon Koloamatangi 12. Jai Arrow 13. Lachlan Hubner 14. Liam Le Blanc 15. Siliva Havili 16. Tallis Duncan 17. Davvy Moale 18. Thomas Fletcher 19. Salesi Ataata 20. Fletcher Myers 21. Haizyn Mellars 22. Nazareth Taua
Souths are rolling the dice with another positional switch for Latrell Mitchell, who moves to five-eighth, with Jayden Sullivan named as halfback.
Regular halves Cody Walker and Jamie Humphreys, along with Mikaele Ravalawa, are likely to miss a few weeks each with hamstring injuries. Back-up half Lewis Dodd has copped a ban from the NSW Cup.
Alex Johnston (ribs) returns as starting winger, while Euan Aitken (pectoral) will play his first game for the season in the centres.
Josh Schuster has been cleared of a calf injury and is set to make his club debut in the NSW Cup.
Cowboys: 1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Robert Derby 3. Jaxon Purdue 4. Viliami Vailea 5. Murray Taulagi 6. Tom Dearden 7. Jake Clifford 8. Jordan McLean 9. Reece Robson 10. Jason Taumalolo 11. John Bateman 12. Kai O’Donnell 13. Reuben Cotter 14. Sam McIntyre 15. Jeremiah Nanai 16. Griffin Neame 17. Coen Hess 18. Harrison Edwards 19. Zac Laybutt 20. Thomas Duffy 21. Karl Lawton 22. Thomas Mikaele
Maroons lock Reuben Cotter will return after sitting out the win over Penrith with an illness, with Sam McIntyre reverting to the bench.
Blues hooker Reece Robson avoided suspension for a high shot, copping a $1000 fine.
Eels vs Raiders at TIO Stadium, Darwin: 3pm, Saturday April 12
Eels: 1. Isaiah Iongi 2. Josh Addo-Carr 3. Viliami Penisini 4. Sean Russell 5. Zac Lomax 20. Bailey Simonsson 6. Dylan Brown 7. Dean Hawkins 8. Joe Ofahengaue 9. Ryley Smith 10. Junior Paulo 11. Shaun Lane 12. Kitione Kautoga 13. J’maine Hopgood 14. Dylan Walker 15. Luca Moretti 16. Charlie Guymer 17. Sam Tuivaiti 18. Joash Papali’i 19. Dan Keir 21. Ronald Volkman 22. Ryan Matterson
Zac Lomax was named on the wing with Sean Russell in the centres but the NSW representative has been ruled out for six weeks due to a foot injury.
Bailey Simonsson appears the most likely option for Ryles to turn to in Lomax’s absence.
Ryley Smith will start at hooker and Charlie Guymer goes to the bench. Mitch Moses is targeting Round 9 for his comeback from foot surgery.
Raiders: 1. Kaeo Weekes 2. Savelio Tamale 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. Matt Nicholson 13. Corey Horsburgh 14. Owen Pattie 15. Simi Sasagi 16. Morgan Smithies 17. Ata Mariota 18. Trey Mooney 19. Jed Stuart 20. Adam Cook 21. Pasami Saulo 22. Danny Levi
No changes for Ricky Stuart from the team that recorded a stunning late win over Cronulla.
Hudson Young was not banned despite being sent to the sin bin for a high tackle, attracting a fine for the incident.
Storm vs Warriors at AAMI Park: 2pm, Sunday April 13
Storm: 1. Ryan Papenhuyzen 2. Grant Anderson 3. Jack Howarth 4. Moses Leo 5. Xavier Coates 6. Cameron Munster 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Stefano Utoikamanu 9. Harry Grant 10. Josh King 11. Shawn Blore 12. Eliesa Katoa 13. Trent Loiero 14. Tyran Wishart 15. Alec MacDonald 16. Tui Kamikamica 17. Bronson Garlick 18. Joe Chan 19. Lazarus Vaalepu 20. Kane Bradley 21. Sualauvi Faalogo 22. Keagan Russell-Smith
Coach Craig Bellamy has named the same 17 that defeated Manly, with Ryan Papenhuyzen and Xavier Coates passed fit despite leaving the game early.
Winger Will Warbrick and prop Nelson Asofa-Solomona are still recovering after recent concussions.
Warriors: 1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 2. Taine Tuaupiki 3. Rocco Berry 4. Ali Leiataua 5. Adam Pompey 6. Chanel Harris-Tavita 7. Luke Metcalf 8. James Fisher-Harris 9. Wayde Egan 10. Mitchell Barnett 11. Kurt Capewell 12. Marata Niukore 13. Erin Clark 14. Bunty Afoa 15. Jackson Ford 16. Demitric Vaimauga 17. Leka Halasima 18. Tanah Boyd 20. Jacob Laban 21. Samuel Healey 22. Te Maire Martin 23. Edward Kosi
Rocco Berry will make his return from a hamstring injury this week, shifting Adam Pompey to the wing and Ed Kosi to the reserves.
Knights vs Tigers at McDonald Jones Stadium: 4.05pm, Sunday April 13
Knights: 1. Kalyn Ponga 2. Kyle McCarthy 3. Dane Gagai 4. Bradman Best 5. Greg Marzhew 6. Fletcher Sharpe 7. Phoenix Crossland 8. Brodie Jones 9. Jayden Brailey 10. Leo Thompson 11. Thomas Cant 12. Kai Pearce-Paul 13. Tyson Frizell 14. Matthew Arthur 15. Tyrone Thompson 16. Jermaine McEwen 17. Mathew Croker 18. Paul Bryan 19. Jackson Hastings 20. Riley Jones 21. Francis Manuleleua
Newcastle have been forced to make a number of changes after Jacob Saifiti (calf) limped off early against the Bulldogs and winger James Schiller (concussion) with both out against the Tigers.
Phoenix Crossland moves from hooker to halfback with Jayden Brailey the new No.9. Second-rower Kai Pearce-Paul (suspension) will be back in the pack, along with Brodie Jones and rugby convert Tyrone Thompson is set to make his NRL debut off the bench.
Tigers: 1. Jahream Bula 2. Sunia Turuva 3. Adam Doueihi 4. Starford To’a 5. Jeral Skelton 6. Lachlan Galvin 7. Jarome Luai 8. Terrell May 9. Apisai Koroisau 10. Fonua Pole 11. Samuela Fainu 12. Alex Seyfarth 13. Alex Twal 14. Tallyn Da Silva 15. Royce Hunt 16. Jack Bird 17. Sione Fainu 18. Tony Sukkar 19. Heath Mason 20. Luke Laulilii 21. Brent Naden 22. Kit Laulilii
Jarome Luai is back at halfback for the Tigers after suspension, but Latu Fainu is out injured.
Winger Jeral Skelton (hamstring) and back-rower Samuela Fainu (leg) also return, with Jack Bird sliding to the bench.
Bye – Bulldogs
with AAP
