Skipper Harry Grant is set to sit out Melbourne’s NRL clash with Gold Coast after his State of Origin shocker.
The star hooker was the only member of the Storm’s Origin contingent to return to Melbourne from Brisbane, given Saturday’s clash is a Titans home game at Cbus Super Stadium.
Cameron Munster, Xavier Coates, Trent Loiero and Stefano Utoikamanu all remained in Queensland, with Melbourne players joining them later on Friday.
Gold Coast are sweating on the availability of captain Tino Fa’asuamaleaui after he was wearing the scars of battle following his return to the State of Origin arena.
The Maroons prop, who missed last season with an ACL rupture, had stitches in a badly cut left eye that had gone black after the 18-6 loss to NSW on Wednesday night.
Of concern was the swelling around his eye socket area as he aims to line up on Saturday afternoon against his former club Melbourne.
“I pride myself on backing up from Origin. I intend to play,” he said.
Fellow Gold Coast and Maroons forwards Moeaki Fotuaika and Beau Fermor have been cleared to play at Cbus Super Stadium.
North Queensland quartet Jeremiah Nanai, Reuben Cotter, Tom Dearden and Reece Robson were also cleared of any injuries and should back up against Wests Tigers on Saturday night.
Brisbane had two players involved in Origin – NSW’s man of the match Payne Haas and Maroons lock Pat Carrigan.
Both were set for medicals on Thursday ahead of Saturday night’s away clash with Manly.
Haas battled a quad injury in the 10 days leading up to Origin but still was the best player on the park in a remarkable display.
Newcastle captain Kalyn Ponga and Dragons centre face the worst schedule of the week – they are the only players facing a two-day turnaround after Origin, with the Knights travelling to Kogarah to take on St George Illawarra in the only Friday night fixture of the truncated round.
Former Australian rugby sevens star Nathan Lawson will make his NRL debut for the Dragons this Friday after winger Christian Tuipulotu was ruled out with a hamstring problem.
Lachie Galvin won’t play for Wests Tigers this weekend, with the teenage prodigy “excused” from training while he edges closer to a mid-season move to Canterbury. Still technically under contract at the Tigers, Galvin was not named in the No.6 jersey on Tuesday afternoon for Saturday’s clash against North Queensland.
The Tigers have instead handed Galvin’s old spot to Heath Mason, with fellow half Latu Fainu not yet back from a hand injury.
(Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)
Tom Trbojevic is set to join his brother Jake on the sidelines for Manly’s home game against Brisbane, after aggravating a persistent issue with his thigh.
He will be rested from Manly’s clash with Brisbane after aggravating his corked thigh, while Jake will also delay his return from a concussion.
The Sea Eagles confirmed on Tuesday their star fullback had aggravated the cork in last week’s loss to Parramatta, after battling the issue for the past month.
Officials insisted they were taking a “conservative” approach by resting the No.1, and that the issue was not a serious one.
Tom Starling celebrates with teammates. (Photo by Hannah Peters/Getty Images)
Canberra hooker Tom Starling has copped a one-game ban as captain Joseph Tapine escaped suspension for two reportable incidents in his side’s gutsy win over the Warriors.
Tapine will be free to face the Sydney Roosters on Sunday after being placed on report twice by referee Adam Gee in Canberra’s 16-10 victory over the Warriors. He was not even charged for a crusher tackle on Warriors fullback Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, but was slugged with a $3000 fine for a grade-one shoulder charge on Roger Tuivasa-Sheck.
Raiders prop Corey Horsburgh was also handed a $1800 fine after being charged for dangerous contact.
There was no such luck for Starling, however, with the hooker hit with a grade-two dangerous contact charge for a high shot on Warriors playmaker Chanel Harris-Tavita in the 77th minute. Starling was sin-binned at the time and will miss just one game.
Ronaldo Mulitalo has added to Cronulla’s backline issues, with the winger facing a one-match ban for his late shot that levelled Mark Nawaqanitawase although the Sharks have the bye this week.
Sea Eagles forward Haumole Olakau’atu was charged with contrary conduct from Friday night’s loss to the Eels after he was tackled by Luca Moretti and dropped his knee into his opponent’s chest. He was fined $1800.
Bulldogs forward Josh Curran copped a $3000 fine rather than taking a two-game ban for a high tackle on Max Feagai in their loss to the Dolphins.
Dolphins hooker Kurt Donoghoe was also fined for dangerous contact and will pay $1000 with an early guilty plea.
Round 13 teams
All times AEST
Dragons vs Knights at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium: 8pm, Friday May 30
Dragons: 1. Clint Gutherson 2. Tyrell Sloan 3. Moses Suli 4. Valentine Holmes 5. Christian Tuipulotu 6. Lyhkan King-Togia 7. Kyle Flanagan 8. Jack de Belin 9. Damien Cook 10. David Klemmer 11. Luciano Leilua 12. Jaydn Su’A 13. Hamish Stewart 14. Jacob Liddle 15. Toby Couchman 16. Loko Jnr Pasifiki Tonga 17. Blake Lawrie 18. Emre Guler 19. Raymond Faitala-Mariner 20. Lachlan Ilias 21. Nathan Lawson 22. Hame Sele
Christian Tuipulotu’s return from a hamstring injury has been delayed with Nathan Lawson to make his NRL debut on the wing.
Dylan Egan suffered a season-ending knee injury, so Luciano Leilua has been promoted to the starting pack, and Toby Couchman (shoulder) joins the bench. Emre Guler (shoulder) has been listed as 18th man.
Valentine Holmes is good to go after Origin.
Knights: 1. Kalyn Ponga 2. James Schiller 3. Dane Gagai 4. Kyle McCarthy 5. Fletcher Hunt 6. Fletcher Sharpe 7. Tyson Gamble 8. Tyson Frizell 9. Phoenix Crossland 10. Leo Thompson 11. Dylan Lucas 12. Kai Pearce-Paul 13. Mathew Croker 14. Jayden Brailey 15. Jack Hetherington 16. Brodie Jones 17. Thomas Cant 18. Jack Cogger 19. Jermaine McEwen 20. Matthew Arthur 21. Connor Votano 22. Elijah Leaumoana
Kalyn Ponga faces a gruelling schedule as the only player who has less than 48 hours to back up from Origin duty with Queensland. It means Fletcher Sharpe goes back to five-eighth, partnering Tyson Gamble at halfback
Kiwi prop Leo Thompson (illness) is back in the starting pack, as Brodie Jones reverts back to the bench.
Titans vs Storm at Cbus Super Stadium: 3pm, Saturday May 31
Titans: 1. Jaylan De Groot 2. Alofiana Khan-Pereira 3. Brian Kelly 4. Jojo Fifita 5. Phillip Sami 6. AJ Brimson 7. Jayden Campbell 8. Moeaki Fotuaika 9. Sam Verrills 10. Reagan Campbell-Gillard 11. Chris Randall 12. Beau Fermor 13. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui 14. Kieran Foran 15. Jaimin Jolliffe 16. Klese Haas 17. Jacob Alick-Wiencke 18. Arama Hau 19. Iszac Fa’asumaleaui 20. Josh Patston 21. Tom Weaver 22. Sean Mullany
Des Hasler has reshuffled his backline with AJ Brimson named at five-eighth, pushing Kieran Foran to the bench and Jaylan de Groot has been named at fullback. Brian Kelly also comes in at centre for Tony Francis.
Maroons prop Tino Fa’asuamaleaui is in doubt after an eye injury but Mo Fotuaika, and Beau Fermor have been cleared after Wednesday night’s Origin.
Iszac Fa’asuamaleaui was concussed in their last-start loss to Canberra before the bye and has been named as a reserve.
Storm: 1. Ryan Papenhuyzen 2. Sualauvi Faalogo 3. Grant Anderson 4. Nick Meaney 5. Xavier Coates 6. Cameron Munster 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Stefano Utoikamanu 9. Harry Grant 17. Bronson Garlick 10. Josh King 11. Shawn Blore 12. Eliesa Katoa 13. Trent Loiero 14. Tyran Wishart 15. Nelson Asofa-Solomona 16. Tui Kamikamica 18. Joe Chan 19. Jack Howarth 20. Keagan Russell-Smith 21. Kane Bradley 22. Lazarus Vaalepu 23. Marion Seve 24. Ativalu Lisati
Skipper Harry Grant is set to sit out Melbourne’s NRL clash with Gold Coast after his State of Origin shocker.
The star hooker was the only member of the Storm’s Origin contingent to return to Melbourne from Brisbane, given Saturday’s clash is a Titans home game at Cbus Super Stadium.
Cameron Munster, Xavier Coates, Trent Loiero and Stefano Utoikamanu all remained in Queensland, with Melbourne players joining them later on Friday.
Young centre Jack Howarth has had a month out with a shoulder injury, but is on the extended reserves list.
Xavier Coates is tackled. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)
Cowboys vs Tigers at QCB Stadium: 5.30pm, Saturday May 31
Cowboys: 1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Robert Derby 3. Zac Laybutt 4. Viliami Vailea 5. Jaxson Paulo 6. Jaxon Purdue 7. Tom Dearden 8. Jordan McLean 9. Reece Robson 10. Sam McIntyre 11. John Bateman 12. Jeremiah Nanai 13. Reuben Cotter 14. Harrison Edwards 15. Kai O’Donnell 16. Griffin Neame 17. Coen Hess 18. Jake Clifford 19. Thomas Duffy 20. Karl Lawton 21. Thomas Mikaele 22. Braidon Burns 23. Kaiden Lahrs
Tom Dearden, Reuben Cotter and Reece Robson are North Queensland’s Origin reps who could be rested in Round 13.
Jaxson Paulo comes in on the wing for Murray Taulagi (calf) while the forward pack has been reshuffled with Sam McIntyre switching to prop, Coen Hess drops to the bench and Cotter coming in at lock after missing the loss with Manly due to suspension.
Jason Taumalolo remains out despite rehabbing a similar injury in the bye week.
Tigers: 1. Jahream Bula 2. Sunia Turuva 3. Adam Doueihi 4. Starford To’a 5. Charlie Staines 6. Heath Mason 7. Jarome Luai 8. Terrell May 9. Api Koroisau 10. Royce Hunt 11. Samuela Fainu 12. Alex Seyfarth 13. Alex Twal 14. Brent Naden 15. Jack Bird 16. Sione Fainu 17. Tony Sukkar 18. Tristan Hope 19. Luke Laulilii 20. Charlie Murray 21. Kit Laulilii 22. Tallyn Da Silva
No Origin reps for Benji Marshall to worry about, but he has some mixed news in the forward pack with Samuela Fainu named but Fonua Pole still sidelined after both suffered recent knee injuries.
Departing five-eighth Lachlan Galvin has been replaced by Heath Mason, with Latu Fainu (hand) unavailable this week.
Sea Eagles vs Broncos at 4 Pines Park: 735pm, Saturday May 31
Sea Eagles: 1. Lehi Hopoate 2. Jason Saab 3. Tolutau Koula 4. Reuben Garrick 5. Tommy Talau 6. Luke Brooks 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Ethan Bullemor 9. Jake Simpkin 10. Josh Aloiai 11. Haumole Olakau’atu 12. Ben Trbojevic 13. Jazz Tevaga 14. Lachlan Croker 15. Corey Waddell 16. Nathan Brown 17. Matthew Lodge 18. Clayton Faulalo 19. Jakob Arthur 20. Michael Chee Kam 21. Toafofoa Sipley 22. Caleb Navale
Lehi Hopoate drops back to fullback to replace the loss of Tom Trbojevic, who joins brother Jake (concussion) on the sidelines.
Siosiua Taukeiaho (calf) remains out, but Ben Trbojevic (illness) and Josh Aloiai (shoulder) have been named in the starting forward pack, and Toafofoa Sipley (suspension) is among the reserves.
Daly Cherry-Evans is Manly’s only Origin concern and has been named at halfback.
Jake Trbojevic comes from the field. (Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images)
Broncos: 1. Jesse Arthars 2. Selwyn Cobbo 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Gehamat Shibasaki 5. Deine Mariner 6. Ezra Mam 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Patrick Carrigan 9. Cory Paix 10. Payne Haas 11. Xavier Willison 12. Jordan Riki 13. Kobe Hetherington 14. Billy Walters 15. Corey Jensen 16. Brendan Piakura 17. Benjamin Te Kura 18. Tyson Smoothy 19. Josiah Karapani 20. Blake Mozer 21. Jaiyden Hunt 22. Fletcher Baker 23. Va’a Semu
Payne Haas and Patrick Carrigan are the only two Brisbane players with midweek rep duties.
Selwyn Cobbo has been named on the wing despite the wrist injury he suffered before the bye with Jesse Arthars switching to fullback.
Reece Walsh is still unavailable after missing more than a month with a knee problem.
Rabbitohs vs Warriors at Accor Stadium: 2pm, Sunday June 1
Rabbitohs: 1. Latrell Mitchell 2. Alex Johnston 3. Isaiah Tass 4. Campbell Graham 5. Bayleigh Bentley-Hape 6. Jayden Sullivan 7. Jamie Humphreys 8. Jai Arrow 9. Siliva Havili 10. Keaon Koloamatangi 11. Euan Aitken 12. Tallis Duncan 13. Lachlan Hubner 14. Jye Gray 15. Sean Keppie 16. Davvy Moale 17. Tevita Tatola 18. Liam Le Blanc 19. Fletcher Myers 20. Shaquai Mitchell 21. Lewis Dodd 22. Jacob Host
Latrell Mitchell will be checked by club officials after representing NSW on Wednesday night.
Sean Keppie joins the bench in place of Liam Le Blanc, who is listed as 18th man.
Fijian winger Mikaele Ravalawa (hamstring) is a close to return while Cody Walker and Jack Wighton also need at least another week to get over their calf complaints.
Warriors: 1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 3. Adam Pompey 4. Rocco Berry 5. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 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. Te Maire Martin 15. Leka Halasima 16. Demitric Vaimauga 17. Jackson Ford 18. Jacob Laban 20. Samuel Healey 21. Tanah Boyd 22. Tanner Stowers-Smith
Kiwi prop James Fisher-Harris is back from his one-week high tackle ban and Mitch Barnett is likely to play after turning out for the Blues in Brisbane.
Rocco Berry (hamstring) also returns in the backline for the Warriors.
Panthers vs Eels at CommBank Stadium: 4.05pm, Sunday June 1
Panthers: 1. Dylan Edwards 2. Thomas Jenkins 3. Izack Tago 4. Casey McLean 5. Brian To’o 6. Blaize Talagi 7. Nathan Cleary 8. Moses Leota 9. Mitch Kenny 10. Lindsay Smith 11. Scott Sorensen 12. Liam Martin 13. Isaah Yeo 14. Luke Sommerton 15. Matt Eisenhuth 16. Luron Patea 17. Harrison Hassett 18. Brad Schneider 19. Riley Wake 20. Preston Riki 21. Daine Laurie 22. Jack Cole 23. Paul Alamoti 24. Austin Dias
Nathan Cleary, Isaah Yeo, Dylan Edwards, Brian To’o and Liam Martin were involved in Origin and with the team coming last, Ivan Cleary no longer has the luxury of being able to rest his rep stars.
Back-rower Scott Sorensen’s return from suspension means Izack Tago returns to the centre position.
Young forward Liam Henry is out due to a crusher tackle suspension.
Eels: 1. Isaiah Iongi 2. Zac Lomax 3. Sean Russell 4. Jordan Samrani 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Dylan Brown 7. Mitchell Moses 8. Jack Williams 9. Ryley Smith 10. Junior Paulo 11. Kelma Tuilagi 12. Kitione Kautoga 13. J’maine Hopgood 14. Dylan Walker 15. Luca Moretti 16. Ryan Matterson 17. Joash Papali’i 18. Matt Doorey 19. Joey Lussick 20. Toni Mataele 21. Dean Hawkins 22. Samuel Loizou
Mitchell Moses and Zac Lomax have been named to back up after Origin duty.
But Jason Ryles has retained Joash Papalii on the bench, while Dean Hawkins slides to the reserves after both starred in Friday’s victory over Manly.
Sean Russell slides from wing to centre to replace Will Penisini (concussion).
Roosters vs Raiders at Allianz Stadium: 6.15pm, Sunday June 1
Roosters: 1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Billy Smith 4. Robert Toia 5. Mark Nawaqanitawase 6. Sandon Smith 7. Hugo Savala 8. Lindsay Collins 9. Connor Watson 10. Spencer Leniu 11. Angus Crichton 12. Siua Wong 13. Victor Radley 14. Zach Dockar-Clay 15. Salesi Foketi 16. Blake Steep 17. Egan Butcher 18. Dom Young 19. Taylor Losalu 20. Benaiah Ioelu 21. Makahesi Makatoa 22. Xavier Va’a 23. Ethan King 24. Chad Townsend
Rob Toia, Lindsay Collins (Maroons) and Angus Crichton, Connor Watson and Spencer Leniu (Blues) have Origin to get through before they can worry about tackling the Raiders.
Raiders: 1. Kaeo Weekes 2. Savelio Tamale 3. Matthew Timoko 4. Sebastian Kris 5. Xavier Savage 6. Ethan Strange 7. Jamal Fogarty 8. Corey Horsburgh 9. Owen Pattie 10. Joseph Tapine 11. Hudson Young 12. Zac Hosking 13. Morgan Smithies 14. Danny Levi 15. Simi Sasagi 16. Josh Papali’i 17. Ata Mariota 18. Noah Martin 19. Trey Mooney 20. Jed Stuart 21. Pasami Saulo 22. Ethan Sanders
Hudson Young is the only Raider with Origin commitments, but has been named to back up in the final game of the weekend.
The absence of Tom Starling (suspension) means Owen Pattie takes the No.9 role with journeyman Danny Levi on the bench for his first NRL game of the season, with the pair expected to share the dummy-half responsibilities throughout the game. Simi Sasagi also reverts to the bench.
Joseph Tapine has avoided a ban and will be free to face the Sydney Roosters on Sunday after being placed on report twice by referee Adam Gee in Canberra’s 16-10 victory over the Warriors. Fellow prop Corey Horsburgh was also handed a $1800 fine after being charged for dangerous contact.
Byes – Sharks, Bulldogs, Dolphins
with AAP
