It’s the final week where coaches have to cross their fingers and hope their Origin stars get through the midweek slugfest.
The Rabbitohs and Raiders don’t have to worry about their rep stars backing up while the other team getting the bye this round, Manly, don’t have any players on Origin duty.
North Queensland, who have four players in Origin, also have injury clouds over second-rower Sam McIntrye, who limped off in their loss to the Storm after suffering a calf injury, and winger Murray Taulagi, a late withdrawal pre-game due to a knee problem.
Storm fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen missed the match with a calf concern but should be right for this Saturday’s stoush with Newcastle.
As well as their Origin stars, the Roosters are due to get centre Billy Smith (knee), lock Victor Radley (concussion) and young prop Xavier Va’a (concussion) back for their duel with the Dragons.
Wests Tigers also get three key players back on deck with Jarome Luai (Origin), Api Koroisau (concussion) and Heath Mason (suspended) available for their trip to Auckland on Sunday to tackle the Warriors.
On the judiciary front, Raiders fullback Kaeo Weekes (crusher) and Dragons prop David Klemmer (high tackle) are facing fines but have avoided bans but Manly front-rower Matt Lodge is likely to cop a hefty ban for a hip-drop tackle on Souths hooker Brandon Smith, which ended his return match from knee surgery five minutes from full-time.
Round 19 teams
All times AEST
Sharks vs Dolphins at Shark Park: 8pm, Friday July 11
Sharks: Young winger Sam Stonestreet is a chance to return from a lengthy stint out with an ankle injury.
Dolphins: With Kodi Nikorima hamstrung, Kurt Donoghue, Sean O’Sullivan and Jake Averillo are contenders for the five-eighth spot next to Isaiya Katoa.
Knights vs Storm at McDonald Jones Stadium: 3pm, Saturday July 12
Knights: Winger Greg Marzhew is a maybe due to an arm injury.
Storm: Ryan Papenhuyzen (calf) should be good to go and Craig Bellamy will make a call later in the week on Origin stars Xavier Coates, Cameron Munster, Stefano Utoikamanu, Harry Grant and Trent Loiero.
Dragons vs Roosters at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium: 5.30pm, Saturday July 12
Dragons: Hamish Stewart (concussion) and Luciano Leilua (quad) are pushing to return after missing the loss to Canberra.
Roosters: Billy Smith, Victor Radley and Xavier Va’a are in the frame for a return with Egan Butcher (head knock) likely to be out after only just returning from a concussion.
Cowboys vs Bulldogs at QCB Stadium: 7.35pm, Saturday July 12
Cowboys: Tom Dearden, Jeremiah Nanai, Reece Robson and Reuben Cotter will be monitored post Origin while Karl Lawton is back after serving his suspension.
Jason Taumalolo (calf) is still yet to be cleared to return.
Bulldogs: After switching Matt Burton to centre to accommodate Lachlan Galvin in the starting side, Cameron Ciraldo is likely to send the ex-Tiger back to the bench depending on how his Origin contingent of Kurt Mann, Stephen Crichton, Max King and Jacob Kiraz get through their midweek commitments.
Warriors vs Tigers at Go Media Stadium: 2pm, Sunday July 13
Warriors: With Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad (knee), Ali Leiataua (ankle) and Dallin Watene-Zelezniak (ankle) out for a few more weeks and Mitch Barnett and Luke Metcalf out for the season with torn ACLs, Andrew Webster is facing a tough test to cling onto fourth spot.
Tigers: Jarome Luai (Origin), Heath Mason (suspension) and Api Koroisau (concussion) will be back to boost Wests after their drought-breaking win over the Roosters.
Eels vs Panthers at CommBank Stadium: 4.05pm, Sunday July 13
Eels: Young forward Sam Tuivaiti (syndesmosis) and outside back Bailey Simonsson (foot) could make a comeback from injury while star half Mitch Moses (calf) is likely to need another week out.
Panthers: Ivan Cleary will check on Isaah Yeo, Liam Martin, Nathan Cleary, Brian To’o and Dylan Edwards after Origin III before finalising his line-up.
(Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
Titans vs Broncos at Cbus Super Stadium: 6.15pm, Sunday July 13
Titans: Second-rower David Fifita (ankle) and halfback Jayden Campbell (concussion) could be big ins for the Gold Coast while fullback Keano Kini’s first appearance since Round 3 due to a neck problem is close.
Broncos: Selwyn Cobbo will shift out of fullback with Reece Walsh back from Origin with Payne Haas and Patrick Carrigan set to back up in the pack from the midweek match. Veteran Ben Hunt (hamstring) has not been sighted since Round 10 and is close to his comeback.
Byes – Rabbitohs, Raiders, Sea Eagles
with AAP
