Sydney Roosters star Sam Walker has avoided spending even more time on the sidelines after dodging suspension for his cannonball-style tackle on David Klemmer.
Walker was sin-binned during his first game for 314 days and so faced a nervous wait after the 31-24 defeat of St George Illawarra at Kogarah Oval.
After full-time on Saturday, the 23-year-old told reporters it was “a bit ridiculous” to have been sent for 10 minutes for the shot, which Roosters coach Trent Robinson also downplayed.
“It didn’t feel bad at all. I’ve made that tackle a million times and it’s never been a penalty,” Walker said.
He was not charged and is now free to face Cronulla on Friday night and resume a season that has been significantly hindered by knee and thumb injuries.
Panthers star Liam Martin missed Sunday’s win over Parramatta and is set to miss at least another fortnight due to the wrist injury he suffered in Origin III.
Knights forward Dylan Lucas is also in the wars with a foot injury and he could be out for the rest of the season depending on the severity of the damage revealed by scans.
Round 20 teams
All times AEST
Dolphins vs Cowboys at Suncorp Stadium: 7.50pm, Thursday July 17
Dolphins: Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow did not back up from Origin III in Friday’s loss to the Sharks but will return at fullback.
Cowboys: Jason Taumalolo (calf) is still yet to be cleared to return and with fellow veteran middle Jordan McLean likely to need time off for calf and ankle complaints and John Bateman (groin) and Sam McIntyre (calf) also battling injuries, Todd Payten needs the Tongan international back on deck.
Halfback Jake Clifford (thigh) is also a maybe for the trip to Brisbane.
Sharks vs Roosters at Shark Park: 6pm, Friday July 18
Sharks: Outside backs Sam Stonestreet (ankle) and Mawene Hiroti (calf) should be available for selection after stints on the sidelines.
Roosters: Nat Butcher and Siua Wong are a couple of weeks away from overcoming their knee injuries. Sam Walker was not charged for his cannonball tackle in the win over the Dragons.
Liam Martin celebrates a try with teammates. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)
Panthers vs Rabbitohs at CommBank Stadium: 8pm, Friday July 18
Panthers: Kiwi forward Scott Sorensen will return from a hip-drop ban which will help offset the absence of Liam Martin (wrist). Blues duo Dylan Edwards and Brian To’o should be back after missing the win over Parra.
Rabbitohs: Fresh off the bye, Wayne Bennett has Liam Le Blanc (back), Euan Aitken (leg), Cody Walker (hamstring) and Jayden Sullivan (leg) as injury concerns.
Raiders vs Eels at GIO Stadium: 3pm, Saturday July 19
Raiders: Second-rower Hudson Young picked up a groin injury in Origin III and is a maybe for the Eels clash.
Eels: Rookie hooker Ryley Smith is available again after serving a suspension and will compete with former Tiger Tallyn Da Silva for game time while star half Mitch Moses (calf) should be good to go.
Bulldogs vs Dragons at Accor Stadium: 5.30pm, Saturday July 19
Bulldogs: Jaeman Salmon (ankle) and Sitili Tupouniua (hamstring) will boost the Canterbury pack but all eyes will be on whether Cameron Ciraldo reinstates Lachie Galvin to the line-up after dropping him for the win over the Cowboys.
Dragons: Mat Feagai (ankle) is on track to play but fellow outside backs Christian Tuipulotu (hamstring) and Nathan Lawson (shoulder) are unlikely. Hamish Stewart (knee) copped a knock in the loss to the Roosters.
Storm vs Sea Eagles at AAMI Park: 7.35pm, Saturday July 19
Storm: Ryan Papenhuyzen, Cameron Munster and Xavier Coates are big ins for the Storm after sitting out Saturday’s trip to Newcastle.
Sea Eagles: Haumole Olakau’atu (shoulder) could be a surprise inclusion after it was initially feared he could be out for the rest of the season.
Tigers vs Titans at Leichhardt Oval: 2pm, Sunday July 20
Tigers: Young fullback Jahream Bula will likely need another week to get over his hamstring problem.
Titans: Keano Kini is nearing a return from his long-term neck injury which has ruined his season.
Knights vs Warriors at McDonald Jones Stadium: 4.05pm, Sunday July 20
Knights: Dylan Lucas (foot) adds to Newcastle’s already crowded injury ward that includes Kalyn Ponga and Fletcher Sharpe.
Warriors: Star fullback Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad (knee) is pushing to play but Round 21 looks the more likely return date. Rocco Berry is likely to miss time after injuring his shoulder in the victory over Wests on Sunday.
Bye – Broncos
with AAP
