Canterbury captain Stephen Crichton faces a nervous wait to see if the match review committee will suspend him for a high shot on Taylan May in Sunday’s loss to Wests Tigers.
He was lucky not to have been sent to the sin bin for the ugly high tackle on May that left his former Penrith teammate unable to finish the game.
The Dogs are likely to get Sitili Tupouniua (hamstring) back in their pack for Saturday’s showdown with the Warriors.
Manly coach Anthony Seibold “will have a think” about whether Tom Trbojevic returns to fullback for the vital clash with Canberra after shifting him there during a costly loss to the Sydney Roosters.
He is also likely to tinker with his pack after Ben Trbojevic suffered a game-ending concussion after clashing heads with teammate Luke Brooks and hooker Jazz Tevaga left with a serious hip injury late.
Tevaga, 29, may have played his last NRL game given he will move to Super League side Wakefield Trinity on a two-year deal next season.
Five-eighth Luke Brooks ($1000-$1500) is facing a fine for a careless high tackle.
Brisbane will be bolstered by the return of prop Payne Haas (infection) and second-rower Brendan Piakura (concussion) should be right for their blockbuster clash with the Storm but fellow forward Xavier Willison is out for at least six weeks after breaking his arm in the 46-point thumping of the Bunnies.
Herbie Farnworth. (Photo by Janelle St Pierre/Getty Images)
Broncos fullback Reece Walsh was slapped with a Grade 1 shoulder charge for a hit on winger Tyrone Munro and will be fined $1500 with an early plea or potentially $2000 if he challenged the judiciary.
Felise Kaufusi is set to be banned 2-3 matches for a dangerous tackle in the Dolphins’ win over the Warriors with English centre Herbie Farnworth out for the rest of the regular season after tearing his hamstring.
Roosters captain James Tedesco has avoided a ban for dangerous contact on Lehi Hopoate, copping a fine of $1000-$1500 for a controversial incident in Saturday night’s win over Manly.
Panthers winger Brian To’o ($750-$1000), Dragons prop David Klemmer ($1500-$1800) and Manly five-eighth Luke Brooks ($1000-$1500) are facing fines for careless high tackle offences.
Storm forward Eliesa Katoa ($1500-$2000 for a Careless High Tackle) was the only player charged from Melbourne’s 16-10 victory over the Eels on Thursday.
Round 23 teams
All times AEST
Storm vs Broncos at AAMI Park: 7.50pm, Thursday August 7
Storm: Nelson Asofa-Solomona is back from his two-game ban for elbowing Jake Simpkin.
Second-rower Eliesa Katoa ($1500-$2000 for a Careless High Tackle) is free to play despite being charged over an incident in the win over Parra.
Broncos: Xavier Willison is hoping to return in the finals after breaking his arm in the 46-point thumping of the Bunnies. Payne Haas (infection) and Brendan Piakura (concussion) should be right for the trip to Melbourne.
Broncos fullback Reece Walsh was slapped with a Grade 1 shoulder charge for a hit on winger Tyrone Munro and will be fined $1500 with an early plea of potentially $2000 if he challenged the judiciary.
Nelson Asofa-Solomona. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)
Knights vs Panthers at McDonald Jones Stadium: 6pm, Friday August 8
Knights: After a week off with the bye, Brodie Jones (illness) and Bradman Best (knee) are expected to return.
Panthers: Scott Sorensen (leg) is their only high-profile absentee and the Kiwi forward is set to return.
Star winger Brian To’o ($750-$1000), is facing a fine for a careless high tackle.
Raiders vs Sea Eagles at GIO Stadium: 8pm, Friday August 8
Raiders: English forward Matty Nicholson is set to make a comeback after a month out with a knee problem.
Second-rower Hudson Young was placed on report for a shoulder charge on Hame Sele in the first half of their loss to the Dragons.
Sea Eagles: Manly coach Anthony Seibold “will have a think” about whether Tom Trbojevic returns to fullback for the vital clash with Canberra after shifting him there during a costly loss to the Sydney Roosters.
Ben Trbojevic suffered a game-ending concussion after clashing heads with teammate Luke Brooks and hooker Jazz Tevaga left with a serious hip injury late.
Tevaga, 29, may have played his last NRL game given he will move to Super League side Wakefield Trinity on a two-year deal next season.
Five-eighth Luke Brooks ($1000-$1500) is facing a fine for a careless high tackle.
Luke Brooks. (Photo by Brendon Thorne/Getty Images)
Dragons vs Sharks at Jubilee Stadium: 3pm, Saturday August 9
Dragons: Coach Shane Flanagan is likely to stick with the same side that brought down the Raiders in Wollongong.
Veteran prop David Klemmer ($1500-$1800) is facing a fine for a careless high tackle.
Sharks: Toby Rudolf is out of the concussion protocols to reclaim his spot in the interchange.
Dolphins vs Roosters at Suncorp Stadium: 5.30pm, Saturday August 9
Dolphins: Young forward Kulikefu Finefuiaki could be back early from a broken thumb. Herbie Farnworth’s hamstring tear means Kristian Woolf needs to find a new centre for the run into the finals.
Jamayne Isaako injured his groin and could be in doubt after playing every match of the Dolphins’ first three seasons so far.
Roosters: Sandon Smith is available for selection after a week out with a concussion.
James Tedesco has avoided a ban for dangerous contact on Lehi Hopoate, copping a fine of $1000-$1500 for a controversial incident in Saturday night’s win over Manly.
Bulldogs vs Warriors at Accor Stadium: 7.35pm, Saturday August 9
Bulldogs: Sitili Tupouniua (hamstring) is set to return to bolster the pack but Stephen Crichton could be suspended for a high shot on Taylan May.
Warriors: Wayde Egan is back after copping a head knock against the Eels, James Fisher-Harris will miss another match with a calf injury while Chanel Harris-Tavita is a chance to return from the same injury.
Warriors hooker Sam Healey was hit with two offences by the match review committee – dangerous contact on prop Frank Molo ($1000-$1500) in the fourth minute and a crusher tackle on Oryn Keeley ($1500-$2000) in the 28th minute.
James Fisher-Harris. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)
Titans vs Rabbitohs at CommBank Stadium: 2pm, Sunday August 10
Titans: Rookie Sean Mullany is available after a one-game ban for a hip-drop tackle while Chris Randall (concussion) is also set to return.
Rabbitohs: Brandon Smith is set to make a comeback from a knee injury but Latrell Mitchell is likely to need another week at least to get over his quad tear.
Souths centre Isaiah Tass was charged for a careless high tackle on Broncos winger Selwyn Cobbo and will pay a $1000 fine.
Eels vs Cowboys at CommBank Stadium: 4.05pm, Sunday August 10
Eels: Second-rower Kelma Tuilagi is available for selection after serving a one-game ban.
Cowboys: Jason Taumalolo (calf), Jordan McLean (calf), Sam McIntyre (calf) and Viliami Vailea (foot) are maybes for coach Todd Payten.
Bye – Tigers
with AAP
