Ben Hunt’s return from injury has come at just the right time for Brisbane as they target five consecutive wins.
The veteran utility trained strongly with the team on Tuesday and is named to play Gold Coast in Robina on Sunday night.
The 35-year-old injured a hamstring in Round 10 against South Sydney and will come into the side. Hunt played five-eighth before he was injured, but with the return of Ezra Mam will revert to the hooker role where he has been a standout in the past for the Maroons.
Cory Paix is the one to miss out, dropping out to be a reserve, but the Broncos will be sweating on the availability of their State of Origin contingent of Payne Haas, Pat Carrigan and Gehamat Shibasaki, who have been named to back up.
Fullback Reece Walsh is 18th man for Queensland and will definitely play the Titans. Utility Billy Walters has been retained in the 17 and will come off the bench.
Ben Hunt. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)
Forward Kobe Hetherington said Hunt would be a massive boost for the side against the Titans.
“Everyone knows how good a player he is,” Hetherington said.
“He is in the leadership group for a reason and brings that leadership, and all us younger fellas get around him. He is such a good talker and is tough as well.
“We have seen what he has done at Origin playing that hooker role, so if he can bring that back here the boys will be cheering.”
It’s the final week where coaches have to cross their fingers and hope their Origin stars get through the midweek slugfest.
He is not the only big name returning this week, with Roosters halfback Sam Walker named straight back in the No.7 role after ACL and thumb injuries. Hugo Savala switches to five-eighth and Sandon Smith drops to the bench.
As well as their Origin stars, the Roosters are also due to get centre Billy Smith (knee) and lock Victor Radley (concussion) back for their duel with the Dragons.
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, doesn’t have any players on Origin duty.
Storm fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen missed the match with a calf concern but should be right for this Saturday’s stoush with Newcastle. But Queensland Origin stars Cam Munster, Harry Grant and Trent Loiero may be rested after being named among the reserves, but Blues prop Stefano Utoikamanu is on the interchange bench.
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.
Former Tiger, Tallyn Da Silva has been named on the bench to make his Eels debut.
Gold Coast have also been boosted. Not only have their Origin stars been named to take on Brisbane, but second-rower David Fifita (ankle) and halfback Jayden Campbell (concussion) will return.
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 has avoided a 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: Sharks: 1. William Kennedy 2. Sione Katoa 3. Jesse Ramien 4. Siosifa Talakai 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. Jesse Colquhoun 16. Toby Rudolf 17. Braden Hamlin-Uele 18. Billy Burns 19. Hohepa Puru 20. Niwhai Puru 21. Michael Gabrael 22. Jayden Berrell
Daniel Atkinson comes onto the bench at the expense of Billy Burns, in the only change from the previous match. Young winger Sam Stonestreet had a chance to return from a lengthy stint out with an ankle injury but was not passed fit.
Dolphins: 1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Max Feagai 4. Herbie Farnworth 5. Jake Averillo 6. Sean O’Sullivan 7. Isaiya Katoa 8. Francis Molo 9. Jeremy Marshall-King 10. Mark Nicholls 11. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki 12. Oryn Keeley 13. Kurt Donoghoe 14. Aublix Tawha 15. Connelly Lemuelu 16. Ray Stone 17. Josh Kerr 18. Harrison Graham 19. Trai Fuller 20. Tevita Naufahu 21. LJ Nonu 22. Peter Hola
With Kodi Nikorima hamstrung, Sean O’Sullivan has been given the nod for the five-eighth spot next to Isaiya Katoa. Mark Nicholls comes into the starting side, while Max Feagai shifts to centre and Jake Averillo to the wing.
Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow has been named to back up from Origin III, but will be assessed after the rep game.
Knights vs Storm at McDonald Jones Stadium: 3pm, Saturday July 12
Knights: 1. Fletcher Hunt 2. Dominic Young 3. Dane Gagai 4. Bradman Best 5. Greg Marzhew 6. Jackson Hastings 7. Jack Cogger 8. Jacob Saifiti 9. Phoenix Crossland 10. Leo Thompson 11. Dylan Lucas 12. Kai Pearce-Paul 13. Tyson Frizell 14. Jayden Brailey 15. Mathew Croker 16. Jermaine McEwen 17. Brodie Jones 18. Thomas Cant 19. James Schiller 20. Tyson Gamble 21. Jack Hetherington 22. Kyle McCarthy
Fletcher Hunt comes into the side at fullback to replace the sidelined Kalyn Ponga, while winger Greg Marzhew returns from an arm injury, pushing James Schiller to the reserves.
Leo Thompson is back from suspension so Tyson Frizell reverts to lock.
Storm: 1. Ryan Papenhuyzen 2. Grant Anderson 3. Joe Chan 4. Nick Meaney 5. Siulagi Tuimalatu-Brown 6. Tyran Wishart 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Tui Kamikamica 9. Bronson Garlick 10. Josh King 11. Shawn Blore 12. Eliesa Katoa 13. Nelson Asofa-Solomona 14. Jonah Pezet 15. Stefano Utoikamanu 16. Lazarus Vaalepu 17. Ativalu Lisati 18. Jack Howarth 19. Trent Loiero 20. Cameron Munster 21. Harry Grant 22. Kane Bradley 23. Moses Leo 24. Keagan Russell-Smith
Ryan Papenhuyzen (calf) should be good to go after being named in the No.1 jersey, and Craig Bellamy will make a call later in the week on Origin stars Cameron Munster, Harry Grant and Trent Loiero, who are among the reserves.
While they may be rested, Stefano Utoikamanu has been named on the bench.
Dragons vs Roosters at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium: 5.30pm, Saturday July 12
Dragons: 1. Clint Gutherson 2. Tyrell Sloan 3. Moses Suli 4. Valentine Holmes 5. Sione Finau 6. Lyhkan King-Togia 7. Kyle Flanagan 8. Emre Guler 9. Damien Cook 10. David Klemmer 11. Luciano Leilua 12. Jaydn Su’A 13. Jack de Belin 14. Jacob Liddle 15. Hamish Stewart 16. Blake Lawrie 17. Michael Molo 18. Corey Allan 19. Loko Jnr Pasifiki Tonga 20. Lachlan Ilias 21. Viliami Fifita 22. Nicholas Tsougranis
Val Holmes has been named to back up from Origin, while Hamish Stewart (concussion) and Luciano Leilua (quad) are returning after missing the loss to Canberra.
Roosters: 1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Billy Smith 4. Robert Toia 5. Mark Nawaqanitawase 6. Hugo Savala 7. Sam Walker 8. Naufahu Whyte 9. Connor Watson 10. Lindsay Collins 11. Angus Crichton 12. Salesi Foketi 13. Victor Radley 14. Zach Dockar-Clay 15. Blake Steep 16. Egan Butcher 17. Spencer Leniu 18. Ethan King 19. Taylor Losalu 20. Sandon Smith 21. Benaiah Ioelu 22. Max McCathie 23. Tom Rodwell 24. Makahesi Makatoa
Star halfback Sam Walker will make his long-awaited return to the NRL. He returns to the No.7 role after a thumb injury delayed his comeback after he had recovered from an ACL injury, Sandon Smith makes way dropping to the reserves.
Trent Robinson has also named all the Origin reps to back up following the decider.
Billy Smith and Victor Radley return with Egan Butcher (head knock) named on the bench after only just returning from a concussion.
Cowboys vs Bulldogs at QCB Stadium: 7.35pm, Saturday July 12
Cowboys: 1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Robert Derby 3. Jaxon Purdue 4. Zac Laybutt 5. Braidon Burns 6. Jake Clifford 7. Tom Dearden 8. Jordan McLean 9. Reece Robson 10. Griffin Neame 11. Reuben Cotter 12. Jeremiah Nanai 13. Harrison Edwards 14. Karl Lawton 15. Thomas Mikaele 16. Kai O’Donnell 17. Coen Hess 18. Ryan Rivett 19. Temple Kalepo 20. Kaiden Lahrs 21. Dane Aukafolau 22. Murray Taulagi 23. Marly Bitungane 24. Jaxson Paulo
Tom Dearden, Jeremiah Nanai, Reece Robson and Reuben Cotter will be monitored post Origin while Karl Lawton is back after serving his suspension.
Murray Taulagi has been listed among the reserves as he looks to return from the knee injury, with Braidon Burns set to deputise on the wing again.
Jason Taumalolo (calf) is still yet to be cleared to return.
Bulldogs: 1. Connor Tracey 2. Jacob Kiraz 3. Bronson Xerri 4. Stephen Crichton 5. Enari Tuala 6. Matt Burton 7. Toby Sexton 8. Max King 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Samuel Hughes 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Jacob Preston 13. Bailey Hayward 14. Kurt Mann 15. Harry Hayes 16. Josh Curran 17. Lachlan Galvin 19. Jake Turpin 20. Jaeman Salmon 21. Daniel Suluka-Fifita 22. Kurtis Morrin 23. Blake Wilson 24. Jethro Rinakama 25. Jack Todd
After switching Matt Burton to centre to accommodate Lachlan Galvin in the starting side, Cameron Ciraldo has sent 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.
Harry Hayes has gone to the bench, with Bailey Hayward starting at lock and Jake Turpin 18th man.
Warriors vs Tigers at Go Media Stadium: 2pm, Sunday July 13
Warriors: 1. Taine Tuaupiki 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 3. Adam Pompey 4. Rocco Berry 5. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 6. Chanel Harris-Tavita 7. Tanah Boyd 8. James Fisher-Harris 9. Wayde Egan 10. Jackson Ford 11. Leka Halasima 12. Marata Niukore 13. Erin Clark 14. Te Maire Martin 15. Jacob Laban 16. Demitric Vaimauga 17. Tanner Stowers-Smith 18. Eddie Ieremia 20. Samuel Healey 21. Bunty Afoa 22. Edward Kosi 23. Kurt Capewell
Tanah Boyd comes into the side, replacing Luke Metcalf, while winger Dallin Watene-Zelezniak has been named for an early return from an ankle injury. Taine Tuaupiki lines up at fullback in his first game since round 10.
With Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad (knee) and Ali Leiataua (ankle) out for a few more weeks and Mitch Barnett and Metcalf out for the season with torn ACLs, Andrew Webster is facing a tough test to cling onto fourth spot.
Tigers: 1. Sunia Turuva 2. Charlie Staines 3. Adam Doueihi 4. Starford To’a 5. Jeral Skelton 6. Jarome Luai 7. Latu Fainu 8. Terrell May 9. Apisai Koroisau 10. Fonua Pole 11. Samuela Fainu 12. Tony Sukkar 13. Alex Twal 14. Tristan Hope 15. Alex Seyfarth 16. Sione Fainu 17. Jack Bird 18. Heath Mason 19. Charlie Murray 20. Kit Laulilii 21. Brent Naden 22. Luke Laulilii
Jarome Luai (Origin), Heath Mason (suspension) and Api Koroisau (concussion) will be back to boost Wests after their drought-breaking win over the Roosters.
Jack Bird is back and will start on the bench after being a late withdrawal last week.
Eels vs Panthers at CommBank Stadium: 4.05pm, Sunday July 13
Eels: 1. Isaiah Iongi 2. Zac Lomax 3. Jordan Samrani 4. Sean Russell 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Dylan Brown 7. Dean Hawkins 8. Jack Williams 9. Joey Lussick 10. Junior Paulo 11. Charlie Guymer 12. Kitione Kautoga 13. J’maine Hopgood 14. Tallyn Da Silva 15. Dylan Walker 16. Matt Doorey 17. Sam Tuivaiti 18. Dan Keir 19. Toni Mataele 20. Ronald Volkman 21. Bailey Simonsson 22. Joash Papali’i
Former Tiger Tallyn Da Silva has been named on the bench to make his Eels debut. Charlie Guymer starts in place of Kelma Tuilagi (suspended).
Young forward Sam Tuivaiti (syndesmosis) is on the bench, and outside back Bailey Simonsson (foot) is a reserve and still could make a comeback from injury, but star half Mitch Moses (calf) needs another week out.
Panthers: 1. Daine Laurie 2. Thomas Jenkins 3. Izack Tago 4. Casey McLean 5. Paul Alamoti 6. Blaize Talagi 7. Brad Schneider 8. Moses Leota 9. Mitch Kenny 10. Lindsay Smith 11. Luke Garner 12. Isaiah Papali’i 13. Matt Eisenhuth 14. Jack Cole 15. Liam Henry 16. Luron Patea 17. Mavrik Geyer 18. Luke Sommerton 19. Nathan Cleary 20. Dylan Edwards 21. Brian To’o 22. Liam Martin 23. Isaah Yeo 24. Preston Riki
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. They have all been named as reserves, with the coach indicating Brad Schneider will call the shots at halfback if their star cannot back up.
(Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
Titans vs Broncos at Cbus Super Stadium: 6.15pm, Sunday July 13
Titans: 1. AJ Brimson 2. Jaylan De Groot 3. Brian Kelly 4. Jojo Fifita 5. Phillip Sami 6. Kieran Foran 7. Jayden Campbell 8. Moeaki Fotuaika 9. Sam Verrills 10. Reagan Campbell-Gillard 11. Chris Randall 12. Beau Fermor 13. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui 14. Jacob Alick-Wiencke 15. Jaimin Jolliffe 16. David Fifita 17. Klese Haas 18. Iszac Fa’asumaleaui 19. Arama Hau 20. Alofiana Khan-Pereira 21. Sean Mullany 22. Tom Weaver
Second-rower David Fifita (ankle) and halfback Jayden Campbell (concussion) are big ins for the Gold Coast while Maroons duo Tino Fa’asuamaleaui and Moe Fotuaika have been named to backup from Origin.
Fullback Keano Kini’s first appearance since Round 3 due to a neck problem is close, but he wasn’t able to make it this week.
Broncos: 1. Reece Walsh 2. Josiah Karapani 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Gehamat Shibasaki 5. Deine Mariner 6. Ezra Mam 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Xavier Willison 9. Ben Hunt 10. Payne Haas 11. Brendan Piakura 12. Jordan Riki 13. Patrick Carrigan 14. Billy Walters 15. Kobe Hetherington 16. Jack Gosiewski 17. Tyson Smoothy 18. Selwyn Cobbo 19. Ben Talty 20. Cory Paix 21. Jaiyden Hunt 22. Delouise Hoeter 23. Benjamin Te Kura 24. Jesse Arthars
Veteran Ben Hunt (hamstring) makes a comeback to the side, after not being sighted since Round 10. He’ll play hooker with the in-form Ezra Mam holding the No.6 jersey.
Selwyn Cobbo will shift out of fullback to 18th man with Reece Walsh back from Origin, Gehamat Shibasaki will return at centre with Payne Haas and Patrick Carrigan set to back up in the pack from the midweek match.
Byes – Rabbitohs, Raiders, Sea Eagles
with AAP
