Brisbane have resisted the urge to rush Reece Walsh to Auckland for their crunch clash with the Warriors, after travel and a short turnaround prompted the Broncos to rest their State of Origin stars.
Despite being desperate to snap a three-game losing streak, Brisbane confirmed on Friday that Walsh, Patrick Carrigan and Payne Haas would miss Saturday’s match at Go Media Stadium.
The Broncos had always intended to rest their stars against the Warriors, but had flirted with the idea of playing Walsh given their current form slump.
But the NRL’s schedule made any travel difficult for the Maroons trio, who would have had to fly direct from Melbourne to Auckland on Thursday or Friday to feature in the match. That would have meant 14 days away from home for Walsh, Carrigan and Haas, with travel adding to the demands of a three-day turnaround.
“It’s just too taxing for them,” coach Kevin Walters said on Friday. “They’re all back in Australia … We decided to leave them there. That was the Origin plan at the start of the year.”
The club is without halfback Adam Reynolds for at least another month, having dropped three of five games since he suffered a bicep injury. Jordan Riki is suspended, while Corey Oates remains out with a knee issue.
(Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow has been cleared to play in State of Origin III for Queensland, but will join at least 10 other NSW and Maroons stars on the sidelines in round 17.
Scans on Friday confirmed Tabuai-Fidow suffered a grade-one AC joint injury in Queensland’s Origin II loss, hurt in the first half of the MCG defeat. He will miss the Dolphins’ clash with St George Illawarra on Saturday, and won’t play again before Origin III, given the club’s round-18 bye.
But the news is largely good for Queensland, with Dolphins officials expecting the flyer to be available to line up for the decider at Suncorp Stadium on July 17. Tabuai-Fidow is just one part of a lengthy list of missing stars for round 17.
For the Cowboys, the Origin impact is even greater, with Reece Robson, Valentine Holmes, Murray Taulagi, Tom Dearden, Reuben Cotter and Jeremiah Nanai to all miss their blockbuster against Penrith.
“I had always intended to give those guys one game off throughout this Origin period,” coach Todd Payten said.
Penrith will wait until Saturday before deciding whether to play their five NSW Origin players, who were not due back at the club until late Friday.
St George Illawarra are hopeful Zac Lomax will be able to play on his injured knee against the Dolphins, while Ben Hunt and Jaydn Su’A are expected to be fine.
Xavier Coates is set to play for Melbourne against Canberra on Saturday, but Harry Grant is less likely after not training on Friday.
(Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
And Parramatta will have Mitch Moses back up against Newcastle on Saturday, after the high of his man-of-the-match performance for NSW in Melbourne.
J’maine Hopgood‘s regular season is over after Parramatta confirmed the State of Origin forward requires back surgery in another blow to their ailing NRL campaign.
The injury also means Hopgood cannot come to Queensland’s aid as coach Billy Slater tries to pick up the pieces from the 38-18 thrashing the Maroons received in Origin II.
Consultations with a specialist doctor on Thursday left Hopgood preparing for 12 weeks on the sidelines, with the regular season set to end in 11.
J’maine Hopgood looks to pass. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)
Warriors halfback Shaun Johnson has yet again been sidelined following a recurring Achilles tendon injury which caused issues during the Round 16 loss to the Titans.
Johnson will miss at least four weeks in what is a massive blow for the New Zealand side, who are struggling big time.
The second son of sacked Eels coach Brad Arthur, Matt Arthur, aged 19, is set to make his NRL debut off the bench. The hooker has played 13 games this season for Parramatta’s NSW cup side and represented the under 19’s Blues.
Roosters second-rower Sitili Tupouniua has been named in the centres for the Tricolours on Sunday. He comes in for suspended back Junior Pauga, and will be tested, up against a full of confidence Tigers backline.
Ryan Papenhuyzen is likely to miss Melbourne’s NRL clash with Canberra on Saturday night due to another injury, this time a heel problem.
Papenhuyzen missed the Storm’s captain run at AAMI Park on Friday after a heel issue kept him sidelined through the week, while skipper Harry Grant was a spectator after playing State of Origin and is in doubt due to a forehead gash.
Blake Taaffe returns for the Bulldogs, with Connor Tracey out due to concussion protocol – banged on the head from a Junior Pauga stiff-arm last week which earned the Roosters centre a four-week ban.
Scans have revealed Jayden’s Campbell‘s right hand was fractured when he broke the club’s all-time point scoring record in the 66-6 win over the Warriors. The Titans have the bye in round 17 and he will miss that clash against the Sharks after suffering a metacarpal fracture in his hand.
Penrith have opted to hold Nathan Cleary back until after State of Origin III, with the three-time defending premiers eying off a round-20 return against the Dolphins.
Cleary is now six-and-a-half weeks on from his second hamstring tear of the season, which was initially expected to rule him out for eight weeks.
The superstar No.7 is back running, but is still some way from training with the main group and yet to hit full speed in his rehabilitation and coach Ivan Cleary confirmed his son’s most likely comeback date would be at BlueBet Stadium on July 21.
Pauga gets sent off. (Photo by Scott Gardiner/Getty Images)
Storm interchange forward Trent Loiero has dodged a two-week ban for a crusher tackle on Dolphins centre Herbie Farnworth. It is Loiero’s second offence this season – but he has escaped with a $3000 early plea.
Dolphins recruit Tevita Pangai jnr was put on report for a late tackle on Storm prop Christian Welch on Friday night in his NRL comeback but has only received a grade-one dangerous contact charge from the match review committee. Pangai paid $1000 and is free to face St George Illawarra.
Canterbury Bulldogs
v
Cronulla Sharks
NRL : Head To Head
Fri, 28 Jun 2024, 20:00
New Zealand Warriors
v
Brisbane Broncos
NRL : Head To Head
Sat, 29 Jun 2024, 15:00
Newcastle Knights
v
Parramatta Eels
NRL : Head To Head
Sat, 29 Jun 2024, 17:30
Melbourne Storm
v
Canberra Raiders
NRL : Head To Head
Sat, 29 Jun 2024, 19:35
St. George Illawarra Dragons
v
Dolphins
NRL : Head To Head
Sun, 30 Jun 2024, 14:00
Penrith Panthers
v
North Queensland Cowboys
NRL : Head To Head
Sun, 30 Jun 2024, 16:05
Sydney Roosters
v
Wests Tigers
NRL : Head To Head
Sun, 30 Jun 2024, 18:15
* Odds Correct At Time Of Posting. Check PlayUp Website For Latest Odds
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Round 17 teams
All times AEST
Canterbury vs Cronulla at Accor Stadium: 8pm, Friday June 28
Bulldogs: 1. Blake Taaffe 2. Blake Wilson 3. Bronson Xerri 4. Jacob Kiraz 5. Jeral Skelton 6. Matt Burton 7. Toby Sexton 8. Max King 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Samuel Hughes 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Jaeman Salmon 13. Bailey Hayward 14. Jake Turpin 15. Josh Curran 16. Kurtis Morrin 17. Lipoi Hopoi 19. Jacob Preston 20. Drew Hutchison 21. Eli Clark 22. Harry Hayes 23. Stephen Crichton
Blake Taaffe moves in at fullback for Connor Tracey, who has entered the concussion protocols after being on the receiving end of a stiff arm from Junior Pauga being . Bronson Xerri returns from a hamstring niggle, so Drew Hutchison makes way. Skipper Stephen Crichton is among the reserves and will be monitored after Origin II while Jacob Preston is listed as 18th man, still not 100 percent post a foot injury.
Sharks: 1. Will Kennedy 2. Sione Katoa 3. Jesse Ramien 4. Kayal Iro 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo 6. Braydon Trindall 7. Nicho Hynes 8. Toby Rudolf 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Oregon Kaufusi 11. Briton Nikora 12. Siosifa Talakai 13. Cameron McInnes 14. Jack Williams 15. Royce Hunt 16. Thomas Hazelton 17. Tuku Hau Tapuha 18. Daniel Atkinson 19. Jesse Colquhoun 20. Mawene Hiroti 21. Teig Wilton 22. Jayden Berrell
Coach Craig Fitzgibbon keeps the same 17 that went down to the Dolphins in Round 15. Back-rower Teig Wilton could be poised for a return, but is currently listed on the reserves. Wilton hasn’t played since Round 13 due to a shoulder injury.
Warriors vs Brisbane at Go Media Stadium: 3pm, Saturday June 29
Warriors: 1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 3. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 4. Adam Pompey 5. Marcelo Montoya 6. Chanel Harris-Tavita 7. Te Maire Martin 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Wayde Egan 10. Jackson Ford 11. Marata Niukore 12. Mitchell Barnett 13. Tohu Harris 14. Freddy Lussick 15. Dylan Walker 16. Jazz Tevaga 17. Kurt Capewell 18. Tom Ale 20. Jacob Laban 21. Edward Kosi 22. Taine Tuaupiki 23. Moala Graham-Taufa
With halfback Shaun Johnson sidelined by an Achilles problem, Te Maire Martin gets the reins at No.7 and utility Chanel Harris-Tavita comes in at five-eighth. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak returns from suspension, pushing Edward Kosi out of the side. NSW Blues 18th man Mitch Barnett and Maroons bench player Kurt Capewell have been named to play and will be relied on. Freddy Lussick comes onto the bench.
Broncos: 1. Tristan Sailor 2. Jesse Arthars 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Selwyn Cobbo 5. Deine Mariner 6. Ezra Mam 7. Jock Madden 8. Corey Jensen 9. Billy Walters 10. Xavier Willison 11. Brendan Piakura 12. Jack Gosiewski 13. Kobe Hetherington 14. Tyson Smoothy 15. Fletcher Baker 16. Josiah Karapani 17. Martin Taupau 18. Joshua Rogers 19. Blake Mozer 20. Reece Walsh 21. Payne Haas 22. Patrick Carrigan 23. Corey Oates
Origin reps Reece Walsh, Pat Carrigan and Payne Haas have been given a spell after being listed in reserves. Tristan Sailor gets another shot at fullback, while Jesse Arthars (jaw) returns on the wing and moves Josiah Karapani to the bench. Former Cowboy Jack Gosiewski comes into the fray as Jordan Riki serves a suspension. Xavier Willison and Kobe Hetherington are in for Carrigan and Haas. Fletcher Baker and Martin Taupau bring a new touch on the bench.
Newcastle vs Parramatta at McDonald Jones Stadium: 5.30pm, Saturday June 29
Knights: 1. Fletcher Sharpe 2. Enari Tuala 3. Dane Gagai 4. Bradman Best 5. Greg Marzhew 6. Will Pryce 7. Jackson Hastings 8. Jacob Saifiti 9. Phoenix Crossland 10. Leo Thompson 11. Tyson Frizell 12. Dylan Lucas 13. Adam Elliott 14. Jayden Brailey 15. Daniel Saifiti 16. Kai Pearce-Paul 17. Brodie Jones 18. Mathew Croker 19. Jack Hetherington 20. Jack Cogger 21. Krystian Mapapalangi 22. David Armstrong
English import Will Pryce will make his NRL debut at five-eighth – the sole change to the starting side that went lost to the Panthers in Round 15. Kai Pearce-Paul comes back from a toe injury on the bench with Jack Hetherington moving to the reserves.
Eels: 1. Clint Gutherson 2. Maika Sivo 3. Viliami Penisini 4. Sean Russell 5. Blaize Talagi 6. Dylan Brown 7. Mitchell Moses 8. Reagan Campbell-Gillard 9. Brendan Hands 10. Junior Paulo 11. Shaun Lane 12. Bryce Cartwright 13. Joe Ofahengaue 14. Matthew Arthur 15. Makahesi Makatoa 16. Matt Doorey 17. Ryan Matterson 18. Daejarn Asi 19. Joey Lussick 20. Wiremu Greig 21. Jake Tago 22. Charlie Guymer
Blues halfback Mitch Moses is prepared to back up after Origin two while Maika Sivo finds his spot back on the left wing – taking Sean Russell to the centres and Daejarn Asi to 18th man. Kelma Tuilagi is suspended, so Bryce Cartwright starts and Matt Doorey joins the bench. Son of Brad Arthur, Matt, has been named to make his NRL debut off the bench.
Melbourne vs Canberra at AAMI Park: 7.35pm, Saturday June 29
Storm: 1. Ryan Papenhuyzen 2. William Warbrick 3. Grant Anderson 4. Jack Howarth 5. Xavier Coates 6. Tyran Wishart 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Tui Kamikamica 9. Harry Grant 10. Josh King 11. Shawn Blore 12. Eliesa Katoa 13. Trent Loiero 14. Christian Welch 15. Bronson Garlick 16. Nelson Asofa-Solomona 17. Joe Chan 18. Reimis Smith 19. Dean Ieremia 20. Alec MacDonald 21. Kane Bradley 22. Sualauvi Faalogo 23. Chris Lewis
Queensland pair Xavier Coates and Harry Grant have been named to back up on the Saturday. Jack Howarth moves from wing to centre for Nick Meaney, while Bronson Garlick reverts to the bench alongside with Christian Welch, Joe Chan and Nelson Asofa-Solomona. Centre Reimis Smith is the 18th man following a concussion recovery. Young speedster Sua Faalogo is listed among the reserves after coming off the interchange last week.
Grant (facial cut) and Papenhuyzen (heel) may be late withdrawals.
Raiders: 1. Jordan Rapana 2. Albert Hopoate 3. Matthew Timoko 4. Sebastian Kris 5. Xavier Savage 6. Ethan Strange 7. Kaeo Weekes 8. Josh Papali’i 9. Tom Starling 10. Joseph Tapine 11. Hudson Young 12. Elliott Whitehead 13. Morgan Smithies 14. Danny Levi 15. Ata Mariota 16. Trey Mooney 17. Jordan Martin 18. Simi Sasagi 19. Zac Woolford 20. Adam Cook 21. James Schiller 22. Emre Guler
Hooker Tom Starling returns from concussion with Zac Woolford moving out. 24-year-old second-rower Jordan Martin makes his NRL debut off the bench. Albert Hopoate replaces Nick Cotric on the wing.
Jack Bird. (Photo by Mark Evans/Getty Images)
St George Illawarra vs Dolphins at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium: 2pm, Sunday June 30
Dragons: 1. Tyrell Sloan 2. Zac Lomax 3. Moses Suli 4. Max Feagai 5. Mathew Feagai 6. Kyle Flanagan 7. Ben Hunt 8. Francis Molo 9. Jacob Liddle 10. Jack de Belin 11. Raymond Faitala-Mariner 12. Jaydn Su’A 13. Tom Eisenhuth 14. Blake Lawrie 15. Ben Murdoch-Masila 16. Toby Couchman 17. Luciano Leilua 18. Michael Molo 19. Christian Tuipulotu 20. Ryan Couchman 21. Jesse Marschke 22. Jack Bird 23. Fa’amanu Brown
Moses Suli returns to the centres and puts Christian Tuipulotu into the reserves. Jack Bird has made a stunning recovery and has been included in the reserves – despite a bad looking knee injury. Ben Hunt, Jaydn Su’A and Blues winger Zac Lomax are all named in the run-on side.
Dolphins: 1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Jake Averillo 4. Herbie Farnworth 5. Tesi Niu 6. Kodi Nikorima 7. Isaiya Katoa 8. Jesse Bromwich 9. Jeremy Marshall-King 10. Kenny Bromwich 11. Connelly Lemuelu 12. Euan Aitken 13. Max Plath 14. Felise Kaufusi 15. Mark Nicholls 16. Ray Stone 17. Tevita Pangai Junior 18. Josh Kerr 19. Sean O’Sullivan 20. Kurt Donoghoe 21. Trai Fuller 22. Oryn Keeley
Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow is back on deck as Dolphins No.1, moving second-string Trai Fuller to the reserves. Felise Kaufusi is on the bench and Tesi Niu comes in on the wing for Jack Bostock (concussion). Tevita Pangai junior gets another chance to cement his place in the Redcliffe outfit.
Penrith vs North Qld at BlueBet Stadium: 4.05pm, Sunday June 30
Panthers: 1. Dylan Edwards 2. Sunia Turuva 3. Izack Tago 4. Paul Alamoti 5. Brian To’o 6. Jack Cole 7. Jarome Luai 8. Moses Leota 9. Mitch Kenny 10. James Fisher-Harris 11. Scott Sorensen 12. Liam Martin 13. Isaah Yeo 14. Daine Laurie 15. Lindsay Smith 16. Liam Henry 17. Matt Eisenhuth 18. Brad Schneider 19. Mavrik Geyer 20. Luron Patea 21. Casey McLean 22. Luke Sommerton 23. Trent Toelau 24. Tyrone Peachey
No.9 Mitch Kenny returns and five-eighth Jack Cole gets another chance to start, moving the unlucky Brad Schneider to reserves. Luke Sommerton also drops back to the reserves, while Matt Eisenhuth replaces Trent Toelau on the bench. Ivan Cleary has named all NSW representatives to back up.
Cowboys: 1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Kyle Feldt 3. Jaxon Purdue 4. Viliami Vailea 5. Braidon Burns 6. Jake Clifford 7. Chad Townsend 8. Jordan McLean 9. Harrison Edwards 10. Jason Taumalolo 11. Heilum Luki 12. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki 13. Sam McIntyre 14. Tomas Chester 15. Jake Granville 16. Thomas Mikaele 17. Griffin Neame 18. Thomas Duffy 19. Jamal Shibasaki 20. Valentine Holmes 21. Murray Taulagi 22. Tom Dearden 23. Reece Robson 24. Reuben Cotter
Todd Payten had named five of his six Origin reps in the extended squad but will rest them all. Front-rower Jordan McLean is set to go after a calf injury, with Jake Clifford to partner Chad Townsend in the halves.
Sydney vs Wests at Allianz Stadium: 6.15pm, Sunday June 30
Roosters: 1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Sitili Tupouniua 4. Joseph Manu 5. Dominic Young 6. Luke Keary 7. Sam Walker 8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves 9. Brandon Smith 10. Terrell May 11. Angus Crichton 12. Victor Radley 13. Connor Watson 14. Spencer Leniu 15. Naufahu Whyte 16. Nat Butcher 17. Lindsay Collins 18. Sandon Smith 19. Siua Wong 20. Blake Steep 21. Ethan King 22. Michael Jennings 23. Salesi Foketi 24. Delasalle Vaa
Sitili Tupouniua is the odd man out – named at centre which showcases thin depth for Junior Pauga’s four-game suspension. Terrell May is named to start again after a full-game performance, with Maroon Lindsay Collins set to come off the bench. Blues reps Angus Crichton and Connor Watson are named to start. Spencer Leniu will back up for his second game of the week on the interchange.
Tigers: 1. Jahream Bula 2. Solomona Faataape 3. Brent Naden 4. Adam Doueihi 5. Luke Laulilii 6. Lachlan Galvin 7. Aidan Sezer 8. Stefano Utoikamanu 9. Apisai Koroisau 10. Fonua Pole 11. Reuben Porter 12. Samuela Fainu 13. Justin Matamua 14. Heath Mason 15. Sione Fainu 16. Alex Seyfarth 17. David Klemmer 18. Kit Laulilii 19. Charlie Staines 20. Tallyn Da Silva 21. John Bateman 22. Justin Olam
Veteran prop David Klemmer is back from suspension on the bench, while Englishman John Bateman and big-hitter Justin Olam both included in the reserves as they work back from injury. Luke Laulilii keeps a spot on the wing after his try-scoring debut in Round 16, with Adam Doueihi’s return performance earning him a second start in the centres.
Bye – Rabbitohs, Sea Eagles, Titans
with AAP