Nicho Hynes is in a race to play for Cronulla again before the NRL finals after scans revealed a fractured ankle and complete rupture of the syndesmosis ligament.
Cronulla on Tuesday confirmed the worst possible news for their star halfback, who will miss approximately eight weeks with the injury. Hynes went down at Sharks training on Monday, and was helped off the park by two men before being sent for scans.
The 2022 Dally M Medallist has seen specialists since then, and is now unlikely to return until at least the eve of the finals. “It has been confirmed that Nicho has a complete syndesmosis rupture, plus a tibia fracture to his left ankle,” Sharks performance boss Nathan Pickworth said.
“He will undergo surgery tomorrow (Wednesday), with an estimated return to the field of approximately eight weeks.”
The injury comes as a massive blow to the Sharks, who have lost five of their past six games to fall from first to fourth on the ladder. Sitting pretty for the minor premiership two months ago, Cronulla are now only four points clear of 10th-placed St George Illawarra.
Dan Atkinson will come into the halves in place of Hynes, and will partner Braydon Trindall.
Nicho Hynes. (Photo by Albert Perez/Getty Images)
Manly have put the Tom Trbojevic centre experiment on hold, with the star back forced into the No.1 jersey after Tolu Koula was ruled out for six weeks.
Koula pulled up sore with a knee injury after the Sea Eagles’ golden-point win over North Queensland on Saturday night and is now expected to miss close to four weeks. Lehi Hopoate moves to the wing, while Tommy Talau shifts inside to the centres.
Manly have handed Jamie Humphreys an NRL debut in the spot of Maroons captain Daly Cherry-Evans. The Sea Eagles will be boosted by Haumole Olakau’atu, who was dropped by NSW. Karl Lawton and Nathan Brown make up the backrow.
Jason Saab is also back after calf concerns troubled his chances on Sunday.
The twin brother of Sharks flyer Ronaldo Mulitalo has been handed his NRL debut. Lorenzo Mulitalo will feature on the wing for the Eels, after originally starting his career at the Sharks with his brother.
Charlie Guymer has been handed an NRL start following his mammoth debut in round 17. Blaze Talagi shifts to the centres, while Sean Russell has been dropped.
Dolphins halfback Sean O’Sullivan is a big inclusion for Redcliffe – with the playmaker named on the bench to make his return for the first time since round seven.
The Knights have also been forced to field a new look backline – with three of their stars out due to Origin.
Kalyn Ponga, Bradman Best and Dane Gagai are all on state duty – so Adam O’Brien has shifted Fletcher Sharpe to fullback, Dylan Lucas to centre and Krystian Mapapalangi to the wing. Mapapalangi has played only three NRL games, appearing in the centres for Newcastle during their round 13 loss to the Bulldogs.
Jayden Campbell returns at No.6 for the Titans, with AJ Brimson as 18th man, while Broncos rookie Josh Rogers gets a shot in the halfback role due to Jock Madden’s round 17 hamstring strain.
New Sydney Roosters games record holder Jared Waerea-Hargreaves has opted to seek a downgrade at the judiciary after he was “rewarded” for his record-breaking 307th game for the Roosters with a hefty suspension for a high shot on Dragon Max Feagai.
Waerea-Hargreaves was sin-binned for the incident in the 17th minute of the Roosters’ win, and was slapped with a grade-two careless high tackle charge from the judiciary.
If successful in seeking a downgrade, he will pay a $3000 fine but if not, he will be outed for four matches.
Canterbury’s Jaeman Salmon has received a two-match ban for an ugly late shot that went unpunished by match officials at a crucial point of the 13-12 win over the Warriors.
With Saturday’s game tied as the final five minutes approached, the second-rower collided with Te Maire Martin after the Warriors halfback passed during a raid into Bulldogs territory.
Dragons back-rower Jaydn Su’A and Roosters veteran Michael Jennings were each fined $1000 for careless high tackles.
Cronulla international Siosifa Talakai has taken a one-match ban for a high shot on Titans hooker Sam Verrills during Friday night’s loss at Coffs Harbour.
(Photo by Brett Hemmings/Getty Images)
Talakai was sin-binned for a forceful hit on Verrills and even though the Gold Coast rake was slipping at the point of impact, the match review committee charged the Sharks forward with a grade-two careless high tackle offence.
Jai Arrow says the birthday gift he wants the most this year is the chance to delay season-ending shoulder surgery and continue South Sydney’s unlikely charge towards a place in the NRL’s top eight.
After playing through most of the season with a tear in his supraspinatus tendon, Arrow, who turns 29 on Friday, is booked to go under the knife after the Rabbitohs’ meeting with the Dolphins on Thursday.
Arrow has been on restricted duties all year and admits the discomfort of the injury has meant he can only bench press 80kg. After picking up a fifth straight win against Parramatta on Thursday, the forward is hoping Souths reconsider his surgery and allow him to play his role in the club’s late-season surge back into finals contention.
Round 18 Casualty Ward: Rabbitohs – Latrell Mitchell (foot); Warriors – Tohu Harris (wrist), Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad (calf), Dallin Watene-Zelezniak (head knock), Marcelo Montoya (groin); Sea Eagles – Ben Trbojevic (head knock); Bulldogs – Jaeman Salmon (jaw); Storm – Nelson Asofa-Solomona (hamstring), Bronson Garlick (back); Cowboys – Murray Taulagi (hamstring); Panthers – Daine Laurie (hamstring); Broncos – Jock Madden (hamstring); Raiders – Hudson Young (groin); Eels – Junior Paulo (foot); Roosters – Victor Radley (head knock); Knights – Enari Tuala (calf).
Dolphins
v
South Sydney Rabbitohs
NRL : Head To Head
Thu, 11 Jul 2024, 19:50
Cronulla Sharks
v
Wests Tigers
NRL : Head To Head
Fri, 12 Jul 2024, 20:00
Gold Coast Titans
v
Parramatta Eels
NRL : Head To Head
Sat, 13 Jul 2024, 17:30
Brisbane Broncos
v
St. George Illawarra Dragons
NRL : Head To Head
Sat, 13 Jul 2024, 19:35
Manly Sea Eagles
v
Newcastle Knights
NRL : Head To Head
Sun, 14 Jul 2024, 16:05
* Odds Correct At Time Of Posting. Check PlayUp Website For Latest Odds
What’s gambling really costing you?
For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au
Round 19 teams
All times AEST
Dolphins vs South Sydney at Kayo Stadium: 7.50pm, Thursday July 11
Dolphins: 1. Trai Fuller 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Jake Averillo 4. Herbie Farnworth 5. Jack Bostock 6. Kodi Nikorima 7. Isaiya Katoa 8. Jesse Bromwich 9. Max Plath 10. Tevita Pangai Junior 11. Connelly Lemuelu 12. Euan Aitken 13. Kenny Bromwich 14. Josh Kerr 15. Mark Nicholls 16. Ray Stone 17. Sean O’Sullivan 18. Oryn Keeley 19. Tesi Niu 20. Anthony Milford 21. Mason Teague 22. Robert Jennings
Trai Fuller gets another shot in the starting No.1 jersey while Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow goes back into Queensland camp. Winger Jack Bostock returns from concussion protocols. Jeremy Marshall-King is out with a foot injury, so Max Plath slides to hooker and Kenny Bromwich starts at lock. Tevita Pangai Jnr gets his first start in his NRL return at prop. Josh Kerr and Ray Stone join the bench along with Sean O’Sullivan, who is back for the first time since Round 7.
Rabbitohs: 1. Jye Gray 2. Alex Johnston 3. Taane Milne 4. Richard Kennar 5. Jacob Gagai 6. Jack Wighton 7. Cody Walker 8. Davvy Moale 9. Damien Cook 10. Sean Keppie 11. Michael Chee Kam 12. Jai Arrow 13. Keaon Koloamatangi 14. Peter Mamouzelos 15. Tallis Duncan 16. Thomas Burgess 17. Liam Le Blanc 18. Dion Teaupa 19. Fletcher Myers 20. Siliva Havili 21. Izaac Tu’itupou Thompson 22. Thomas Fletcher
Jye Gray reverts to fullback for the injured Latrell Mitchell and Michael Chee Kam comes into the starting side with Cameron Murray on Blues duty. Liam Le Blanc will play his second NRL game and is the new face on the interchange bench. Siliva Havili is listed among the reserves as he closes in on a return from a calf injury.
Cronulla vs Wests at PointsBet Stadium: 8pm, Friday July 12
Sharks: 1. William Kennedy 2. Sione Katoa 3. Jesse Ramien 4. Kayal Iro 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo 6. Daniel Atkinson 7. Braydon Trindall 8. Royce Hunt 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Oregon Kaufusi 11. Briton Nikora 12. Teig Wilton 13. Cameron McInnes 14. Jesse Colquhoun 15. Thomas Hazelton 16. Toby Rudolf 17. Braden Hamlin-Uele 18. Tuku Hau Tapuha 19. Chris Veaila 20. Billy Burns 21. Niwhai Puru 22. Jayden Berrell
Halfback Nicho Hynes is the big out for Cronulla, with a broken leg – keeping him a spectator for at least eight weeks. Braydon Trindall shifts to No.7 and Daniel Atkinson will wear the No.6, after filling in on the wing for Sione Katoa. Katoa returns after missing Round 18 under the concussion protocol. Teig Wilton is back in the second row with Siosifa Talakai suspended while Jesse Colquhoun and Braden Hamlin-Uele join the bench.
Tigers: 1. Jahream Bula 2. Alexander Lobb 3. Adam Doueihi 4. Solomona Faataape 5. Charlie Staines 6. Lachlan Galvin 7. Aidan Sezer 8. Stefano Utoikamanu 9. Apisai Koroisau 10. David Klemmer 11. John Bateman 12. Samuela Fainu 13. Fonua Pole 14. Heath Mason 15. Sione Fainu 16. Alex Seyfarth 17. Reuben Porter 18. Justin Matamua 19. Tallyn Da Silva 20. Starford To’a 21. Josh Feledy 22. Jordan Miller
Alexander Lobb comes onto the wing with Justin Olam out – so Solomona Faataape shifts to the centres. Justin Matamua has been dropped to 18th man with his place on the bench taken by Reuben Porter. Outside back Star To’a has been named in the reserves, reaching match fitness after a hamstring injury.
(Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images)
Gold Coast vs Parramatta at Cbus Super Stadium: 5.30pm, Saturday July 13
Titans: 1. Keano Kini 2. Alofiana Khan-Pereira 3. Brian Kelly 4. Beau Fermor 5. Jojo Fifita 6. Jayden Campbell 7. Kieran Foran 8. Josiah Pahulu 9. Sam Verrills 10. Erin Clark 11. David Fifita 12. Klese Haas 13. Chris Randall 14. Isaac Liu 15. Jacob Alick-Wiencke 16. Keenan Palasia 17. Phillip Sami 18. AJ Brimson 19. Joe Stimson 20. Tanah Boyd 21. Iszac Fa’asumaleaui 22. Jaylan De Groot
Jayden Campbell returns from a hand injury at five-eighth and star back AJ Brimson is listed as 18th man, hoping to be back next week from a groin issue. Josiah Pahulu gets the nod to take over at prop while Maroons forward Moeaki Fotuaika enters camp. Klese Haas returns from a foot injury in the back row. Phil Sami has been named on the interchange after being withdrawn from round 17 with a calf scare.
Eels: 1. Clinton Gutherson 2. Jake Tago 3. Viliami Penisini 4. Blaize Talagi 5. Lorenzo Mulitalo 6. Dylan Brown 7. Daejarn Asi 8. Reagan Campbell-Gillard 9. Brendan Hands 10. Joe Ofahengaue 11. Ryan Matterson 12. Matt Doorey 13. Charlie Guymer 14. Matthew Arthur 15. Shaun Lane 16. Luca Moretti 17. Bryce Cartwright 18. Makahesi Makatoa 19. Isaac Lumelume 20. Joey Lussick 21. Morgan Harper 22. Wiremu Greig
Daejarn Asi gets the reins at halfback from Blues No.7 Mitch Moses. Lorenzo Mulitalo, the twin of Ronaldo, makes his NRL debut on the wing, so Blaize Talagi shifts to the centres and Sean Russell moves out of the 17. Charlie Guymer has been rewarded after his massive debut, with a start at lock. Matt Doorey also comes into the starting side with Shaun Lane on the bench. Luca Moretti joins the bench in place of Junior Paulo, who has a foot injury.
Brisbane vs St George Illawarra at Suncorp Stadium: 7.35pm, Saturday July 13
Broncos: 1. Tristan Sailor 2. Corey Oates 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Deine Mariner 5. Jesse Arthars 6. Ezra Mam 7. Joshua Rogers 8. Corey Jensen 9. Billy Walters 10. Xavier Willison 11. Brendan Piakura 12. Jordan Riki 13. Tyson Smoothy 14. Blake Mozer 15. Kobe Hetherington 16. Josiah Karapani 17. Martin Taupau 18. Vaa Semu 19. Cory Paix 20. Israel Leota
Tristan Sailor comes in for Maroons fullback Reece Walsh and Tyson Smoothy joins the starting side for Pat Carrigan. Xavier Willison shifts to prop for Payne Haas while Kotoni Staggs is back from personal leave to partner Deine Mariner in the centres. A round 17 hamstring injury to Jock Madden allows Josh Rogers to return in the NRL, while Jordan Riki returns from suspension in the back row. Blake Mozer is the new man on the bench.
Dragons: 1. Tyrell Sloan 2. Christian Tuipulotu 3. Moses Suli 4. Max Feagai 5. Mikaele Ravalawa 6. Kyle Flanagan 7. Jesse Marschke 8. Francis Molo 9. Jacob Liddle 10. Jack de Belin 11. Raymond Faitala-Mariner 12. Jaydn Su’A 13. Tom Eisenhuth 14. Hame Sele 15. Luciano Leilua 16. Toby Couchman 17. Ben Murdoch-Masila 18. Jack Bird 19. Savelio Tamale 20. Fa’amanu Brown 21. Ryan Couchman 22. Michael Molo
Mikaele Ravalawa returns on the wing following a suspension and slots in for Blues rep Zac Lomax. Jesse Marschke replaces Maroons rep Ben Hunt at halfback. Raymond Faitala-Mariner returns after missing last week’s game due to back spasms meaning Luciano Leilua reverts to the bench. Toby Couchman, Ben Murdoch-Masila and Hame Sele make up the interchange. Sele is back from a shoulder injury. Jack Bird is listed as 18th man and could feature late in the 17, after returning to the NSW cup last week.
Manly vs Newcastle at 4 Pines Park: 4.05pm, Sunday July 14
Sea Eagles: 1. Tom Trbojevic 2. Jason Saab 3. Tommy Talau 4. Reuben Garrick 5. Lehi Hopoate 6. Luke Brooks 7. Jamie Humphreys 8. Toafofoa Sipley 9. Jake Simpkin 10. Josh Aloiai 11. Haumole Olakau’atu 12. Karl Lawton 13. Nathan Brown 14. Clayton Faulalo 15. Gordon Chan Kum Tong 16. Ethan Bullemor 17. Corey Waddell 18. Caleb Navale 19. Aaron Schoupp 20. Dean Matterson 21. Ben Condon 22. Aitasi James
The Tom Trbojevic centre experiment has been placed on hold with Tolu Koula facing a stint on the sideline due to a knee injury. Tommy Talau moves to the centres and Lehi Hopoate comes in on the wing. Jamie Humphreys gets a shot in the seven jersey in Daly Cherry-Evans’ absence. Karl Lawton and Nathan Brown are the new backrowers in place of Jake Trbojevic (Origin) and Ben Trbojevic (head knock). Corey Waddell, Gordon Chan Kum Tong and Clayton Faulalo join the bench.
Knights: 1. Fletcher Sharpe 2. Krystian Mapapalangi 3. Dylan Lucas 4. Thomas Cant 5. Greg Marzhew 6. Will Pryce 7. Jackson Hastings 8. Daniel Saifiti 9. Phoenix Crossland 10. Leo Thompson 11. Tyson Frizell 12. Kai Pearce-Paul 13. Adam Elliott 14. Jayden Brailey 15. Jacob Saifiti 16. Brodie Jones 17. Mathew Croker 18. Jack Hetherington 19. Jack Cogger 20. Kyle McCarthy 21. Riley Jones 22. Thomas Jenkins
Adam O’Brien has been forced to switch around his backline with Kalyn Ponga, Bradman Best and Dane Gagai on State of Origin duty. Enari Tuala is also out with a calf injury. Fletcher Sharpe comes in at fullback, Krystian Mamapalangi on the wing, while Dylan Lucas and Thomas Cant are the new centres. Phoenix Crossland returns from concussion at hooker and Adam Elliott comes in at lock, so Mat Croker moves to the bench.