Penrith’s Brad Schneider has won the race to partner Jarome Luai in the halves against Canberra on Saturday after the talismanic Nathan Cleary left last Thursday’s NRL loss to Melbourne with a shoulder injury.
Daine Laurie holds his spot on the wing for Penrith ahead of premiership winner Sunia Turuva.
Laurie loomed as a chance to join Luai in the halves but instead, Panthers coach Ivan Cleary will keep him on the wing where he played following a last-minute call to move Wests Tigers-bound Turuva to 18th player against the Storm.
“I’m playing on the wing this weekend so I’m just ready to do my job,” Laurie said.
Panthers star Nathan Cleary howls in pain after injuring his shoulder. (Photo by Brendon Thorne/Getty Images)
Jack Cole was the other man in the running for the five-eighth role after he replaced Cleary mid-game against the Storm but the Panthers pulled Schneider from NSW Cup on Sunday, so the 23-year-old could be fresh for a possible call-up against his former side Canberra.
It’s mostly bad news for Penrith as they try to hang onto second spot heading into the final three weeks of the season.
On top of Cleary being out for at least three weeks with a shoulder injury, hooker Mitch Kenny has been suspended for Saturday’s trip to Canberra and second-rower Scott Sorensen is also unavailable due to his hamstring injury.
Luke Sommerton will start at dummy half for Kenny, who accepted the early guilty plea and copped the one-week ban.
Blues forward Liam Martin returns from his one-game ban for grade-two dangerous contact.
Brisbane will be without star fullback Reece Walsh for their must-win home game against Parramatta on Friday after he suffered a hand fracture in their last-start win over North Queensland.
Five-eighth Ezra Mam will miss the remainder of the season after undergoing surgery on a syndesmosis injury, while prop Payne Haas (Lisfranc) and hooker Tyson Smoothy (ankle) are out for the next few weeks at least.
Parramatta prop Wiremu Greig copped a two-match ban for the high tackle that left Connor Watson concussed in the Eels’ loss to the Sydney Roosters on Friday.
Already out of finals contention, Parramatta didn’t risk that suspension going to three matches and ending Greig’s season by fighting the charge.
Parramatta captain Clint Gutherson, Sydney Roosters back-rower Victor Radley and Warriors playmaker Chanel Harris-Tavita pled guilty and accepted fines for other charges out of Friday’s matches.
Gutherson was charged with grade-one dangerous contact for kicking at the ball and narrowly missing causing major damage to James Tedesco‘s head as the Roosters captain went to the ground.
Watson will miss this Sunday’s tussle with the Titans at Cbus Super Stadium while Maroons prop Moeaki Fotuaika will be back for the home side after he missed the clash against St George Illawarra through suspension.
Dragons forward Jack de Belin (dangerous contact) was the only player charged from Sunday’s games but will only pay a fine of $1000 for the grade-one offence.
Sharks half Nicho Hynes has been unsuccessful in his push for a return from the ankle injury which has kept him out for the past six weeks.
Bulldogs forward Josh Curran suffered a shoulder injury in the win over the Dolphins in Bundaberg but has been named by Cameron Ciraldo.
South Sydney veteran Cody Walker left the field late in their loss to Wests Tigers with a concussion, after copping an accidental knee and has been stood down for this weekend’s joust with the Knights. “He’s struggling, can’t remember much. We’ve lost another one,” interim coach Ben Hornby said.
Rabbitohs centre Richie Kennar will be banned 3-4 matches unless he can prove otherwise at the judiciary for a high shot on Luke Laulilii. He has entered a guilty plea but is disputing the grading.
Wests Tigers
v
Manly Sea Eagles
NRL : Head To Head
Thu, 22 Aug 2024, 19:50
New Zealand Warriors
v
Canterbury Bulldogs
NRL : Head To Head
Fri, 23 Aug 2024, 18:00
Brisbane Broncos
v
Parramatta Eels
NRL : Head To Head
Fri, 23 Aug 2024, 20:00
Canberra Raiders
v
Penrith Panthers
NRL : Head To Head
Sat, 24 Aug 2024, 15:00
Melbourne Storm
v
Dolphins
NRL : Head To Head
Sat, 24 Aug 2024, 17:30
South Sydney Rabbitohs
v
Newcastle Knights
NRL : Head To Head
Sat, 24 Aug 2024, 19:35
Gold Coast Titans
v
Sydney Roosters
NRL : Head To Head
Sun, 25 Aug 2024, 14:00
St. George Illawarra Dragons
v
Cronulla Sharks
NRL : Head To Head
Sun, 25 Aug 2024, 16:05
* Odds Correct At Time Of Posting. Check PlayUp Website For Latest Odds
What are you really gambling with?
For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au
His suspension is the latest test for the South Sydney backline, which has been without the injured Campbell Graham all season and is also missing Alex Johnston and Isaiah Tass.
Tyrone Munro appears the likeliest to come into the 17 after scoring two tries in NSW Cup on return from a collarbone injury on Saturday – he has been named on an extended reserves list, along with Izaac Thompson who is another option, pending the judiciary hearing.
Souths skipper Cameron Murray ($1000 for dangerous contact), Raiders duo Josh Papalii ($1800 for dangerous contact) and Emre Guler ($1000 for a dangerous throw) and Dolphins forward Felise Kaufusi ($1000 for dangerous contact) copped fines from Saturday’s matches.
Tigers forward Fonua Pole also failed to finish the Campbelltown clash with a knee injury but has been named on the bench for Thursday’s Leichhardt meeting with Manly.
Adam Doueihi has been shut down for the rest of the season by coach Benji Marshall following complications over his knee surgery even though the utility back wanted to soldier on for the team’s remaining two matches.
The Sea Eagles had a couple of concerns with interchange hooker Gordon Chan Kum Tong (AC joint) keeping his place on the bench but centre Tommy Talau (pectoral) will miss the game after suffering the injury in their win on Friday over the Warriors.
Dolphins prop Mark Nicholls and Raiders winger Jordan Rapana were ruled out last week due to concussions and are named to play this weekend.
Storm prop Nelson Asofa-Solomona escaped suspension for a high shot that also collected his Storm teammate Cameron Munster.
Asofa-Solomona went to the sin bin at BlueBet Stadium but was only charged with a grade-one careless high tackle to cop a fine of $1800.
Round 24 Casualty Ward: Panthers – Nathan Cleary (shoulder); Sea Eagles – Tommy Talau (pec), Gordon Chan Kum Tong (shoulder); Bulldogs – Josh Curran (shoulder); Rabbitohs – Cody Walker (concussion); Knights – Tyson Gamble (hand).
Round 25 teams
All times AEST
Wests vs Manly at Leichhardt Oval: 7.50pm, Thursday August 2
Tigers: 1. Heath Mason 2. Solomon Alaimalo 3. Solomona Faataape 4. Junior Tupou 5. Charlie Staines 6. Lachlan Galvin 7. Aidan Sezer 8. Stefano Utoikamanu 9. Apisai Koroisau 10. David Klemmer 11. Alex Seyfarth 12. Samuela Fainu 13. Isaiah Papali’i 14. Latu Fainu 15. Sione Fainu 16. Fonua Pole 17. Alex Twal 18. Tim Johannssen 19. Tallyn Da Silva 20. Reuben Porter 21. Josh Feledy 22. Tony Sukkar
Fonua Pole (knee) has been named on the bench for the Tigers after failing to finish the win over Souths at Campbelltown.
Sea Eagles: 1. Tom Trbojevic 2. Jason Saab 3. Tolutau Koula 4. Reuben Garrick 5. Lehi Hopoate 6. Luke Brooks 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Taniela Paseka 9. Lachlan Croker 10. Josh Aloiai 11. Haumole Olakau’atu 12. Karl Lawton 13. Jake Trbojevic 14. Gordon Chan Kum Tong 15. Ben Trbojevic 16. Ethan Bullemor 17. Nathan Brown 18. Corey Waddell 19. Toafofoa Sipley 20. Jamie Humphreys 21. Clayton Faulalo 22. Matthew Lodge
Centre Tommy Talau (pectoral) will miss the game but Gordon Chan Kum Tong (shoulder) and Ben Trbojevic have been named on the bench. Tolu Koula moves into the starting side and Karl Lawton also returns in the second row.
Warriors vs Canterbury at Go Media Stadium: 6pm, Friday August 3
Warriors: 1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 3. Adam Pompey 4. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 5. Marcelo Montoya 6. Luke Metcalf 7. Shaun Johnson 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Wayde Egan 10. Mitchell Barnett 11. Marata Niukore 12. Kurt Capewell 13. Dylan Walker 14. Freddy Lussick 15. Tom Ale 16. Jazz Tevaga 17. Demitric Sifakula 18. Chanel Harris-Tavita 20. Leka Halasima 21. Taine Tuaupiki 22. Edward Kosi 23. Bunty Afoa
Hooker Wayde Egan is back from an elbow injury but Jackson Ford will not return from his knee complaint this week, and with their finals chances over and only two matches left, the club may shut him down for the season.
Bulldogs: 1. Connor Tracey 2. Jacob Kiraz 3. Bronson Xerri 4. Stephen Crichton 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Matt Burton 7. Toby Sexton 8. Josh Curran 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Samuel Hughes 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Jacob Preston 13. Kurt Mann 14. Bailey Hayward 15. Kurtis Morrin 16. Harry Hayes 17. Jaeman Salmon 19. Jeral Skelton 20. Lipoi Hopoi 21. Eli Clark 22. Drew Hutchison 23. Max King
Front-rower Josh Curran (shoulder) has been named in the starting lineup after he copped a knock during the big win at Bundaberg over the Dolphins.
Josh Curran (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)
Brisbane vs Parramatta at Suncorp Stadium: 8pm, Friday August 3
Broncos: 1. Tristan Sailor 2. Selwyn Cobbo 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Deine Mariner 5. Jesse Arthars 6. Joshua Rogers 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Corey Jensen 9. Billy Walters 10. Xavier Willison 11. Brendan Piakura 12. Jordan Riki 13. Patrick Carrigan 14. Blake Mozer 15. Kobe Hetherington 16. Josiah Karapani 17. Martin Taupau 18. Benjamin Te Kura 19. Fletcher Baker 20. Jaiyden Hunt 21. Cory Paix 22. Corey Oates
They are rested after the bye but Reece Walsh (hand), Payne Haas (foot), Ezra Mam (ankle) and Tyson Smoothy (ankle) are all out as last year’s runners-up fight to stay in the finals equation. Tristan Sailor is the new fullback.
Eels: 1. Clint Gutherson 2. Maika Sivo 3. Viliami Penisini 4. Blaize Talagi 5. Sean Russell 6. Dylan Brown 7. Daejarn Asi 8. Reagan Campbell-Gillard 9. Brendan Hands 10. Shaun Lane 11. Kelma Tuilagi 12. Bryce Cartwright 13. Joe Ofahengaue 14. Joey Lussick 15. Makahesi Makatoa 16. Luca Moretti 17. Dan Keir 18. Jake Tago 19. Matt Doorey 20. Ethan Sanders 21. Morgan Harper 22. Ofahiki Ogden
Clint Gutherson avoided suspension for dangerous contact for his kick which narrowly missed James Tedesco’s head but prop Wiremu Greig was hit with a ban of two matches for a high tackle. Winger Maika Sivo is back on the wing and back-rower Kelma Tuilagi moves into the starting side after coming off the bench last week.
Canberra vs Penrith at GIO Stadium: 3pm, Saturday August 4
Raiders: 1. Jordan Rapana 2. Albert Hopoate 3. Matthew Timoko 4. Sebastian Kris 5. Xavier Savage 6. Kaeo Weekes 7. Jamal Fogarty 8. Josh Papali’i 9. Tom Starling 10. Joseph Tapine 11. Hudson Young 12. Elliott Whitehead 13. Morgan Smithies 14. Danny Levi 15. Emre Guler 16. Ata Mariota 17. Simi Sasagi 18. Adam Cook 19. Zac Woolford 20. Trey Mooney 21. Jed Stuart 22. Corey Horsburgh
Ricky Stuart has made a few positional changes. Jordan Rapana returns from concussion at fullback as Kaeo Weekes is moved to five-eighth. Albert Hopoate comes in on the wing, which means Seb Kris goes into the centres and Ethan Strange drops out with a calf injury.
Panthers: 1. Dylan Edwards 2. Daine Laurie 3. Izack Tago 4. Casey McLean 5. Brian To’o 6. Brad Schneider 7. Jarome Luai 8. Moses Leota 9. Luke Sommerton 10. James Fisher-Harris 11. Mavrik Geyer 12. Liam Martin 13. Isaah Yeo 14. Trent Toelau 15. Lindsay Smith 16. Liam Henry 17. Jack Cole 18. Matt Eisenhuth 19. Paul Alamoti 20. Luke Garner 21. Luron Patea 22. Sunia Turuva
Brad Schneider comes into five-eighth with Jarome Luai taking over at halfback with Nathan Cleary nursing his shoulder injury.
Mitch Kenny has been banned for one match for a high shot which floored Storm winger Grant Anderson. Luke Sommerton is the new hooker.
Liam Martin returns from his one-game ban but Scott Sorensen (hamstring) is another couple of weeks away from returning.
Nelson Asofa-Solomona is tackled. (Photo by Brendon Thorne/Getty Images)
Melbourne vs Dolphins at AAMI Park: 5.30pm, Saturday August 4
Storm: 1. Ryan Papenhuyzen 2. William Warbrick 3. Jack Howarth 4. Nick Meaney 5. Tyran Wishart 6. Cameron Munster 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Nelson Asofa-Solomona 9. Harry Grant 10. Josh King 11. Shawn Blore 12. Eliesa Katoa 13. Trent Loiero 14. Sualauvi Faalogo 15. Lazarus Vaalepu 16. Tui Kamikamica 17. Alec MacDonald 18. Marion Seve 19. Kane Bradley 20. Dean Ieremia 21. Chris Lewis 22. Christian Welch
Nelson Asofa-Solomona has avoided suspension despite being charged for a high shot on Daine Laurie that also collected his Storm teammate Cameron Munster. He will pay a fine of $1,800 fine.
Tyran Wishart will fill in on wing for Grant Anderson (concussion) with Sua Fa’alogo been added to the bench. Christian Welch is on the extended bench after back and calf injuries have kept him out for six weeks.
Dolphins: 1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 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. Felise Kaufusi 12. Connelly Lemuelu 13. Kenny Bromwich 14. Oryn Keeley 15. Mark Nicholls 16. Ray Stone 17. Sean O’Sullivan 18. Mason Teague 19. Tesi Niu 20. Trai Fuller 21. Kurt Donoghoe 22. Josh Kerr
Veteran prop Mark Nicholls (head knock) returns from concussion protocols.
South Sydney vs Newcastle at Accor Stadium: 7.35pm, Saturday August 4
Rabbitohs: 1. Jye Gray 2. Fletcher Myers 3. Taane Milne 4. Richard Kennar 5. Jacob Gagai 6. Jack Wighton 7. Dean Hawkins 8. Davvy Moale 9. Damien Cook 10. Sean Keppie 11. Keaon Koloamatangi 12. Tallis Duncan 13. Cameron Murray 14. Peter Mamouzelos 15. Jacob Host 16. Thomas Burgess 17. Shaquai Mitchell 18. Siliva Havili 19. Liam Le Blanc 20. Michael Chee Kam 21. Izaac Tu’itupou Thompson 22. Tyrone Munro
Cody Walker (concussion) is the latest Souths player sidelined while Michael Chee Kam (calf) is still doubtful to be back after missing the loss to Wests as he was named on an extended reserves list.
Knights: 1. Kalyn Ponga 2. Fletcher Sharpe 3. Dane Gagai 4. Dylan Lucas 5. Greg Marzhew 6. Jack Cogger 7. Phoenix Crossland 8. Daniel Saifiti 9. Jayden Brailey 10. Leo Thompson 11. Tyson Frizell 12. Kai Pearce-Paul 13. Adam Elliott 14. Will Pryce 15. Mathew Croker 16. Jack Hetherington 17. Brodie Jones 18. Thomas Cant 19. Sebastian Su’a 20. Jackson Hastings 21. Kyle McCarthy 22. David Armstrong
Former NSW prop Jacob Saifiti (calf) is still out injured for this must-win game for Newcastle’s playoff prospects but Tyson Gamble won’t be back this year due to a broken hand he picked up at Shark Park. Jack Cogger takes over at five-eighth.
Gold Coast vs Sydney at Cbus Super Stadium: 2pm, Sunday August 5
Titans: 1. Keano Kini 2. Alofiana Khan-Pereira 3. Brian Kelly 4. Phillip Sami 5. Jojo Fifita 6. Jayden Campbell 7. Kieran Foran 8. Moeaki Fotuaika 9. Sam Verrills 10. Jaimin Jolliffe 11. David Fifita 12. Beau Fermor 13. Chris Randall 14. AJ Brimson 15. Isaac Liu 16. Erin Clark 17. Klese Haas 18. Tanah Boyd 19. Keenan Palasia 20. Joe Stimson 21. Jacob Alick-Wiencke 22. Tony Francis
Maroons prop Moeaki Fotuaika will return after his one-game ban along with Beau Fermor (kidney) – with Erin Clark dropping out of the starting side.
Roosters: 1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii 4. Joseph Manu 5. Dominic Young 6. Luke Keary 7. Sam Walker 8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves 9. Brandon Smith 10. Lindsay Collins 11. Angus Crichton 12. Victor Radley 13. Nat Butcher 14. Sandon Smith 15. Spencer Leniu 16. Sitili Tupouniua 17. Terrell May 18. Michael Jennings 19. Naufahu Whyte 20. Siua Wong 21. Zach Dockar-Clay 22. Robert Toia
Jared Waerea-Hargreaves returns from a four-game ban and Spencer Leniu reverts to the bench. Michael Jennings is available after suspension but has been named as 18th player. Connor Watson (concussion) will not suit up after being flattened by Wiremu Greig’s high shot. Nat Butcher (rib cartilage) will, however, be back to take his place.
St George Illawarra vs Cronulla at WIN Stadium: 2pm, Sunday August 5
Dragons: 1. Tyrell Sloan 2. Zac Lomax 3. Mathew Feagai 4. Max Feagai 5. Christian Tuipulotu 6. Jack Bird 7. Ben Hunt 8. Francis Molo 9. Jacob Liddle 10. Jack de Belin 11. Luciano Leilua 12. Jaydn Su’A 13. Tom Eisenhuth 14. Toby Couchman 15. Ryan Couchman 16. Blake Lawrie 17. Raymond Faitala-Mariner 18. Lyhkan King-Togia 19. Mikaele Ravalawa 20. Michael Molo 21. Jesse Marschke 22. Connor Muhleisen
Raymond Faitala-Mariner returns on the bench but Moses Suli (knee) is again missing after sitting out Sunday’s stoush with the Titans in Wollongong. Jack de Belin is free to play after only copping a fine for his dangerous contact charge.
Sharks: 1. Will Kennedy 2. Samuel Stonestreet 3. Jesse Ramien 4. Kayal Iro 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo 6. Daniel Atkinson 7. Braydon Trindall 8. Toby Rudolf 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Oregon Kaufusi 11. Briton Nikora 12. Teig Wilton 13. Cameron McInnes 14. Jack Williams 15. Royce Hunt 16. Braden Hamlin-Uele 17. Thomas Hazelton 18. Mawene Hiroti 19. Billy Burns 20. Tuku Hau Tapuha 21. Chris Veaila 22. Niwhai Puru
Braydon Trindall is back on deck from a shoulder injury at halfback, Blayke Brailey returns to hooker and Cameron McInnes to lock. Nicho Hynes won’t return from his ankle injury for the derby in a blow to Cronulla’s hopes of securing a top-four spot.
Bye – North Qld
with AAP