Latest Rugby League News

Team Talk: Round 16

Published by
Johaan Forbes-Anthony

New Zealand Warriors v Canterbury Bulldogs

Star half Kieran Foran has been rated a "50/50" chance to beat his quad injury to take on his future side on Friday night in an otherwise uninterrupted Warriors side, while Josh Reynolds returns for the Bulldogs meaning Matt Frawley slides to the bench.

Brett Morris and David Klemmer are expected to back up from Origin despite the short turnaround.

Wests Tigers v Gold Coast Titans

Tim Grant's suspension will allow a straight swap for Aaron Woods to return from NSW duty, while Kevin Naiqama will return to the wing as James Tedesco resumes his role at fullback.

Malakai Watene-Zelezniak drops out of the 17 for the Tigers.

Once again, a host of changes is expected for the ever-changing Titans side with their three Origin representatives on hand to return.

Anthony Don and Kane Elgey are also high chances to come into the side, while Tyrone Roberts is expected to miss another week. Ryan James and Ash Taylor are both expected to play, despite copping a bruise to the knee and concussion respectively.

North Queensland Cowboys v Penrith Panthers

The Cowboys' star Queensland quartet are expected to be named and back up from Origin, while new recruit Te Maire Martin could be named on an extended reserves list.

The Panthers are in line for a big boost with James Fisher-Harris and Peter Wallace returning as they look to continue their surge towards the top eight.

Canberra Raiders v Brisbane Broncos

Josh Papalii could be in doubt for the Raiders as he carries a knee injury into Origin II, however, prop Shannon Boyd is confident of a return this week after recovering from a knee injury.

With Anthony Milford injured, Benji Marshall is a good chance to replace the youngster in the starting side although Wayne Bennett also has Ben Hunt in consideration.

Darius Boyd, Matt Gillett and Josh McGuire are all on track to back up from Origin.

Sydney Roosters v Melbourne Storm

The Rooster's bye last round will have them nice and refreshed as they take on the ladder leaders, with Jake Friend expected to be named after a head knock in round 14.

Daniel Tupou also returns while their Origin foursome will be named as well.

After being rested in recent weeks, Cooper Cronk and Cameron Smith will be named in the Storm's side along with Billy Slater, Tim Glasby and Will Chambers. The big-name inclusions will see a host of youngsters drop out, while recruit Nate Myles could be named to make his club debut. Dale Finucane must pass a concussion test if he wants to make the trip to Adelaide.

Should Billy Slater be rested, Cameron Munster would likely shift to fullback with Ryley Jacks likely to start in the halves.

St George Illawarra Dragons v Newcastle Knights

Jack de Belin faces a week on the sidelines after a dangerous contact charge came from last weekend's loss against Parramatta, however, the Dragons lock will challenge the charge at the NRL judiciary on Tuesday night.

Joel Thompson must pass concussion protocol to play on Sunday, while Tyson Frizell and Josh Dugan will back up from Origin.

Dane Gagai will do likewise for the Knights, with Jamie Buhrer a chance of returning from a foot injury.

Joe Wardle remains in doubt.

Cronulla Sharks v Manly Sea Eagles

The Sea Eagles are expected to go in unchanged as Jake Trbojevic expected to play after Origin, with the Sharks quintet expected to be named as well.

Published by
Johaan Forbes-Anthony