Team Talk: Round 16

EARLY MAIL: We’ve got all the latest news on likely team selections for Round 16!

Published by
Stephen Marson

Dragons v Storm

The Dragons will lose four guys to Origin duty, with Paul Vaughan, Tyson Frizell, Ben Hunt and Corey Norman all selected for the decider. Tariq Sims will miss the clash too, although it's not certain just yet whether that will be through suspension or Origin. Korbin Sims, Blake Lawrie and Luciano Leilua could be the forwards to replace the aforementioned trio, while Jai Field and Darren Nicholls could be the new halves pairing for Thursday night's clash.

For Melbourne, they'll lose Cameron Munster, Will Chambers, Felise Kaufusi, Christian Welch, Josh Addo-Carr and Dale Finucane to Origin, meaning changes aplenty must be made by Craig Bellamy. Sandor Earl and Marion Seve could return to the backline, while Jahrome Hughes, Joe Stimson and Nelson Asofa-Solomona could all find their way into the squad.

Tigers v Roosters

Moses Mbye is on Origin duty, with Paul Momirovski set to be his inclusion. Josh Aloiai was a late withdrawal on game day last week, and should come straight back in for Oliver Clark.

James Tedesco and Boyd Cordner will be away with the Blues, meaning Joseph Manu and Angus Crichton could come back into the line-up for the duo. Luke Keary and Jake Friend are closing in on returns, with Latrell Mitchell set to move back to centre if Keary is fit to play. Siosiua Taukeiaho will need to pass concussion protocol in order to take the field.

Knights v Warriors

Kalyn Ponga is out of the Origin decider with a calf injury, meaning he'll miss this game for the Knights as well. Kurt Mann will stay at fullback in Ponga's absence. If Tariq Sims is cleared and available for suspension, David Klemmer will be free to play for Newcastle. If Sims' ban stands, Klemmer could be his replacement in the NSW camp.

Nathaniel Roache will miss with a knee injury, with Issac Luke expected to be his replacement.

Sharks v Broncos

Wade Graham will be on Origin duty for NSW, with Kurt Capewell likely to start in his place.

Anthony Milford will miss up to 12 weeks with a knee injury, with Brisbane's season going from bad to worse. Corey Oates, Richie Kennar and Jamayne Isaako are all likely to be unavailable as well, with Xavier Coates and Herbie Farnworth (potential debut) looming as replacements.

Published by
Stephen Marson