Storm lose Papenhuyzen, Sharks bitten by centre blow
Sebastian Tan |
Melbourne’s hopes of putting a hammer blow in Penrith’s top-four aspirations have received a blow with star fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen ruled out of the 2024 grand-final rematch with concussion.
Papenhuyzen, who played a full 80 minutes against Brisbane last week, joins half Jahrome Hughes (shoulder) on the sidelines for Thursday night’s clash at CommBank Stadium.
Coach Craig Bellamy has switched Nick Meaney to fullback and brought Marion Seve into the centres for his first NRL match since round four.
The Panthers, in search of their 10th consecutive win, will be without co-captain Isaah Yeo for another week after he sustained a shoulder injury in the round-22 clash with Gold Coast.
Rampaging prop Nelson Asofa-Solomona has been named on the extended bench for the Storm after playing in the Queensland Cup last week following a two-week suspension.
Cronulla’s finals aspirations have taken a hit with news on Tuesday star centre Jesse Ramien will miss the rest of the regular season with a broken thumb.
Barnstorming back-rower Briton Nikora is also out of action until the finals due to suspension. They will be replaced by Mawene Hiroti and Billy Burns respectively in the starting side for Saturday afternoon’s showdown at Shark Park against Gold Coast.
The Titans welcome back captain Tino Fa’asuamaleaui from a knee injury and fellow Queensland prop Moaeki Fotuaika from illness.
Saturday night’s ‘Battle of Brisbane’ at Suncorp Stadium is set to have major ramifications for the top eight when Brisbane host the Dolphins.
The Broncos have a new halves pairing with Billy Walters and Ben Hunt replacing the injured Ezra Mam and Adam Reynolds. Cory Paix gets a recall at hooker, as does Josiah Karapani on the wing.
Dolphins coach Kristian Woolf has recalled veteran Kenny Bromwich on the interchange bench while prop Frank Molo serves a one-match suspension.
Manly have kept Tom Trbojevic at fullback as their finals hopes go on the line at Allianz Stadium against Wests Tigers on Sunday.
Former No.1 Lehi Hopoate returns from injury on the wing to replace Tommy Talau who reverts to the bench.
The Sea Eagles will be without inspirational lock Jake Trbojevic (concussion).
The Tigers, who are still a mathematical chance of playing finals, are fresh from a bye and will slot Starford To’a back in to replace Brent Naden from the previous week’s win over the Bulldogs.
The Sydney Roosters, in ninth and needing to keep their finals chances in play when they host Canterbury on Friday night, have made one change from the side that thrashed the Dolphins 64-12.
Siua Wong (concussion) is out, so Victor Radley moves up to the starting side at his favourite lock position and young gun Blake Steep comes onto the bench.
The Bulldogs are unchanged but regular fullback Connor Tracey will be given every chance to prove his fitness after being named to return from an abdominal injury on the extended bench.
The fifth-placed Warriors have received a boost as they attempt to halt a three-game losing streak with hooker Wade Egan back from a shoulder injury for Friday night’s home fixture against St George Illawarra.
The Dragons lose centre Moses Suli (knee) but get Mathew Feagai (groin) back.
North Queensland get veteran prop Jordan McLean (calf) back for Sunday’s match-up with Newcastle in Townsville in a straight swap for suspended prop Coen Hess.
South Sydney have made one change with forward Lachlan Hubner (concussion) out and Shaquai Mitchell in to play an unchanged Parramatta at Allianz Stadium on Saturday night.
AAP
