Meanwhile, the carnage continues at the Roosters with Brett Morris and Lindsay Collins both ruled out for the season. Another player being suspended also doesnt help. It forces coach Trent Robinson to reshuffle his side… but the Tricolours will be boosted by some timely returns.
Elsewhere, the Storm are expecting a couple of faces back in their side, while the Sharks and Dragons will have to dig deep to find replacements this week.
Read on for Round 9 Team Tips.
Round 9
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THURSDAY
South Sydney Rabbitohs vs Melbourne Storm at ANZ Stadium, 7.50pm
Last weeks Rabbitohs team: 1. Cody Walker 2. Alex Johnston 3. Dane Gagai 4. Campbell Graham 5. Jaxson Paulo 6. Benji Marshall 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Thomas Burgess 9. Damien Cook 17. Jai Arrow 11. Keaon Koloamatangi 12. Jaydn SuA 13. Cameron Murray 14. Mark Nicholls 15. Liam Knight 16. Jacob Host 20. Patrick Mago
Team Tips: Coach Wayne Bennett will be forced to field a very different looking Rabbitohs team this week with Adam Reynolds, Cameron Murray, Campbell Graham and Jaxson Paulo all out with injuries. After making his NRL debut in Round 5, its expected Dean Hawkins will replace Reynolds. Liam Knight is handy replacement for Murray at lock, while Bennett will have to dig a little deeper to find some backs with Latrell Mitchell still suspended and Josh Mansour and Jed Cartwright still on the injured list. Braidon Burns made his return from a knee injury via NSW Cup last week and could come into Grahams centre spot, while Steven Marsters is likely to replace Paulo on the wing. Tevita Tatola should return from a concussion, but it may be on the bench with Arrow to keep the starting spot.
Last weeks Storm team: 1. Nicholas Hynes 19. Dean Ieremia 2. Reimis Smith 4. Justin Olam 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Cameron Munster 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Jesse Bromwich 14. Harry Grant 10. Christian Welch 11. Felise Kaufusi 12. Kenneath Bromwich 9. Brandon Smith 3. Tom Eisenhuth 13. Tui Kamikamica 16. Chris Lewis 17. Dale Finucane
Team Tips:Ryan Papenhuyzen is close to returning from a shoulder injury according to coach Craig Bellamy, however he took the safe approach with replacement No.1 Nicho Hynes last week just in case Papenhuyzens return is delayed. Were not quite sure whats happening with Paps, hell be close. Its a six-day turnaround then we go into a longer break so whether we take the conservative route there Im not quite sure, Bellamy said. (Nicho) had a bit of a problem with his calves. It wasnt strain or anything he just hasnt played 80 minutes in a long time. We took him off at the end there just to make sure he can recover for next week. Meanwhile, Nelson Asofoa-Solomona and George Jennings will be a big boost for Thursdays clash. We should have Nelson back… And George, he should be back, Bellamy said. Harry Grant came into the line-up with Brandon Smith shifting to lock last week. With Asofa-Solomona its expected Smith will drop back to the bench, providing the dislocated finger and knock to the sternum Grant suffered dont cause any concern.
‘Vultures’ stealing Broncos talent
0:51
FRIDAY
Penrith Panthers vs Cronulla Sharks at BlueBet Stadium, 6pm
Last weeks Panthers team: 1. Dylan Edwards 2. Charlie Staines 3. Stephen Crichton 4. Matt Burton 5. Brian Too 6. Jarome Luai 7. Nathan Cleary 8. Moses Leota 9. Apisai Koroisau 10. James Fisher-Harris 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Kurt Capewell 13. Isaah Yeo 14. Tyrone May 15. Spencer Leniu 16. Matthew Eisenhuth 17. Liam Martin
Team Tips: Kurt Capewell will need to overcome a rib injury suffered last week. If hes not right to play Liam Martin will come into the starting side and Scott Sorensen is the likely man to come onto the bench. James Fisher-Harris left the field early, but coach Ivan Cleary confirmed after the game it was just due to cramping.
Last weeks Sharks team: 1. Will Kennedy 2. Mawene Hiroti 3. Will Chambers 14. Teig Wilton 5. Connor Tracey 6. Shaun Johnson 7. Chad Townsend 8. Aiden Tolman 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Aaron Woods 11. Briton Nikora 12. Wade Graham 13. Toby Rudolf 15. Braydon Trindall 16. Jack Williams 17. Braden Hamlin-Uele 19. Billy Magoulias
Team Tips: Skipper Wade Graham suffered a head knock in the final minutes of last weeks game. He passed his HIA but stayed off for the remainder of the game with interim coach Josh Hannay saying the club erred on the side of caution considering Graham had just returned from two head knocks in three weeks. Braden Hamlin-Uele suffered an ankle injury with Hannay conceding it doesnt look great after the game. Local junior Daniel Vasquez could come onto the bench to play his second NRL game in place of Hamlin-Uele. Jesse Ramien was a late scratching last week due to a glut injury suffered at training. The club has indicated that its not a serious injury so he could be a chance of returning. Josh Dugan was 18th man after being dropped in favour of Will Chambers. If Ramien is unfit to play, Dugan is expected to slot into the centres, given Teig Wilton struggled a little while playing out of position. If Ramien does play, Dugan will put pressure on Chambers, with Hannay saying the veterans club debut was hot and cold.
Parramatta Eels vs Sydney Roosters at Bankwest Stadium, 7.55pm
Last weeks Eels team: 1. Clinton Gutherson 2. Maika Sivo 3. Tom Opacic 4. Marata Niukore 5. Blake Ferguson 6. Dylan Brown 7. Mitchell Moses 8. Reagan Campbell-Gillard 9. Reed Mahoney 14. Oregon Kaufusi 12. Isaiah Papalii 15. Ryan Matterson 13. Nathan Brown 10. Junior Paulo 11. Shaun Lane 16. Haze Dunster 17. Bryce Cartwright
Team Tips: Key enforcer Nathan Brown is expected to spend some time on the sidelines after copping a whack to the hip last week. Bryce Cartwright could slot into the starting side, while Ray Stone is also a chance of returning from a shoulder injury. Waqa Blake is also due to return from a calf injury, which could free up Marate Niukore to move to lock.
Last weeks Roosters team: 4. Joseph Manu 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Josh Morris 5. Brett Morris 19. Matt Ikuvalu 6. Drew Hutchison 7. Sam Walker 8. Isaac Liu 9. Sam Verrills 10. Lindsay Collins 11. Angus Crichton 12. Sitili Tupouniua 13. Victor Radley 14. Benjamin Marschke 15. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves 16. Nat Butcher 17. Siosiua Taukeiaho
Team Tips: The Roosters depth will be tested after losing Brett Morris and Lindsay Collins to season-ending injuries last week. James Tedesco is expected to return from a head knock which eases the pressure a little. Hell take his place at fullback with Joseph Manu moving back to the centres. Matt Ikuvalu should hold his place on the wing as Morris replacement, although Joseph Suaalii is edging closer to an NRL debut each week. The teen sensation was the Roosters 18th man last week and Robinson could throw him into the deep end for a debut. The forward reshuffle may not be as straight forward with second-rower Sitili Tupouniua also accepting a one-week ban for a shoulder charge. Siosiua Takeiaho returned lasted week via the bench from a rib injury so Jared Waerea-Hargreaves could be the man that goes into the starting side for Collins with Daniel Suluka-Fifita coming onto the bench. Nat Butcher could be promoted to the second row opening up another spot on the bench for up and coming forward in either Fletcher Baker or Max Bailey. Baker has played three NRL games this season, while Bailey played one last season. In some good news for the Tricolours, Lachie Lam is a chance of returning from an ankle injury. Hed bump Drew Hutchison out of the halves.
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SATURDAY
Canberra Raiders vs Newcastle Knights at McDonalds Park, 3pm
Last weeks Raiders team: 1. Caleb Aekins 2. Bailey Simonsson 3. Sebastian Kris 4. Curtis Scott 5. Jordan Rapana 12. Elliott Whitehead 6. Jack Wighton 8. Ryan James 9. Tom Starling 10. Emre Guler 11. Corey Harawira-Naera 17. Hudson Young 13. Ryan Sutton 14. Siliva Havili 15. Joseph Tapine 16. Corey Horsburgh 19. Iosia Soliola
Team Tips:George Williams was ruled out in the warm-up last week, with Elliott Whitehead jumping into the halves, Hudson Young promoted to the starting pack and Sia Soliola coming onto the bench. Matt Frawley or Sam Williams will come into the side if Williams misses the game. Sebastian Kris suffered an ankle injury during last weeks loss. Jarrod Croker is hopeful of returning from a shoulder injury this week and could slot straight into the centres. If not, Matthew Timoko would be the man to jump in. Josh Hodgson told Channel 9 he is close and if he doesnt return this week, it will be next week. Meanwhile, Josh Papaliii rated himself a 50/50 chance of returning.
Last weeks Knights team: 1. Kalyn Ponga 2. Starford Toa 3. Enari Tuala 4. Bradman Best 5. Brayden Musgrove 6. Kurt Mann 7. Blake Green 8. David Klemmer 9. Jayden Brailey 10. Daniel Saifiti 11. Tyson Frizell 12. Mitchell Barnett 13. Connor Watson 14. Sauaso Sue 15. Jacob Saifiti 17. Brodie Jones 18. Pasami Saulo
Team Tips: Coach Nathan Brown said he will choose out of Tex Hoy or Phoneix Crossland to come into the halves after Blake Green suffered a rib injury last week and is expected to be sidelined. Outside backs Edrick Lee (foot) and Hymel Hunt (hamstring) are both expected to return this week. Lee will likely bump Brayden Musgrove out of the side but Hunt may not be so lucky.
Warriors hold off unlucky Cowboys
1:50
Wests Tigers vs Gold Coast Titans at Campbelltown Sports Stadium, 5.30pm
Last weeks Tigers team: 1. Daine Laurie 2. David Nofoaluma 3. Joseph Leilua 5. Tommy Talau 24. Zac Cini 6. Adam Doueihi 7. Luke Brooks 8. James Tamou 9. Jake Simpkin 10. Alex Twal 11. Luke Garner 12. Luciano Leilua 13. Joe Ofahengaue 14. Moses Mbye 15. Stefano Utoikamanu 16. Alex Seyfarth 17. Thomas Mikaele
Team Tips: James Roberts was a late scratching last week due to an injury. If he returns this week it would be timely given Tommy Talau the man that moved into the centres to replace him will be suspended for a shoulder charge if he accepts the early guilty plea. With Talau out, last weeks NRL debutant Zac Cini will hold his place in the side.
Last weeks Titans team: 1. Alexander Brimson 2. Anthony Don 3. Brian Kelly 4. Phillip Sami 5. Corey Thompson 6. Ashley Taylor 7. Jamal Fogarty 8. Jarrod Wallace 9. Mitch Rein 10. Moeaki Fotuaika 11. Kevin Proctor 12. David Fifita 13. Tyrone Peachey 15. Jaimin Jolliffe 16. Herman Eseese 17. Sam McIntyre 18. Beau Fermor
Team Tips: Workhorse winger Corey Thompson will miss two months of footy after suffering an ankle injury last week. It could open the path for Greg Marzhew to make his NRL debut. The destructive winger ran for 196 metres for Burleigh in Queensland Cup last week as well as one linebreak and 12 tackle busts.
North Queensland Cowboys vs Brisbane Broncos, 7.35pm
Last weeks Cowboys team: 1. Valentine Holmes 2. Kyle Feldt 3. Justin ONeill 4. Connelly Lemuelu 5. Murray Taulagi 6. Scott Drinkwater 7. Ben Hampton 8. Coen Hess 9. Reece Robson 10. Jordan McLean 11. Shane Wright 12. Ben Condon 13. Jason Taumalolo 14. Jake Granville 15. Lachlan Burr 16. Francis Molo 17. Corey Jensen 18th man: 19. Javid Bowen
Team Tips: The Cowboys walked away from last weeks loss with no new injuries and are not expecting anyone back unless Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow makes an early return.
Last weeks Broncos team: 1. Jamayne Isaako 2. Xavier Coates 3. Jesse Arthars 4. Herbie Farnworth 5. Corey Oates 6. Anthony Milford 7. Tyson Gamble 8. Matthew Lodge 9. Jake Turpin 10. Payne Haas 11. Jordan Riki 12. Tevita Pangai Junior 13. Patrick Carrigan 14. Danny Levi 15. Thomas Flegler 16. Ethan Bullemor 17. Rhys Kennedy
Team Tips: After an important win over the Titans, its unlikely coach Kevin Walters will make any changes to his side.
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Tigers bounce back against dusty Dragons
2:32
SUNDAY
Manly Sea Eagles vs Warriors at Lottoland, 2pm
Last weeks Sea Eagles team: 1. Tom Trbojevic 2. Jason Saab 3. Brad Parker 4. Morgan Harper 5. Reuben Garrick 6. Kieran Foran 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Taniela Paseka 9. Lachlan Croker 15. Josh Aloiai 12. Josh Schuster 16. Sean Keppie 13. Jake Trbojevic 10. Martin Taupau 11. Haumole Olakauatu 14. Cade Cust 17. Toafofoa Sipley
Team Tips: Marty Taupau will need to pass protocol to play after suffering a head knock last week. Manly should be boosted by the return of Curtis Sironen (knee) and Moses Suli (back). Sironen will likely go into the starting line-up with Sean Keppie dropping back to the bench. Coach Des Hasler will have a tough call to make on Morgan Harper with Suli returning.
Last weeks Warriors team: 1. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 23. Edward Kosi 3. Adam Pompey 4. Rocco Berry 5. Ken Maumalo 6. Reece Walsh 7. Kodi Nikorima 8. Jamayne Taunoa-Brown 9. Wayde Egan 10. Kane Evans 11. Josh Curran 12. Ben Murdoch-Masila 13. Tohu Harris 14. Jazz Tevaga 15. Leeson Ah Mau 16. Bunty Afoa 17. Bayley Sironen 18th man: 20. Sean OSullivan
Team Tips: Rookie Reece Walsh was impressive in the halves so coach Nathan Brown is expected to stick with that combination for the next couple of weeks until Chanel Harris-Tavita returns. David Fusitua was ruled out late with a hamstring injury and Brown is doubtful he will be right for this week. Ben Murdoch-Masila copped a head knock so will need to be cleared to play, while Euan Aitken is an outside chance of returning from an ankle injury.
St George Illawarra Dragons vs Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium, 4.05pm
Last weeks Dragons team: 1. Matthew Dufty 2. Cody Ramsey 3. Jack Bird 4. Zac Lomax 5. Max Feagai 6. Corey Norman 7. Ben Hunt 8. Blake Lawrie 9. Andrew McCullough 10. Paul Vaughan 11. Josh Kerr 12. Tariq Sims 15. Josh Mcguire 13. Tyrell Fuimaono 16. Daniel Alvaro 17. Billy Burns 18. Kaide Ellis
Team Tips: Coach Anthony Griffin said hell have to go deep into his squad to find some outside back options after Cody Ramsey picked up a rib injury and Zac Lomax dislocated his thumb. Jordan Pereira and Mikaele Ravalawa are still suspended, while Brayden Wiliame has a calf injury, giving Griffin a big selection head ache. Hell likely turn to Max Feagais twin, Matt, and Shaun Sauni-Esau, who played in the centres and on the wing respectively in NSW Cup last weekend.
Last weeks Bulldogs team: 1. Nick Meaney 2. Nick Cotric 3. Will Hopoate 4. Corey Allan 21. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 6. Jake Averillo 7. Kyle Flanagan 8. Dylan Napa 9. Sione Katoa 10. Luke Thompson 11. Adam Elliott 12. Chris Smith 13. Corey Waddell 14. Bradley Deitz 15. Renouf Atoni 16. Ava Seumanufagai 17. Matt Doorey
Team Tips: Dylan Napa is expected to spend some time on the sidelines after injuring his shoulder last week. Ava Seumanufagai was impressive off the bench and should be promoted to the starting line-up. Ofahiki Ogden will likely be the man that comes onto the bench.
