The Knights are facing a full spine reshuffle following a brutal injury to $13 million star Dylan Brown, and their team make-up could depend on their marquee fullback’s return.
Meanwhile, the Storm are also going to be without a key star for an extended period in a big headache for Craig Bellamy.
Read below for all the latest team news ahead of Round 22!
Watch every game of every round of the NRL Premiership LIVE with no ad-breaks during play on FOX LEAGUE, available on Kayo Sports | New to Kayo? Join now and get your first month for just $1.
THURSDAY JULY 30
North Queensland Cowboys vs Sydney Roosters, 7:50pm @ Queensland Country Bank Stadium
Last week’s Cowboys team: 1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Braidon Burns 4. Tomas Chester 18. Zac Laybutt 5. Murray Taulagi 6. Jake Clifford 3. Jaxon Purdue 10. Jason Taumalolo 9. Reed Mahoney 15. Griffin Neame 11. Heilum Luki 12. Jeremiah Nanai 13. Reuben Cotter 8. Thomas Mikaele 14. Soni Luke 16. Matthew Lodge 17. Coen Hess 19. Ethan King 20. Sam McIntyre
Team Tips: Todd Payten will be without Griffin Neame after he earned a one-game ban with an early plea for a careless high tackle against the Broncos. The Kiwi prop will likely be replaced by Tom Mikaele in the starting side after that pair switched positions in the final team cull, with Kaiden Lahrs the likely man to be called onto the bench. Elsewhere, Tom Dearden will return after the Cowboys’ Round 25 bye according to coach Todd Payten, having been sidelined with a high-grade peroneal muscle avulsion tear. Reed Mahoney will also sit out in Round 22 due to a head knock, with Soni Luke taking his place in the starting side and Liam Sutton likely to earn a call-up as a utility.
Last week’s Roosters team: 1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Billy Smith 4. Robert Toia 5. Mark Nawaqanitawase 6. Daly Cherry-Evans 7. Sam Walker 8. Naufahu Whyte 9. Reece Robson 10. Spencer Leniu 11. Nat Butcher 12. Siua Wong 13. Victor Radley 14. Hugo Savala 15. Salesi Foketi 16. Egan Butcher 17. Connor Watson 18. Cody Ramsey 19. Taylor Losalu
Team Tips: Lindsay Collins will remain sidelined due to his lingering concussion issues and could return in Round 23. Daniel Tupou could also be facing a stint on the sidelines after dislocating his shoulder, but the 35-year-old is unlikely to go under the knife, eyeing a return before the finals. Hugo Savala is the obvious man to join the backline, which would see Billy Smith shuffle to the wing.
MORE NRL NEWS
TALKING POINTS: Forgotten part of Tigers mess; Wayne’s looming contract call
CRAWLS: ‘Get over it’: Why Tigers, and NRL, must draw line in sand with Doueihi
DOUEIHI LANDING SPOTS: Big Madge hint… and rival to land bitter Benji blow
‘SHOCK THE NRL’: Exiled star’s rugby league return confirmed
Sharks win the battle of the beaches | 03:29
FRIDAY JULY 31
St. George Illawarra Dragons vs Dolphins, 6pm @ WIN Stadium
Last week’s Dragons team: 1. Clinton Gutherson 2. Setu Tu 3. Mathew Feagai 4. Valentine Holmes 5. Tyrell Sloan 6. Daniel Atkinson 7. Kyle Flanagan 8. Loko Jnr Pasifiki Tonga 9. Damien Cook 10. Toby Couchman 11. Dylan Egan 12. Hamish Stewart 13. Ryan Couchman 14. Jacob Liddle 15. Luciano Leilua 16. Josh Kerr 17. Jacob Halangahu 19. Lyhkan King-Togia 20. Emre Guler
Team Tips: Kade Reed is due to return from a finger injury, but it remains to be seen if he will be thrown straight back into first grade. He could be included on the bench as a utility, giving Dean Young a chance to give the rising playmaker first grade minutes as he returns to full fitness. No other changes are expected for the Dragons, although Moses Suli could be due to return to first grade after scoring a double in NSW Cup on Sunday, while Mat Feagai was tormented by the Jayden Campbell and the Titans who consistently targeted the Dragons’ right edge.
Round 20 Dolphins team: 1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 2. Jamayne Isaako 4. Herbie Farnworth 20. Brian Pouniu 5. Selwyn Cobbo 6. Kodi Nikorima 7. Brad Schneider 8. Thomas Flegler 9. Jeremy Marshall-King 10. Francis Molo 11. Connelly Lemuelu 12. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki 13. Morgan Knowles 14. Kurt Donoghoe 15. Max Plath 16. Tom Gilbert 17. Felise Kaufusi 18. Tevita Naufahu 19. Sebastian Su’a 22. John Fineanganofo
Team Tips: Jack Bostock will return after sitting out due to concussion in the Dolphins last outing, likely taking Brian Pouniu’s spot in the centres. Isaiya Katoa remains sidelined due to his wrist injury, while Jake Averillo remains unavailable due to a rib injury.
Carrigan clarifies PNG comments | 00:54
Melbourne Storm vs Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs, 8pm @ AAMI Park
Last week’s Storm team: 1. Sualauvi Faalogo 2. Siulagi Tuimalatu-Brown 3. Jack Howarth 4. Nick Meaney 5. Moses Leo 6. Tyran Wishart 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Stefano Utoikamanu 14. Trent Toelau 10. Josh King 11. Cooper Clarke 12. Oryn Keeley 13. Trent Loiero 9. Harry Grant 15. Alec MacDonald 16. Angus Hinchey 17. Jack Hetherington 18. Stanley Huen 19. Manaia Waitere 20. Davvy Moale
Team Tips: The Storm suffered a hammer blow with star hooker Harry Grant hobbling off with a hamstring injury, with the club confirming he will be available after their Round 24 bye. Scans confirmed he had suffered a low grade hamstring strain. Trent Toelau will assume hooker duties, with Gabriel Satrick also a chance of being called up into the side. Ativalu Lisati and Cameron Munster remain sidelined and both are eyeing a return in Round 24. Elsewhere, Tui Kamikamica (medical episode), Marion Seve (triceps), Xavier Coates (Achilles), Will Warbrick (Achilles) and Eli Katoa (medical episode) are also unavailable in what has been a nightmare season for Melbourne.
Last week’s Bulldogs team: 1. Connor Tracey 2. Jacob Kiraz 3. Matt Burton 4. Enari Tuala 5. Jethro Rinakama 6. Stephen Crichton 7. Lachlan Galvin 8. Max King 9. Bailey Hayward 10. Leo Thompson 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Jacob Preston 13. Jaeman Salmon 14. Sean O’Sullivan 15. Josh Curran 16. Harry Hayes 17. Lipoi Hopoi 19. Jed Reardon 20. Gordon Chan Kum Tong
Team Tips: Sitili Tupouniua is “tracking really well” according to Cameron Ciraldo, with the gun forward eyeing a return in Round 23 from his hamstring injury. No other changes are expected for the Bulldogs, who are riding high after back-to-back wins and a strong performance to down the Warriors.
SATURDAY AUGUST 1
Gold Coast Titans vs Warriors, 3pm @ Cbus Super Stadium
Last week’s Titans team: 1. Keano Kini 2. Dean Ieremia 3. Jojo Fifita 4. Jaylan De Groot 5. Phillip Sami 6. Jayden Campbell 7. Zane Harrison 8. Moeaki Fotuaika 9. Oliver Pascoe 10. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui 11. Arama Hau 12. Beau Fermor 13. Chris Randall 15. Josh Patston 16. Klese Haas 17. Cooper Bai 18. Sam Verrills 19. Lachlan Ilias 21. Sialetili Faeamani
Team Tips: AJ Brimson and Kurtis Morrin are set to return from a head knock and a leg injury respectively in Round 22, which will likely see Jaylan De Groot demoted to the bench and Sialetili Faeamani drop out of the side. Meanwhile, Morrin’s return could see either Sam Verrills or Lachlan Ilias drop off the six-man bench.
Last week’s Warriors team: 1. Taine Tuaupiki 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 3. Ali Leiataua 4. Adam Pompey 5. Alofiana Khan-Pereira 6. Chanel Harris-Tavita 7. Te Maire Martin 8. James Fisher-Harris 9. Wayde Egan 10. Mitchell Barnett 11. Kurt Capewell 12. Jacob Laban 13. Erin Clark 14. Samuel Healey 15. Tanner Stowers-Smith 16. Demitric Vaimauga 17. Leka Halasima 21. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 22. Luke Metcalf
Team Tips: Taine Tuaupiki suffered a foot injury against the Bulldogs and Andrew Webster was unsure if it would sideline him moving forward. “We’re not sure the extent of it yet. We don’t think it’s long term, but it’s very sore. He just couldn’t keep going,” he said in the post-match press conference. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad replaced him during the game and is the obvious man to slot into the No.1 jersey.
Penrith Panthers vs Canberra Raiders, 5.30pm @ Glen Willow Oval
Last week’s Panthers team: 20. Jaxen Edgar 2. Thomas Jenkins 3. Paul Alamoti 4. Casey McLean 5. Brian To’o 6. Blaize Talagi 7. Nathan Cleary 8. Moses Leota 9. Freddy Lussick 10. Lindsay Smith 11. Isaiah Papali’i 12. Liam Martin 13. Isaah Yeo 14. Billy Scott 15. Scott Sorensen 16. Liam Henry 17. Billy Phillips 18. Izack Tago 19. Jack Cole
Team Tips: Superstar fullback Dylan Edwards (shoulder) is expected to return, with coach Ivan Cleary confident that he will be made available for selection. Edwards will replace rookie Jaxen Edgar, who was called up last week for only his second career match. In other team news, Jack Cogger (suspension) will return after a two-week ban and will take Jack Cole’s spot on the six-man interchange bench. However, one player that won’t be available is Mitch Kenny (leg) with the dummy-half aiming to return in either Round 23 or 24.
Last week’s Raiders team: 1. Kaeo Weekes 2. Jed Stuart 3. Simi Sasagi 4. Matthew Timoko 5. Xavier Savage 6. Ethan Strange 7. Ethan Sanders 8. Corey Horsburgh 9. Tom Starling 10. Joseph Tapine 11. Zac Hosking 18. Matt Nicholson 13. Morgan Smithies 14. Jayden Brailey 15. Ata Mariota 16. Josh Papali’i 17. Daine Laurie 19. Sebastian Kris 20. Coby Black 21. Vena Patuki-Case
Team Tips: Raiders coach Ricky Stuart has revealed that Noah Martin (quad) has sustained a “long-term” injury, meaning he won’t be seen on the field for some time. Originally named in the starting side, Martin was a late omission from the line-up before their match last week against the Tigers. However, in some positive news for the Green Machine, dummy-half Owen Pattie (suspension) will be back on deck and will reclaim the No.9 jersey, which will push Tom Starling back to the six-man extended bench.
Get all the latest NRL news, highlights and analysis delivered straight to your inbox with Fox Sports Sportmail. Sign up now!!!
Robinson’s remarkable Rugby League rise | 05:48
Brisbane Broncos vs Newcastle Knights, 7.35pm @ Suncorp Stadium
Last week’s Broncos team: 1. Reece Walsh 2. Josiah Karapani 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Gehamat Shibasaki 5. Deine Mariner 6. Ezra Mam 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Preston Riki 9. Cory Paix 10. Payne Haas 11. Xavier Willison 12. Jordan Riki 13. Patrick Carrigan 14. Ben Hunt 15. Ben Talty 16. Va’a Semu 17. Grant Anderson 18. Billy Walters 19. Luke Gale
Team Tips: The Broncos remain a scarce mathematical finals chance, and after a horrid run with injury earlier in the season Michael Maguire finally gets some continuity in his roster. Brisbane are set to field the same side that narrowly lost to the Cowboys last week, pending some injury updates. Gehamat Shibasaki is under a cloud after sustaining a knee injury last week, but in a promising sign for Broncos fans, he was able to return to the match.
Last week’s Knights team: 6. Fletcher Sharpe 2. Dominic Young 3. Fletcher Hunt 4. Bradman Best 5. Greg Marzhew 14. Sandon Smith 7. Dylan Brown 10. Trey Mooney 9. Phoenix Crossland 15. Cody Hopwood 11. Dylan Lucas 12. Francis Manuleleua 13. Mathew Croker 8. Tyson Frizell 17. Thomas Cant 18. Harrison Graham 19. Brodie Jones 20. Kyle McCarthy 21. Elijah Leaumoana
Team Tips: The Knights have been forced into at least two changes this week with both Dylan Brown (ACL) and DylanLucas (ankle) suffering season-ending injuries during last week’s match in a horror blow. If available, the return of Kalyn Ponga (quad) would allow Fletcher Sharpe to slot in the halves alongside SandonSmith. However, Ponga is no certainty of playing, with The Newcastle Herald’s Barry Toohey believing that he wouldn’t be surprised if he doesn’t play against the Broncos. With both Brown and Ponga potentially out for Newcastle, the Knights will be their two star players who reportedly earn a whopping $2.7 million between them per-season. If Ponga remains unavailable, Justin Holbrook will need to call on a playmaker and Phoenix Crossland shapes as one option to shuffle into the halves, with Harrison Graham starting at hooker. Elsewhere, Tyson Gamble is the obvious next man in line having been plying his trade at five-eighth in reserve grade. Meanwhile, Holbrook said that Jermaine McEwen (hamstring) “will be close” to making a return but it is no certainty.
SUNDAY AUGUST 2
Cronulla Sharks vs South Sydney Rabbitohs, 2pm @ Ocean Protect Stadium
Last week’s Sharks team: 1. William Kennedy 2. Sione Katoa 3. Jesse Ramien 4. KL Iro 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo 6. Braydon Trindall 7. Nicho Hynes 14. Jesse Colquhoun 9. Blayke Brailey 17. Oregon Kaufusi 11. Briton Nikora 12. Teig Wilton 13. Cameron McInnes 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 15. Billy Burns 16. Siosifa Talakai 18. Hohepa Puru 19. Tuku Hau Tapuha 20. Mawene Hiroti
Team Tips: The Sharks are one of the in-form teams of the competition at the moment and as long as they keep on winning, don’t expect coach Craig Fitzgibbon to make any changes to his side. However, Thomas Hazelton (back) is understood to be available for this week’s match. His return to the field will see him take Tuku Hau Tapuha’s spot on the extended six-man interchange bench.
Last week’s Rabbitohs team: 1. Matthew Dufty 2. Alex Johnston 3. Latrell Siegwalt 4. Jack Wighton 5. Campbell Graham 6. Cody Walker 7. Ashton Ward 8. Tevita Tatola 9. Brandon Smith 10. Keaon Koloamatangi 19. John Radel 12. Euan Aitken 18. Bronson Garlick 13. Lachlan Hubner 14. Jayden Sullivan 15. Jye Gray 16. Liam Le Blanc 17. Jamie Humphreys 20. Thomas Fletcher
Team Tips: South Sydney’s recent purple patch of form has hit a few hurdles in recent weeks, with injuries to big name stars including Tallis Duncan and Cameron Murray and a fresh blow coming in the form of Brandon Smith. He suffered a calf injury and is in doubt for Round 22, with Bronson Garlick and Jamie Humphreys likely to share the hooker duties, while Peter Mamouzelos is another option but looks to have slid down the pecking order. Latrell Siegwalt will remain in the centres and Lachlan Hubner could start at lock. Elsewhere, David Fifita will serve the second match of a two-game suspension on the sidelines, which will likely thrust Thomas Fletcher onto the edge.
Wests Tigers vs Parramatta, 4.05pm @ CommBank Stadium
Last week’s Tigers team: 1. Jahream Bula 2. Junior Tupou 3. Sunia Turuva 4. Patrick Herbert 5. Faaletino Tavana 6. Jarome Luai 7. Javon Andrews 8. Terrell May 9. Apisai Koroisau 10. Fonua Pole 11. Samuela Fainu 12. Ethan Roberts 13. Alex Twal 14. Jared Haywood 15. Sione Fainu 16. Alex Seyfarth 17. Bunty Afoa 18. Starford To’a 19. Jock Madden 20. Heamasi Makasini
Team Tips: It’s hard to imagine that Adam Doueihi will return to the line-up this week following reports that the talented playmaker is set to walk out on the club due to his strained relationship with coach Benji Marshall. With Latu Fainu (suspension) still unavailable, this means rookie Javon Andrews will retain his starting spot in the halves alongside Jarome Luai. Considering that they were humiliated by the Canberra Raiders last weekend, don’t be surprised if other changes are made, with Heamasi Makasini and Starford To’a the likely candidates to enter the starting side.
Last week’s Eels team:1. Isaiah Iongi 2. Brian Kelly 3. Jordan Samrani 22. Will Penisini 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Ronald Volkman 7. Mitchell Moses 8. Sam Tuivaiti 9. Tallyn Da Silva 10. Jack Williams 11. Kelma Tuilagi 12. Kitione Kautoga 13. Jack de Belin 14. Dylan Walker 15. Luca Moretti 16. Teancum Brown 17. Harrison Edwards 18. Joash Papali’i 19. Toni Mataele
Team Tips: The Parramatta Eels could receive a massive boost to their forward stocks this week with Junior Paulo (knee) a chance to return after a long stint on the sidelines. Paulo is likely to be a direct replacement for Luca Moretti (concussion), who has been ruled out of this round due to the NRL’s mandatory stand-down policy. In other team news, hooker Tallyn Da Silva is understood to be “fine” despite being falconed from a Nathan Cleary kick. However, BaileySimonsson (ankle) and Sean Russell (quad) aren’t expected to return for another week.
Bye: Sea Eagles