NRL Late Mail Round 17: Cows/Panthers mass rest, Lomax, Papy out

I managed to dodge, duck, dip, dive and dodge the first Origin back-up round (sorry Lakey!) but am firmly in the hotseat for this one.

Taking SuperCoach out of things, it’s easy to forget just how chaotic the post-Origin late mail can be with the almost hourly “will he or won’t he” changes.

While things have started taking shape it will as always be an ever-evolving landscape as the weekend progresses but all the late changes as of now are below, and all the updates across the round will come via @scplaybook1 on X/Twitter and Instagram, as well as myself @AStilesAuthor (X/Twitter only).

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BULLDOGS

Stephen Crichton survived the 24 hour cuts and remains a chance to backup, which I assume would push Jeral Skelton out of the side and Jacob Kiraz back to his best SuperCoach scoring position on the wing.

Jacob Preston is not good to return this week and dropped out of the side Thursday night.

24 hour cuts: Preston, Hutchison, Clark

SHARKS

Teig Wilton makes his return, named so far on the bench with Tuku Hau Tapuha dropping out. He’s every chance to elevate straight to the starting side however with Siosifa Talakai dropping back to the bench.

24 hour cuts: Hau Tapuha, Hiroti, Berrell

WARRIORS

No major changes expected for the Warriors barring the occasional forward and bench shuffle. They were 1-17 last week and it could happen again.

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BRONCOS

None of the Origin trio – Reece Walsh, Payne Haas and Patty Carrigan – will back up. This likely leads to an unchanged side on game day.

In sadder news and not game day relevant, Jordan Pereira has made an immediate retirement due to a neck injury. 

KNIGHTS

Dylan Lucas has been ruled out with hamstring tightness, which will see Kai Pearce-Paul start on the edge in a reprieve for his owners in a tough round.

Barry Toohey has also labelled Kalyn Ponga as a chance at a round 19 return against Manly, which puts a timer on popular trade-in Fletcher Sharpe.

EELS

In keeping the Junior Paulo to the bench theme, I could see Joe Ofahengaue moving to prop and Ryan Matterson playing lock, which makes the latter potentially interesting with the news the J’Maine Hopgood will be out for the season after requiring back surgery.

Mitch Moses seems likely to back up from Origin at this stage also.

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STORM

After making his return last week, Ryan Papenhuyzen may miss this round due to a minor heel injury. If he misses (and it is likely only a one week thing), this could be a reprieve for Sua Fa’alogo, who would presumably slot straight in at fullback. 

Reimis Smith failed to return from his concussion last week so surely he’s a massive chance, which likely puts a line through cheapie prospect Jack Howarth.

RAIDERS

A big shakeup is projected for the Raiders with Adam Cook tipped to move into the halves, Kaeo Weekes shifting to fullback and Jordan Rapana to the wing. Along with the occasional shuffle of Josh Papali’i to the bench.

DRAGONS

Zac Lomax doesn’t look like he’ll back up after Origin with a knee issue. Jack Bird has resurfaced on the extended bench and could return at centre with Max Feagai moving to the wing, and Christian Tuipulotu is also an option.

Ben Hunt and Jaydn Su’A are likely to backup, and I could see the somewhat usual forward pack shuffle happening also.

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DOLPHINS

Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow will be ruled out with the shoulder injury he copped in Origin. Trai Fuller will slot straight in at fullback.

I can’t see any reason why Felise Kaufusi wouldn’t back up.

PANTHERS

Hard to make a call on which Panthers will back up after Origin. 

Dylan Edwards, Brian To’o, Jarome Luai, Liam Martin and Isaah Yeo have all been named to start but surely Coach Cleary learns from past mistakes and gives at least a couple a breather. If any or all are ruled out, it could really test my X character limit.

COWBOYS

Jeremiah Nanai won’t back after Origin with a calf issue.

The Cowboys have confirmed all other Origin representatives in Valentine Holmes, Murray Taulagi, Tom Dearden, Reece Robson and Reuben Cotter will all be rested from the clash also.

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ROOSTERS

Angus Crichton played the full 80 minutes in Origin and the chat this week – even before Origin – is that he’ll be rested, with Sitili Tupouniua moving to the edge and Ethan King making his first start at centre.

Lindsay Collins, Connor Watson and Spencer Leniu all look like they’ll back up at this stage.

TIGERS

John Bateman is the big name on the extended bench, and he was tipped last week to be on the cards for this round.

NRL Late Mail Round 16:I assume he’ll still need to make it through captain’s run along with Justin Olam, who dropped out late last week with a knee issue and is also on the extended bench.