NRL Late Mail Round 18: Storm’s Fullback Crisis, KP confirmed

Ahh the post-bye aftermath, how I did not miss you. It went exactly as I imagined, with major names ruled out all across the weekend along with some extra surprises just to put the boot in.

Though we don’t have Origin to contend with this week and a host of big names – headlined by Kalyn Ponga – returning on TLT, things are still looking a bit dicey with players such as Ryan Papenhuyzen and Sua Faalogo heading into the weekend in doubt.

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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EELS

Junior Paulo to the bench for Joe Ofahengaue – book it. No other changes expected. 

24 hour cuts: Makatoa, Greig, Harper

RABBITOHS

I could see Cameron Murray and Keaon Koloamatangi switching positions on game day, either before the match or as the game progresses. Nothing else stands out in South Sydney.

24 hour cuts: Myers, Christensen, Fletcher

SHARKS

All that stands out this week is the chance for Teig Wilton moving to the edge with Siosifa Talakai dropping to the bench, after the former’s successful return from injury last week. 

TITANS

Despite being named to return from injury, it seems there’s still some doubt over AJ Brimson and he will need to make it through captain’s run to line up in the halves.

I assume Tanah Boyd would replace him if he needs another week.

As usual, I could also see a game day swap involving the prop, lock and bench positions. 

BRONCOS

The Origin stars are good to go so 1-17 is likely at this stage.

I believe Kotoni Staggs will not be a late inclusion this round.

PANTHERS

Ditto regarding the Penrith Origin players. No changes expected here either. 

BULLDOGS

No major changes on the cards for the Bulldogs outside the occasional shuffle in the forwards, with Connor Tracey fine to return at fullback.

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WARRIORS

Tohu Harris dropped to the bench last week and the same could happen this week, with the Warriors always a chance to shuffle their forwards.

Andrew Webster has also mentioned in the media this week that Roger Tuivasa-Sheck could move to the wing to get “more opportunities”.

TIGERS

After a false start last week, I expect Justin Olam will be a late inclusion at centre with no other changes expected at this stage.

STORM

After being a late out last week with a seemingly minor foot issue, Ryan Papenhuyzen again has the dreaded ‘in doubt’ tag.

Unfortunately, prime backup Sua Faalogo is also in doubt, though I don’t have many concrete details at time of writing.

Take ‘in doubt’ in the most pure sense of the phrase, in that neither are ruled out but both need to get through training as the week progresses.

I was surprised to see Jack Howarth named after his head knock so he’s surely in doubt.

For the third week running Reimis Smith is on the extended bench and seems the logical replacement for Howarth should he be ruled out.

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COWBOYS

Like the Broncos and Panthers, all Origin players are fine to return so 1-17 is likely. 

SEA EAGLES

Tom Trbojevic is seemingly cleared for takeoff so I’m expecting an unchanged lineup for Manly as well.

ROOSTERS

No changes on the cards for Sydney either, 1-17 likely at this stage.

DRAGONS

Jack Bird is again on the extended bench and if he makes it through captain’s run, he should slot straight back in at centre in place of Max Feagai.

Zac Lomax should also be good to go after missing last week.

RAIDERS

Last week’s late shuffle has been reflected on TLT so expecting 1-17 for the Raiders, barring the now only occasional Josh Papali’i benching on game day.

KNIGHTS

Kalyn Ponga is back ahead of schedule and barring any setbacks across the weekend should return as named. It doesn’t seem like he’ll resume goal kicking however, at least not in the early stages of his return.

A late swap at the prop position is always a chance.