NRL Late Mail Round 19: AJ set to shake up Titans backline

The final major bye is upon us and as has been covered extensively, it’s the hardest of the three.

With many struggling to field 13 in the first place, it’s more important that ever this season to ensure that of the warm bodies you scraped together on TLT, they are all still there when the round begins.

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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DOLPHINS

No changes expected with the usual forward pack swap candidates missing. 1-17 likely.

24 hour cuts: Niu, Milford, Jennings

RABBITOHS

No changes expected for the Bunnies either, should be 1-17.

24 hour cuts: Havili, Tu’itupou Thompson, Fletcher

SHARKS

No major changes expected here outside the occasional swap of bench forwards on game day. 

TIGERS

Starford To’a is on the extended bench and could be a late inclusion at centre, which would presumably send Solomona Faataape back to the wing in place of Alex Lobb.

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TITANS

AJ Brimson is on the extended bench and his late inclusion could have a big impact on either Jayden Campbell or Keano Kini, with Brimson apparently told he is preferred in the spine.

Given the form of all players involved I could see him coming back at centre anyway with Beau Fermor heading back to the edge, at least in the short term, but there are whispers that he will don the #1 jersey with Kini moving back to the bench.

Tough call if you’re Coach Dessie.

Campbell buyers will want to hold off as long as possible to see what the 24 hour and game day mail dishes out.

And regardless of the above, a shuffle in the forward pack on game day is always likely. 

EELS

With Junior Paulo out, what am I to predict?

I though Bryce Cartwright being benched was a tough call so personally wouldn’t be surprised if he starts come game day with Matt Doorey back to the bench but that’s personal speculation. 

Shaun Lane is in a similar boat but to a lesser extent.

BRONCOS

Corey Oates was in some doubt earlier in the week with a knee issue but has told the media he will play, so I’m expecting 1-17.

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DRAGONS

Is this the week we see Jack Bird?

After several false starts I’d have to think he’s a high chance this week to return at centre in place of Max Feagai.

As usual, the Dragons are another team where a forward pack shuffle never surprises on game day.

SEA EAGLES

There have been rumours that Lehi Hopoate could move to fullback with Tom Trbojevic returning to left centre and Tommy Talau to left wing, however, this is all speculation at the moment.

Other than that, nobody is in doubt so they should be 1-17.

KNIGHTS

Also expecting 1-17 for Newcastle.

Of particular note though is that Tyson Gamble is due back next week, which could have implications for anybody bringing in Will Pryce.