NRL Late Mail Round 20: Broncos boosted, AJ no certainty

What a brutal post-Origin mail round, not just from a match point of view but also the fallout from the scuffle on the sidelines.

But that’s why I’m on the big bucks, and given the relatively straightforward round last week I can’t complain too much. 

Fortunately, outside Cameron Murray and Haumole Olakau’atu, the main players involved in the fight escaped with fines and it won’t impact their availability so I haven’t referenced them all specifically below.

So that just leaves everything else to worry about!

As usual after Origin there will be a lot of moving parts across the weekend after this gets published.

All the updates will come via @scplaybook1 on X/Twitter and Instagram, as well as myself @AStilesAuthor (X/Twitter only).

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RAIDERS

Nobody is in doubt here with Jamal Fogarty, Hudson Young and Zac Hosking fine to return. 

As usual, Josh Papali’i to the bench wouldn’t surprise but it hasn’t happened in recent weeks.

24 hour cuts: Hopoate, Sasagi, Guler

WARRIORS

Mitch Barnett and Kurt Capewell made it through both Origin and first cuts, so things look promising for them to back up. 

Per normal, a shuffle in the forwards and/or the bench is never out of the question. 

24 hour cuts: Afoa, Kosi, Laban

RABBITOHS

Cameron Murray has accepted a two match ban for his part in the Origin scuffle.

We could see Keaon Koloamatangi move back to the edge and Siliva Havili to lock, or Tallis Duncan move instead to the edge to cover his absence.

TIGERS

Api Koroisau was cut at the 24 hour mark, he’s a chance to return next week.

No other changes expected. 

KNIGHTS

Bradman Best pulled up the worst out of the Origin players with his face cut while Kalyn Ponga and Dane Gagai have pulled up sore.

Still, they are all hopeful to play according to Barry Toohey.

Greg Marzhew has a “decent cork” but the Knights are hoping it will be OK. 

Tyson Gamble should also replace Will Pryce in the halves. 

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BRONCOS

Pat Carrigan left Origin in a moon boot after injuring his ankle in the first half and Reece Walsh was battered all game however it is expected that both players and Payne Haas will back up on Saturday night, with Selwyn Cobbo tipped to miss the clash.

Adam Reynolds is also expected to play after being named on the extended bench.

STORM

Harry Grant has been banged up in recent weeks with both a sternum injury and a face cut from Origin 2.

I assume he will need to make it through training/captain’s run to line up.

Surely a massive chance of further restings as the season enters its final stretch if not this week. 

Nelson Asofa-Solomona is often a late inclusion to the starting side and that could happen again. 

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ROOSTERS

According to Coach Robinson, the Origin quartet of Angus Crichton, Connor Watson, Lindsay Collins and Spencer Leniu will all be monitored but made it through the game OK and should line up at this stage. 

PANTHERS

Thankfully, not all the Panthers’ Origin players were named in the extended squad so there are less names to worry about. 

Brian To’o may not be able to take the field until he takes his Blues jersey off which seems at long odds right now based on social media pics.

He, Liam Martin and Jarome Luai seem unharmed but I could see at least one given the week off given Penrith’s ladder position. 

Nathan Cleary at least seems cleared for take-off. 

DOLPHINS

Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and Felise Kaufusi should both be fine to back up, although Wednesday was Hammer’s first match since his shoulder injury in Origin 2 so will likely need to make it through captain’s run.

Forward pack swaps also never surprise for the Phins. 

SEA EAGLES

Haumole Olakau’atu has also accepted a two match ban for his role in the altercation from the bench. 

Daly Cherry-Evans and Jake Trbojevic should back up while Reuben Garrick is fine after illness cut short his round last weekend.

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TITANS

AJ Brimson has agonisingly been named again on the extended bench after experiencing some soreness after his first game back from injury last week.

His previous inclusion sent Keano Kini to the bench with Jayden Campbell safe at five-eighth so I assume the same plays out this week if he’s good to go.

Mo Fotuaika should be fine to play with the longer turnaround. 

COWBOYS

Reuben Cotter has said that all Cowboys’ Origin players – himself, Valentine Holmes, Tom Dearden, Jeremiah Nanai and Reece Robson – will back up.

Given they are all on the extended bench, there will be a mass shuffle on game day to accommodate but their final lineup will resemble their usual 17.

BULLDOGS

Stephen Crichton should back up with the long turnaround though as usual.

I could see a shuffle on game day involving the forwards, particularly the lock position.