NRL Late Mail Round 21: Munster returns, Sloan unlikely

Goodbye final Origin backup round for 2024…don’t let the door hit you on the way out.

What an absolute shocker, with my X character limits being pushed to the absolute limits for multiple games.

So this means the rest of the rounds to see out the season will be 1-17 to balance things out, right?

Pretty sure that’s how it works.

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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WARRIORS

1-17 could be on here for the Warriors with nothing noteworthy in first cuts. 

24 hour cuts: Ale, Afoa, Farr 

TIGERS

There was earlier speculation that Api Koroisau – who is fine to return – would play in the halves and while it wasn’t named that way on TLT and isn’t likely, I’ll keep an eye out if this changes.

Otherwise, no changes expected.

24 hour cuts: Matamua, Kit Laulilii, Sukkar 

EELS

No changes expected here and the 24 hour cuts reflect it, however I’m wary of a potential shuffle in the forwards on game day. 

24 hour cuts: Arthur, Doorey, Harper 

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STORM

Cameron Munster will return this week.

Currently, it’s via the bench with Christian Welch dropping out at the 24 hour mark, but he could still be elevated to the starting halves with Tyran Wishart shifting to the bench. 

Nelson Asofa-Solomona and Grant Anderson look like they’ll be fine to play with their respective injuries. 

24 hour cuts: Welch, Ieremia, Smith

BRONCOS

Payne Haas sat out training earlier in the week for rest purposes but he’s not in doubt. 

Brendan Piakura is on the extended bench but won’t play through injury. 

BULLDOGS

Drew Hutchison has resurfaced on the extended bench but it’s unclear if he’ll be a late inclusion in place of Toby Sexton. 

Outside this, no major changes expected outside that somewhat usual shuffle at the lock position.

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COWBOYS

Murray Taulagi remains a chance to be a late inclusion.

I assume he’ll play wing with Valentine Holmes going back to centre and Jaxon Purdue out if he’s good to go. 

SHARKS

No changes expected for the Sharks, 1-17 likely. 

ROOSTERS

Angus Crichton copped a knock last week but from the man’s own X account – on a post about a kit give away no less – he confirmed that he’s good to go. 

1-17 at this stage. 

SEA EAGLES

No changes expected for Manly, should be 1-17. 

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DRAGONS

Tyrell Sloan is unlikely to play this weekend.

Widely he’s been dealing with a hamstring tweak and coach has said as such, however I’ve also heard he may have been dropped anyway for Mathew Feagai.

Either way, he’s unlikely to feature. 

PANTHERS

The Origin contingent returns so I’m expecting 1-17 here also. 

DOLPHINS

As always a shuffle in the forward pack wouldn’t surprise but the overall 17 should be unchanged. 

TITANS

Copy and paste the above, and 1-17 wouldn’t surprise. 

RAIDERS

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

RABBITOHS

Ditto for the Bunnies, 1-17 likely at this stage.