NRL Late Mail Round 23: Walsh set for shock switch, Curran in doubt

I’m under the weather this week so I’ll keep the intro short and sharp.

Teams will already be struggling with the Roosters on the bye, so it’s a tough one to navigate if you have anybody else injured or in doubt – but don’t worry, despite the illness I’m still on the case and won’t be a big red X.

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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RABBITOHS

Cody Walker survived the first team cut and seems on track to play after missing last week with a calf injury, barring any late setbacks.

1-17 likely at this stage.

24 hour cuts: Brock Gray, Tu’itupou Thompson, Te Hau

STORM

The Storm also seem on track for 1-17 after being named already according to their injuries.

24 hour cuts: Moeroa, Ieremia, Powell

TITANS

AJ ’18^th man’ Brimson is once again on the extended bench and therefore is a chance to be a late inclusion which could impact Keano Kini.

However, with the Titans’ form and the lingering injury, I’d expected them to take the cautious approach so it wouldn’t surprise me to see him rested again.

As usual, a shuffle in the forward pack on game day wouldn’t surprise.

SHARKS

Like the Storm, the Sharks have already named their side according to their outs so while it’s a different look lineup, outside a minor forward/bench shuffle that they are occasionally prone to I’m not expecting anything major here and 1-17 could happen.

EELS

Ran out 1-17 last week in a dominant win so I’m not expecting any major changes this week.

PANTHERS

Barring any setbacks, Daine Laurie will be right to return so expecting another 1-17 for Penrith at this stage.

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RAIDERS

Morgan Smithies copped a category 2 HIA last round so is in doubt here and is working through protocols, though I don’t believe he is expected to play at this stage.

We could see Elliott Whitehead shift to lock and Simi Sasagi move to the edge.

Ethan Strange was rested last week – not dropped or injured – so he is fine to play.

SEA EAGLES

Coming off the bye I’m expecting everyone to be fit and firing, including Reuben Garrick and Jason Saab who copped head knocks in their last match before the week off, and Lachlan Croker. 1-17 likely.

COWBOYS

Heilum Luki nearly lost his head last week so I assume he needs to tick boxes during the week but I’ve not seen anything placing him in doubt at this stage. 

Reuben Cotter should similarly be fine to return, so we could have another 1-17 on our hands.

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BRONCOS

Despite being named at fullback amid the five-eighth rumours, Reece Walsh has apparently been training at the 6 and could be swapped there on game day.

If he moves, I assume Tristan Sailor plays fullback and Josh Rogers moves to the bench or drops out, but this sits in the ‘wait and see’ basket for now.

DRAGONS

It will be interesting to see what happens between Tyrell Sloan and Mat Feagai this week, considering the former was dropped for the latter a fortnight ago but Feagai missed last week through concussion.

But I’ll assume they hold firm for now. 

I’ve seen Jack Bird‘s name on the extended bench for weeks now, so unsure if/when he’ll break back into the top grade side.

BULLDOGS

Josh Curran is in doubt with the AC joint injury that he sustained last week.

He can be needled or wear padding but will need to tick the boxes as the weekend progresses, though I expect he’ll do everything he can to be on the field considering he returned after copping the injury.

No other major changes expected at this stage.

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DOLPHINS

Jamayne Isaako was named despite an ankle sprain and is a good chance to play according to NRL Physio, despite the injury looking quite bad at the time.

Tevita Pangai Jr and Kodi Nikorima should also play after being late outs last round due to a calf strain and illness respectively, with the former apparently making yet another career shift and signing with Catalans.

WARRIORS

Dylan Walker copped his own HIA last week and will need to tick the boxes to play. 

Let’s also take these final rounds to appreciate Shaun Johnson as his career comes to a close.

We’ll never forget the automatic halves pairing of Thurston/Johnson that got use through many a SuperCoach season in his prime, and his resurgence last season is part of Turnstiles folklore as the spiritual captain for my draft home league premiership.

KNIGHTS

Not expecting any changes for the Knights at this stage, could have another 1-17 here.

TIGERS

With several players returning from suspension, resting or injury, the only change I could see at this stage is Fonua Pole starting in place of Isaiah Papali’i given the game day swap to the bench of the latter a fortnight ago, but that’s pure personal speculation and 1-17 wouldn’t surprise.