NRL Late Mail Round 24: Dyl & JFH set to return, Young in doubt

Apart from a scattering of late changes, last round was rather smooth in the grand scheme of things which is refreshing for the final sprint of the SuperCoach season, particularly for those focussed on head-to-head finals.

The pessimists among us will say it’s the calm before the storm, but I’d like to think we’re finally getting a reprieve at the tail end of the season for a change (unjinx).

Personally, I’m still under the weather going on a fortnight now, but I am no chance of dropping out late.

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

Embed from Getty Images

PANTHERS

Dylan Edwards and James Fisher-Harris both survived first team cuts and will return this round.

This likely sees both Daine Laurie and Lindsay Smith drop to the bench and another two players out of the squad.

Fisher-Harris could also return from the interchange if they want to ease him back in.

24 hour cuts: Schneider, Dias, Sommerton

STORM

Eliesa Katoa looks set to return from his knee injury so no major changes are expected here. Could be 1-17.

24 hour cuts: Bradley, Moeroa, Ieremia

SEA EAGLES

Tolutau Koula has been confirmed to return off the bench. It is yet to be confirmed who drops out of the bench in his place.

No other changes expected at this stage.

WARRIORS

Shaun Johnson was a late out last week with a quad issue and I assume he’ll be monitored right up until game day, along with the other returning troops. 

Never a stranger to a late shuffle between the bench and extended squad.

Embed from Getty Images

ROOSTERS

There is some doubt lingering around Dom Young despite being fresh off the bye. I will assume he is playing until anything firm indicates otherwise however he will be a big watch for those who held.

The rest of the squad should run out as named.

EELS

Ryan Matterson will most likely be ruled out after he broke three last week against the Panthers. His replacement is yet to be named.

Maika Sivo has resurfaced on the extended bench.

I’m unsure if he’ll feature at this stage with the squad’s form of late, however he remains a chance of being a late inclusion in place of Jake Tago.

BULLDOGS

No changes at this stage for the Bulldogs, expecting 1-17 at this stage.

DOLPHINS

Nothing standing out for the Dolphins either, another 1-17 likely for now.

COWBOYS

Nobody in doubt here either, could be another 1-17.

RAIDERS

A few moving pieces on TLT but expecting another 1-17 on game day at this stage.

TIGERS

Jahream Bula‘s season is over after undergoing shoulder surgery on Friday, this is likely to see Charlie Staines shift to fullback and Junior Tupou come in on the wing.

Aidan Sezer didn’t see out the match last week but seems on track for now.

RABBITOHS

Another 1-17 likely for the Bunnies.

Embed from Getty Images

DRAGONS

Kyle Flanagan has been suspended for four matchers following a guilty verdict at the judiciary.

He will drop out, and there’s a chance Jack Bird could replace him in the halves after failing to crack the top squad again since his return from injury. 

Lykham King-Togia is the other name floating around to replace him.

Pulled the double prop-swap on game day last week, and could similarly shuffle the forwards again.

TITANS

Beau Former is on the extended bench and could be a late inclusion on the edge in place of Klese Haas, who would likely drop to the bench or move to lock.

As always, a shuffle in the forwards is a chance regardless of Fermor’s potential inclusion.

Embed from Getty Images

SHARKS

Braydon Trindall, Ronaldo Mulitalo and Braden Hamlin-Uele are all chances to return this round after being named on the extended bench.

This would trigger a big reshuffle in the squad which would impact wing, halves, hooker, lock and the bench.

KNIGHTS

Dylan Lucas was a late out last week with a hamstring injury and I assume he’ll need to make it through captain’s run.

He was replaced last week by Krystian Mapapalangi who I assume will be on standby again until Lucas is cleared.