NRL Late Mail: Round 13 - A Round-Up of Injuries and Team Changes
The NRL's Round 13 is set to be an intriguing affair, with several teams making changes to their lineups due to injuries and player rest. Here's a breakdown of the late mail and team news for each match:
Sharks v Sea Eagles
- The Sharks welcome back Origin players Blayke Brailey, Addin Fonua-Blake, and Briton Nikora, with coach Craig Fitzgibbon expressing hope for their availability.
- Cameron McInnes starts at lock in his 100th game for the club.
- The Sea Eagles rest Tolu Koula and Haumole Olakau'atu after their Origin efforts, with Haumole Olakau'atu also being rested.
Knights v Eels
- Kalyn Ponga is named to back up from Origin for the Knights, with coach Justin Holbrook indicating a decision on his playing status on Friday.
- The Eels welcome back Isaiah Iongi from an ankle injury, with Joash Papalii moving to five-eighth.
Wests Tigers v Bulldogs
- The Tigers welcome back Jahream Bula after three games out with a shoulder injury, with Api Koroisau (suspension), Alex Twal (knee), and Heamasi Makasini (foot) also returning.
- The Bulldogs name Stephen Crichton on the extended bench and monitor him post-Origin, with Matt Burton likely to play after limited game time on Wednesday.
Storm v Roosters
- Cameron Munster, Harry Grant, and Trent Loiero are named in the starting side for the Storm, with Keagan Russell-Smith in reserves for potential half-back cover.
- The Roosters welcome back Billy Smith from a knee injury, with a final decision on his fitness and that of other Origin players to be made on Friday.
Broncos v Dragons
- The Broncos name Payne Haas (knee) and Brendan Piakura (knee) to play, with Kotoni Staggs, Ezra Mam, Gehamat Shibasaki, and Pat Carrigan named to back up from Origin.
- The Dragons welcome back Moses Suli from a back injury and Jacob Liddle (hamstring), with Hayden Buchanan, Jaydn Su'A, and Christian Tuipulotu out.
Raiders v Cowboys
- The Raiders name Ethan Strange and Hudson Young to back up from Game One, with Jayden Brailey ruled out due to concussion.
- The Cowboys rest Reuben Cotter, who played 56 minutes in Origin One, with Jason Taumalolo sliding to prop and Matt Lodge to the bench.
Panthers v Warriors
- The Panthers name Liam Martin to return from a knee injury, with Izack Tago and Luke Garner in the centres.
- The Warriors welcome back Adam Pompey into the centres, with Marata Niukore added to the bench, and Luke Metcalf listed among the reserves.
This round promises an intriguing mix of fresh faces, returning players, and strategic rest, with teams aiming to optimize their chances ahead of the NRL's crucial phase.
