Veteran prop Christian Welch has confirmed he’ll play the Cowboys on Thursday night but says the Storm have “earned the right” to rest a bunch of their regulars for the trip to Townsville after they wrapped up the minor premiership with two rounds to spare.
It’s unclear who will be given the week off, but Dally M favourite Jahrome Hughes and State of Origin star Harry Grant will likely be rested along with others who have featured in most games this season, with a call to be made on whether they return for the final game in Brisbane.
Other players like Welch who returned last week from injury for the first time since round 18 will fly up to Townsville, with the prop excited to see some of the Storm’s youngsters get an opportunity to show their stuff just like Sua Fa’alogo and Jack Howarth did when they made their debuts in round 27 against the Broncos last year.
The Daily Telegraph is reporting up to 10 players will sit out this week in a bid to keep the Melbourne squad fresh ahead of the finals.
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Are too many players sent to sin bin? | 07:14
“I’ve been on holidays for about a month so I won’t be getting a break because I need some match fitness, and there are a few other guys who have probably missed some games during the year who will be playing,” Welch said.
“There’ll be some really exciting rewards for some guys who have been fantastic all year. The general public don’t get to see them because they’re not playing for the Storm, but they’re playing a really critical role for our club in challenging the Storm team.
“We call them the Renegades. They’re the guys who create the opposition during the week, so this week will be pretty funny because we’ll have plenty of senior players over on the other side who’ll be trying to mimic the Cowboys mannerisms and their star players.”
The decision to rest players is great news for the Cowboys who are currently in sixth spot and can wrap up a home final if they win and the Sea Eagles lose on Friday night.
Mass resting has been a common trend this time of year for teams who have a top-two finish locked up, and it makes even more sense for the Storm who have to travel to tropical Townsville just five days after they thrashed the Dolphins.
Other sports like the AFL have a week off between the end of the regular season and the start of the finals to discourage teams from resting players from matches, but Welch says that takes away the advantage of finishing in the top four.
“It’s a tough one because I think you’ve earned the right,” he said as they look to turn the minor premiership into their first title since 2020.
“We’re not too worried about other teams jostling for those finals positions, but we’re trying to put ourselves in the best position to win a premiership, and I think every team would probably do the same.
“It was really pleasing to find out we won the minor premiership, but I don’t think Australia really cares too much about minor premiers, if I’m being really honest.
“It’d be great if we’re playing the soccer over in the English Premier League (and the title went to the team that finished first).
“It’s a great achievement for the club, but at the end of the day, we’ve still got two more rounds and then a big finals series where you’re trying to win the ultimate prize.”
Read below for all the latest Round 26 Team Tips!
THURSDAY
North Queensland Cowboys v Melbourne Storm, 7:50pm AEST at Queensland Country Bank Stadium
Round 24 Cowboys team: 1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Kyle Feldt 3. Valentine Holmes 4. Viliami Vailea 5. Murray Taulagi 6. Tom Dearden 7. Jake Clifford 8. Jordan McLean 9. Reece Robson 10. Sam McIntyre 11. Heilum Luki 12. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki 13. Reuben Cotter 14. Harrison Edwards 15. Thomas Mikaele 16. Jaxon Purdue 17. Griffin Neame
Team Tips: JeremiahNanai is due to return from a head knock, likely replacing KulikefuFinefeuiaki who will drop to the bench, while JasonTaumalolo is also due to return from a facial injury. Those two players returning will likely see two of HarrisonEdwards, ThomasMikaele or JaxonPurdue drop off the bench. JakeClifford was impressive two rounds ago and will retain the No.7 jersey, with ChadTownsend blocked from a return to first grade.
Last week’s Melbourne team: 1. Ryan Papenhuyzen 2. William Warbrick 3. Jack Howarth 4. Nick Meaney 14. Sualauvi Faalogo 6. Cameron Munster 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Nelson Asofa-Solomona 9. Harry Grant 10. Josh King 11. Shawn Blore 12. Eliesa Katoa 13. Trent Loiero 5. Tyran Wishart 16. Tui Kamikamica 17. Alec MacDonald 22. Christian Welch
Team Tips: It’s the question on everyone’s lips – who will Craig Bellamy be resting? Speaking in the post-match press conference he flagged HarryGrant and JahromeHughes as the first two that came to his mind. CameronMunster could also get a breather, but leaving out all three of his superstar spine members looms unlikely, with Munster potentially getting a rest in Round 27. Should Hughes get a rest, expect TyranWishart, however Keegan Russell-Smith could be set to earn an NRL debut according to Zero Tackle. The 19-year-old has spread his talents across both the NSW cup, and QRL this year with the North Sydney Bears and Brisbane Tigers, during these appearances he has racked up three tries and nine try assists. The young gun was labelled “special” by teammate Ryan Papenhuyzen. With Grant likely sidelined, Wishart could also slot in at hooker, or Bronson Garlick, however he’s been sidelined due to a back injury. Elsewhere, according to The Daily Telegraph, Josh King, Eli Katoa, Shawn Blore and Nick Meaney among others will also sit out and avoid the travel to Townsville, with up to 10 players being rested. It’s also being reported three players could be set to make their NRL debuts against the Cowboys.
Fitzgibbon sure Sharks will improve | 05:57
FRIDAY
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs v Manly Sea Eagles, 6:00pm AEST at Accor Stadium
Last week’s Bulldogs team: 1. Connor Tracey 2. Jacob Kiraz 3. Bronson Xerri 4. Stephen Crichton 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Matt Burton 7. Toby Sexton 10. Samuel Hughes 9. Reed Mahoney 23. Max King 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Jacob Preston 13. Kurt Mann 14. Bailey Hayward 15. Kurtis Morrin 16. Harry Hayes 17. Jaeman Salmon
Team Tips: The Bulldogs are set to be without skipper StephenCrichton for at least one game after he was handed a ban for his hit on Roger Tuivasa-Sheck. JeralSkelton will likely join the backline, with JacobKiraz moving to the centres. KurtMann also suffered a broken collar bone, with BaileyHayward the likely man to wear the No.13 jersey. JoshCurran is set to return from his shoulder niggle, likely joining the bench. “We have Josh Curran returning back from injury this week aswell, so good replacement there,” Ciraldo said on Monday.
Last week’s Sea Eagles team:1. Tom Trbojevic 2. Jason Saab 3. Tolutau Koula 4. Reuben Garrick 5. Lehi Hopoate 6. Luke Brooks 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Taniela Paseka 9. Lachlan Croker 10. Josh Aloiai 11. Haumole Olakau’atu 15. Ben Trbojevic 13. Jake Trbojevic 14. Gordon Chan Kum Tong 16. Ethan Bullemor 17. Nathan Brown 18. Corey Waddell
Team Tips: Corey Waddell is set for a stint on the sidelines, facing a two-game ban for a careless high tackle. Toafofoa Sipley or Caleb Navale are the likely players in contention to join the bench. Tommy Talau, meanwhile, could be due to return from a pec injury, however it remains to be seen if he returns to the backline due to the form of Lehi Hopoate. Karl Lawton has been left out of the side in recent weeks, despite being named to start in the backrow.
Penrith Panthers v South Sydney Rabbitohs, 8:00pm AEST at BlueBet Stadium
Last week’s Panthers team: 1. Dylan Edwards 2. Daine Laurie 3. Izack Tago 4. Casey McLean 5. Brian To’o 6. Brad Schneider 7. Jarome Luai 8. Moses Leota 9. Luke Sommerton 10. James Fisher-Harris 20. Luke Garner 12. Liam Martin 13. Isaah Yeo 11. Mavrik Geyer 14. Trent Toelau 15. Lindsay Smith 16. Liam Henry
Team Tips: Mitch Kenny returns from a one-week suspension, which will see Luke Sommerton drop out of the team. Ivan Cleary admitted his halves pairing didn’t gel against the Raiders, but he faces a big decision after an injury to Jack Cole in NSW Cup, Penrith’s obvious replacement. He was the victim of a hip-drop tackle and was clearly in pain, grabbing at his ankle. Should Cleary want to replace Brad Schneider at five-eighth, Daine Laurie and Trent Toelau loom as the likely No.6 options. Elsewhere, Paul Alamoti returned via NSW Cup last weekend, and is a strong chance of returning to first grade. Cleary could opt to shift Casey McLean onto the wing or Alamoti will be a straight swap for Daine Laurie, who could join the bench as a utility.
Last week’s Rabbitohs team: 1. Jye Gray 2. Fletcher Myers 3. Taane Milne 22. Tyrone Munro 5. Jacob Gagai 6. Jack Wighton 7. Dean Hawkins 8. Davvy Moale 9. Damien Cook 10. Sean Keppie 11. Keaon Koloamatangi 12. Tallis Duncan 13. Cameron Murray 14. Peter Mamouzelos 15. Jacob Host 16. Thomas Burgess 17. Shaquai Mitchell
Team Tips: Captain Cameron Murray was sent to the sin bin in his side’s loss to the Knights and is facing at least two games on the sidelines. Murray has pleaded guilty to the charge, but is heading to the judiciary to have his charge downgraded to a fine. Should his attempt be unsuccessful, Keaon Koloamatangi is the favourite to start at lock for Ben Hornby, with Jacob Host likely to join the back row. Cody Walker will also return from a head knock and will be a straight swap for Dean Hawkins in the No.7 jersey.
Sharks close in on top 4 spot | 02:23
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FINALS SCENARIOS: Race for eighth spot heats up after Dragons loss
SATURDAY
Parramatta Eels v St George Illawarra Dragons, 3:00pm AEST at CommBank Stadium
Last week’s Eels team: 1. Clinton Gutherson 2. Maika Sivo 3. Viliami Penisini 4. Blaize Talagi 5. Sean Russell 6. Dylan Brown 7. Daejarn Asi 8. Reagan Campbell-Gillard 9. Brendan Hands 10. Shaun Lane 11. Kelma Tuilagi 12. Bryce Cartwright 13. Joe Ofahengaue 14. Joey Lussick 15. Makahesi Makatoa 17. Dan Keir 18. Jake Tago
Team Tips: Parramatta came out of their loss to the Broncos without any major injury concerns, meaning Trent Barrett is able to call on the Eels on the same 17 should he choose to do so. In one change, Ryan Matterson could return from a rib injury this week, pushing Joe Ofahengaue to the bench and Jake Tago to the reserves.
Last week’s Dragons team: 1. Tyrell Sloan 2. Zac Lomax 3. Mathew Feagai 4. Max Feagai 5. Christian Tuipulotu 6. Jack Bird 7. Ben Hunt 8. Francis Molo 9. Jacob Liddle 16. Blake Lawrie 15. Ryan Couchman 12. Jaydn Su’A 13. Tom Eisenhuth 10. Jack de Belin 11. Luciano Leilua 14. Toby Couchman 18. Lyhkan King-Togia
Team Tips: Speaking following his side’s big loss to the Sharks in Round 25, Dragons coach Shane Flanagan stated he was hopeful both Moses Suli (knee) and Hame Sele (chest pains) are back on deck this week. Suli’s return would see Mathew Feagai slide out of the side, while Sele could take Lyhkan King-Togia’s place on the bench.
Dolphins v Brisbane Broncos, 5:30pm AEST at Suncorp Stadium
Last week’s Dolphins team: 1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Jake Averillo 4. Herbie Farnworth 5. Jack Bostock 6. Kodi Nikorima 7. Isaiya Katoa 8. Jesse Bromwich 9. Max Plath 16. Ray Stone 11. Felise Kaufusi 12. Connelly Lemuelu 13. Kenny Bromwich 14. Oryn Keeley 15. Mark Nicholls 17. Sean O’Sullivan 22. Josh Kerr
Team Tips: In a big blow for Wayne Bennett, both Kodi Nikorima and Jesse Bromwich suffered category one HIAs in his side’s big loss to the Dolphins. Sean O’Sullivan is a natural replacement for Nikorima in the halves. In a further blow, AAP’s Joel Gould is reporting Max Plath (calf), Ray Stone (neck) and Tevita Pangai Junior (hamstring) are all in major doubts to take the field. Jeremy Marshall-King could be a straight swap for Plath as he returns from an injury of his own, while Bennett could now have to look for a new prop pairing. Josh Kerr and Mark Nicholls are the likely players to move into the starting side, with Lachlan Hubner and Anthony Milford likely joining the pine, potentially alongside Kurt Donoghue.
Last week’s Broncos team: 1. Tristan Sailor 2. Selwyn Cobbo 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Deine Mariner 5. Jesse Arthars 6. Joshua Rogers 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Corey Jensen 9. Billy Walters 10. Xavier Willison 11. Brendan Piakura 12. Jordan Riki 13. Patrick Carrigan 14. Blake Mozer 15. Kobe Hetherington 16. Josiah Karapani 17. Martin Taupau
Team Tips: Needing a win to keep their slim finals hopes alive, Broncos coach Kevin Walters will have to manage the local derby against his old mentor without Reece Walsh and Payne Haas, who he confirmed following the Eels win won’t be back until at least Round 27. Fletcher Baker is back in the fold and could take Josiah Karapani’s place on Walters’ bench.
Cronulla Sharks v New Zealand Warriors, 7:35pm AEST at PointsBet Stadium
Last week’s Sharks team: 1. William Kennedy 2. Samuel Stonestreet 3. Jesse Ramien 4. Kayal Iro 18. Mawene Hiroti 6. Daniel Atkinson 7. Braydon Trindall 8. Toby Rudolf 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Oregon Kaufusi 11. Briton Nikora 12. Teig Wilton 13. Cameron McInnes 14. Jack Williams 15. Royce Hunt 16. Braden Hamlin-Uele 17. Thomas Hazelton
Roosters put big score on the Titans | 01:19
Team Tips: In a potentially huge boost for the Sharks, coach Craig Fitzgibbon post game that star halfback Nicho Hynes and Siosifa Talakai are both a chance of returning this week. Hynes’ return would unfortunately see Daniel Atkinson drop out of the side and Braydon Trindall sliding to five-eighth. Talakai’s return could see one of Royce Hunt or Braden Hamlin-Uele drop off the bench. Fitzgibbon added Sione Katoa will likely be back from a head knock, forcing Mawene Hiroti out of the 17, although was unsure about Ronaldo Mulitalo’s fitness ahead of his side’s Warriors clash.
Last week’s Warriors team: 1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 3. Adam Pompey 4. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 5. Marcelo Montoya 6. Luke Metcalf 7. Shaun Johnson 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Wayde Egan 16. Jazz Tevaga 10. Mitchell Barnett 12. Kurt Capewell 13. Dylan Walker 11. Marata Niukore 14. Freddy Lussick 17. Demitric Sifakula 18. Chanel Harris-Tavita
Team Tips: Star centre Roger Tuivasa-Sheck and Adam Pompey will both be out of this clash after suffering a head knock and knee injury respectively during the Warriors’ loss to the Bulldogs. Kurt Capewell and Marata Niukore filled in at centre on Friday night, though it’s unlikely either will pick up those duties again this week. Ali Leiataua and Moala Graham-Taufa are firming as Andrew Webster’s likeliest centre pairing for Shaun Johnson’s final career game.
SUNDAY
Newcastle Knights v Gold Coast Titans, 2:00pm AEST at McDonald Jones Stadium
Last week’s Knights team: 1. Kalyn Ponga 2. Fletcher Sharpe 3. Dane Gagai 4. Dylan Lucas 5. Greg Marzhew 6. Jack Cogger 7. Phoenix Crossland 8. Daniel Saifiti 9. Jayden Brailey 10. Leo Thompson 11. Tyson Frizell 12. Kai Pearce-Paul 13. Adam Elliott 14. Will Pryce 15. Mathew Croker 16. Jack Hetherington 17. Brodie Jones 18th man: 19. Sebastian Su’a
Team Tips: Tyson Frizell will miss this one after picking up a category one HIA during his side’s win over the Rabbitohs, while Kai Pearce-Paul had surgery on a gash in his shin caused by a stray stud. Knights coach Adam O’Brien said Pearce-Paul’s injury was like “a shark bite at the moment, it’s huge” but noted there was no soft tissue injury or a bone break, meaning the Englishman could still line up this week. As for Frizell’s replacement, that rests on the fitness of Bradman Best, who O’Brien said may be back this week. “They’ll need to clear him over the next couple of days. I wouldn’t say ‘no’, but I can’t say ‘yes’ until he goes through all the medical protocols,” O’Brien said post-game. Best’s return would free up Dylan Lucas to shift from the centres into the back row in place of Frizell, with one of Jack Hetherington, Brodie Jones or Thomas Cant firming to replace Pearce-Paul should be unable to suit up against the Titans. Jack Cogger and Phoenix Crossland clicked in the halves, meaning an NRL return for Jackson Hastings appears unlikely.
Des annoyed with poor performance | 05:18
Last week’s Titans team: 1. Keano Kini 2. Alofiana Khan-Pereira 3. Brian Kelly 14. AJ Brimson 5. Jojo Fifita 6. Jayden Campbell 7. Kieran Foran 8. Moeaki Fotuaika 9. Sam Verrills 10. Jaimin Joliffe 11. David Fifita 12 Beau Fermor 13. Chris Randall 15. Isaac Liu 16. Erin Clark 17. Klese Haas 19. Keenan Palasia
Team Tips: Phillip Sami missed last week’s loss to the Roosters through injury, with Titans coach Des Hasler opting to rest the outside back, with AJ Brimson slotting into the centres. It’s unclear whether Sami will return this week. If he does, Brimson will likely revert back to the bench, with Keenan Palasia dropping out of the 17 altogether. Brimson had some nice touches in the centres, playing both sides of the field when the Gold Coast attacked the Roosters line and finishing the game with one try assist, and Hasler may opt to keep Sami on ice for another week.
Sydney Roosters v Canberra Raiders, 4:05pm at Allianz Stadium
Last week’s Roosters team: 1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Joseph-Aukuso-Sua’ali’i 4. Joseph Manu 5. Dominic Young 6. Luke Keary 7. Sam Walker 8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves 21. Zach Dockar-Clay 10. Lindsay Collins 11. Angus Crichton 12. Victor Radley 16. Sitili Tupouniua 13. Nat Butcher 14. Sandon Smith 15. Spencer Leniu 17. Terrell May
Team tips: The big question mark for the Roosters heading into Round 26 will be the availability of enforcer Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, who was sin binned 11 minutes into his side’s win over the Titans for high contact with Sam Verrills. It was confirmed on Monday the prop will miss at least three weeks as a result of the hit, ruling him out of this week’s clash with the Raiders. Spencer Leniu will likely join Trent Robinson’s starting side in his place. Brandon Smith missed Round 25 with a minor calf strain but could be back on deck this week. Zach Dockar-Clay played hooker in his place against the Titans, although Connor Watson is set to return from a concussion this week and could slot straight in at No.9 if Smith is unable to play. Should Smith be right to play, Watson will likely return to lock, pushing Sitili Tupouniua back to the bench. Elsewhere, Joseph Aukuso-Sua’ali’i left the field with his arm in a jersey sling after suffering a “very bad stinger.” However, Robinson reported post-game the issue “was getting better,” meaning he could be right to play this week. If not, Tupouniua or Michael Jennings could shift into the centres.
Last week’s Raiders team: 1. Jordan Rapana 2. Albert Hopoate 3. Matthew Timoko 4. Sebastian Kris 5. Xavier Savage 6. Kaeo Weekes 7. Jamal Fogarty 10. Joseph Tapine 14. Danny Levi 22. Corey Horsburgh 11. Hudson Young 12. Elliott Whitehead 13. Morgan Smithies 8. Josh Papali’i 9. Tom Starling 16. Ata Mariota 17. Simi Sasagi
Team Tips:Ethan Strange missed Canberra’s win over Penrith with a calf strain, with the club’s website stating the outside back will miss one-to-two weeks. If Strange is fit, Canberra coach Ricky Stuart could be forced into making a few significant adjustments to his backline, with Kaeo Weekes shifting to fullback, Jordan Rapana to the wing and Albert Hopoate out of the 17. However, Strange’s last NRL game came in the centres and if Stuart opts to keep him there it’ll be Seb Kris who moves onto the wing in place of Hopoate. Corey Horsburgh played his first NRL game since Round Five at prop and could retain his place this week.
Bye: Wests Tigers
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