Storm coach Craig Bellamy has provided a massive update on Jahrome Hughes’ bid to return from a fractured forearm, while Ben Hunt has given a huge hint about his role amid Ezra Mam’s return for the Broncos.
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Read on for the Late Mail for the preliminary finals.
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FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 26
Second Preliminary Final:Melbourne Storm vs Cronulla Sharks at AMMI Park, 7.50pm AEST
Storm team: 1. Ryan Papenhuyzen 2. William Warbrick 3. Jack Howarth 4. Nick Meaney 5. Xavier Coates 6. Cameron Munster 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Stefano Utoikamanu 9. Harry Grant 10. Josh King 11. Ativalu Lisati 12. Eliesa Katoa 13. Trent Loiero 14. Tyran Wishart 15. Shawn Blore 16. Tui Kamikamica 17. Alec MacDonald 19. Grant Anderson 20. Joe Chan
Players cut: 18. Bronson Garlick 21. Jonah Pezet 22. Sualauvi Faalogo
Late Mail: Jahrome Hughes is set to return at halfback just three weeks after fracturing his forearm. “From what he has done the last couple of weeks he’ll be playing for sure,” coach Craig Bellamy said on Thursday. “Something would have to go drastically wrong today for him not to play.” The fact Jonah was cut 24 hours before kick-off shows HUghes is a certainty to play. Ryan Papenhuyzen (concussion) and second-rower Shawn Blore (fractured larynx) are also set to return.
Sharks team: William Kennedy 2. Sione Katoa 3. Jesse Ramien 4. KL Iro 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo 6. Braydon Trindall 7. Nicho Hynes 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Toby Rudolf 11. Billy Burns 12. Teig Wilton 13. Jesse Colquhoun 14. Briton Nikora 15. Siosifa Talakai 16. Oregon Kaufusi 17. Braden Hamlin-Uele 18. Daniel Atkinson 22. Hohepa Puru
Players cut: 19. Mawene Hiroti 20. Jayden Berrell 21. Tuku Hau Tapuha
Late Mail: Oregon Kaufusi is set to overcome a calf injury to take his place on the bench in a timely boost after Thomas Hazelton was ruled out due to concussion.
Cleary Quizzed on Panthers dynasty | 03:07
SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 28
First Preliminary Final: Brisbane Broncos vs Penrith Panthers at Suncorp Stadium at 4.05pm AEST
Broncos team: 1. Reece Walsh 2. Josiah Karapani 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Gehamat Shibasaki 5. Deine Mariner 6. Ben Hunt 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Corey Jensen 9. Cory Paix 10. Payne Haas 11. Brendan Piakura 12. Jordan Riki 13. Tyson Smoothy 14. Ezra Mam 15. Kobe Hetherington 16. Xavier Willison 17. Ben Talty 18. Jesse Arthars 19. Jack Gosiewski 20. Selwyn Cobbo 21. Jaiyden Hunt 22. Jock Madden
Players cut:
Late Mail: Skipper Adam Reynolds is all set to return from a hamstring injury at halfback, with Ben Hunt shifting to five-eighth and Ezra Mam returning from his own hamstring injury on the bench. However, Hunt revealed he is planning to play a role at both five-eighth and hooker, with Mam likely to go to No.6 when he comes on the field. “I’m preparing to play five-eighth and hooker on Sunday,” Hunt said. Xavier Willison is expected to take his place on the bench after recovering a broken arm.
Panthers team: 1. Dylan Edwards 2. Paul Alamoti 3. Izack Tago 4. Casey McLean 5. Brian To’o 6. Blaize Talagi 7. Nathan Cleary 8. Moses Leota 9. Mitch Kenny 10. Lindsay Smith 11. Scott Sorensen 12. Liam Martin 13. Isaah Yeo 14. Brad Schneider 15. Liam Henry 16. Isaiah Papali’i 17. Luke Garner 18. Daine Laurie 19. Matt Eisenhuth 20. Thomas Jenkins 21. Mavrik Geyer 22. Luke Sommerton
Players cut:
Late Mail: Second-rower Liam Martin (ribs) and centre Casey McLean (hip) are both certain starters despite injury scares against the Bulldogs. Mitch Kenny got an early mark last week after returning from a hamstring injury, but it was just a precaution.
NRL GRAND FINAL 2025
Winner of First Preliminary Final vs Winner of Second Preliminary Final
Sunday October 5, 7:30pm at Accor Stadium
*****
Hunt prepared to play 6 and 9 | 02:02
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