The Storm are set to welcome back star five-eighth Cameron Munster from injury and Jahrome Hughes from suspension for their clash with the Broncos.
Meanwhile, a concussion to Josh Addo-Carr will see him miss the clash with the Roosters and Alex Johnston is racing the clock to face the Warriors.
Read on for the NRL Team Tips for Round 5.
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Another CLASSIC Ricky Stuart Presser | 06:03
THURSDAY APRIL 4
Melbourne Storm vs Brisbane Broncos at AAMI Park, 8pm AEDT
Round 3 Storm team: 1. Ryan Papenhuyzen 2. William Warbrick 3. Reimis Smith 4. Nick Meaney 5. Xavier Coates 6. Jonah Pezet 7. Tyran Wishart 8. Tui Kamikamica 9. Harry Grant 10. Josh King 12. Eliesa Katoa 22. Shawn Blore 13. Trent Loiero 14. Kane Bradley 15. Tepai Moeroa 16. Chris Lewis 17. Alec MacDonald. 18th man: 18. Grant Anderson
Team Tips: The cavalry returns for the Storm after their bye in Round 4, with Cameron Munster expected to make his comeback from a groin injury, which would see Jonah Pezet drop out. Jahrome Hughes returns from suspension at halfback with Tyran Wishart to make way, but he could nab a bench spot. Christian Welch is due to return from concussion with Tepai Moeroa or Chris Lewis likely to make way. Centre Reimis Smith is due back from a rib injury suffered in their last start loss to the Knights. Nelson Asofa-Solomona (hamstring) is available, but may continue to get his match fitness back in reserve grade. Sua Fa’alogo (ankle) is likely to be available in Round 6.
Last week’s Broncos team: 1. Tristan Sailor 2. Jesse Arthars 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Selwyn Cobbo 5. Deine Mariner 6. Ezra Mam 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Corey Jensen 9. Billy Walters 10. Fletcher Baker 11. Jaiyden Hunt 12. Jordan Riki 13. Patrick Carrigan 14. Tyson Smoothy 15. Xavier Willison 16. Kobe Hetherington 17. Corey Oates
Team Tips: With Brendan Piakura (ankle) and Payne Haas (knee) out until Round 8, Corey Oates and Xavier Willison will hold their places on the bench. Tristan Sailor is set to hold onto the No.1 jersey, with Reece Walsh targeting a return from a facial fracture in Round 7 at the earliest.
Matty Johns crew discuss bunker calls | 01:24
FRIDAY APRIL 5
Canterbury Bulldogs vs Sydney Roosters at Accor Stadium, 6.00pm AEDT
Last week’s Bulldogs team: 1. Blake Taaffe 23. Josh Addo-Carr 3. Jacob Kiraz 4. Stephen Crichton 5. Connor Tracey 6. Matt Burton 7. Drew Hutchison 8. Max King 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Liam Knight 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Jacob Preston 13. Jaeman Salmon 14. Kurt Mann 15. Samuel Hughes 16. Josh Curran 17. Kurtis Morrin
Team Tips: Josh Addo-Carr failed his HIA after a tackle form Latrell Mitchell and will miss the clash with the Roosters. Blake Wilson is the most likely replacement after being named last week before being replaced by Addo-Carr. However, Bronson Xerri could be in line for a club debut, which might see Jacob Kiraz switch to the wing. Jacob Preston is expected to miss six weeks with a jaw fracture, with Samuel Hughes likely to start and Kitione Kautoga a chance to come onto the bench. Poasa Faamausili is sidelined with a head knock and will need to pass concussion protocols.
Last week’s Roosters team: 1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii 4. Joseph Manu 5. Dominic Young 6. Luke Keary 7. Sam Walker 8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves 9. Brandon Smith 10. Terrell May 11. Nat Butcher 12. Sitili Tupouniua 13. Victor Radley 14. Connor Watson 15. Naufahu Whyte 16. Egan Butcher 17. Angus Crichton
Team Tips: Prop Lindsay Collins is a chance to return from a hamstring injury, which would see Terrell May shift to the bench and Naufahu Whyte likely make way. However, Round 6 is a more likely return date for Collins. Centre Billy Smith remains sidelined with an ankle injury.
Newcastle Knights vs St George Illawarra Dragons at McDonald Jones Stadium, 8pm AEDT
Last week’s Knights team: 1. Kalyn Ponga 2. Thomas Jenkins 4. Bradman Best 18. Dylan Lucas 5. Enari Tuala 6. Tyson Gamble 7. Jack Cogger 8. Jacob Saifiti 9. Phoenix Crossland 10. Daniel Saifiti 11. Tyson Frizell 12. Kai Pearce-Paul 13. Adam Elliott 14. Jayden Brailey 15. Mathew Croker 16. Jack Hetherington 17. Brodie Jones
Team Tips: Jack Cogger had a poor game in his second start at No.7 and Jackson Hastings could be in line for a return to the starting side after impressing in reserve grade. Dane Gagai is due back from a medical condition in Round 5, with Dylan Lucas the man likely to make way after receiving a late call-up last week. Leo Thompson is due back from suspension with Jack Hetherington or Brodie Jones to make way on the bench.
Last week’s Dragons team:1. Tyrell Sloan 2. Zac Lomax 3. Moses Suli 4. Jack Bird 5. Mikaele Ravalawa 6. Kyle Flanagan 7. Ben Hunt 8. Francis Molo 9. Jacob Liddle 10. Blake Lawrie 11. Luciano Leilua 12. Jaydn Su’A 17. Raymond Faitala-Mariner 13. Tom Eisenhuth 14. Jesse Marschke 15. Jack de Belin 16. Hame Sele
Team Tips: The Dragons are expected to keep the same 17 that got the job done against the Sea Eagles. Raymond Faitala-Mariner could be named in No.13 after swapping with Tom Eisenhuth before kick-off against Manly.
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Tuivasa-Sheck fires Wahs past Knights | 02:15
SATURDAY APRIL 6
South Sydney Rabbitohs vs New Zealand Warriors, Accor Stadium, 3:00pm AEDT
Last week’s Rabbitohs team: 1. Latrell Mitchell 2. Alex Johnston 3. Jack Wighton 4. Isaiah Tass 5. Taane Milne 6. Cody Walker 7. Dean Hawkins 8. Tevita Tatola 9. Damien Cook 10. Thomas Burgess 11. Keaon Koloamatangi 12. Jacob Host 13. Cameron Murray 14. Michael Chee Kam 15. Tallis Duncan 16. Shaquai Mitchell 17. Davvy Moale
Team Tips: Alex Johnston is bidding to overcome a hamstring injury, with Izaac Tu’itupou Thompson likely to fill the void on the wing if he is ruled out. Shaquai Mitchell failed his HIA against the Bulldogs and is ruled out of the clash with the Warriors with Sean Keppie his most likely replacement. Jai Arrow’s return from a shoulder injury is still a couple of weeks away at the earliest.
Last week’s Warriors team: 1. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 3. Rocco Berry 4. Adam Pompey 5. Marcelo Montoya 6. Luke Metcalf 7. Shaun Johnson 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Wayde Egan 10. Mitchell Barnett 11. Jackson Ford 12. Kurt Capewell 13. Tohu Harris 15. Marata Niukore 16. Bunty Afoa 20. Jazz Tevaga 21. Chanel Harris-Tavita
Team Tips: Five-eighth Luke Metcalf is sidelined with a potential ankle fracture, with Chanel Harris-Tavita his likely replacement. Another option would be to bring Te Maire Martin into the halves in a straight swap and keep Harris-Tavita as the utility. Dylan Walker is due back form an ankle injury and will also come into consideration for the utility role. Andrew Webster confirmed Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad would return from a hamstring injury at fullback, with Roger Tuivasa-Sheck shifting back to centre, despite starring in the No.1 role against the Knights. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak was limping against the Knights, but finished the game and is expected to face the Rabbitohs. Taine Tuaupiki is due back from a head knock, but his path to the fullback jersey is not blocked by two internationals.
Manly Sea Eagles vs Penrith Panthers, 4 Pines Park, 5:30pm AEDT
Last week’s Sea Eagles team: 1. Tom Trbojevic 5. Jaxson Paulo Vaega 3. Tolutau Koula 4. Reuben Garrick 19. Tommy Talau 6. Luke Brooks 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Taniela Paseka 9. Lachlan Croker 10. Josh Aloiai 11. Haumole Olakau’atu 12. Ben Trbojevic 13. Jake Trbojevic 14. Karl Lawton 15. Corey Waddell 17. Nathan Brown 22. Toafofoa Sipley
Team Tips: Tommy Talau was a late inclusion last week with Raymond Tuiamalo Vaega making way on the wing. Toafofoa Sipley joined the bench against the Dragons with Ethan Bullemor dropping out. Matt Lodge is not due back from a knee injury until Round 6 at the earliest, but will likely be eased back in reserve grade. Jason Saab is not due back from a hamstring injury until Round 7.
Last week’s Panthers team: 1. Dylan Edwards 2. Sunia Turuva 3. Izack Tago 4. Taylan May 5. Brian To’o 6. Jarome Luai 7. Brad Schneider 8. Moses Leota 9. Mitch Kenny 10. Lindsay Smith 11. Luke Garner 12. Liam Martin 13. Isaah Yeo 14. Daine Laurie 15. Matt Eisenhuth 16. Liam Henry 17. Mavrik Geyer
Team Tips: Second-rower Liam Martin went off with an AC joint injury against the Roosters, but returned to the field. It may be an issue he has to manage going forward, but he is expected to be named to face Manly. Nathan Cleary is expected back after the bye. “Yep… we play Manly this week and then we have a bye,” Cleary said on Channel 9 when asked about the injury. “It’s a little hammy tear. It’s definitely not the same as (last year). It’s probably what happened before I did the actual tear last year, it’s really minor. It’s the other leg as well. It’s a conversation with the physio and how to manage it properly. If it was a grand final last week I could have played. It’s about managing the workload around extras and kicking. It’s something I never had to worry about growing up, I enjoyed doing it. Last year, I started to pick up a few niggles here and there. It’s more so the mental reps now and plan my week with that.” Scott Sorensen is scheduled to return from a knee injury with Cleary in Round 7 with Mavrik Geyer set to earn a second cap.
Dolphins vs Wests Tigers, Suncorp Stadium, 7:35pm AEDT
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. Jeremy Marshall-King 10. Thomas Flegler 11. Felise Kaufusi 12. Euan Aitken 13. Max Plath 14. Josh Kerr 15. Kurt Donoghoe 16. Mark Nicholls 17. Ray Stone
Team Tips: Wayne Bennett is likely to keep faith with the same 17 that dispatched of the Titans. Anthony Milford is bidding for a return from a hamstring injury, but is unlikely to force his way into the team. Connelly Lemuelu is not due back from a knee injury until Round 6.
Last week’s Tigers team: To come.
Team Tips: Solomone Saukuru and Josh Feledy are due back from shoulder injuries, but are unlikely to force their way into the 17.
Phins battle back to beat Titans | 02:00
SUNDAY APRIL 7
North Queensland Cowboys vs Gold Coast Titans, Queensland Country Bank Stadium, 4:05pm AEDT
Last week’s Cowboys team: 1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Kyle Feldt 3. Valentine Holmes 4. Zac Laybutt 5. Murray Taulagi 6. Tom Dearden 7. Chad Townsend 8. Jordan McLean 9. Reece Robson 10. Jason Taumalolo 11. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki 12. Jeremiah Nanai 13. Reuben Cotter 14. Jake Granville 15. Griffin Neame 16. Sam McIntyre 17. Jack Gosiewski 19. Thomas Mikaele
Team Tips: Todd Payten could make changes based on form after his livid response to their loss to the Broncos. Heilum Luki is not due back from an ankle injury until Round 9.
Last week’s Titans team: 1. Jayden Campbell 2. Alofiana Khan-Pereira 3. Brian Kelly 4. AJ Brimson 5. Phillip Sami 6. Kieran Foran 7. Tanah Boyd 8. Moeaki Fotuaika 9. Chris Randall 15. Isaac Liu 11. Klese Haas 12. Beau Fermor 13. Jaimin Jolliffe 14. Sam Verrills 16. Erin Clark 17. Joe Stimson 18. David Fifita
Team Tips: David Fifita made a successful return from injury last week off the bench and will come into consideration for a starting spot in a must win game for the Titans. Isaac Liu started at prop against the Dolphins with Keenan Palasia sidelined with a quad injury.
Canberra Raiders vs Parramatta Eels, GIO Stadium, 6:15pm AEDT
Last week’s Raiders team: 1. Jordan Rapana 2. James Schiller 3. Matthew Timoko 4. Sebastian Kris 5. Xavier Savage 6. Ethan Strange 7. Jamal Fogarty 8. Josh Papali’i 9. Danny Levi 10. Joseph Tapine 11. Hudson Young 16. Zac Hosking 13. Morgan Smithies 14. Tom Starling 15. Ata Mariota 17. Pasami Saulo 19. Corey Horsburgh
Team Tips: Second-rower Elliott Whitehead was a late scratching last week with a calf injury and is in doubt for the clash with the Eels. If he remains sidelined Zac Hosking will start at No.12 with Corey Horsburgh on the bench as eventuated last week against the Sharks. However, Hosking suffered a head knock and will need to pass concussion protocols to play. If Hosking is ruled out Trey Mooney will likely join the bench with Horsburgh a chance to start in his second game back from suspension. Albert Hopoate is a chance to return from a burn to his arm from a freak explosion, with James Schiller the man most likely to make way on the wing.
Last week’s Eels team: To come.
Team Tips: Bryce Cartwright will bid to return from a rib injury after he was close to facing the Tigers.
Byes: Cronulla Sharks
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