Eels coach Jason Ryles will reportedly recall Dylan Brown in a shock new role for Sunday’s clash with the Cowboys.
Ryles moved Brown to hooker in Round 19 and then dropped him from the 17 the following week so he could start planning for life without the 25-year-old, who is off to the Knights next season.
But it seems the coach has gone back on that plan and will bring Brown back into the fold.
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South Sydney’s chances of avoiding the wooden spoon have received a boost with Latrell Mitchell firming to suit up for the first time since Round 17.
Elswhere, Anthony Seibold has opened up on the fitness of a young flyer as the Sea Eagles face an awkward call over Tom Trbojevic.
Read below for all the NRL Round 23 Late Mail.
FRIDAY AUGUST 8
Newcastle Knights vs Penrith Panthers at McDonald Jones Stadium, 6:00pm AEST
Knights team: 1. Dane Gagai 2. Dominic Young 3. Fletcher Hunt 4. Bradman Best 5. Greg Marzhew 6. Jakob Arthur 7. Jack Cogger 8. Jacob Saifiti 9. Jayden Brailey 10. Leo Thompson 11. Jermaine McEwen 12. Kai Pearce-Paul 13. Phoenix Crossland 14. Thomas Cant 15. Mathew Croker 16. Tyson Frizell 17. Elijah Leaumoana 18. Tyson Gamble 22. Matthew Arthur
Players cut: 19. Jackson Hastings 20. Kyle McCarthy 21. Jack Hetherington
Late Mail: To come.
Panthers team: 1. Dylan Edwards 2. Thomas Jenkins 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. Luke Garner 12. Liam Martin 13. Isaiah Papali’i 14. Brad Schneider 15. Liam Henry 16. Matt Eisenhuth 17. Scott Sorensen 18. Paul Alamoti 21. Mavrik Geyer
Players cut: 19. Jack Cole 20. Daine Laurie 22. Luke Sommerton
Late Mail: To come.
Canberra Raiders vs Manly Sea Eagles at GIO Stadium, 8:00pm AEST
Raiders team: 1. Kaeo Weekes 2. Jed Stuart 3. Matthew Timoko 4. Sebastian Kris 5. Xavier Savage 6. Ethan Strange 7. Jamal Fogarty 8. Josh Papali’i 9. Tom Starling 10. Joseph Tapine 11. Hudson Young 12. Zac Hosking 13. Corey Horsburgh 14. Owen Pattie 15. Simi Sasagi 16. Morgan Smithies 17. Ata Mariota 18. Noah Martin 20. Manaia Waitere
Players cut: 19. Danny Levi 21. Trey Mooney 22. Ethan Sanders
Late Mail: To come.
Sea Eagles team: 1. Tom Trbojevic 2. Jason Saab 3. Tolutau Koula 4. Tommy Talau 5. Reuben Garrick 6. Luke Brooks 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Matthew Lodge 9. Jazz Tevaga 10. Siosiua Taukeiaho 11. Corey Waddell 12. Michael Chee Kam 13. Jake Trbojevic 14. Jake Simpkin 15. Aaron Schoupp 16. Ethan Bullemor 17. Toafofoa Sipley 18. Caleb Navale 22. Gordon Chan Kum Tong
Players cut: 19. Clayton Faulalo 20. Simione Laiafi 21. Joey Walsh
Late Mail: Sea Eagles coach Anthony Seibold says Tom Trbojevic is no certainty to remain at fullback next week when Lehi Hopoate is expected to return from the AC joint injury that has ruled him out of Friday’s trip to take on the ladder-leading Raiders. A banged-up Hopoate hasn’t been able to do contact work at training for the past fortnight and is nursing a couple of injuries after he copped an accidental knee to the head from Roosters fullback James Tedesco that forced him off for a head injury assessment that he passed. “Hopefully only this week,” Seibold replied when asked how long the youngster would be out for. “He hasn’t been able to do contact at training for some time with his AC, and then he copped another bang on his head when Tedesco went through and there was an accidental collision. He had another HIA, and he’s had a few of them recently, and he’s pretty banged up with the AC joint, so the best thing for us on another short turnaround was to try to let that settle. For ‘Hoppa’ to be at his best, he needs to be able to do contact at training and train fully, but unfortunately he hasn’t been able to do that over the past couple of weeks.” Hopoate has spent plenty of time at fullback this season, as Trbojevic has been shifted to right centre for the past five matches, although he spent time at the back last week while Hopoate was off the field and then again at the end as they chased points. Trbojevic’s move to the outside backs was never meant to be permanent and was seen as a way to take the stress off his body after a horror run of injuries. Seibold said the medical staff could have needled Hopoate up but thought it was unfair on a young man who should be fit to return for next Sunday’s game against the Wests Tigers. It’s unclear whether he’ll slot straight in at the back or move to the left wing, with Seibold to do whatever he feels is best for the Sea Eagles. “It’s always been a week-to-week decision,” he said. “Every decision I make is what I think is best for the team for that particular week. I think ‘Turbo’ going back to fullback this week is the best thing for our team. “Turbo filled in when Lehi was off against the Roosters and did a good job there, and he’s world class. “We’ve spoken about this being Turbo’s best position, but we’ve also made a decision on what’s best for the team over the last couple of weeks. “Lehi needed some time out and we’ve got a pretty good fullback coming in.”
— Martin Gabor
Cam Munster free to explore Perth switch | 02:22
SATURDAY AUGUST 9
St George Illawarra Dragons vs Cronulla Sharks at Jubilee Stadium, 3:00pm AEST
Dragons team: 1. Clinton Gutherson 2. Tyrell Sloan 3. Moses Suli 4. Mathew Feagai 5. Corey Allan 6. Lyhkan King-Togia 7. Kyle Flanagan 8. Emre Guler 9. Damien Cook 10. David Klemmer 11. Luciano Leilua 12. Michael Molo 13. Jack de Belin 14. Jacob Liddle 15. Hamish Stewart 16. Hame Sele 17. Blake Lawrie 18. Hayden Buchanan 19. Ben Murdoch-Masila 20. Lachlan Ilias 21. Jacob Halangahu 22. Loko Jnr Pasifiki Tonga
Players cut:
Late Mail: To come.
Sharks team: 1. William Kennedy 2. Sione Katoa 3. Jesse Ramien 4. Siosifa Talakai 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo 6. Braydon Trindall 7. Nicho Hynes 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Oregon Kaufusi 11. Briton Nikora 12. Teig Wilton 13. Cameron McInnes 14. Daniel Atkinson 15. Toby Rudolf 16. Thomas Hazelton 17. Braden Hamlin-Uele 18. Billy Burns 19. Mawene Hiroti 20. Hohepa Puru 21. Jayden Berrell 22. Samuel Stonestreet
Players cut:
Late Mail: To come.
Dolphins vs Sydney Roosters at Suncorp Stadium, 5:30pm AEST
Dolphins team: 1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Max Feagai 4. Tevita Naufahu 5. Jake Averillo 6. Kodi Nikorima 7. Isaiya Katoa 8. Francis Molo 9. Jeremy Marshall-King 10. Mark Nicholls 11. Connelly Lemuelu 12. Oryn Keeley 13. Kurt Donoghoe 14. Ray Stone 15. Aublix Tawha 16. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki 17. Josh Kerr 18. Harrison Graham 19. Peter Hola 20. LJ Nonu 21. Kenny Bromwich 22. Trai Fuller
Players cut:
Late Mail: To come.
Roosters team: 1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Billy Smith 4. Robert Toia 5. Mark Nawaqanitawase 6. Hugo Savala 7. Sam Walker 8. Naufahu Whyte 9. Connor Watson 10. Lindsay Collins 11. Angus Crichton 12. Siua Wong 13. Victor Radley 14. Benaiah Ioelu 15. Egan Butcher 16. Salesi Foketi 17. Spencer Leniu 18. Ethan King 19. Blake Steep 20. Sandon Smith 21. Makahesi Makatoa 22. Zach Dockar-Clay
Players cut:
Late Mail: To come.
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs vs New Zealand Warriors at Accor Stadium, 7:35pm AEST
Bulldogs team: 1. Jacob Kiraz 2. Jethro Rinakama 3. Bronson Xerri 4. Stephen Crichton 5. Enari Tuala 6. Matt Burton 7. Lachlan Galvin 8. Max King 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Samuel Hughes 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Jacob Preston 13. Jaeman Salmon 14. Kurt Mann 15. Harry Hayes 16. Josh Curran 17. Bailey Hayward 19. Mitchell Woods 20. Blake Wilson 21. Daniel Suluka-Fifita 22. Kurtis Morrin 23. Toby Sexton
Players cut:
Late Mail: To come.
Warriors team: 1. Taine Tuaupiki 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 3. Adam Pompey 4. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 5. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 6. Chanel Harris-Tavita 7. Tanah Boyd 8. Marata Niukore 9. Samuel Healey 10. Jackson Ford 11. Leka Halasima 12. Kurt Capewell 13. Erin Clark 14. Te Maire Martin 15. Eddie Ieremia 16. Demitric Vaimauga 17. Tanner Stowers-Smith 18. Freddy Lussick 21. Edward Kosi 22. Kayliss Fatialofa 23. James Fisher-Harris 25. Bunty Afoa
Players cut:
Late Mail: To come.
“He’s struggling”: Ivan defends trainer | 11:14
SUNDAY AUGUST 10
Gold Coast Titans vs South Sydney Rabbitohs at Cbus Super Stadium, 2:00pm AEST
Titans team: 1. AJ Brimson 2. Jaylan De Groot 3. Brian Kelly 4. Jojo Fifita 5. Alofiana Khan-Pereira 6. Kieran Foran 7. Jayden Campbell 8. Moeaki Fotuaika 9. Sam Verrills 10. Jaimin Jolliffe 11. Chris Randall 12. Beau Fermor 13. Klese Haas 14. Jacob Alick-Wiencke 15. Reagan Campbell-Gillard 16. Iszac Fa’asumaleaui 17. Josh Patston 18. Arama Hau 19. Tom Weaver 20. Tukimihia Simpkins 21. Tony Francis 22. Ryan Foran
Players cut:
Late Mail: Keano Kini will return from a serious neck injury in QLD Cup, with a potential NRL return before the end of the season on the cards if things go well, according to The Daily Telegraph. Des Hasler said a fortnight ago, Kini won’t play again this year after he underwent neck surgery earlier this season, but the fact that he is back playing could mean a Titans return is not far away.
Rabbitohs team: 1. Jye Gray 2. Alex Johnston 3. Isaiah Tass 4. Tallis Duncan 5. Bayleigh Bentley-Hape 6. Ashton Ward 7. Jamie Humphreys 8. Jai Arrow 9. Siliva Havili 10. Sean Keppie 11. Euan Aitken 12. Jacob Host 13. Lachlan Hubner 14. Peter Mamouzelos 15. Liam Le Blanc 16. Brandon Smith 17. Thomas Fletcher 18. Tyrone Munro 19. Talanoa Penitani 20. Salesi Ataata 21. Shaquai Mitchell 22. Latrell Mitchell
Players cut:
Late Mail: Superstar fullback Latrell Mitchell is firming to return from injury this weekend.
Mitchell hasn’t played since round 17 due to a quad injury but would be a huge inclusion for a team battling to avoid the wooden spoon against the Titans who are only above them on for and against. The Rabbitohs have been ravaged by injuries to their best players this year, but there is hope that a few of them could return in the coming weeks, with Brandon Smith named on the bench, while Cam Murray and Campbell Graham both trained on Thursday.
Mitchell has been named on an extended bench but could be a late inclusion either at fullback or at left centre if Wayne Bennett decides to keep Jye Gray in the No.1 jersey. “He did about two-thirds of the session today and he looked good, so fingers crossed he’ll be a massive in for us,” teammate Jacob Host said. “He’s a great leader who played for NSW this year, and I thought he was outstanding for them. He’ll be captain if he’s out there and that’s what we need in the team – we need leaders – so it’ll be great to have him back.” Gray wasn’t sure whether Mitchell would be cleared for Sunday’s trip to the Gold Coast but would love to have him back in the team. “He trained a bit out there today, so it would be awesome to have him back. For sure (it’s the most he’s trained since the injury). He did a bit with the team today, so hopefully it’s all good,” the fullback said. “We’ll just have to see how he pulls up tomorrow.”
Parramatta Eels vs North Queensland Cowboys at CommBank Stadium, 4:05pm AEST
Eels team: 1. Joash Papalii 2. Zac Lomax 3. Viliami Penisini 4. Jordan Samrani 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Dean Hawkins 7. Mitchell Moses 8. J’maine Hopgood 9. Ryley Smith 10. Junior Paulo 11. Charlie Guymer 12. Jack Williams 13. Dylan Walker 14. Tallyn Da Silva 15. Luca Moretti 16. Matt Doorey 17. Kelma Tuilagi 18. Ronald Volkman 19. Dan Keir 20. Haze Dunster 21. Toni Mataele 22. Dylan Brown
Players cut:
Late Mail: Dylan Brown is reportedly set to be recalled — but in a surprise new role. According to The Sydney Morning Herald, coach Jason Ryles is expected to make a late change with Brown moving into the centres in place of Jordan Samrani, who was originally named to replace the injured Sean Russell. It would be a shock call by Ryles given he had dropped Brown — who will join the Knights next season — from the 17 so he could start planning for the future. And while Brown is quite versatile, he’s only started in two of his 138 NRL games at centre. Both were in 2022.
Cowboys team: 1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Zac Laybutt 3. Jaxon Purdue 4. Viliami Vailea 5. Braidon Burns 6. Jake Clifford 7. Tom Dearden 8. Harrison Edwards 9. Reece Robson 10. Jason Taumalolo 11. John Bateman 12. Jeremiah Nanai 13. Reuben Cotter 14. Marly Bitungane 15. Thomas Mikaele 16. Kai O’Donnell 17. Coen Hess 18. Jaxson Paulo 19. Semi Valemei 20. Nicholas Lenaz 21. Jamal Shibasaki 22. Kaiden Lahrs
Players cut:
Late Mail: To come.
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