Round 9 Injury Report
Finally the Rep matches are over and we can get stuck into some NRLCEO action again. After 45 “injuries” occurring over the rep weekend, let’s take a look at who has miraculously recovered just in time for this week’s matches and those that are still slugging it out in the injury ward.
Roosters v Tigers
After being ruled out of the rep round, Michael Jennings and James Maloney have both been named to take their places in the Roosters side against the Tigers this weekend, and both players will be looking for big performances to stake their claims for the upcoming Origin series. There has been some speculation in the last few days that Robbie Farah could be a shock inclusion for this week’s match against the Roosters. However I would suggest that the Tigers aren’t willing to take any chances with Farah given the Origin period is just around the corner, and that a return next week against Cronulla is more likely for the Tigers captain. There are also some concerns over the fitness of Liam Fulton for this week, Curtis Sironen could be a chance of making an early return from injury if Fulton is ruled out.
Cowboys v Broncos
Tariq Sims is in some doubt for this weekend’s match after he injured his ankle in the City Country match last Sunday. Sims is set to undergo a fitness test later this week to determine his place in the side, and if he is ruled out, most likely Glenn Hall or Joel Riethmuller will take his spot in the Cowboys starting line-up. For the Broncos, Sam Thaiday is set to miss another week with a calf injury that has ruled him out since round 7, with Josh Hoffman is set to return from a foot issue.
Warriors v Raiders
David Fusitu’a has been ruled out for the Warriors this week, giving hard running winger Nani Laumape another crack in the top grade, however high-flying winger Kevin Locke has been named on an 18-man bench and may be a late inclusion on the sting for the Warriors. Thomas Leuluai will again be sidelined with a groin injury with Chad Townsend to take his place, while the Raiders will be missing their big bopper Shannon Boyd this week to a sternum injury opening the way for Kyle O’Donnell to make his second appearance of the year.
Titans v Rabbitohs
The Gold Coast halves pairing of Albert Kelly and Aidan Sezer have both been named to play this week after suffering ankle injuries in round 8, but don’t be surprised if there is a late re-shuffle in the Titans line-up prior to kick off this week. John Sutton, Sam Burgess and Ben Te’o look to have overcome their rep round “niggles” to take their place in the Rabbits line-up for this week, however there is still no sign of hardnosed hooker Isaac Luke returning from a shoulder injury that has ruled him out since Round 3.
Storm v Sea Eagles
The Storm will be missing Justin O’Neill for up to 10 weeks after it was confirmed that the centre had broken his ankle in the clash against the Warriors. On a positive note, Sisa Waqa has had his surgery on his ankle delayed until the end of the season and will take O’Neill’s place in the Storm line-up this week. Bad news on the injury front for the Sea Eagles with Glenn Stewart, Jamie Lyon and Kieran Foran all set to miss this week’s action, and Anthony Watmough and Daly Cherry-Evans in doubt. Stewart is the biggest loss for Manly having being ruled out for up to 6 weeks with an ankle injury – look for Jamie Buhrer to notch up some big involvements in his absence.
Knights v Panthers
No real injury news for the Knights this week, Akuila Uate is set to make his return from injury meaning that promising youngster Jake Mamo will drop off the wing. Prolific workhorse forward Elijah Taylor has suffered a medial ligament strain that could see him ruled out of action for the next 5-6 weeks, this will no doubt throw a spanner in the works for a lot of CEO’s, most of whom will be found scouring the “spud” pool to find a suitable replacement. Taylor’s injury means that Adam Docker has the chance to step up and take over the work rate given that Sika Manu and Tyrone Peachy are hardly viable workhorse options. However don’t be surprised if Kevin Kingston steps up and shows NRLCEO form with some big involvements. Tim Grant is also set to miss 1-2 weeks with a calf injury.
Dragons v Bulldogs
Jason Nightingale is the only injury concern for the Dragons this week, he is set to miss up to four weeks after suffering a knee injury in the ANZAC Test. The Bulldogs have no injury concerns this week with Tim Lafai returning to take his spot in the centres.
Eels v Sharks
Ben Smith is set to return from a broken finger this week, however he may have to sweat it out in reverse grade after the red hot form of Manu Ma’u, Joseph Paulo and young gun Pauli Pauli in recent weeks. Despite some concerns for Eels co-captains Jarryd Hayne and Tim Mannah, it seems as though they have both shaken their respective injuries and will line up for the Eels this week. Todd Carney is again ruled out with a hamstring issue that has been plaguing his season, however both NRLCEO’s and Sharks fans alike will be salivating at the return of Luke Lewis in his place. Lewis has been sidelined since the World Cup after suffering that horrific shoulder injury so don’t expect any miracles from the hard-headed back rower until he regains his match fitness.
Dylan Hunt
Latest posts by Dylan Hunt (see all)
- Round 10 Injury Report - May 15, 2014
- Round 9 Injury Report - May 9, 2014
