Daine Laurie has already ruled himself out of playing in the halves this weekend, with Panthers coach Ivan Cleary set to choose either Brad Schneider or Jack Cole to replace his injured son.
Laurie’s versatility would make him the perfect option to slot into the six jersey for Saturday’s trip to Canberra, and while he did play eight games at five-eighth for the Wests Tigers last year, he won’t reprise the role this weekend with Nathan Cleary unavailable but hopeful of a return in the finals after he hurt his shoulder against the Storm.
“I don’t know too much. Nath did something to his shoulder which is unfortunate, but I’m playing on the wing this weekend. I’m ready to do my job and what’s best for the team,” Laurie said.
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“That’s up to coach (whether I play five-eighth). That’s not up to me, I’ll play wherever the coach wants me to, but that’s on the wing this week.
“I don’t mind, I’ll play anywhere. This team has been the best team for the last four years. Wherever I can slot into the side, I’m happy to do it.”
Cleary was shattered after coming off late having missed a large chunk of the season with a hamstring injury.
But he’s also started his rehab and is desperate to return to help Penrith win a fourth title in as many years.
“After the game, he (Cleary) was pretty gutted, but he’s already in there ripping in and has started his rehab. He’s in good spirits and can’t wait to get back,” Laurie said.
“He’s the man. I reckon he’s one of the best players I’ve ever seen out of my whole lifetime.
“I haven’t really spoken to him about it. It’s unfortunate that he’s injured because he’s a big asset for this team and has been for however long he’s been playing here.
“(We’ve just got to embrace) that next man up mentality. Whoever is in that position is going to do a good job.”
Laurie is fine but says he was “dazed” after he was hit high by man mountain Nelson Asofa-Solomona last week and is looking forward to running out on the right wing again after Ivan Cleary made a late switch to start him and drop Sunia Turuva to 18th man after superstar Dylan Edwards was cleared to return at fullback.
The early call to keep him on the wing means either Cole or Schneider will start in the halves on Saturday, with Laurie confident both men will handle the role given they’ve performed well when called upon throughout the season.
“They’re young and keen to have a game,” he said.
“Getting stuck behind two deadly players in Romey (Jarome Luai) and Clez (Cleary), they’ll have the next-man-up mentality and will try to do their best for the team.
“We do opposed sessions throughout the week so they get plenty of reps.”
Meanwhile, the Broncos will be without three big-name superstars, with Reece Walsh joining Payne Haas and Ezra Mam in the casualty ward.
Also the Sharks are set for a pair of big boosts while the Roosters will be missing a key middle forward.
Read below for all your Round 25 team news!
THURSDAY
Wests Tigers vs Manly Sea Eagles, 7:50pm at Leichhardt Oval
Last week’s Tigers team: 19. Heath Mason 2. Luke Laulilii 3. Solomona Faataape 4. Adam Doueihi 5. Charlie Staines 6. Lachlan Galvin 7. Aidan Sezer 8. Stefano Utoikamanu 9. Apisai Koroisau 10. David Klemmer 11. Alex Seyfarth 12. Samuela Fainu 13. Isaiah Papali’i 14. Tallyn Da Silva 15. Sione Fainu 16. Fonua Pole 17. Alex Twal
Team Tips: The Tigers got through their win over the Rabbitohs relatively unscathed outside of Fonua Pole, who left the field with a knee injury in the second half. He’s unlikely to be fit for Round 25, meaning Reuben Porter or Justin Matamua will join the bench. Heath Mason was solid at fullback in the absence of Jahream Bula and will likely retain his spot.
Last week’s Sea Eagles team:
Team Tips: 1. Tom Trbojevic 2. Jason Saab 3. Tommy Talau 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. Tolutau Koula 19. Toafofoa Sipley
Team Tips: The Sea Eagles were handed a big scare with Tom Trbojevic suffering a pectoral niggle, however he’s made it clear post-match that it wasn’t a big issue and it won’t see him miss any game time. Tommy Talau, meanwhile, also suffered a pectoral injury and was taken from the field alongside Gordon Cham Kum Tong who copped a shoulder blow. However, Anthony Seibold explained both players should be good to take the field in Round 25. Should either player be sidelined, Tolu Koula or Jake Simpkin could be their replacements.
Crossland sin bin drama divides NRL | 00:43
FRIDAY
New Zealand Warriors vs Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs 6pm at Go Media Stadium
Last week’s Warriors team:
Team Tips: 1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 3. Adam Pompey 4. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 5. Marcelo Montoya 21. Luke Metcalf 7. Shaun Johnson 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 14. Freddy Lussick 10. Mitch Barnett 11. Marata Niukore 12. Kurt Capewell 13. Dylan Walker 6. Chanel Harris-Tavita 15. Tom Ale 16. Jazz Tevaga 17. Demitric Sifakula 20. Taine Tuaupiki
Team Tips: Jackson Ford is due to return from a knee injury in Round 25, having been sidelined since Round 21. Should he be good to go, he’ll join the bench in place of Demitric Sifakula. Ali Leiataua is also set to be fit to play after a head knock, however it remains to be seen if he has a place in the backline, potentially displacing Adam Pompey.
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 8. Josh Curran 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Samuel Hughes 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Jacob Preston 13. Kurt Mann 14. Bailey Hayward 15. Kurtis Morrin 16. Harry Hayes 17. Jaeman Salmon
Team Tips: Prop Josh Curran left the field with a shoulder injury in the final five minutes of his side’s win over the Dolphins. It’s the same injury that saw him in doubt to take the field in Round 23. It remains to be seen if he’s fit for Round 25, with Lipoi Hopoi a chance to slot into the front row. Max King underwent surgery in July for a wrist injury and it remains to be seen when he will be fit to take the field.
Brisbane Broncos vs Parramatta Eels 8pm at Suncorp Stadium
Round 22 Broncos team: 1. Reece Walsh 2. Josiah Karapani 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Deine Mariner 5. Jesse Arthars 6. Josh 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. Tristan Sailor 17. Martin Taupau
Team Tips: The Broncos will be without Reece Walsh in the coming weeks after he suffered a fractured hand, with Tristan Sailor the obvious man to slot into the No.1 jersey. Benjamin Te Kura is then likely to join the bench after being 18th man two weeks ago. Elsewhere, no changes are expected after Brisbane enjoyed a week off. However, the Broncos are still missing Ezra Mam and Payne Haas, with the five-eighth set to be sidelined for the remainder of this season. Haas, meanwhile could return from a Lisfranc injury in the finals, but it remains to be seen if he can recover in time and if Brisbane finish in the top eight.
Last week’s Eels team: 1. Clinton Gutherson 2. Jake Tago 3. Viliami Penisini 4. Blaize Talagi 5. Sean Russell 6. Dylan Brown 7. Daejarn Asi 8. Reagan Campbell-Gillard 9. Brendan Hands 10. Wiremu Greig 11. Shaun Lane 12. Bryce Cartwright 14. Joey Lussick 15. Joe Ofahengaue 16. Kelma Tuilagi 17. Dan Keir 19. Maika Sivo
Team Tips: The Eels got through their loss against the Roosters without injury, with Ryan Matterson unlikely to return as he continues to deal with a rib injury that saw him drop out of the starting side in Round 24. Maika Sivo made his return to the side off the bench, but looks unlikely he will play that role again after featuring for only 29 minutes after replacing Jake Tago.
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O’Brien frustrated by big calls in loss | 04:43
SATURDAY
Canberra Raiders vs Penrith Panthers 3pm at GIO Stadium
Last week’s Raiders team: 1. Kaeo Weekes 2. Sebastian Kris 3. Matthew Timoko 4. Ethan Strange 5. Xavier Savage 6. Adam Cook 7. Jamal Fogarty 16. Ata Mariota 9. Tom Starling 10. Joseph Tapine 11. Hudson Young 12. Elliott Whitehead 13. Morgan Smithies 8. Josh Papali’i 14. Danny Levi 15. Emre Guler 17. Simi Sasagi
Team Tips: Jordan Rapana is due to return, which will likely see Ethan Strange shift back to five-eighth and Sebastian Kris shift into the centres, with Adam Cook the man to make way. He could shift back to the bench, with Danny Levi moving off the bench as the utility.
Last week’s Panthers team: 20. Dylan Edwards 1. Daine Laurie 3. Izack Tago 4. Casey McLean 5. Brian To’o 6. Jarome Luai 7. Nathan Cleary 8. Moses Leota 9. Mitch Kenny 19. James Fisher-Harris 10. Lindsay Smith 11. Mavrik Geyer 13. Isaah Yeo 12. Liam Henry 14. Trent Toelau 15. Matt Eisenhuth 16. Luron Patea 17. Jack Cole
Team Tips: The big loss for the Panthers comes in the form of Nathan Cleary who is set for a stint on the sidelines due to a shoulder injury. He’s likely to be replaced by Brad Schneider who was pulled from NSW Cup over the weekend to remain fresh according to The Daily Telegraph, with Jarome Luai to slot into the No.7 jersey and assume lead playmaking duties. Jack Cole remains another option, however he was picked on the bench alongside Trent Toelau and could remain on the pine. Dylan Edwards and James Fisher-Harris both made successful returns against the Storm, while Liam Martin is due back from suspension in Round 25 which will likely see Mavrik Geyer drop back to the bench, with Luron Patea dropping out of the side. Luke Sommerton is the likely man to replace Mitch Kenny after being left out of reserve grade last weekend. Kenny was handed a one-game ban for his high tackle on Grant Anderson.
Melbourne Storm vs Dolphins 5:30pm at AAMI Park
Last week’s Storm team: 1. Ryan Papenhuyzen 2. William Warbrick 3. Jack Howarth 4. Nick Meaney 5. Grant Anderson 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 14. Tyran Wishart 15. Lazarus Vaalepu 16. Tui Kamikamica 17. Alec MacDonald
Team Tips: Xavier Coates is due to return from a hamstring injury, and will likely replace Jack Howarth, with Grant Anderson shifting into the centres. Christian Welch is also nearing a return from a back injury and if he’s fit, he will likely join the bench with Lazarus Vaalepu the man to make way.
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 10. Tevita Pangai Junior 14. Oryn Keeley 15. Lachlan Hubner 17. Sean O’Sullivan
Team Tips: Jeremy Marshall-King is tracking for a return from a foot injury and will slot back into the No.9 jersey if he’s fit, with Max Plath shifting to lock. Mark Nicholls is also due to return on the bench after sitting out with a head knock, which will see either Oryn Keeley or Lachlan Hubner drop off the bench.
South Sydney Rabbitohs vs Newcastle Knights 7:35pm @ Accor Stadium
Last week’s Rabbitohs team: 1. Jye Gray 2. Fletcher Myers 3. Taane Milne 4. Richard Kennar 5. Jacob Gagai 6. Jack Wighton 7. Cody Walker 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: Halfback Cody Walker will miss one game after copping a head knock in the loss to the Tigers. Dion Teaupa is the man most likely to take his place. Richard Kennar will miss the rest of the season after copping a three match ban for a high shot. Exciting outside back Tyrone Munro could return from injury this week given he was in the extended reserves for the Tigers clash and played NSW Cup last weekend. If Munro is right, he is likely to be named on the wing with Jacob Gagai shifting into the centres.
Fitzgibbon full of praise for new Sharks | 06:29
Last week’s Knights team:
Team Tips: 1. Kalyn Ponga 2. Fletcher Sharpe 3. Dane Gagai 22. Kyle McCarthy 5. Greg Marzhew 6. Tyson Gamble 7. Phoenix Crossland 8. Daniel Saifiti 9. Jayden Brailey 10. Leo Thompson 11. Tyson Frizell 12. Kai Pearce-Paul 13. Adam Elliott 14. Jack Cogger 15. Mathew Croker 16. Jack Hetherington 17. Brodie Jones 18. Thomas Cant
Team Tips: The versatile Dylan Lucas is in line to return from a hamstring injury. He was named to return in the centres for last Sunday’s clash against the Sharks, but was a late scratching. That opened the door for young gun Kyle McCarthy, who more than held his own on debut. Bradman Best is also close to a return from a hamstring injury. If both Best and Lucas are fit, Lucas likely starts on the bench with Best in the centres. Coach Adam O’Brien said he’s a chance for next week. Tyson Gamble suffered a hand injury against the Sharks with O’Brien confirming the playmaker will miss at least a week. Expect Jack Cogger to partner Phoenix Crossland in the halves against Souths.
SUNDAY
Gold Coast Titans vs Sydney Roosters, 2pm at Cbus Super Stadium
Last week’s Titans team: 1. Keano Kini 2. Alofiana Khan-Pereira 3. Brian Kelly 4. Phillip Sami 5. Jojo Fifita 6. Jayden Campbell 7. Kieran Foran 8. Jaimin Jolliffe 9. Sam Verrills 10. Erin Clark 11. David Fifita 12. Klese Haas 13. Chris Randall 14. AJ Brimson 15. Isaac Liu 16. Josiah Pahulu 17. Keenan Palasia 19. Tanah Boyd
Team Tips: The Titans get back their Origin prop in Moe Fotuaika from suspension in a much-needed boost ahead of a clash against a fearsome Roosters pack. Erin Clark is the man who will drop out of the starting side. Beau Fermor (kidney) is a chance of returning. He’ll start in the second row if right, which will likely force Chris Randall out of the starting side and Klese Haas into the No. 13 jersey.
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. Spencer Leniu 9. Brandon Smith 10. Lindsay Collins 11. Angus Crichton 12. Victor Radley 13. Connor Watson 14. Sitili Tupouniua 15. Naufahu Whyte 17. Terrell May 19. Siua Wong
Team Tips: Dom Young sat on the sideline with his hamstring strapped for the final minutes of the Roosters’ win over the Eels; however coach Trent Robinson said it was precautionary. “He probably could have kept playing,” Robinson said. Young has dealt with a couple of hamstring injuries already this season, hence the club erring on the side of caution once the Roosters had built an unassailable lead. Connor Watson has been stood down for 11 days and will miss at least one game after suffering a category 1 head injury assessment against the Eels. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves has served his four-game suspension and is back on deck. His inclusion likely means Spencer Leniu starts on the bench. Back rower Nat Butcher is set to return from a rib injury. Naufahu Whyte and Siua Wong are the likely two that drop out of the 17.
St George Illawarra Dragons vs Cronulla Sharks, 4.05pm at WIN Stadium
Last week’s Dragons team: 1. Tyrell Sloan 2. Zac Lomax 3. Mathew Feagai 4. Max Feagai 5. Christian Tuipulotu 17. Jack Bird 7. Ben Hunt 8. Francis Molo 9. Jacob Liddle 16. Blake Lawrie 11. Luciano Leilua 12. Jaydn Su’A 13. Tom Eisenhuth 10. Jack de Belin 14. Toby Couchman 15. Ryan Couchman 19. Lyhkan King-Togia 18. Raymond Faitala-Mariner
Team Tips: Jack Bird was solid at five eighth in place of the suspended Kyle Flanagan. 19-year-old playmaker Lhykan King-Togia made his debut off the bench in the win over the Titans, but only played nine minutes. His spot may be in jeopardy given Bird now has a run under the belt at five-eighth and handled it well.
Last week’s Sharks team:
Team Tips: 1. William Kennedy 2. Sione Katoa 3. Jesse Ramien 12. Siosifa Talakai 21. Ronaldo Mulitalo 6. Daniel Atkinson 7. Blayke Brailey 8. Toby Rudolf 9. Cameron McInnes 10. Oregon Kaufusi 11. Briton Nikora 16. Royce Hunt 13. Jack Williams 14. Jayden Berrell 15. Billy Burns 19. Braden Hamlin-Uele 22. Tuku Hau Tapuha 18. Niwhai Puru
Team Tips: Braydon Trindall and Teig Wilton are both in the frame to return from hamstring injuries this week. Trindall’s recent absence has seen Daniel Atkinson and Blayke Brailey as the halves pairing, with both playing well in those roles. Brailey will revert back to hooker when Trindall returns. First choice halfback Nicho Hynes is still a few weeks away with a foot injury. Centre Kayal Iro and prop Tom Hazleton were both ruled out of the Knights clash with illness. According to coach Craig Fitzgibbon, both are “a chance” to play against the Dragons this weekend.
Bye: North Queensland Cowboys
Source Agencies
