Origin teams have dropped meaning NRL clubs can choose their side for round 17.
There are only four games because of Origin, but the Storm will be without three of their best players for a crunch top-four clash against the Sharks – who are going to name Nicho Hynes.
The Brisbane fullback is one of five players to be ruled out this week, but his backup has returned from a hamstring injury.
Newcastle are set to welcome two stars back from a long-term injury against the Rabbitohs, who have several players racing against the clock to be fit.
Here are your team tips for Round 17!
THURSDAY
Cronulla Sharks vs Melbourne Storm 7:50pm at PointsBet Stadium
Last week’s Sharks team: 1. Will Kennedy 2. Sione Katoa 3. Jesse Ramien 4. Siosifa Talakai 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo 6. Matt Moylan 7. Nicho Hynes 8. Toby Rudolf 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Royce Hunt 11. Brit Nikora 12. Wade Graham 15. Dale Finucane 13. Cameron McInnes 14. Aiden Tolman 16. Teig Wilton 17. Andrew Fifita 18. Connor Tracey
Team Tips: Nicho Hynes was the Blues’ 18th man in Game II, but that spot now belongs to Jack Wighton, meaning the Sharks get their halfback for this crunch clash. Jack Williams is scheduled to return from a shoulder injury.
Last week’s Storm team: 19. Ryan Papenhuyzen 1. Nick Meaney 3. Marion Seve 4. Justin Olam 5. Grant Anderson 14. Jayden Nikorima 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Jesse Bromwich 9. Harry Grant 15. Tui Kamikamica 11. Chris Lewis 12. Kenny Bromwich 13. Brandon Smith 2. Dean Ieremia 10. Josh King 17. Nelson Asofa-Solomona 18. Alec MacDonald
Team Tips: The Storm took their biggest spray in years during their loss to Manly last week and now things get tougher with their Origin stars missing. Cameron Munster and Harry Grant are in Maroon camp, while Felise Kaufusic will miss another week to be with his father, who is unwell abroad. Tom Eisenhuth (hamstring) returns this week.
FRIDAY
Newcastle Knights vs South Sydney Rabbitohs 7:55pm at McDonald Jones Stadium
Last week’s Ridders team: 1. Tex Hoy 2. Edrick Lee 3. Dane Gagai 4. Enari Tuala 5. Dominic Young 6. Anthony Milford 7. Adam Clune 8. David Klemmer 9. Chris Randall 22. Daniel Saifiti 11. Tyson Frizell 12. Mitchell Barnett 13. Kurt Mann 10. Jacob Saifiti 14. Simi Sasagi 15. Leo Thompson 16. Mathew Croker 19. Lachlan Fitzgibbon
Team Tips: Knights coach Adam O’Brien said there is a “high probability” injured duo Bradman Best (elbow) and Jayden Brailey (Achilles) will return for this clash. Jacob Saifiti is chosen in the Blues selection, but will be available for this one.
Last week’s Rabbitohs team: 1. Latrell Mitchell 2. Alex Johnston 19. Isaiah Tass 4. Campbell Graham 5. Jaxson Paulo 6. Cody Walker 7. Lachlan Ilias 8. Tevita Tatola 9. Damien Cook 17. Hame Sele 11. Keaon Koloamatangi 12. Jai Arrow 13. Cameron Murray 10. Mark Nicholls 14. Kodi Nikorima 15. Thomas Burgess 16. Siliva Havili
Team Tips: The Rabbitohs are holding Latrell Mitchell after he failed to make himself available to qualify for the Blues. Hame Sele went away last week with a hamstring injury and Mark Nicholls failed a HIA. Taane Milne was dropped to the 18th man before kick-off and Isaiah Tass moved to the centers and performed well. Zane Bijorac is scheduled to be available for selection.
SATURDAY
Wests Tigers vs Parramatta Eels 7:35 PM in Leichhardt Oval
Last week’s Tigers team: 1. Daine Laurie 2. David Nofoaluma 3. Starford To’a 4. James Roberts 5. Ken Maumalo 6. Luke Brooks 7. Jackson Hastings 16. Alex Seyfarth 9. Fa’amanu Brown 10. Zane Musgrove 11. Luke Garner 12. Kelma Tuilagi 13. Joe Ofahengaue 14. Stefano Utoikamanu 15. Adam Doueihi 17. Fonua Pole 20. Austin Dias
Team Tips: The Tigers got through round 15 unscathed, but James Tamou (calf) is coming back this week.
Last week’s Eels team: 1. Clinton Gutherson 2. Maika Sivo 3. Viliami Penisini 4. Waqa Blake 5. Bailey Simonsson 6. Dylan Brown 7. Mitchell Moses 8. Reagan Campbell-Gillard 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Junior Paulo 11. Shaun Lane 12. Isaiah Papali ‘i 15. Marata Niukore 14. Makahesi Makatoa 16. Oregon Kaufusi 17. Ky Rodwell 18. Tom Opacic
Team Tips: Ryan Matterson was ruled out 24 hours after kick-off last week, but no explanation was given.
SUNDAY
Brisbane Broncos vs St George Illawarra Dragons 4:05 PM at Suncorp Stadium
Last week’s Broncos team: 1. Te Maire Martin 2. Corey Oates 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Brenko Lee 5. Selwyn Cobbo 6. Ezra Mam 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Corey Jensen 9. Billy Walters 10. Payne Haas 11. Kurt Capewell 12. Jordan Riki 13 Patrick Carrigan 14. Jake Turpin 15. Kobe Hetherington 16. Thomas Flegler 17. Keenan Palasia
Team Tips: Payne Haas (shoulder), Te Maire Martin (ribs) and Corey Jensen (calf) are all ruled out after injuries against the Cowboys.
“Scans show that Te Maire Martin sustained fractured costal cartilage and he will most certainly miss this week’s game against the Dragons, with his return based on how the injury presents itself in the coming weeks,” the Broncos said in a statement.
“Corey Jensen has picked up a grade 2 calf strain that could take several weeks of rehabilitation, but knowing Corey’s dedication to his training and preparation, he will be back as soon as possible.” TC Robati (broken arm) was injured in reserve class next to backrower Brendan Piakura (head knock). Tesi Niu (hamstring) is slated to return and would fill in at fullback.
Last week’s Dragons team: 1. Cody Ramsey 2. Mathew Feagai 3. Moses Suli 4. Zac Lomax 5. Mikaele Ravalawa 6. Talatau Amone 7. Ben Hunt 8. Jack de Belin 9. Andrew McCullough 10. Blake Lawrie 11. Jack Bird 12. Jaydn Su’ A 13. Tariq Sims 14. Moses Mbye 15. Francis Molo 16. Aaron Woods 17. Michael Molo
Team Tips: Matt Feagai went out in the second half with a leg injury.
#Broncos #Confirm #Injuries #Knights #star #duo #returns #NRL #Team #Tips