Halfback Braydon Trindall was ruled out of Cronulla’s game against the Titans on Friday due to a mild hamstring strain. The club is hopeful that Trindall could return as early as next week, which would be a blow to their hopes of maintaining fourth place.
With Blayke Brailey named in the halves to partner Daniel Atkinson as they did earlier in the year when they stunned the Storm, Trindall has scored a try in five straight games and has stepped up as their primary playmaker with Nicho Hynes out due to injury.
In the chop and change, Braden Hamlin-Uele will also not travel north because of knee soreness, and Cameron McInnes will start at dummy-half and Jack Williams at starting point.
The Titans have mixed news as they attempt to salvage their slim hopes of making the playoffs. While back-rower Beau Fermor will miss several weeks due to a bruised kidney, they do have Sam Verrills, who left the pitch due to an ankle injury last week but is healthy.
Despite the fact that the explosive fullback only appeared in one game wearing the No. 6 jersey for the Warriors in 2021, the Broncos have resisted the temptation to start Reece Walsh at five-eighth for their crucial victory over the Cowboys.
Josh Rogers replaces Ezra Mam (ankle) as Adam Reynolds’ halves partner, and Xavier Willison starts in the front row with Payne Haas expected to miss.
The Cowboys are hopeful that Jason Taumalolo will return before the finals, but they also welcome back Reuben Cotter following a concussion. Veteran Jake Granville suffered a pec injury, and scans will determine whether he returns this year.
Temporary Coach Ben Hornby of South Sydney has started Cody Walker at halfback even though the veteran missed the team’s loss to the Sharks last week and was unable to practise on Monday due to a calf injury.
If he is ruled out against a Storm team that has lost Eliesa Katoa to a knee injury, Dean Hawkins will probably take his place.
After resting the young half last week, Ricky Stuart has called up Ethan Strange for Saturday’s match against Manly. However, they will be without Zac Hosking for the entirety of 2024 as it has been confirmed he needs season-ending shoulder surgery.
The visitors have a lot of reasons to celebrate as they get back Haumole Olakau’atu from suspension and Lehi Hopoate from a facial injury. Lachlan Croker, who has been dealing with persistent concussion symptoms, will also play in his first game in three months.
While the club announced that Justin Olam would undergo surgery on both knees this week, the Wests Tigers will be without him for the remainder of the season. However, Adam Doueihi, Fonua Pole, and Aidan Sezer will be returning for the trip to Newcastle.
Point-scoring machine Jamayne Isaako’s recovery from a serious ankle injury ahead of the Dolphins’ game against the Warriors gives them a boost, while Daine Laurie of the Panthers returns after clearing concussion protocols.
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