NRL 2024 team news, Late Mail, Round 9 team news, team changes, team rosters, latest team updates and injury news for this week’s games

May 2, 2024 Vaseline stjohnson 0

Big news ahead of Thursday’s clash between the Rabbitohs and Panthers with Nathan Cleary ruled out for the defending premiers.

Meanwhile, Brisbane are set to welcome big guns Ezra Mam and Selwyn Cobbo for their blockbuster clash against the Roosters, who will also have Daniel Tupou and Victor Radley back on deck.

NRL Late Mail: Round 9

Rabbitohs vs Panthers, Thursday at Accor Stadium

Rabbits: Several changes following a head coaching change from South Sydney, with Jacob Gagai out and Isaiah Tass moving to wing. Michael Chee-Kam moves from the back row to center, and Keaon Koloamatangi moves to the second row after initially being named as a prop. Jai Arrow now starts with Sean Keppie as the new face on the bench.

Panthers: A big change in Wednesday night’s 24-hour update with Nathan Cleary ruled out as a precaution due to a hamstring injury and Brad Schneider coming in at halfback. Jack Cole also joins the defending premiers’ bench, who welcome Sunia Turuva back into the sideline. Kiwi Test prop Moses Leota is back after a week out injured.

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Sea Eagles vs Raiders, Friday at 4 Pines Park

Sea Eagles: Daly Cherry-Evans will start at halfback after he got his dangerous shooting charge downgraded before the judiciary on Tuesday. Toafofoa Sipley (knee) is expected to return from the bench.

Assailants: Elliott Whitehead will return to boost the Raiders after a tough loss last week led to several changes on the defensive line. Albert Hopoate replaces Chevy Stewart at fullback, while veteran Nick Cotric comes in at fullback.

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Broncos vs Roosters, Friday at Suncorp Stadium

Broncos: A big boost for Brisbane with Ezra Mam (finger) and Selwyn Cobbo (shoulder) both playing. Jordan Riki suffered a facial cut in training but will be ready for the game with Corey Oates named as the 18th man. The only question mark remains Payne Haas, who raced alone in the team’s final session on Thursday, with Ben Te Kura waiting for the powerful prop. Kotoni Staggs (knee) is ready to go.

Roosters: Victor Radley has been included in the reserves and could be a late inclusion for Siua Wong, with the Roosters making a call in their final training session on Thursday. Veteran winger Daniel Tupou (knee) will return.

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Bulldogs against Wests Tigers, Saturday at Accor Stadium

Bulldogs: All eyes on the reserves with rising star Jacob Preston on the roster and the possibility of returning from the jaw injury. His return would see Jaeman Salmon return to the blocking position and Kurt Mann return to the bench, with coach Cameron Ciraldo making a final decision on the fullback on Friday. Connor Tracey is once again the preferred option at full-back with Blake Taaffe on the bench.

Western Tigers: Api Koroisau has been named despite suffering a back injury and will be monitored throughout the week. Jake Simpkin has been named among the reserves and would be the replacement if the captain is ruled out, while Starford To’a is also among the reserves, but he is more likely to return next week.

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Titans v Storm, Saturday at Cbus Super Stadium

Titans: Representative prop Moeaki Fotuaika is out with a concussion, so Joe Stimson starts at prop, while David Fifita is named to start but could make a late switch to the bench, as has been the case in recent weeks.

Storm: Nelson Asofa-Solomona has been named despite having an injury problem on ANZAC Day and will be monitored throughout the week. Tyran Wishart’s versatility is on display once again after he was named the starter on the wing in place of Xavier Coates (hamstring) with Bronson Garlick set to join the bench.

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Cowboys vs Dolphins, Saturday at Queensland Country Bank Stadium

Cowboys: Heilum Luki is called up to play for the first time since being injured in Round 2, and his return to the bench came at the expense of veteran Jake Granville. Viliami Vailea will debut in place of the injured Tom Chester.

Dolphins:A big boost for coach Wayne Bennett with Felise Kaufusi and Connelly Lemuelu named to return from injury. Jesse Bromwich has been named but is running out of time to overcome a calf injury, which could see Jarrod Wallace return to the team.

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Knights vs Warriors, Sunday at McDonald Jones Stadium

Gentlemen: Jacob Saifiti is doubtful after failing to finish that game due to a lower leg injury that forced him to use crutches after the match. Jack Hetherington’s return from suspension would likely involve a direct swap with the star prop if he is ruled out, with no other changes expected for the Knights.

Warriors: He will run out as per the schedule with Bunty Afoa ready to play after the timeout with a hamstring injury, while Kurt Capewell also returns after a throat injury.

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Sharks v Dragons, Sunday at PointsBet Stadium

Sharks: Toby Rudolf returns to the bench at the expense of Tuku Hau Tapuha, who is once again the eighteenth man. Daniel Atkinson will appear alongside Nicho Hynes in the halves after a strong performance last week.

Dragons: Luciano Leilua is expected to return from injury after being named in the reserves, with the Dragons making a final call on the Samoan international later in the week. Ben Murdoch-Masila would be the player most likely to drop if he were included, while Zac Lomax moves into the centers for Moses Suli (concussion).

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