The Brisbane Broncos are contemplating a debut for young forward Tupou Francis as the club faces significant selection challenges. Meanwhile, the Wests Tigers will be without Jarome Luai for their upcoming match against the St George Illawarra Dragons due to delayed concussion symptoms.
Broncos coach Michael Maguire is managing a number of absences, with Xavier Willison, Aublix Tawha, and Jack Gosiewski all dealing with injuries. Tawha recently underwent surgery for an ankle injury. Additionally, Josiah Karapani has been stood down, and Reece Walsh, Payne Haas, and Patrick Carrigan are unavailable due to Origin commitments. These circumstances could pave the way for Francis, who has been identified as a promising talent, to make his first NRL appearance.
Broncos navigate injury and Origin challenges
The Broncos are facing a demanding period, needing to secure several wins from their remaining matches to contend for a finals spot. The team will be without five players from their previous game against the Roosters. Gehamat Shibasaki is set to return and will start in the centres, with Grant Anderson moving to a wing position. Deine Mariner is also returning from a leg injury and could feature on the wing alongside Kotoni Staggs, potentially leading to a backline reshuffle. If Mariner plays on the wing, Jesse Arthars could shift to fullback to cover for Walsh, or Hayze Perham could fill that role.
Other potential returns for the Broncos include Adam Reynolds and Ezra Mam, both of whom will need to pass fitness tests for hamstring and AC joint injuries, respectively. If both return, Reynolds would likely replace Ben Hunt, who could then move to the bench. Billy Walters, who recently played for the South Logan Magpies, is also a possibility for a bench spot. The club is also seeking an exemption for Xavier Willison regarding the 11-day concussion stand-down period.
Tigers and Rabbitohs confirm team changes
For the Wests Tigers, the absence of Jarome Luai is a significant setback. Luai‘s delayed concussion symptoms mean Jock Madden will partner Adam Doueihi in the halves. The combination of Doueihi and Madden has previously seen the Tigers achieve a positive record, including wins against the Warriors, Eels, and Knights. Alex Twal is expected to return from a knee injury, which would likely see Alex Seyfarth move to the bench. However, Taylan May‘s season appears to be over after he re-injured his shoulder, with Heamasi Makasini a likely replacement. Samuela Fainu is still a week away from returning from a foot injury, and an update on Patrick Herbert‘s dislocated shoulder is pending.
The South Sydney Rabbitohs will be boosted by the return of Jack Wighton from an arm injury, which has kept him sidelined for several weeks. Wighton will play in the centres alongside Latrell Siegwalt. This move will see Tallis Duncan shift to the back row. Dayne Jennings, who debuted recently, is set to make his first NRL start on the wing, replacing Alex Johnston, who is out with a calf injury. Lachlan Hubner will start at lock in place of Cameron Murray, who is on Origin duty. Matt Dufty has been added to the extended bench.
Panthers make adjustments for upcoming fixture
The Penrith Panthers are preparing for their match against the Rabbitohs with several key players unavailable due to Origin commitments. Nathan Cleary, Isaah Yeo, and Liam Martin will be absent. Despite these changes, Brian To’o will be available for the Panthers. Jack Cogger will step into the halfback role in place of Cleary. The second row will feature a new look with Scott Sorensen and Luke Garner, while Lindsay Smith will replace Yeo as the starting lock. Casey McLean and Mitch Kenny are expected to return from injuries after the Round 19 bye. Billy Scott, Billy Phillips, and Luron Patea are expected to play important roles on the interchange bench, with Jack Cole as a backup in the halves and Sione Fonua providing backline insurance. Kalani Going, captain of the NSW Cup team, is also a likely call-up to the bench.
The Dragons, under interim head coach Dean Young, are not expected to make many changes to their lineup. Kade Reed is still recovering from a finger injury, and there is no further update on Moses Suli‘s hip injury. Blake Lawrie will be sidelined for a month after fracturing his fibula during a training incident.
Source: foxsports.com.au
