Dogs’ crisis laid bare; struggling Cowboys set for monster blow: NRL Team Tips

The Bulldogs’ injury toll continues to climb and leaves coach Cameron Ciraldo with quite the headache.

Meanwhile, the Cowboys are set to suffer another setback amid a surprisingly slow start to the 2023 season.

Read on for all the Team Tips for Round 8.

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THURSDAY APRIL 20

South Sydney Rabbitohs vs Penrith Panthers at Accor Stadium, 7.50pm AEST

Last week’s Rabbitohs team: 1. Latrell Mitchell 2. Alex Johnston 3. Isaiah Tass 4. Campbell Graham 18. Taane Milne 6. Cody Walker 7. Lachlan Ilias 10. Thomas Burgess 9. Damien Cook 17. Hame Sele 11. Keaon Koloamatangi 12. Jacob Host 13. Cameron Murray 8. Jai Arrow 14. Jed Cartwright 15. Daniel Suluka-Fifita 16. Davvy Moale 19. Blake Taaffe

Team Tips: The Rabbitohs are set to be without five members of their forward pack, with Keaon Koloamatangi (ankle) to join Siliva Havili (ankle), Liam Knight (knee), Shaquai Mitchell (foot) and Tevita Tatola (knee) on the sidelines. Look for Jai Arrow, who played off the bench last week in his return, to fill the void left by Koloamatangi on the edge. Michael Chee Kam shapes as the most likely option to come onto the bench given his versatility and prominent role earlier in the season for South Sydney. Izaac Thompson is scheduled to return this round and would bump Taane Milne out of the team if he is fit to play.

Last week’s Panthers team: 1. Dylan Edwards 2. Sunia Turuva 3. Izack Tago 4. Stephen Crichton 5. Brian To’o 6. Jarome Luai 7. Nathan Cleary 8. Moses Leota 9. Mitch Kenny 10. Matt Eisenhuth 20. Liam Martin 12. Zac Hosking 13. Isaah Yeo 11. Scott Sorensen 14. Soni Luke 16. Spencer Leniu 17. Jaeman Salmon

Team Tips: Like South Sydney, Penrith is dealing with injuries up front, albeit not in the same magnitude. Liam Martin looks set for another stint on the sidelines after re-aggravating his hamstring injury against Newcastle. “He’s not that great, felt it early but kept playing,” Panthers coach Ivan Cleary said. “It’s a bit of a mystery. It’s a concern, hopefully we can get to the bottom.” Scott Sorensen would be one option to replace him, although he too picked up a couple of knocks and bruises on Saturday. “He just seemed to keep going and made some huge plays,” Cleary said. “I’m hoping [it isn’t anything that will sidelined him].” Should Sorensen be fit to play, Luke Garner appears the obvious option to be recalled in place of Martin.

FRIDAY APRIL 21

Parramatta Eels vs Brisbane Broncos at TIO Stadium, 8.00pm AEST

Last week’s Eels team: 1. Clinton Gutherson 2. Maika Sivo 3. Viliami Penisini 4. Sean Russell 5. Haze Dunster 6. Dylan Brown 7. Mitchell Moses 8. Reagan Campbell-Gillard 15. Brendan Hands 10. Junior Paulo 11. Shaun Lane 13. Ryan Matterson 14. J’maine Hopgood 12. Bryce Cartwright 16. Wiremu Greig 17. Makahesi Makatoa 19. Matt Doorey

Team Tips: Josh Hodgson is expected to return from illness, which would see Brendan Hands bumped back to the bench. “He’ll be right. He’s just crook… Hodgo will be straight back in,” Eels coach Brad Arthur said on Sunday. Elsewhere, Bailey Simonsson (suspension) will also be available for selection although there is every chance he is left out and Parramatta persist with Haze Dunster on the wing instead.

Last week’s Broncos team: 1. Reece Walsh 2. Jesse Arthars 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Herbie Farnworth 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. Cory Paix 15. Keenan Palasia 16. Kobe Hetherington 17. Martin Taupau

Team Tips: Kevin Walters will have to make a tough call with Corey Oates (jaw) expected to return and the in-form Jesse Arthars the most likely option to make way. Thomas Flegler (head knock) is also available for selection and would regain his starting spot with Corey Jensen dropping to the bench and Kobe Hetherington making way.

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SATURDAY APRIL 22

Canterbury Bulldogs vs Cronulla Sharks at Accor Stadium, 5.30pm AEST

Last week’s Bulldogs team: 1. Hayze Perham 2. Jacob Kiraz 3. Jake Averillo 4. Paul Alamoti 15. Jayden Okunbor 6. Matt Burton 7. Kyle Flanagan 8. Max King 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Tevita Pangai Junior 12. Jacob Preston 16. Corey Waddell 13. Raymond Faitala-Mariner 14. Josh Reynolds 17. Ryan Sutton 20. Jackson Topine 23. Andrew Davey

Team Tips: Unfortunately for the Bulldogs there were more injuries to come out of Sunday’s loss. Winger Jacob Kiraz suffered a grade two MCL injury to his right knee and is expected to be sidelined for three weeks. Centre Jake Averillo, meanwhile, has prepatellar bursitis and partial tear in his left knee. Phil Gould tweeted on Sunday that Averillo will be off his feet for four days and that there is risk of re-injury as the tendon is “definitely part of the problem”. The Bulldogs will be hoping Braidon Burns (ankle) will be fit to play this week, with the 26-year-old the most likely option to replace Kiraz. Jayden Okunbor could remain on the other wing, although the Bulldogs may be better suited to give either Declan Casey or Jeral Skelton a run in the outside backs. Skelton, a rugby union convert, had a big game on the weekend in NSW Cup, running for 253 metres and busting 12 tackles. The injuries didn’t stop at just the backline though, with Andrew Davey also set for a stint on the sidelines. Gould reported that Davey suffered an injury to a finger on his right hand. The 31-year-old will be able to play with an extension brace and strapping but will be off contact for three weeks. Kurtis Morrin is one option to come back into the NRL team to replace Davey as is Jayden Tanner. Both played NSW Cup on the weekend.

Last week’s Sharks team: 1. William Kennedy 2. Sione Katoa 3. Jesse Ramien 4. Siosifa Talakai 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo 6. Matt Moylan 7. Nicho Hynes 16. Oregon Kaufusi 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Braden Hamlin-Uele 11. Briton Nikora 12. Teig Wilton 13. Cameron McInnes 8. Royce Hunt 14. Wade Graham 15. Jack Williams 17. Thomas Hazelton

Team Tips: The Sharks are expected to be 1-17 with Dale Finucane suspended until Round 10. Briton Nikora stayed down with an ankle concern after a hip-drop tackle but finished the game.

North Queensland Cowboys vs Newcastle Knights at Queensland Country Bank Stadium, 7.35pm AEST

Last week’s Cowboys team: 1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Kyle Feldt 3. Valentine Holmes 4. Peta Hiku 5. Murray Taulagi 6. Tom Dearden 7. Chad Townsend 11. Coen Hess 9. Reece Robson 14. Jake Granville 18. Jack Gosiewski 12. Jeremiah Nanai 13. Jason Taumalolo 8. Mitchell Dunn 10. Reuben Cotter 15. Tomas Chester 16. Jamayne Taunoa-Brown 17. Riley Price

Team Tips: The Cowboys are set to suffer a big blow up front, with Jason Taumalolo reportedly to go under the knife to address a lingering knee injury. Ben Dobbin revealed the news on Triple M’s Sunday Scrum, reporting that Taumalolo will go in for an operation this week. Fortunately North Queensland may welcome back Jordan McLean (hamstring). Should that be the case, look for McLean to start in place of Jake Granville, who would either shift to lock or back to the bench. Reuben Cotter otherwise could fill the void left by Taumalolo at lock. Gehamat Shibasaki is also on track to return from a hamstring injury but unlikely to figure in North Queensland’s first-choice backline.

Last week’s Knights team: 1. Lachlan Miller 2. Dominic Young 3. Dane Gagai 4. Bradman Best 5. Greg Marzhew 6. Tyson Gamble 7. Jackson Hastings 8. Daniel Saifiti 9. Phoenix Crossland 10. Leo Thompson 11. Tyson Frizell 12. Lachlan Fitzgibbon 13. Mathew Croker 14. Kurt Mann 15. Jack Hetherington 16. Jack Johns 17. Brodie Jones

Team Tips: Kalyn Ponga (concussion) is targeting a return against North Queensland and would force Tyson Gamble out of the five-eighth jumper. Gamble could then bump back to the bench alongside Kurt Mann, offering Newcastle plenty of versatility and options to replace Phoenix Crossland when he needs a rest. Brodie Jones (quad tear) looks set for time on the sidelines but Jacob Saifiti (suspension) is back just in time, regaining his starting spot with Leo Thompson to drop to the interchange.

SUNDAY APRIL 23

Dolphins vs Gold Coast Titans at Suncorp Stadium, 2.00pm AEST

Last week’s Dolphins team: 1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Euan Aitken 4. Brenko Lee 5. Robert Jennings 6. Kodi Nikorima 7. Isaiya Katoa 8. Jesse Bromwich 9. Jeremy Marshall-King 16. Ray Stone 11. Kenny Bromwich 12. Connelly Lemuelu 13. Tom Gilbert 10. Herman Ese’ese 14. JJ Collins 15. Mark Nicholls 17. Kurt Donoghoe 18. Poasa Faamausili

Team Tips: The cavalry is scheduled to return for the Dolphins, with Felise Kaufusi (suspension), Tesi Niu (knee) and Jarrod Wallace (head knock) all in the frame for selection. It presents Wayne Bennett with the quite the selection headache. Connelly Lemuelu has impressed on the edge but could be moved to the bench. Although playing Kenneath Bromwich at prop alongside brother Jesse is another option which would see Lemuelu retain his starting spot. Wallace, meanwhile, is likely to return off the bench as he did in the previous three games before his head knock.

Last week’s Titans team: 1. Jayden Campbell 2. Alofiana Khan-Pereira 3. Brian Kelly 4. Aaron Schoupp 5. Phillip Sami 6. Kieran Foran 7. Tanah Boyd 8. Moeaki Fotuaika 9. Chris Randall 10. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui 11. David Fifita 12. Joe Stimson 13. Isaac Liu 14. Kruise Leeming 15. Erin Clark 16. Jo Vuna 17. Iszac Fa’asumaleaui

Team Tips: The Titans are set for a big boost of their own, with AJ Brimson on track to return from a hamstring injury. It leaves coach Justin Holbrook with quite the headache given how impressive Jayden Campbell has been at fullback. Leaving Brimson out of the starting side would be an even bigger call though, so look for Campbell to drop back to the bench with Super League addition Kruise Leeming the most likely odd man out.

Wests Tigers vs Manly Sea Eagles at Campbelltown Sports Stadium, 4.05pm AEST

Last week’s Tigers team: 1. Charlie Staines 2. Asu Kepaoa 3. Brent Naden 4. Starford To’a 5. Junior Tupou 6. Adam Doueihi 7. Luke Brooks 8. Stefano Utoikamanu 9. Apisai Koroisau 10. David Klemmer 11. Isaiah Papali’i 12. John Bateman 13. Fonua Pole 14. Jake Simpkin 15. Alex Twal 16. Joe Ofahengaue 17. Shawn Blore 18. Justin Matamua

Team Tips: No Adam Doueihi (knee), so look for Brandon Wakeham to get the first shot in the halves. Tommy Talau (nose) is also set to return but seems to be on the outer at the Tigers anyway so it is unlikely he will force his way into the backline.

Last week’s Sea Eagles team: 1. Tom Trbojevic 2. Jason Saab 3. Brad Parker 4. Morgan Harper 5. Ray Tuaimalo-Vaega 6. Cooper Johns 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Taniela Paseka 9. Lachlan Croker 10. Jake Trbojevic 11. Haumole Olakau’atu 12. Kelma Tuilagi 13. Josh Aloiai 14. Kaeo Weekes 15. Ethan Bullemor 16. Aaron Woods 17. Toafofoa Sipley

Team Tips: Winger Ray Tuaimalo-Vaega is set to be suspended for a shoulder charge but Reuben Garrick (head knock) will be back anyway to take his place. Josh Schuster (quad) will need to prove his fitness during the week and given last week’s result, Manly may opt to take a cautious approach.

TUESDAY APRIL 25

Sydney Roosters vs St George Illawarra Dragons at Allianz Stadium, 4.05pm AEST

Last week’s Roosters team: 1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Joseph Suaalii 4. Joseph Manu 5. Jaxson Paulo 6. Luke Keary 7. Sam Walker 8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves 9. Brandon Smith 10. Lindsay Collins 11. Egan Butcher 12. Nat Butcher 13. Victor Radley 14. Drew Hutchison 15. Naufahu Whyte 16. Terrell May 17. Matthew Lodge

Team Tips: There could be big changes for the Roosters this week with Angus Crichton, Dylan Napa, Nathan Brown and Sitili Tupouniua all playing in NSW Cup on the weekend. Billy Smith (knee) was also slated to return through reserve grade but was a late scratchubg and is set to miss another couple of weeks as the Roosters’ medical team take a cautious approach to his return. The only other Rooster who could return to the team is Fletcher Baker, who is expected to be good to go after missing a week due to a head knock. At this stage it looks like Nat Butcher will be suspended, so Crichton or Tupouniua could take his spot. The Roosters could also opt to give the pair another week in reserve grade.

Last week’s Dragons team: 1. Tyrell Sloan 2. Mathew Feagai 3. Moses Suli 4. Zac Lomax 5. Tautau Moga 6. Talatau Amone 7. Ben Hunt 8. Zane Musgrove 9. Jacob Liddle 10. Blake Lawrie 12. Jaydn Su’A 13. Jack Bird 15. Jack de Belin 14. Moses Mbye 16. Toby Couchman 17. Josh Kerr 18. Michael Molo

Team Tips: No changes are expected for the Dragons after last Sunday’s loss to Canberra, with Francis Molo (suspension) and Mikaele Ravalawa (hamstring) still a few weeks away.

Melbourne Storm vs Warriors at AAMI Park, 7.00pm AEST

Last week’s Storm team: 1. Cameron Munster 2. William Warbrick 3. Reimis Smith 4. Justin Olam 5. Xavier Coates 6. Jonah Pezet 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Tui Kamikamica 9. Harry Grant 10. Christian Welch 11. Trent Loiero 12. Eliesa Katoa 13. Josh King 14. Bronson Garlick 15. Alec MacDonald 16. Tom Eisenhuth 17. Tariq Sims

Team Tips: The Storm are set to welcome back Nick Meaney (concussion), which would see Cameron Munster move back to the halves. Tom Eisenhuth (hip) is under an injury cloud.

Last week’s Warriors team: 1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 2. Edward Kosi 4. Adam Pompey 5. Marcelo Montoya 18. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 6. Dylan Walker 7. Shaun Johnson 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Freddy Lussick 16. Jazz Tevaga 11. Jackson Ford 15. Josh Curran 13. Tohu Harris 10. Bunty Afoa 12. Bayley Sironen 14. Taine Tuaupiki 17. Tom Ale 21. Demitric Sifakula

Team Tips: The Warriors are hopeful to have Mitch Barnett (neck), Wayde Egan (head knock), Marata Niukore (suspension) and Brayden Williame (calf) all ready to go. Barnett may return via the bench, with Niukore to take up a starting spot alongside Jackson Ford in the second row. That could see Josh Curran drop back to the bench or out of the 17 entirely as was the case earlier in the season. Egan, meanwhile, will regain his starting spot. That would see Freddy Lussick push back to the bench with Taine Tuaupiki dropping off.

Bye: Canberra Raiders