The Penrith Panthers and New Zealand Warriors are set to receive massive boosts
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The Roosters will be without Sam Walker for a few weeks but a couple of stars are closing in on a return before the finals.
Meanwhile, multiple teams are considering to rest several members of their squad as they gear up for the opening week of the finals.
Elsewhere, the Newcastle Knights (who have the bye this week) have suffered a horror double blow with Jacob Saifiti set to cop a heavy suspension and back-rower Francis Manuleleua set to undergo scans after suffering a dislocated shoulder.
Read for the latest team news ahead of Round 27!
Canterbury Bulldogs vs Brisbane Broncos @ Accor Stadium, 7:50pm
Last Week’s Bulldogs Team: 1. Connor Tracey 2. Jacob Kiraz 3. Matt Burton 4. Bronson Xerri 5. Enari Tuala 6. Stephen Crichton 7. Lachlan Galvin 8. Max King 9. Bailey Hayward 10. Leo Thompson 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Jacob Preston 13. Jaeman Salmon 14. Jake Turpin 15. Alekolasimi Jones 16. Harry Hayes 17. Josh Curran 19. Sean O’Sullivan 23. Cooper Toy
Team Tips: The Bulldogs may have lost to the Penrith Panthers over the weekend but they managed to get through the match unscathed with no injuries nor suspensions. Fijian international Viliame Kikau was placed on report and was later charged with Dangerous Contact but was only slapped with a fine. Meanwhile, winger Jonathan Sua (suspension) is available for selection after he returns from a one-match ban.
Last Week’s Broncos Team: 1. Hayze Perham 2. Josiah Karapani 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Deine Mariner 5. Grant Anderson 6. Ezra Mam 7. Ben Hunt 8. Xavier Willison 9. Billy Walters 10. Payne Haas 11. Jaiyden Hunt 12. Jordan Riki 13. Patrick Carrigan 14. Blake Mozer 15. Aublix Tawha 16. Jack Gosiewski 17. Va’a Semu 18. Thomas Duffy 19. Gehamat Shibasaki
Team Tips: The Broncos will be forced into at least one change as their season from hell will finally come to an end. With dummy-half Blake Mozer (concussion) unavailable due to the NRL’s mandatory 11-day stand-down protocols, CameronBukowski is his likely replacement as Cory Paix (shoulder) won’t return until next season. Meanwhile, CODE Sports has revealed Brendan Piakura (concussion) will be sidelined for the remainder of the year in a bid to save his NRL career. It is understood the Broncos are taking every precaution to look after his long-term welfare. “He won’t be coming back this year,” Maguire said. “The longer you can give those things the better a player will be. “We are taking concussion seriously and with what ‘Brendy’ has been through, there’s no need to rush him back to playing.”
Gold Coast Titans vs Dolphins @ Cbus Super Stadium, 6pm
Last Week’s Titans Team: 1. Keano Kini 2. Jaylan De Groot 4. AJ Brimson 5. Phillip Sami 6. Jayden Campbell 7. Lachlan Ilias 8. Klese Haas 9. Oliver Pascoe 10. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui 11. Josh Patston 12. Kurtis Morrin 13. Cooper Bai 14. Moeaki Fotuaika 15. Chris Randall 16. Bodhi Sharpley 17. Luke Sommerton 18. Sialetili Faeamani 19. Arama Hau 20. Max Feagai
Team Tips: Queensland Maroons representative and star back-rower Beau Fermor (ribs) is expected to return for the final match of the season as the Titans look to overtake the Broncos on the NRL ladder. Fermor’s inclusion isn’t set to be the only change with reports indicating Oliver Pascoe (shoulder) is in doubt for this week’s clash. The rising dummy-half failed to finish off last week’s match and it’s understood that he may be rested as he doesn’t look to cause further damage to his shoulder.
Last Week’s Dolphins Team: 1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Jack Bostock 4. Herbie Farnworth 5. Selwyn Cobbo 6. Kodi Nikorima 7. Isaiya Katoa 8. Thomas Flegler 9. Jeremy Marshall-King 10. Tom Gilbert 11. Max Plath 12. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki 13. Morgan Knowles 14. Ray Stone 15. Francis Molo 16. Felise Kaufusi 17. Brian Pouniu 18. Brad Schneider 22. Kurt Donoghoe
