With the Origin series opener looming on Wednesday, NRL clubs will face some tough decisions on who will back up and take the field in Round 14.
The Sea Eagles, Storm and Panthers have been blessed with Sunday fixtures, meaning a host of their big-name players will likely take the field.
However, it’s a different story for the Cowboys who will have to wait and see how their players pull up ahead of their game on Saturday.
Last week’s Dragons team: 1. Tyrell Sloan 2. Sione Finau 3. Moses Suli 4. Max Feagai 5. Mathew Feagai 6. Kyle Flanagan 7. Jesse Marschke 8. Francis Molo 9. Jacob Liddle 10. Jack de Belin 11. Luciano Leilua 12. Raymond Faitala-Mariner 13. Tom Eisenhuth 14. Blake Lawrie 15. Ben Murdoch-Masila 16. Toby Couchman 17. Ryan Couchman 18. Fa’amanu Brown 21. Christian Tuipulotu
Team Tips: It was a huge win for the Dragons in Round 13, and Shane Flanagan’s young guns stood tall against the Panthers. Jack Bird (ankle) and Hame Sele (fractured shoulder) are unlikely to return. Meanwhile, on only a two-day back-up it looks unlikely that Zac Lomax or Jaydn Su’A will take the field. Dependent on Ben Hunt’s game time at hooker, he could be a slim chance of playing for the Dragons given his importance to the side. However, Flanagan won’t be willing to risk injuring his marquee man. Elsewhere, Mikaele Ravalawa scored a try and had a solid outing in reserve grade. However, it remains unlikely either Sione Fainu or Mathew Feagai will be displaced from the wing spots. Both Toby and Ryan Couchman were also impressive and will likely remain on the pine.
Round 12 Tigers team: 1. Jahream Bula 2. Charlie Staines 3. Declan Casey 4. Josh Feledy 5. Solomon Alaimalo 6. Lachlan Galvin 7. Jayden Sullivan 8. Stefano Utoikamanu 9. Apisai Koroisau 10. David Klemmer 11. Isaiah Papali’i 12. Samuela Fainu 15. Alex Twal 13. Justin Matamua 14. Jake Simpkin 16. Alex Seyfarth 17. Fonua Pole
Team Tips: The Tigers enjoyed the bye in Round 13 and are set to welcome back two players in the outside backs. Justin Olam will replace one of Declan Casey or Josh Feledy in the centres after serving a suspension. Meanwhile, Brent Naden is also available but it remains to be seen if he will win a place in the side. Starford To’a and Junior Tupou both remain sidelined. Elsewhere, Isaiah Papali’i is out until Round 22 after suffering an ankle injury, meaning Alex Seyfarth or Justin Matamua will shift into the backrow, with Asu Kepaoa a strong chance of winning a bench spot. The Tigers have not been affected by Origin selections.
