Eels rest Hayne, Sandow to play fullback

Parramatta coach Brad Arthur will again rest Jarryd Hayne from an Eels post-State of Origin fixture with Chris Sandow named to start at fullback in Saturday’s round 18 clash with the Warriors in Auckland.

The Eels put in one of their most disappointing performances of the year when Hayne was rested for the round 12 loss to Penrith two days after NSW’s epic win in Origin I, with Justin and Ken Sio alternating at te back.

Sandow then earned man-of-the-match honours in Parramatta’s upset victory over Canterbury in round 14 when he surprisingly moved into the Eels No.1 jersey with Hayne absent prior to Origin II.

Hayne played in the round 15 loss to Melbourne on the Sunday after NSW’s Origin II victory, but with an onerous trip to New Zealand on the cards Arthur appears to have erred on the side of caution as they fight for a finals berth.

Centre Willie Tonga will captain the Eels with Hayne’s co-captain Tim Mannah sidelined with injury. Darcy Lussick takes his place in the starting side with Fuifui Moimoi added to the bench,

Cooper Cronk has not been named for Melbourne’s match on Saturday at home against Canterbury.

He is however expected to slot in at the expense of Ben Roberts if he gets through Wednesday night’s Suncorp Stadium Game III following his return from an arm injury suffered in the series opener.

The Dogs have named their Blues trio – Josh Morris, Trent Hodkinson and Josh Reynolds.

Daly Cherry-Evans has been named for Manly’s Friday night encounter with Wests Tigers at Brookvale Oval, despite the Sea Eagles indicating they are set to rest the Queensland playmaker over the coming weeks due to his hectic playing schedule and an ongoing knee complaint.

Jorge Taufua has been named by Manly to make his return from an ankle injury but is no certainty to play.

“We will make a decision probably on Thursday,” Taufua said.

“It is a 50/50 thing. I’m just doing my best to get through my rehab and physio and get out there.”

Clinton Gutherson will likely take Taufua’s place if he is ruled out with David Williams continuing to be out of favour.

The Tigers welcome back NSW duo Robbie Farah and Aaron Woods who they have struggled badly without.

Canberra have named young gun Jeremy Hawkins to make his NRL debut on the wing for the trip to the Gold Coast on Sunday.

NSW’s Paul Gallen and Luke Lewis return for in-form Cronulla’s clash with Newcastle at home on Sunday.

Tyrone Peachey has been named to replace injured Penrith playmaker Peter Wallace (ankle) for Monday’s night’s match against Brisbane.

Andrew McCullough is back at hooker for the Broncos.

Sydney Roosters, North Queensland, South Sydney and St George Illawarra have the bye.

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