MAJOR INJURIES AND SUSPENSIONS FOR THE NRL’S PREMIERSHIP CONTENDERS

SYDNEY ROOSTERS

Shown they have the depth to cover the loss of key players.

Jared Waerea-Hargreaves (knee – season), Mitchell Pearce (hamstring – finals week two), Shaun Kenny-Dowall (mental health – indefinite), Martin Kennedy (suspended)

BRISBANE BRONCOS

One of the teams least affected by injury late in the year.

Josh McGuire (achilles – season), James Gavet (ACL – season)

NORTH QUEENSLAND COWBOYS

The loss of Michael Morgan has adversely impacted the Cowboys’ ability to score points.

Michael Morgan (ankle – indefinite), James Tamou (neck – indefinite), Tautau Moga (ACL – season)

CRONULLA SHARKS

The return of a well-rested Andrew Fifita in week one of the finals could be key for the Sharks.

Ben Barba (ankle – finals week one), Andrew Fifita (club-imposed suspension – finals week one), David Fifita (club-imposed suspension – finals week one), Fa’amanu Brown (ACL – season)

MELBOURNE STORM

Inconsistent form has hurt the Storm more than injury has this season.

Dale Finucane (wrist – finals week one), Billy Slater (shoulder – season)

CANTERBURY BULLDOGS

Josh Reynolds’ likely return comes at the perfect time, but the Dogs may struggle to overcome the loss of star playmaker Trent Hodkinson coupled with that of first-choice hooker Michael Lichaa.

Trent Hodkinson (wrist – season), Michael Lichaa (ankle – season), Josh Reynolds (knee – round 26), Tony Williams (pec – season)

SOUTH SYDNEY

Their lacklustre form hasn’t been helped by bad luck with injuries and poor discipline.

Greg Inglis (knee – finals week one); John Sutton (leg – season); Issac Luke (suspension – finals week one)

ST GEORGE-ILLAWARRA DRAGONS

Hit by a lack of class in key areas, more so than a lack of key personnel.

Joel Thompson (hamstring – indefinite), Will Matthews (shoulder – season); Eto Nabuli (knee – indefinite)