Round 24 of the NRL is almost upon us, with plenty of teams looking to cement their place in the finals. Injuries play a big role during this crucial time of the year however, with a number of team inclusions, omissions, and changes to take note of this weekend.
The Broncos play the Storm on Friday night, with Corey Parker all but cleared for an early surprise comeback from his shoulder injury. Other inclusions are Josh Hoffman and Brendon Gibb, with Josh McGuire out with an eye injury and Lachlan Maranta dropped. The Storm see the return of Anthony Quinn, Rory Kostjasyn, and Dane Nielsen, with Mahe Fonua dropped to make way.
The clash betweenn the Bulldogs and the Tigers kicks-off on Friday night as well, with Sam Kasiano, James Graham, and Joel Romelo all in for the Dogs. James Gavet has been dropped however, with a number of players also out until the end of the season. Ben Murdoch-Masila is in for the Tigers, with his inclusion on an extended bench likely.
Canberra Raiders vs Sydney Roosters kicks-off on Saturday, with Dane Tilse out for the Raiders and no inclusions. The Roosters bring in both Nafe Seluini and Lama Tasi, with Daniel Mortimer dropped and Tautau Moga moving to the centres.
The game between the Cronulla Sharks and the South Sydney Rabbitohs takes place on Saturday, with Anthony Tupou and Tyson Frizell both in for the Sharks. Wade Graham is out with a sternum injury however, probably until Round 26. The Rabbitohs will be pumped about the return of Greg Inglis for this clash, with Roy Asotasi also back in the team.
The Gold Coast Titans play the Parramatta Eels on Sunday, with William Zillman in for the Titans and Luke Bailey out due to an archilles injury. Taniela Lasalo and Pat O’Hanlon are both in for the Eels, with Matt Ryan out for an undefined period.
NZ Warriors vs Penrith Panthers takes place on Sunday, with Elijah Taylor straight into the 13 for the Warriors and Pita Godinet onto the bench. Travis Robinson and Mitch Achurch are both in for the Panthers, with Michael Jennings out until Round 25 due to suspension and Ryan Simpkins out due to an injury.
Manly Sea Eagles vs Newcastle Knights kicks-off on Sunday afternoon, with Steve Matai and Jason King in for the Sea Eagles and Tim Robinson dropped from the team. The Knights have added Joel Edwards to their extended bench, with no omissions for this clash.
The Monday night game this round is between St George and North Queensland, with Matt Cooper, Josh Miller, and Leeson Ah Mau all in for the Dragons. In a bad week for the Nathans however, both Nathan Fien and Nathan Green are out, the former with a neck injury while the latter has been dropped. Anthony Mitchell has been added to the bench for the Cowboys, with no-one out for this game.
