Jamie Soward has again been left out of St George Illawarra’s team to face Sydney Roosters on Friday as he struggles to overcome a back complaint.
Soward was a game day withdrawal from the Dragons’ important victory over Melbourne last Friday, and again will be missing despite the club expecting to need at least four wins from their final five matches to qualify for the finals.
The talented five-eighth has been troubled by back spasms in recent weeks, and will be monitored throughout the week before a decision will be made on whether he is a chance to face the Roosters.
“We’re not quite sure with Jamie’s back but he’s under review at the moment with his back spasms,” coach Steve Price said.
He has been replaced in the No.6 jersey by New Zealand international Nathan Fien, who filled in superbly in the halves against the Storm, while centre Beau Scott (groin) has been replaced by rookie Nathan Green.
Cronulla’s spluttering finals charge received a large boost on Tuesday with the massive inclusions of star duo Todd Carney and Paul Gallen, although forwards Wade Graham and Bryce Gibbs have again been left out.
“To have people like Todd and Gal, exceptional players, coming back if anything it’s going to give us a confidence boost,” prop Ben Ross told AAP.
Wests Tigers welcome back No.1 Tim Moltzen (hamstring) and Keith Galloway (shoulder) and will try another halves combination – with Liam Fulton taking over at five-eighth while Benji Marshall reverts to the No.7 jersey, allowing skipper Robbie Farah to move back to hooker.
Exciting young winger Marika Koroibete retains his spot for the Parramatta matchup after a promising debut in last weekend’s crushing loss to South Sydney.
Manly could field a full-strength lineup for the first time since round one with star fullback Brett Stewart named to return from a hamstring injury suffered in round 18.
The Sea Eagles have named second-rower Anthony Watmough who is fighting a two-match ban for a “chicken wing” tackle at the judiciary on Wednesday night.
Canterbury will again be without halfback Kris Keating when they face Newcastle as he battles a hamstring injury, while Michael Gordon successfully navigated his comeback from a broken leg last week and has been retained at fullback for Penrith’s clash with Melbourne.
Corey Parker’s knee continues to give him trouble and the workhorse was left out of the Brisbane side to face Canberra, while Gold Coast’s Ashley Harrison has been named to make a return from a toe injury against the in-form South Sydney.
