As five Gold Coast players facing drugs charges prepare to learn their playing fate, former drug trafficker Danny Wicks is preparing to make his NRL comeback.
The Titans on Tuesday resisted calls to allow Greg Bird, Dave Taylor, Kalifa Faifai Loa, Beau Falloon and Jamie Dowling to be named to take on Penrith.
They say they are unlikely to take the field in Bathurst on Saturday.
The five face various drugs charges after being caught up in a Queensland Crime and Corruption Commission investigation into a cocaine ring, but have stated they will plead not guilty at their initial court appearances.
The players’ lawyers and the Rugby League Players Association are lobbying the Titans board to allow them to be reinstated.
Henry has also stated his desire for the players to be able to take the field but the decision rests with the club board – which can meet on Wednesday at the earliest – and will need final approval from the NRL.
“There’s no point naming players if we don’t know they’re available,” Henry said.
“That issue still hasn’t been resolved. It’s unlikely to be resolved within the next day or two.
“If and when they become available, I’ll make some decisions about changes in the team.”
Meanwhile, Eels drop Wicks is in line to play his first NRL game in 2008 days after being named in the side to take on Canterbury.
Wicks has been named on a five-man bench as cover for Junior Paulo, who is facing a lengthy suspension for a dangerous throw charge and but will challenge the grading at the NRL judiciary.
The 29-year-old played his last NRL game for the Newcastle Knights against Canterbury on September 12, 2009, before he served 18 months in prison for drug trafficking.
Moses Mbye has been named to replace Canterbury five-eighth Josh Reynolds, who will miss six to eight weeks with a broken arm.
Josh Dugan has been named to take his spot in St George Illawarra’s line-up after scans revealed his ankle injury was not as serious as initially feared and is a possibility to play against the Wests Tigers.
Broncos coach Wayne Bennett has rung in the changes following his side’s disappointing performance against South Sydney, with Queensland and Test second rower Sam Thaiday relegated to the bench.
Thaiday’s spot in the starting line-up will be taken by Matt Gillett while Joe Ofahengaue – the nephew of Wallabies great Willie – has been named to make his debut from the bench.
Warriors fullback Sam Tomkins returns after missing last weekend with a hamstring injury, as does Newcastle No.1 Kurt Gidley, who sat out for the same reason.
Manly have been hit hard with injury with No.6 Kieran Foran (hamstring) expected to miss the next two rounds and will be replaced by Jack Littlejohn against Melbourne.
The Sea Eagles’ loss of Clint Gutherson to a season-ending knee injury has been offset by the return of Steve Matai.
