NRL Late Mail & Leaks - Round 10

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NRL Late Mail & Leaks - Round 10 image

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Fri: Bulldogs v Roosters (7.35pm AEST)

Finally Canterbury are beginning to resemble the squad which so many expected to be in line for this year's premiership. The return of captain James Graham and Josh Reynolds (suspension) and also Greg Eastwood (concussion) is enough to forgive the Dogs tardy first two months of the season. 



Not surprisingly, Roosters coach Trent Robinson has stuck with the same 17 that demolished the Wests Tigers last Friday night. Mid-season signing from the Warriors, Sam Matagi, won't play but with talent aplenty, is a shrewd purchase. 
 
 

Fri: Cowboys v Broncos (7.35pm AEST)

Terrible news for the Cowboys with talented centre Tautau Moga ruled out for the remainder of the season after suffering his third ACL knee injury. Still no Jason Taumolo (knee) for the Cowboys, however his absence wasn't a factor for the Cowboys in their last-start win against a massive Bulldogs pack.


A big plus for the Broncos with Sam Thaiday returning from suspension at the same time Josh McGuire is unavailable due to a one-week suspension. Darius Boyd is a certain-starter after pulling up sound from his comeback game last weekend. 
 
 

Sat: Eels v Warriors (3.00pm AEST)

With Chris Sandow dumped to the NSW, the timing couldn't be better for his replacement Luke Kelly. Kelly is off-contract with the Eels and like Sandow is yet to recieve an offer for next season. In an indication of where Kelly rates as a future Parramatta prospect, the Eels would have considered letting him go - and still would - if another club came knocking for his services. Joseph Paulo (NSW Cup) and David Gower (ankle) are out with rookie Tepai Moeroa in. 


The controversial suspension of Konrad Hurrell for the next three weeks has resulted in just one change from the Warriors side that one with a minute to go last week against Cronulla. Dominique Peyroux replaces Hurrell in the centres. Winger Manu Vatuvei (sternum) is in doubt with 18th man Raymond Faitala-Mariner, on stand-by.
 
 

Sat: Titans v Sharks (5.30pm AEST)

Remarkably, Titans coach Neil Henry has stuck with the same 17 that were embarrassed by Canberra 56-16 last weekend. Not one single change. Interesting to see how Nate Myles performs after penning his future mid-week with Manly for the next three years.



Running light on forward stocks due to injury and suspension, the Sharks have galvanised as a squad this week in a bid to end a run of back to back losses to Penrith and New Zealand. The loss of Anthony Tupou (broken jaw) has been countered by the return of David Fifita from a broken leg. Despiteg named, Tinirau Arona (hamstring), won't play with Tim Robinson added to the bench. 
 
Sat: Storm v Rabbitohs (7.30pm AEST)

Craig Bellamy has had the pleasure of naming an un-changed line-up following last weekend's classy victory over Parramatta. In contract news, Test star Billy Slater is yet to put pen to paper with the Storm beyond this season. Given his rising stocks with every week, why would he? 
 

On Monday night, he was rushed to hospital for what was feared a serious eye injury. But in a major boost for Souths fans, John Sutton is set to travel south to Melbourne to face the Storm. Sutton trained on Wednesday and is expected to be formally cleared at the Rabbitohs captain's run on Friday. No Adam Reynolds (broken thumb) for the next month, while Chris Grevsmuhl (concussion) is expected to play.
 
 
Sun: Dragons v Raiders (2.00pm AEST)

Up against the Raiders, which back in round three was who on a Saturday afternoon in Canberra, the Dragons used a roadkill to kick-start their season after sluggish beginnings. Back home in Wollongong after a strong showing despite losing 16-10 against South Sydney on Monday night Dragons coach Paul McGregor is looking for more potency out wide and as a result, watch Eto Nabuli, who wasn't named, to play on the wing, Peter Matautia to move to the centres and Dylan Farrell, dropped to the NSW Cup.
 

 

How will the omission of Sam Williams (punctured lung) impact the stunning form of halves partner Blake Austin? Williams' ability to take pressure off Austin has played a huge influence on the Raiders resurgance. Rookie half Mitch Cornish has been called-in to replace Williams.   
 
 

Sun: Knights v Tigers (4.00pm AEST)

It is yet to be reported but there are genuine fears that Knights half Jarrod Mullen (toe) is facing a lengthy stint on the sideline, if the injury fails to respond to physiotherapy. As was the case when Mullen was ruled out last week, Kurt Gidley will start in the halves. 
 

 

Jason Taylor has shown faith in his young squad, sticking with the same 17 that were soundly beaten by the Roosters last weekend. On the eve of Origin where the Tigers will lose Robbie Farah and Aaron Woods, Sunday's game is critical to the Tigers season.
 
 

Mon: Sea Eagles v Panthers (7.00pm AEST)

Manly welcome back Steve Matai from suspension which will force Peta Hiku to the wing and David Williams back to the NSW Cup. 18th man James Hasson is desperate for a start with Manly coach Geoff Toovey yet to offer the promising forward a contract for next season.



A huge inclusion for the Panthers with James Segeyaro returning from injury, forcing the off-contract Isaac John back to the NSW Cup and Apisai Korisau into the five-eighth role. 

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