Stilesy’s Late Mail – R8

After an onslaught of late changes for the Anzac Thursday slate, the rest of the round seven weekend was relatively quiet from a Late Mail perspective with most sides running out 1-17. Sure, we had the last minute but never unexpected scratching of Josh Dugan and the surprise return of the Tongan Terminator, but the line-ups were reasonably settled which was good news for those sweating on the availability of popular players such as Charnze Nicholl-Klokstad. When the biggest controversy is Cameron Munster’s kicking (dis)ability then you’ve had a reasonably settled round.

There doesn’t appear to be anything too drastic on the horizon this round—which likely means it will go from Game of Thrones SE8EP2 to SE8EP3 quicker than Bran wargs out of a conversation—but some big late INS could have SuperCoaches salivating. Let’s have a look what’s in store.

North Queensland Cowboys vs Gold Coast Titans, Friday 6:00pm (1300SMILES Stadium)

In a massive boost for the Cowboys, Jason Taumalolo made the first squad cut on Thursday night and is firming to return after pulling up just short last round. With Jake Clifford in doubt with an ankle injury, we could see John Asiata switch into the halves to accommodate JT’s return at lock or edge. Corey Jensen and Gideon Gela-Mosby were omitted 24 hours out.

Despite a slew of players sporting niggles—including Jai Arrow (back), Brian Kelly (nose) and AJ Brimson (thumb)—the Titans are expected to run out 1-17 in what could be a high scoring, defenceless affair. Will Matthews and Jesse Arthars were omitted Thursday night.

Cronulla Sharks vs Melbourne Storm, Friday 7:55pm (PointsBet Stadium)

The Sharks bring Aaron Gray onto the wing for his first game of the season in place of Sosaia Feki, with surprise round seven starter Ronaldo Mulitalo also dropping off the extended bench on Thursday night. Josh Dugan is lurking on the extended bench but is unlikely to return from a hamstring injury.

Brandon Smith has been ruled out for the Storm with a calf complaint, which will bring Patrick Kaufusi onto the bench in the only change expected for the side. Cameron Smith should regain kicking duties after a groin injury hampered him the previous two weeks. My mail is that he held off last weekend due to both the short turnaround and chance of reinjury if his kicking motion was not 100%. Brodie Croft also didn’t kick last week due to a similar groin issue, so if either are in doubt Munster will do his best to slot some over.

Canberra Raiders vs Penrith Panthers, Saturday 3:00pm (McDonalds Park)

The Raiders have no players in doubt this round and should run out 1-17, with potentially some minor rejigs to their bench that are rarely SuperCoach relevant.

The Panthers are also set to run out 1-17. All eyes will be on cheapie Caleb Aekins, who could solidify his spot in the side with another strong performance.

Manly Sea Eagles vs Canterbury Bulldogs, Saturday 5:30pm (Lottoland)

The news goes from bad to worse for Manly, with Api Koroisau struggling with a calf injury which would see Manese Fainu play the full 80 minutes at hooker. There is also talk that Curtis Sironen could switch to the halves to bolster the team defensively, which would push Kane Elgey to the bench and potentially allow Corey Waddell start on the edge and play massive minutes for those who got on early. Bravo for those who have held onto Reuben Garrick as he will be kicking this weekend if the Eagles have any points in them.

The Bulldogs are set to welcome back Dylan Napa, which will likely relegate Ofahiki Ogden to the bench. Keiran Foran was a chance to return from injury but will be given another week to recover from his ankle surgery. Rhyse Martin will retain his starting spot this round and another strong performance should remove the doubt over his job security moving forward.

Sydney Roosters vs Wests Tigers, Saturday 7:35pm (Sydney Cricket Ground)

The defending champions have been in fine form all season and should run out 1-17 after welcoming back Luke Keary (concussion) and Isaac Liu (finger). James Tedesco will hopefully be hungry for points against his former side.

Despite making it through training this week, there are still massive question marks over Benji Marshall’s return with Coach Maguire saying he will take no chances with the half. This has repercussions for Ryan Matterson owners, as he will be the man to replace Benji should he be ruled out. Luke Garner is also a chance to return to his starting edge role ahead of Chris McQueen if he makes it through the captain’s run with no issues.

New Zealand Warriors vs Newcastle Knights, Sunday 2:00pm (Mt Smart Stadium)

The Warriors welcome back key players Roger Tuivasa-Sheck and Blake Green, however David Fusitu’a is in doubt with a rib injury. We can also expect this to be our last Chanel Harris-Tevita sighting with the anticipated signing of Broncos halfback Kodi Nikorima, who would immediately partner Green in the halves. Let’s hope for one big final price rise before CHT joins Adam Keighran on the fallen cheapie pile.

This week has been tumultuous for centre Jesse Ramian, with rumours surfacing about his discontent with the Knights that were supposedly abated. However, he is in doubt for the match with a shoulder injury and would require painkilling injections to take the field. If he is ruled out, Sione Mata’utia would start in the centres and either Kurt Mann (also in doubt) or Jamie Buhrer would replace him on the bench.

Parramatta Eels vs St George-Illawarra Dragons, Sunday 4:05pm (Bankwest Stadium)

Tim Mannah has been ruled out for the Eels with an ankle injury, which will see Ray Stone come onto the interchange. Daniel Alvaro has been cleared to make his return to the squad after missing out last round with a concussion.

The Dragons appear set to run out 1-17 after wielding the axe yet again to their backline, however Mary is now notorious for making last minute changes so I’ll be waiting until Sunday afternoon before reporting on the final 17 with any true confidence.