Canterbury coach Cameron Ciraldo has dropped a bombshell on the eve of the finals by punting Reed Mahoney from his game-day line-up with Toby Sexton getting a surprise recall from the wilderness.
Mahoney, who recently lost his starting spot at hooker to Bailey Hayward, was named on the interchange but will not suit up for Friday’s qualifying final in Melbourne.
Sexton, who has been filling in at dummy-half in NSW Cup in recent weeks, will replace him on the bench as cover for Hayward as well as starting halves Matt Burton and Lachie Galvin.
He has not played in the NRL since Galvin got the nod over him at halfback in Round 20.
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Nicho Hynes. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
Mitch Kenny will miss Penrith’s elimination final against the Warriors as coach Ivan Cleary drops resurgent Tom Jenkins from the Panthers’ 17.
The Panthers raised eyebrows by naming inexperienced Luke Sommerton at hooker rather than stalwart Kenny as they continue their quest for a fifth consecutive premiership.
Kenny has been pivotal to the seventh-placed Panthers this season, with his leadership particularly crucial as the club revitalised its campaign during the testing State of Origin period.
But Sommerton will come in for just the 12th match of his first-grade career as the Panthers begin their push to become the first side in the NRL era to win a premiership from outside the top four.
Meanwhile, Nicho Hynes is free to play in Cronulla’s elimination final against the Sydney Roosters after the NRL made the unprecedented move to downgrade his charge.
The NRL confirmed on Monday that Hynes would face a $1000 fine rather than a ban for a hip-drop tackle on Marcelo Montoya, after the winger was cleared of serious injury.
The NRL’s match review committee had taken a preliminary medical report into account, which at the time suggested Montoya suffered a high-grade syndesmosis tear.
But Canterbury received good news on the injury front on Monday, with the winger a chance to play again in the finals, with the injury only a low-grade sprain.
That prompted the NRL to analyse their charge, with the match review turning it into a grade-one before Hynes even decided whether to fight the ban.
Brisbane centre Gehamat Shibasaki is set for a recall for the away qualifying final with Canberra as star fullback Reece Walsh has given the team a fright, clutching at a calf in training.
Shibasaki, who made his debut for Queensland this year, was dropped for the 30-14 win over Melbourne last week after being affected by alcohol at training following a boozy night out.
He did his time and trained at his familiar centre position on Tuesday. He will replace winger Jesse Arthars, who was with the reserves at training. Deine Mariner will switch back to his familiar wing slot.
Captain Adam Reynolds will take another week off as he makes his way back from a hamstring injury.
Walsh was the centre of attention on Tuesday ahead of Sunday’s crunch showdown and has been named despite this mishap.
The in-form fullback reached for his left calf while training and sat out 20 minutes. He rejoined the group, let rip with a left-foot kick and then walked into the team gym.
Adam Reynolds. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)
Meanwhile, Canberra enforcer Josh Papalii has been named despite being in doubt for the Raiders’ qualifying final against Brisbane after suffering an ankle injury at training.
The prop was placed in a moon boot after rolling his ankle on Monday and will be monitored ahead of the minor premiers’ first finals game at GIO Stadium on Sunday.
Melbourne’s NRL premiership tilt has been rocked as key duo Nelson Asofa-Solomona and Ryan Papenhuyzen prepare to join Jahrome Hughes on the sidelines during finals.
Premiership favourites before Thursday’s loss to Brisbane, the Storm are likely to lose Asofa-Solomona for the entire finals series after his high shot on Ben Talty resulted in a three-game ban.
Papenhuyzen will miss the first week of the finals after coming off worse for wear from a tackle by Brisbane’s Josiah Karapani.
Week 1 Finals teams
All times AEST
Friday, September 12, 7:50pm: Second qualifying final, Melbourne Storm (2nd) vs Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs (3rd) at AAMI Park
Storm: 1. Nick Meaney, 2. Will Warbrick, 3. Grant Anderson, 4. Joe Chan, 5. Xavier Coates, 6. Cameron Munster, 7. Tyran Wishart, 8. Stefano Utoikamanu, 9. Harry Grant, 10. Josh King, 11. Ativalu Lisati, 12. Eliesa Katoa, 13. Trent Loiero, 14. Jonah Pezet, 15. Alec MacDonald, 16. Tui Kamikamica, 17. Bronson Garlick, 18. Kane Bradley, 19. Marion Seve, 20. Jack Howarth, 21. Sualauvi Faalogo, 22. Lazarus Vaalepu
With Ryan Papenhuyzen (concussion), Jahrome Hughes (arm), and Nelson Asofa-Solomona (suspension) out, coach Craig Bellamy has a few selection headaches.
Tyran Wishart got the nod ahead of Jonah Pezet to replace Hughes, with utility Nick Meaney stepping in at fullback, with Stefano Utoikamanu back to replace Asofa-Solomona after sitting out the loss to Brisbane.
Bulldogs: 1. Connor Tracey, 2. Jethro Rinakama, 3. Enari Tuala, 4. Stephen Crichton, 5. Blake Wilson, 6. Matt Burton, 7. Lachlan Galvin, 8. Max King, 9. Bailey Hayward, 10. Samuel Hughes, 11. Viliame Kikau, 12. Jacob Preston, 13. Jaeman Salmon, 14. Kurt Mann, 15. Sitili Tupouniua, 16. Josh Curran, 17. Reed Mahoney, 19. Jake Turpin, 20. Kurtis Morrin, 21. Toby Sexton, 22. Harry Hayes, 23. Jacob Kiraz
Winger Marcelo Montoya limped off late in Saturday’s loss to the Sharks, and centre Bronson Xerri suffered a category-one concussion, so both have been ruled out. Rookie winger Jethro Rinakama and utility back Blake Wilson have been chosen for recalls.
Jacob Kiraz is pushing to make an early comeback from an ankle injury and is among the reserves.
Saturday, September 13, 4:05pm: Second elimination final, New Zealand Warriors (6th) vs Penrith Panthers (7th) at Go Media Stadium
Warriors: 1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, 3. Adam Pompey, 4. Kurt Capewell, 5. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, 6. Chanel Harris-Tavita, 7. Tanah Boyd, 8. James Fisher-Harris, 9. Wayde Egan, 10. Jackson Ford, 11. Leka Halasima, 12. Marata Niukore, 13. Erin Clark, 14. Te Maire Martin, 15. Eddie Ieremia-Toeava, 16. Demitric Vaimauga, 17. Tanner Stowers-Smith, 18. Taine Tuaupiki, 20. Samuel Healey, 21. Kalani Going, 22. Bunty Afoa, 23. Edward Kosi
Centre Rocco Berry won’t play again this year after dislocating his shoulder against the Sea Eagles, which means Kurt Capewell shifts from back row to centre.
Hooker Wayde Egan (hip) and prop Jackson Ford (suspension) are both back. While forward Eddie Ieremia-Toeava (AC joint) has been named on the bench despite being under a cloud for the finals.
Panthers: 1. Dylan Edwards, 2. Paul Alamoti, 3. Izack Tago, 4. Casey McLean, 5. Brian To’o, 6. Blaize Talagi, 7. Nathan Cleary, 8. Moses Leota, 9. Luke Sommerton, 10. Lindsay Smith, 11. Scott Sorensen, 12. Liam Martin, 13. Isaah Yeo, 14. Brad Schneider, 15. Liam Henry, 16. Isaiah Papali’i, 17. Luke Garner, 18. Thomas Jenkins, 19. Matt Eisenhuth, 20. Daine Laurie, 21. Mavrik Geyer, 22. Trent Toelau
Ivan Cleary brought back his entire first-string line-up for the final round against the Dragons after they were controversially all rested the previous week in the loss to Canterbury.
Winger Brian To’o and second-rower Liam Martin were given another week off but will be fine for the finals.
But hooker Mitch Kenny will miss the game, meaning Luke Sommerton takes over in the No.9.
Liam Martin celebrates a try with teammates. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)
Saturday, September 13, 7:50pm: First elimination final, Cronulla Sharks (5th) vs Sydney Roosters (8th) at Sharks Stadium
Sharks: 1. Will Kennedy, 2. Sione Katoa, 3. Jesse Ramien, 4. KL Iro, 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo, 6. Braydon Trindall, 7. Nicho Hynes, 8. Addin Fonua-Blake, 9. Blayke Brailey, 10. Toby Rudolf, 11. Billy Burns, 12. Teig Wilton, 13. Jesse Colquhoun, 14. Oregon Kaufusi, 15. Siosifa Talakai, 16. Thomas Hazelton, 17. Braden Hamlin-Uele, 18. Daniel Atkinson, 19. Mawene Hiroti, 20. Jayden Berrell, 21. Briton Nikora, 22. Hohepa Puru
Five-eighth Braydon Trindall is returning from an ankle injury, while Kiwi forward Briton Nikora has been named among the reserves despite being eligible after serving a three-game ban.
The Sharks are relieved Nicho Hynes’ one-match hip-drop tackle ban was downgraded, allowing him to face the Roosters.
Roosters: James Tedesco, 2. Daniel Tupou, 3. Billy Smith, 4. Robert Toia, 5. Mark Nawaqanitawase, 6. Hugo Savala, 7. Sam Walker, 8. Spencer Leniu, 9. Connor Watson, 10. Lindsay Collins, 11. Angus Crichton, 12. Victor Radley, 13. Naufahu Whyte, 14. Benaiah Ioelu, 15. Egan Butcher, 16. Blake Steep, 17. Siua Wong, 18. Ethan King, 19. Salesi Foketi, 20. Sandon Smith, 21. Tom Rodwell, 22. Makahesi Makatoa
There have been no changes made by Trent Robinson from the side that comfortably handled South Sydney in the final game of the season.
Victor Radley was charged for a high tackle but has avoided suspension.
Sunday, September 14, 4:05pm: First qualifying final, Canberra Raiders (1st) vs Brisbane Broncos (4th) at GIO Stadium
Raiders: 1. Kaeo Weekes, 2. Savelio Tamale, 3. Matthew Timoko, 4. Sebastian Kris, 5. Jed Stuart, 6. Ethan Strange, 7. Jamal Fogarty, 8. Josh Papali’i, 9. Tom Starling, 10. Joseph Tapine, 11. Hudson Young, 12. Zac Hosking, 13. Corey Horsburgh, 14. Owen Pattie, 15. Simi Sasagi, 16. Morgan Smithies, 17. Ata Mariota, 18. Matt Nicholson, 19. Danny Levi, 20. Ethan Sanders, 21. Noah Martin, 22. Trey Mooney
Ricky Stuart rested 10 players for the final round, and of that contingent, Kaeo Weekes (calf), Ethan Strange (neck) and Simi Sasagi (leg) are carrying minor niggles, but have been passed fit for the first week of the finals.
Veteran prop Josh Papalii has been named to play despite suffering an ankle injury, as Englishman Matty Nicholson is listed as 18th man after making his return through NSW Cup.
Broncos: 1. Reece Walsh, 2. Josiah Karapani, 3. Kotoni Staggs, 4. Gehamat Shibasaki, 5. Deine Mariner, 6. Billy Walters, 7. Ben Hunt, 8. Corey Jensen, 9. Cory Paix, 10. Payne Haas, 11. Brendan Piakura, 12. Jordan Riki, 13. Patrick Carrigan, 14. Tyson Smoothy, 15. Kobe Hetherington, 16. Ben Talty, 17. Jaiyden Hunt, 18. Jesse Arthars, 19. Fletcher Baker, 20. Delouise Hoeter, 21. Jack Gosiewski, 22. Jock Madden
Adam Reynolds will not return from a hamstring tear after a recent hiccup at training, with Ezra Mam and Selwyn Cobbo also another week away from the same injury.
Gehamat Shibasaki has been recalled after his disciplinary breach, pushing Deine Mariner to the wing, while Reece Walsh didn’t finish training on Tuesday, but there is no indication he will be withdrawn from the game.
with AAP
