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Tom Sangster reveals the players to pick and who to avoid in SuperCoach 2016.
Michael Morgan is in doubt for Origin III.
MICHAEL Morgan, Adam Reynolds and Robbie Farah were the big casualties from Origin II, with all set to be ruled out of this weekend’s NRL action.
Morgan injured his PCL and has been sent for scans. He is expected to miss a month, which puts him in serious doubt for Origin III.
Reynolds (shoulder) has also gone for scans and is set to miss at least a few weeks. There is even talk he may miss the rest of the season.
Farah was knocked senseless on the final play of the game by friendly fire from club and NSW teammate Aaron Woods.
Manly’s Dylan Walker (shoulder/leg) was also nursing injuries after the match and will need to prove his fitness for Monday’s match against the Cowboys.
Meanwhile, Sam Thaiday is out of Brisbane’s clash against the Bulldogs after copping a two match ban for a lifting tackle.
Michael Morgan is in doubt for Origin III.Source:Getty Images
Panthers v Rabbitohs
7:50pm Friday at Pepper Stadium
Panthers: Penrith have delayed their captain’s run until 5.30pm on Thursday to allow NSW players Matt Moylan and Josh Mansour time to get back from Brisbane. The duo has reported no injury concerns from Origin and the Panthers are set to be unchanged.
Rabbitohs: Halfback Adam Reynolds (shoulder) is out after picking up an injury in Origin. He has been sent for scans and is set to miss at least a few weeks. In the worst case scenario, his season is over. The Rabbitohs have plenty of options to take Reynolds’ spot in the halves, including centre Greg Inglis (who got through Origin unscathed) and fullback Cody Walker, with Ed Murphy named as backline cover on the extended bench. Kyle Turner (hamstring) is fighting to be fit.
Knights v Dragons
3pm Saturday at Hunter Sports Stadium
Knights: Backs Nathan Ross (calf) and Peter Mata’utia (knee) are certain to return, as named. Robbie Rochow (arm) and Chanel Mata’utia (knee) must make it through the final session, but are expected to play. Mata’utia has been named out of the 17 but could push Brendan Elliot for a wing a spot if he proves his fitness. Dane Gagai (quad) carried a slight injury into Origin, but still managed to produce a brilliant performance. At this stage it’s unclear whether he will back up, but coach Nathan Brown has indicated he will not hesitate to rest his star back if required.
Dragons: Fullback Josh Dugan (elbow) wasn’t named but returned to ballwork and light contact on Wednesday. He will be given a chance to prove his fitness in Friday’s captain’s run, but is considered unlikely at this stage. Joel Thompson played through a burst ear drum last week. He will complete the season, before going for surgery. Tyson Frizell got through Origin and reported to the club for massage on Thursday. He is expected to be available for selection come Saturday.
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Sharks v Warriors
5:30pm Saturday at Southern Cross Stadium
Sharks: Origin players Paul Gallen, Andrew Fifita, James Maloney and Jack Bird got through without serious injury. They will aim to take at least some part in Friday’s captain’s run and are available for selection. Sosaia Feki (groin) completed the full session on Wednesday and is right to return, while Wade Graham (suspension) is free to play after missing out on his Origin debut.
Warriors: Prop Jacob Lillyman is right to go after Origin and will meet his teammates in Sydney on Friday. Thomas Leuluai (concussion) has passed all tests so far and is expected to take his spot. Shaun Johnson (quad) is still battling an injury he took into last match. He will have another light week but is set to play, although he may relinquish the goal kicking duties. Ata Hingano has been named as cover for Leuluai and Johnson.
Bulldogs v Broncos
7:30pm Saturday at ANZ Stadium
Bulldogs:Brett Morris (knee) was expected to make a long-awaited return, but missed a field session during the week and is set to be saved for next round. Josh Morris (groin) is in serious doubt. Josh Jackson and David Klemmer pulled up well and will play at this stage.
Broncos: Forward Sam Thaiday is out after copping a two week-ban for a lifting tackle in Origin. His starting spot will be taken by Jaydn S’ua or Tevita Pangai Jr, with Herman Ese’ese to come into the 17. The rest of Brisbane’s Origin stars — Darius Boyd, Corey Oates, Josh McGuire, Matt Gillett and Corey Parker — are available for selection. However, coach Wayne Bennett has previously hinted at resting players. We should know the full 17 after Friday’s captain’s run.
Tom Sangster reveals the winners and losers from the round 16 teams.
Titans v Raiders
2pm Sunday at CBUS Super Stadium
Raiders: The club expects Josh Papalii to back up. He has stayed in Queensland post-Origin and will meet the squad on the Gold Coast on Friday. There are no injury concerns in the squad named, with Jack Wighton and Shannon Boyd (both suspension) rearing to return. Edrick Lee (hamstring) was originally slated to return this week, but his injury hasn’t progressed as hoped. He is aiming for round 18.
Titans: Co-captain William Zillman (concussion) has made it through initial protocols following a heavy knock in the final minute last week. A final decision will be made on Saturday, but he is expected to play. If out, Josh Hoffman would play fullback, with Chris McQueen to fill in at centre and Ryan Simpkins to join the 17. Greg Bird pulled up well from Origin and is available for selection.
Storm v Tigers
4pm Sunday at AAMI Park
Storm: Origin players Cameron Smith and Cooper Cronk pulled up well and are set to play. Cameron Munster (ankle) and Blake Green (calf) are on light duties and remain in doubt.
Tigers: Jason Taylor’s side face a crisis at hooker, with Robbie Farah (concussion) knocked senseless in the final moments of Origin, Dene Halatau (hamstring) picking up an injury at training and Matt Ballin (ACL) out for the season. Halatau is still a chance to play, and expect Elijah Taylor to spend time at hooker. Aaron Woods is set to back up.
Cowboys v Sea Eagles
7pm Monday at 1300 Smiles Stadium
Cowboys: Five-eighth Michael Morgan (PCL) is out. He has been sent for scans and the initial prognosis is that he will miss a month. With fill-in Ray Thompson (knee) also injured, Lachlan Coote could switch to the halves, with young gun Jahrome Hughes to come in at fullback. James Tamou (neck) picked up an minor injury in Origin and will be monitored. The Cowboys’ three other Origin reps — Johnathan Thurston, Matt Scott and Justin O’Neill — got through without injury, but coach Paul Green says he won’t hesitate to rest anyone.
Sea Eagles:Dylan Walker (shoulder/leg) battled on with injuries in Origin and is in doubt. Daly Cherry-Evans (ankle) has been named to return weeks early.
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