The Roosters have been handed a huge boost with Sam Walker’s category one concussion being downgraded after an appeal.
The Broncos are preparing for life without both Payne Haas and Reece Walsh, with two options firming to wear the No.1.
The Dragons are set for a wave of players to return, while the Sharks are set to be without three middle forwards after a horror cluster of injuries.
Read on for the NRL Team Tips for Round 4.
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THURSDAY MARCH 28
Sydney Roosters vs Penrith Panthers at Allianz Stadium, 8pm AEDT
Last week’s Roosters team: 1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii 4. Joseph Manu 5. Dominic Young 6. Sandon Smith 7. Sam Walker 8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves 9. Brandon Smith 10. Lindsay Collins 11. Nat Butcher 12. Sitili Tupouniua 13. Victor Radley 14. Connor Watson 15. Naufahu Whyte 16. Terrell May 17. Angus Crichton. 18th man: 18. Michael Jennings
Team Tips: The Roosters were handed a huge boost on Sunday, with halfback Sam Walker cleared to take the field against the Panthers. He left the field against the Rabbitohs, having deemed to have suffered a category one concussion. However, according to The Daily Telegraph, the Roosters appealed that decision and his head knock was downgraded to a category two, meaning he doesn’t have to sit out for the 11 day mandatory stand down period. Meanwhile, halves partner Luke Keary is also set to return, with this game falling on the 11th day of his own concussion stand down. His return comes as Sandon Smith is set to be ruled out due to an elbow injury Connor Watson will then keep his place in the No.14 jersey. Prop Lindsay Collins also suffered a hamstring injury and could be touch and go for Round 4. There were also concerns surrounding Terrell May’s fitness but he reportedly took part in a recovery session on Sunday. Should Robinson need a bench forward replacement, Siua Wong could be the man to return to the team after he was dropped.
Last week’s Panthers team: 1. Dylan Edwards 2. Sunia Turuva 3. Izack Tago 4. Taylan May 5. Brian To’o 6. Jarome Luai 7. Nathan Cleary 8. Moses Leota 9. Mitch Kenny 10. Lindsay Smith 11. Scott Sorensen 12. Liam Martin 13. Isaah Yeo 14. Daine Laurie 15. Matt Eisenhuth 16. Liam Henry 17. Luke Garner
Team Tips: There were rumours swirling that Nathan Cleary had suffered an injury against the Broncos, leaving the field late in the clash. Then halfback Brad Schneider pulled out of NSW Cup on Saturday. However, his omission was due to illness, putting water on suggestions Cleary was battling to take the field in Round 4. Elsewhere, James Fisher-Harris’ shoulder injury will be monitored by club medicos and he is a chance of taking the field against the Tricolours. If he returns Matt Eisenhuth is the likely man to drop off the bench.
FRIDAY MARCH 29
South Sydney Rabbitohs vs Canterbury Bulldogs at Accor Stadium, 4.05pm AEDT
Last week’s Rabbitohs team:1. Latrell Mitchell 2. Alex Johnston 3. Jack Wighton 4. Isaiah Tass 5. Taane Milne 6. Cody Walker 7. Dean Hawkins 8. Tevita Tatola 14. Siliva Havili 10. Davvy Moale 11. Keaon Koloamatangi 12. Jacob Host 13. Cameron Murray 9. Damien Cook 15. Tallis Duncan 16. Sean Keppie 17. Thomas Burgess. 18th man: 18. Michael Chee Kam
Team Tips: It’s going to be a huge decision for Jason Demetriou, but axed halfback Lachlan Ilias did everything he could to keep his NRL exile short. In NSW Cup, he delivered a huge performance to help the Rabbitohs win 28-12 over the Roosters. He set up the opening try with an impressive pass for Izaac Thompson and had a hand in other four-pointers. Meanwhile, Dean Hawkins didn’t do anything wrong against the Roosters and Demetriou praised his performance when asked if he’d be making more changes. “I don’t think (more changes) is necessarily the answer, we brought Deano in who I thought did a pretty good job for us and he’ll be better for the run,” he said. “I don’t know (if Ilias returns next week), we’ll have to watch the tape.” It also remains to be seen whether Damien Cook will return to the run on side after the Rabbitohs were destroyed in the cross-town derby.
Last week’s Bulldogs team: 1. Blake Taaffe 2. Blake Wilson 3. Jacob Kiraz 4. Stephen Crichton 5. Connor Tracey 6. Matt Burton 7. Drew Hutchison 8. Max King 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Liam Knight 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Jacob Preston 13. Jaeman Salmon 14. Kurt Mann 15. Samuel Hughes 16. Josh Curran 17. Kurtis Morrin
Team Tips: Flyer Josh Addo-Carr is set to return in Round 4, meaning Cameron Ciraldo has a tough call to make regarding his backline. Connor Tracey looks the man to make way, with Blake Wilson enjoying a strong patch of form so far in 2024. Meanwhile, Poasa Faamausili is also due to return from a head knock but may find it hard to break back into the winning team. His replacement, Liam Knight, was solid upon return to the NRL and recorded 10 carries for 78 metres to go with 20 tackles and zero misses.
Knights withstand Storm in final minutes | 02:00
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Brisbane Broncos vs North Queensland Cowboys at Suncorp Stadium, 8pm AEDT
Last week’s Broncos team:1. Reece Walsh 2. Jesse Arthars 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Selwyn Cobbo 5. Deine Mariner 6. Ezra Mam 7. Jock Madden 8. Corey Jensen 9. Billy Walters 15. Fletcher Baker 11. Brendan Piakura 12. Jordan Riki 13. Patrick Carrigan 14. Tyson Smoothy 16. Kobe Hetherington 17. Martin Taupau 18. Xavier Willison
Team Tips: The Broncos will now be without superstar fullback Reece Walsh after he suffered a fractured eye socket against the Panthers, with his respected time frame for return sitting around four to six weeks. Kevin Walters has two options at his disposal. The first would be to shift Selwyn Cobbo into the No.1 jersey, having filled in for the remainder of the clash against Penrith. That move would see veteran Corey Oates join the team, with either Jesse Arthars or Deine Mariner shifting into the centres. Otherwise, Tristan Sailor could be a straight swap at fullback, with Walters keeping his backline the same. Adam Reynolds is also due to return for the Queensland derby and will be a straight swap for Jock Madden after sitting out with a knee injury in Round 3.
Last week’s Cowboys team: 1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Kyle Feldt 3. Valentine Holmes 18. Tomas Chester 5. Murray Taulagi 6. Tom Dearden 7. Chad Townsend 8. Jordan McLean 9. Reece Robson 10. Jason Taumalolo 11. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki 12. Jeremiah Nanai 13. Reuben Cotter 14. Jake Granville 15. Griffin Neame 16. Sam McIntyre 17. Jack Gosiewski
Team Tips: It looks unlikely the Cowboys will have to make any changes coming into Round 4, with young gun Kulikefu Finefeuiaki passing a HIA against the Dragons. Meanwhile, questions have been raised over Jason Taumalolo’s fitness after he only featured for 21 minutes in Round 3. While Payten revealed the gun middle had been dealing with “some degenerative cartilage in his knee” his reduced gametime was put down to the dominance North Queensland had over their opponents which meant he wasn’t needed.
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SATURDAY MARCH 30
St. George Illawarra Dragons vs Manly Sea Eagles, WIN Stadium, 5:30pm AEDT
Last week’s Dragons team:1. Tyrell Sloan 2. Zac Lomax 3. Moses Suli 4. Jack Bird 5. Mikaele Ravalawa 6. Kyle Flanagan 7. Ben Hunt 8. Jack de Belin 9. Jesse Marschke 10. Blake Lawrie 11. Luciano Leilua 16. Raymond Faitala-Mariner 19. Ben Murdoch-Masila 13. Tom Eisenhuth 14. Connor Muhleisen 15. Michael Molo 17. Viliami Fifita
Team Tips: Shane Flanagan is set to receive a big boost confirming both Jacob Liddle and Francis Molo will return to the side. Hame Sele, who has been battling a hamstring injury is also a chance while Jaydn Su’A, who was pulled out of his side’s Round 3 clash due to a quad injury, will also likely play. Those four inclusions will likely see either Jesse Marschke or Connor Mulheisen drop out of the team in place Liddle. Molo will likely return to the starting team, pushing Jack de Belin to lock and Ben Murdoch-Masila back to the bench or out of the team completely. Sele’s return will also see one of Michael Molo of Viliami Fifita drop out.
Last week’s Sea Eagles team: 1. Tom Trbojevic 2. Raymond Tuiamalo Vaega 3. Tolutau Koula 4. Reuben Garrick 5. Jaxson Paulo 6. Luke Brooks 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Taniela Paseka 9. Lachlan Croker 10. Josh Aloiai 11. Haumole Olakau’atu 12. Ben Trbojevic 13. Jake Trbojevic 14. Karl Lawton 15. Corey Waddell 16. Ethan Bullemor 17. Nathan Brown
Team Tips: The Sea Eagles came desperately close to winning in Round 3 and could welcome back troops for Round 4. Toafafoa Sipley returns from suspension, but may find it hard to get onto the bench with Manly firing on all cylinders. If he joins the team, Ethan Bullemor or Corey Waddell will make way, having played 22 and 20 minutes respectively. Meanwhile, Tommy Talau is also due to return from an ankle injury and will replace Raymond Vaega. Josh Aloiai was also sent to the sin bin for
‘Relieved at the end of the day!’ | 06:25
Gold Coast Titans vs Dolphins, Cbus Super Stadium, 7:35pm AEDT
Last week’s Titans team:1. Keano Kini 2. Alofiana Khan-Pereira 3. Brian Kelly 4. AJ Brimson 5. Phillip Sami 6. Kieran Foran 7. Tanah Boyd 8. Moeaki Fotuaika 9. Chris Randall 10. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui 11. Klese Haas 12. Beau Fermor 13. Jaimin Jolliffe 14. Sam Verrills 15. Isaac Liu 16. Erin Clark 17. Keenan Palasia 19. Harley Smith-Shields
Team Tips: It’s the worst possible outcome, but the Titans will be without skipper Tino Fa’asuamaleaui for the remainder of the season after his ACL rupture was confirmed. Keenan Palasia or Isaac Liu will take his place at prop. Jayden Campbell is also set to return to the NRL side after battling with a knee injury and will likely be a straight swap for Keano Kini at fullback. Meanwhile, David Fifita is also set to return from a pectoral injury and will likely shift Klese Haas back to the bench.
Round 2 Dolphins team: 1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Jake Averillo 4. Herbie Farnworth 5. Jack Bostock 6. Kodi Nikorima 7. Isaiya Katoa 8. Jesse Bromwich 9. Jeremy Marshall-King 10. Thomas Flegler 11. Felise Kaufusi 12. Euan Aitken 13. Max Plath 14. Josh Kerr 16. Mark Nicholls 17. Jarrod Wallace 18. Kurt Donoghoe
Team Tips: The Dolphins enjoyed the bye in Round 3 after a strong win over the Dragons a week earlier. Kodi Nikorima and Ray Stone will be fit to play, which means Max Plath could move to the bench and Kurt Donoghue out of the team. Outside of Stone’s return, Wayne Bennett is unlikely to make any changes, having already axed Tesi Niu after one week.
SUNDAY MARCH 31
New Zealand Warriors vs Newcastle Knights, Go Media Stadium, 4:05pm AEDT
Last week’s Warriors team:1. Taine Tuaupiki 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 3. Rocco Berry 4. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 5. Marcelo Montoya 6. Luke Metcalf 7. Shaun Johnson 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 14. Freddy Lussick 10. Mitchell Barnett 11. Jackson Ford 12. Kurt Capewell 13. Tohu Harris 15. Tom Ale 16. Bunty Afoa 20. Jazz Tevaga 23. Chanel Harris-Tavita 22. Jacob Laban
Team Tips: It’s perfect timing, but Taine Tuaupiki is set to be stood down for 11 days under the NRL’s mandatory concussion protocols. But Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad could be due to return from a hamstring injury that has seen him sidelined to start the year. It remains to be seen if both Wayde Egan and Dylan Walker are fit after both were late scratchings due to elbow and ankle injuries respectively. If the pair return Jazz Tevaga and Chanel Harris-Tavita will likely make way.
Last week’s Knights team: 1. Kalyn Ponga 2. Thomas Jenkins 3. Dane Gagai 4. Bradman Best 5. Enari Tuala 6. Tyson Gamble 7. Jack Cogger 8. Jacob Saifiti 9. Phoenix Crossland 10. Leo Thompson 11. Tyson Frizell 12. Kai Pearce-Paul 13. Adam Elliott 14. Jayden Brailey 15. Daniel Saifiti 20. Mathew Croker 21. Dylan Lucas
Team Tips: The Knights made two late changes in Round 3, with both Dylan Lucas and Mat Croker replacing Jed Cartwright and Jack Hetherington. Interestingly, Lucas was subbed on and joined the right edge, with Tyson Frizell moving into the middle for a short stint. Meanwhile, Englishmen Kai Pearce-Paul played 80 minutes on the left side of the field, meaning he could continue to play big minutes as the preferred backrower. Elsewhere, the Knights have a full fit and healthy squad outside of Krystian Mapapalangi who is nursing a shoulder injury.
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‘I thought it was a try’ | 06:39
Cronulla Sharks vs Canberra Raiders, PointsBet Stadium, 6:15pm AEDT
Last week’s Sharks team:1. William Kennedy 2. Sione Katoa 3. Jesse Ramien 4. Siosifa Talakai 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo 6. Braydon Trindall 7. Nicho Hynes 8. Toby Rudolf 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Oregon Kaufusi 11. Jack Williams 12. Teig Wilton 13. Cameron McInnes 14. Dale Finucane 15. Royce Hunt 16. Billy Burns 17. Thomas Hazelton
Team Tips: The Sharks could be missing several players this week after a trio of injuries suffered in Round 3. Toby Rudolf looks set for an extended sideline stint due to a syndesmosis injury, while Dale Finucane failed a HIA and will be stood down for 11 days due to the NRL’s concussion protocols. Royce Hunt is also set to be sidelined for a period after suffering a calf injury whilst warming up to take the field against the Tigers. In a timely boost, Braden Hamlin-Uele is set to return to the forward pack and is a strong chance of slotting into the starting front row. However, Craig Fitzgibbon still needs two more forwards to join the bench. Tukupa-Ke Hau Tapuha, after making his NRL debut in Round 2, looks set to return to the side while former Knights prop Max Bradbury started for the Newtown Jets in NSW Cup and is currently on a development contract.
Last week’s Raiders team: 1. Jordan Rapana 2. Nick Cotric 3. Matthew Timoko 4. Albert Hopoate 5. Xavier Savage 6. Ethan Strange 7. Jamal Fogarty 8. Josh Papali’i 9. Danny Levi 10. Joseph Tapine 11. Hudson Young 12. Elliott Whitehead 13. Morgan Smithies 14. Tom Starling 15. Emre Guler 16. Zac Hosking 17. Pasami Saulo 18. James Schiller
Team Tips: Corey Horsburgh is due to return, and Ricky Stuart has already made it clear Morgan Smithies will remain in the No.13. That means Horsburgh, who last season played for Queensland, will either play off the bench or replace Josh Papalii in the front row. Regardless, Stuart revealed Horsburgh, who has been sidelined due to suspension, will join the middle rotation. Elsewhere, Sebastian Kris is due to return after a head knock and will replace Nick Cotric, with Albert Hopoate shifting to the wing and Kris playing in the centres.
MONDAY APRIL 1
Parramatta Eels vs Wests Tigers, CommBank Stadium, 4:00pm AEDT
Last week’s Eels team:1. Clinton Gutherson 2. Morgan Harper 3. Viliami Penisini 4. Blaize Talagi 5. Sean Russell 6. Dylan Brown 7. Mitchell Moses 8. Reagan Campbell-Gillard 9. Joey Lussick 16. Joe Ofahengaue 11. Shaun Lane 12. Bryce Cartwright 13. J’maine Hopgood 10. Junior Paulo 14. Luca Moretti 15. Ryan Matterson 17. Kelma Tuilagi
Team Tips: Winger Maika Sivo is set to return from a suspension, and he’s in line to take his spot on the wing back. Meanwhile, a four-way battle has emerged for the two remaining outside backs spots, with a centre and wing spot up for grabs. Sean Russell has been solid and is deserving of remaining in the team, while Morgan Harper has also performed for the Eels to start the year. However, he may be ousted due to the emergence of debutant Blaize Talagi and the return of Bailey Simonsson who was sidelined in Round 3 due to a head knock. It remains to be seen which way Brad Arthur will go, however Talagi did everything he could to keep his spot and scored in the first half of his NRL career, charging over the top of one of the game’s best fullbacks in Tom Trbojevic. However, Simonsson looks the likely man to nab the spot in the team, having been solid for the Eels over the past three seasons.
Last week’s Tigers team: 1. Jahream Bula 2. Charlie Staines 3. Solomona Faataape 4. Justin Olam 5. Junior Tupou 6. Lachlan Galvin 7. Aidan Sezer 8. Stefano Utoikamanu 9. Apisai Koroisau 10. David Klemmer 11. Isaiah Papali’i 12. John Bateman 13. Fonua Pole 14. Jayden Sullivan 15. Alex Seyfarth 16. Alex Twal 17. Samuela Fainu
Team Tips: The Tigers secured an unlikely victory in Round 3 and things are looking up at Leichhardt Oval. Benji Marshall’s side avoided injuries against the Sharks and it looks unlikely to rookie coach will make any changes. Brent Naden is due to return from a shoulder injury in Round 4 and could be given time in NSW Cup before he features in the NRL side.
Byes: Melbourne Storm
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