Devastating blow for Warriors as in-form hooker Wayde Egan is sidelined due to an elbow injury, impacting their highly anticipated showdown against the Storm. Coach Andrew Webster responds by promoting Freddy Lussick and bringing back Jazz Tevaga, who delivered an impressive performance in the recent New South Wales NSW Cup. Get the latest updates for Round 2 in the Late Mail.
NSW Cup: SATURDAY MARCH 16
Exciting clash looming as Canberra Raiders go head-to-head with Wests Tigers at the electric GIO Stadium NSW Cup, kick-off at 3.00pm AEDT. Here’s a look at the lineups:
Raiders:
- Fullback: Jordan Rapana
- Wingers: Albert Hopoate, Matthew Timoko
- Centers: Sebastian Kris, Xavier Savage
- Halves: Ethan Strange, Jamal Fogarty
- Props: Josh Papali’i, Danny Levi
- Second Row: Joseph Tapine, Hudson Young
- Lock: Zac Hosking
- Interchange: Morgan Smithies, Tom Starling, Emre Guler, Ata Mariota
- Reserves: Pasami Saulo, Nick Cotric, Kaeo Weekes
Late Mail: Despite a minor quad injury in the previous victory against the Knights, hooker Danny Levi is expected to take the field.
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Tigers:
- Fullback: Jahream Bula
- Wingers: Charlie Staines, Starford To’a
- Centers: Solomona Faataape, Junior Tupou
- Halves: Lachlan Galvin, Jayden Sullivan
- Props: Stefano Utoikamanu, Apisai Koroisau
- Hooker: David Klemmer
- Second Row: Isaiah Papali’i, John Bateman
- Lock: Alex Seyfarth
- Interchange: Aidan Sezer, Fonua Pole, Alex Twal, Samuela Fainu
- Reserves: Asu Kepaoa, Jake Simpkin
Late Mail: The Tigers have made some changes to their bench, with three players dropped at the 24-hour update. However, hooker Jake Simpkin remains in contention. Keep an eye on halfback Aidan Sezer NSW Cup, who may come off the bench, potentially opening the door for Simpkin as a reserve dummy-half.
High-Stakes: Cowboys vs Knights at Queensland Stadium
In a highly anticipated showdown at Queensland Country Bank Stadium, brace yourself for an electrifying battle between the North Queensland Cowboys and the Newcastle Knights. Kick-off is scheduled for 5.30pm AEDT, and both teams are geared up for an unforgettable spectacle under the floodlights.
Cowboys Lineup:
- Fullback: Scott Drinkwater
- Wingers: Kyle Feldt, Valentine Holmes
- Centers: Zac Laybutt, Murray Taulagi
- Halves: Tom Dearden, Chad Townsend
- Props: Jordan McLean, Jason Taumalolo
- Hooker: Reece Robson
- Second Row: Heilum Luki, Jeremiah Nanai
- Lock: Reuben Cotter
- Interchange: Jake Granville, Griffin Neame, Sam McIntyre, Kulikefu Finefeuiaki
- Reserves: Tomas Chester, Thomas Mikaele
Late Mail: Good news for the NSW Cup Cowboys as Heilum Luki and Griffin Neame have cleared their head injury assessments and are ready to take on the Knights. No surprises in the 24-hour update, with Tom Chester and Thomas Mikaele remaining in the extended squad.
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Knights Lineup:
- Fullback: Kalyn Ponga
- Wingers: Thomas Jenkins, Dane Gagai
- Centers: Bradman Best, Greg Marzhew
- Halves: Tyson Gamble, Jackson Hastings
- Props: Jacob Saifiti, Phoenix Crossland
- Hooker: Leo Thompson
- Second Row: Tyson Frizell, Kai Pearce-Paul
- Lock: Adam Elliott
- Interchange: Jack Cogger, Daniel Saifiti, Jack Hetherington, Jed Cartwright
- Reserves: Brodie Jones, Will Pryce
Late Mail: Exciting debut for NSW Cup winger Tom Jenkins, stepping in for the injured Enari Tuala. The Knights have made the expected changes in their squad at the 24-hour update.
Prepare for a pulsating clash as these powerhouse teams leave it all on the field, captivating fans with their skill, resilience, and determination. The stage is set for an unforgettable battle at Queensland Country Bank Stadium. Don’t miss a moment of the gripping action!
Storm vs Warriors: Electrifying Battle at AAMI Park, 7:35pm AEDT
In a clash that promises sparks and lightning-fast action, brace yourself for an epic showdown as the mighty Melbourne Storm take on the formidable Warriors at the iconic AAMI Park. Kick-off is set for 7.35pm AEDT, NSW Cup, and both teams are primed to ignite the stadium with their sensational skills and unwavering determination.
Storm Lineup:
- Fullback: Ryan Papenhuyzen
- Wingers: William Warbrick, Reimis Smith
- Centers: Nick Meaney, Xavier Coates
- Halves: Jonah Pezet, Jahrome Hughes
- Props: Tui Kamikamica, Josh King
- Hooker: Harry Grant
- Second Row: Joe Chan, Eliesa Katoa
- Lock: Trent Loiero
- Interchange: Tyran Wishart, Christian Welch, Chris Lewis, Alec MacDonald
- Reserves: Kane Bradley, Tepai Moeroa
Late Mail: The Storm are expected to field an unchanged lineup with a formidable 1-17 squad.
Warriors Lineup:
- Fullback: Taine Tuaupiki
- Wingers: Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, Rocco Berry
- Centers: Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Marcelo Montoya
- Halves: Luke Metcalf, Shaun Johnson
- Props: Addin Fonua-Blake, Freddy Lussick
- Hooker: Mitchell Barnett
- Second Row: Jackson Ford, Kurt Capewell
- Lock: Tohu Harris
- Interchange: Tom Ale, Bunty Afoa, Dylan Walker, Jazz Tevaga
- Reserves: Te Maire Martin, Chanel Harris-Tavita
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Late Mail: The Warriors have made significant changes as Wayde Egan has been ruled out due to an elbow injury. NSW Cup, Freddy Lussick has been elevated to the starting hooker position, showcasing his talents. Versatile Jazz Tevaga, after an impressive performance in the NSW Cup, earns a place on the bench. Tevaga’s dominance in the previous match, with his impactful runs and solid defensive efforts, has earned him a well-deserved spot.
Prepare for an electrifying clash as these rugby powerhouses unleash their might on the hallowed grounds of AAMI Park. Be sure to witness every moment of this thrilling encounter that is bound to leave fans on the edge of their seats. The stage is set for a night of unparalleled excitement and sporting brilliance!
