NRL Early Mail round 14: Predicted team changes, Kotoni Staggs to play, Blaize Talagi in frame for return

Staggs suffered a fractured rib in Brisbane’s Magic Round defeat of Manly a fortnight ago in a setback that ruled the NSW hopeful out of Blues calculations for Origin I on Wednesday night.

But Staggs has made a swift recovery, with Brisbane’s No.1 centre running strongly on training on Monday, prompting coach Kevin Walters to name him for the Cronulla blockbuster at Suncorp.

Brisbane will be sweating on the availability of big guns Reece Walsh, Pat Carrigan, Selwyn Cobbo and Payne Haas, who have Origin duties for Queensland and NSW and may not back up for the round 14 clash.

Queensland extended squad members Ezra Mam and Brendan Piakura have spent the week in Camp Maroon but the Broncos duo will also be on deck to face the Sharks, who can cement their place in the top two with victory at Suncorp.

Mam will celebrate his 50th NRL game for the Broncos, while Brisbane will relish the return of Staggs after missing his tackle-busting power in their shock last-start loss to the Titans.

Currently fifth on percentages, the Broncos (7-5) are within striking distance of the top four, but copped a stinging reality check after leaking a whopping 36 points against derby rivals Gold Coast.

“Our defence hasn’t been up to standard this year,” hooker Billy Walters said.

“At the back end last year we felt we nailed our defence and it was our main focus.

“We know we can score points, that’s not an issue, but it’s about stopping points, we have been letting too many in this year.

“This is a good chance to test our defence. They (Cronulla) probably have the best attack in the NRL, so it’s a chance to show we have changed to a defensive mindset and hopefully we have our Origin boys backing up.”

Staggs was in the Blues selection mix before busting his ribs and a sizzling display against title contenders the Sharks will send a timely message to NSW coach Michael Maguire.

The Sharks showdown also represents a litmus test for back-up No.7 Jock Madden, who faces a daunting scrumbase duel with Nicho Hynes if the Cronulla champion backs up from Origin I.

With first-choice halfback Adam Reynolds sidelined for another 8-10 weeks, Madden has time to settle in the saddle and is backing himself to keep the Broncos in top-four contention.

Madden is determined to atone for failing to steer Brisbane to victory against the Titans at a time when the Broncos face losing the big guns to Origin duties.

“The top four is our goal and what we want to achieve,” he said.

“We had a bye to reset ourselves last week and we have a fair few boys in Origin camp. We have training this week and are prepared to take on the Sharks this weekend.

“Defensively, for example against the Titans, it wasn’t up to scratch so this week we have worked on our defence and making sure we are getting our combinations right.

“It’s a good opportunity for me to build combinations and connections with other players, especially with the spine with ‘Ez’ (Mam), ‘Walshy’ (Walsh) and Billy (Walters).

“I’m focused on my job for the team. I make sure I can control my preparation so I’m ready to go.”

TALAGI IN FRAME FOR RETURN

This looms as a tricky round with three popular teams on the bye – Dolphins, Roosters and Raiders – and Origin players forced to back up.

However, in good news for SuperCoaches, popular money-maker Blaize Talagi is in the frame for an NRL return in the Parramatta backline in place of Bailey Simonsson, who is in doubt with a knee injury.

Despite being named on the bench, Talagi didn’t take the field in Thursday’s win over the Sharks.

MID-SEASON SWITCH: SEA EAGLES SET TO NAME TIGER

Manly are expected to name Jake Simpkin in their side to play Penrith this weekend as the Wests Tigers finalise a release for the hooker and step up their attempts to tie down prop Stefano Utoikamanu before he hits the open market.The Sea Eagles are in the final stages of signing Simpkin from the Tigers in a deal that will allow him to debut against the premiers at Bluebet Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

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DRAGONS v TIGERS

Friday, 8pm, WIN Stadium, Wollongong

Dragons: With Jack Bird injured, Zac Lomax may shift to centre provided he gets through his Origin debut unscathed.

Tigers: Isaiah Papali’i is out for an extended period with a leg injury, which will likely see Alex Seyfarth start on the edge.

Justin Olam and Brent Naden return from suspension at centre, replacing Declan Casey and Josh Feledy.

TITANS v RABBITOHS

Saturday, 3pm, Cbus Super Stadium, Gold Coast

Titans: Tony Francis is out for at least a month with an AC joint injury, with Jojo Fifita to replace him on the wing if cleared to return from a pec injury.

Jayden Campbell is a chance to return from injury, whether he replaces the in-form Keano Kini or slots into another position remains to be seen.

Kieran Foran is likely to return from a hamstring injury in the halves, with Chris Randall to shift back to hooker.

Rabbitohs: Cody Walker returns from a calf injury to likely partner Jack Wighton in the halves.

COWBOYS v WARRIORS

Saturday, 5:30pm, QCB Stadium, Townsville

Cowboys: No changes expected at the Cowboys after their upset win over the Roosters.

Warriors: Addin Fonua-Blake, Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, Rocco Berry, Tohu Harris, Wayde Egan, Shaun Johnson and Kurt Capewell are all expected to return from injury for the Warriors following their bye.

BRONCOS v SHARKS

Saturday, 7:35pm, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane

Broncos: Kotoni Staggs is expected to return from a rib injury at centre, pushing Josiah Karapani out of the team.

If Reece Walsh doesn’t back up from Origin, Selwyn Cobbo would likely play fullback and Karapani would stay at centre.

Sharks: Cronulla may be tempted to rest Nicho Hynes after Origin with his lingering calf issue.

If he misses out, Daniel Atkinson and Braydon Trindall will continue in the halves.

STORM v KNIGHTS

Sunday, 2pm, AAMI Park, Melbourne

Storm: Will Warbrick is in doubt with a groin injury, with Grant Anderson on standby if unavailable.

Tepai Moeroa is likely to return from a back injury on the bench.

Ryan Papenhuyzen is likely to miss another week or two with injury.

Knights: Daniel Saifiti suffered a suspected MCL injury and is unlikely to face the Storm.

PANTHERS v SEA EAGLES

Sunday, 4:05pm, BlueBet Stadium, Penrith

Panthers: Dylan Edwards is very unlikely to feature with a quad injury, with Daine Laurie expected to remain at fullback.

Moses Leota suffered a hamstring injury and is unlikely to face the Sea Eagles.

Luke Garner is a chance to return from a leg injury on the edge, pushing Liam Henry to the bench.

Matt Eisenhuth returns from a concussion on the bench.

Sea Eagles: Manly are expected to name Jake Simpkin in their side to play Penrith this weekend as the Wests Tigers finalise a release for the hooker.

There’s still some uncertainty around Lachlan Croker’s return date as he deals with an ongoing neck injury.

Tolutau Koula is an outside chance to return from a shoulder injury and would replace Lehi Hopoate if cleared.

BULLDOGS v EELS

Monday, 4pm, Accor Stadium, Sydney

Bulldogs: Josh Addo-Carr will miss around two months with a hamstring injury, with Blake Wilson likely to deputise on the wing.

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Eels: Ryan Matterson is unlikely to return after missing numerous rounds having suffered from headaches/dizziness in recent weeks.

Bailey Simonsson is likely to miss out due to a knee injury, with Morgan Harper or Blaize Talagi likely to come into the backline.

BYES: Dolphins, Raiders, Roosters