NRL teams Round 20: Manly name barely-recognisable side after pride jersey drama

Manly’s season plunged into further chaos on Tuesday with confirmation that seven players would miss Thursday’s important clash against the Sea Eagles. First-grade regulars Jason Saab, Josh Aloiai, Josh Schuster, Tolutau Koula, Christian Tuipulotu, Haumole Olaka’uatu Olakau’atu, and Toafofoa Sipley have stood-down following the club’s decision to wear a pride jersey.

A host of other would-be debutants rejected the chance to play their first NRL match after opting against being called into the side for similar reasons to that of their teammates.

Instead, coach Des Hasler has been forced to call upon untried wingers Pio Seci, 28, and Alfred Smalley to halt the towering Roosters duo of Daniel Tupou and Joseph Suaalii.

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James Segeyaro’s rugby league exile is over with the veteran hooker named to play off the interchange bench for his fifth NRL club.

He will play his first game since being suspended in 2019 after he spent 20 months sidelined after testing positive to a banned substance after using a housemate’s blender.

Segeyaro has spent the past two months on a $1000 a week train and trial contract.

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“Obviously I’ve been given this opportunity due to circumstances, however, that doesn’t change the fact that I have been working to achieve this chance for several seasons,” Segeyaro said. “It’s been testing, but I never gave up.

“I’m grateful for Des (Hasler’s) faith in me and while I’m obviously looking forward to it, I have a job to focus on and I’m confident of playing that role for the team.”

Immortal Bob Fulton’s grandson Zac is also in line to make his debut.

The 20-year-old back-rower has been named 18th man.

Having missed last week‘s match because of Covid-19, Jake Trbojevic is scheduled to return after one week of isolation. Andrew Davey and Lachlan Croker must wait until Wednesday before being reassessed after also being omitted because of Covid-19.

Manly started the week as $2.05 outsiders despite sitting one spot ahead of the Roosters on the premiership ladder. Betting was suspended on Monday before the market reopened on Tuesday with Manly now $6 with the TAB to win.

Sea Eagles coach Des Hasler said he accepted the seven players’ decision.

“These young men are strong in their beliefs and convictions,” Hasler said. “We will give them the space and support they require.

“The playing group are solid and understanding of each other’s views. As a club, we will wear the jersey on Thursday night.”

The seven players are expected to attend Thursday’s game.

The Sea Eagles scrambled to put together a team in time for the NRL’s 4pm deadline.

The RLPA said there had been a clear “communication breakdown” between the Sea Eagles and its players.

“We would have hoped there had been a process between players, club and other stakeholders that was worked through and everyone’s views could be safely heard,” an RLPA spokesman said.

“As the representatives of a diverse group of people, we recognise the value of respecting and prioritising confidentiality, consultation and collaboration. Continuing to take this approach has helped us create safe and professional workplaces where we can make improvements together with respect and acceptance.”

ROUND 20 TEAMS

SEA EAGLES v ROOSTERS

Thursday, 7.50pm, 4 Pines Park, Manly

Sea Eagles: 1. Reuben Garrick, 2. Pio Seci, 3. Morgan Harper, 4. Dylan Walker, 5. Alfred Smalley, 6. Kieran Foran, 7. Daly Cherry-Evans, 8. Taniela Paseka, 9. Lachlan Croker, 10. Kurt De Luis, 11. Ethan Bullemor, 12. Andrew Davey, 13. Jake Trbojevic

Bench: 14. James Segeyaro, 15. Sean Keppie, 16. Martin Taupau, 17. Morgan Boyle

Reserves: 18. Zac Fulton, 19. Kaeo Weekes, 20. James Roumanos 21. - , 22. -

TEAM NEWS: Christian Tuipulotu, Haumole Olakau’atu, Jason Saab, Josh Aloiai, Josh Schuster, Toafofoa Sipley and Tolutau Koula are all out due to the pride jersey drama. Ben Trbojevic is also out through injury. Jake Trbojevic, Lachlan Croker and Andrew Davey return from injury. Alfred Smalley, James Segeyaro, James Roumanos, Kurt De Luis, Morgan Boyle, Pio Seci and Zac Fulton are the other new faces.

Roosters: 1. James Tedesco, 2. Daniel Tupou, 3. Paul Momirovski, 4. Joseph Manu, 5. Joseph Suaalii, 6. Luke Keary, 7. Sam Walker, 8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, 9. Sam Verrills, 10. Lindsay Collins, 11. Angus Crichton, 12. Nat Butcher, 13. Victor Radley

Bench: 14. Connor Watson, 15. Egan Butcher, 16. Drew Hutchison, 17. Matthew Lodge

Reserves: 18. Adam Keighran, 19. Terrell May, 20. Naufahu Whyte, 21. Ben Thomas, 22. Kevin Naiqama

TEAM NEWS: Two huge inclusions with Joey Manu (quad) and Lindsay Collins back in the side.

WARRIORS v STORM

Friday, 6pm, Mt Smart Stadium, Auckland

Warriors: 1. Reece Walsh, 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, 3. Marcelo Montoya, 4. Adam Pompey, 5. Edward Kosi, 6. Chanel Harris-Tavita, 7. Shaun Johnson, 8. Addin Fonua-Blake, 9. Wayde Egan, 10. Tohu Harris, 11. Euan Aitken, 12. Josh Curran, 13. Jazz Tevaga

Bench: 14. Freddy Lussick, 15. Bunty Afoa, 16. Eliesa Katoa, 17. Jackson Frei

Reserves: 18. Tom Ale, 20. Daejarn Asi, 21. Ronald Volkman, 22. Viliami Vailea, 23. Taniela Otukolo

TEAM NEWS: Yet another halves reshuffle with Reece Walsh returning to fullback from the bench, Chanel Harris-Tavita reverting to five-eighth and Daejarn Asi dropping out of the 17. Jesse Arthars (thigh) is replaced in the backline by Edward Kosi with Marcelo Montoya moving to centre.

Storm: 1. Nick Meaney, 2. Dean Ieremia, 3. Marion Seve, 4. Justin Olam, 5. Grant Anderson, 6. Cameron Munster, 7. Jahrome Hughes, 8. Jesse Bromwich, 9. Harry Grant, 10. Nelson Asofa-Solomona, 11. Felise Kaufusi, 12. Kenny Bromwich, 13. Josh King

Bench: 14. Tyran Wishart, 15. Tui Kamikamica, 16. Alec MacDonald, 17. Jordan Grant

Reserves: 18. Chris Lewis, 19. Cooper Johns, 20. Young Tonumaipea, 21. Tom Eisenhuth, 22. Sualauvi Faalogo

TEAM NEWS: Coach Craig Bellamy has resisted the urge for changes after his press conference blow-up. He has named the same starting 13, while Jordan Grant is a new face on the bench for Tom Eisenhuth.

EELS v PANTHERS

Friday, 7.55pm, CommBank Stadium, Sydney

Eels: 1. Clint Gutherson, 2. Maika Sivo, 3. Will Penisini, 4. Waqa Blake, 5. Bailey Simonsson, 6. Dylan Brown, 7. Mitchell Moses, 8. Reagan Campbell-Gillard, 9. Reed Mahoney, 10. Junior Paulo, 11. Shaun Lane, 12. Isaiah Papali’i, 13. Ryan Matterson

Bench: 14. Makahesi Makatoa, 15. Bryce Cartwright, 16. Oregon Kaufusi, 17. Marata Niukore

Reserves: 18. Jake Arthur 19. Ofahiki Ogden, 20. Ky Rodwell, 21. Tom Opacic, 22. Sean Russell

TEAM NEWS: Just the one change to the 17 with Bryce Cartwright (ribs) returning on the bench in place of Jakob Arthur.

Panthers: 1. Dylan Edwards, 2. Taylan May, 3. Izack Tago, 4. Robert Jennings, 5. Brian To’o, 6.Sean O’Sullivan, 7. Nathan Cleary, 8. Matt Eisenhuth, 9. Apisai Koroisau, 10. James Fisher-Harris, 11. Viliame Kikau, 12. Liam Martin, 13. Isaah Yeo

Bench: 14. Jaeman Salmon, 15. Scott Sorensen, 16. Spencer Leniu, 17. Charlie Staines

Reserves: 18. Sunia Turuva, 19. Lindsay Smith, 20. Chris Smith, 21. Thomas Jenkins, 22. Moses Leota

TEAM NEWS: The big news is Jarome Luai (knee) being ruled out for up to eight weeks, which is a massive blow to Penrith’s plans of going back-to-back. He is replaced at five-eighth by Sean O’Sullivan. Stephen Crichton (ear) is replaced at centre by Robert Jennings.

TITANS v RAIDERS

Saturday, 3pm, Cbus Super Stadium, Gold Coast

Titans: 1. AJ Brimson, 2. Sosefo Fifita, 3. Phillip Sami, 4. Brian Kelly, 5. Patrick Herbert, 6. Tanah Boyd, 7. Toby Sexton, 8. Moeaki Fotuaika, 9. Aaron Booth, 10. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, 11. David Fifita, 12. Beau Fermor, 13. Erin Clark

Bench: 14. Jayden Campbell, 15. Herman Ese’ese, 16. Isaac Liu, 17. Jaimin Jolliffe

Reserves: 18. Sam McIntyre, 19. Corey Thompson, 20. Greg Marzhew, 21. Alofiana Khan-Pereira, 22. Paul Turner

TEAM NEWS: Brian Kelly returns, while Erin Clark has locked in the No.13 spot following a number of impressive displays.

Raiders: 1. Xavier Savage, 2. Nick Cotric, 3. Matthew Timoko, 4. Sebastian Kris, 5. Albert Hopoate, 6. Jack Wighton, 7. Jamal Fogarty, 8. Josh Papali’i, 9. Zac Woolford, 10. Joseph Tapine, 11. Hudson Young, 12. Elliott Whitehead, 13. Adam Elliott

Bench: 14. Tom Starling, 15. Ryan Sutton, 16. Emre Guler, 17. Corey Harawira-Naera

Reserves: 18. Matt Frawley, 19. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, 20. Ata Mariota, 21. Semi Valemei, 22. Peter Hola

TEAM NEWS: No changes to the 17, although Semi Valemei (knee) could be a chance after being named on the extended bench.

SHARKS v RABBITOHS

Saturday, 5.30pm, PointsBet Stadium, Sydney

Sharks: 1. Will Kennedy, 2. Connor Tracey, 3. Jesse Ramien, 4. Siosifa Talakai, 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo, 6. Matt Moylan, 7. Nicho Hynes, 8. Toby Rudolf, 9. Blayke Brailey, 10. Royce Hunt, 11. Briton Nikora, 12. Wade Graham, 13. Dale Finucane

Bench: 14. Teig Wilton, 15. Cameron McInnes, 16. Braden Hamlin-Uele, 17. Andrew Fifita

Reserves: 18. Kade Dykes, 19. Aiden Tolman, 20. Braydon Trindall, 21. Jesse Colquhoun, 22. Matt Ikuvalu

TEAM NEWS: No changes for now but forward Dale Finucane faces the judiciary on Tuesday night where he could be banned for up to three weeks.

Rabbitohs: 1. Latrell Mitchell, 2. Alex Johnston, 3. Jed Cartwright, 4. Isaiah Tass, 5. Jaxson Paulo, 6. Cody Walker, 7. Lachlan Ilias, 8. Tevita Tatola, 9. Damien Cook, 10. Daniel Suluka-Fifita, 11. Keaon Koloamatangi, 12. Jai Arrow, 13. Cameron Murray

Bench: 14. Kodi Nikorima, 15. Davvy Moale, 16. Siliva Havili, 17. Thomas Burgess

Reserves: 18. Blake Taaffe, 19. Josh Mansour, 20. Taane Milne, 21. Zane Bijorac, 22. Shaq Mitchell

TEAM NEWS: Mid-season recruit Daniel Suluka-Fifita earns a huge promotion to starting prop, replacing the injured Mark Nicholls.

BRONCOS v TIGERS

Saturday, 7.35pm, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane

Broncos: 1. Tesi Niu, 2. Corey Oates, 3. Kotoni Staggs, 4. Deine Mariner, 5. Delouise Hoeter, 6. Ezra Mam, 7. Adam Reynolds, 8. Thomas Flegler, 9. Billy Walters, 10. Payne Haas, 11. Kurt Capewell, 12. Jordan Riki, 13. Patrick Carrigan

Bench: 14. Cory Paix, 15. Kobe Hetherington, 16. Corey Jensen, 17. Keenan Palasia

Reserves: 18. Te Maire Martin, 19. Zac Hosking, 20. Jake Turpin, 21. Brenko Lee, 22. Xavier Willison

TEAM NEWS: The Broncos will unleash one of the club’s most exciting centre prospects since the legendary Steve Renouf with teenage sensation Deine Mariner to debut in Saturday night’s clash against the Wests Tigers. Brisbane’s surge into the top four has given coach Kevin Walters the confidence to blood Mariner, who will replace Brenko Lee at left centre for the Broncos’ round 20 showdown at Suncorp Stadium.

Tigers: 1. Daine Laurie, 2. Brent Naden, 3. Starford To’a, 4. Asu Kepaoa, 5. Ken Maumalo, 6. Adam Doueihi, 7. Luke Brooks, 8. James Tamou, 9. Fa’amanu Brown, 10. Joe Ofahengaue, 11. Alex Seyfarth, 12. Kelma Tuilagi, 13. Jackson Hastings

Bench: 14. Fonua Pole, 15. Zane Musgrove, 16. Austin Dias, 17. Tyrone Peachey

Reserves: 18. Jock Madden, 19. Junior Tupou, 20. Brandon Tumeth, 21. James Roberts, 22. Thomas Freebairn

TEAM NEWS: Luke Garner (neck/shoulder) is out, with Alex Seyfarth moving into the second row.

KNIGHTS v BULLDOGS

Sunday, 2pm, McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle

Knights: 1. Tex Hoy, 2. Edrick Lee, 3. Dan Gagai, 4. Enari Tuala, 5. Hymel Hunt, 6. Anthony Milford, 7. Adam Clune, 8. David Klemmer, 9. Jayden Brailey, 10. Daniel Saifiti, 11. Tyson Frizell, 12. Mitch Barnett, 13. Brodie Jones

Bench: 14. Phoenix Crossland, 15. Jacob Saifiti, 16. Pasami Saulo, 17. Mat Croker

Reserves: 18. Simi Sasagi, 19. Jack Johns, 20. Jake Clifford, 21. Dom Young, 22. Kurt Mann

TEAM NEWS: Kalyn Ponga (concussion) is rumoured to miss the rest of the season, replaced by Tex Hoy at fullback. Lachlan Fitzgibbon (shoulder) is replaced by Brodie Jones in the pack.

Bulldogs: 1. Jake Averillo, 2. Jacob Kiraz, 3. Aaron Schoupp, 4. Braidon Burns, 5. Josh Addo-Carr, 6. Matt Burton, 7. Kyle Flanagan, 8. Max King, 9. Jeremy Marshall-King, 10. Paul Vaughan, 11. Jackson Topine, 12. Corey Waddell, 13. Josh Jackson

Bench: 14. Zach Dockar-Clay, 15. Tevita Pangai Jr, 16. Joe Stimson, 17. Chris Patolo

Reserves: 19. Declan Casey, 20. Kurtis Morrin, 21. Bailey Biondi-Odo, 22. Harrison Edwards, 23. Tuipulotu Katoa

TEAM NEWS: Jake Averillo (Covid) is a key inclusion at fullback, while Raymond Faitala-Mariner (ribs) is out.

DRAGONS v COWBOYS

Sunday, 4.05pm, Jubilee Stadium, Sydney

Dragons: 1. Moses Mbye, 2. Mathew Feagai, 3. Jack Bird, 4. Zac Lomax, 5. Tautau Moga, 6. Talatau Amone, 7. Ben Hunt, 8. Jack De Belin, 9. Andrew McCullough, 10. Blake Lawrie, 11. Billy Burns, 12. Jaydn Su’A, 13. Tariq Sims

Bench: 14. Tyrell Sloan, 15. Aaron Woods, 16. Francis Molo, 17. Josh McGuire

Reserves: 18. Michael Molo, 19. Max Feagai, 20. Jaiyden Hunt, 21. Tyrell Fuimaono, 22. Jackson Ford

TEAM NEWS: Moses Mbye is the new fullback with Cody Ramsey (knee) out. Jack Bird moves to the centres.

Cowboys: 1. Scott Drinkwater, 2. Kyle Feldt, 3. Valentine Holmes, 4. Peta Hiku, 5. Murray Taulagi, 6. Tom Dearden, 7. Chad Townsend, 8. Coen Hess, 9. Reece Robson, 10. Luciano Leilua, 11. Tom Gilbert, 12. Jeremiah Nanai, 13. Jason Taumalolo

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Bench: 14. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, 15. Jake Granville, 16. Jamayne Taunoa-Brown, 17. Griffin Neame

Reserves: 18. Connelly Lemuelu, 19. Ben Hampton, 20. Reuben Cotter, 21. Brendan Elliot, 22. Ben Condon

TEAM NEWS: No changes to the 17 but Origin forward Reuben Cotter (hamstring) could come into the side after being named in the reserves.

Originally published as NRL teams Round 20: Manly name barely-recognisable side after pride jersey drama