State of Origin game two could have a number of ramifications for club sides heading into Round 17 as teams weigh up whether to rest certain stars.
Queensland hooker Ben Hunt has confirmed he will back up for the Dragons, while Blues centre Tom Trbojevic will miss the rest of the season due to a pectoral injury.
Read on for all of the Late Mail ahead of Round 17.
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Holbrook OUT, Hasler IN for Titans! | 02:37
FRIDAY
St George Illawarra Dragons vs Warriors 8pm AEST at WIN Stadium
Dragons team: 1. Tyrell Sloan 2. Mathew Feagai 3. Moses Suli 4. Zac Lomax 5. Mikaele Ravalawa 6. Jayden Sullivan 7. Ben Hunt 8. Francis Molo 9. Jacob Liddle 10. Blake Lawrie 11. Jack Bird 12. Jaydn Su’A 13. Jack de Belin 14. Talatau Amone 15. Michael Molo 16. Ben Murdoch-Masila 17. Zane Musgrove 18. Jaiyden Hunt 19. Moses Mbye
Players cut: 20. Max Feagai 21. Toby Couchman 22. Billy Burns
Late mail: Ben Hunt has confirmed he will back up from Origin after playing 29 minutes for the Maroons, despite the furore surrounding his release request. Jack Bird returns at lock after being rested, while Jack de Belin makes a comeback from a head knock for his 200th game. Jayden Sullivan remains at five-eighth with Talatau Amone on the bench.
Warriors team: 1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 3. Rocco Berry 4. Adam Pompey 5. Marcelo Montoya 6. Luke Metcalf 7. Shaun Johnson 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Wayde Egan 10. Bunty Afoa 11. Jackson Ford 12. Marata Niukore 13. Tohu Harris 14. Dylan Walker 15. Josh Curran 16. Bayley Sironen 17. Tom Ale 18. Freddy Lussick 20. Brayden Wiliame
Players cut: 21. Ronald Volkman 22. Kalani Going 23. Zyon Maiu’u
Late mail: Dylan Walker replaces Mitch Barnett, who is serving a one-game suspension on the bench. Ali Leiataua (hamstring) is out, with Rocco Berry (concussion) returning at centre. Luke Metcalf remains the five-eighth, with Te Maire Martin still bidding to return from a broken leg.
FULL Origin wrap: Players react to game | 06:22
SATURDAY
Dolphins vs Parramatta Eels 3pm AEST at Sunshine Coast Stadium
Dolphins team: 1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Euan Aitken 4. Valynce Te Whare 5. Brayden Mcgrady 6. Kodi Nikorima 7. Isaiya Katoa 8. Jesse Bromwich 9. Jeremy Marshall-King 10. Herman Ese’ese 11. Felise Kaufusi 12. Kenny Bromwich 13. Ray Stone 14. Josh Kerr 15. Mark Nicholls 16. Connelly Lemuelu 17. Max Plath 18. Harrison Graham 19. Sean O’Sullivan 20. Poasa Faamausili 21. Robert Jennings 22. Kurt Donoghoe
Players cut:
Late mail: Queensland centre Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow is expected to back up after Origin. Felise Kaufusi returns from suspension with Connelly Lemuelu shifting to the bench. Sean O’Sullivan has been named in the reserves as he bids to return from a pectoral injury. Jeremy Marshall-King (shoulder) has been named at hooker. Brenko Lee (leg) is out with Valynce Te Whare in the centres.Mid-season signing Josh Kerr comes onto the bench, while Brayden McGrady – who has scored 10 tries in 11 games in reserve grade this year – will debut on the wing in place of Robert Jennings.
Eels team: 1. Clinton Gutherson 2. Maika Sivo 3. Viliami Penisini 4. Bailey Simonsson 5. Sean Russell 6. Daejarn Asi 7. Mitchell Moses 8. Reagan Campbell-Gillard 9. Brendan Hands 10. Junior Paulo 11. Bryce Cartwright 12. Andrew Davey 13. J’maine Hopgood 14. Ofahiki Ogden 15. Joe Ofahengaue 16. Ryan Matterson 17. Makahesi Makatoa 18. Haze Dunster 19. Matt Doorey 20. Luca Moretti 21. Waqa Blake 22. Shaun Lane
Players cut:
Late mail: Shaun Lane (hamstring) will bid for a return from the reserves. Origin reps Mitch Moses and Junior Paulo are tipped to back up after the Blues’ loss in Origin II.
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‘I have just as much pride’ | 02:25
Penrith Panthers vs Newcastle Knights 5.30pm AEST at BlueBet Stadium
Panthers team: 1. Dylan Edwards 2. Sunia Turuva 3. Izack Tago 4. Stephen Crichton 5. Brian To’o 6. Jarome Luai 7. Jack Cogger 8. Moses Leota 9. Mitch Kenny 10. James Fisher-Harris 11. Scott Sorensen 12. Liam Martin 13. Isaah Yeo 14. Soni Luke 15. Lindsay Smith 16. Spencer Leniu 17. Jaeman Salmon 18. Zac Hosking 19. Matt Eisenhuth 20. Luke Garner 21. Tyrone Peachey 22. Thomas Jenkins 23. Liam Henry 24. Jack Cole
Players cut:
Late mail: Stephen Crichton, Brian To’o, Jarome Luai, Isaah Yeo and Liam Martin have been named to back up from Origin. Luai is free to play after copping a fine for his headbutt that saw him sent off for the Blues. Moses Leota returns with Matt Eisenhuth dropping out of the 17. Scott Sorensen and Martin start in the back row with Zac Hosking dropping to 18th man.
Knights team: 1. Kalyn Ponga 2. Dominic Young 3. Dane Gagai 4. Bradman Best 5. Greg Marzhew 6. Tyson Gamble 7. Jackson Hastings 8. Daniel Saifiti 9. Phoenix Crossland 10. Leo Thompson 11. Tyson Frizell 12. Dylan Lucas 13. Adam Elliott 14. Kurt Mann 15. Jacob Saifiti 16. Jack Hetherington 17. Mathew Croker 18. Brodie Jones 19. Enari Tuala 20. Lachlan Miller 21. Jack Johns 22. Adam Clune
Players cut:
Late mail: Daniel Saifiti (sternum) returns, while Greg Marzhew is back on the wing after being dropped last week for failing to meet team standards. Tyson Frizell is hoping to back up from Origin II, but rookie Dylan Lucas keeps his spot with Lachlan Fitzgibbon (head knock) stood down. Brodie Jones switches to 18th man.
Melbourne Storm vs Manly Sea Eagles 7.35pm AEST at AAMI Park
Storm team: 1. Nick Meaney 2. William Warbrick 3. Reimis Smith 4. Justin Olam 5. Xavier Coates 6. Cameron Munster 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Tom Eisenhuth 9. Harry Grant 10. Christian Welch 11. Trent Loiero 12. Nelson Asofa-Solomona 13. Josh King 14. Bronson Garlick 15. Tariq Sims 16. Aaron Pene 17. Tyran Wishart 18. Kane Bradley 19. Chris Lewis 20. George Jennings 21. Alec MacDonald 22. Jonah Pezet 23. Sualauvi Faalogo
Players cut:
Late mail: Xavier Coates, Cameron Munster and Harry Grant are looking to back up from Origin. Justin Olam returns from concussion, having last played in Round 14 with Marion Seve out of the team. Tui Kamikamica hasn’t been named, with Tom Eisenhuth named in the front row. Christian Welch returns from suspension, with Nelson Asofa-Solomona named in the back row.
Sea Eagles team: 1. Kaeo Weekes 2. Jason Saab 3. Tolutau Koula 4. Reuben Garrick 5. Christian Tuipulotu 6. Josh Schuster 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Taniela Paseka 9. Lachlan Croker 10. Toafofoa Sipley 11. Haumole Olakau’atu 12. Ethan Bullemor 13. Sean Keppie 14. Karl Lawton 15. Josh Aloiai 16. Aaron Woods 17. Ben Condon 18. Samuela Fainu 19. Jakob Arthur 20. Morgan Harper 21. Ray Tuaimalo-Vaega
Players cut: 22. Tom Trbojevic
Late mail: Tom Trbojevic has been ruled out for the season with a ruptured pectoral suffered in the opening minutes of Origin II. Trbojevic was named in the reserves with Anthony Seibold likely to rest his star fullback, but that decision was taken out of his hands. Kaeo Weekes was named at fullback, but Reuben Garrick could come into the role despite Seibold saying he is set for an extended stint at fullback. Daly Cherry-Evans will likely back up from Origin. Samuela Fainu has been replaced by Ben Condon on the bench.
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Freddy’s future in doubt after loss | 01:24
SUNDAY
Brisbane Broncos vs Gold Coast Titans 2pm AEST at Suncorp Stadium
Broncos team: 1. Reece Walsh 2. Corey Oates 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Herbie Farnworth 5. Selwyn Cobbo 6. Ezra Mam 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Thomas Flegler 9. Billy Walters 10. Payne Haas 11. Brendan Piakura 12. Jordan Riki 13. Patrick Carrigan 14. Tyson Smoothy 15. Corey Jensen 16. Kobe Hetherington 17. Martin Taupau 18. Jesse Arthars 19. Keenan Palasia 20. Deine Mariner 21. Xavier Willison 22. Jock Madden 23. Tristan Sailor 24. Cory Paix
Players cut:
Late mail: Reece Walsh, Pat Carrigan, Thomas Flegler and Payne Haas have been named to back up from Origin. Kurt Capewell will likely be sidelined until Round 20 with a quad tendon issue which sees Brendan Piakura come in to the backrow. Selwyn Cobbo has a lingering hip pointer injury but has been named.
Titans team: 1. AJ Brimson 2. Alofiana Khan-Pereira 3. Brian Kelly 4. Aaron Schoupp 5. Phillip Sami 6. Kieran Foran 7. Tanah Boyd 8. Moeaki Fotuaika 9. Sam Verrills 10. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui 11. David Fifita 12. Joe Stimson 13. Isaac Liu 14. Jayden Campbell 15. Erin Clark 16. Jaimin Jolliffe 17. Klese Haas 18. Chris Randall 19. Iszac Fa’asumaleaui 20. Jojo Fifita 21. Kruise Leeming 22. Jo Vuna 23. Keano Kini 24. Ken Maumalo
Players cut:
Late mail: The team will play their first game since Justin Holbrook’s sacking. Queensland trio Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, David Fifita and Moeaki Fotuaika are looking to back up from Origin after all playing around half a game for Queensland. After sitting out for a number of weeks with a toe injury, Kieran Foran has been named, shifting Jayden Campbell back to the bench. Klese Haas has dropped to the bench.
South Sydney Rabbitohs vs North Queensland Cowboys 4.05pm AEST at Accor Stadium
Rabbitohs team: 1. Blake Taaffe 2. Alex Johnston 3. Isaiah Tass 4. Campbell Graham 5. Richard Kennar 6. Cody Walker 7. Lachlan Ilias 8. Tevita Tatola 9. Damien Cook 10. Hame Sele 11. Keaon Koloamatangi 12. Jed Cartwright 13. Cameron Murray 14. Michael Chee Kam 15. Siliva Havili 16. Davvy Moale 17. Thomas Burgess 18. Tyrone Munro 19. Peter Mamouzelos 20. Jacob Host 21. Daniel Suluka-Fifita 22. Dean Hawkins
Players cut:
Late mail: Damien Cook and Cameron Murray are looking to back up from Origin. Cook played a full game at centre, while Murray played 31 minutes in his comeback from a groin injury. Keaon Koloamatangi will play after being a reserve for the Blues. Latrell Mitchell hasn’t been named after pulling out of Game II of the Origin series due to a calf injury. But in a huge boost, Cody Walker returns from a quad strain while Tom Burgess returns from a back injury and has been named on the bench. Jacob Host hasn’t been named, with Jed Cartwright replacing him in the back row while Davvy Moale also returns from a long-term injury.
Cowboys team: 1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Kyle Feldt 3. Zac Laybutt 4. Peta Hiku 5. Semi Valemei 6. Tom Dearden 7. Chad Townsend 8. Jordan McLean 9. Jake Granville 10. Coen Hess 11. Luciano Leilua 12. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki 13. Jason Taumalolo 14. Sam McIntyre 15. Griffin Neame 16. Jamayne Taunoa-Brown 17. Jack Gosiewski 18. Thomas Duffy 19. Riley Price 20. Reece Robson 21. Jeremiah Nanai 22. Valentine Holmes 23. Reuben Cotter 24. Murray Taulagi
Players cut:
Late mail: Reece Robson, Jeremiah Nanai, Valentine Holmes, Reuben Cotter and Murray Taulagi have been named on the extended bench as they aim to back up from Origin. Robson and Cotter are the least likely to back up after playing big minutes on Wednesday. Meanwhile, Heilum Luki’s facial fracture will see Jack Gosiewski play off the bench while Kulikefu Finefeuiaki will start.
Sydney Roosters vs Canberra Raiders 6.15pm AEST at Allianz Stadium
Roosters team: 1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Billy Smith 4. Joseph Manu 5. Junior Pauga 6. Luke Keary 7. Sandon Smith 8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves 9. Jake Turpin 10. Lindsay Collins 11. Egan Butcher 12. Sitili Tupouniua 13. Victor Radley 14. Angus Crichton 15. Nathan Brown 16. Nat Butcher 17. Naufahu Whyte 18. Terrell May 19. Drew Hutchison 20. Corey Allan 21. Jaxson Paulo 22. Zach Dockar-Clay
Players cut:
Late mail: James Tedesco and Lindsay Collins are expected to back up from Origin given the Roosters play the last game of the round. After suffering what was initially feared a broken jaw, Luke Keary has been named and could take the field on Sunday. Joey Manu has moved back to the centres with Sandon Smith keeping his spot at halfback. Victor Radley returns from suspension.
Raiders team: 1. Sebastian Kris 2. Albert Hopoate 3. Jarrod Croker 4. Matthew Timoko 5. Jordan Rapana 6. Jack Wighton 7. Jamal Fogarty 8. Josh Papali’i 9. Zac Woolford 10. Joseph Tapine 11. Hudson Young 12. Elliott Whitehead 13. Corey Horsburgh 14. Tom Starling 15. Emre Guler 16. Nick Cotric 17. Pasami Saulo 18. Matt Frawley 19. Xavier Savage 20. Ata Mariota 21. Danny Levi 22. Peter Hola
Players cut:
Late mail: Hudson Young is expected to back up after Origin II after being named to start. After enjoying a week off, Ricky Stuart has named an unchanged side to the one who took the field against the Warriors in Round 15.
Bye:Bulldogs, Sharks, Tigers