NRL teams Round 19 2021: Injury carnage and bubble blues

Papenhuyzen has endured a lengthy recovery from a concussion suffered during Magic Round in May while Ferguson has spent the last six weeks in reserve grade after he was dropped following a horrible defensive display against Souths in Round 12.

Scroll down for full round 19 team lists and comment

But the duo have both been named for their long-awaited returns – Papenhuyzen will come off the bench for Melbourne against the Cowboys on Friday night despite Craig Bellamy opting to rest Origin stars Cameron Munster, Felise Kaufusi and Dale Finucane while Ferguson will line up on the wing against Canberra on Thursday.

He’ll partner a debutant on the right side with 18-year old sensation Will Penisini named for his first NRL start at centre.

The Raiders won’t be so lucky with Origin five-eighth Jack Wighton ruled out with a sternum injury while rookie fullback Xavier Savage is out for the rest of the year after his shoulder injury was found to be worse than first thought – the 19-year old now requires season-ending surgery.

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Veteran winger Jordan Rapana will replace Savage at fullback as the Raiders look to continue their charge to the finals and win three matches in a row for the first time this season.

“He’s been a massive addition to our team and it’s quite sad for him, but he’s young, this is just an injury he’ll have that won’t keep him down too long,” Rapana said.

“These setbacks happen in your career, just don’t let them hold you back.

“We’ve gone back to basics, especially against Manly, we just played through the middle third of the field..

“I’ll definitely be blowing, no doubt, but if we hold the ball and get the repeat sets and complete like we did against Manly I’m pretty sure Josh Papalii could play fullback.”

Matt Frawley will replace Wighton at five-eighth with Harley Smith-Shields to slot in on the wing.

Newcastle will be without Mitchell Pearce for at least one more week after the halfback was ruled out of Friday’s clash with the Roosters.

However, the Knights will welcome back Origin forward Daniel Saifiti after he missed last week’s loss to Melbourne with a rib cartilage injury while Kalyn Ponga will also be fit to play after he suffered a concussion.

Roosters coach Trent Robinson has opted for Billy Smith over Josh Morris in the centres with the veteran named on an extended bench.

Panthers playmaker Jarome Luai will return against the Broncos after a knee injury kept him out of Origin III while the Dragons have opted to have Corey Norman serve his one-match ban for COVID breaches against the Titans.

Jayden Sullivan will take Norman’s place alongside Ben Hunt in the halves while Gold Coast boast a young gun for their own after Toby Sexton was selected to make his NRL debut in relief of Jamal Fogarty.

Despite scoring six tries in his last four games, Taane Milne will be dropped back to the bench for South Sydney’s clash with the Warriors despite Alex Johnston’s injury.

Milne has been in terrific form on the right wing but will wear the number 14 jersey on Saturday afternoon with Jaxson Paulo and Josh Mansour preferred as the starters.

Mansour is expected to line up on the left wing vacated by Johnson, who suffered a hamstring injury against the Bulldogs.

Paulo will replace Milne on the right.

Jai Arrow will also come off the bench in his return from suspension after he was ruled out of Origin III following a breach of the NRL’s biosecurity rules.

ROUND 19 TEAMS

EELS V RAIDERS

Thursday 22 July, Cbus Super Stadium, 7:50pm

EELS: 1. Clint Gutherson, 2. Maika Sivo, 3. Will Penisini, 4. Waqa Blake, 5. Blake Ferguson, 6. Dylan Brown, 7. Jake Arthur, 8. Reagan Campbell-Gillard, 9. Reed Mahoney, 10. Junior Paulo, 11. Isaiah Papali’i, 12. Ryan Matterson, 13. Nathan Brown

Bench: 14. Marata Niukore, 15. Shaun Lane, 16. Oregon Kaufusi, 17. Will Smith

Reserves: 18. Haze Dunster, 19. Bryce Cartwright, 20. Makahesi Makatoa, 21. Joey Lussick

TEAM NEWS: Mitch Moses is a mystery omission with no injury mentioned by the Eels. Jakob Arthur again takes his spot at halfback. Blake Ferguson is recalled on the wing after six weeks in NRL exile, replacing Haze Dunster. Young gun Will Penisini earns a centre spot with Tom Opacic rested. Junior Paulo is a key inclusion up front after being rested post Origin. Marata Niukore reverts to the bench and Bryce Cartwright drops out.

RAIDERS: 1. Jordan Rapana, 2. Harley Smith-Shields, 3. Jarrod Croker, 4. Sebastian Kris, 5. Semi Valemei, 6. Matt Frawley, 7. Sam Williams, 8. Josh Papalii, 9. Josh Hodgson, 10. Emre Guler, 11. Corey Harawira-Naera, 12. Hudson Young, 13. Ryan Sutton

Bench: 14. Tom Starling, 15. Matthew Timoko, 16. Iosia Soliola 17. Joseph Tapine

Reserves: 18. Caleb Aekins, 19. Ryan James, 20. Siliva Havili, 21. Trey Mooney

TEAM NEWS: Two big injury blows with young gun Xavier Savage (shoulder) out for the season and Origin star Jack Wighton (ribs) out for a week. Jordan Rapana switches to fullback for Savage with Harley Smith-Shields moving from the forwards to the wing. Matt Frawley replaces Wighton at five-eighth. Matt Timoko earns a bench spot ahead of Ryan James.

ROOSTERS V KNIGHTS

Friday 23 July, Sunshine Coast Stadium, 6:00pm

ROOSTERS: 1. James Tedesco, 2. Daniel Tupou, 3. Billy Smith, 4. Joey Manu, 5. Matt Ikuvalu, 6. Drew Hutchison, 7. Sam Walker, 8. Jared Waerea-Hargreave, 9. Sam Verrills, 10. Isaac Liu, 11. Angus Crichton, 12. Sitili Tupouniua, 13. Victor Radley

Bench: 14. Lachlan Lam, 15. Nat Butcher, 16. Egan Butcher, 17. Siosiua Taukeiaho

Reserves: 18. Adam Keighran, 19. Fletcher Baker, 20. Josh Morris, 21. Ben Thomas

TEAM NEWS: Trent Robinson has pulled a significant shock by dropping veteran Josh Morris. James Tedesco is back after a post Origin rest, pushing Joseph Manu back to centre and Morris out of the side, with youngster Billy Smith retained as the other centre. Siosiua Taukeiaho (hamstring) is a welcome inclusion on the bench in place of Fletcher Baker. Angus Crichton returns to the starting side after playing from the bench last week with Nat Butcher dropping to the interchange.

KNIGHTS: 1. Kalyn Ponga, 2. Dominic Young, 3. Kurt Mann, 4. Enari Tuala, 5. Hymel Hunt, 6. Jake Clifford, 7. Phoenix Crossland, 8. Jacob Saifiti, 9. Jayden Brailey, 10. Daniel Saifiti, 11. Tyson Frizell, 12. Mitchell Barnett , 13. Connor Watson

Bench: 14. Sauaso Sue, 15. David Klemmer, 16. Josh King, 17. Brodie Jones

Reserves: 18. Jack Johns, 19. Simi Sasagi, 20. Tex Hoy 21. Lachlan Fitzgibbon

TEAM NEWS: Origin star Daniel Saifiti (ribs) is a big inclusion at prop. David Klemmer drops to the bench and Jack Johns drops out of the 17. Jacob Saifiti (ankle), Kalyn Ponga and Klemmer (both concussion) have been named but must pass fitness tests later in the week. Lachlan Fitzgibbon drops from the starting second row back to the reserves list with Mitch Barnett taking his spot on the edge and Connor Watson promoted from the bench to lock.

COWBOYS V STORM

Friday 23 July, Queensland Country Bank Stadium, 7:55pm

Cowboys: 1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, 2. Kyle Feldt, 3. Murray Taulagi, 4. Connelly Lemuelu, 5. Kane Bradley, 6. Scott Drinkwater, 7. Tom Dearden, 8. Francis Molo, 9. Reece Robson, 10. Jordan McLean, 11. Shane Wright, 12. Mitchell Dunn, 13. Jason Taumalolo

Bench: 14. Tom Gilbert, 15. Heilum Luki, 16. Coen Hess, 17. Jake Granville

Reserves: 18. Lachlan Burr, 19. Michael Bell, 20. Peter Hola, 21. Daejarn Asi

TEAM NEWS: Javid Bowen (ACL) is out for the season. Murray Taulagi shifts in from the wing to centre with Kane Bradley coming onto the flank for his NRL debut. Peter Hola drops off the bench to accommodate the return of Heilum Luki (suspension).

Storm: 1. Nicho Hynes, 2. Dean Ieremia, 3. Reimis Smith, 4. Justin Olam, 5. Josh Addo-Carr, 6. Cooper Johns, 7. Jahrome Hughes, 8. Jesse Bromwich, 9. Brandon Smith, 10. Christian Welch, 11. Chris Lewis, 12. Kenny Bromwich 13. Tui Kamikamica

Bench: 14. Aaron Booth, 15. TAaron Pene, 16. Nelson Asofa-Solomona, 17. Ryan Papenhuyzen

Reserves: 18. Trent Loiero, 19. Jordan Grant, 20. Isaac Lumelume, 21. Marion Seve

TEAM NEWS: Where do we start? Ryan Papenhuyzen (concussion) returns on the bench with Nicho Hynes retaining the fullback spot. Origin players Cameron Munster, Felise Kaufusi and Dale Finucane (concussion) have been given the week off after backing up last week. Josh Addo-Carr, Christian Welch (both rested) and Nelson Asofa-Solomona (suspension) return. Still no Harry Grant (hamstring).

RABBITOHS V WARRIORS

Saturday 24 July, Sunshine Coast Stadium, 3:00pm

Rabbitohs: 1. Latrell Mitchell, 2. Josh Mansour, 3. Dane Gagai, 4. Campbell Graham, 5. Jaxson Paulo 6. Cody Walker, 7. Adam Reynolds, 8. Mark Nicholls, 9. Damien Cook, 10. Thomas Burgess, 11. Keaon Koloamatangi, 12. Jaydn Su’A, 13. Cameron Murray

Bench: 14. Taane Milne, 15. Jacob Host, 16. Patrick Mago, 17. Jai Arrow.

Reserves: 18. Braidon Burns, 19. Jed Cartwright, 20. Blake Taaffe, 21. Dean Hawkins

TEAM NEWS: Jaxson Paulo and Josh Mansour form an all-new wing pairing with Alex Johnston (hamstring) out for 2-4 weeks and Taane Milne dropped to the bench. Latrell Mitchell returns at fullback after a post Origin rest with Blake Taaffe dropping to the reserves. Jai Arrow (Covid breach) returns on the bench in place of Liam Knight (concussion).

Warriors: 1. Reece Walsh, 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, 3. Adam Pompey 4. Euan Aitken, 5. Marcelo Montoya, 6. Kodi Nikorima, 7. Chad Townsend, 8. Addin Fonua-Blake, 9. Jazz Tevaga, 10. Matt Lodge, 11. Jack Murchie, 12. Bayley Sironen, 13. Josh Curran

Bench: 14. Taniela Otukolu 15. Eliesa Katoa, 16. Bunty Afoa 17. Leeson Ah Mau,,

Reserves: 18. Kane Evans 19. Edward Kosi 20. Sean O’Sullivan 21. Ben Murdoch-Masila

TEAM NEWS: Big changes with Tohu Harris (ACL), Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (concussion), Wayde Egan (shoulder) and Rocco Berry (hamstring) all out. Jack Murchie replaces Tohu on the edge. Kodi Nikorima replaces RTS at five-eighth. Jazz Tevaga replaces Egan at hooker with Josh Curran to play lock. Adam Pompey replaces Berry at centre. Bunty Afoa and Taniela Otukolo join the bench.

SEA EAGLES V TIGERS

Saturday 24 July, Suncorp Stadium, 5:30pm

Sea Eagles: 1. Tom Trbojevic, 2. Jason Saab, 3. Brad Parker, 4. Morgan Harper, 5. Reuben Garrick, 6. Kieran Foran, 7. Daly Cherry-Evans, 8. Taniela Paseka, 9. Lachlan Croker, 10. Martin Taupau, 11. Haumole Olakau’atu, 12. Josh Schuster, 13. Jake Trbojevic

Bench: 14. Dylan Walker, 15. Josh Aloiai, 16. Sean Keppie, 17. Toaofoa Sipley

Reserves: 18. Moses Suli, 19. Cade Cust, 20. Jack Gosiewski, 21. Kurt De Luis

TEAM NEWS:

The Big Three return with Tom Trbojevic, Daly Cherry-Evans (both rested) and Jake Trbojevic (hip) back in action. Turbo’s return at fullback sees Reuben Garrick move to the wing and Moses Suli drop out. DCE’s return sees Josh Schuster move back to 2RF with Karl Lawton (back) out. Jack Trbojevic takes up his customary No. 13 jumper with Sean Keppie dropping to the bench. Josh Aloiai (wrist) returns from a long lay-off on the interchange. Kurt DeLuis and Cade Cust miss the 17.

Tigers: 1. Daine Laurie, 2. David Nofoaluma, 3. Junior Pauga, 4. Tommy Talau, 5. Ken Maumalo, 6. Adam Doueihi, 7. Luke Brooks, 8. Stefano Utoikamanu, 9. Jacob Liddle, 10. James Tamou, 11. Luke Garner, 12. Luciano Leilua, 13. Thomas Mikaele

Bench: 14. Joe Ofahengaue, 15. Alex Twal, 16. Tukimihia Simpkins, 17. Moses Mbye

Reserves: 18. Michael Chee Kam, 19. Jake Simpkin, 20. Alex Seyfarth, 21. Shawn Blore

TEAM NEWS: No changes after a strong win over the Broncos.

PANTHERS V BRONCOS

Saturday 24 July, Suncorp Stadium, 7:35pm

Panthers: 1. Dylan Edwards, 2. Charlie Staines, 3. Stephen Crichton, 4. Matt Burton, 5. Brian To’o, 6. Jarome Luai, 7. Tyrone May, 8. Moses Leota, 9. Apisai Koroisau, 10. James Fisher-Harris, 11. Viliame Kikau, 12. Kurt Capewell, 13. Isaah Yeo

Bench: 14. Mitch Kenny, 15. Scott Sorensen, 16. Spencer Leniu, 17. Liam Martin

Reserves: 18. Brent Naden, 19. Paul Momirovski, 20. Matthew Eisenhuth, 21. Izack Tago

TEAM NEWS:

Origin five-eighth Jarome Luai (knee) is a key inclusion. Matt Burton shifts from the halves to centre with Brent Naden dropping out of the 17. Nathan Cleary continues his rehab on a shoulder injury and is still two weeks away.

Broncos: 1. Tesi Niu, 2. Corey Oates, 3. Kotoni Staggs, 4. Herbie Farnworth, 5. Jamayne Isaako, 6. Tyson Gamble, 7. Brodie Croft, 8. Thomas Flegler, 9. Jake Turpin, 10. Payne Haas, 11. Alex Glenn, 12. Jordan Riki, 13. Kobe Hetherington

Bench: 14. Cory Paix, 15. Rhys Kennedy, 16. Keenan Palasia, 17. TC Robatii

Reserves: 18. Ethan Bullemor, 19. Jesse Arthars, 20. Xavier Willison, 21. Xavier Coates

TEAM NEWS:

Winger Xavier Coates again misses out after sitting out last week’s post Origin clash, named in jersey No. 21. Cory Paix is promoted to the bench in place of Jesse Arthars. Other than that it’s essentially the same 17 as last week, although there’s a forward switcheroo with Thomas Flegler and Jordan Riki promoted to start and Rhys Kennedy and TC Robati back to bench.

DRAGONS V TITANS

Sunday 25 July, Cbus Super Stadium, 1:50pm

Dragons: 1. Matt Dufty, 2. Jordan Pereira, 3. Gerard Beale, 4. Cody Ramsey, 5. Mathew Feagai, 6. Jayden Sullivan, 7. Ben Hunt, 8. Blake Lawrie, 9. Andrew McCullough, 10. Josh Kerr, 11. Jack Bird, 12. Tariq Sims, 13. Josh McGuire

Bench: 14. Adam Clune, 15. Tyrell Fuimaono, 16. Jamayne Taunoa-Brown, 17. Jack de Belin

Reserves: 18.Kaide Ellis, 19. Talatau Amone, 20. Billy Burns, 21. Tyrell Sloan

TEAM NEWS:

Mass forced changes with Jayden Sullivan, Jordan Pereira, Kaide Ellis, Mathew Feagai, Matt Dufty, Talatau Amone and Tyrell Fuimaono the fresh faces in the squad. Brayden Wiliame, Corey Norman, Jackson Ford and Poasa Faamausili drop out. Changes of note include young gun Sullivan to play five-eighth in place of Norman, while Matt Dufty returns at fullback for rookie sensation Sloan.

Titans: 1. Alexander Brimson, 2. Greg Marzhew, 3. Brian Kelly, 4. Patrick Herbert, 5. Corey Thompson, 6. Ash Taylor, 7. Toby Sexton, 8. Jarrod Wallace, 9. Mitch Rein, 10. Moeaki Fotuaika, 11. Kevin Proctor, 12. David Fifita, 13. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui

Bench: 14. Tyrone Peachey, 15. Sam Lisone, 16.Jaimin Jolliffe, 17. Beau Fermor

Reserves: 18. Esan Marsters, 19. Sam McIntyre, 20. Tanah Boyd, 21. Jayden Campbell

TEAM NEWS:

BULLDOGS V SHARKS

Sunday 25 July, Cbus Super Stadium, 4:05pm

Bulldogs: 1. Nick Meaney, 2. Corey Allan, 3. Will Hopoate, 4. Aaron Schoupp, 5. Jayden Okunbor, 6. Lachlan Lewis, 7. Jake Averillo, 8. Ava Seumanufagai, 9. Jeremy Marshall-King, 10.Jack Hetherington, 11. Corey Waddell, 12. Josh Jackson, 13. Luke Thompson

Bench: 14. Bailey Biondi-Oro, 15. Dylan Napa, 16. Joe Stimson, 17. Ofahiki Ogden

Reserves: 19. Kyle Flanagan, 20. Sione Katoa, 21. Falakiko Manu, 22, Matt Doorey

TEAM NEWS:

Sharks: 1. Will Kennedy, 2. Sione Katoa, 3. Connor Tracey, 4. Jesse Ramien, 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo, 6. Braydon Trindall, 7. Shaun Johnson, 8. Toby Rudolf, 9. Blayke Brailey, 10. Aaron Woods, 11. Siosifa Talakai, 12. Teig Wilton, 13. Jack Williams

Bench: 14. Mawene Hiroti, 15. Royce Hunt, 16. Briton Nikora, 17. Braden Hamlin-Uele

Reserves: 18. Billy Magoulias, 19. Luke Metclaf, 20. Andrew Fifita, 21. Jonaiah Lualua

TEAM NEWS: