Round 23 team news and injury updates, Penrith Panthers, Casey McLean scan results, Mitch Kenny return

Team tips: The Roosters suffered a huge scare when James Tedesco left the field early after rolling his ankle last week and later reappeared in a moon boot. The Roosters are confident Tedesco will be cleared to play. The side will have Cody Ramsey at their disposal should Tedesco sit out the match. Lindsay Collins is no certainty to return from concussion, with Trent Robinson telling reporters “he’s going well but it’ll be in the next couple of weeks he’ll get back on the field”. Meanwhile, Billy Smith is likely to be named after missing last week’s game through illness.

Last week’s Bulldogs team: 1. Connor Tracey 2. Jacob Kiraz 3. Matt Burton 4. Enari Tuala 5. Jethro Rinakama 6. Stephen Crichton 7. Lachlan Galvin 8. Max King 9. Bailey Hayward 10. Leo Thompson 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Jacob Preston 13. Jaeman Salmon 14. Kurt Mann 15. Josh Curran 16. Harry Hayes 17. Alekolasimi Jones 20. Sean O’Sullivan 23. Jonathan Sua

Team tips: Canterbury’s run of six wins from seven matches will be duly tested by the Roosters, who have hit their straps at the right time. But the Dogs receive a huge boost with the anticipated return of Sitili Tupouniua. The rampaging forward will bolster the side’s already strong edge stocks, thanks to excellent recent form from Viliame Kikau, Jacob Preston, Jaeman Salmon and Josh Curran. The Dogs are otherwise 1-19 at the time of writing.

SATURDAY AUGUST 8

Melbourne Storm vs Manly Sea Eagles, 3pm @ HBF Park

Last week’s Storm team: 1. Sualauvi Faalogo 2. Siulagi Tuimalatu-Brown 3. Manaia Waitere 4. Nick Meaney 5. Moses Leo 6. Tyran Wishart 14. Hayden Watson 8. Stefano Utoikamanu 9. Trent Toelau 10. Josh King 11. Cooper Clarke 12. Oryn Keeley 13. Trent Loiero 15. Alec MacDonald 16. Jack Hetherington 17. Shawn Blore 18. Joe Chan 19. Angus Hinchey 22. Jai Bowden

Team tips: Melbourne’s slim finals hopes were dashed after the loss to Canterbury. Don’t expect them to throw in the towel for the rest of the season, however. “If anyone wants to go through the motions, if I see that at training, they won’t be playing first grade,” Craig Bellamy warned post-game on Friday night. Jahrome Hughes was ruled out of last week’s match with hamstring soreness. It was the third time in six weeks the halfback has been withdrawn due to hamstring issues. With the bye next week, expect him to miss this week’s match. Young halfback Hayden Watson impressed in his absence so he should retain his spot. Cameron Munster and Harry Grant aren’t due back until after the bye.

Round 21 Sea Eagles team: 1. Lehi Hopoate 2. Jason Saab 3. Josh Feledy 4. Reuben Garrick 5. Tolutau Koula 6. Joey Walsh 7. Jamal Fogarty 8. Taniela Paseka 9. Jake Simpkin 10. Simione Laiafi 11. Haumole Olakau’atu 12. Ben Trbojevic 13. Jake Trbojevic 14. Nicholas Lenaz 15. Nathan Brown 16. Kobe Hetherington 17. Ethan Bullemor 18. Fletcher Baker 19. Blake Wilson 20. Onitoni Large 21. Aaron Schoupp 22. Zaidas Muagututia

Team tips:Corey Waddell is due back from an ankle injury in what is a must-win game for the Sea Eagles if they want to keep their finals hopes alive. Ben Trbojevic failed a HIA last game and is down to return in Round 24, but if he’s overcome the concussion symptoms he should play. Brother Tom is a chance of making a comeback from a hamstring strain. The club said he was be reassessed after last weekend’s bye.

Dolphins vs Brisbane Broncos, 5.30pm @ Suncorp Stadium

Last week’s Dolphins team: 1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Jack Bostock 4. Herbie Farnworth 5. Selwyn Cobbo 6. Kodi Nikorima 22. Isaiya Katoa 8. Thomas Flegler 9. Jeremy Marshall-King 10. Francis Molo 11. Connelly Lemuelu 12. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki 13. Morgan Knowles 7. Brad Schneider 14. Kurt Donoghoe 15. Max Plath 16. Tom Gilbert 17. Felise Kaufusi 18. Ray Stone

Team tips: The Dolphins got halfback Isaiya Katoa back last week and he got through unscathed. The Dolphins are just about the healthiest club in the NRL with no injuries to the main squad. They’re only a win outside the top four ahead of the derby clash. Coach Kristian Woolf said many of his players were only suffering bumps and bruises. They will likely field an unchanged squad this week.

Last week’s Broncos team: 1. Reece Walsh 2. Josiah Karapani 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Deine Mariner 5. Grant Anderson 6. Ezra Mam 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Va’a Semu 9. Cory Paix 10. Payne Haas 11. Xavier Willison 12. Jordan Riki 13. Patrick Carrigan 14. Billy Walters 15. Ben Talty 16. Jaiyden Hunt 17. Ben Hunt 19. Hayze Perham 20. Gehamat Shibasaki

Team tips:Adam Reynolds got steamrolled by Greg Marzhew before the 10 minute mark against the Knights. He was ruled out of the match for showing category one concussion symptoms. It means he’s out this week and Tom Duffy could come in to replace him. Xavier Willison left the field with a bad cut to his knee early in the match against the Knights and he didn’t return to the field. There’s been no update regarding his health. Reece Walsh will play after escaping with a fine after being put on report for pulling Dominic Young’s hair. Aublix Tawha is available for selection after being out with an ankle injury. Brendan Piakura is still being treated for a bad concussion suffered two weeks ago.

South Sydney Rabbitohs vs Parramatta Eels, 7.35pm @ Allianz Stadium

Last week’s Rabbitohs team: 1. Matthew Dufty 2. Alex Johnston 3. Latrell Siegwalt 4. Jack Wighton 5. Campbell Graham 6. Cody Walker 7. Ashton Ward 8. Tevita Tatola 9. Brandon Smith 10. John Radel 11. Keaon Koloamatangi 22. Adam Elliott 13. Lachlan Hubner 14. Jye Gray 15. Jamie Humphreys 16. Liam Le Blanc 17. Sean Keppie 18. Jayden Sullivan 20. Thomas Fletcher

Team tips: The Rabbitohs are on the verge of slipping outside the top eight following their loss to the Sharks on Sunday. However, Wayne Bennett’s men get a big boost with the anticipated return of Tallis Duncan, Euan Aitken, David Fifita and Cameron Murray. Superstar Latrell Mitchell remains out for the foreseeable future, while Dayne Jennings is expected to sit out a few more weeks following a nasty leg cut against Newcastle in Round 19.

Last week’s Eels team: 1. Isaiah Iongi 2. Brian Kelly 3. Viliami Penisini 4. Jordan Samrani 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Ronald Volkman 7. Mitchell Moses 8. Sam Tuivaiti 9. Tallyn Da Silva 10. Jack Williams 11. Kelma Tuilagi 12. Kitione Kautoga 13. Jack de Belin 14. Dylan Walker 15. Junior Paulo 16. Teancum Brown 17. Harrison Edwards 18. Joash Papali’i 19. Toni Mataele

Team tips: The Eels could get a host of players back from injury this week including Luca Moretti, Sean Russell and Bailey Simonsson which will be welcome news to coach Jason Ryles who has had to deal with a shocking injury list this season. They got through unscathed from Sunday’s win over the Tigers which definitely ruled them out for the wooden spoon. No Eels players were charged either.

SUNDAY AUGUST 9

Canberra Raiders vs Newcastle Knights, 2pm @ GIO Stadium

Last week’s Raiders team: 1. Kaeo Weekes 2. Jed Stuart 18. Sebastian Kris 4. Matthew Timoko 5. Xavier Savage 6. Ethan Strange 7. Ethan Sanders 8. Corey Horsburgh 9. Owen Pattie 10. Joseph Tapine 11. Zac Hosking 12. Ata Mariota 13. Morgan Smithies 14. Tom Starling 15. Matt Nicholson 16. Josh Papali’i 17. Daine Laurie 19. Joseph Roddy 21. Savelio Tamale

Team tips:Simi Sasagi was a late withdrawal from last week’s game against Penrith with a hamstring injury. It’s only a minor strain and he could be back this week but a week or even two later looks more realistic. Noah Martin is still a few weeks away from returning from a quad injury. The Raiders got through Saturday night’s game relatively unscathed.

Last week’s Knights team: 1. Kalyn Ponga 2. Dominic Young 3. Dane Gagai 4. Bradman Best 5. Greg Marzhew 6. Fletcher Sharpe 7. Sandon Smith 8. Cody Hopwood 9. Phoenix Crossland 10. Trey Mooney 11. Jermaine McEwen 12. Francis Manuleleua 13. Mathew Croker 15. Tyson Frizell 16. Thomas Cant 17. Brodie Jones 18. Fletcher Hunt 19. Lachlan Crouch 20. Toby Winter

Team tips: The Knights cemented their spot in the top eight with a big win over Brisbane. Jacob Saifiti is still two weeks away with a hamstring problem. Asu Kepaoa is available for selection after serving a six-week ban for using a homophobic slur while playing NSW Cup. James Schiller is still a couple of weeks away from returning from a neck injury.

St. George Illawarra Dragons vs Cronulla Sharks, 4.05pm @ St George Venues Jubilee Stadium

Last week’s Dragons team: 1. Clinton Gutherson 2. Setu Tu 4. Valentine Holmes 18. Moses Suli 5. Tyrell Sloan 19. Lyhkan King-Togia 7. Kyle Flanagan 8. Loko Jnr Pasifiki Tonga 9. Damien Cook 10. Toby Couchman 11. Dylan Egan 12. Hamish Stewart 13. Ryan Couchman 6. Daniel Atkinson 14. Jacob Liddle 15. Luciano Leilua 16. Josh Kerr 17. Jacob Halangahu 20. Emre Guler

Team tips:Toby Couchman is set to miss Sunday’s game after failing his concussion test, even if the Dragons prop was hoping to get an exemption. “I tried to ask for an exemption… I went in for the head knock assessment and thought I passed it,” Couchman said on Sunday Night with Matty Johns. “I pretty much passed the whole thing and through the test they ask 10 words, give them back and then you do more of the test and they ask the words again and I couldn’t remember the words, so I failed.” Emre Guler and Josh Kerr would be the leading candidates to replace him in the starting side.

Last week’s Sharks team: 1. William Kennedy 2. Sione Katoa 3. Jesse Ramien 4. KL Iro 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo 6. Braydon Trindall 7. Nicho Hynes 16. Oregon Kaufusi 9. Blayke Brailey 17. Jesse Colquhoun 11. Briton Nikora 12. Teig Wilton 13. Cameron McInnes 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 10. Thomas Hazelton 14. Siosifa Talakai 15. Billy Burns 19. Jayden Berrell 21. Samuel Stonestreet

Team tips: The Sharks are peaking at the right point of the season but remain wary of a Dragons’ side that is undoutedbly on the up after a tumultuous few months. Hohepa Puru is slated to return from concussion, while cult hero Toby Rudolf will be available for selection after being rested last week. KL Iro is also under the microscope after going off with a HIA against the Rabbitohs last weekend, however Craig Fitzgibbon was confident around his prospects. Sifa Talakai is facing at least a week off with an upper bicep injury.

Bye: Wests Tigers

Wests Tigers coach Benji Marshall will use the bye week to decide whether certain players should go in for season-ending surgery now or if he’ll hold off as the club searches for a couple of wins to salvage something after a horror couple of months.

The Tigers will have their final bye of the season this week following byes in rounds 1 and 12, which means they’ve had two lengthy stretches of games.

They’ve fallen off a cliff in the back half of the season with seven losses on the trot, with their attack failing to fire with just 45 points scored in their past six games.

“It’s taking its toll,” Marshall said following Sunday’s heartbreaking loss to the Eels where Adam Doueihi stood tall in the second half in his first game back after sitting out the Raiders loss.

“We’ve got guys playing busted who probably should have surgery but are still playing to fight for the club, which says how much it means to some of the blokes. So in terms of niggles and injury, it’s a good time for us.”

The question now is whether the Tigers decide to inject some youth into the team to give them some experience for 2027 and beyond, which would allow them to send players in for surgery earlier than expected.

That could include fullback Jahream Bula, who has been battling a shoulder issue for the past few months and struggled to make any meaningful impact in Api Koroisau’s 250th game.

Marshall must decide whether he wants to sacrifice potential wins to give guys like young gun Javon Andrews more time in the NRL, with games to come against the Roosters, Cowboys and Panthers on the road.

“We’ll have a conversation about what it looks like again this week,” he said.

“This game was a big occasion for us. We wanted to play for Api, and everyone wanted to be on board for that. I guess the bye gives us a good chance to just take a breath, have a look at the final four weeks, what the priorities are moving forward, and make a plan accordingly.

“I want to win as many games as possible to finish the season. That’s the first priority. How that looks, we’ll see.”

— Martin Gabor