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Knights prop Danny Wicks is in doubt for tonight’s clash against Penrith after twisting his ankle at training yesterday.
Coach Brian Smith said: “He’ll be in some doubt, he didn’t complete the session.” After visiting the team physio, Wicks is expected to play – as is five-eighth Chris Bailey, who was also unable to take part in yesterday’s final training run.
“He’s had the flu for the last couple of days,” Smith said.
After being given four days off, Panthers captain PeteroCivoniceva returned to training yesterday but declined to comment on the apology issued to him by a Parramatta fan banned for five years from NRL matches for racially abusing the Test prop.
Roosters rookie Jake Friend retains his bench berth for tonight’s match against Gold Coast, with Anthony Cherrington the player to drop out of the 18-man squad. The Titans boast just two wins from their past eight matches, and with eight first-graders injured, coach John Cartwright will blood winger Jordan Rapana, while utility back Shannon Walker has also been called up from the Toyota Cup.
Manly centre Steve Matai is in doubt for tomorrow night’s clash with Cronulla as he has not yet been cleared to play after suffering a serious chest injury that had him coughing up blood. Matai will have a final fitness test tonight. The Sharks welcome back fullback Brett Kearney from an ankle injury as the teams prepare to battle it out for the Steve Rogers Memorial Trophy.
After missing Sunday’s loss with a back injury, Eels lock Chad Robinson has pulled through training without a hitch and is ready to play tomorrow night against South Sydney. Rabbitohs coach Jason Taylor has not yet trimmed his bench.
Warriors coach Ivan Cleary is yet to make a decision on whether Michael Witt will play after being named earlier this week on a five-man bench. Cowboys coach Ian Millward is also undecided about the final make-up of his side.
Canberra rake Glen Buttriss remains an outside chance to play St George Illawarra on Sunday but is more likely to be ruled out with a knee injury. If Buttriss is unavailable, Melbourne-bound Ryan Hinchcliffe will start as hooker.
The Raiders are trying to prevent the home side snaring an record eighth consecutive win, with stats showing they have not won in Wollongong for 10 years.
Brisbane have been boosted for Sunday’s match against the Bulldogs with the return of halves duo Darren Lockyer and Peter Wallace. This will be the first time the pair has played together since round eight. Lockyer’s return to the training field yesterday attracted hundreds of spectators to Red Hill. The Bulldogs don’t anticipate any changes to their side, with Reni Maitua having recovered from the shoulder injury that kept him out of Monday night’s golden-point loss to Souths.
Wests Tigers and the Storm are as per program for Monday night’s clash at Campbelltown
