Round 18 Team Lists Late Mail: Tigers make call on Olam, Titans duo out, Ponga makes early return, Koula gets Turbo's spot (2024)

Benji Marshall insists Justin Olam has nothing to prove to the Melbourne Storm as the Papua New Guinea centre returns for Wests Tigers to face his former club.

Marshall confirmed Olam, who has been sidelined for the last two weeks with a knee injury, will come back into the Tigers side for Saturday’s meeting with the Storm at Leichhardt Oval.

Olam has been receiving plasma injections in his knee and has been on limited training duties. But Marshall says the premiership-winning centre is poised to return against a Storm side who were happy to cut him loose after an injury-affected 2023 campaign.

Gold Coast have been rocked by injury with AJ Brimson and Phil Sami ruled out of Friday’s clash with Cronulla in Coffs Harbour.

Brimson had been named to return at five-eighth from a groin injury after missing six NRL matches, but the Titans have erred on the side of caution and given him an extra week off.

Tanah Boyd, named as 18th player, comes into the halves to partner Kieran Foran on Friday night in place of Brimson. Sami, named at centre, failed a late fitness test with a calf strain and will be replaced in the 17 by Jacob Alick.

Beau Fermor, on the team sheet at second row, may switch to centre and swap with Alick. Brimson’s omission is a blow for Gold Coast who had already lost versatile Jayden Campbell to a broken hand.

Kalyn Ponga is poised to make an early return from a foot injury after being named to face Canberra as Newcastle fight to keep pace with their top-eight rivals.

Initially not due to return from a Lisfranc injury until round 20, Ponga has been named in the Newcastle No.1 jersey for Sunday’s crucial clash with the Raiders.

It comes as a host of State of Origin stars prepare to make their return, with Melbourne’s Harry Grant the sole exception after being rested again by the Storm. But it is Ponga’s return that has the potential to be most influential.

The Knights fullback has not played since hurting his foot in April and his return is a timely boost given’s Newcastle fight for a finals spot.

Leo Thompson and Dylan Lucas also return for the Knights, while Fletcher Sharpe has been rewarded with a bench spot for his strong form at fullback.

Melbourne’s golden boy Ryan Papenhuyzen returns once again after a stop and start month, with the fullback sidelined in round 17 due to a foot injury.

Harry Grant is a big query, with the star hooker not listed once again following the Maroons game two loss. Grant suffered a cut to his head in the second Origin fixture but has been omitted from the 17 for a second straight week with Bronson Garlick to start.

Kane Bradley is named to replace injured aerial weapon Xavier Coates – who will be out for a minimum six weeks with a right hamstring tear.

Penrith and the Broncos are back to full Origin rep strength, with Jack Cole taking the No.6 jersey ahead of Brad Schneider.

Deine Mariner moves to the centres for a Corey Oates return, as Kotoni Staggs has been left out of the side due to personal reasons. Selwyn Cobbo rounds out the centre pairing, with Jesse Arthars on the other wing.

Roosters 2013 premiership centre Michael Jennings has been slotted in for the injured Joseph Manu. Jennings could find himself on the right edge for the next four rounds, to provide cover for the Kiwi star who recovers from a fractured hand.

Tolu Koula has won the No.1 spot at Manly and will link up with Tom Trbojevic as a centre. Trobjevic’s return means Lehi Hopoate goes to the bench, with Daly Cherry-Evans and Haumole Olakau’atu back.

The Dolphins have lost Jeremy Marshall-King until the eve of the finals after scans confirmed the hooker required surgery on his foot. Dolphins officials on Tuesday breathed a sigh of relief with scans showing Marshall-King avoided a Lisfranc fracture that would have ended his season.

But the news was still not great. The 28-year-old suffered fractures in his second and third metatarsals during the club’s 26-6 loss to St George Illawarra. He will therefore be out for at least eight weeks, returning in round 25 at the earliest.

Prop Thomas Flegler is also still out with a shoulder injury, while utility Kurt Donoghoe has copped a three-match ban for a high tackle.

St George Illawarra winger Mat Feagai also didn’t last long, replaced in the first half with a shoulder problem.

Round 18 teams

All times AEST

Parramatta vs South Sydney at CommBank Stadium: 7.50pm, Thursday July 4

Eels: 1. Clint Gutherson 2. Jake Tago 3. Viliami Penisini 4. Sean Russell 5. Blaize Talagi 6. Dylan Brown 7. Mitchell Moses 8. Reagan Campbell-Gillard 9. Brendan Hands 10. Junior Paulo 11. Ryan Matterson 12. Bryce Cartwright 13. Shaun Lane 14. Matthew Arthur 15. Joe Ofahengaue 16. Matt Doorey 17. Charlie Guymer 18. Daejarn Asi 19. Makahesi Makatoa 20. Wiremu Greig 21. Morgan Harper 22. Luca Moretti

Maika Sivo has a niggle with brings Jake Tago on to the wing for his NRL debut while back-rower Charlie Guymer will also make his debut off the bench. Makahesi Makatoa moves out of the squad while J’Maine Hopgood had been ruled out of the season.

Rabbitohs: 1. Latrell Mitchell 2. Alex Johnston 3. Taane Milne 4. Richard Kennar 5. Jacob Gagai 6. Jack Wighton 7. Cody Walker 8. Davvy Moale 9. Damien Cook 10. Sean Keppie 11. Cameron Murray 12. Jai Arrow 13. Keaon Koloamatangi 14. Peter Mamouzelos 15. Tallis Duncan 16. Thomas Burgess 17. Michael Chee Kam 18. Jye Gray 19. Liam Le Blanc 20. Fletcher Myers 21. Adam Christensen 22. Thomas Fletcher

Blues pair Cameron Murray and Latrell Mitchell return meaning Michael Chee Kam reverts to the bench and Jye Gray to 18th man. Liam Le Blanc goes back to the reserves after making his debut in round 16.

Cronulla vs Gold Coast at C.ex Coffs Harbour Stadium: 6pm, Friday July 5

Sharks: 1. Will Kennedy 2. Daniel Atkinson 3. Jesse Ramien 4. Kayal Iro 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo 6. Braydon Trindall 7. Nicho Hynes 8. Thomas Hazelton 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Oregon Kaufusi 11. Briton Nikora 12. Siosifa Talakai 13. Cameron McInnes 14. Jack Williams 15. Royce Hunt 16. Toby Rudolf 17. Teig Wilton 18. Jesse Colquhoun 19. Tom Rodwell 20. Braden Hamlin-Uele 21. Tuku Hau Tapuha 22. Jayden Berr

Standby No.6 Daniel Atkinson comes in on the wing for Sione Katoa who is out with a concussion, while the rest of the squad remains unchanged.

Titans: 1. Keano Kini 2. Alofiana Khan-Pereira 3. Brian Kelly 4. Phillip Sami 12. Beau Fermor 5. Jojo Fifita 6. AJ Brimson 18. Tanah Boyd 7. Kieran Foran 8. Moeaki Fotuaika 9. Sam Verrills 10. Erin Clark 11. David Fifita 20. Jacob Alick-Wiencke 13. Chris Randall 14. Isaac Liu 15. Josiah Pahulu 16. Keenan Palasia 17. Joe Stimson 19. Iszac Fa’asumaleaui 21. Ken Maumalo 22. Jaylan De Groot

AJ Brimson is not right to return from a groin injury and joins Jayden Campbell on the sidelines, who is out with a hand injury. Phil Sami is also out with a calf problem so Beau Fermor returns to the centres with Jacob Alick elevated to the starting side along with Tanah Boyd.

Moeaki Fotuaika is off duty from the Maroons, so Josiah Pahulu shifts to the bench and Iszac Fa’asuamaleaui moves out to reserves.

Brisbane vs Penrith at Suncorp Stadium: 8pm, Friday July 5

Broncos: 1. Reece Walsh 2. Corey Oates 3. Deine Mariner 4. Selwyn Cobbo 5. Jesse Arthars 6. Ezra Mam 7. Jock Madden 8. Corey Jensen 9. Billy Walters 10. Payne Haas 11. Brendan Piakura 12. Kobe Hetherington 13. Patrick Carrigan 14. Tyson Smoothy 15. Xavier Willison 16. Josiah Karapani 17. Martin Taupau 18. Tristan Sailor 19. Joshua Rogers 20. Cory Paix 21. Blake Mozer 22. Kotoni Staggs

Brisbane staples Reece Walsh, Pat Carrigan and Payne Haas have been reinstated to their starting roles after an Origin rest. Deine Mariner shifts to centre and Corey Oates gets another gig on the wing with Kotoni Staggs named among the reserves but unlikely for personal reasons. Jack Gosiewski suffered an arm injury while Fletcher Baker is also out with a knee problem.

Panthers: 1. Dylan Edwards 2. Sunia Turuva 3. Izack Tago 4. Paul Alamoti 5. Brian To’o 6. Jack Cole 7. Jarome Luai 8. Moses Leota 9. Mitch Kenny 10. James Fisher-Harris 11. Scott Sorensen 12. Liam Martin 13. Isaah Yeo 14. Daine Laurie 15. Lindsay Smith 16. Liam Henry 17. Matt Eisenhuth 18. Brad Schneider 19. Luron Patea 20. Trent Toelau 21. Casey McLean 22. Luke Sommerton

Coach Ivan Cleary gives Origin stars Dylan Edwards, Brian To’o, Jarome Luai, Liam Martin and Isaah Yeo the nod to their starting roles. Daine Laurie pushes out of the No.1 jersey, with Liam Henry and Matt Eisenhuth finding their seats on the bench.

Canterbury vs Warriors at Accor Stadium: 3pm, Saturday July 6

Bulldogs: 1. Connor Tracey 2. Jacob Kiraz 3. Bronson Xerri 4. Stephen Crichton 5. Blake Wilson 6. Matt Burton 7. Toby Sexton 8. Max King 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Samuel Hughes 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Jaeman Salmon 13. Bailey Hayward 14. Kurt Mann 15. Josh Curran 16. Kurtis Morrin 17. Lipoi Hopoi 19. Jeral Skelton 20. Jake Turpin 21. Blake Taaffe 22. Harry Hayes 23. Jack Todd

Connor Tracey returns after a nasty concussion, meaning Jacob Kiraz goes back to his spot on the wing. Jeral Skelton is the unlucky one, sliding to 18th player. Kurt Mann returns from suspension and will have a spot on the bench, while Blake Taaffe’s appearance in round 17 is short lived, pushed to the reserves.

Warriors: 1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 3. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 4. Adam Pompey 5. Marcelo Montoya 6. Chanel Harris-Tavita 7. Te Maire Martin 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Wayde Egan 10. Mitchell Barnett 11. Marata Niukore 12. Kurt Capewell 13. Tohu Harris 14. Freddy Lussick 15. Dylan Walker 16. Jazz Tevaga 17. Jackson Ford 18. Jacob Laban 20. Taine Tuaupiki 21. Ali Leiataua 22. Bunty Afoa 23. Leka Halasima

No changes to the round 17 winning side. Mitch Barnett is again set to be at prop with Marata Niukore and Kurt Capewell the back-rowers.

Wests vs Melbourne at Leichhardt Oval: 5.30pm, Saturday July 6

Tigers: 1. Jahream Bula 3. Solomona Faataape 22. Justin Olam 4. Adam Doueihi 5. Charlie Staines 6. Lachlan Galvin 7. Aidan Sezer 8. Stefano Utoikamanu 9. Apisai Koroisau 10. Fonua Pole 11. John Bateman 12. Samuela Fainu 13. Justin Matamua 14. Heath Mason 15. Sione Fainu 16. Alex Seyfarth 17. David Klemmer 18. Reuben Porter 19. Tallyn Da Silva 20. Solomon Alaimalo 21. Kit Laulilii 2. Luke Laulilii

Charlie Staines comes back on the wing, Solomona Faataape is back on the flank with Justin Olam elevated from the reserves as he returns after a knee injury. Brent Naden has been dropped. John Bateman adds a punch to the starting side and Heath Mason joins the bench with Reuben Porter the 18th player.

Storm: 1. Ryan Papenhuyzen 2. William Warbrick 3. Grant Anderson 4. Jack Howarth 5. Kane Bradley 6. Tyran Wishart 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Tui Kamikamica 9. Bronson Garlick 10. Josh King 11. Shawn Blore 12. Eliesa Katoa 13. Trent Loiero 14. Sualauvi Faalogo 15. Christian Welch 16. Nelson Asofa-Solomona 17. Joe Chan 18. Reimis Smith 19. Alec MacDonald 20. Dean Ieremia 21. Chris Lewis 22. Lazarus Vaalepu

Fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen returns after a week out with an odd foot scare, so young gun Sua Fa’alogo reverts to the bench. The sidelined Xavier Coates allows Kane Bradley to come into the starting side. Maroons hooker Harry Grant is the only query, kept on the sideline after he was rested from the Raiders game. Reimis Smith has been included as 18th player after making a comeback from concussion through NSW Cup last week.

North Qld vs Manly at QCB Stadium: 7.35pm, Saturday July 6

Cowboys: 1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Kyle Feldt 3. Valentine Holmes 4. Viliami Vailea 5. Murray Taulagi 6. Tom Dearden 7. Chad Townsend 8. Jordan McLean 9. Reece Robson 10. Jason Taumalolo 11. Heilum Luki 12. Jeremiah Nanai 13. Reuben Cotter 14. Sam McIntyre 15. Harrison Edwards 16. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki 17. Griffin Neame 18. Jake Granville 19. Braidon Burns 20. Thomas Mikaele 21. Jake Clifford 22. Jaxon Purdue

On the back of a win over the three-peat Panthers, the Cowboys have recalled all six of their Origin stars. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki, Sam McIntyre and Harrison Edwards all move to the bench alongside Griffin Neame.

Sea Eagles: 1. Tolutau Koula 2. Jason Saab 3. Tom Trbojevic 4. Reuben Garrick 5. Tommy Talau 6. Luke Brooks 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Toafofoa Sipley 9. Jake Simpkin 10. Josh Aloiai 11. Haumole Olakau’atu 12. Ben Trbojevic 13. Jake Trbojevic 14. Lehi Hopoate 15. Karl Lawton 16. Ethan Bullemor 17. Nathan Brown 18. Clayton Faulalo 19. Aaron Schoupp 20. Gordon Chan Kum Tong 21. Caleb Navale 22. Aitasi James

Tom Trbojevic makes his long awaited return in the centres with Tolu Koula at fullback and Reuben Garrick back from concussion to join Turbo in the centres. Maroons skipper Daly Cherry-Evans and NSW captain Jake Trbojevic are back on deck along with Haumole Olakau’atu. Josh Aloiai returns from suspension in the front row. Lehi Hopoate, Nathan Brown and Karl Lawton will come from the bench.

Sydney vs St George Illawarra at Allianz Stadium: 2pm, Sunday July 7

Dragons: 1. Tyrell Sloan 2. Zac Lomax 3. Moses Suli 4. Max Feagai 5. Christian Tuipulotu 6. Kyle Flanagan 7. Ben Hunt 8. Francis Molo 9. Jacob Liddle 10. Jack de Belin 11. Raymond Faitala-Mariner 12. Jaydn Su’A 13. Tom Eisenhuth 14. Blake Lawrie 15. Ben Murdoch-Masila 16. Toby Couchman 17. Luciano Leilua 18. Michael Molo 19. Fa’amanu Brown 20. Ryan Couchman 21. Savelio Tamale 22. Jack Bird

Blues winger Zac Lomax puts his Dragons jersey back on after being rested last weekend. Jack Bird is listed among the reserves, almost back from an ankle injury. Christian Tuipulotu remains on the wing for the Mat Feagai, who has a shoulder injury.

Roosters: 1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Michael Jennings 4. Sitili Tupouniua 5. Dominic Young 6. Luke Keary 7. Sam Walker 8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves 9. Brandon Smith 10. Lindsay Collins 11. Angus Crichton 12. Victor Radley 13. Connor Watson 14. Naufahu Whyte 15. Terrell May 16. Nat Butcher 17. Spencer Leniu 18. Ethan King 19. Siua Wong 20. Sandon Smith 21. Blake Steep 22. Salesi Foketi

Veteran Michael Jennings gets the call up to re-join the backline for the injured Joey Manu – out for a month with a fractured hand. Lindsay Collins takes back his starting role as Terrell May reverts to the interchange.

Canberra vs Newcastle at GIO Stadium: 4.05pm, Sunday July 7

Raiders: 1. Kaeo Weekes 2. Jordan Rapana 3. Matthew Timoko 4. Albert Hopoate 5. Xavier Savage 6. Ethan Strange 7. Adam Cook 8. Josh Papali’i 9. Tom Starling 10. Joseph Tapine 11. Hudson Young 12. Elliott Whitehead 13. Morgan Smithies 14. Danny Levi 15. Ata Mariota 16. Trey Mooney 17. Simi Sasagi 18. Sebastian Kris 19. Zac Woolford 20. Emre Guler 21. James Schiller 22. Hohepa Puru

Ricky Stuart has selected Kaeo Weekes moves to fullback, Jordan Rapana on the wing, Albert Hopoate in the centres and Adam Cook at halfback. Simi Sasagi joins the interchange in place of last week’s debutant Jordan Martin – who is out with a concussion.

Knights: 1. Kalyn Ponga 2. Enari Tuala 3. Dane Gagai 4. Bradman Best 5. Greg Marzhew 6. Will Pryce 7. Jackson Hastings 8. Daniel Saifiti 9. Jayden Brailey 10. Leo Thompson 11. Tyson Frizell 12. Kai Pearce-Paul 13. Adam Elliott 14. Fletcher Sharpe 15. Jacob Saifiti 16. Brodie Jones 17. Dylan Lucas 18. Mathew Croker 19. Jack Hetherington 20. Jack Cogger 21. Krystian Mapapalangi 22. Thomas Cant

Skipper Kalyn Ponga is back in the No.1 jersey after a foot injury that has sidelined him since Round 7. Prop Leo Thompson returns while back-rower Dylan Lucas (hamstring) is also back on deck. Hooker Phoenix Crossland is out with concussion, so Jayden Brailey starts in the No.9 spot. Fletcher Sharpe fills the utility role off the bench, while Jack Hetherington and Mat Croker are back to reserves.

Bye

Dolphins: Jeremy Marshall-King faces eight weeks out after limping off in the loss to the Dragons while Kurt Donoghoe has been banned three weeks for a high tackle.

with AAP