Bulldogs coach Cameron Ciraldo confirmed centre Jake Averillo is set to overcome a knee injury, while Karl Oloapu won’t play despite edging closer to a debut.

Meanwhile, Manly five-eighth Josh Schuster is set to return from a quad injury provided he can get through the captain’s run on Saturday morning.

Broncos forward Jordan Riki is battling a minor leg injury, while the Eels could reshuffle their backline and pack with Bailey Simonsson bidding to return.

The Bulldogs are once again dealing with an injury crisis. But a move from coach Cameron Ciraldo could unlock a star that’s under pressure to perform.

Eyebrows were raised when Ciraldo named Matt Burton at halfback and Kyle Flanagan at five-eighth on Tuesday, but News Corp journalist Michael Carayannis revealed it’s to “challenge” Burton.

“It’s a challenge from Cameron Ciraldo to get Matt Burton involved,” he told NRL 360.

“They feel like he’s waiting too long to get into the game and at times in key moments they’ve lacked direction. So it’s about getting him on the ball and taking more ownership of the side.”

As much as it is about challenging Burton, Paul Kent can see how the switch could benefit Flanagan, who has struggled in the past to nail down a spot in first grade.

“I think it might actually help Flanagan in some ways. It might just free him up a little bit,” he told NRL 360.

“He strikes me as a kid who wears a lot of it and sometimes he’s just overthinking the game. I’d love someone to say ‘just go and play’ — and that’s the opportunity this week.

“He’s not going to be charged with running the team so let’s go and see what you can do when you don’t have that weighing you down.

“It could free him up to become the player that we all thought he was going to be and on the flip side it’ll force Burton to become the player we all think he’s going to be.

“I think it’s really good coaching from Ciraldo to just flip it around.”

FRIDAY APRIL 21

Parramatta Eels vs Brisbane Broncos at TIO Stadium, 8.00pm AEST

Eels team: 1. Clinton Gutherson 2. Maika Sivo 3. Viliami Penisini 4. Sean Russell 5. Haze Dunster 6. Dylan Brown 7. Mitchell Moses 8. Reagan Campbell-Gillard 9. Josh Hodgson 10. Junior Paulo 11. Shaun Lane 12. Bryce Cartwright 13. Ryan Matterson 14. J’maine Hopgood 15. Brendan Hands 16. Wiremu Greig 17. Matt Doorey 18. Jakob Arthur 21. Bailey Simonsson

Players cut: 19. Jack Murchie 20. Makahesi Makatoa 22. Daejarn Asi

Late Mail: Josh Hodgson (illness) is set to return with Ben Hands shifting to the bench.“He (Hodgson) is good,” coach Brad Arthur said. “He’s the fresh one on the scene this week so hopefully he leads from the front for us.” J’maine Hopgood is tipped to start at lock as he did last week with Ryan Mattersson shifting to the second row and Bryce Cartwright to the bench.Bailey Simonsson is back from a suspension and could be a late addition to the backline after being retained in the reserves when the team was trimmed 24 hours out from kick-off.

 

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. Kurt Capewell 12. Jordan Riki 13. Patrick Carrigan 14. Cory Paix 15. Corey Jensen 16. Kobe Hetherington 17. Martin Taupau 18. Jesse Arthars 19. Keenan Palasia

Players cut: 20. Jock Madden 21. Brendan Piakura 22. Deine Mariner

Late Mail: Back-rower Jordan Riki is battling a minor leg injury suffered against the Titans and was on light duties at training this week. Keenan Palasia would likely come into the 17 if he is ruled out. Skipper Adam Reynolds sat out training on Tuesday due to general soreness, but is expected to play. Corey Oates (broken jaw) and Thomas Flegler (concussion) have been cleared to return.

SATURDAY APRIL 22

Canterbury Bulldogs vs Cronulla Sharks at Accor Stadium, 5.30pm AEST

Bulldogs team: 1. Hayze Perham 2. Declan Casey 3. Jake Averillo 4. Paul Alamoti 5. Braidon Burns 6. Kyle Flanagan 7. Matt Burton 8. Max King 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Tevita Pangai Junior 11. Corey Waddell 12. Jacob Preston 13. Raymond Faitala-Mariner 14. Josh Reynolds 15. Jayden Okunbor 16. Andrew Davey 17. Ryan Sutton 19. Karl Oloapu 20. Jackson Topine 21. Samuel Hughes 22. Jeral Skelton 23. Reece Hoffman

Players cut:

Late Mail: Bulldogs coach Cameron Ciraldo confirmed Karl Oloapu would not play despite being listed in the reserves, while Jake Averillo (knee) will be fit to start. “Karl is in the extensed squad but he won’t be playing this week,” Ciraldo said. “Karl is doing really well in NSW Cup. He is very versatile and can play in any position. We are a bit short of middles and forwards at the moment and we did contemplate putting him on the bench over the last few weeks in one of those roles because he is so versatile and a really tough kid, but I’m sure he will get his opportunity soon somewhere. He is not far off at all. Our NSW Cup side is playing really well. They are leading the compeition and there is a lot of guys putting their hands up for spots and Karl is one of them. We are really excited about some of those kids coming through and I’m sure you will see a lot of them soon.” The Bulldogs turned some heads with the naming of their squad this week. Matt Burton was listed at No.7 with halves partner Kyle Flanagan named at six. One punter raised the change with Bulldogs supremo Phil Gould on Twitter and questioned whether it was a mistake. “I’m sure the coach will explain at the appropriate time. But it was a deliberate move and they have a reason,” Gould replied. News Corp journalist Michael Carayannis has since revealed it’s part of a plan to “challenge” Burton to get more involved in the game. The Bulldogs have had a difficult start to the season, sitting in 15th spot on the ladder with three wins from the opening seven rounds. Flanagan, who has struggled to nail down the starting spot since his move from the Roosters, has come in for criticism as the Bulldogs have struggled to put points on the board. Meanwhile, young playmaker Oloapu, who the Bulldogs signed from the Broncos and is seen as a star of the future, has been named at No.18 prompting speculation Flanagan’s position in the side could once again be under threat. The Bulldogs are already without Jacob Kiraz and Josh Addo-Carr and could lose more Braidon Burns (foot) needing to prove his fitness in the coming days according to The Daily Telegraph. Rugby union convert Jeral Skelton could earn a debut, while Jayden Okunbor could also slot into the outside backs off the bench.

Sharks team: 1. William Kennedy 2. Sione Katoa 3. Jesse Ramien 4. Siosifa Talakai 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo 6. Matt Moylan 7. Nicho Hynes 8. Oregon Kaufusi 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Braden Hamlin-Uele 11. Briton Nikora 12. Teig Wilton 13. Cameron McInnes 14. Wade Graham 15. Jack Williams 16. Royce Hunt 17. Thomas Hazelton 18. Braydon Trindall 19. Connor Tracey 20. Tuku Hau Tapuha 21. Mawene Hiroti 22. Jayden Berrell

Players cut:

Late Mail: Craig Fitzgibbon is expected to keep the same 17 that beat the Roosters.

 

North Queensland Cowboys vs Newcastle Knights at Queensland Country Bank Stadium, 7.35pm AEST

Cowboys team: 1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Kyle Feldt 3. Valentine Holmes 4. Peta Hiku 5. Murray Taulagi 6. Tom Dearden 7. Chad Townsend 8. Jordan McLean 9. Reece Robson 10. Coen Hess 11. Jack Gosiewski 12. Jeremiah Nanai 13. Reuben Cotter 14. Tomas Chester 15. Jake Granville 16. Jamayne Taunoa-Brown 17. Mitchell Dunn 18. Riley Price 19. Ben Hampton 20. Brendan Elliot 21. Taniela Sadrugu 22. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki

Players cut:

Late Mail: Jordan McLean (hamstring) is on track to return with Jake Granville switching to the bench. Todd Payten has often reshuffled his forward pack starters and bench, which again is likely given their injury concerns. Reuben Cotter starts at lock in place of the injured Jason Taumalolo.

Knights team: 1. Lachlan Miller 2. Dominic Young 3. Dane Gagai 4. Bradman Best 5. Greg Marzhew 6. Kalyn Ponga 7. Jackson Hastings 8. Daniel Saifiti 9. Phoenix Crossland 10. Leo Thompson 11. Tyson Frizell 12. Lachlan Fitzgibbon 13. Kurt Mann 14. Tyson Gamble 15. Jacob Saifiti 16. Mathew Croker 17. Jack Hetherington 18. Simi Sasagi 19. Hymel Hunt 20. Jack Johns 21. Dylan Lucas 22. Adam Clune

Players cut:

Late Mail: Origin stars Kalyn Ponga (concussion) and Jacob Saifiti (suspension) will both make their returns. Saifiti could start which would see Leo Thompson switch to the bench.

SUNDAY APRIL 23

Dolphins vs Gold Coast Titans at Suncorp Stadium, 2.00pm AEST

Dolphins team: 1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Euan Aitken 4. Brenko Lee 5. Robert Jennings 6. Kodi Nikorima 7. Isaiya Katoa 8. Jesse Bromwich 9. Jeremy Marshall-King 10. Herman Ese’ese 11. Felise Kaufusi 12. Connelly Lemuelu 13. Tom Gilbert 14. Jarrod Wallace 15. Mark Nicholls 16. Ray Stone 17. Kurt Donoghoe 18. JJ Collins 19. Poasa Faamausili 20. Edrick Lee 21. Mason Teague 22. Valynce Te Whare

Players cut:

Late Mail: Felise Kaufusi returns from suspension in place of back-rower Kenny Bromwich. Kurt Donoghoe retains his place on the bench, with Mason Teague and Valynce Te Whare named in the reserves.

 

Titans team: 1. Jayden Campbell 2. Alofiana Khan-Pereira 3. Brian Kelly 4. Phillip Sami 5. Jojo Fifita 6. Kieran Foran 7. Tanah Boyd 8. Moeaki Fotuaika 9. Chris Randall 10. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui 11. David Fifita 12. Joe Stimson 13. Isaac Liu 14. Kruise Leeming 15. Erin Clark 16. Thomas Mikaele 17. Klese Haas 18. Jo Vuna 19. Keano Kini 20. Thomas Weaver 21. AJ Brimson 22. Sam McIntyre

Players cut:

Late Mail: AJ Brimson (hamstring) was named in the reserves and could be a late inclusion in the halves, which could see Tanah Boyd shifted to hooker with either Chris Randall or Kruise Leeming to miss out.

Wests Tigers vs Manly Sea Eagles at Campbelltown Sports Stadium, 4.05pm AEST

Wests Tigers team: 1. Jahream Bula 2. Charlie Staines 3. Starford To’a 4. Asu Kepaoa 5. Junior Tupou 6. Brandon Wakeham 7. Luke Brooks 8. Stefano Utoikamanu 9. Apisai Koroisau 10. David Klemmer 11. Isaiah Papali’i 12. John Bateman 13. Fonua Pole 14. Daine Laurie 15. Joe Ofahengaue 16. Alex Twal 17. Tommy Talau 18. Alex Seyfarth 19. Shawn Blore 20. Justin Matamua 21. David Nofoaluma 22. Jake Simpkin

Players cut:

Late Mail: Tommy Talau returns from a facial injury along with Daine Laurie on the bench. David Nofoaluma (foot) could be a late inclusion after being named in the reserves. Shawn Blore and Justin Matamua could also be late inclusions after being names in the reserves list. Jahream Bula has been named to make his NRL debut at fullback with Charlie Staines on the wing.

Sea Eagles team: 1. Tom Trbojevic 2. Jason Saab 3. Brad Parker 4. Morgan Harper 5. Reuben Garrick 6. Josh Schuster 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Taniela Paseka 9. Lachlan Croker 10. Jake Trbojevic 11. Haumole Olakau’atu 12. Ethan Bullemor 13. Josh Aloiai 14. Samuela Fainu 15. Sean Keppie 16. Aaron Woods 17. Toafofoa Sipley 18. Cooper Johns 19. Kaeo Weekes 20. Ben Condon 21. Gordon Chan Kum Tong 22. Christian Tuipulotu

Players cut:

Late Mail: Josh Schuster (quad) is set to return at five-eighth provided he can get through the captain’s run on Saturday morning, with Cooper Johns on stanby if he is a late scratching. Reuben Garrick (concussion) returns on the wing. Samuela Fainu has been named on the bench to debut with Kaeo Weekes dropping to the reserves.

TUESDAY APRIL 25

Sydney Roosters vs St George Illawarra Dragons at Allianz Stadium, 4.05pm AEST

Roosters team: 1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Joseph Suaalii 4. Paul Momirovski 5. Jaxson Paulo 6. Joseph Manu 7. Luke Keary 8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves 9. Brandon Smith 10. Lindsay Collins 11. Egan Butcher 12. Angus Crichton 13. Victor Radley 14. Drew Hutchison 15. Terrell May 16. Sitili Tupouniua 17. Matthew Lodge 18. Corey Allan 19. Nathan Brown 20. Naufahu Whyte 21. Jake Turpin 22. Sam Walker

Players cut:

Late Mail: Joseph Manu moves to five-eighth, with Luke Keary switching to halfback and Sam Walker dropped. Paul Momirovski comes into the centres. Angus Crichton comes in for Nat Butcher (suspension) for his first game of the season. Sitili Tupouniua returns from injury on the bench, while Nathan Brown is a chance to debut after being included in the reserves.

Dragons team: 1. Tyrell Sloan 2. Mathew Feagai 3. Moses Suli 4. Zac Lomax 5. Tautau Moga 6. Talatau Amone 7. Ben Hunt 8. Zane Musgrove 9. Moses Mbye 10. Blake Lawrie 11. Ben Murdoch-Masila 12. Jack Bird 13. Jack de Belin 14. Jacob Liddle 15. Michael Molo 16. Toby Couchman 17. Josh Kerr 18. Jaiyden Hunt 19. Max Feagai 20. Jayden Sullivan 21. Billy Burns 22. Viliami Fifita

Players cut:

Late Mail: Ben Murdoch-Masila back in the second row after playing NSW Cup last week. Moses Mbye starts at hooker with Jacob Liddle shifting to the bench.

Melbourne Storm vs Warriors at AAMI Park, 7.00pm AEST

Storm team:1. Nick Meaney 2. William Warbrick 3. Reimis Smith 4. Justin Olam 5. Xavier Coates 6. Cameron Munster 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Nelson Asofa-Solomona 9. Harry Grant 10. Christian Welch 11. Trent Loiero 12. Eliesa Katoa 13. Josh King 14. Bronson Garlick 15. Alec MacDonald 16. Tom Eisenhuth 17. Tariq Sims 18. Grant Anderson 19. Aaron Pene 20. Tyran Wishart 21. Jonah Pezet 22. Jack Howarth

Players cut:

Late Mail: Nelson Asofa-Solomona (knee), Nick Meaney (concussion) and Tom Eisenhuth (hip) are set to play after a long turnaround for the Storm.

Warriors team: 1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 3. Marcelo Montoya 4. Adam Pompey 5. Edward Kosi 6. Dylan Walker 7. Shaun Johnson 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Freddy Lussick 10. Jazz Tevaga 11. Jackson Ford 12. Marata Niukore 13. Tohu Harris 14. Bayley Sironen 15. Josh Curran 16. Bunty Afoa 17. Tom Ale 18. Viliami Vailea 20. Taine Tuaupiki 21. Ronald Volkman 22. Demitric Sifakula 23. Zyon Maiu’u

Players cut:

Late Mail: Back-rower Marata Niukore return from a two-game suspension with Josh Curran switching to the bench and Taine Tuaupiki to the reserves.

Bye: Canberra Raiders