Brisbane will be without superstar fullback Reece Walsh for their Magic Round clash with Manly after he was withdrawn from their team due to a knee injury.

The Broncos will switch centre Selwyn Cobbo to the back and give Josiah Karapani his NRL debut in the centres, coach Kevin Walters said ahead of Friday night’s Magic Round showdown. Karapani, 22, has been shining for Burleigh in the Queensland Cup.

“Walshy has pulled up lame during the week with his knee and is not quite right today so we will leave him out bring Josiah in at left centre,” Walters said on Thursday. “We picked Josiah up from Souths last year. He started the year a bit slow but has really accelerated his form the last couple of weeks. I like his speed and his whole attitude shift. It is really positive for him.

“I don’t think it will be a long-term thing for Reece. I think a week (out) to get it steady. He is just favouring it, which I picked up this morning.”

Sharks five eighth Brayden Trindall is in line for a surprise early Magic Round return after a delay in his court hearing saw his stand-down from the NRL lifted.

Trindall has not played since Cronulla’s win over the Cowboys in Round 7 after being arrested for drink driving and registering a positive drug test.

But after his secondary sample was delayed in reaching his lawyers, the court adjourned his hearing, opening the door for Trindall to play. He has been named in the extended bench but could move into the starting side come gameday.

He is just one of several major names to return for the showpiece event at Suncorp Stadium.

Teammate Nicho Hynes has been named at half after missing the win over Melbourne last week but could be replaced by Trindall if his calf is not up to scratch. Cronulla will face a Roosters side bolstered by Brandon Smith, who missed last week with a calf problem. Joey Manu, however, is absent with a concussion so Junior Pauga plays in the centres.

Nicho Hynes. (Photo by Brendon Thorne/Getty Images)

Alex Johnston is a huge inclusion for South Sydney, who face a Cowboys team bolstered by Murray Taulagi and Jordan McLean. All three had suffered hamstring injuries earlier in the year.

The same is true for Xavier Coates, back for Melbourne, who will play a Parramatta team still without Mitchell Moses.

Parramatta coach Brad Arthur had been hopeful of his selection chances for Magic Round, but on Tuesday named Dylan Brown at halfback to face Melbourne and recalled Daejarn Asi to replace Ethan Sanders.

Jaxson Paulo and Raymond Tuaimalo Vaega come into a reshaped Manly backline with Tolu Koula preferred over Reuben Garrick at fullback. Haumole Olakau’atu is back in the second row.

St. George Illawarra Dragons

v

Wests Tigers

1.40

3.00

NRL : Head To Head

Fri, 7 Jun 2024, 20:00

Gold Coast Titans

v

South Sydney Rabbitohs

1.77

2.05

NRL : Head To Head

Sat, 8 Jun 2024, 15:00

North Queensland Cowboys

v

New Zealand Warriors

1.65

2.25

NRL : Head To Head

Sat, 8 Jun 2024, 17:30

Brisbane Broncos

v

Cronulla Sharks

1.43

2.85

NRL : Head To Head

Sat, 8 Jun 2024, 19:35

Melbourne Storm

v

Newcastle Knights

1.24

4.10

NRL : Head To Head

Sun, 9 Jun 2024, 14:00

Penrith Panthers

v

Manly Sea Eagles

1.38

3.10

NRL : Head To Head

Sun, 9 Jun 2024, 16:05

Canterbury Bulldogs

v

Parramatta Eels

2.15

1.70

NRL : Head To Head

Mon, 10 Jun 2024, 16:00

* Odds Correct At Time Of Posting. Check PlayUp Website For Latest Odds

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Brisbane take on the Sea Eagles with Jock Madden back in the 7 and Blake Mozer onto the bench for Broncos hooker Billy Walters (wrist), who came off after 13 minutes in the win over Parramatta.

Of more concern are the injuries to top-30 squad members, prop Ben Te Kura and fullback Tristan Sailor.

“Ben suffered a serious injury to his Lisfranc joint while playing for South Logan Magpies in the (Queensland) Cup over the weekend and will require surgery in the next few days,” head of performance Dave Ballard said. “He will need at least four months of recovery time.

“Tristan will miss four to six weeks with a high ankle sprain picked up playing for Souths Logan in the same game as Ben. He will have surgery this week and move into his rehab program once the injury settles down.”

Manly have named Tolu Koula at fullback in the absence of the injured Tom Trbojevic, with opponents Brisbane bringing back Jock Madden  to replace Josh Rogers in the halves.

The Dolphins welcome Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow into their side, forcing livewire fullback Trai Fuller back to 18th man despite strong form.

They play the Wests Tigers, who lost both John Bateman and Starford To’a to injury and Isaiah Papali’i to suspension, so will return Solomon Alaimalo to a wing and both Asu Kepaoa and Samuela Fainu to the 17.

Penrith will put their faith in rookie playmaker Jack Cole to replace Nathan Cleary after the star halfback was ruled out for eight weeks with a hamstring tear.

Jarome Luai shifts to halfback and Cole is named at five-eighth, with regular back-up Brad Schneider also sidelined with a knee injury.

Cole came on for Cleary midway through his third NRL game against Canterbury and is being groomed as Penrith’s long-term replacement for Luai in 2025 when he joins Wests Tigers.

The Warriors are decimated with Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Shaun Johnson and Rocco Berry all out, meaning Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad plays 6, Taine Tuaupiki comes in to fullback and Te Maire Martin shifts to halfback.

Johnson is out for two weeks with his pec strain while RTS will be out at least a month with his hamsting problem.

The Titans aren’t faring much better, with both AJ Brimson and Kieran Foran out, lead Des Hasler to name two hookers, Sam Verills and Chris Randall as his halves. Tom Weaver is in the extended bench and may come in.

The Gold Coast play Newcastle, who also have a new playmaker with Jack Cogger in for the injured Tyson Gamble.

Canberra name Jordan Rapana at fullback after their bye and take on Canterbury, who are unchanged from their defeat to Penrith last Friday.

Round 11 teams

All times AEST

Canberra vs Canterbury at Suncorp Stadium: 6pm, Friday May 17

Odds: Raiders $2.28 Bulldogs $1.63 – Odds via PlayUp

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

Emre Guler (high tackle) and Morgan Smithies (crusher tackle) avoided bans, copping fines from the last-start win over Manly before the bye. Corey Horsburgh (groin) is still out.

Bulldogs: 1. Connor Tracey 2. Jacob Kiraz 3. Bronson Xerri 4. Stephen Crichton 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Matt Burton 7. Drew Hutchison 8. Max King 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Samuel Hughes 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Jaeman Salmon 13. Kurt Mann 14. Bailey Hayward 15. Josh Curran 16. Kurtis Morrin 17. Jacob Preston 19. Poasa Faamausili 20. Blake Taaffe 21. Jake Turpin 22. Toby Sexton 23. Blake Wilson

Blake Taaffe was a late shift to 18th man on gameday and is named there again this week.

Manly vs Brisbane at Suncorp Stadium: 8.05pm, Friday May 17

Odds: Manly $3.60 Broncos $1.29 – Odds via PlayUp

Sea Eagles: 1. Tolutau Koula 2. Raymond Tuiamalo Vaega 3. Tommy Talau 4. Reuben Garrick 5. Jaxson Paulo 6. Luke Brooks 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Taniela Paseka 9. Karl Lawton 10. Josh Aloiai 11. Haumole Olakau’atu 12. Ben Trbojevic 13. Jake Trbojevic 14. Gordon Chan Kum Tong 15. Corey Waddell 16. Ethan Bullemor 17. Matthew Lodge 18. Aaron Woods 19. Jakob Arthur 20. Dean Matterson 21. Brandon Wakeham 22. Toafofoa Sipley

Lachlan Croker is still sidelined with concussion after effects so Karl Lawton continues in the 9 jumper. Manly have named Tolu Koula at fullback in the absence of the injured Tom Trbojevic, with opponents Brisbane bringing back Jock Madden  to replace Josh Rogers in the halves.

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

Billy Walters out so Tyson Smoothy starts at hooker with Blake Mozer the new man on the bench. Reece Walsh is a late withdrawal due to a minor knee injury with Selwyn Cobbo relocating to fullback and Josiah Karapani to make his debut in the centres.

Gold Coast vs Newcastle at Suncorp Stadium: 3pm, Saturday May 18

Odds: Titans $2.40 Knights $1.57 – Odds via PlayUp

Titans: 1. Keano Kini 2. Alofiana Khan-Pereira 3. Brian Kelly 4. Aaron Schoupp 5. Jojo Fifita 6. Chris Randall 7. Sam Verrills 8. Moeaki Fotuaika 9. Erin Clark 10. Jaimin Jolliffe 11. David Fifita 12. Beau Fermor 13. Klese Haas 14. Keenan Palasia 15. Isaac Liu 16. Josiah Pahulu 17. Joe Stimson 18. Thomas Weaver 19. Tony Francis 20. Jacob Alick-wiencke 21. Iszac Fa’asumaleaui 22. Jaylan De Groot

Jayden Campbell is still out on a huge injury list for the Titans. Regular hookers Chris Randall and Sam Verrills will suit up in the halves with Erin Clark at rake.

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

Daniel Saifiti has been banned for Magic Round for a careless high tackle, brother Jacob replaces him in the starting side with Jack Hetherington called onto the bench.

(Photo by Ashley Feder/Getty Images)

Cronulla vs Sydney at Suncorp Stadium: 5.30pm, Saturday May 18

Odds: Sharks $2.20 Roosters $1.66 – Odds via PlayUp

Sharks: 1. William Kennedy 2. Sione Katoa 3. Jesse Ramien 4. Kayal Iro 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo 6. Daniel Atkinson 7. Nicho Hynes 8. Thomas Hazelton 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Oregon Kaufusi 11. Briton Nikora 12. Teig Wilton 13. Cameron McInnes 14. Jack Williams 15. Siosifa Talakai 16. Royce Hunt 17. Tuku Hau Tapuha 18. Samuel Stonestreet 19. Mawene Hiroti 20. Braydon Trindall 21. Niwhai Puru 22. Billy Burns

Brayden Trindall and Nicho Hynes could resume their halves partnership, at least temporarily, after the NRL relaxed Trindall’s stand down. Trindall could be rushed into the side for his first game since late April, when he allegedly returned a breath analysis reading of 0.124 and had an illicit drug in his system while driving on an expired licence

The Sharks initially stood Trindall down, though he was not subject to the NRL’s no-fault stand-down policy and has since returned to training.

Roosters: 1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii 4. Fetalaiga Pauga 5. Dominic Young 6. Luke Keary 7. Sam Walker 8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves 9. Brandon Smith 10. Lindsay Collins 11. Angus Crichton 12. Nat Butcher 13. Victor Radley 14. Connor Watson 15. Egan Butcher 16. Spencer Leniu 17. Terrell May 18. Zach Dockar-Clay 19. Naufahu Whyte 20. Sitili Tupouniua 21. Ethan King 22. Siua Wong

Brandon Smith is back, forcing Connor Watson to the bench. Sandon Smith is suspended and drops out.

Roosters star Joey Manu misses the clash with concussion, bringing Junior Pauga into the centres.

South Sydney vs North Qld at Suncorp Stadium: 7.45pm, Saturday May 18

Odds: Rabbitohs $3.40 Cowboys $1.32 – Odds via PlayUp

Rabbitohs: 1. Latrell Mitchell 2. Alex Johnston 3. Jack Wighton 4. Izaac Tu’itupou Thompson 5. Jacob Gagai 6. Cody Walker 7. Dion Teaupa 8. Davvy Moale 9. Damien Cook 10. Sean Keppie 11. Keaon Koloamatangi 12. Jai Arrow 13. Siliva Havili 14. Peter Mamouzelos 15. Tallis Duncan 16. Thomas Burgess 17. Taane Milne 18. Gehamat Shibasaki 19. Matthew French 20. Adam Christensen 21. Bayleigh Bentley-Hape 22. Liam Le Blanc

Jacob Gagai (calf) is back while fellow winger Alex Johnston (hamstring) returns in a new-look backline.

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. Griffin Neame 11. Heilum Luki 12. Jeremiah Nanai 13. Reuben Cotter 14. Sam McIntyre 15. Thomas Mikaele 16. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki 17. Jason Taumalolo 18. Jake Granville 19. Jake Clifford 20. Harrison Edwards 21. Braidon Burns 22. Jaxon Purdue

Murray Taulagi is set to return from his hamstring injury to boost his chances of making the Queensland team on the wing.  Jordan McLean is also back on deck from a similar injury.

Warriors vs Penrith at Suncorp Stadium: 1.50pm, Sunday May 19

Odds: Warriors $3.30 Panthers $1.33 – Odds via PlayUp

Warriors: 1. Taine Tuaupiki 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 3. Ali Leiataua 4. Adam Pompey 5. Marcelo Montoya 6. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 7. Te Maire Martin 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Wayde Egan 10. Bunty Afoa 11. Jackson Ford 12. Mitchell Barnett 13. Tohu Harris 14. Dylan Walker 15. Tom Ale 16. Jazz Tevaga 17. Jacob Laban 18. Zyon Maiu’u 20. Edward Kosi 21. Paul Roache 22. Tanner Stowers-Smith 23. Ben Farr

Marcelo Montoya returns after being dropped to NSW Cup last week.

Panthers: 1. Dylan Edwards 2. Sunia Turuva 3. Izack Tago 4. Taylan May 5. Brian To’o 6. Jack Cole 7. Jarome Luai 8. Moses Leota 9. Mitch Kenny 10. James Fisher-Harris 11. Luke Garner 12. Liam Martin 13. Isaah Yeo 14. Daine Laurie 15. Lindsay Smith 16. Matt Eisenhuth 17. Mavrik Geyer 18. Paul Alamoti 19. Preston Riki 20. Tyrone Peachey 21. Soni Luke 22. Scott Sorensen

Scott Sorensen is in the extended bench and could be a late swap for gameday as he returns from a knee issue.

As expected, Jack Cole will partner Jarome Luai in the halves for Penrith, who begin a two-month stint without the injured Nathan Cleary by facing the Warriors.

Jack Cole kicks. (Photo by Jason McCawley/Getty Images)

Melbourne vs Parramatta at Suncorp Stadium: 4.05pm, Sunday May 19

Odds: Storm $1.30 Eels $3.50 – Odds via PlayUp

Storm: 1. Sua Faalogo 2. William Warbrick 3. Reimis Smith 4. Nick Meaney 5. Xavier Coates 6. Cameron Munster 7. Tyran Wishart 8. Christian Welch 9. Harry Grant 10. Josh King 11. Shawn Blore 12. Eliesa Katoa 13. Trent Loiero 14. Jack Howarth 15. Tui Kamikamica 16. Nelson Asofa-Solomona 17. Alec MacDonald 18. Grant Anderson 19. Joe Chan 20. Bronson Garlick 21. Dean Ieremia 22. Chris Lewis

Jahrome Hughes is hopeful of playing next week after his calf strain but is out of the trip to Brisbane.

Eels: 1. Blaize Talagi 2. Maika Sivo 3. Viliami Penisini 4. Sean Russell 5. Bailey Simonsson 6. Daejarn Asi 7. Dylan Brown 8. Reagan Campbell-Gillard 9. Joey Lussick 10. Junior Paulo 11. Shaun Lane 12. Ryan Matterson 13. J’maine Hopgood 14. Bryce Cartwright 15. Makahesi Makatoa 16. Joe Ofahengaue 17. Kelma Tuilagi 18. Brendan Hands 19. Morgan Harper 20. Ethan Sanders 21. Wiremu Greig 22. Luca Moretti

Mitchell Moses will have to wait to make his Origin case after failing to make Magic Round on his way back from a foot injury.

Wests vs Dolphins at Suncorp Stadium: 6.25pm, Sunday May 19

Odds: Tigers $3.05 Dolphins $1.38 – Odds via PlayUp

Tigers: 1. Jahream Bula 2. Charlie Staines 3. Brent Naden 4. Justin Olam 5. Solomon Alaimalo 6. Lachlan Galvin 7. Jayden Sullivan 8. Stefano Utoikamanu 9. Apisai Koroisau 10. David Klemmer 11. Samuela Fainu 12. Alex Seyfarth 13. Alex Twal 14. Jake Simpkin 15. Fonua Pole 16. Asu Kepaoa 17. Sione Fainu 18. Tallyn Da Silva 19. Solomona Faataape 20. Alexander Lobb 21. Kit Laulilii 22. Tony Sukkar

Brent Naden finished last week as a centre following two injuries and will start there this time around. Alex Seyfarth and Samuela Fainu make up a new-look second row for the Tigers, who have lost John Bateman and Isaiah Papali’i to a pectoral injury and suspension, respectively.

Dolphins: 1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Jake Averillo 4. Herbie Farnworth 5. Jack Bostock 6. Kodi Nikorima 7. Isaiya Katoa 8. Jesse Bromwich 9. Jeremy Marshall-King 10. Mark Nicholls 11. Felise Kaufusi 12. Euan Aitken 13. Kenny Bromwich 14. Josh Kerr 15. Kurt Donoghoe 16. Ray Stone 17. Connelly Lemuelu 18. Trai Fuller 19. Sean O’Sullivan 20. Jarrod Wallace 21. Edrick Lee 22. Oryn Keeley

With the Hammer back on deck, this is arguably the best backline that Wayne Bennett could field – even if it doesn’t include Trai Fuller.

Bye

Dragons: Luciano Leilua will be available for selection in Round 12 after the club has taken a cautious approach with his return from a calf complaint.