The Melbourne Storm are set to welcome back one of their most electrifying players, Ryan Papenhuyzen, who returns from a small fracture in his fibula that has sidelined him for over a month. Dubbed the most magnificent mullet in Melbourne, Papenhuyzen’s return is timely, as the Storm face a State of Origin-depleted squad for their heavyweight clash against the Dolphins.
Papenhuyzen’s comeback is a significant boost for the Storm, who are without Cameron Munster due to injury and have Harry Grant and Xavier Coates on Origin duty. Excitement machine Sua Fa’alogo will shift to the wing for the crucial trip to Queensland.
The Dolphins, on the other hand, have the luxury of selecting livewire fullback Trai Fuller to replace the speedster Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, who recently scored the try of the year against Cronulla. Additionally, Tevita Pangai Junior earns a spot on the bench after returning from a brief stint in boxing.
The Roosters have shown faith in Brandon Smith, bringing the international hooker straight back into the squad after he was stood down last week for missing a team meeting. Despite being without their Origin quartet, the Roosters have named a formidable lineup to face the Bulldogs, who will be without Jacob Preston (foot) but have included hulking winger Jeral Skelton.
Key inclusions for the Gold Coast Titans include David Fifita, who missed last week’s disappointing loss to the Wests Tigers. The Warriors also benefit from the return of Roger Tuivasa-Sheck at center, as he recovers from a hamstring injury.
The Sea Eagles face significant changes with the absence of their Origin trio, as well as Reuben Garrick (head knock) and Taniela Paseka (thumb) for the game against the resurgent Rabbitohs. Karl Lawton has been named at halfback to take on a Souths side that welcomes back pint-sized fullback Jye Gray from injury, just in time for Latrell Mitchell’s Blues camp.
The Wests Tigers will see the return of young gun Lachlan Galvin from a hand injury, allowing Api Koroisau to revert to his preferred hooker position. Meanwhile, the Raiders will miss Tom Starling (concussion) but are bolstered by the return of Hudson Young after he was left out of the NSW side for game two.
As the NRL teams navigate through the challenges posed by the State of Origin series, the return of key players like Papenhuyzen will be pivotal in maintaining their momentum and securing crucial victories.
