Entering Round 8, some NRL clubs are set to receive significant boosts to their team, while others have lost key players as they look to clinch the two points.
Some big additions this week include Nathan Cleary, Dominic Young and Jai Arrow, while Kalyn Ponga, Junior Tupou and Jamal Fogarty headline the losses.
Teams will be named on Tuesday at 4pm (AEST), but here is all the latest in news and rumours.
The Dolphins vs Newcastle Knights
runs with the ball during the round 20 NRL match between Newcastle Knights and Wests Tigers at McDonald Jones Stadium on July 14, 2023 in Newcastle, Australia. (Photo by Scott Gardiner/Getty Images)
The Dolphins produced a dominant 44-16 performance against the Parramatta Eels last week and will likely remain unchanged.
However, Kurt Donoghoe (suspension) and Connelly Lemuelu (knee) will be available for selection but will unlikely be rushed back.
Trai Fuller impressed in his second NRL game, while Sean O'Sullivan provided great versatility off the interchange bench.
Felise Kaufusi (hamstring) and Thomas Flegler (shoulder) may make returns, but their availability is indefinite.
Other players on the casualty ward include Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow (hamstring), Herbie Farnworth (shoulder), Anthony Milford (suspension), and Tom Gilbert (knee).
Projected Round 8 Team: 1. Trai Fuller 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Jake Averillo 4. Tesi Niu 5. Jack Bostock 6. Kodi Nikorima 7. Isaiya Katoa 8. Jesse Bromwich 9. Jeremy Marshall-King 10. Mark Nicholls 11. Kenneath Bromwich 12. Euan Aitken 13. Max Plath 14. Josh Kerr 15. Sean O'Sullivan 16. Ray Stone 17. Jarrod Wallace
The Newcastle Knights are forced into at least two changes for this weekend with Jack Hetherington (suspension) and Kalyn Ponga (foot).
As reported by News Corp, Ponga is set to be sidelined for at least two months after sustaining a foot injury against the Canterbury Bulldogs.
It is understood that he will meet with a specialist on Monday but will miss at least eight weeks if he doesn't undergo surgery.
However, forward Tyson Frizell's (hamstring) should return to the team for Sunday after spending the last three-weeks on the sidelines.
The publication reports that Dane Gagai may enter the team as the fullback, with Dylan Lucas pushing back to the centres.
David Armstrong and Will Pryce are two other options to replace him at fullback, while Fletcher Sharpe (hamstring) is also out with an injury.
Newcastle Herald columnist Barry Tohey has also reported that Jed Cartwright is a chance to play his second NRL game for the club.
Jed Cartwright a chance to play his second top grade game for the club in place of Hetherington https://t.co/q5kjxa1UyX
— Barry Toohey (@BarryToohey) April 23, 2024
Projected Round 8 Team: 1. David Armstrong 2. Enari Tuala 3. Dane Gagai 4. Bradman Best 5. Greg Marzhew 6. Tyson Gamble 7. Jackson Hastings 8. Jacob Saifiti 9. Jayden Brailey 10. Leo Thompson 11. Tyson Frizell 12. Kai Pearce-Paul 13. Adam Elliott 14. Phoenix Crossland 15. Daniel Saifiti 16. Dylan Lucas 17. Jed Cartwright
