The NRL Round 3 is set to be an exciting weekend for fans, with some high-profile players making their club debuts, while others face injury concerns. John Bateman is expected to make his debut for the Tigers against the Bulldogs, while Adam Doueihi completes the captain’s run after struggling with a foot injury. Meanwhile, Broncos’ Pat Carrigan has declared himself a certain starter despite undergoing dental surgery earlier this week. The Raiders and Sharks are also gearing up for their showdown, with no changes expected for the former, while Jack Williams returns from concussion for the latter.
Important Details about NRL Late Mail Round 3: Adam Doueihi completes captain’s run, Patrick Carrigan to play –
– John Bateman set to make club debut for Tigers
– Adam Doueihi expected to start for Tigers despite foot injury
– Shawn Blore moved to the bench for Tigers
– Pat Carrigan will start for Broncos despite recent dental surgery
– Toby Couchman ruled out for Dragons, Jazz Tevaga to replace him on bench
– Franklin Pele drops out, Jayden Tanner to make NRL debut for Bulldogs
– Adam Doueihi completes captain’s run for Tigers
– Panthers have a bye in Round 3.
The Tigers have received a massive boost ahead of their Bulldogs clash, with high profile player John Bateman set to make his club debut, while a cloud remains over another star.
After arriving from the UK last month, Bateman has been held back from making his club debut, but he has now been named to start for the Tigers against Canterbury. Adam Doueihi has also been struggling with a foot complaint but is expected to start alongside Bateman.
The duo trained with the Tigers starting 17 at the team captain’s run in Sydney on Saturday. Shawn Blore, who was originally listed to start, has been moved to the bench, likely due to Bateman’s inclusion.
Meanwhile, in other NRL news, Broncos’ ironman Pat Carrigan has declared himself a certain starter for their match against the Dragons on Saturday. Carrigan recently underwent dental surgery to remove two wisdom teeth that had been troubling him since last November’s World Cup. While there are still visible signs of swelling, the Queensland Origin star has made a swift recovery and has been given the green light by Brisbane medics.
In the Cowboys vs Warriors match, there are no changes in the 24-hours update, although there is an outside chance that Valentine Holmes may shift to fullback on game day. In the event of this switch, Brendan Elliot would come into the team at centre. Heilum Luki is nearing a return from an ACL injury, having been named at 18th man.
The Warriors have, unfortunately, suffered a late blow, with Josh Curran succumbing to a hip injury, ruling him out for their match against the Cowboys. Jazz Tevaga will take his spot on the bench in his first game for 2023, after returning from injury via NSW Cup last week.
Both the Broncos and the Dragons are ready to go for their match on Saturday. No changes have been made in the 24-hour update for either team, and Patrick Carrigan will play despite earlier reports indicating that he was unlikely to face the Dragons due to an infected wisdom tooth.
The Bulldogs have made one change 24-hours before kick-off, with Franklin Pele dropping out of the side and Jayden Tanner moving onto the bench for his NRL debut. For the Tigers, John Bateman should be good to go after overcoming an ankle injury and being promoted to the starting side, with Shawn Blore moving to the bench. Justin Matamua may come onto the bench on game day.
Finally, in the Raiders vs Sharks match, no changes are expected at the Raiders as they chase their first win of the season. Tom Starling entered the game at lock in the loss to the Dolphins, with Danny Levi remaining at hooker. Expect this experiment to continue against the Sharks.
Trey Mooney will make his second NRL appearance off the bench, replacing the injured Ata Mariota. Sharks’ Nicho Hynes has told David Riccio that he’s likely to return from a calf injury next week. Jack Williams returns from a concussion to make up a four forward bench, which sees utility Connor Tracey drop off the bench.
In conclusion, while the Tigers have received a significant boost with John Bateman set to make his club debut, and Pat Carrigan has declared himself fit to play for the Broncos, injuries continue to plague NRL teams. The late mail updates give fans a glimpse of what to expect during game day, and we wait in anticipation for what unfolds.