The Wests Tigers have suffered a devastating injury blow with co-captain and second-rower Kezie Apps ruled out for the remainder of the NRLW season with a knee injury.
Apps suffered a PCL injury during her side’s 20-4 loss to the Roosters at Gosford on Saturday, when her right knee was driven into the ground.
The 33-year-old is expected to be sidelined for six to eight weeks with only six regular-season rounds remaining in the NRLW season.
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After three rounds, the Wests Tigers are yet to win a game and sit bottom of the premiership ladder.
Kezie Apps of the Wests Tigers runs with the ball. Scott Gardiner via Getty Imahes
Meanwhile, North Queensland Cowboys coach Todd Payten has swung the axe with Chad Townsend dropped to the reserves and Jake Clifford taking his place.
Payten’s decision comes after the Cowboys lost 42-18 to the Broncos.
Townsend won’t be at the Cowboys next year after signing with the Roosters and has been replaced by Jake Clifford who hasn’t played first grade since round 17.
Chad Townsend has been dropped to the reserves. Getty
Penrith could receive a major boost for their highly anticipated clash against the Storm, with Dylan Edwards named in the reserves.
The superstar fullback hasn’t played since Origin III when he suffered a PCL injury.
Isaiah Iongi and Daine Laurie have played fullback in the 28-year-old’s absence but if Edwards returns it will be significant for the Panthers with the chance they could go equal first with the Storm.
Dylan Edwards. Getty
Meanwhile, the Broncos may have the bye but have suffered some awful news around star fullback Reece Walsh.
The 22-year-old has a metacarpal fracture in his hand with the club consulting a specialist before determining how long he’ll be out.
THURSDAY
Penrith Panthers vs Melbourne Storm, BlueBet Stadium, Penrith at 7:50pm
Panthers: 1. Daine Laurie 2. Sunia Turuva 3. Izack Tago 4. Casey McLean 5. Brian To’o 6. Jarome Luai 7. Nathan Cleary 8. Moses Leota 9. Mitch Kenny 10. Lindsay Smith 11. Mavrik Geyer 12. Liam Henry 13. Isaah Yeo 14. Trent Toelau 15. Matt Eisenhuth 16. Luron Patea 17. Jack Cole 18. Brad Schneider 19. James Fisher-Harris 20. Dylan Edwards 21. Austin Dias 22. Luke Sommerton
Analysis: James Fisher-Harris is a chance to return from his groin injury along with Edwards. Fisher-Harris has not played since round 21. Liam Martin and Scott Sorensen are both out due to suspension and injury with Mavrik Geyer and Liam Henry joining the starting side.
Storm: 1. Ryan Papenhuyzen 2. William Warbrick 3. Jack Howarth 4. Nick Meaney 5. Grant Anderson 6. Cameron Munster 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Nelson Asofa-Solomona 9. Harry Grant 10. Josh King 11. Shawn Blore 12. Eliesa Katoa 13. Trent Loiero 14. Tyran Wishart 15. Lazarus Vaalepu 16. Tui Kamikamica 17. Alec MacDonald 18. Kane Bradley 19. Sualauvi Faalogo 20. Tepai Moeroa 21. Dean Ieremia 22. Chris Lewis
Analysis: Eli Katoa returns from a knee injury with Trent Loiero moving to lock, Nelson Asofa-Solomona at prop and Tui Kamikamica dropping to the bench.
Referee: Ashley Klein
FRIDAY
Manly Sea Eagles vs Warriors, Brookvale Oval at 6pm
Manly: 1. Tom Trbojevic 2. Jason Saab 3. Tommy Talau 4. Reuben Garrick 5. Lehi Hopoate 6. Luke Brooks 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Taniela Paseka 9. Lachlan Croker 10. Josh Aloiai 11. Haumole Olakau’atu 12. Karl Lawton 13. Jake Trbojevic 14. Gordon Chan Kum Tong 15. Ben Trbojevic 16. Ethan Bullemor 17. Nathan Brown 18. Tolutau Koula 19. Toafofoa Sipley 20. Corey Waddell 21. Jamie Humphreys 22. Clayton Faulalo
Analysis: Josh Aloiai returns from injury with Nathan Brown going to the bench. Toafofoa Sipley drops out of the starting side.
Warriors: 1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 3. Adam Pompey 4. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 5. Marcelo Montoya 6. Chanel Harris-Tavita 7. Shaun Johnson 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Wayde Egan 10. Mitchell Barnett 11. Marata Niukore 12. Kurt Capewell 13. Dylan Walker 14. Freddy Lussick 15. Tom Ale 16. Jazz Tevaga 17. Demitric Sifakula 18. Leka Halasima 20. Taine Tuaupiki 21. Luke Metcalf 22. Edward Kosi 23. Bunty Afoa
Analysis: Halfback Shaun Johnson has been named to return from a quad strain. Adam Pompey and Marcelo Montoya are also both back from injuries. Ali Leiataua is out as part of concussion protocols while Ed Kosi and Te Maire Martin drop out of the squad altogether.
Referee: Chris Butler
Sydney Roosters vs Parramatta Eels, Allianz Stadium at 8pm
Roosters: 1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii 4. Joseph Manu 5. Dominic Young 6. Luke Keary 7. Sam Walker 8. Spencer Leniu 9. Brandon Smith 10. Lindsay Collins 11. Angus Crichton 12. Victor Radley 13. Connor Watson 14. Sitili Tupouniua 15. Naufahu Whyte 16. Nat Butcher 17. Terrell May 18. Sandon Smith 19. Siua Wong 20. Ethan King 21. Salesi Foketi 22. Robert Toia
Analysis: The Roosters have named an unchanged 17.
Eels: 1. Clinton Gutherson 2. Jake Tago 3. Viliami Penisini 4. Blaize Talagi 5. Sean Russell 6. Dylan Brown 7. Daejarn Asi 8. Reagan Campbell-Gillard 9. Brendan Hands 10. Wiremu Greig 11. Shaun Lane 12. Bryce Cartwright 13. Ryan Matterson 14. Joey Lussick 15. Joe Ofahengaue 16. Kelma Tuilagi 17. Dan Keir 18. Ethan Sanders 19. Maika Sivo 20. Matt Doorey 21. Morgan Harper 22. Makahesi Makatoa
Analysis: Kelma Tuilagi is back from injury with Matt Doorey pushed to the reserves.
Referee: Grant Atkins
SATURDAY
Canterbury Bulldogs vs Dolphins, Salter Oval, Bundaberg at 3pm
Bulldogs: 1. Connor Tracey 2. Jacob Kiraz 3. Bronson Xerri 4. Stephen Crichton 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Matt Burton 7. Toby Sexton 8. Josh Curran 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Samuel Hughes 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Jacob Preston 13. Kurt Mann 14. Bailey Hayward 15. Kurtis Morrin 16. Harry Hayes 17. Jaeman Salmon 19. Lipoi Hopoi 20. Chris Patolo 21. Hayze Perham 22. Drew Hutchison 23. Poasa Faamausili
Analysis: Jaeman Salmon is back for the Bulldogs after his jaw injury.
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. Max Plath 10. Tevita Pangai Junior 11. Felise Kaufusi 12. Connelly Lemuelu 13. Kenny Bromwich 14. Oryn Keeley 15. Lachlan Hubner 16. Ray Stone 17. Sean O’Sullivan 18. Trai Fuller 19. Tesi Niu 20. Anthony Milford 21. Kurt Donoghoe 22. Josh Kerr
Analysis: Mark Nicholls has been replaced by Lachlan Hubner due to a head knock.
Referee: Adam Gee
North Queensland Cowboys vs Canberra Raiders, Queensland Country Bank Stadium at 5:30pm
Cowboys: 1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Kyle Feldt 3. Valentine Holmes 4. Viliami Vailea 5. Murray Taulagi 6. Tom Dearden 7. Jake Clifford 8. Jordan McLean 9. Reece Robson 10. Sam McIntyre 11. Heilum Luki 12. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki 13. Reuben Cotter 14. Harrison Edwards 15. Thomas Mikaele 16. Jaxon Purdue 17. Griffin Neame 18. Tomas Chester 19. Chad Townsend 20. Jamal Shibasaki 21. Semi Valemei 22. Marly Bitungane
Analysis: As mentioned, Townsend has been dropped to the reserves for Jake Clifford. Jeremiah Nanai is out due to a head knock with Kulikefu Finefeuiaki starting and Thomas Mikaele on the bench.
Raiders: 1. Kaeo Weekes 2. Sebastian Kris 3. Matthew Timoko 4. Ethan Strange 5. Xavier Savage 6. Adam Cook 7. Jamal Fogarty 8. Josh Papali’i 9. Tom Starling 10. Joseph Tapine 11. Hudson Young 12. Elliott Whitehead 13. Morgan Smithies 14. Danny Levi 15. Emre Guler 16. Ata Mariota 17. Simi Sasagi 18. Albert Hopoate 19. Zac Woolford 20. Trey Mooney 21. Hohepa Puru 22. Corey Horsburgh
Analysis: There’s been a backline reshuffle for the Raiders. Jordan Rapana is out with a head knock so Seb Kris goes to the wing, Ethan Strange is centre and Adam Cook at five-eighth. Danny Levi and Emre Guler have been named on the bench.
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Referee: Todd Smith
Wests Tigers vs South Sydney Rabbitohs, Campbelltown Sports Stadium, at 7:35pm
Tigers: 1. Jahream Bula 2. Luke Laulilii 3. Solomona Faataape 4. Adam Doueihi 5. Charlie Staines 6. Lachlan Galvin 7. Aidan Sezer 8. Stefano Utoikamanu 9. Apisai Koroisau 10. David Klemmer 11. Alex Seyfarth 12. Samuela Fainu 13. Isaiah Papali’i 14. Tallyn Da Silva 15. Sione Fainu 16. Fonua Pole 17. Alex Twal 18. Latu Fainu 19. Heath Mason 20. Reuben Porter 21. Junior Tupou 22. Tony Sukkar
Analysis: Luke Laulilii returns from concussion, replacing Solomon Alaimalo. Alex Seyfarth is in the starting side for Reuben Porter. Sione Fainu is on the bench.
Rabbitohs: 1. Jye Gray 2. Fletcher Myers 3. Taane Milne 4. Richard Kennar 5. Jacob Gagai 6. Jack Wighton 7. Cody Walker 8. Davvy Moale 9. Damien Cook 10. Sean Keppie 11. Keaon Koloamatangi 12. Tallis Duncan 13. Cameron Murray 14. Peter Mamouzelos 15. Jacob Host 16. Thomas Burgess 17. Shaquai Mitchell 18. Dean Hawkins 19. Liam Le Blanc 20. Brock Gray 21. Izaac Tu’itupou Thompson 22. Tyrone Munro
Analysis: One change for the Rabbitohs with Tallis Duncan replacing Michael Chee Kam who suffered a calf strain. Jacob Host returns on the bench.
Referee: Belinda Sharpe
SUNDAY
St George Illawarra Dragons vs Gold Coast Titans, WIN Stadium at 2pm
Dragons: 1. Tyrell Sloan 2. Zac Lomax 3. Mathew Feagai 4. Max Feagai 5. Christian Tuipulotu 6. Kyle Flanagan 7. Ben Hunt 8. Francis Molo 9. Jacob Liddle 10. Jack de Belin 11. Luciano Leilua 12. Jaydn Su’A 13. Tom Eisenhuth 14. Toby Couchman 15. Ryan Couchman 16. Blake Lawrie 17. Jack Bird 18. Raymond Faitala-Mariner 19. Lyhkan King-Togia 20. Mikaele Ravalawa 21. Michael Molo 22. Connor Muhleisen
Analysis: Jack Bird has been recalled for the Dragons and will play off the bench. Toby Couchman returns from suspension while Mat Feagai comes in for the injured Moses Suli. Hame Sele has been replaced by Francis Molo. Raymond Faitala-Mariner has been dropped to 18th man.
Titans: 1. Keano Kini 2. Alofiana Khan-Pereira 3. Brian Kelly 4. Phillip Sami 5. Jojo Fifita 6. Jayden Campbell 7. Kieran Foran 8. Jaimin Jolliffe 9. Sam Verrills 10. Erin Clark 11. David Fifita 12. Klese Haas 13. Chris Randall 14. AJ Brimson 15. Isaac Liu 16. Josiah Pahulu 17. Keenan Palasia 18. Beau Fermor 19. Tanah Boyd 20. Joe Stimson 21. Jacob Alick-Wiencke 22. Tony Francis
Analysis: Brian Kelly is back with AJ Brimson dropping to the bench. Erin Clark replaces the suspended Moeaki Fotuaika while Keenan Palasia is back on the bench.
Referee: Wyatt Raymond
Cronulla Sharks vs Newcastle Knights, Shark Park at 4pm
Sharks: 1. William Kennedy 2. Sione Katoa 3. Jesse Ramien 4. Kayal Iro 5. Samuel Stonestreet 6. Daniel Atkinson 7. Blayke Brailey 8. Toby Rudolf 9. Cameron McInnes 10. Oregon Kaufusi 11. Briton Nikora 12. Siosifa Talakai 13. Jack Williams 14. Jayden Berrell 15. Billy Burns 16. Royce Hunt 17. Thomas Hazelton 18. Niwhai Puru 19. Braden Hamlin-Uele 20. Braydon Trindall 21. Ronaldo Mulitalo 22. Tuku Hau Tapuha
Analysis: Sharks are unchanged.
Knights: 1. Kalyn Ponga 2. Fletcher Sharpe 3. Dane Gagai 4. Dylan Lucas 5. Greg Marzhew 6. Tyson Gamble 7. Phoenix Crossland 8. Daniel Saifiti 9. Jayden Brailey 10. Leo Thompson 11. Tyson Frizell 12. Kai Pearce-Paul 13. Adam Elliott 14. Jack Cogger 15. Mathew Croker 16. Jack Hetherington 17. Brodie Jones 18. Thomas Cant 19. Thomas Jenkins 20. Jackson Hastings 21. Will Pryce 22. Kyle McCarthy
Analysis: Dylan Lucas returns from injury and goes into the centres. Krystian Mapapalangi is out.
Referee: Gerard Sutton
BYE: Broncos
NRLW round four teams
SATURDAY
Brisbane Broncos vs Canberra Raiders, Totally Workwear Stadium at 11am
Broncos: 1. Hayley Maddick 2. Julia Robinson 3. Mele Hufanga 4. Shenae Ciesiolka 5. Stacey Waaka 6. Gayle Broughton 7. Ali Brigginshaw 8. Keilee Joseph 9. Jada Ferguson 10. Chelsea Lenarduzzi 11. Tazmin Rapana 12. Romy Teitzel 13. Jasmine Fogavini 14. Destiny Brill 15. Tafito Lafaele 16. Lavinia Gould 17. Lauren Dam 18. Skyla Adams 19. Bree Spreadborough 20. Hannah Larsson 21. Ashleigh Werner
Analysis: Scott Prince has named an unchanged side.
Raiders: 1. Apii Nicholls 2. Madison Bartlett 3. Cheyelle Robins-Reti 4. Mackenzie Wiki 5. Shakiah Tungai 6. Zahara Temara 7. Ash Quinlan 8. Tommaya Kelly-Sines 9. Chante Temara 10. Sophie Holyman 11. Monalisa Soliola 12. Hollie Dodd 13. Simaima Taufa 14. Emma Barnes 15. Grace Kemp 16. Kerehitina Matua 17. Sereana Naitokatoka 18. Relna Wuruki-hosea 19. Jaida Faleono 20. Felice Quinlan 21. Georgia Willey 22. Alanna Dummett
Analysis: Canberra are also unchanged.
North Queensland Cowboys vs Gold Coast Titans, Queensland Country Bank Stadium at 12:45pm
Cowboys: 1. Krystal Blackwell 2. Francesca Goldthorp 3. Jakiya Whitfeld 4. Jasmine Peters 5. Libby Surha 6. Tahlulah Tillett 7. Kirra Dibb 8. Tallisha Harden 9. Emma Manzelmann 10. Essay Banu 11. China Polata 12. Tiana Raftstrand-Smith 13. Bree Chester 14. Jetaya Faifua 15. Lily Peacock 16. Sareka Mooka 23. Harata Butler 18. Lillian Yarrow 19. Shaniah Power 21. Ebony Raftstrand-Smith 22. Shellie Long 24. Vitalina Naikore
Analysis: Tallisha Harden has been named to start with Lily Peacock on the bench. Alisha Foord hasn’t been named with Jetaya Faifua named for her first appearance of the season against her old club.
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Titans: 1. Evania Pelite 2. Georgia Grey 3. Jaime Chapman 4. Lailani Montgomery 5. Emily Bass 6. Taliah Fuimaono 7. Lauren Brown 8. Shannon Mato 9. Brittany Breayley-Nati 10. Jessika Elliston 11. Rilee Jorgensen 12. Shaylee Bent 13. Georgia Hale 14. Lily-Rose Kolc 15. Laikha Clarke 16. Matekino Gray 17. Dannii Perese 18. Hailee-Jay Maunsell 19. Ngatokotoru Arakua 20. Georgia Sim 21. Sarina Masaga 22. Malaela Sua
Analysis: Lailani Montgomery will make her NRLW debut, replacing the injured Niall Williams-Guthrie. Matekino Gray has been named for a debut off the bench. Cult hero Rilee Jorgensen is back in the side.
SUNDAY
St George Illawarra Dragons vs Sydney Roosters, WIN Stadium at 12pm
Dragons: 1. Teagan Berry 2. Maatuleio Fotu-moala 3. Keele Browne 4. Bobbi Law 5. Kimberley Hunt 6. Tyla King 7. Raecene Mcgregor 8. Angelina Teakaraanga Katoa 9. Kasey Reh 10. Madison Mulhall 11. Shenai Lendill 12. Charlotte Basham 13. Alexis Tauaneai 14. Zali Hopkins 15. Ella Koster 16. Bronte Wilson 17. Steph Hancock 18. Sophie Clancy 19. Alice Gregory 20. Tayla Curtis 21. Jordyn Preston 22. Jamilee Bright
Analysis: Tyla King moves from the bench to the starting side with Zali Hopkins in No. 14. Ella Koster is on the bench.
Roosters: 1. Sam Bremner 2. Jayme Fressard 3. Jessica Sergis 4. Jasmine Strange 5. Mia Wood 6. Isabelle Kelly 7. Tarryn Aiken 8. Millie Elliott 9. Keeley Davis 10. Mya Hill-Moana 11. Otesa Pule 12. Olivia Kernick 13. Jocelyn Kelleher 14. Aliyah Nasio 15. Pani Hopoate 16. Samantha Economos 18. Tavarna Papalii 19. Tiana Davison 20. Taina Naividi 21. Amber Hall 22. Eliza Lopamaua
Analysis: Mya Hill-Moana will move into starting prop while Otesa Pule is in the second row. Amber Hall and Pani Hopoate are the two that go to the bench.
Cronulla Sharks vs Newcastle Knights, Shark Park at 1:45pm
Sharks: 1. Cassie Staples 2. Nakia Davis-Welsh 3. Tiana Penitani 4. Annessa Biddle 5. Georgia Ravics 6. Georgia Hannaway 7. Tayla Preston 8. Ellie Johnston 9. Quincy Dodd 10. Holli Wheeler 11. Talei Holmes 12. Vanessa Foliaki 13. Brooke Anderson 14. Sharni Smale 15. Chloe Saunders 16. Manilita Takapautolo 17. Tegan Dymock 19. Leki Leilua 20. Pia Tapsell 21. Emma Tonegato 22. Jaydika Tafua
Analysis: Rugby sevens star Sharni Smale has been named for her debut.
Knights: 1. Tamika Upton 2. Tenika Willison 3. Shanice Parker 4. Abigail Roache 5. Lilly-Ann White 6. Georgia Roche 7. Jesse Southwell 8. Tayla Predebon 9. Olivia Higgins 10. Kayla Romaniuk 11. Laishon Albert-Jones 12. Yasmin Clydsdale 13. Hannah Southwell 14. Nita Maynard 15. Simone Karpani 16. Rima Butler 17. Grace Kukutai 18. Jacinta Carter 19. Jules Kirkpatrick 20. Viena Tinao 21. Evie Jones 22. Isabella Waterman
Analysis: Another sevens star is set to debut with Tenika Willison named. She’ll replace Sheridan Gallagher. Simone Karpani is also back in the side.
Wests Tigers vs Parramatta Eels, Campbelltown Sports Stadium at 6:10pm
Tigers: 1. Botille Vette-Welsh 2. Rebecca Pollard 3. Leianne Tufuga 4. Rikeya Horne 5. Tess Staines 6. Pauline Piliae 7. Losana Lutu 8. Sarah Togatuki 9. Salma Nour 10. Christian Pio 11. Brooke Talataina 12. Shaianne McGlone 13. Najvada George 14. Sophie Curtain 15. Natasha Penitani 16. Tara Reinke 17. Jessica Kennedy 18. Tiana-Lee Thorne 19. Imogen Gobran 20. Claudia Nielsen 21. Ebony Prior
Analysis: Apps and Harmony Crichton are both out with knee injuries. This has forced coach Brett Kimmorley to make changes to his side for the first time this season with Rebecca Pollard coming into the starting side along with Brooke Talataina. Jessica Kenna is on the bench.
Eels: 1. Abbi Church 2. Zali Fay 3. Rory Owen 4. Rosie Kelly 5. Monique Donovan 6. Cassey Tohi-Hiku 7. Rachael Pearson 8. Elsie Albert 9. Taneka Todhunter 10. Madeline Jones 11. Chloe Jackson 12. Mahalia Murphy 13. Kennedy Cherrington 14. Rosemarie Beckett 15. Tyla Amiatu 16. Jade Fonua 17. Ruby-Jean Kennard 18. Tafao Asaua 19. Breanna Eales 20. Chelsea Makira 21. Kate Fallon 22. Pihuka Berryman-Duff
Analysis: Parramatta are unchanged.
