NRL Finals Week 2 Team Lists: Rooster booster with Radley a chance to return with JWH, Ramien doubtful, Saab out
The NRL playoffs are in full swing with two sudden-death matches to decide who advances to face Penrith and Melbourne in the prelim finals – here is how each team is shaping up.
No players from the teams that advanced from week 1 of the finals have been banned by the judiciary but Knights prop Leo Thompson’s Pacific Championships campaign with New Zealand is under a cloud after copping a one-game suspension for his high shot on Cowboys winger Kyle Feldt.
Semi-Final: 4 Sharks vs 5 Cowboys at Allianz Stadium: 7.50pm, Friday September 20
Sharks: 1. Will Kennedy 2. Sione Katoa 3. Siosifa Talakai 4. Kayal Iro 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo 6. Braydon Trindall 7. Nicho Hynes 8. Toby Rudolf 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Oregon Kaufusi 11. Briton Nikora 12. Teig Wilton 13. Cameron McInnes 14. Daniel Atkinson 15. Jack Williams 16. Royce Hunt 17. Thomas Hazelton 18. Braden Hamlin-Uele 19. Tuku Hau Tapuha 20. Jayden Berrell 21. Samuel Stonestreet 22. Jesse Ramien
Jesse Ramien (ankle) is considered a chance to return, with coach Craig Fitzgibbon naming him on the extended reserves list after the centre missed the loss in Melbourne.
He’ll be given until closer to game time to prove his fitness, with Siosifa Talakai likely to go back to the interchange if Ramien proves his fitness.
Samoan winger Sione Katoa suffered a hip injury but Fitzgibbon has named him on wing to face the Cowboys.
Katoa has paid a fine of $1800 for a high tackle while Braydon Trindall ($1000 for dangerous contact) was also charged.
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. Jason Taumalolo 11. Heilum Luki 12. Jeremiah Nanai 13. Reuben Cotter 14. Sam McIntyre 15. Harrison Edwards 16. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki 17. Griffin Neame 18. Jaxon Purdue 19. Chad Townsend 20. Thomas Mikaele 21. Braidon Burns 22. Tomas Chester