Sydney Roosters winger Daniel Tupou is set to make a highly anticipated return from injury as he prepares to play his 300th career game this Saturday against the Parramatta Eels. Tupou, 35, has been sidelined since the Magic Round eight weeks ago due to a calf injury. A three-time premiership winner, he is the Roosters’ all-time leading tryscorer with 191 tries and ranks third on the NRL’s all-time list.
The milestone game will be marked at Allianz Stadium, where emotions are expected to run high among teammates and fans alike. The Roosters have named Hugo Savala at halfback as cover in case star playmaker and Maroons representative Sam Walker is unable to back up for the match.
In the North Queensland camp, co-captain Tom Dearden, who was ruled out of the recent State of Origin series with injury, could feature this weekend. The reigning Wally Lewis Medal winner missed the entire Origin campaign but has been named on an extended bench for the Cowboys’ clash with Manly.
Melbourne Storm will welcome back former Dally M Medal winner Jahrome Hughes from a hamstring strain for their upcoming fixture against the Gold Coast Titans. The Storm’s backline will also be strengthened by the returns of Nick Meaney, Jack Howarth, and Manaia Waitere. Mid-season recruit Oryn Keeley has been named on an extended bench. With Api Koroisau sidelined due to a pec injury, Josese Lanyon is expected to deputise at dummy-half.
The Wests Tigers have regained Jarome Luai, who has cleared concussion protocols, alongside Samuela Fainu, returning from a foot injury, as they prepare to face the New Zealand Warriors. The Warriors will be without Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, out with a hamstring issue, but will welcome back key forwards James Fisher-Harris and Leka Halasima.
Both the Dolphins and Sharks have named their State of Origin representatives on extended benches, leaving fans uncertain over their availability. Meanwhile, South Sydney Rabbitohs coach Wayne Bennett has adjusted his line-up, naming Matt Dufty at fullback in place of the suspended Cody Walker, and bringing Jayden Sullivan into the side.
For the Bulldogs, Jacob Preston is a potential late addition, while the Canberra Raiders have welcomed back forwards Josh Papali’i and Noah Martin ahead of their forthcoming matches.
This round of the National Rugby League is shaping up with key players returning from injury and selections reflecting the ongoing impacts of the Origin series, setting the stage for a competitive weekend of fixtures.