Teams: Manly setback clouds Turbo experiment

Manly have been dealt an untimely injury blow, with electric fullback Tolu Koula set to miss the next six weeks after injuring his knee last weekend.

The 21-year-old had scans following his side's victory over the Cowboys and will undergo surgery on Tuesday night for an MCL injury.

Koula's absence will pose an interesting question for the Sea Eagles, with marquee man Tom Trbojevic featuring in the centres in his round 18 return.

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Anthony Seibold isn't short of options, with rookie fullback Lehi Hopoate also in the mix, but the injury to Koula could prompt the coach to move Trbojevic back to his usual role.

Cronulla's recent woes have continued, with star halfback Nicho Hynes set for a stint on the sidelines ahead of their must-win clash against the Tigers.

Elsewhere, a host of big names will be unavailable due to State of Origin commitments, with the likes of Brisbane, St George Illawarra and Newcastle to be heavily affected.

Here's the early mail for round 19, with teams to be announced at 4pm AEST. 

THURSDAY

Dolphins vs South Sydney Rabbitohs, Redcliffe Stadium (7.50pm)

Dolphins: Team announced at 4pm Tuesday

Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and Felise Kaufusi will both be unavailable due to State of Origin commitments. Jack Bostock is in line for a return from concussion, while hooker Jeremy Marshall-King is sidelined for the next two months with a foot injury.

Rabbitohs: Team announced at 4pm Tuesday

Latrell Mitchell is out of action with a foot injury, while Cameron Murray is in NSW camp. Jai Arrow will play his last game before undergoing shoulder surgery.

FRIDAY

Cronulla Sharks vs Wests Tigers, Pointsbet Stadium (8pm)

Nicho Hynes in action for the Cronulla Sharks against the Gold Coast Titans in round 18.

Sharks: Team announced at 4pm Tuesday

Nicho Hynes is set to be sidelined with an ankle injury in a major blow for the free-falling Sharks, while utility Siosifa Talakai is out of action due to suspension. 

Tigers: Team announced at 4pm Tuesday

Benji Marshall could have some quality inclusions this week, with Isaiah Papali'i and Junior Tupou both firming to return from injury. 

SATURDAY

Gold Coast Titans vs Parramatta Eels, Cbus Super Stadium (5.30pm)

AJ Brimson of the Titans is tackled.

Titans: Team announced at 4pm Tuesday

Moeaki Fotuaika will be away in Queensland camp this week, but David Fifita will line up for the Titans after being overlooked for the Origin decider. AJ Brimson is expected to return from a groin injury after he was a late omission last weekend. 

Eels: Team announced at 4pm Tuesday

Mitchell Moses won't play this week ahead of the Origin decider, with Daejarn Asi and Ethan Sanders potential options to come into the halves.

Brisbane Broncos vs St George Illawarra Dragons, Suncorp Stadium (7.35pm)

Jaydn Su'a of the Dragons runs with the ball during the round nine NRL match between Cronulla Sharks and St George Illawarra Dragons at PointsBet Stadium, on May 05, 2024, in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)

Broncos: Team announced at 4pm Tuesday

Payne Haas, Reece Walsh, Patrick Carrigan and Selwyn Cobbo will all be out this weekend due to Origin commitments, but strike centre Kotoni Staggs should be back on deck. Jordan Riki is also due back from suspension in a timely boost.

Dragons: Team announced at 4pm Tuesday

Ben Hunt and Zac Lomax are away in their respective Origin camps, but Jaydn Su'A is expected to line up after being dropped by the Maroons. Jack Bird made his return via NSW Cup last weekend and could be included, while Hame Sele is also close to a return.

SUNDAY

Manly Sea Eagles vs Newcastle Knights, Brookvale Oval (4.05pm)

Tolutau Koula scores for the Sea Eagles against the Dolphins.

Sea Eagles: Team announced at 4pm Tuesday

Tolu Koula is out due to a knee injury, which will likely see Lehi Hopoate come back into the fullback role. Alternatively, the club may opt to move Tom Trbojevic from the centres and back to the No.1 jumper after his return last weekend. Daly Cherry-Evans and Jake Trbojevic are both away in Origin camp and won't play for Manly.

Knights: Team announced at 4pm Tuesday

Bradman Best, Dane Gagai and Kalyn Ponga are all unavailable in round 19 due to Origin commitments. Phoenix Crossland is expected back from concussion at hooker.

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