Late Mail Round 4: A Race Against the Clock

Seriously, do we even have any players left in the NRL – let alone our SuperCoach squads – for them to be late-outs?

The word is thrown around so often that it’s become a meme of itself but this week is carnage. The SuperCoach gods have anti-podded almost the entire field and are cleaning house for round 4.

But the late mail stops for nothing and I’ll do my best to navigate the wreckage to bring you all the latest for the round.

As usual, all the updates across the round will come via @scplaybook1 on X/Twitter and Instagram, as well as myself @AStilesAuthor. 

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ROOSTERS

Sam Walker should be fine to line up after having his HIA downgraded and Luke Keary is on track to return from his own head knock. 

Terrell May hobbled off the field last week with just over two minutes to go but he hasn’t appeared in the casualty ward so assuming he’s fine.

Based on the uneventful 24 hour cuts, 1-17 is likely.

24 hour cuts: Fetalaiga Pauga, Zach Dockar-Clay, Dylan Napa

PANTHERS

Named according to their injuries. I’m also expecting 1-17 outside a game day swap between Daine Laurie and Soni Luke, though that has yet to eventuate.

24 hour cuts: Jack Cole, Ativalu Lisati, Tyrone Peachey

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RABBITOHS

Cameron Murray left training early this week with a bursa issue in his knee so I have to assume he’s in some doubt.

Jack Wighton has a knee issue of his own but, at this stage, it shouldn’t keep him out.

We also haven’t seen the prop swap this year but based on absolutely nothing apart from last year’s form, I feel we’ll see Tom Burgess revert to the bench with Davvy Moale moving back to starting prop.

BULLDOGS

Fresh off a dominant win, the only possible change could be the return of Josh Addo-Carr who is once again named on the extended bench. He would be a straight swap for Connor Tracey.

BRONCOS

I’m one Brisbane injury away from having to pull on the maroon and gold, so I don’t think the Broncos have much luxury in the way of game day swaps.

Still, Marty Taupau could make his way into the side as Coach Walters has done previously, if he needs more experience in the pack.

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COWBOYS

Zac Laybutt caused quite the stir when he was a late withdrawal with an ankle injury, but assuming he ticks the boxes this week he should be fine to line up.

Reuben Cotter is also carrying an ankle sprain but I will assume he’s playing until I see otherwise.

DRAGONS

Raymond Faitala-Mariner just keeps finding his way into the starting side, and this week seems the same with Jaydn Su’a likely to be ruled out for another game due to injury.

Tom Eisenhuth was also a late benching in favor of Ben Murdoch-Masila. BMM isn’t in the squad this week, but Jack De Belin is conspicuous on the bench, so once again a forward pack shuffle wouldn’t surprise.

SEA EAGLES

Tommy Talau is again lurking on the extended bench as he attempts to return from injury. His inclusion would see Raymond Tuaimalo Vaega drop out of the side.

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TITANS

With 5/8 such a challenging position in SuperCoach this year, there’ll be a few hoping Jayden Campbell ticks the boxes to make his return as named and edge closer towards price rises.

David Fifita has also been named but on the extended bench, suggesting he’s the less likely of the two. But until ruled out he’ll be a big watch at the 24 hour and 1 hour cuts.

DOLPHINS

Fresh off both a bye and a statement win, I’m not anticipating any changes for the Phins.

That said, I wouldn’t be surprised if Ray Stone pushes into the starting side with Max Plath dropping to the bench but, on form, I’m expecting 1-17.

WARRIORS

Wayde Egan has dropped out the last two rounds causing multiple game-day shuffles. Surely, the third time is the charm for his return.

Marata Niukore and Dylan Walker are both in the casualty ward with foot and ankle niggles respectively but assuming they get through the captain’s run both should play.

KNIGHTS

Dylan Lucas was a late inclusion on the bench last week after returning from injury, so I was slightly surprised to again see him named on the extended bench.

I’d normally say he’s a shoe-in to come into the 17, this feels like a deliberate move. One to watch but my assumption is 1-17.

SHARKS

TLT saw a big shake-up in the Shire due to a combination of suspensions, injuries, and form.

I can’t see much changing on game day, 1-17 wouldn’t surprise. 

RAIDERS

Corey Horsburgh is the big name on the extended bench and given he was due back this round, I’d assume he’s a big chance to join the side on game day, most likely from the bench.

There is also growing speculation that Elliott Whitehead may have injured his calf which could see Zac Hosking return to the starting line up.

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EELS

Surely we don’t see Bryce Cartwright on game day, right? Reported to be out for up to a month with a fractured rib, I cannot believe he was named on TLT. 

Ryan Matterson or Kelma Tuilagi are ready-made edge replacements if he drops out.

Joe Ofahengaue has also started at prop the last two weeks with Junior Paulo moving to the bench so that’s a strong chance of happening again.

TIGERS

I can’t see any changes for the Tigers after a big win last week.

1-17 likely.