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The Cowboys have dropped a surprise bombshell in their team list for the preliminary final, naming forward Matt Scott on an extended bench.
Scott hasn’t played since tearing his ACL in Round 2.
In other team list news, the Roosters have named winger Daniel Tupou to return on the wing as well, while the Broncos have included captain Darius Boyd at fullback.
The Storm are unchanged.
The Roosters already have their backline under contract for next year, so now they’ve decided it’s time to start planning for the future.
According to Fox Sports, the Roosters are in talks with centre Joseph Manu about a long-term extension.
The report indicates that they’ve been in discussions for some time, and a deal is expected to be finalised this month.
The 21-year-old has been terrific for the Roosters this year, and along with Latrell Mitchell, looks like being a long-term solution in the centres for the tri-colours.
Manu has played 19 first grade games for the Roosters since making his debut for the club last year.
With little news on the future of Ryan Hoffman, it’s been widely assumed that he’ll land back at the Storm in 2018. That may well be the case, but the Storm aren’t the only team in the hunt.
According to 7Sport, the Roosters are also pursuing Hoffman, and are willing to offer him more money as well.
The Roosters were first linked to Hoffman three weeks ago, and we speculated at the time that the only way they’d be able to lure him there would be by offering more than the Storm. It seems they’re giving it a red hot go.
The Roosters view Hoffman as a middle forward who’d add experience to their pack, while Hoffman is connected to the club via former teammate Matt King, who’s on the coaching staff.
The longer he goes without joining the Storm, the more it appears that he’ll head elsewhere. The Roosters may well be that destination.
The NRL judiciary were apparently in a receptive mood tonight, with both players appearing receiving positive results.
The NRL have announced that Roosters forward Zane Tetevano has successfully had his charge downgraded, and will be suspended for just one match.
Even more fortunate was Sea Eagles forward Darcy Lussick, who was somehow found guilty for a blatant trip, and is free to play on the weekend.
Roosters prop Zane Tetevano and Sea Eagles forward Darcy Lussick are both opting to head to the judiciary and fight their respective charges.
Tetevano has entered a guilty plea, but will dispute the nature of his offense. He was facing a three-game ban, which could potentially rule him out of the Roosters’ entire finals campaign.
Lussick has pleaded not guilty to a tripping charge. That offense typically is punished with a fine, however he’s facing a one-week suspension because he’s a repeat offender.
