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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.
Like their opponents, the Broncos will also be without their skipper on Friday night, after it was confirmed that Darius Boyd has been ruled out due a hamstring injury.
According to nrl.com, Boyd made the decision himself, despite having completed the captain’s run.
In his place Kodi Nikorima will start at fullback (for real, this time), with Benji Marshall at halfback.
In further bad news for the Broncos, forward Tevita Pangai Jr will also miss the semi final with a hamstring injury.
Broncos fullback Darius Boyd will miss his side’s qualifying final against the Roosters, after Fox Sports’ James Hooper announced that he’s officially been ruled out, and is expected to be replaced by Kodi Nikorima.
The Roosters could be without forward Zane Tetevano for the entire finals series, with the young firebrand facing a 3-game suspension for a high shot on Ben Nakubuwai.
Sea Eagles forward Darcy Lussick appears set to miss his side’s elimination final against the Panthers, after being charged with a trip on Peter Wallace.
Panthers CEO Brian Fletcher only added to the growing Matt Moylan drama, when he described the fullback as being a “50-50” chance of staying at Penrith next year.
Bulldogs forward James Graham looks to have played his last match for the club in their win over the Dragons, with the Englishman believed to be close to finalising a three-year deal to join St George-Illawarra.
Rival coaches have declared the Storm the team to beat in this years finals series (in other news, grass is green; water is wet).
It’s believed that Rabbitohs coach Michael Maguire will head to Warrington next season, and be replaced at South Sydney by assistant Anthony Seibold.
The Broncos have left the Cowboys’ finals hopes on life support, but have now got concerns of their own, after fullback Darius Boyd failed to finish the match due to a hamstring injury.
According to SMH, Boyd downplayed the severity of the injury post-match, although it didn’t look good when he went down clutching behind his thigh on the stroke of halftime. He failed to return from the break.
“It’s not too bad,” Boyd said. “Hopefully it’s just a week, maybe not even.”
The injury couldn’t have come at worse time for the Broncos, who’ve now locked themselves into either 2nd or 3rd, and will play either the Roosters or Eels next weekend for a preliminary final spot.
Let’s hope Boyd makes a quick recovery.
He’s been a Bronco, a Dragon, and even a Knight; but with his latest contract, fullback Darius Boyd appears set to be a Bronco for life.
According to Fox Sports, Boyd is “on the verge of penning a four-year deal“, which would take him through until he’s 34 years old, likely seeing him into retirement.
It was never expected that Boyd would leave the Broncos (again), with Broncos CEO Paul White speaking openly about their negotiations with Boyd as far back as early June.
The length of the deal may be somewhat surprising given Boyd’s age, but his style of game is built less on raw athleticism and more on speed between the ears; and in that respect, he’s arguably getting even better with age.
“I know that I’m not going anywhere,” Boyd said. “I know the club’s looking after me, and I’m very grateful to be staying at the club.”
“I’m happy here and very proud to be at this club, and can’t wait to play a few years and finish my career here.”
Boyd has played 260 first grade matches for the Broncos, Knights and Dragons, 28 Origins for Queensland, and 23 Tests for Australia.