West’s Tigers lose Daine Laurie with a knee injury while Charlie Staines plays at full-back
The Wests Tigers have suffered a setback trying to climb down the bottom of the ladder after a knee problem sidelined Daine Laurie.
The full-back injured his MCL in the Newcastle defeat and will not play in Sunday’s clash with Canterbury at Belmore Sports Ground. The absence of Laurie, who is out of contract and looking to secure his future beyond this season, will give Charlie Staines an opportunity to play in his favorite No.1 shirt.
The Tigers have named John Bateman in the No. 20 shirt as part of an extended bench but the England international is unlikely to play the Storm until the fourth round.
The Knights, plagued by injuries and suspensions, will bleed two debutants for the clash with the Dolphins. Ryan Rivett and Dylan Lucas will get their first taste of first class off the bench as part of a parts department coach Adam O’Brien had to put together. Jacob Saifiti accepted an early plea deal for his disgusting clash with Tigers hooker Jake Simpkin that will result in a five-game suspension while Kalyn Ponga and Jayden Brailey are sidelined with concussions. Tyson Frizell (ankle) and Jacob Saifiti (suspension) are unavailable, resulting in Tyson Gamble wearing the No. 6 jersey and Phoenix Crossland going to the hooker.
Josh Schuster will make his first NRL appearance of the year in a timely boost for Manly ahead of the blockbuster clash against archrival Parramatta. Schuster has recovered from a calf injury and will take his seat for Thursday’s derby at 4 Pines Park.
The bye in the second round gave the Samoan international the time he needed to be fully fit for the Eels clash. Schuster made just 13 first-tier appearances in an injury-interrupted 2022 season but opted to skip the Rugby League World Cup to work on his fitness.
Daine Laurie is out with a knee injury.Credit:Getty
Skipper Daly Cherry-Evans said he and Schuster would need time to build their combination and pointed out Manly lost their first four games when Cherry-Evans and Foran were reunited at the club earlier in the 2021 season.
Schuster was also expected to last 80 minutes.
https://www.smh.com.au/sport/nrl/laurie-out-for-tigers-knights-name-patched-up-side-20230314-p5cs38.html?ref=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_source=rss_sport West’s Tigers lose Daine Laurie with a knee injury while Charlie Staines plays at full-back
