Late Mail

Hello fello DTers, ready for a massive weekend? Well unfortunately I am not going to be able watch any games this weekend as I will be splendouring it up at Byron Bay. However, this doesn't prevent me from fullfilling my friday duties....So here goes.

Titans vs Broncos

The Broncos are already without Darren Lockyer, Israel Folau, Nick Kenny, Sam Thaiday and Tonie Carroll because of injury, and yesterday fullback Karmichael Hunt (corked thigh) and halfback Peter Wallace (hamstring) were ruled out as well.

Brisbane coach Ivan Henjak has been forced to dig deep and bring a couple more youngsters in to fill the holes, with Ben Hunt playing halfback and Josh Hoffman fullback. Another youngster, Dale Copley, has been promoted to the wing, with Alex Glenn dropping back to the bench.

Gold Coast hooker Nathan Friend has an ankle injury and is regarded as a 50-50 chance. The Titans, who lost 23-16 to the Bulldogs last Friday night, have delayed a decision on him until today. Update Friend has been confirmed as a starter for tonights match.

Knights vs Manly

Manly coach Des Hasler said Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, who was named in jersey 18, would miss out for tonight's game against the Knights at Bluetongue Stadium. Newcastle, who are already missing a few players injured, have further concerns going into the match.

Fullback Kurt Gidley is considered highly unlikely to play because of a rib injury, while halfback Scott Dureau (hip) and bench forward Cory Paterson (quad) are in some doubt after being hurt at training yesterday. Update Gidley is out!!!!!!!!

Bulldogs vs the Eels

Bulldogs coach Kevin Moore cannot pick a stronger team than the one named for tomorrow night's game against the Eels at ANZ Stadium and he said none of the 17 were in doubt. Parramatta coach Daniel Anderson said his side was intact as well after beating Melbourne 18-16 on Monday night.

Cowboys vs Penrith

North Queensland forwards Matt Scott and Antonio Kaufusi are expected to overcome knee injuries in time to play against the Panthers at Dairy Farmers Stadium tomorrow night. Penrith have no injury concerns among their 17.

Storm vs Cronulla

Melbourne have a string of worries leading into tomorrow night's game against Cronulla at Olympic Park. Winger Steve Turner (foot) is not expected to play, while centre Greg Inglis (knee) and lock Dallas Johnson (neck) are rated 50-50 at best.

The short turnaround from playing on Monday night has put the Storm under the pump when it comes to players trying to overcome injuries. Five-eighth Brett Finch is set to play after missing the Parramatta game with a chest complaint and hooker Cameron Smith (shoulder) is considered a good chance after also missing that game.

Cronulla second-rower Anthony Tupou is in doubt with a hamstring injury.
Canberra players Josh Dugan, Joel Monaghan, Terry Campese and Joel Thompson are all battling the flu leading into Sunday's game against Wests Tigers at Canberra Stadium. They all missed training yesterday and with today being a day off they will be checked tomorrow.
Officials are optimistic they will all play. Wests Tigers are intact.

Warriors vs Dragons

St George Illawarra have pruned a seven-man bench to five for their trip to Auckland to play the Warriors at Mt Smart Stadium on Sunday. Luke Priddis and Matt Prior drop off. Star forward Jeremy Smith will definitely make his long-awaited comeback from injury. The Warriors are as named.

Souths vs Roosters

South Sydney bench forward Michael Crocker remains in doubt for Monday night's game against Sydney Roosters at ANZ Stadium because of a corked leg. The Roosters, who lost 30-24 to the Warriors last Sunday, are intact.

source: http://www.leaguehq.com.au/news/lhqnews/broncos-lose-more-stars/2009/07/23/1247942008700.html