Late Mail

THE Bulldogs have suffered a significant blow before tonight's clash with North Queensland with fullback Luke Patten ruled out with an ankle injury. Patten will be replaced at the back by Hazem El Masri. (WOAH!!!! BIG WEEK FOR EL MAGIC?)

Daryl Millard is expected to take El Masri's wing spot.

The Cowboys, on the other hand, have players coming back. Winger Michael Bani is a chance of playing tonight after training yesterday morning, while Luke O'Donnell and Ashley Graham are both expected to play.

Gold Coast are expected to be as named.

Souths coach Jason Taylor said the Rabbitohs would be ''1-17''.

Manly forward Glenn Hall is still in the frame to play against the Roosters at the SFS tomorrow night despite being named at the tail of a five-man bench. The Roosters are expected to be 1-17.

Eels coach Daniel Anderson maintained Feleti Mateo, Weller Hauraki and Kris Keating would not play against the Warriors tomorrow night. The Warriors are expected to be as named.

Canberra centre Joel Monaghan is in doubt to face the Dragons tomorrow night with bone bruising to his leg. If he is ruled out, Joel Thompson is expected to switch to the centres, with Trevor Thurling promoted to the squad.

Dragons remain undecided about who will replace suspended centre Beau Scott, although Chase Stanley would be the most likely man to do so, with Jason Nightingale also named on an extended bench. Nick Emmett has been added to the squad.

Cronulla have lost fullback Bronx Goodwin for the season with a broken shoulder. He will be replaced against Wests Tigers on Sunday by Nathan Stapleton. Interchange hooker Terence Seu Seu has also been ruled out with a hamstring injury, with Lancen Joudo set to debut off the bench. There is some possibility, though, that Anthony Tupou (Yeah Mayne!!) will return from a hamstring injury.

Wests Tigers centre Chris Lawrence remains in doubt with a hamstring problem. Dean Collis ready to replace him if needed.

Brisbane halfback Peter Wallace (hamstring) and prop Nick Kenny (knee) are still mysteries for their clash with Penrith. Adam Woolnough has been lopped off the extended Penrith bench, with Tim Grant 18th man.

Newcastle second-rower Steve Simpson is in doubt to face Melbourne on Monday night after suffering headaches this week, the after-effects of a concussion. Danny Wicks also has a sternum injury. If either is ruled out, Cory Paterson is expected to play.

The Storm are expected to be as named.

Best of luck!

Bring on Crunching Tackle!!!