NRL late mail Round 22: Katoa unlikely, Grant hamstrung
Isaiya Katoa is unlikely to play for the Dolphins in Round 22 of the NRL, remaining in the reserves after a wrist injury while teammate Jeremy Marshall-King says the halfback is another week away. Storm star Harry Grant is out with a hamstring, opening the door for Hayden Watson's possible debut.
Key Takeaways
- Dolphins halfback Isaiya Katoa stays in the reserves after three games out with a wrist injury, with Brad Schneider named to start.
- Jeremy Marshall-King said Katoa looks "another week away" and the club has talked down an early return.
- Melbourne Storm hooker Harry Grant is sidelined with a hamstring as Trent Toelau starts and Hayden Watson lines up for a possible NRL debut.
- Round 22 opens with eighth-placed North Queensland hosting second-placed Sydney Roosters in Townsville.
Why is Katoa unlikely for the Dolphins this week?
According to NRL.com Late Mail, co-captain Isaiya Katoa was still listed among the reserves when the Dolphins cut their squad to 20 on Thursday night.
Schneider has been named at halfback and looks set to steer the side again. Katoa is seeking a return after three games out with a wrist injury, but Marshall-King urged caution.
"It is good to see him back on the field, but I think he is another week away," the hooker said. "You don't want to rush him back for him to get injured again." Centre Jack Bostock returns from concussion, sending Selwyn Cobbo back to the wing.
Who replaces Harry Grant after his hamstring setback?
Storm playmaker Hayden Watson is in line for his NRL debut after a strong Jersey Flegg campaign and seven NSW Cup games. The Queensland Under 21 captain has been named in the No.14 jersey.
Watson joins the bench after Trent Toelau was promoted to start at hooker in place of Grant, who is out with a hamstring. Manaia Waitere comes into the centres for Jack Howarth, who suffered a shoulder injury at training. There were no Storm changes in the 24-hour update.
What else matters in Round 22 NRL team news?
Elsewhere, Kalyn Ponga is set to return for Newcastle after a week out with a quad injury, with Dane Gagai (calf) and Jermaine McEwen (hamstring) also back. Brisbane centre Gehamat Shibasaki has been listed among the reserves and is unlikely to play after a leg concern.
Thursday's opener sees the Cowboys chase a finals berth against Roosters sitting second. Fox Sports reported a late Roosters switch with Salesi Foketi starting in the front row and Spencer Leniu dropping to the bench. Nine's experts noted the visitors' strong recent record in Townsville, while Andrew Johns tipped the hosts despite Reed Mahoney and Tommy Dearden being unavailable.
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