Nofoaluma back for under-siege Tigers

Wests Tigers have had some good news on the injury front with winger David Nofoaluma back in their lineup, while Brisbane has recalled their star halfback.

David Nofoaluma makes a timely comeback as the embattled Wests Tigers strive to put a turbulent week behind them to somehow revive their flagging NRL finals hopes.

Making his first appearance since suffering a head knock in round eight, Nofoaluma returns on the wing for Sunday’s must-win clash with Manly at Campbelltown.

The one-time first-choice winger has had to bide his time in NSW Cup for the past two weeks after upsetting the Tigers’ leadership group by drinking during his time out.

But while Nofoaluma is back, utility ace Adam Doueihi won’t make his return this weekend after all as the Tigers face a potential halves crisis to add to their increasing woes.

Tigers co-captain Luke Brooks says Doueihi isn’t ready for a comeback from a torn ACL, having been expected to finally return.

“A couple of weeks. He’s pretty much back into full training so he just wants to build that confidence up and he’ll be a great addition to our side when he’s ready to go,” Brooks said.

Halfback Jackson Hastings was still in a moon boot on Tuesday but the Tigers are confident he’d take the field against the Sea Eagles – five days after coach Michael Maguire was sacked.

Elsewhere, new Warriors’ interim coach Stacey Jones has stuck with under-pressure halfback Shaun Johnson for their clash with Cronulla, although he admitted he’d think more about that selection over the coming days.

Second-rower Josh Curran has been recalled on the bench after a knee injury.

The Sharks get centre Jesse Ramien back from suspension, meaning Connor Tracey moves to 18th man.

Star Broncos’ halfback Adam Reynolds will return from his hamstring injury against Canberra, but Brisbane will keep exciting youngster Ezra Mam in the halves.

Teenager Mam will shift to five-eighth, while Tyson Gamble has been dropped.

They’ve named TC Robati on an edge in place of rested Queensland rep Kurt Capewell.

Canberra will go with James Schiller on a wing in place of the suspended Jordan Rapana, while second-rower Corey Harawira-Naera returns from COVID protocols on the bench.

Gold Coast will debut 21-year-old Paul Turner at five-eighth against South Sydney, with AJ Brimson shifting back to No.1.

Brimson replaces injured fullback Jayden Campbell, who’s expected to miss around two months with a hamstring injury.

Greg Marzhew has also been recalled on a wing in placed of the injured Corey Thompson (knee), while Patrick Herbert is named at centre in place of Esan Marsters.

The Rabbitohs welcome back prop Tevita Tatalo after he missed time with a concussion.

Parramatta have named winger Maika Sivo for his first game of the season, returning from an ACL.

The Eels will face the Bulldogs, who would love Tevita Pangai Jr back in the side, but is named in the reserves coming off his back injury.

Newcastle have been boosted by the return of Kurt Mann at No.14, in the side for the first time since round seven.

He’ll play instead of Phoenix Crossland against Penrith, while Jacob Saifiti will start in place of his brother Daniel (knee).

Penrith have picked all six of their Origin players in their 1-17 lineup.

North Queensland have named an unchanged 1-17 for their clash with St George Illawarra, meaning Origin stars Reuben Cotter, Valentine Holmes, Tom Dearden and Jeremiah Nanai are listed in the reserves.

James Tedesco will be back at No.1 for the Sydney Roosters, with fellow Origin players Daniel Tupou and Lindsay Collins also named in the starting 13.

They’ll battle Melbourne, who get enforcer Nelson Asofa-Solomona back from a knee injury.