Victor Radley is a chance of coming to the Sydney Roosters’ rescue for their sudden-death semi-final after being named in the injury-hit NRL side’s extended squad to face Manly.
But the season could be over for Jason Saab after the Sea Eagles winger was again omitted from the teamsheet with an ankle injury.
Second-rower Radley was one of three Roosters to go down in a costly round-26 loss to Canberra that pundits predicted could spell the end of the Tricolours’ premiership hopes.
But as Sam Walker and Brandon Smith watch from the casualty ward, Radley could return from his shoulder issue to face Manly, named in jersey 22 for Saturday’s clash at Allianz Stadium.
His inclusion would be critical for a Roosters side outmuscled in the big qualifying final loss to Penrith, and which faces a Sea Eagles pack led by in-form prop Taniela Paseka.
Roosters prop Jared Waerea-Hargreaves will add extra power as he returns from suspension for his 315th and possibly last NRL game, pushing back-up hooker Zach Dockar-Clay out of the 17.
Saab will sit out a third consecutive game with his ankle injury, with Lehi Hopoate to retain a spot on the wing for Manly despite a tough finals debut against Canterbury.
Jesse Ramien has been named in the extended squad for Cronulla’s semi-final clash with North Queensland after an ankle issue forced him out of the loss to Melbourne the day before kick-off.
The right centre is confident he will recover from the injury he suffered a fortnight ago and line up at Allianz Stadium on Friday night, but must make it through Wednesday’s training session.
“The extra couple of days has done it a world of good,” Ramien told AAP of his injury.
“I haven’t run on it yet but I’ll do a bit of testing tomorrow and that’ll sort of determine where I’m at. But I’m pretty confident for Friday.”
Cowboys veteran Kyle Feldt has been named for what could be his NRL swansong after coming from the field for a head injury assessment late in Saturday’s elimination final win over Newcastle.
Sharks prop Braden Hamlin-Uele replaces Chris Vea’ila as 18th player for the clash against his old side, with Jaxon Purdue taking on the replacement role for North Queensland at Thomas Mikaele’s expense.
