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NRL troops return for Tigers, Raiders

3 minute read

The return of Wests Tigers forward Alex Twal and Canberra second-rower John Bateman are among the big-name selections for round 12 of the NRL.

JOHN BATEMAN (R).
JOHN BATEMAN (R). Picture: Russell Lansford/Getty Images

Canberra and the Wests Tigers have been boosted by some key NRL inclusions for round 12, with John Bateman and Alex Twal among those back from injury.

Bateman, who will return to England at the end of the year, is set for his first game of the season after undergoing two surgeries on his shoulder.

He is one of three changes to the Raiders side for Saturday's road trip to North Queensland, while controversial recruit Corey Harawira-Naera was named on the bench.

Jordan Rapana is at fullback for the injured Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, with Curtis Scott recalled into the backline.

It will also be the season debut for Harawira-Naera, who only joined the team this week following his mid-season move from Canterbury.

The New Zealand international hasn't played since being deregistered over a pre-season scandal in Port Macquarie, which he successfully appealed.

"He was in (Monday). He had some gumboots on and he was laughing, it's good to have him," Raiders forward Ryan Sutton said on Tuesday.

"He's going to be a great addition to the side.

"He's a great international player and going to bring a lot to the team."

The Tigers have also made three changes, with Twal being joined by Thomas Mikaele and Luke Garner in the line-up, while Josh Reynolds is on an extended bench.

They take on a Warriors outfit that includes new loanees George Jennings and Daniel Alvaro from Parramatta, while Wayde Egan and Patrick Herbert return.

Four players, including wing pairing Ken Maumalo and David Fusitu'a, have returned home to New Zealand.

Brisbane coach Anthony Seibold continues to carry out surgery on his team's spine, with Darius Boyd back at fullback and Anthony Milford at five-eighth.

Jake Turpin, Issac Luke, Ethan Bullemor and Richie Kennar all return, however star David Fifita is at least another week away from his anticipated return.

The embattled Broncos face a Cronulla side that get Josh Dugan and Briton Nikora back, though Chad Townsend and Bryson Goodwin are out.

St George Illawarra have made changes, with youngster Tristan Sailor on the bench and Ben Hunt at halfback for a concussed Adam Clune.

Jordan Pereira replaces Jason Saab on the wing and Tariq Sims returns from suspension, pushing Tyrell Fuimaono to the bench.

The Dragons meet a South Sydney side buoyed by the return of star fullback Latrell Mitchell from suspension, and Liam Knight from injury.

Canterbury have also rushed mid-season signing Tim Lafai into the centres for their daunting challenge against Parramatta.

Newcastle rookie Chris Randall is the latest owner of their cursed No.9 jumper, while fellow youngster Phoenix Crossland is on the bench.

There are also a handful of injured stars named on extended benches, including Gold Coast star AJ Brimson and Penrith hooker Apisai Koroisau.

The Panthers face a Manly line-up that could get five-eighth Dylan Walker back after he was named in the Sea Eagles' 21-man squad.

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