One of our best partners, Eastbay, asked us to highlight their performance apparel line. We dove in to give you our breakdown of the 4 different types of affordable performance apparel – Compression, Gymtech, Windtech and Temptech. Impressively, every single product offered in Eastbay’s performance line is $50 or less, and most are much less than that. So if you’re looking for some performance athleticwear that will perform, look clean, and won’t break the bank, this could be a great route for you. Here’s what they’re offering:

Eastbay Compression – Every Product is $10 right now

The first and likely most popular is Eastbay compression products, all priced at $10 right now. Compression tights, shirts and shorts, in all sorts of different cuts and colors are available. Compression is an excellent way to protect yourself from turf burn and it also does an awesome job keeping your muscles warm while you play. It can also help prevent injury in football, baseball, and basketball. Compression is typically used as a base-layer and perfect to wear underneath your uniform. Check out Eastbay’s compression options here.

Our fave is the 3/4 length tights, only $9.99.

Eastbay GymTech – Most Products Under $20 right now

Eastbay’s Gymtech is built for putting in that work. Gymtech is performance apparel for lifting weights, cardio, getting shots up in the gym, or lounging at the crib. This apparel is built to be light and breathable. Eastbay has shorts, shirts, and jackets in plenty of colorways. Like I mentioned, this apparel is designed to be worn while you work out, but honestly looks good enough to wear day to day. Check out Eastbay’s Gymtech apparel here.

Add the Gymtech Half Court camo short ($14.99) to the jacket ($39.99) with the 3/4 tights underneath ($9.99) for easy, functional practice swag under $70.

Eastbay WindTech – All Under $40 right now

Eastbay’s Windtech apparel will help you train outdoors, especially in suboptimal weather conditions. Windbreakers jackets, pants and shorts are available, all under $40. Again, these offerings from Eastbay look cool enough to wear on the field, but also at work or in the classroom. Check out Eastbay’s Windtech apparel here.

Eastbay Temptech – All Under $50

The final (and most premium) component of the Eastbay performance line is their Temptech apparel. This gear offers a heavier material, built to keep you warm and cozy… perfect to wear during a cold outdoor workout or to just lounge around the house. Check out the Eastbay Temptech collection here.

Add the Temptech Cuff Fleece Pant ($39.99) for maximum warmth over top your Eastbay Compression.

Shop all the products in Eastbay’s Performance line here. And if you’ve got experience with these products, let us know in the comments.

The post Sponsored: Eastbay Performance Line with Jalen Hurts (All Items Under $50) appeared first on What Pros Wear.

From Little League to the Big Leagues, one thing is certain: no ballplayer is immune to injuries. They come in many forms from head to toe. Most we can prevent; however, some are inevitable the faster and harder the game comes at you.

In this article we will work from head to toe with some baseball (and softball) equipment specific to preventative maintenance.

The Head

The head holds our brain which is arguably the most important part of baseball, hence The Mental Game (see “Hitting Before You Step in the Box“). Our favorite pros are wearing Major League fitted helmets with the now ubiquitous ear flap. The younger kids through college and even most minor leagues are rocking the double ear flap helmets. These are not only used by players, but coaches on the base lines, too. The 9in. 5oz. pearl hurts when zooming at you at high-rate speeds. Get the Mach helmet from RAWLINGS for $55-$80 to protect your skulls. Catchers, check out the Force3 Defender mask with its shock absorbing system at $240, worn by Yasmani Grandal.

Eyewear is important, especially when glaring into the 27 million degree fireball for a flyball, (real sun fact). Sunglasses can also help with dirt blowing from the Sandlots to Wrigley Field and you can field your next ground ball with less distraction. Bo Bichette has elite swag in his 100% Hypercraft, $165 at Dick’s.

We are seeing more mouth guards in baseball to help protect our grill. Unless you are ex-Big Leaguer Mike Pelfrey wearing one to keep your tongue in your mouth, so you don’t tip your fastball, your best bet is to err on the side of safety. Major Leaguers are not just protecting their million-dollar smiles, they are saving a potentially astronomical dentist bill. Parents know the struggle with kids and dentist trips, so don’t forget the extra precaution. Get the SISU AERO mouth guard for $19.99 at BASEBALL EXPRESS. Trying not to catch the ball with your face also seems to help.

The Shoulder

Next up, besides our brains, this one may be the most important part of the body, the shoulder. You cannot play baseball or softball without one until AI proves otherwise. Keeping the shoulder healthy and in shape is a duty for every ball player at any age or level. A solid throwing program and band routines are two of the best ways to keep this complex body part in shape. Two-way athletes at younger ages struggle with the fine line of overuse and underuse. Being thrown all over the field with no throwing program is a recipe for disaster. Saving arms with no throwing routine is equally as damaging! Arm care is cheap folks, way cheaper than surgery or a career-ending injury. Get the renowned J-bands from Jaeger Sports ($34 at Baseball Express). J-bands are legendary among top flight pitchers, and a must for any serious hurler. I used a number of these movements in my career as a pitcher.

Weighted balls are another way, with experienced coaches and programs, to improve shoulder strength. This can be a touchy subject with debate linking to elbow injuries, but just do your research on how to train with them. Take responsibility for your arm and career. BASEBALL EXPRESS carries a CHAMPRO set for $29.95.

Light dumbbell work is also beneficial pre or post throw. Again, find a solid program. DICKS SPORTING GOODS carries 1-5 lbs. dumbbells (each sold separately) and that’s all you will need, no matter how strong you are. Even the best big leaguers pride themselves on the throwing motion and more specifically mechanics for pitchers. Strengthening all of the small muscles in their shoulder and elbow help to endure the unnatural pitching motion and the abrupt (and often damaging) deceleration required on every pitch. Its imperative to focus on the muscles around the shoulder, and you can do that with light weights.

Justin Verlander is shown here with the Connection Ball from YOUGOPRO BASEBALL ($11.99), another method to hone your skill set and protect your arm. The Connection Ball offers many opportunities for training proper mechanics that go beyond the scope of this post, but I encourage you to Google it as there are great demos out there. The basic concept is to isolate and train body mechanics. For example, Justin Verlander holds the ball between his wrist and shoulder to remind him not to extend his arm too early in the throwing motion, ensuring proper mechanics.

The Elbow

An elbow injury like tearing the ulnar collateral ligament can put you out for years, or worse. While Tommy John seems like a great option for pros, not every doctor is James Andrews and you’re far from guaranteed to come back throwing 102. The zipper scar might be cool, but is it worth it?

Like the shoulder, J-Bands and proper throwing mechanics can help keep your elbow healthy.

Compression Sleeves are often used to help with soreness, swelling and recovery with a little helping of swag. Get the EvoShield Adult Solid Compression armsleeve at BASEBALL EXPRESS for $17.95. For a better cold weather option, get your own number embroidered on a heavier cotton sleeve at CustomNumbered.com for $30.

A batter’s elbow guard can help you increase that OBP fearlessly and prevent a freak injury or just awful soreness after you get dotted in the tricep. Ronald Acuna Jr. is protected with swag in a gold customized EvoShield Guard.

The Wrist & Hands

Hurting your hand or wrist in baseball can be a season killer.

Catchers especially need to protect the hands & wrist. The All Star Pro Lace On Wrist Guard ($30), which laces on to the heel of your glove, is an absolute gem of a product for catchers. If you’re a good blocker of the baseball, then this is a product you’ll appreciate. For your hand and thumb, you can try an inner glove, or the Evoshield thumb guard. This is a very nuanced area for catchers and we see MLB catchers using a number of solutions to protect their hands.

Head-first slides are not faster, and they are more dangerous than sliding feet-first, but they enable the swim move and many of the best baserunners slide head-first. Head-first slides are safer with an oven mitt or a sliding wrist guard — depends if you’re concerned about your fingers or wrist. Dick’s has an Evoshield oven mitt for $50 to protect the fingers, and an Evoshield Sliding Wrist Guard is available at Evoshield.com for $45.

As a hitter, too many guys lose seasons because of a hit by pitch on the hand. Its not an easy area to protect, but G Form offers a possible solution in the Pure Contact padded batting gloves for $50.

Thumb

The most used product in the MLB, the ProHitter Hitting Aid, is available at BASEBALL EXPRESS for $11.95. The ProHitter protects the thumb while hitting when pitchers really start to ramp up the velo. If you are still learning to hit, this guard can help with a more confident swing. It’ll also save you if you get one off the handle on an early spring day in Chicago. Bonus Use: I played with a guy who put his thumb guard on his keychain in case he dropped his keys in the lake. Disclaimer **I have not tested if they float**

Below the Belt

CUPCHECK!!!! Always protect yourselves and knock before you walk onto the diamond or training facility. Get a Mueller Adult FlexShield protective cup at BASEBALL EXPRESS for $6.99.

Legs

For our ball players that can swipe bags…. sliding compression shorts or pants. Shop the many sliding shorts at EASTBAY—maybe go for 3/4 length if your wounds usually show up on your lower legs. Lastly, thank your field crew every day (or maybe help out?) and you might not leave with watermelon sized wounds after every slide.

Legs are a huge part of the game and they’re your biggest, most powerful muscles. They’re your foundation. For hitters, pick up shin, ankle, and foot guards for the most painful foul balls from EVOSHIELD and customize to your team colors. The Pro SRZ Batter’s Leg Guard covers them all for $69.99. Dominic Smith added his own flare to the straps.

Knee savers are great for catchers that are dealing with knee issues or still getting comfortable in the squat. As a coach, I love using knee savers while catching my students’ bullpens. Get ’em (Easton Ali-Med Catcher’s Knee Saver) at BASEBALL EXPRESS for $26.95 and squat comfortably like 2012 NL MVP Buster Posey.

Footwear

Finally, the feet. Molded cleats might be preferred over spikes for health reasons or for necessity. Big Leaguers, for example, are throwing off pristine mounds and playing on immaculate dirt, so for them, molded is viable. You can check out the latest cleats worn by Big Leaguers here. If you are playing in a “sandbox” or on concrete clay, and we have all been there, it’s best to have some traction to keep you balanced and prevent injury. You want the cleat or turf to be snug to the heel with some width for your toes so you can grab the ground. That is where our power originates in all facets of the game. Check out these sick Nike React Vapor Ultrafly Elite 4’s at EASTBAY for $100. Bo Bichette & George Springer fly around the diamond in these.

For those that feel confident that they’ll have enough traction in molded cleats, try the New Balance 4040v6 for $90.

Final Note: Practice Prevents Injuries

Closing this out like Mariano… Practicing your craft will always help you stay sharp and ultimately help you prevent injuries. Tools like the Great Hands Training Glove aka “pancake” from RAWLINGS can help with good angles on ground balls. This glove helps you achieve Lindor-like soft hands for $31.99. That way, you are fielding more balls instead of wearing them. Pitchers and Outfielders, throwing regular bullpens and long toss will increase arm strength and protect your arm long term. Get in a good daily routine, hydrate, eat well, sleep well, and take care of your body. You and only you are accountable for your career, so protect it.

The post The Baseball “Preventative Maintenance Kit”- 25 Products to Help Pitchers & Hitters stay safe and prevent injuries appeared first on What Pros Wear.

Teams have been announced for Round 2 of the NRL season, highlighted by the return of marquee stars Cameron Munster and Latrell Mitchell for Thursday night’s AAMI Park showdown between Melbourne and South Sydney.

Several teams have been forced to shuffle their line-ups after injuries and head knocks sent many players to the sidelines in last week’s season opening matches.

Canterbury have named all four of their players who were replaced due to concussions in their win over North Queensland – Chris Patolo, Braidon Burns, Brent Naden and Jeremy Marshall-King – in their squad to face Brisbane in Round 2 on Sunday. Patolo has been relegated to the reserves with star recruit Tevita Pangai jnr set to make his club debut after a hamstring strain.

After missing Round 1, Sharks duo Cameron McInnes (knee) and Connor Tracey (thigh) could be late inclusions for Saturday’s home clash with Parramatta after being named on the extended bench.

Maroons hooker Harry Grant and utility forward Chris Lewis are back for the Storm after serving suspensions in Round 1 along with Warriors duo Matt Lodge and Reece Walsh and Tigers co-captain James Tamou, while Adam Reynolds will make his first appearance for the Broncos after sitting out last week’s win over Souths due to COVID protocols.

As part of their tribute to Immortal Norm Provan, who died in October, the Dragons have retired the No.9 jersey he made famous in the 1950s and ’60s for their first home game since his passing. Starting hooker Andrew McCullough will wear the No.19 jersey instead.

Round 2 teams

Thursday

Storm v Rabbitohs at AAMI Park, 8.05pm

Storm: The return of Cameron Munster and Harry Grant from suspension and Jesse Bromwich (COVID) is massive for Melbourne, particularly with Christian Welch, Brandon Smith and George Jennings sidelined long term.

Dean Ieremia has taken Jennings’ wing berth with Nick Meaney surprisingly named in the reserves.

1. Ryan Papenhuyzen 2. Dean Ieremia 3. Reimis Smith 4. Justin Olam 5. Xavier Coates 6. Cameron Munster 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Jesse Bromwich 9. Harry Grant 10. Nelson Asofa-Solomona 11. Felise Kaufusi 12. Kenneath Bromwich 13. Josh King

Interchange: 14. Tyran Wishart 15. Alec MacDonald 16. Trent Loiero 17. Tepai Moeroa 18. Chris Lewis 19. Nick Meaney 20. Bronson Garlick 21. Jayden Nikorima 22. Jonah Pezet 23. Jack Howarth 24. William Warbrick

Rabbitohs: Latrell Mitchell comes back from his six-game ban at fullback, which is timely given Blake Taaffe won’t be fit for a couple of weeks due to his ankle problem. Alex Johnston goes back to his wing with Josh Mansour on the reserves. 

1. Latrell Mitchell 2. Alex Johnston 3. Jaxson Paulo 4. Campbell Graham 5. Taane Milne 6. Cody Walker 7. Lachlan Ilias 8. Tevita Tatola 9. Damien Cook 10. Mark Nicholls 11. Keaon Koloamatangi 12. Jai Arrow 13. Cameron Murray

Interchange: 14. Jacob Host 15. Siliva Havili 16. Thomas Burgess 17. Michael Chee Kam 18. Davvy Moale 19. Josh Mansour 20. Liam Knight 21. Richard Kennar 22. Peter Mamouzelos 23. Isaiah Tass 24. Dean Hawkins

No shortage of greatness. #CB500 pic.twitter.com/1dsSi9eq1R

— Melbourne Storm (@storm) March 15, 2022

Friday

Dragons v Panthers at Netstrata Jublee Stadium, 6pm

Dragons: St George Illawarra looked like they found a few combinations in their win over the Warriors last weekend. Veteran prop Aaron Woods (hamstring) has been ruled out, replaced by former Cowboy Francis Molo. Former Rabbitohs front-rower George Burgess comes onto the bench after making his comeback in the NSW Cup last week. Tariq Sims remains out of favour in the reserves. 

1. Tyrell Sloan 2. Cody Ramsey 3. Moses Suli 4. Zac Lomax 5. Mikaele Ravalawa 6. Talatau Amone 7. Ben Hunt 8. Francis Molo 19. Andrew McCullough 10. Blake Lawrie 11. Jack Bird 12. Jaydn Su’A 13. Jack de Belin

Interchange: 14. Moses Mbye 15. Josh Kerr 16. Jack Gosiewski 17. George Burgess 18. Jackson Ford 20. Tariq Sims 21. Mathew Feagai 22. Daniel Alvaro 23. Poasa Faamausili 24. Tautau Moga 25. Jaiyden Hunt

Panthers: Prop Moses Leota is out for a couple of months due to a shoulder problem. Spencer Leniu will start for him with Matt Eisenhuth added to the interchange. 

1. Dylan Edwards 2. Charlie Staines 3. Izack Tago 4. Stephen Crichton 5. Brian To’o 6. Jarome Luai 7. Sean O’Sullivan 8. Spencer Leniu 9. Apisai Koroisau 10. James Fisher-Harris 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Liam Martin 13. Isaah Yeo

Interchange: 14. Mitch Kenny 15. Scott Sorensen 16. Matthew Eisenhuth 17. Jaeman Salmon 18. J’maine Hopgood 19. Chris Smith 20. Robert Jennings 21. Taylan May 22. Lindsay Smith 23. Soni Luke 24. Kurt Falls

Roosters v Sea Eagles at SCG, 8.05pm

Roosters: Victor Radley and Billy Smith need to pass the concussion protocols to play. 

1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Billy Smith 4. Joseph Manu 5. Paul Momirovski 6. Sam Walker 7. Luke Keary 8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves 9. Connor Watson 10. Lindsay Collins 11. Angus Crichton 12. Sitili Tupouniua 13. Victor Radley

Interchange: 14. Drew Hutchison 15. Fletcher Baker 16. Nat Butcher 17. Siosiua Taukeiaho 18. Kevin Naiqama 19. Daniel Suluka-Fifita 20. Lachlan Lam 21. Naufahu Whyte 22. Adam Keighran 23. Renouf Atoni 24. Ben Marschke

Sea Eagles: After a disappointing 28-6 loss to Penrith to start the season, Manly cannot afford another heavy defeat against another title contender. Dylan Walker is over his leg injury, replacing rookie Tolu Koula on the bench. 

1. Tom Trbojevic 2. Jason Saab 3. Brad Parker 4. Morgan Harper 5. Reuben Garrick 6. Kieran Foran 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Toafofoa Sipley 9. Lachlan Croker 10. Martin Taupau 11. Haumole Olakau’atu 12. Ethan Bullemor 13. Jake Trbojevic 

Interchange: 14. Dylan Walker 15. Karl Lawton 16. Sean Keppie 17. Taniela Paseka 18. Morgan Boyle 19. Andrew Davey 20. Tolutau Koula 21. Jorge Taufua 22. Alec Tuitavake 23. Christian Tuipulotu 24. James Roumanos

Our Round 2 team sheet is locked in thanks to @ELMO_Software https://t.co/QxU7IXHBap#NRLRoostersManly #ManlyForever

— Manly Warringah Sea Eagles (@SeaEagles) March 15, 2022

Saturday

Titans v Warriors at Cbus Super Stadium, 2pm (3pm AEDT)

Titans: Five-eighth AJ Brimson is back after he was rested in Round 1 due to a series of niggling injuries. Will Smith goes back to the interchange and Tanah Boyd has been dropped to the reserves.

1. Jayden Campbell 2. Phillip Sami 3. Brian Kelly 4. Patrick Herbert 5. Greg Marzhew 6. Alexander Brimson 7. Toby Sexton 8. Moeaki Fotuaika 9. Erin Clark 10. Isaac Liu 11. David Fifita 12. Beau Fermor 13. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui

Interchange: 14. Will Smith 15. Sam Lisone 16. Jaimin Jolliffe 17. Kevin Proctor 18. Jarrod Wallace 19. Tanah Boyd 20. Herman Ese’ese 21. Esan Marsters 22. Sam McIntyre 23. Paul Turner 24. Sosefo Fifita

Warriors: Reece Walsh and Matt Lodge make their return from suspensions while there is a new-look halves pairing after Kodi Nikorima has been dropped and Shaun Johnson has been sidelined with a pectoral injury.

Chanel Harris-Tavita has switched to five-eighth after filling in at fullback for Walsh in last Saturday’s loss to St George Illawarra while former Titans playmaker Ash Taylor has been selected to make his club debut at halfback. Utility back Jesse Arthars, who switched to the club from Brisbane in the off-season, will also play his first match as a Warrior, lining up in the centres to replace Viliami Vailea (knee). Adam Pompey has been elevated to the wing for Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, who is out with a broken thumb.

1. Reece Walsh 2. Adam Pompey 3. Jesse Arthars 4. Rocco Berry 5. Marcelo Montoya 6. Chanel Harris-Tavita 7. Ash Taylor 8. Addin Fonua-Blake (c) 9. Wayde Egan 10. Matt Lodge 11. Euan Aitken 12. Eliesa Katoa 13. Josh Curran

Interchange: 14. Jazz Tevaga 15. Bunty Afoa 16. Aaron Pene 17. Bayley Sironen 18. Kodi Nikorima 20. Ben Murdoch-Masila 21. Jack Murchie 22. Pride Petterson-Robati 23. Taniela Otukolo 24. Junior Ratuva 25. Edward Kosi

Walsh and Lodge back, Taylor and Arthars to make club debut

More: https://t.co/xIXBnemUjU#TeamListTuesday with @nzherald pic.twitter.com/MBfcANn9Nt

— Vodafone Warriors (@NZWarriors) March 15, 2022

Sharks v Eels at PointsBet Stadium, 5.30pm

Sharks: Cameron McInnes looks set to make his first appearance as a Shark after he missed the entire 2021 season at the Dragons due to a torn ACL. Connor Tracey, who missed the season opener with a leg problem, is on the reserves and could be elevated to centre on game day.

1. William Kennedy 2. Sione Katoa 3. Jesse Ramien 4. Ronaldo Mulitalo 5. Matt Ikuvalu 6. Matt Moylan 7. Nicho Hynes 8. Toby Rudolf 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Braden Hamlin-Uele 11. Briton Nikora 12. Teig Wilton 13. Dale Finucane

Interchange: 14. Aiden Tolman 15. Siosifa Talakai 16. Royce Hunt 17. Andrew Fifita 18. Luke Metcalf 19. Cameron McInnes 20. Connor Tracey 21. Jenson Taumoepeau 22. Lachlan Miller 23. Jayden Berrell 24. Franklin Pele

Eels: Sean Russell’s absence due to a fractured lung continue’s Parramatta’s wretched run of luck with wingers. Waqa Blake has moved to a flank with Tom Opacic named at centre. Oregon Kaufusi will start at lock while Nathan Brown has returned to the interchange after a stint in NSW Cup last week with Ryan Matterson out with a hamstring problem.

1. Clint Gutherson 2. Waqa Blake 3. Viliami Penisini 4. Tom Opacic 5. Bailey Simonsson 6. Dylan Brown 7. Mitchell Moses 8. Reagan Campbell-Gillard 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Junior Paulo 11. Shaun Lane 12. Isaiah Papali’i 13. Oregon Kaufusi

Interchange: 14. Makahesi Makatoa 15. Bryce Cartwright 16. Ray Stone 17. Nathan Brown 18. Jakob Arthur 19. Mitch Rein 20. Ky Rodwell 21. Hayze Perham 22. Wiremu Greig 23. Solomone Naiduki 24. Samuel Loizou

Ryan Matterson will miss the next 2-3 weeks after suffering a minor hamstring injury in Round 1. Matches usual return to play time, caution with hamstring injuries comes from high recurrence rate (10-30%)

— NRL PHYSIO (@nrlphysio) March 15, 2022

Cowboys v Raiders at QCB Stadium, 6.35pm (7.35pm AEDT)

Cowboys: Todd Payten was forced to switch Jason Taumalolo to prop last week in the 8-6 loss to Canterbury but he’s back to lock. Jordan McLean replaces Jamayne Taunoa-Brown (knee) in the starting side. 

1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 2. Kyle Feldt 3. Valentine Holmes 4. Peta Hiku 5. Murray Taulagi 6. Tom Dearden 7. Chad Townsend 8. Jordan McLean 9. Reece Robson 10. Coen Hess 11. Tom Gilbert 12. Jeremiah Nanai 13. Jason Taumalolo

Interchange: 14. Jake Granville 15. Heilum Luki 16. Mitchell Dunn 17. Griffin Neame 18. Reuben Cotter 19. Scott Drinkwater 20. Connelly Lemuelu 21. Brendan Elliot 22. Ben Condon 23. Emry Pere 24. Daejarn Asi

Raiders: The absence of rookie halfback Brad Schneider due to a bout of COVID means Ricky Stuart is now down to his third choice at No.7 following Jamal Fogarty’s pre-season knee injury. Matt Frawley will start at halfback with Tom Starling at hooker for Josh Hodgson (knee). Back-up hooker Adrian Trevilyan is set to make his NRL debut via the interchange.

1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 2. Nick Cotric 3. Matthew Timoko 4. Semi Valemei 5. James Schiller 6. Jack Wighton 7. Matt Frawley 8. Josh Papali’i 9. Tom Starling 10. Joseph Tapine 11. Hudson Young 12. Corey Harawira-Naera 13. Elliott Whitehead

Interchange: 14. Adrian Trevilyan 15. Emre Guler 16. Adam Elliott 17. Corey Horsburgh 18. Xavier Savage 19. Sebastian Kris 20. Sam Williams 21. Ryan Sutton 22. Peter Hola 23. Trey Mooney 24. Harry Rushton

Sunday

Knights v Tigers at McDonald Jones Stadium, 4.05pm

Knights: The Newcastle side produced the big upset of Round 1 by beating the Roosters. Jacob Saifiti, will notch up 100 games in the NRL as the Knights retain the same 17 players who shone last Saturday.

1. Kalyn Ponga 2. Dominic Young 3. Dane Gagai 4. Bradman Best 5. Enari Tuala 6. Jake Clifford 7. Adam Clune 8. David Klemmer 9. Chris Randall 10. Jacob Saifiti 11. Tyson Frizell 12. Lachlan Fitzgibbon 13. Kurt Mann

Interchange: 14. Phoenix Crossland 15. Mitchell Barnett 16. Leo Thompson 17. Jirah Momoisea 18. Mathew Croker 19. Pasami Saulo 20. Tex Hoy 21. Simi Sasagi 22. Brayden Musgrove 23. Dylan Lucas 24. Daniel Saifiti

Tigers: After pushing Melbourne most of the way in their season opener, the Tigers now have prop James Tamou back on deck after he missed the match due to a dangerous contact ban.

1. Daine Laurie 2. David Nofoaluma 3. James Roberts 4. Oliver Gildart 5. Ken Maumalo 6. Jackson Hastings 7. Luke Brooks 8. James Tamou 9. Jake Simpkin 10. Stefano Utoikamanu 11. Kelma Tuilagi 12. Luciano Leilua 13. Joe Ofahengaue

Interchange: 14. Tyrone Peachey 15. Alex Twal 16. Zane Musgrove 17. Alex Seyfarth 18. Thomas Mikaele 19. Luke Garner 20. Starford To’a 21. Tukimihia Simpkins 22. Jock Madden 23. Austin Dias 24. Jacob Liddle

Back home to tackle the Broncos!

First home fixture of the year
TPJ to make club debut
Thompson to start at prop@carrollodea | #proudtobeabulldog

— Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs (@NRL_Bulldogs) March 15, 2022

Bulldogs v Broncos at Accor Stadium, 6.15pm

Bulldogs: Tevita Pangai jnr (hamstring) was a late withdrawal from Sunday’s win over North Queensland but will make his debut this weekend in the second row. Chris Patolo, Braidon Burns, Brent Naden and Jeremy Marshall-King, who suffered concussions in Round 1, have been named in the squad with Patolo back in the reserves with Pangai available.

1. Matt Dufty 2. Jayden Okunbor 3. Braidon Burns 4. Brent Naden 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Matt Burton 7. Jake Averillo 8. Luke Thompson 9. Jeremy Marshall-King 10. Paul Vaughan 11. Jack Hetherington 12. Tevita Pangai jnr 13. Josh Jackson

Interchange: 14. Bailey Biondi-Odo 15. Corey Waddell 16. Max King 17. Ava Seumanufagai 19. Chris Patolo 20. Brandon Wakeham 21. Joe Stimson 22. Kyle Flanagan 23. Reece Hoffman 24. Josh Cook 25. Aaron Schoupp

Broncos: Adam Reynolds will make his long-awaited Broncos debut with his return prompting Kevin Walters to tweak his halves. Billy Walters has been relegated to the bench with Albert Kelly retained at five-eighth.

Tesi Niu will make a return from a hamstring strain, sending Jamayne Isaako to the reserves.

1. Tesi Niu 2. Corey Oates 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Herbie Farnworth 5. Selwyn Cobbo 6. Albert Kelly 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Keenan Palasia 9. Jake Turpin 10. Payne Haas 11. Kurt Capewell 12. Jordan Riki 13. Patrick Carrigan

Interchange: 14. Ryan James 15. Kobe Hetherington 16. TC Robati 17. Billy Walters 18. Brenko Lee 19. Rhys Kennedy 20. Corey Jensen 21. Jordan Pereira 22. Cory Paix 23. Jamayne Isaako 24. Tyson Gamble

The weary body of Jarrod Croker has copped another blow with coach Ricky Stuart revealing the Canberra co-captain has a bulging disc in his spine.

Croker, who underwent stem cell injections in his knee during the off-season in a bid to rejuvenate his 31-year-old body, was a late withdrawal from a NSW Cup match last weekend and won’t play this week as he tries to overcome the back issue.

Having managed just 12 games in 2021 due to shoulder and knee issues, there was speculation Croker might medically retire.

“It’s only hit him in this off-season and it’s something now that we’ve got to overcome,” Stuart said. “I feel the frustration of Toots. “He was very eager to get out there and play last week and I feel the disappointment but we’ve just got to get him right.”

Croker, hooker Josh Hodgson (knee) and halves Brad Schneider (COVID) and Jamal Fogarty (knee) are sidelined for Saturday’s Townsville tussle with the Cowboys.

“As a club we’re really in unprecedented waters at the moment,” Stuart said. “It’s a difficult period because we’re getting a lot of injuries, COVID at the top grades and we’re actually getting a number of injuries down around our lower grades right down to our 19s. We’re right down on numbers.”

As the Sharks indicated last month, veteran lock Cameron McInnes is expected to make his comeback from his long-term knee injury in Round 2 for Saturday’s return to PointsBet Stadium against Parramatta.

The Warriors are have lost three key players after their Round 1 loss to the Dragons with Shaun Johnson set to miss a month and Dallin Watene-Zelezniak and Viliami Vailea both ruled out for the foreseeable future.

Johnson has torn a pec and will not feature until Round 5 at the earliest. Early reports are that it is only a minor strain but the newly-returned Kiwi international will still be out for a month.

DWZ has broken his left thumb and will miss as much as two months, while Vailea has injured his MCL and is set for at least a month on the sidelines.

Penrith has lost key forward Moses Leota for 8-10 weeks as the Samoa international was revealed to have fractured his shoulder in the Panthers’ opening night victory over the Sea Eagles. Leota suffered the injury late in the game and was withdrawn with just 30 seconds left on the clock. The damage is to his shoulder socket and will require extensive rehabilitation.

Parramatta Eels winger Sean Russell had a bittersweet season opener, scoring three first half tries but injuring himself as he completed his hat-trick. Russell was caught by Titans fullback Jayden Campbell in the act of scoring and was hospitalised.

Later scans have revealed that Russell fractured several ribs and punctured his lung in the incident. He will be out indefinitely. Campbell has escaped any punishment for his part.

Cowboys hooker Jake Granville, who was put on report in the 57th minute, has escaped a ban and will instead cop a $1,000 fine after submitting an early guilty plea on a Grade 1 dangerous contact charge.

The Bunnies have confirmed that Blake Taaffe will miss a month after rolling his ankle during the captain’s run before their opening clash with Brisbane on Friday night. The fullback had been set to deputise for the suspended Latrell Mitchell, but was scratched at the last minute.

Storm prop Christian Welch is hoping to be back this year but the season is over for George Jennings after a horror injury toll in their win over the Wests Tigers. Kiwi forward Brandon Smith is also facing 3-6 weeks out with a broken hand. Jennings has a torn ACL while Welch, who ruptured his Achilles in the dying stages of the match, took to social media to put his injury into perspective.

Thankyou to everyone for the kind messages, really helped pick me up. If a dud achilles is the worst of my issues I’ve got it pretty good compared to so many other Aussies out there battling away

Op tomorrow and I’ll be doing everything I can to try get back out there in 2022 pic.twitter.com/K7lncfZnql

— Christian Welch (@clwelch94) March 13, 2022

Canterbury lost four players to concussions during Sunday night’s 6-4 win over the Cowboys with Chris Patolo, centres Braidon Burns and Brent Naden, and Jeremy Marshall-King to head knocks during the game, activating 18th player Aaron Schoupp.

Manly’s Karl Lawton only lasted two minutes in his season debut after copping a heavy knock against the Panthers.

Lawton, who came off the interchange bench in the 28-6 loss to Penrith, got his head into an awkward position while trying to make a tackle and was taken from the field and did not return. He will need to pass the concussion protocols to be able to play next Friday against the Roosters at the SCG.

Roosters lock Victor Radley (concussion) needs to pass the protocols to play in Round 2 while rake Sam Verrills (thumb) is likely to be out until Round 4.

NRL injuries and suspensions, team by team

Broncos

Tesi Niu (hamstring, Round 2)
Thomas Flegler (suspended, Round 4)
Xavier Willison (knee, mid-season)

Bulldogs

Tevita Pangai jnr (hamstring, Round 2)
Chris Patolo (concussion, Round 2)
Jeremy Marshall-King (concussion, Round 2)
Brent Naden (concussion, Round 2)
Braidon Burns (concussion, Round 2)
Raymond Faitala-Mariner (foot, Round 2-3)
Matt Doorey (knee, mid-season)

Cowboys

Reuben Cotter (hamstring, Round 2-3)
Jamayne Taunoa-Brown (knee, Round 3-4)
Ben Hampton (hamstring, Round 3-4)
Lachlan Burr (hip – early retirement)

Dragons

Billy Burns (foot, Round 3-4)
Jayden Sullivan (hamstring (Round 3-4)
Aaron Woods (hamstring, Round 4-5)
Max Feagai (ankle, indefinite)
Josh McGuire (suspended, Round 6)

Eels

Ryan Matterson (hamstring, Round 4-5)
Sean Russell (ribs, lung indefinite)
Maika Sivo (knee, June-July)
Haze Dunster (knee, season)

Knights

Daniel Saifiti (leg, Round 2-3)
Sauaso Sue (suspended, Round 3)
Jayden Brailey (Achilles, June-July)
Bailey Hodgson (elbow, indefinite)
Hymel Hunt (knee, indefinite)

Panthers

Nathan Cleary (shoulder, Round 4)
Mavrik Geyer (elbow, TBC)
Moses Leota (shoulder, Round 9-11)

Rabbitohs

Liam Knight (ankle, Round 5)
Blake Taaffe (ankle, Round 5)

Raiders

Brad Schneider (COVID, Round 3)
Jarrod Croker (back, TBC)
Peter Hola (knee, Round 2-4)
Jordan Rapana (suspended, Round 3)
Josh Hodgson (knee, Round 4-5)
Jamal Fogarty (knee, Round 15)
Harley Smith-Shields (ACL, season)

Roosters

Victor Radley (concussion, Round 2)
Sam Verrills (thumb, Round 5-6)
Joseph Suaalii (foot, Round 3-4)

Sea Eagles

Karl Lawton (concussion, Round 2-3)
Dylan Walker (leg, Round 2)
Josh Schuster (ankle, Round 3-5)
Ben Trbojevic (knee, Round 3-5)
Josh Aloiai (suspended, Round 4)

Sharks

Connor Tracey (groin, Round 2-3)
Cameron McInnes (knee, Round 2-3)
Jack Williams (knee, Round 3)
Braydon Trindall (suspended, Round 3)
Wade Graham (ankle, Round 4-6)

Storm

Cooper Johns (shoulder, Round 3-5)
Brandon Smith (hand, Round 4-7)
Christian Welch (Achilles, season)
George Jennings (knee, season)
Tui Kamikamica (stood down)

Tigers

Jacob Liddle (knee, Round 4-6)
Adam Doueihi (knee, Round 8-14)
Tommy Talau (knee, mid-season)
Asu Kepaoa (pectoral, mid-season)
Shawn Blore (ACL, season)

Titans

Joe Vuna (knee, mid-season)

Warriors

Viliami Vailea (knee, Round 5)
Shaun Johnson (pec, Round 5)
Dallin Watene-Zelezniak (thumb, Round 9-11)
Tohu Harris (knee, June-July)

The bid to wear the Wallabies No.15 jersey at next year’s Rugby World Cup is shaping as a hotly contested battle between at least six contenders, with incumbent Tom Banks laying down a marker with a bright start to Super Rugby Pacific.

On Wednesday, The Roar expert Nicholas Bishop, discussed relative merits of two of those Banks challengers who made their first fullback starts for the season last week – Queensland’s Jordie Petaia and Waratahs’ Will Harrison.

The fascinating topic was also tackled by The Roar Rugby Podcast where hosts Brett McKay and Harry Jones were joined by special guest and Sydney Morning Herald rugby writer Iain Payten. You can stream their discussion about that contentious position and plenty more from the world of rugby in the player below – or follow on your favourite podcast app.

While Banks has had a hot start in the Brumbies’ unbeaten surge this season, he will face challenges from the two named by Bishop, along with returning Kurtley Beale, Reds’ Jock Campbell, Reece Hodge of the Rebels, and Harry Jones’ tip, James O’Connor.

Payten kicked off the discussion by making the case for Banks to reclaim the he jersey he lost midway through last season when he suffered a broken arm.

“It’s still Banks, really. Everyone loves the fact Jordie Petaia had a great game in his move back to fullback but there are two elements  there – it was about getting him with the ball in his hands. A great disappointment of Jordie Petaia is we don’t see enough of him,” said Payten.

“He’s an incredible athlete and that was fantastic as far as it goes getting the ball in his hands. The second element was the fact it was against Fijian Drua who were never going to play a kicking game so we didn’t really get a sense of whether he can position himself well.

“He’s very good under the high ball but does he have that kind of tactical smarts required?

“I don’t see Jordie Petaia being a contender for the Wallabies fullback jersey. Banks has got it, we just need Banks to be more consistent.

“He’s been brilliant for the Brumbies for a number of years now. I don’t know that he’s necessarily taken that form to the Wallabies yet and I don’t quite know why. Whether that’s a function of the Wallabies’ systems don’t suit him or he is a little more reticent to do what he does for the Brumbies with the Wallabies, but solving that problem is the thing we need to do rather than look for a different fullback.”

Payten said Wallabies coach Dave Rennie would likely want Beale around the squad, with the veteran having impressed him on the northern tour in November.

But for a starter, Banks was the man.

“The answer has to be taking Banks’ brilliance to the next level,” Payten said. “I’d really love to see him do that in a Wallabies jersey.”

Harry Jones compared the Australian fullbacks to those in the Six Nations.

“Fullbacks are like No.8s,” Jones said. “It’s one of the few positions on the field where you can really have a point of difference . Teams play very differently and can ask their 15s to be different things – am I safe as houses, am I a counter, am I a left and right kicker, a playmaker coming in to the line, am I defensive organiser?

“For me Banks shapes as a poor man’s Stuart Hogg, he has those moments at Test level that look excruciating, at times they look brilliant. A little bit like Hogg, it depends on what he ate that day if he’s fast or not – he sometimes can be reeled in very easily.”

Jones said Harrison looked “a little frail. I think he could get munched at Test level,” while Petaia “scares me more as a Boks fan than any of the other guys.”

He added he would pick O’Connor for a big match like a World Cup quarter or semifinal.

“It’s ridiculous, I realise, and Banks is the incumbent but I always think he’s going to make a mistake.”

Brett McKay wistfully cast his gaze back to a retired former Rebels No.15. “I’d love if Dane Haylett Petty was 27, 28 now and a yard or two quicker. I think he was such an underrated player and would be so handy.”

Payten concluded: “It’s a problem position. I don’t think any of those names you put up you sign it off and go great choice. This is where you get to least worst option territory.”

Who wears the No.15 if you’re the Wallabies selector?

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