Mitchell Moses expects to play in Parramatta’s do-or-die semi-final against Canberra after showing no ill-effects from a head knock.
Moses was left flattened after his head contacted the hip of a hard-running Viliame Kikau in last week’s qualifying-final loss to Penrith. The Parramatta half did not return to the field, and has been entered into the NRL’s concussion protocols as he fights to return against Canberra on Friday.
But the early signs are good, as the Eels attempt to get past week two of the finals for the first time in five attempts since 2017. Moses got through a light running session on Monday and will ramp up his training this week, while also seeing an independent specialist to be cleared to play.
(Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
But based on how he has felt in the days since the knock, Moses is confident he will be cleared. “I feel good,” Moses said. “Obviously it didn’t look too good. I got my head in the wrong spot and was out cold.
“I feel pretty good. I didn’t really have any (symptoms). I actually wanted to go back out onto the field. I remembered all the game and I remembered the incident. I didn’t have any headaches so I feel pretty good.”
Moses had suffered no serious previous concussions, giving him further confidence he will be fine to return against the Raiders.
Raiders coach Ricky Stuart has his own injury concern with lock Adam Elliott aggravating a hip problem in the 28-20 upset of the Storm in Melbourne.
He went off during the first half and did not return, however the Knights-bound forward has been carrying the injury for more than a month so it would not be a surprise to see him shrug it off to tackle the Eels.
Rabbitohs forward Tom Burgess needs to beat a grade-two careless high tackle charge to take on Cronulla at Allianz Stadium on Saturday night.
Burgess is facing a minimum two-week ban for his high shot on Sydney Roosters captain James Tedesco, along with a further $1800 fine for another hit on Matt Lodge a minute later.
Already battling to overcome a concussion in time for Saturday’s clash with the Sharks, Burgess will now need to go to the judiciary and downgrade if he wishes to play again before the grand final.
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However even that comes with a risk given he would cop an extra week if he fights the charge and loses, meaning his season would be over and his England World Cup plans would be jeopardised.
Souths winger Taane Milne is facing a fine of $1800-$2500 for a high tackle on Joseph Suaalii but no other Rabbitohs were charged from the spiteful win over the Roosters.
The Cowboys and Penrith are through to the preliminary finals with Panthers winger Taylan May the only casualty from either side. He has a hamstring problem but has also been banned one week for a high tackle so is not eligible to play until the Grand Final, if the premiers qualify. Teammate Spencer Leniu was fined $750 for a high tackle on Isaiah Papali’i.
All teams for week 2 of the playoffs will be announced at 4pm AEST on Tuesday
Friday
First Semi-Final: (4) Eels vs (8) Raiders, 7.50pm at CommBank Stadium
Eels: Mitchell Moses (concussion) is coach Brad Arthur’s main concern, with his son Jake, who replaced him in the second half against Penrith, the replacement option if the former NSW half does not pass the protocols.
Raiders: Adam Elliott (hip) will likely be named and given until game day to prove he can play. Corey Harawira-Naera is likely to come into the starting side with Elliott Whitehead switching to the middle forward rotation if Elliott is sidelined.
Saturday
Second Semi-Final: (2) Sharks vs (7) Rabbitohs, 8pm at Allianz Stadium
Sharks: Coach Craig Fitzgibbon has no injury concerns in his squad after their 93-minute epic against the Cowboys and is likely to field the same 17-man line-up. Dale Finucane is free to play despite being charged with a grade-one crusher tackle, copping a $3000 fine for the incident on Cowboys forward Luciano Leilua.
Rabbitohs: Tom Burgess (careless high tackle) needs a downgrade or to somehow prove he did not hit James Tedesco high at the judiciary on Tuesday night. He can escape with a second fine if he gets the offence reduced to a grade-one.
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