Sea Eagles lose halfback Fogarty to groin injury; rookie Walsh called up for Round 9

Key facts

• Jamal Fogarty ruled out with a groin injury for Sea Eagles vs. Panthers.
• Joey Walsh to make his second NRL appearance replacing Fogarty.
• Knights vs. Rabbitohs at McDonald Jones Stadium, Sunday 2pm AEST.
• Kalyn Ponga and Bradman Best confirmed to start for Newcastle.
• Liam Le Blanc dropped from Rabbitohs bench; Adam Elliott added.
• Round 9 of 2026 NRL Telstra Premiership on Sunday 3 May.

Late injury forces Sea Eagles to reshuffle halves for Panthers showdown

The Manly Sea Eagles have been forced into a late change ahead of their Round 9 clash against the Penrith Panthers, with halfback Jamal Fogarty ruled out due to a groin injury. The development opens the door for young playmaker Joey Walsh, who will make only his second appearance at NRL level. Fogarty's absence is a significant blow for the Sea Eagles, who were relying on his experience to steer the side against the defending champions. The club confirmed the change in the hours before kick-off, leaving the coaching staff to adjust their game plan on short notice.

Knights stars cleared for Sunday's clash with Rabbitohs

Newcastle Knights will have their full-strength backline available for Sunday's match against the South Sydney Rabbitohs at McDonald Jones Stadium. Star fullback Kalyn Ponga and centre Bradman Best have been cleared to play, providing a major boost for the home side. Ponga, who has been managing a lingering groin issue, trained fully during the week and was named in the No. 1 jersey. Best, a key attacking weapon, will line up in the centres alongside Dane Gagai. The Knights will also welcome back winger Greg Marzhew, who returns from a suspension.

Rabbitohs make late bench change; Le Blanc out, Elliott in

South Sydney have made a late alteration to their interchange, with Liam Le Blanc dropping out of the 17 and Adam Elliott joining the bench. The change was confirmed in the late mail, with the Rabbitohs opting for Elliott's versatility and experience. Elliott, who has been used primarily as a lock or edge forward, provides cover across the pack. Le Blanc's omission means the Rabbitohs will go into the match with a slightly different balance on the bench, potentially affecting their rotation strategy.

Sharks and Tigers finalise lineups for Sunday afternoon fixture

The Cronulla Sharks and Wests Tigers have both confirmed their 17 for the 4:05pm clash at Ocean Protect Stadium. Sharks coach Craig Fitzgibbon has stuck with the same starting side that won last week, with Nicho Hynes and Braydon Trindall again combining in the halves. For the Tigers, Jarome Luai and Adam Doueihi will partner in the halves, while Terrell May starts at prop. The Tigers have cut Bunty Afoa and Charlie Murray from their extended squad, leaving Alex Twal to lead the pack from lock.

Round 9 injury toll mounts as season reaches critical juncture

The NRL's casualty ward continues to grow as Round 9 approaches, with several teams forced into late changes. Fogarty's groin injury is the latest in a string of setbacks that have tested squad depth across the competition. Manly's decision to promote Walsh reflects a broader trend of clubs turning to young talent as experienced players succumb to injury. The Sea Eagles will be hoping Walsh can replicate the form that earned him a debut earlier this season, as they look to keep pace with the top eight.

What the late changes mean for the premiership race

The reshuffles in Round 9 could have ripple effects on the ladder as the competition approaches its midpoint. The Knights, with Ponga and Best back, are expected to be more potent in attack, while the Rabbitohs' late bench change suggests they are prioritising defensive resilience. For the Sea Eagles, losing Fogarty against a powerhouse Panthers side is a major test of their depth. A loss could see them slip further from the top four, while a victory would be a statement of intent. The results of Sunday's matches will shape the narrative heading into the representative period.

The bottom line

• Jamal Fogarty's groin injury forces Manly to debut Joey Walsh in a crucial match against Penrith.
• Newcastle's Kalyn Ponga and Bradman Best are fit to play, strengthening the Knights' backline.
• South Sydney swaps Liam Le Blanc for Adam Elliott on the bench for the clash with Newcastle.
• Sharks and Tigers finalise unchanged 17s for their Sunday afternoon fixture.
• Injury toll continues to rise across the NRL as Round 9 approaches, testing squad depth.
• Late changes could influence ladder positions as the season reaches its midpoint.