By Steve Mascord
March 15, 2006
ST GEORGE Illawarra captain Trent Barrett has lost "six or seven kilos" and is no chance of being a late inclusion against Penrith on Sunday, coach Nathan Brown said last night.
In a significant blow to the Dragons' bid for their first win of the season, Barrett was not considered for selection after a rough night against Wests Tigers last Friday.
Having battled a stomach virus in the lead-up, he was involved in a sickening collision with opposition prop Bryce Gibbs when the ball bounced off a crossbar with five minutes remaining. After two visits to the hospital at the weekend, he has been given a week off training.
"He's lost six or seven kilos and needs to put that back on before he trains again," Brown said.
"If we rush him back, there is a risk he will suffer longer term effects."
Five-eighth Ben Hornby takes over as skipper at WIN Stadium on Sunday, Aaron Gorrell comes into the starting side at rake and 21-year-old
St George junior George Ndaira makes his debut off the bench.
As expected, winger Colin Best replaces Wes Naiqama (foot). Penrith's side was expected to include injured internationals Luke Rooney (hamstring) and Trent Waterhouse (shoulder) but coach John Lang left them out.
"They should all be available after the [round three] bye," said Lang.
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However, Frank Pritchard (calf) will make his return from the bench.
Wests Tigers had a mixed day yesterday with lock Liam Fulton booked in for a shoulder reconstruction and ruled out for the season but Gibbs re-signed until the end of 2009.
Daniel Fitzhenry is Benji Marshall's replacement at five-eighth for the round two kick-off against the Bulldogs on Friday night.
Coach Tim Sheens, discussing the loss of Marshall, said: "I believe he had a shocker last week against St George Illawarra. He contributed to all their tries."
Michael Crockett starts on Fitzhenry's wing for the Telstra Stadium game. Fulton is replaced by Ben Galea who shuffles back from the second row and Todd Payten fills the vacant back-row spot.
Newcastle have lost second-rower Clint Newton (back) for up to six weeks and Todd Lowrie joins a reshuffled squad for the trip to Canberra Stadium on Sunday.
Mark Riddell returns to first grade for Parramatta, who take on the Warriors at Hamilton's Waikato Stadium on Saturday night.
Brisbane have sent halfback Shane Perry back to the Queensland Cup, with Brett Seymour starting against Cronulla on Saturday night.
A back injury prevents Sharks lock Paul Gallen playing at Toyota Park. Greg Bird will wear No.13 and coach Stuart Raper has named would-be debutants Luke Harlen and Luke Douglas on a six-strong interchange list.
Manly have another 21-year-old, Adam Cuthbertson, in their squad to take on North Queensland at Dairy Farmers Stadium on Saturday night.
With Sydney Rooster Adrian Morley suspended, David Shillington comes into the front row for Sunday's clash with Melbourne.
Wests Tigers forward Anthony Laffranchi yesterday escaped suspension for a dangerous throw while Bulldogs prop Nate Myles has accepted a one-week ban for the same offence.
Warriors five-eighth Sione Faumuina was banned for two weeks for a high tackle.
And Gold Coast have confirmed Billy Johnstone as their head conditioner.
The Daily Telegraph
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Can they still win against the pathers without barret?
Crook Barrett floored
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