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‘Highly doubtful’: Warriors coach’s update on injured duo; ‘crazy’ comeback bid stuns — Late Mail

The Warriors and Knights are both sweating on the potential returns of big names for this weekend’s semi-finals, with one Newcastle star targeting a “crazy” comeback.
‘Highly doubtful’: Warriors coach’s update on injured duo; ‘crazy’ comeback bid stuns — Late Mail

A Newcastle Knights star is set to make a “crazy” comeback to the field after initial reports had him being sidelined for the remainder of the season.

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Meanwhile, two New Zealand Warriors stars are back for Sunday’s do-or-die final.

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Read on for late mail ahead of the semi-finals!

New Zealand Warriors vs Newcastle Knights @ Eden Park, 4:05pm AEST

Warriors Team: 1. Taine Tuaupiki 2. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 3. Ali Leiataua 22. Leka Halasima 23. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 6. Chanel Harris-Tavita 7. Te Maire Martin 8. James Fisher-Harris 9. Wayde Egan 10. Mitchell Barnett 11. Kurt Capewell 12. Jacob Laban 13. Erin Clark 4. Adam Pompey 5. Alofiana Khan-Pereira 14. Samuel Healey 15. Tanner Stowers-Smith 16. Demitric Vaimauga 17. Eddie Ieremia-Toeava

Players cut: 18. Jett Cleary 20. Morgan Gannon 21. Makaia Tafua

Late Mail: The Warriors have received a major boost for Sunday’s clash with Dallin Watene-Zelezniak and Leka Halasima both named to return from injury. It pushes Adam Pompey and Alofiana Khan-Pereira back to the bench. Khan-Pereira’s omission comes as a surprise given his electric form since earning a starting spot.

Knights Team: 1. Kalyn Ponga 2. Dominic Young 3. Dane Gagai 4. Bradman Best 5. Greg Marzhew 6. Fletcher Sharpe 7. Sandon Smith 8. Tyson Frizell 9. Phoenix Crossland 10. Cody Hopwood 11. Jermaine McEwen 12. Francis Manuleleua 13. Mathew Croker 14. Harrison Graham 15. Lachlan Crouch 16. Pasami Saulo 17. Thomas Cant 18. Fletcher Hunt 22. Dylan Lucas

Players cut: 19. Toby Winter 20. Kyle McCarthy 21. Elijah Leaumoana

Late Mail: Second rower Dylan Lucas has been named to potentially make a miraculous return after being locked in on the six-man bench. Kyle McCarthy is the man to make way.

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It was published on September 16, 2026 and last updated on October 9, 2026. The time of the story is shown in your own time zone on the page.

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