LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
Bulldogs winger Jacob Kiraz is on track for a surprising return from injury for his team's upcoming match in Melbourne. Tyran Wishart has been selected to replace halfback Jahrome Hughes for the Friday qualifying final.
Initially, Kiraz was expected to be sidelined at the start of the finals due to a foot injury sustained in round 26, when he landed awkwardly. However, he only needs to complete the team's final training sessions to secure his position in the lineup.
He has been named on an extended bench, with Jethro Rinakama likely to be the player exiting the lineup. Meanwhile, Enari Tuala will move to center to take the place of Bronson Xerri, who is undergoing concussion protocols.
Storm coach Craig Bellamy has made the significant decision to start Wishart in the halves, replacing Hughes, who is out with a broken forearm. Jonah Pezet has been named as a bench player, even though he has the capability of being a genuine playmaker.
Joe Chan has been selected to play at center but may shift to the back row if Jack Howarth receives clearance to play. Additionally, Nick Meaney will leverage his experience from the 2023 finals while stepping in as fullback, filling the void left by Ryan Papenhuyzen, who is also under concussion protocols.
"He's not too bad. Protocols are in place for head knocks so he's been having a quiet week," Meaney responded when asked about his teammate.
"He's been in a couple of times but it's mostly been to take care of himself and making sure the symptoms are going away so he can get back to training and look to play again in the future."