Sea Eagles welcome Tolu Koula back from injury ahead of Warriors clash

Martin Gabor Published August 15, 2024 at 2.00pm (AWST)

Sport

The Sea Eagles are set to make a late change to their 17, with key outside back Tolu Koula cleared to return from injury. (Image: Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images)

Sea Eagles coach Anthony Seibold has confirmed speedster Tolu Koula will make his return from injury on Friday night, although it's unclear whether he'll start in the centres or ease his way back off the bench.

Koula hasn't played since round 18 when he injured his knee in Townsville while playing fullback and required surgery to repair his MCL.

The speed machine has played the bulk of his career at left centre, but he might have to bide his time with Tommy Talau and rookie Lehi Hopoate striking a terrific combination out wide.

Lehi Hopoate has been outstanding for the Sea Eagles in his rookie season. Picture: Mark Nolan/Getty Images — Lehi Hopoate has been outstanding for the Sea Eagles in his rookie season. (Image: Mark Nolan/Getty Images)

"We're going to bring Tolu back into our 17 and he'll play at some stage," Seibold said.

"We're really blessed with some outstanding quality in the backs.

"Young Lehi has been a real find for us, but we've made a decision to bring Tolu back into the 17. Whether he starts or comes off the bench, we'll have a look at that."

Another strong crowd is expected at 4 Pines Park for the game against the Warriors as the Sea Eagles look to keep in touch with the top four.

Seibold's side is three points behind outside the top four and still have to play the Bulldogs and Sharks who are directly above them on the ladder, with victory in both those games likely to catapult them up the table.

But the Sea Eagles aren't looking past the Warriors who have been one of the biggest disappointments this season after making the preliminary final 12 months ago.

The Warriors are 14th but are expected to be a tricky test for the top teams as Shaun Johnson prepares for the final few games of his illustrious career before he retires.

The Warriors remain a tough opponent despite where they sit on the table. Picture: Matt Roberts/Getty Images — The Warriors remain a tough opponent despite where they sit on the table. (Image: Matt Roberts/Getty Images)

"We don't look at the ladder and we don't talk about top four," Seibold said.

"We give every opposition the respect that they deserve. You've seen this year that on any given day that any team can beat the opposition.

"We're coming up against a really formidable opposition tomorrow. Everyone had the Warriors in their top eight or even their top four after the performances last year.

"Where the Warriors sit on the table doesn't actually match up to where they are statistically when you benchmark them across other sides.

"We expect the Warriors to be at their best."

Martin Gabor - NCA NewsWire