Melbourne make changes for NRC semi final against NSW Country

Melbourne Rising coach Zane Hilton has been forced to make six changes to the starting line-up ahead of Saturday's NRC semi-final against NSW Country Eagles in Newcastle on Saturday. The loss of Steve Cummins (head) and Lloyd Johansson (Achilles) to injuries against the Sydney Rays last weekend has further depleted the playing stocks but the Rising welcome back a number of key players for the knock-out final. Wallabies Toby Smith, newly capped Sefa Naivalu and hooker James Hanson have been named for the semi-final, along with Jack Debreczeni, who returns from a groin injury. Lock Alex Toolis has been promoted to the run-on team, while Dom Shipperley has been shifted to fullback and Jonah Placid moved to the wing. “We’re excited by the enormity of the challenge this weekend, the Eagles have been the benchmark team all season, so we’ll head to Newcastle knowing that it will take our best 80-minute performance to get the job done,” Rising coach Zane Hilton said. The Rising w
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