Teamlist Tuesday - NRL Round 2 Analysis

Sam Bourke is back with his weekly look at the best and worst in team selections - including who to back and who not to back in your fantasy footy comps!

Read on for a game-by-game, team-by-team breakdown of all 8 fixtures - that's all 16 teams.

All times listed are AEDT (NSW/ACT/VIC).


RELATED: Click here for the full list of teams & officials for Round 2


Penrith Panthers v Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
Pepper Stadium, Thursday 8:05pm

1. William Smith 2. Josh Mansour 3. Waqa Blake 4. Peta Hiku 5. Dallin Watene Zelezniak 6. Jamie Soward 7. Peter Wallace 8. Sam McKendry 9. Tyrone Peachey 10. Regan Campbell-Gillard 11. Bryce Cartwright 12. Isaah Yeo 13. Trent Merrin
Interchange: 14. James Fisher-Harris 15. Jeremy Latimore 16. Suaia Matagi 17. Elijah Taylor 20. Sitaleki Akauola 19. Sitaleki Akauola

In - Elijah Taylor

Out - James Segeyaro

Analysis - Penrith host an in form Canterbury in their first home game of the season. James Segeyaro is out after fracturing his arm against the Raiders on Saturday, this sees Tyrone Peachey move into the hooking role with Elijah Taylor earning a recall after missing the 17 in Round 1.

Supercoach Studs - Trent Merrin (78) worked very hard in his 54 minutes and managed to score a try. Josh Mansour (65) also crossed the stripe and looks to be again a quality buy in the backline.  

Supercoach Duds - James Segeyaro (44) as mentioned has a fractured arm and is likely to miss at least 6 weeks in a huge blow for owners. He is now on the sell list with 3 likely options in Cameron Smith, Nathan Peats or even cheapie Paul Carter. 

1. William Hopoate 2. Curtis Rona 3. Josh Morris 4. Kerrod Holland 5. Sam Perrett 6. Josh Reynolds 7. Moses Mbye 8. Aiden Tolman 9. Craig Garvey 10. James Graham 11. Josh Jackson 12. Tony Williams 13. Greg Eastwood
Interchange: 14. Sam Kasiano 15. Tim Browne 16. David Klemmer 17. Adam Elliot 19. Lloyd Perrett

In - Kerrod Holland, Craig Garvey, David Klemmer

Out - Michael Lichaa, Chase Stanley

Analysis - Canterbury were written off as too big, too slow and successfully ambushed the Sea Eagles at Brookvale on Friday night to remind everyone that they will be a force in 2016. Michael Lichaa has again been felled to a knee injury which sees former Dragon Craig Garvey given a chance. Chase Stanley is also out which sees Kerrod Holland make his NRL debut. There is good news for the Bulldogs pack with NSW prop David Klemmer returning from suspension.

Supercoach Studs - Moses Mbye (87) had a lot of pressure heading into 2016 but it didn't show as Mbye was one of the Bulldogs best and has emerged as a man to add to the watchlist. James Graham (80) played big minutes and was of course a machine, but how will David Klemmer's presence effect his time on the pitch? If it has minimal effect then he is a must have in the coming weeks.

Supercoach Duds - Adam Elliott (11) didn't set the world on fire on debut as he left the field early with concussion, certainly worth another look. 


Brisbane Broncos v Warriors
Suncorp Stadium, Friday 8:05pm

1. Darius Boyd 2. Corey Oates 3. Jack Reed 4. James Roberts 19. Jordan Kahu 6. Anthony Milford 7. Ben Hunt 8. Josh McGuire 9. Andrew McCullough 10. Adam Blair 11. Alex Glenn 12. Matt Gillett 13. Corey Parker
Interchange: 14. Jarrod Wallace 15. Sam Thaiday 16. Jo Ofanhengaue 17. Kodi Nikorima

In - Jack Reed

Out - Jordan Kahu

Analysis - Brisbane got off to a reasonable start in Round 1, showing too much class for the Eels. In their first game at Suncorp Stadium for the year they host a desperate Warriors side who have copped a lot of criticism in the media this week. The Broncos lose Jordan Kahu but he is replaced at centre by a returning Jack Reed. The clash between Anthony Milford and Shaun Johnson is worth the price of admission alone!

Supercoach Studs - Corey Oates (96) was unstoppable in Round 1and may have even got a bit bigger in the off season. Matt Gillett (69) played 80 minutes and is a serious keeper if this continues.

Supercoach Duds - Greg Egan (16) had a busy night in defence marking Semi Radradra and keeping him quiet, however retains his spot due to the injury for Jordan Kahu. James Roberts (27) had a quiet debut but it's only a matter of time before he finds the chalk. 

1. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 2. Tuimoala Lolohea 3. Blake Ayshford 4. Solomone Kata 5. Manu Vatuvei 6. Shaun Johnson 7. Jeff Robson 8. Jacob Lillyman 9. Issac Luke 10. Ben Matulino 11. Bodene Thompson 12. Ryan Hoffman 13. Simon Mannering
Interchange: 14. Nathaniel Roache 15. Sam Lisone 16. James Gavet 17. Raymond Faitala-Mariner

In - Faitala-Mariner

Out - Henry

Analysis - The Warriors lost their 9th game on the trot (they lost their last 8 in 2015) and despite a late comeback led by Shaun Johnson, they were the biggest disappointment from Round 1. Injury prone utility Ben Henry has been ruled out long term, which sees Bodene Thompson move into the starting side and young gun Raymond Faitala-Mariner join the 17 man squad.

Supercoach Studs - Shaun Johnson (97) was absolutely devastating for a short period and very nearly lead a remarkable comeback. He did surrender the goalkicking to Tuimoala Lolohea (41) though which is a bit of a blow. Simon Mannering (90) scored a try and despite relinquishing the captain duties looks set for 80 minutes again in 2016.

Supercoach Duds - New recruits Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (20) and Issac Luke (26) may need time to settle into their new surrounds as both struggled to find their rhythm in Round 1. No need to hit the panic button just yet. 


Canberra Raiders v Sydney Roosters
GIO Stadium Canberra, Saturday 3:00pm

1. Jack Wighton 2. Edrick Lee 3. Jarrod Croker 4. Joseph Leilua 5. Jordan Rapana 6. Lachlan Croker 7. Sam Williams 8. Shannon Boyd 9. Josh Hodgson 10. Frank Paul Nuuausala 11. Josh Papalii 12. Elliot Whitehead 13. Shaun Fensom
Interchange: 14. Kurt Baptiste 15. Iosia Soliola 16. Paul Vaughan 17. Jeff Lima

In - Sam Williams, Lachlan Croker

Out - Blake Austin, Aidan Sezer

Analysis - Canberra managed to close out a close victory at Canberra Stadium, thanks to a barnstorming late try to workhorse Shaun Fensom. Unfortunately post match disaster has struck with the dynamic new halves combination of Blake Austin and Aidan Sezer both facing some time on the sideline in a devastating blow. Sam Williams returns in the #7 with Crookwell junior and promising half Lachlan Croker handed his NRL debut. 

Supercoach Studs - Shaun Fensom (87) had a superb game but did not play a full game (52min) in a concern for owners moving forward. Blake Austin (60) and Aidan Sezer (84) were outstanding in the first half but will now spend some time in the stands with knee and eye socket injuries respectively.

Supercoach Duds - Shannon Boyd's (31) promotion to the starting side saw no impact on his scores at this stage.

5. Latrell Mitchell 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Dale Copley 1. Blake Ferguson 4. Shaun Kenny-Dowall 6. Jayden Nikorima 7. Jackson Hastings 8. Kane Evans 9. Jake Friend 10. Dylan Napa 11. Aidan Guerra 12. Mitchell Aubusson 14. Sio Siua Taukeiaho
Interchange: 13. Isaac Liu 15. Sam Moa 16. Ian Henderson 17. Vincent Leuluai

In - Daniel Tupou

Out - Joe Burgess (extended bench)

Analysis - The Roosters couldn't replicate their World Club Challenge form and were belted by their bitter rivals 42-10. The rookie Roosters really failed to keep pace with the Rabbitohs and will need to completely change their attitude in defence if they are to contain the Raiders. NSW winger Daniel Tupou returns for England winger Joe Burgess who scored 2 tries on debut for the club.

Supercoach Studs - Jackson Hastings (70) and Jayden Nikorima (50) are must have rookies and did remarkably well considering the scoreline. Those feeling confident could even move Nikorima into hooker as a temporary replacement for Segeyaro this week.

Supercoach Duds - Latrell Mitchell (13) went into his shell on debut but the experience of first grade will make him better for the run. Blake Ferguson (28) will take time to adjust to his new position but he will be keen to make a fist of it in his return to Canberra Stadium for the first time since he walked out on the club in 2014.


South Sydney Rabbitohs v Newcastle Knights
ANZ Stadium, Saturday 5:30pm

1. Greg Inglis 2. Alex Johnston 3. Bryson Goodwin 4. Hymel Hunt 5. Aaron Gray 6. Cody Walker 7. Luke Keary 8. George Burgess 9. Cameron McInnes 10. David Tyrrell 11. Paul Carter 12. Kyle Turner 13. Sam Burgess
Interchange: 14. Damien Cook 15. Jason Clark 16. Nathan Brown 17. Kirisome Auva'a

In - George Burgess, Luke Keary

Out - John Sutton, Adam Reynolds

Analysis - South Sydney blew away the Roosters in an impressive performance. George Burgess returns from suspension in a boost to the size of their forward pack, which sees Sam Burgess return to his preferred lock position. Luke Keary also returns from suspension to replace Adam Reynolds who has been ruled out for 6 weeks with a broken jaw. This sees late bloomer Cody Nelson handed another cap after an impressive debut performance. John Sutton has picked up a pectoral injury and will miss a large part of the season, which sees Paul Carter move to the edge after a strong game at lock against the Roosters.

Supercoach Studs - Greg Inglis (71) is a beast and reminded everyone how damaging he can be. What will he do to the hapless Knights? Remembering last year he went 153pts! Paul Carter (77) has turned out to be a superb buy due to the injury to Sutton. Hymel Hunt (65) had an excellent start in the cardinal and myrtle, both he and Carter could be hot buys next week.

Supercoach Duds - John Sutton (55) as mentioned won't be back until very late in the season and is on the sell list.

1. Jaelen Feeney 2. Nathan Ross 3. Dane Gagai 4. Pat Mata'utia 5. Akuila Uate 6. Jarrod Mullen 7. Trent Hodkinson 8. Sam Mataora 9. Tyler Randell 10. Korbin Sims 11. Jacob Saifiti 12. Robbie Rochow 13. Jeremy Smith
Interchange: 14. Danny Levi 15. David Bhana 16. Lachlan Fitzgibbon 17. Daniel Saifiti

In - Nathan Ross

Out - Pauli Pauli

Analysis - Newcastle did name a ridiculous 6 rookies for Round 1 and it showed as they were thrashed by the Titans in wet conditions on the Gold Coast. Nathan Brown has reacted to the loss by dropping prop Kade Snowden to the extended bench, which sees Korbin Sims move to the front row. Chanel Mata'tuia is out with a knee injury for 4-6 weeks and is replaced by exciting winger Nathan Ross. Sione Mata'tuia has been named on the extended bench for some unknown reason. Pauli Pauli misses the match through suspension.

Supercoach Studs - Pat Mata'tuia (56) was solid and may emerge as a must have cheapie with another strong effort and should he hold out brother Sione in the starting side. Identical twins David Saifiti (56) and Jacob Saifiti (36) look to be outstanding prospects for the Knights.

Supercoach Duds - Jaelen Feeney (17) had a quiet game at fullback and will be under pressure to perform. Kade Snowden (18) was a keeper in 2015, however was hooked after 20 minutes and has been dropped by coach Brown. 


Parramatta Eels v North Queensland Cowboys
Pirtek Stadium, Saturday 7:30pm

1. Michael Gordon 2. Semi Radradra 3. Michael Jennings 4. Brad Takairangi 5. Clinton Gutherson 6. Corey Norman 7. Kieran Foran 8. Junior Paulo 9. Nathan Peats 10. Tim Mannah 11. Manu Ma'u 12. Beau Scott 13. Tepai Moeroa
Interchange: 14. Kaysa Pritchard 15. Peni Terepo 16. Danny Wicks 17. Ken Edwards

In - Kieran Foran, Danny Wicks

Out - Luke Kelly

Analysis - Kieran Foran makes his long awaiting debut in the blue and gold and is a huge inclusion for the Eels. Parramatta were outclassed by Brisbane at Parramatta Stadium last week and will not want to drop another home game in front of the Parramatta faithful, especially against last year's premiers.  

Supercoach Studs - Due to the Eels great bye schedule, Manu Ma'u (72) could be a very handy acquisition sooner rather than later if he continues to play big minutes. Likewise, Nathan Peats (62) who is a solid option with those looking to move on James Segeyaro this week.  

Supercoach Duds - Semi Radradra (33) was kept very quiet and looks set to drop in price early in the season. Michael Gordon (28) failed to recapture his form as a permanent fullback but did go close to getting on the end of a few backline moves, certain holds for this week.

1. Lachlan Coote 2. Kyle Feldt 3. Justin O'Neill 4. Kane Linnett 5. Antonio Winterstein 6. Michael Morgan 7. Johnathan Thurston 8. Matthew Scott 14. Rory Kostjasyn 10. James Tamou 11. Gavin Cooper 12. Ethan Lowe 13. Jason Taumalolo
Interchange: 9. Jake Granville 15. John Asiata 16. Scott Bolton 17. Ben Hannant

In - Nil

Out - Nil

Analysis - The Cowboys have named the exact 17 players as last week and were very impressive at home against the Sharks. North Queensland again look very hard to beat early on and will go in favourites on the road against the Eels.

Supercoach Studs - Ethan Lowe (109) was outstanding on Saturday night and could be a superb point of difference. Note his outstanding early season form last year as well.

Supercoach Duds - Jake Granville (32) was a popular selection for Round 1, likewise Michael Morgan (24) but both could easily turn this form around. 


Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks v St George Illawarra Dragons
Shark Park, Sunday 4:00pm

1. Ben Barba 2. Sosaia Feki 3. Jack Bird 4. Ricky Leutele 5. Valentine Holmes 6. James Maloney 7. Chad Townsend 8. Andrew Fifita 9. Michael Ennis 15. Matt Prior 11. Luke Lewis 12. Wade Graham 17. Joseph Paulo
Interchange: 10. Sam Tagataese 13. Jayson Bukuya 14. Gerard Beale 13. David Fifita

In - Gerard Beale, Joseph Paulo

Out - Paul Gallen, Chris Heighington

Analysis - The Sharks shouldn't be too disheartened with last week's performance and it took a superb one on one tackle from Cowboys fullback Lachlan Coote on a rampaging Andrew Fifita to put the result to bed. The Sharks lose inspirational skipper Paul Gallen for 4-6 weeks with a knee injury, this sees Jayson Bukuya move to lock and Joseph Paulo make his club debut from the bench. Gerard Beale has also been named on the bench in place of Chris Heighington who misses the game through suspension.

Supercoach Studs - Jack Bird (76) showed that he is a handful in any position with a strong game at centre. Ben Barba (51) looks like being a great cheapie so far, although Gerard Beale on the bench is a slight worry.

Supercoach Duds - Paul Gallen (53) for those who forked out the big bucks have wasted a trade but have plenty of cash to make it worth it.

1. Kurt Mann 18. Peter Mata'utia 3. Josh Dugan 4. Timoteo Lafai 5. Jason Nightingale 6. Gareth Widdop 7. Benji Marshall 8. Leeson Ah Mau 9. Mitch Rein 10. Russell Packer 11. Tyson Frizell 22. Joel Thompson 13. Michael Cooper
Interchange: 12. Will Matthews 14. Ben Creagh 15. Jack de Belin 17. Siliva Havili

In - Nil

Out - Nil

Analysis - The Dragons face bitter local rivals the Sharks in a Sunday afternoon blockbuster at Shark Park. Jack De Belin and Tyson Frizzel swap positions in the only change from their loss to the Storm on Monday night.

Supercoach Studs - Benji Marshall (87) is playing for a new contract and was one of the Dragons best against Melbourne. Tim Lafai (56) is a former keeper and posted a strong score in his Dragons debut.

Supercoach Duds - Mitch Rein (22) was a risk at best as a Round 1 hooker and it hasn't paid off.


Melbourne Storm v Gold Coast Titans
AAMI Park, Sunday 6:30pm

4. Cameron Munster 2. Young Tonumaipea 3. Will Chambers 5. Marika Koroibete 6. Blake Green 7. Cooper Cronk 8. Jesse Bromwich 9. Cameron Smith 10. Jordan McLean 11. Kevin Proctor 12. Tohu Harris 13. Dale Finucane
Interchange: 14. Kenneath Bromwich 15. Tim Glasby 16. Felise Kaufusi 19. Ben Hampton

In - Nil

Out - Nil

Analysis - Melbourne have named the same side that defeated the Dragons on Monday night that includes Billy Slater who was under an injury cloud prior to the match on Monday and Cameron Munster who was a late inclusion. Billy Slater and Marika Koroibete were lethal against the Saints and could potentially tear the Titans to shreds on the edges if given too much space.  

Supercoach Studs - Jesse Bromwich (86) was strong in Round 1 and looks to be a keeper again this season.  Marika Koroibete (106) is lightning..just ask Josh Dugan who gave him some room and was burnt.  Tohu Harris (64) is a rock solid choice in the backs.

Supercoach Duds - Cooper Cronk (15) had a quiet game and is probably not as reliable scorer as Thurston, Johnson or Cherry-Evans at this point in the season.

1. David Mead 2. Anthony Don 3. Josh Hoffman 4. Nathan Davis 20. Nene Macdonald 6. Tyrone Roberts 7. Ashley Taylor 8. David Shillington 9. Nathan Friend 15. Ryan James 11. Zeb Taia 12. Chris McQueen 13. Greg Bird
Interchange: 10. Agnatius Paasi 16. Leivaha Pulu 17. Daniel Mortimer 18. Luke Douglas

In - Luke Douglas, William Zillman (extended bench)

Out - Nil

Analysis - The wooden spoon favourites blitzed the Knights at home but face a much sterner test of their credentials as the travel to AAMI Park to meet the Storm. Luke Douglas and William Zillman have been added to the extended bench and should figure in the 17 come kickoff.

Supercoach Studs - Greg Bird (111) was on fire and was man of the match against Newcastle.  Agnatius Paasi (75) scored a strong try off a beautiful ball from Bird but didn't play huge minutes (42min) which may be a concern as the season progresses given his awkward price.

Supercoach Duds - Josh Hoffman (30) can only be possibly considered as a fullback and David Mead may have locked up that position following a strong performance against the Knights.


Wests Tigers v Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles
Leichhaedt Oval, Monday 7:00pm

1. James Tedesco 2. David Nofoaluma 3. Tim Simona 4. Kevin Naiqama 5. Jordan Rankin 6. Mitchell Moses 007. Luke Brooks 8. Aaron Woods 9. Dene Halatau 10. Tim Grant 11. Curtis Sironen 12. Chris Lawrence 13. Sauaso Sue
Interchange: 14. Kyle Lovett 15. Josh Aloiai 16. Ava Seumanufagai 17. Manaia Cherrington

In - Luke Brooks, Dene Halatau

Out - Jack Buchanan, Jack Littlejohn

Analysis - The Tigers produced the upset of the round, blowing the Warriors away early at Campbelltown Stadium. Luke Brooks and Dene Halatau return from suspension in a boost to the starting 17, which sees Mania Cherrington move to the bench and Jack Littlejohn move back to NSW Cup.

Supercoach Studs - James Tedesco (82) was enormous last week and has raised his hand high for the Blues fullback jersey for this year's Origin series. Mitchell Moses (80) had a career best game in the #6. Chris Lawrence (61) could be an interesting player to watch considering his availability in the backrow and centre, however don't push the trade button just yet.

Supercoach Duds - Mania Cherrington (21) has moved back to the bench and will not play big minutes.

1. Tom Trbojevic 2. Jorge Taufua 3. Jamie Lyon 4. Steve Matai 5. Brayden Wiliame 6. Dylan Walker 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Josh Starling 9. Apisai Koroisau 10. Nate Myles 11. Lewis Brown 12. Martin Taupau 13. Jake Trbojevic
Interchange: 14. Matt Parcell 15. Nathan Green 16. Brenton Lawrence 17. Siosaia Vave

In - Brenton Lawrence, Josh Starling

Out - Darcy Lussick, Blake Leary

Analysis - Manly were run over by a rampant Bulldogs pack in their season opener and have had a long time to stew on this loss. Martin Taupau returns to play his former club in what promises to be an exciting match. Trent Barrett has decided to shuffle the forward pack which sees Jake Trbojevic move from prop to lock. Darcy Lussick and Blake Leary make way for Brenton Lawrence and Josh Starling, with Nathan Green starting from the bench.

Supercoach Studs - Daly Cherry-Evans (56) still managed solid points despite being kept pretty quiet against the Bulldogs and will be pumped for a big game after copping some criticism that he struggled without Kieran Foran this week. Jake Trbojevic (61) moves to lock in a huge bonus for owners. Should Trbojevic play big minutes he will be a must have next week.

Supercoach Duds - Nathan Green (26) failed to take his chance and may struggle to hold his spot with Feleti Mateo named in NSW Cup. Jamie Lyon (34) is a certain hold.