NRL Teams Analysis - 2017 Round 3

Sam Bourke is back with his dissection of all the team news for another week!

6. Cameron Munster 2. Suliasi Vunivalu 3. William Chambers 4. Cheyse Blair 5. Josh Addo-Carr 20. Ryley Jacks 7. Cooper Cronk 21. Jesse Bromwich 9. Cameron Smith 10. Jordan McLean 11. Felise Kaufusi 12. Kenneath Bromwich 13. Dale Finucane 1. Billy Slater 8. Tim Glasby 14. Christian Welch 16. Nelson Asofa-Solomona

In - Billy Slater

Out - Ryley Jacks

Analysis - Melbourne host the Broncos in an absolute blockbuster to start Round 3. The big news for the Storm is that Billy Slater makes his long awaited return in a huge boost for the home side. This sees Cameron Munster move from fullback to five-eighth with the impressive Ryley Jacks named on the extended bench. Prop Jesse Bromwich has been named in jersey #21 and could make an early return from a dislocated thumb.    

1. Darius Boyd 2. Corey Oates 3. James Roberts 4. Tautau Moga 5. Jordan Kahu 6. Anthony Milford 7. Ben Hunt 8. Korbin Sims 9. Andrew McCullough 10. Adam Blair 11. Sam Thaiday 12. Matt Gillett 13. Josh Mcguire 14. Alex Glenn 16. Herman Essese 17. Jai Arrow 18. Benji Marshall

In - Nil

Out - Nil

Analysis - The Broncos have again named an unchanged 17, as they look to bounce back from their heartbreaking Golden Point loss to the Cowboys last start in what proved to be another epic encounter. Brisbane will need to lift once again as they travel to Melbourne this week and will be desperate to snatch a valuable away win after dropping points at Suncorp Stadium last week. Winger Jordan Kahu is in doubt with a hip injury, with Jonus Pearson or David Mead likely to come in on the wing should he fail to recover. Blockbusting prop Tevita Pangai Jr is also in doubt with an ankle injury suffered against North Queensland.   

Weather Watch - Rain

1. Brad Abbey 2. Brett Morris 3. Josh Morris 4. Brenko Lee 5. Marcelo Montoya 6. Josh Reynolds 7. Moses Mbye 8. Aiden Tolman 9. Michael Lichaa 10. James Graham 11. Josh Jackson 12. Greg Eastwood 13. David Klemmer 14. Sam Kasiano 15. Danny Fualalo 16. Adam Elliot 17. Raymond Faitala-Mariner

In - Brad Abbey, Marcelo Montoya

Out - Will Hopoate, Kerrod Holland

Analysis - Canterbury have lost both their opening games albeit by narrow margins, however the pressure is beginning to build on Des Hasler's men as they take a ‘home' game across the Tasman, where they face the Warriors at the enclosed Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin. In huge news for the Dogs, both William Hopoate and Kerrod Holland will miss four to six weeks with fullback Hopoate suffering a double facial fracture and Holland out after injuring his AC joint scoring the Dogs first try in their loss to the Roosters last week. This sees former Warrior and highly touted youngster Brad Abbey handed his debut at fullback and the highly touted Marcello Montoya also makes his debut replacing Holland on the wing.  

21. Tuimoala Lolohea 2. Ken Maumalo 3. David Fusitua 4. Solomone Kata 5. Manu Vatuvei 6. Mafoa'aeata Hingano 7. Shaun Johnson 8. Albert Vete 9. Issac Luke 10. Jacob Lillyman 11. Bodene Thompson 12. Ryan Hoffman 13. Simon Mannering 14. Erin Clark 15. Sam Lisone 16. Charlie Gubb 17. Bunty Afoa

In - Manu Vatuvei

Out - Tuimoala Lolohea

Analysis - The Warriors stay in New Zealand for the third week running and will be desperate to take advantage of the favourable early season draw. Manu Vatuvei returns to the Warriors starting side after returning through NSW Cup last weekend, this sees Tui Lolohea move to the extended bench. Bodene Tompson and Jacob Lilyman return to the starting side, with Bunty Afoa and Charlie Gubb named on the interchange bench.  

Weather Watch - Rain (Stadium has a retractable roof)

1. Tyler Cornish 2. Tyrone Roberts-Davis 12. Chris McQueen 4. Konrad Hurrell 5. William Zillman 6. Kane Elgey 7. Ashley Taylor 8. Jarrod Wallace 9. Tyrone Roberts 10. Ryan James 11. Kevin Proctor 17. Joe Greenwood 13. Agnatius Paasi 14. Ryan Simpkins 15. Nathaniel Peteru 16. Leivaha Pulu 19. Max King

In - Dan Sarginson, Tyler Cornish, William Zillman, Ryan Simpkins

Out - Jarryd Hayne, Anthony Don, Karl Lawton

Analysis - The Titans are yet to get a win in 2017, after a narrow loss to the Knights on Saturday. Gold Coast have been decimated by injury, headlined by superstar Jarryd Hayne who looks like missing a month with ankle injury. This sees Tyler Cornish handed his NRL debut at fullback. William Zillman comes onto the wing for Anthony Don who has a dislocated shoulder. English recruit Dan Sarginson moves back to centre and Tyrone Roberts starts at hooker. Joe Greenwood drops back to the bench, while Ryan Simpkins joins the 17. 

1. Bevan French 2. Semi Radradra 3. Michael Jennings 4. Brad Takairangi 5. Josh Hoffman 6. Clint Gutherson 7. Jeff Robson 8. Suaia Matagi 9. Kaysa Pritchard 10. Tim Mannah 11. Manu Ma'u 12. Tepai Moeroa 13. Beau Scott 14. Nathan Brown 15. Daniel Alvaro 16. Rory O'Brien 17. Frank Pritchard

In - Jeff Robson

Out - Corey Norman

Analysis - The Eels have arguably been the in-form side of the NRL and were again outstanding in their dominant victory over the Dragons in Wollongong last start. The big out for the Eels is star half Corey Norman, who will miss the game through a hamstring strain. Veteran Jeff Robson will replace him at halfback in the sole change for the ladder leaders.  

Weather Watch - Rain

1. Brendan Elliott 2. Ken Sio 3. Dane Gagai 4. Peter Mata'utia 5. Nathan Ross 6. Brock Lamb 7. Trent Hodkinson 8. Daniel Saifiti 9. Danny Levi 10. Josh Starling 11. Sione Mata'utia 12. Jamie Buhrer 13. Mitchell Barnett 14. Luke Yates 15. Jack Stockwell 16. Sam Stone 17. Jacob Saifiti

In - Nil

Out - Nil

Analysis - The Knights have made no changes to the side that defeated the Gold Coast, which ended their long drought of losses suffered by the club stretching back to almost 12 months. Newcastle welcome the Rabbitohs for their third home match in a row at Hunter Stadium where they will look to make it back to back wins.

1. Alex Johnston 2. Braidon Burns 3. Hymel Hunt 4. Robert Jennings 5. Bryson Goodwin 6. Cody Walker 7. Adam Reynolds 17. George Burgess 9. Robbie Farah 10. Jason Clark 11. John Sutton 12. Kyle Turner 13. Sam Burgess 8. Zane Musgrove 14. Damien Cook 15. Angus Crichton 16. Robbie Rochow

In - Nil

Out - Nil

Analysis - South Sydney have named the same 17 that beat Manly last week, with late inclusions Robert Jennings and Jason Clark holding their starting spots. The Rabbitohs put the disappointing loss of superstar Greg Inglis for the season behind them, with big names Sam Burgess, Adam Reynolds and Robbie Farah leading the side to victory after a slow start at Brookvale Oval.

 Weather Watch - Rain

1. Matt Moylan 2. Dean Whare 3. Waqa Blake 4. Tyrone Peachey 21. Dallin Watene Zelezniak 6. Te Maire Martin 7. Nathan Cleary 8. James Tamou 9. Peter Wallace 10. Regan Campbell-Gillard 14. James Fisher-Harris 12. Isaah Yeo 13. Trent Merrin 15. Leilani Latu 16. Viliame Kikau 17. Sitaleki Akauola 20. Peta Hiku

In - Nil

Out - Nil

Analysis - The Panthers responded to their first round diabolical performance by bouncing back to thrash the Tigers 36-2 at Campbelltown Sports Ground. They now host the Roosters in what promises to be an absolute belter on Saturday night at Pepper Stadium. Bryce Cartwright has been named to start despite suffering a leg injury early in last week's match. Both Dallin Watene-Zelezniak and Peta Hiku have been named on the extended bench and could emerge as late inclusions on the wing.

1. Michael Gordon 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Latrell Mitchell 4. Joseph Manu 5. Shaun Kenny-Dowall 6. Luke Keary 7. Mitchell Pearce 8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves 9. Jake Friend 10. Dylan Napa 11. Boyd Cordner 12. Mitchell Aubusson 13. Aidan Guerra 14. Isaac Liu 15. Zane Tetevano 16. Ryan Matterson 17. Connor Watson

In - Joseph Manu, Isaac Liu

Out - Blake Ferguson, Chris Smith

Analysis - The Roosters remain undefeated after their tight win over their bitter rivals Canterbury and now head to Pepper Stadium where they face a resurgent Panthers outfit. Test winger Blake Ferguson is out with a rib injury, replaced by young gun Joseph Manu at centre. Forward Isaac Liu returns to the game day 17, replacing last week's last minute inclusion Chris Smith who returns to 18th

Weather Watch - Showers

1. Kalyn Ponga 2. Kyle Feldt 3. Justin O'Neill 4. Kane Linnett 5. Javid Bowen 6. Michael Morgan 7. Johnathan Thurston 8. Patrick Kaufusi 9. Jake Granville 10. Scott Bolton 11. Gavin Cooper 12. Ethan Lowe 16. Coen Hess 14. Ben Hampton 15. John Asiata 17. Sam Hoare 18. Shaun Fensom

In - Kalyn Ponga, Javid Bowen, Sam Hoare, Shaun Fensom

Out - Jason Taumalolo, Lachlan Coote, Matt Scott, Antonio Winterstein

Analysis - The Cowboys amazing victory over arch rivals Brisbane on Friday night has come at a huge cost, with Test prop Matt Scott ruled out for the season with an ACL tear. The bad news continues with Jason Taumalolo failing to escape suspension for a shoulder charge and will miss the next two matches. Lachlan Coote is also with a calf strain, while Antonio Winterstein has broken his forearm…absolute carnage! Kalyn Ponga gets his chance at fullback, with Javid Bowen returning to the wing and Patrick Kaufusi replaces Matt Scott at prop.

1. Tom Trbojevic 2. Jorge Taufua 3. Dylan Walker 4. Brian Kelly 5. Akuila Uate 6. Blake Green 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Brenton Lawrence 9. Apisai Koroisau 10. Nate Myles 11. Frank Winterstein 12. Curtis Sironen 13. Jake Trbojevic 15. Lewis Brown 17. Shaun Lane 19. Jackson Hastings 21. Billy Bainbridge

In - Shaun Lane

Out - Bill Bainbrdge

Analysis - The Sea Eagles head to Townsville with the pressure starting to mount on coach Trent Barrett, with a visit to 1800 Smiles Stadium being one of the toughest away trips in the NRL. The good news for the Eagles is that they will have a golden opportunity, with the Cowboys missing key players in Scott, Taumalolo, Coote and Winterstein for their clash on Saturday night. Backrower Shaun Lane comes onto the bench, replacing Billy Bainbridge in their only change.

Weather Watch - Medium chance of Rain

1. Jack Wighton 2. Nick Cotric 3. Jarrod Croker 4. Joseph Leilua 5. Jordan Rapana 6. Blake Austin 7. Aidan Sezer 8. Junior Paulo 9. Josh Hodgson 10. Shannon Boyd 11. Josh Papalii 12. Elliot Whitehead 13. Luke Bateman 14. Adam Clydsdale 15. Iosia Soliola 16. Clay Priest 17. Dave Taylor

In - Jarrod Croker, Dave Taylor, Clay Priest

Out - Scott Sorenson, Dunamis Lui, Jeff Lima

Analysis - Canberra were thrashed by the defending premiers Cronulla last start and return to Canberra Stadium where they face the Tigers in what promises to be a try festival in the nation's capital on Sunday afternoon. Captain Jarrod Croker returns from a dislocated knee cap suffered in the All Stars match, while former Australian and Queensland forward Dave Taylor has also been named in the 17 and looks set to make his debut in the lime green. 

1. James Tedesco 2. David Nofoaluma 3. Kevin Naiqama 4. Michael Chee-Kam 5. Moses Suli 6. Mitchell Moses 7. Luke Brooks 8. Aaron Woods 9. Matt McIlwrick 10. Ava Seumanufagai 11. Sauaso Sue 12. Chris Lawrence 14. Tim Grant 15. Josh Aloiai 16. Joel Edwards 17. Jack Littlejohn 20. Kyle Lovett

In - Tim Grant

Out - Jamal Idris

Analysis - The Tigers were embarrassed by the Panthers in their first home match of the season and now head down the Hume Highway to face a wounded Canberra side. The Tigers are still having nightmares from their clashes with the Green Machine in 2016, where they were thrashed on both occasions they played including a 60-6 drubbing at Canberra Stadium in the corresponding clash last season. Tim Grant comes onto the bench, replacing Jamal Idris who has not been named this week.    

Weather Watch - Partly Cloudy

1. Jack Bird 19. Valentine Holmes 3. Kurt Capewell 4. Ricky Leutele 5. Edrick Lee 6. James Maloney 7. Chad Townsend 8. Andrew Fifita 9. Jayden Brailey 10. Matt Prior 11. Luke Lewis 12. Wade Graham 13. Paul Gallen 14. Jayson Bukuya 15. Chris Heighington 16. Jeremy Latimore 17. Joseph Paulo

In - Nil

Out - Nil

Analysis - The Sharks have made no changes to the side that bounced back to form against the Raiders on Saturday night. Jack Bird has been again named at fullback after an impressive debut in the #1. Valentine Holmes and Gerard Beale have been named on the extended bench and loom as late inclusions for the local derby.

1. Josh Dugan 2. Nene Macdonald 3. Euan Aitken 4. Timoteo Lafai 5. Jason Nightingale 6. Gareth Widdop 7. Josh McCrone 8. Russell Packer 9. Cameron McInnes 10. Paul Vaughan 11. Tyson Frizell 12. Joel Thompson 13. Jack de Belin 14. Tariq Sims 15. Leeson Ah Mau 16. Jacob Host 17. Kurt Mann

In - Nil

Out - Nil

Analysis - St George came crashing back to earth after being outclassed by a red hot Parramatta outfit at WIN Stadium. They now face bitter rivals the Sharks in the traditional local derby at Shark Park. The Dragons have made no changes to the side that lost on Sunday and will be eager to get one over the defending premiers in their own backyard in what promises to be a fiery clash.     

Weather Watch - Rain