NRL Teams Analysis - 2017 Round 4

Sam Bourke's weekly look at all sixteen teamlists ahead of Round 4 of the NRL plus forecasts for each match.

2. Alex Johnston 21. Sitiveni Moceidreke 3. Siosifa Talakai 4. Robert Jennings 5. Bryson Goodwin 1. Cody Walker 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Thomas Burgess 9. Robbie Farah 10. Jason Clark 6. John Sutton 12. Kyle Turner 13. Sam Burgess 11. Angus Crichton 14. Damien Cook 16. Robbie Rochow 17. Zane Musgrove

In - Tom Burgess, Siosifa Talakai, Anthony Cherrington

Out - George Burgess, Hymel Hunt, Braidon Burns

Analysis - South Sydney host traditional rivals the Roosters in what promises to be a firey start to Round 4. The Bunnies did enough to get past the Knights up in Newcastle last week, but will need to lift another gear against their undefeated neighbours. The Rabbitohs have 3 players missing through suspension with George Burgess, Hymel Hunt and Braidon Burns all on the sideline. This has forced a backline reshuffle, which sees Cody Walker switch from five-eighth to fullback, with veteran John Sutton moving into the halves. Siosifa Talakai earns a recall replacing Hymel Hunt, with Tom Burgess replacing his twin brother George. Angus Critchon gets his chance to start in the backrow for John Sutton.

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 19. Paul Carter 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 - Nil

Out - Nil

Analysis - The Roosters travel to ANZ Stadium to re-ignite one of the fiercest local derbies in rugby league and sit at the summit of the ladder undefeated. The Tricolours were extremely fortunate to escape from Pepper Stadium with the two points last start against the Panthers and won't lack any motivation heading into this grudge match. The Roosters have made no changes to their starting 17, however strike centre Blake Ferguson has been named in the extended squad and looms as a late inclusion for the Bondi boys.

Weather Watch - Showers

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 11. Corey Harawira 12. Isaah Yeo 13. Trent Merrin 14. Peta Hiku 15. Leilani Latu 16. Viliame Kikau 17. Sitaleki Akauola

In - Bryce Cartwright

Out - James Fisher-Harris

Analysis - Penrith host a much improved Knights at Pepper Stadium, as the Panthers look to rebound after a heartbreaking loss to the Roosters last start. Bryce Cartwright returns to the backrow and replaces James Fisher-Harris who will miss the next month with a fractured eye socket.   

4. Peter Mata'utia 2. Ken Sio 3. Dane Gagai 11. Sione Mata'utia 5. Nathan Ross 6. Brock Lamb 7. Trent Hodkinson 8. Daniel Saifiti 9. Danny Levi 10. Josh Starling 14. Luke Yates 12. Jamie Buhrer 13. Mitchell Barnett 15. Jack Stockwell 16. Sam Stone 17. Jacob Saifiti 19. Joe Wardle

In - Nil

Out - Nil

Analysis - The Knights have made no changes to the side that went down narrowly 24-18 to the Rabbitohs at Hunter Stadium last start. While the Knights have made no changes to their 17 for the second week in a row, former NSW and Australian forward Anthony Tupou has been named in the extended squad, having showed strong form in NSW Cup since returning from the Super League. 

Weather Watch - Partly Cloudy

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 15. Tevita Pangai 16. Herman Essese 17. Jai Arrow

In - Tevita Pangai Jr

Out - Benji Marshall

Analysis - The Broncos host the Raiders at Suncorp Stadium in what promises to be one of the most exciting games of Round 4. Brisbane welcome back Tevita Pangai Jr from an ankle injury and he replaces Benji Marshall in the 17. Brisbane's defence has been enormous so far in 2017 and they will need to be at their best against the very dangerous Raiders.    

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 16. Clay Priest 14. Luke Bateman 14. Adam Clydsdale 15. Iosia Soliola 22. Joseph Tapine

In - Nil

Out - Nil

Analysis - Canberra responded big time after losing their opening two games of the season, returning to form thrashing the Tigers 46-6 at Canberra Stadium. The Green Machine will enjoy not going up to Brisbane without any expectation, which is traditionally when they are at their most dangerous. Captain Jarrod Croker returned strongly last week as the Raiders signaled to the competition that they still have the points in them to worry any side. Ricky Stuart has made no changes to his starting 17, with Joe Tapine named on the extended bench and looms as a late inclusion. 

Weather Watch - Cloudy

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. Martin Taupau 11. Frank Winterstein 12. Curtis Sironen 13. Jake Trbojevic 14. Lewis Brown 15. Nate Myles 16. Jackson Hastings 17. Addin Fonua-blake

In - Martin Taupau, Addin Fonua-Blake

Out - Bill Bainbrdge, Shaun Lane

Analysis - The Sea Eagles welcome former premiership winning coach Des Hasler back to Brookvale Oval in their grudge match against the Bulldogs on Saturday afternoon. Manly put in one of their best defensive displays in years against the Cowboys who they stunned in Townsville. The Sea Eagles welcome back the timely additions of Martin Taupau and Addin Fonua-Blake who will offer some much needed muscle against the big Dogs forwards.

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 - Nil

Out - Nil

Analysis - Canterbury finally got off the mark in 2017, to alleviate the pressure on Des Hasler somewhat as he returns to Brookvale Oval on Saturday afternoon. The Bulldogs were again not convincing in their win over the Warriors in Dunedin and will be out to finally get their season on track against the Eagles. The Dogs have made no changes to their 17 from last week, with promising debutants Brad Abbey and Marcelo Montoya holding their spots.

Weather Watch - Rain 

1. Bevan French 2. Semi Radradra 3. Michael Jennings 4. Brad Takairangi 5. Josh Hoffman 6. Clint Gutherson 7. Corey Norman 8. Suaia Matagi 9. Kaysa Pritchard 10. Tim Mannah 11. Manu Ma'u 12. Frank Pritchard 13. Beau Scott 14. Nathan Brown 15. Daniel Alvaro 16. David Gower 17. Siosaia Vave

In - Corey Norman, Siosaia Vave,

Out - Tepai Moeroa, Rory O'Brien

Analysis - The Eels came back to earth with a thud, losing to the Titans after flying out of the blocks to lead the competition after the opening rounds. Corey Norman returns after missing last week's match with a hamstring injury and given his form should make a big difference to their confidence. Second rower Tepai Moeroa has accepted a one match suspension and will be replaced by Frank Pritchard who will start for the Eels for the first time in the NRL since leaving the Bulldogs in 2015. His brother Kaysa Pritchard has been named but is in doubt, with Jeff Robson and Cameron King both named on the extended bench.

1. Jack Bird 2. Sosaia Feki 19. Gerard Beale 4. Ricky Leutele 5. Valentine Holmes 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. James Segeyaro

In - Siosaia Feki

Out - Edrick Lee

Analysis - The Sharks will be smarting from their loss to their bitter rivals the Dragons at Shark Park on Sunday night. The defending premiers now travel to ANZ Stadium for the first time since their Grand Final triumph in 2016. Winger Siosaia Feki returns from injury, replacing Edrick Lee on the wing who has been named on a star studded extended bench which includes Gerard Beale, Tony Williams and long awaited signing James Segeyaro who has yet to get official clearance to play at this stage.

Weather Watch - Cloudy

9. Tyrone Roberts 2. Tyrone Roberts-Davis 3. Dale Copley 4. Konrad Hurrell 5. Daniel Vidot 6. Kane Elgey 7. Ashley Taylor 8. Jarrod Wallace 14. Ryan Simpkins 10. Ryan James 11. Kevin Proctor 12. Chris McQueen 13. Agnatius Paasi 16. Leivaha Pulu 17. Joe Greenwood 18. Max King 17. Karl Lawton

In - Dale Copley, Daniel Vidot

Out - William Zillman, Max King

Analysis - The Titans stunned the Eels at CBUS Stadium last Friday night and will look to get their season going when they host the injury hit Cowboys. Dale Copley who was signed from the Roosters last week, will make his club debut, as will former Bronco Daniel Vidot who comes onto the wing for Will Zillman. This sees Chris McQueen switch back to his preferred position in the second row and rookie Max King moves back to the extended bench.

1. Kalyn Ponga 2. Kyle Feldt 3. Javid Bowen 4. Kane Linnett 5. Gideon Gela-Mosby 6. Michael Morgan 7. Johnathan Thurston 8. Patrick Kaufusi 9. Jake Granville 10. Scott Bolton 11. Gavin Cooper 12. Coen Hess 13. Ethan Lowe 14. Ben Hampton 15. John Asiata 16. Shaun Fensom 17. Sam Hoare

In - Gideon Gela-Mosby

Out - Justin O'Neill

Analysis - The Cowboys were spanked by Manly in front of their home fans 30-8 in a tough loss for Paul Green's men, who have been decimated by injury in recent weeks. Unfortunately the news gets worse, with Test centre Justin O'Neil to miss a few weeks with a hamstring injury, which sees exciting rookie Gideon Gela-Mosby handed his NRL debut. Winger Kyle Feldt is in some doubt with an ankle injury but will be given until kickoff to prove his fitness. Regular fullback Lachlan Coote is due to return next week along with the ‘million dollar man' Jason Taumalolo, so a win here would be a big relief with the cavalry on the way.

Weather Watch - Cloudy

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 15. Josh Aloiai 13. Elijah Taylor 14. Tim Grant 16. Joel Edwards 22. Jacob Liddle

In - Elijah Taylor, Matt Ballin

Out - Kyle Lovett, Jack Littlejohn

Analysis - In one of the most tumultuous weeks in the Tigers history, which lead to the sacking of coach Jason Taylor after just 3 rounds of the competition, the Wests Tigers return to Leichardt Oval, where they have a superb record against the Storm. The home side welcome back experienced players in Elijah Taylor and Matt Ballin to the starting side which will help some of their less experienced players. All eyes will be on their off contract stars who have been firmly in the spotlight during the week. How will the wounded Tigers respond?     

1. Billy Slater 2. Young Tonumaipea 3. William Chambers 4. Cheyse Blair 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Ryley Jacks 7. Cooper Cronk 8. Jesse Bromwich 9. Cameron Smith 14. Christian Welch 11. Felise Kaufusi 12. Kenneath Bromwich 13. Dale Finucane 15. Tim Glasby 16. Nelson Asofa-Solomona 17. Vincent Leuluai 19. Joe Stimson

In - Young Tonumaipea, Vincent Leuluai

Out - Cameron Munster, Suliasi Vunivalu

Analysis - Melbourne managed to get out of jail against the Broncos in what could prove to be a vital two points for the Victorian side. They now travel to Leichhardt Oval to face an under siege Wests Tigers in what looms as a danger game. The Storm's win last week has come at a huge cost, with Cameron Munster and Sunilasi Vunivalu out for 4-6 weeks each with a broken jaw and ankle injury respectively. This sees the returning Billy Slater stay at fullback, with rookie Ryley Jacks remaining at five-eighth after coming on as a utility from the bench last week. Young Tonumaipea comes onto the wing to replace Vunivalu.

Weather Watch - Rain

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 out all guns blazing in their local derby against the Sharks, stunning the defending premiers 16-10 at Shark Park. The Dragons now return to Kogarah Oval, where they host an unpredictable Warriors side who travel like warm milk. There are no changes for the Red V who will look to make it two from two at their spiritual home to start the season.    

1. Roger Tuivasa-sheck 3. David Fusitua 21. Blake Ayshford 4. Solomone Kata 5. Ken Maumalo 2. Tuimoala Lolohea 7. Shaun Johnson 15. Charlie Gubb 9. Issac Luke 10. Jacob Lillyman 11. Bodene Thompson 12. Ryan Hoffman 13. Simon Mannering 16. Sam Lisone 17. Bunty Afoa 18. James Gavet 20. Ligi Sao

In - Roger Tuivasa-Sheck

Out - Manu Vatuvei

Analysis - The Warriors ran out of ideas in attack against the Bulldogs in Dunedin and will need to recapture their attacking prowess if they are to worry the in-form Dragons. In a big boost, captain Roger Tuivasa-Sheck returns to the side at fullback. In a blow, winger Manu Vatuvei is out with a knee injury, which sees Tuimoala Lolohea move from fullback to the wing. The much anticipated club debut for Kieran Foran is looking likely, with the premiership winning five-eighth named on the extended bench and looks certain to return for the last match of the round.    

Weather Watch - Rain