NRL Teams Analysis - 2017 Round 6

Sam's weekly look at all 16 NRL squads for the weekend is in.

1. Darius Boyd 20. David Mead 3. James Roberts 4. Tautau Moga 5. Jordan Kahu 6. Anthony Milford 7. Ben Hunt 16. Herman Essese 9. Andrew McCullough 10. Adam Blair 14. Alex Glenn 12. Matt Gillett 13. Josh Mcguire 8. Korbin Sims 11. Sam Thaiday 15. Tevita Pangai 18. Kodi Nikorima

In - Nil

Out - Nil

Analysis - The Broncos are two wins from their opening five games and are suddenly under a little bit of pressure after going down 10-7 to a determined Bulldogs outfit last start. Despite their slow start to the year, Wayne Bennett has made no changes, with strike centre James Roberts named despite injuring his hamstring last Thursday night. If Roberts is a late scratching, expect David Mead to come into the backline for the home side. Utility Kodi Nikorima has also been named on the extended bench and may loom as a late inclusion from the bench.     

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

In - Kane Evans

Out - Dylan Napa

Analysis - The Roosters suffered their first loss of the season against bitter rivals Manly last start and will be out to get back to their winning ways with a huge clash with the Broncos at Suncorp Stadium to open Round 6. The visitors have suffered a big blow, with the hard hitting Dylan Napa out with an ankle injury, which sees Isaac Liu start in the front and Kane Evans return from injury from the interchange bench.

Weather Watch - Showers 

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

In - Nathan Ross

Out - Jacob Gagan

Analysis - The Knights host the Bulldogs at Hunter Stadium in the first game of Friday night football. Last year's wooden spooner almost pulled off an almighty upset after their narrow loss to the defending premiers in the Sharks last week. While the Knights went down, their second half comeback will give their confidence an almighty boost. Cult hero Nathan Ross returns to the wing in place of Jacob Gagan, while Danny Levi will start at hooker with Jamie Buhrer returning to the second row. Despite suffering two concussions in successive weeks, Sione Mata'utia has been named in the back row. 

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 20. Matt Frawley

In - Moses Mbye

Out - Matt Frawley

Analysis - Canterbury were under enormous pressure last week and really showed that determination and grit that the club foundations were built on, in their 10-7 win over the Broncos. With coach Des Hasler signing a new two year deal with the club this week, the blue and whites will want to build some momentum to ease the pressure around the club. Halfback Moses Mbye returns after a week's suspension and replaces impressive rookie Matt Frawley who has put the Dogs marquee player under pressure to perform with an impressive debut. Australian and NSW prop David Klemmer was sensational against Brisbane running for just under 300m for the game in a mammoth performance.

Weather Watch - Partly Cloudy

1. Dylan Edwards 2. Michael Oldfield 3. Dean Whare 4. Dallin Watene Zelezniak 5. Malakai 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. Moses Leota 15. Leilani Latu 17. Sitaleki Akauola 18. Sione Katoa

In - Dylan Edwards, Malakai Watene-Zelezniak, Michael Oldfield, Sitileki Akauola

Out - Matt Moylan, Tyrone Peachey, Peta Hiku, Waqa Blake

Analysis - Some shocking team changes for the Panthers, with captain Matt Moylan dropped for breaking curfew after their away loss in Melbourne. The skipper has been dropped to NSW Cup along with Peta Hiku and Waqa Blake in a huge statement on club discipline from coach Anthony Griffin. The bad news is further compounded by the news Tyrone Peachey missing a month due to a rib injury. The new faces include rookie Dylan Edwards at fullback, veteran Micheal Oldfield to the wing and Malakai Watene-Zelezniak will debut outside his younger brother Dallin on the other wing.  Sitileki Akauola comes onto the bench. Star player Bryce Cartwright and young gun James Fisher-Harris have not been named and are another week away from returning. 

1. Alex Johnston 2. Braidon Burns 3. Siosifa Talakai 4. Robert Jennings 5. Bryson Goodwin 6. Cody Walker 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Thomas Burgess 9. Damien Cook 10. Kyle Turner 11. John Sutton 12. Angus Crichton 13. Sam Burgess 14. Robbie Farah 15. Jason Clark 16. Zane Musgrove 18. George Burgess

In - Nil

Out - Nil

Analysis - South Sydney travel to Penrith where they come up against an unexpected line up with the Panthers decimated by injury and playersdropped for disciplinary reasons. The Rabbitohs could not keep up with the Cowboys last start, but will be licking their lips against a depleted Panthers side. Despite the loss in Townsville, coach Michael Maguire has made no changes, with Robbie Farah again named to start on the bench despite injuring his back after just a few minutes last week.     

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. Darcy Lussick 17. Addin Fonua-blake

In - Darcy Lussick

Out - Jackson Hastings

Analysis - Manly return to Brookvale Oval where they host the Dragons on Saturday afternoon. The Sea Eagles have announced themselves as the big improvers in 2017, defeating the other contenders for that mantle in the Roosters 18-12 on Friday night away from home. Prop Darcy Lussick returns from a wrist injury to replace Jackson Hastings on the bench in their only change.  

1. Jason Nightingale 2. Nene Macdonald 3. Euan Aitken 4. Timoteo Lafai 5. Kurt Mann 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. Hame Sele 17. Taane Milne

In - Euan Aitken

Out - Josh Dugan

Analysis - St George travel to Brookvale looking to make it five wins on the trot against the red hot Sea Eagles. They will have to do it without star fullback Josh Dugan who is out and is replaced at the back by last week's hat-trick hero Jason Nightingale who moves from the wing. This sees Kurt Mann comes onto the wing to fill in for Nightingale, with Euan Aitken returning to the centres, after being a late omission from the side against the Tigers..

Weather Watch - Partly Cloudy    

19. Tyrone Roberts 2. Anthony Don 3. Dale Copley 4. Konrad Hurrell 1. Tyrone Roberts-Davis 6. Kane Elgey 7. Ashley Taylor 8. Jarrod Wallace 14. Karl Lawton 10. Ryan James 13. Leivaha Pulu 15. Chris Grevsmuhl 16. Max King 5. Daniel Vidot 9. Ryan Simpkins 18. Morgan Boyle 20. Paterika Vaivai

In - Konrad Hurrell, Anthony Don

Out - Tyrone Roberts, Nathaniel Peteru

Analysis - The Titans had a tough loss across the Tasman, going down 28-22 to the Warriors on Sunday afternoon. It was again a spirited performance from the Gold Coast, however the table shows that the club are one from five and sitting third last on the competition table. Rookie Tyronne Roberts-Davis has replaced his cousin Tyrone Roberts at fullback, with Anthony Don coming onto the wing. Blockbusting centre Konrad Hurrell returns to the centres in a boost to the backline. This sees Chris McQueen return to the forwards, replacing  Nathaniel Peteru who is out with a foot injury. 

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 17. Joseph Tapine 14. Adam Clydsdale 15. Luke Bateman 16. Clay Priest 13. Iosia Soliola

In - Elliott Whitehead

Out - Dave Taylor

Analysis - Canberra secured a valuable home victory, despite suffering a late scare against the Eels with rookie winger Nick Cotric sealing victory with a sensational match sealing try. Second rower Elliott Whitehead returns from suspension, which sees Dave Taylor named at 18th man for the Green Machine on their trip to the Gold Coast. Clay Priest moves back to the bench, with Sia Soliola starting at lock.

Weather Watch - Fine

14. 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. Ben Hampton 10. Scott Bolton 11. Gavin Cooper 12. Ethan Lowe 13. Jason Taumalolo 15. John Asiata 16. Coen Hess 17. Shaun Fensom 21. Blake Leary

In - Kalyn Ponga

Out - Jake Granville

Analysis - The Cowboys host the unpredictable Tigers at 1300 Smiles Stadium in what promises to be an exciting match up on Saturday night. North Queensland are sitting in 4th

position, with a Round 3 loss to Manly their only blemish this season. The home side have suffered a huge loss, with hooker Jake Granville out with a broken leg, which sees utility Ben Hampton move in the #9 jersey, with Kalyn Ponga coming onto the bench. Coen Hess returns to the bench after starting at prop last week, with Patrick Kaufusi named to start.

1. James Tedesco 2. David Nofoaluma 3. Jamal Idris 4. Kevin Naiqama 5. Moses Suli 6. Mitchell Moses 7. Jack Littlejohn 8. Aaron Woods 9. Matt McIlwrick 10. Ava Seumanufagai 11. Josh Aloiai 12. Chris Lawrence 13. Elijah Taylor 14. Tim Grant 15. Sauaso Sue 16. Michael Chee-Kam 17. Jacob Liddle

In - Jacob Liddle

Out - Matt Ballin

Analysis - The Tigers travel to Townsville with finally have some good news, with Ivan Cleary named as their coach for the next two years in a big relief for the under siege club. Wests have got off to an awful start in 2017, with their sole win coming in Round 1. Matt Ballin is out for the visitors, with Jacob Liddle replacing the veteran hooker on the bench. 

Weather Watch - Fine    

1. Roger Tuivasa-sheck 2. Blake Ayshford 3. David Fusitua 4. Solomone Kata 5. Ken Maumalo 6. Kieran Foran 7. Shaun Johnson 15. James Gavet 9. Issac Luke 10. Jacob Lillyman 11. Bodene Thompson 12. Ryan Hoffman 13. Simon Mannering 14. Nathaniel Roache 8. Charlie Gubb 16. Sam Lisone 17. Ligi Sao

In - Nathaniel Roache

Out - Ata Hingano

Analysis - The Warriors played their best game of the year against the Titans at home on Sunday, with new recruit Kieran Foran helping them immensely and also allowing Shaun Johnson to play his natural game. New Zealand remain at home, where they welcome Parramatta in the first game for Kieran Foran, who famously walked out on the club after just 9 matches into a two year deal in 2016. The home side have named Nathaniel Roache on the bench in place of  Ata Hingano on the interchange bench in the only change from last week's win. Bodene Thompson has been named to start in the backrow despite leaving the field early with an achilles strain against the Titans. 

6. Clint Gutherson 2. Semi Radradra 3. Michael Jennings 20. Kirisome Auva'a 5. Josh Hoffman 4. Brad Takairangi 7. Corey Norman 8. Suaia Matagi 9. Kaysa Pritchard 10. Tim Mannah 11. Manu Ma'u 16. Frank Pritchard 14. Nathan Brown 12. Tepai Moeroa 13. Beau Scott 17. Siosaia Vave 19. Peni Terepo

In - Tepai Moeroa

Out - David Gower

Analysis - The Eels have now lost three on the trot, after having won their first two matches of the season. Parramatta now travel to New Zealand and will be well and truly up for this match given Kieran Foran has been named and their fans will demand a win to get their season back on track. Tepai Moeroa returns from suspension, which sees Nathan Brown move back to the bench and David Gower named in the extended squad.

Weather Watch - Sunny

1. Billy Slater 2. Suliasi Vunivalu 3. William Chambers 18. Young Tonumaipea 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Ryley Jacks 7. Cooper Cronk 15. Tim Glasby 9. Cameron Smith 10. Nelson Asofa-Solomona 11. Felise Kaufusi 12. Kenneath Bromwich 13. Dale Finucane 14. Joe Stimson 16. Mark Nicholls 21. Jordan McLean 20. Christian Welch

In - Nil

Out - Nil

Analysis - Melbourne host the Grand Final replay at AAMI Park, in what promises to be an emotional game for the club, given the announcement that star half Cooper Cronk will leave the club at season's end. The Storm remain undefeated after they thrashed the Panthers 28-6 at home last start and have made no changes from last week's victorious side. 

1. Valentine Holmes 2. Sosaia Feki 3. Jack Bird 4. Ricky Leutele 5. Gerard Beale 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 - Nil

Out - Nil

Analysis - The Sharks travel to Melbourne is what is undoubtedly the match of the round. Cronulla will be keen to end the Storm's undefeated run and announce themselves as big contenders to go back to back. Shane Flanagan has made no changes to the side that got out of jail against the Knights, thanks to a late James Maloney field goal.    

Weather Watch - Rain