NRL Teams Analysis - 2017 Round 7

All the ins and outs and team analysis covered by Sam Bourke for Round 7 of the NRL.

1. Brett Morris 2. Kerrod Holland 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. Adam Elliot 13. Greg Eastwood 14. Sam Kasiano 15. Danny Fualalo 17. Raymond Faitala-Mariner 20. Matt Frawley

In - Kerrod Holland, Francis Tualau

Out - David Klemmer, Brad Abbey

Analysis - Canterbury head into their Good Friday blockbuster on the back two wins in a row for the first time in 2017. The Dogs have lost Australian and NSW prop David Klemmer who is out with an ankle injury in a big blow for the home side. He is replaced by Greg Eastwood, who moves to lock and Adam Elliott comes into the starting side in the second row. Brett Morris has been named at fullback for the first time this season, with youngster Brad Abbey missing through concussion. Goalkicking has been a huge problem for the Bulldogs and the return of Kerrod Holland on the wing will see an improvement in this department. Rookie half Matt Frawley has been named on the extended bench and given his form, he looms as a late inclusion on the bench at the very least.

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 17. George Burgess

In - Nil

Out - Nil

Analysis - South Sydney go into the Good Friday derby confident, after an upset win over the Panthers last start and will be looking to keep their form going against the Bulldogs. Halves Cody Walker and Adam Reynolds have been in outstanding form for the Bunnies and will relish the chance to perform in a big game in front of a bumper crowd. The clash between English firebrands Sam Burgess and James Graham will be worth the price of admission alone.  

Weather Watch - Fine

1. Brendan Elliott 2. Ken Sio 3. Dane Gagai 4. Peter Mata'utia 5. Nathan Ross 6. Brock Lamb 7. Trent Hodkinson 17. Daniel Saifiti 9. Danny Levi 10. Josh Starling 11. Sione Mata'utia 16. Joe Wardle 13. Mitchell Barnett 14. Jack Stockwell 15. Sam Stone 19. Luke Yates 21. Jacob Saifiti

In - Sam Stone

Out - Luke Yates

Analysis - The Knights play their third home game in four matches, when they welcome the Roosters to Hunter Stadium on Good Friday. Newcastle pushed the Bulldogs all the way in Round 6 and they were very unlucky not to snatch victory after a 50/50 call on a possible late Sione Mata'utia try went against them. Jamie Buhrer has been named in the backrow, with Danny Levi starting at hooker, after being named on the bench last week. Sam Stone comes onto the bench for Luke Yates in the only other change for the Novocastrians.

1. Michael Gordon 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Joseph Manu 4. Blake Ferguson 5. Shaun Kenny-Dowall 6. Luke Keary 7. Mitchell Pearce 8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves 18. Paul Carter 10. Isaac Liu 11. Boyd Cordner 12. Mitchell Aubusson 13. Aidan Guerra 9. Jake Friend 15. Zane Tetevano 16. Ryan Matterson 23. Sio Siua Taukeiaho

In - Joseph Manu

Out - Latrell Mitchell

Analysis - After an electric start to the season, the Roosters have now dropped two games on the trot, after winning their first four games. Their effort against the Broncos last week was their worst of the season and the boys from Bondi now travel up the M1 to face a determined Knights outfit, who are edging closer to putting together a complete performance. Joseph Manu replaces Latrell Mitchell who has been rested after a few defensive lapses against the Broncos last week.  

Weather Watch - Fine

1. Darius Boyd 2. Corey Oates 3. James Roberts 4. Tautau Moga 5. Jordan Kahu 6. Anthony Milford 7. Kodi Nikorima 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 17. David Mead

In - Corey Oates

Out - Ben Hunt

Analysis - The Broncos return to Suncorp Stadium on Good Friday, after producing their best performance this season after thrashing the Roosters last start. In a huge blow for the Broncos, star half Ben Hunt is out for at least a month with a torn hamstring. He is replaced in the #7 by Kodi Nikorima who will partner Anthony Milford in a new look halves combination for the home side. Corey Oates returns to the wing, with David Mead named on the bench to face his former club. Korbin Sims and Sam Thaiday have been named to start after being left out of the starting 13 last week.

1. Tyrone Roberts 2. Anthony Don 3. Dale Copley 20. Dan Sarginson 5. Tyrone Roberts-Davis 6. Kane Elgey 7. Ashley Taylor 8. Jarrod Wallace 9. Nathan Peats 10. Ryan James 11. Chris McQueen 12. Chris Grevsmuhl 13. Ryan Simpkins 14. Karl Lawton 15. Max King 16. Paterika Vaivai 17. Leivaha Pulu

In - Nathan Peats, Chris McQueen

Out - Daniel Vidot, Dan Sarginson

Analysis - The Titans were thrashed by the Raiders at home, after Jordan Rapana and Joey Leilua ran rampant over the injury depleted side. In a big boost for their clash with their big brothers the Broncos, the Titans welcome back Chris McQueen and Nathan Peats who will make his first appearance for the side in 2017.   

Weather Watch - Fine

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. Addin Fonua-blake 11. Frank Winterstein 12. Curtis Sironen 13. Jake Trbojevic 14. Lewis Brown 15. Jackson Hastings 16. Darcy Lussick 17. Lloyd Perrett

In - Akuila Uate, Lloyd Perrett, Jackson Hastings

Out - Martin Taupau, Nate Myles, Matthew Wright

Analysis - The Sea Eagles came crashing back to earth last week, after they were comprehensively out classed by the Dragons at Brookvale last Saturday. The Sea Eagles now welcome their bitter rivals the Storm back to the Northern beaches and will be looking forward to testing themselves against the competition's benchmark. Akuila Uate returns to the wing replacing Matthew Wright, after pulling out in the warm up last week. The Eagles pack will be missing enforcers Martin Taupau and Nate Myles in a big blow against the physical Storm pack, which sees Addin Fonua-Blake start in the front row, which sees Lloyd Perrett and Jackson Hastings come onto the interchange bench. 

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

In - Cheyse Blair

Out - Will Chambers

Analysis - Melbourne lost their first match of the season against the defending premiers Cronulla in their Grand Final re-match last Sunday. Centre Will Chambers has accepted the early guilty plea for a shoulder charge and will miss the trip to Brookvale, with Cheyse Blair returning to the side as his replacement. Expect the visitors to have a late re-shuffle, with superstars Cameron Munster and Jesse Bromwich named on the extended bench and will be pushing for inclusion. 

Weather Watch - Partly Cloudy

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. Joseph Tapine 14. Adam Clydsdale 15. Luke Bateman 16. Dunamis Lui 17. Iosia Soliola

In - Nil

Out - Nil

Analysis - The Raiders welcome the Warriors to Canberra Stadium in what promises to be the most entertaining game of Round 6, with some of the best offensive players in the NRL on show. Canberra announced themselves as the entertainers of the NRL again this season, when they destroyed the Titans defence last week on the Gold Coast. Ricky Stuart has made no changes to the 17 that defeated the Titans and will be looking for a big win in front of their home fans.

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

In - Nil

Out - Nil

Analysis - The Warriors have won two games on the trot at Mt Smart Stadium and now head to the Nation's capital, where they face a very dangerous Raiders outfit. Kieran Foran was again outstanding in last week's win and looms a big threat for the home side as he also creates a great foil for halves partner Shaun Johnson and skipper Roger Tuivasa-Sheck. New Zealand have struggled on the road in recent seasons and will be looking to turn their fortunes around with a win on the road against the Green Machine.      

Weather Watch - Partly Cloudy 

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 - Nil

Out - Nil

Analysis - Who would have thought? 6 rounds into the NRL season and the mighty Dragons are on top of the ladder! The Dragons welcome the Cowboys to WIN Stadium on Saturday night as they look to make it five wins on the trot. Coach Paul McGregor has made no changes to the side that thrashed the Eagles at Brookvale last weekend. Against a Cowboys outfit missing the great Johnathan Thurston, the Red V will go into their clash as favourites.

1. Kalyn Ponga 2. Kyle Feldt 3. Justin O'Neill 4. Kane Linnett 5. Gideon Gela-Mosby 6. Michael Morgan 15. John Asiata 8. Patrick Kaufusi 9. Blake Leary 10. Scott Bolton 11. Gavin Cooper 12. Coen Hess 13. Jason Taumalolo 7. Ben Hampton 14. Ethan Lowe 16. Corey Jensen 17. Ben Spina

In - Justin O'Neil, Ben Spina, Corey Jensen

Out - Jonathan Thurston, Shaun Fensom, Javid Bowen

Analysis - The Cowboys were left stunned by a resurgent Tigers outfit, who ambushed the Cowboys in Townsville last Saturday. The big news for the Cowboys is the calf injury to superstar captain Thurston, which is likely to see him miss a few games. This sees former Storm half Ben Hampton move from hooker to halfback, with former Sea Eagle Blake Leary starting in the #9. Young gun Coen Hess has demanded selection in the starting side after scoring more tries last week, which sees Ethan Lowe move to the bench.   

Weather Watch - Cloudy

1. Matt Moylan 2. Waqa Blake 3. Dean Whare 4. Tyrone Peachey 5. Dallin Watene Zelezniak 6. Te Maire Martin 7. Nathan Cleary 8. James Tamou 9. Peter Wallace 10. Regan Campbell-Gillard 11. Isaah Yeo 12. James Fisher-Harris 13. Trent Merrin 15. Leilani Latu 18. Moses Leota 19. Tim Browne 20. Peta Hiku

In - Matt Moylan, Tyrone Peachey, Waqa Blake, James Fisher-Harris

Out - Dylan Edwards, Malakai Watene-Zelezniak, Michael Oldfield, Sione Katoa

Analysis - Penrith slipped last round to the Rabbitohs, going down by a point in a disappointing loss. Last week was marred by coach Anthony Griffen dropping three players for ill discipline and all three have been named in the squad for their match against the defending premiers Cronulla. Skipper Matt Moylan returns, along with Waqa Blake who join a fit-again Tyrone Peachey and James Fisher-Harris. Corey Harawira-Naera has been named on the bench despite his explosive performances for the Mountain Men. Bryce Cartwight has again been named in the extended squad and is an outside chance of making his long awaited return from a leg injury.    

1. Valentine Holmes 2. Sosaia Feki 3. Jack Bird 4. Ricky Leutele 17. Kurt Capewell 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 19. Joseph Paulo

In - Kurt Capewell

Out - James Segeyaro

Analysis - The Sharks announced themselves as premiership contenders once again, after defeating the Storm in Melbourne last Sunday in dreadful conditions at AAMI Park. The Sharkies are on the road again this week, when they travel to the foot of the mountains to battle the Panthers in what promises to be a cracker of a game on Easter Sunday. Hooker James Segeyaro will miss his homecoming to Penrith after scans showed a re-break of his arm from last season, which will again sideline him for at least the next six weeks in a frustrating blow. This sees utility Kurt Capewell come into the 17 on the bench. 

Weather Watch - Partly Cloudy

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

In - Daniel Alvaro

Out - Frank Pritchard

Analysis - The Eels host the Tigers in their annual Easter Monday blockbuster at ANZ Stadium in what should have plenty of feeling given the Mitchell Moses contract saga. Parramatta leading the competition after the opening rounds seems a long time away, as the Eels have now slumped to four losses in a row and will be desperate to turn their season around against their bitter neighbours. Frank Pritchard will miss the clash, which sees Tepai Moeroa return to the starting side and Daniel Alvaro comes onto the bench.    

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 - Nil

Out - Nil

Analysis - The Tigers stunned the Cowboys in Townsville, in a win that nobody saw coming last week. New coach Ivan Cleary has already worked his magic in his first week as coach and will have his re-energised troops charging after the off-field dramas that has engulfed the club in recent weeks. The Tigers have made no changes to the side that won last week. All the pre-match hype will centre on five eighth Mitchell Moses and his rumoured release to the Eels. 

Weather Watch - Fine