Around the Grounds - Team News Round 17

The Parramatta Eels have named two club debutants for Friday night's clash against Brisbane. The Eels, who will wear their baby-blue and pink "Women in League" jersey, welcome Manase Manuokafoa and Reni Maitua to the fold, who both appear on an extended bench. Mitchell Allgood has been moved to the starting lineup for the second time in his career, while Chris Walker and Etu Uaisele also return to the side who will miss NSW representatives Jarryd Hayne and Tim Mannah. The "Baby Broncos" will be back in business for the vital clash, with Maroons representatives Justin Hodges, Jharal Yow Yeh, Darren Lockyer, Ben Hannant, Sam Thaiday and Corey Parker all omissions from coach Anthony Griffin's squad. Kurt Baptiste keeps the number 9 jersey from club-suspended Andrew McCullough who will come off the bench.

Check out the teams and join the discussion for the Eels v Broncos Round 17 clash here.

In Saturday's only NRL clash, the Penrith Panthers have been forced to name an extended squad when they host Canterbury at Centrebet Stadium. Missing Origin stars Luke Lewis, Michael Jennings and Petero Civoniceva, the Panthers have called up Ryan Walker and debutant Harry Seijka onto a six-man bench. The Bulldogs maintain the core of their Round 16 side which defeated the Wests Tigers, losing only Michael Ennis to Origin duty. Dene Halatau moves from the bench to the hooking role, while Ben Roberts becomes the new face on the bench.

Teams, officials and discussion on Saturday night's Panthers v Bulldogs clash here.

A rare Sunday game awaits the Cronulla Sharks this weekend, and they'll face an uphill battle against a rejuvenated South Sydney without the benefit of Blues' hero and captain Paul Gallen. He'll be the only change from Saturday's victorious side against the Titans, with Johnny Mannah coming onto the bench to fill the gap left by his captain in the starting pack. Two big Rabbitoh boppers, Greg Inglis and Dave Taylor, are missing through Origin and suspension. Eddy Pettybourne moves to the second row to cover Taylor while Shaune Corrigan is the new centre in place of G.I. New signing Luke Burgess appears on the Rabbitohs' bench.

See the teams, officials and discuss this vital clash in the race for the top eight - Sharks v Rabbitohs - here.

What would have been match of the round in Wollongong on Sunday has been heavily impacted by State of Origin III. The Dragons will again be heavily hit by state representative omissions, no fewer than seven players selected for duty. Returning to the squad to cover these exclusions are Peni Tagive, Alex McKinnon, Reece Simmonds, Jake Marketo and David Gower, while Jack de Belin keeps a place on the bench after making his debut against Manly on Monday night. The Knights will again miss the presence of Kurt Gidley and Akuila Uate, the latter's omission covered by the presence of young firebrand Peter Mata'utia. Wes Naiqama again captains the side in Gidley's absence.

Check out all the details of Sunday's Dragons v Knights clash in our discussion forum here.

Monday night delivers a clash with slightly less potential, where the Roosters without Mitchell Pearce and Anthony Minichiello will be hoping to return to form against the Canberra Raiders. Mark Khierallah assumes the role of fullback, while Todd Carney takes the halfback spot, Braith Anasta into five-eighth and Aidan Guerra moving to lock. Canberra will lose David Shillington who sustained a pectoral injury in an otherwise unchanged side. Matt Orford and Josh Dugan remain under an injury cloud.

All the action of Monday Night Footy when the Roosters host the Raiders can be discussed here.


Click the button below to check out all the teams for all the grades across this coming weekend of rugby league, including the Game III Origin teams!