NRL Teams Analysis - 2017 Round 8

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Sam's back for another round of teamlist analysis, with all the ins and outs plus a forecast ahead of each NRL contest in Round 8.

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 - Canberra return to GIO Stadium, where they host the Sea Eagles to kickoff Round 8, after they defeated a dangerous Warriors outfit last Saturday. Ricky Stuart has made no changes to his side, who have bounced back in a big way since they lost losing their opening two games of the season. The explosive Green Machine will now look to make it four wins in a row and are really warming to the task each week, with the form of Jordan Rapana, Jack Wighton and Joey Leilua particulary impressive. 

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. Jackson Hastings 17. Addin Fonua-blake 18. Nate Myles

In - Martin Taupau

Out - Lloyd Perrett

Analysis - Manly face a very dangerous task in attempting to snatch two points at GIO Stadium on a Friday night down in Canberra. The Sea Eagles produced some great football in their loss to Melbourne at Brookvale in Round 8, but just couldn't quite keep up with the damaging Storm outfit, going down 30-26 in a high scoring affair. This type of preparation should put them in good stead this week, where they take on one of the competition's best offensive sides. Prop Marty Taupau returns in a big boost for the side, which sees Addin Fonua-Blake move back to the bench, with Lloyd Perrett ruled out with a sternum injury.    

Weather Watch - Partly Cloudy

1. Alex Johnston 21. Hymel Hunt 3. Siosifa Talakai 4. Robert Jennings 5. Bryson Goodwin 11. John Sutton 6. Cody Walker 8. Thomas Burgess 9. Damien Cook 17. George Burgess 10. Kyle Turner 12. Angus Crichton 13. Sam Burgess 14. Robbie Farah 15. Jason Clark 16. Zane Musgrove 19. Cameron Murray

In - Nil

Out - Nil

Analysis - Souths were blown away by the Bulldogs 24-9, after letting in twenty unanswered points in the second half in their Good Friday blockbuster. The Rabbitohs will need to bounce back, when they return to ANZ Stadium to host an in form Broncos side in Friday night football. Michal Maguire has failed to hit the panic button despite the loss last week, naming the same 17. Sam Burgess has been named and will play after escaping suspension for a shoulder charge on Canterbury's Greg Eastwood in a huge boost. 

1. Darius Boyd 2. Corey Oates 3. James Roberts 4. Tautau Moga 17. David Mead 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. Joe Ofahengaue 21. Jonus Pearson

In - Joe Ofahengaue

Out - Tevita Pangai Jr

Analysis - The Broncos are looking to make it three wins in a row when they visit ANZ Stadium to face the Rabbitohs in what promises to be cracking game on Friday night. Brisbane were extremely lucky to get out of jail against the Titans last week, with form centre James Roberts crossing for a hat-trick. Tevita Pangai Jr has been ruled out for over two months and has been replaced on the bench by Joe Ofahengaue in the only change.    

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. Daniel Alvaro 16. Kenny Edwards 17. Siosaia Vave

In - Kenny Edwards

Out - Peni Terepo

Analysis - The Eels bounced back on Easter Monday against the Tigers, putting in a tremendous display to fight back and snatch an extremely valuable two points. Parramatta now return to ANZ Stadium to host local rivals the Panthers in what promises to be a huge match for both sides. Kenny Edwards returns to the side, after missing the opening seven rounds through suspension, he replaces Peni Terepo on the bench in the only change for Brad Arthur's men.  

1. Matt Moylan 2. Waqa Blake 3. Dean Whare 14. Peta Hiku 5. Dallin Watene Zelezniak 21. Bryce Cartwright 7. Nathan Cleary 8. James Tamou 9. Peter Wallace 10. Regan Campbell-Gillard 18. Corey Harawira 12. Isaah Yeo 13. Trent Merrin 4. Tyrone Peachey 15. Leilani Latu 16. Tim Browne 17. Moses Leota

In - Nil

Out - Nil

Analysis - Penrith were belted by the defending premiers, Cronulla 28-2 in one of their poorer performances so far in what has been an underwhelming start to the 2017 season. The Panthers have made no changes to the starting 17 that lost to the Sharks, however it is clear that they need to ignite their attack and Bryce Cartwright looks odds on to finally make his first appearance since Round 1, after again another false start last week. He has been named on the extended bench, along with promising young gun Corey Harawira-Naera who could also force his way back in for the local derby.  

Weather Watch - Rain

1. Kalyn Ponga 2. Kyle Feldt 3. Justin O'Neill 4. Kane Linnett 5. Antonio Winterstein 6. John Asiata 7. Michael Morgan 8. Patrick Kaufusi 9. Blake Leary 10. Scott Bolton 11. Gavin Cooper 12. Coen Hess 13. Jason Taumalolo 15. Ethan Lowe 16. Ben Spina 17. Corey Jensen 19. Ray Thompson

In - Antonio Winterstein

Out - Gideon Gela-Mosby

Analysis - The Cowboys really missed their clutch players in Jonathan Thurston and Lachlan Coote against the Dragons, despite the strong performance of John Asiata who was the shock last minute halfback moving from prop. Asiata has again been named in the halves and will wear the number 6, joining Michael Morgan at the scrumbase, who will play halfback. Winger Antonio Winterstein returns from a long injury layoff and replaces Gideon Gela-Mosby on the flank.  The Cowboys have lost two of their last three at 1300 Smiles Stadium, which is very uncharacteristic, and will be looking to turn this record around quickly against the Knights.   

1. Brendan Elliott 2. Ken Sio 3. Dane Gagai 4. Peter Mata'utia 5. Nathan Ross 6. Brock Lamb 11. Sione Mata'utia 8. Daniel Saifiti 9. Danny Levi 10. Josh Starling 14. Luke Yates 12. Sam Stone 13. Mitchell Barnett 15. Anthony Tupou 16. Jack Stockwell 17. Jacob Saifiti 18. Jaelen Feeney

In - Anthony Tupou

Out - Joe Wardle

Analysis - The Knights travel to Townsville and will be looking to take advantage of a Cowboys side minus superstar Jonathan Thurston who is again missing this week. Newcastle were never in it against the Roosters in Round 7 and are sitting in last place and will be desperate for the win. Former Australian backrower Anthony Tupou has forced his way into the 17, replacing Englishman Joe Wardle, with rookie Sam Stone given his chance to start for the first time in his career.  

Weather Watch - Fine

1. Valentine Holmes 2. Sosaia Feki 3. Jack Bird 4. Ricky Leutele 5. Kurt Capewell 6. James Maloney 7. Chad Townsend 8. Andrew Fifita 9. Jayden Brailey 10. Matt Prior 14. Jayson Bukuya 12. Wade Graham 13. Paul Gallen 15. Chris Heighington 16. Jeremy Latimore 17. Joseph Paulo 19. Sam Tagataese

In - Nil

Out - Nil

Analysis - The Sharks were again very impressive, this time the defending premiers kept the attacking prowess of the Panthers to just a solitary penalty goal in a rock solid defensive display. Shane Flanagan has made no changes to the side for their match against the Titans in which they will be looking to make it five consecutive wins for 2017. 

18. Jarryd Hayne 2. Anthony Don 3. Dale Copley 4. Dan Sarginson 20. Konrad Hurrell 1. Tyrone Roberts 7. Ashley Taylor 8. Jarrod Wallace 9. Nathan Peats 10. Ryan James 11. Chris McQueen 19. Kevin Proctor 13. Ryan Simpkins 14. Karl Lawton 15. Joe Greenwood 12. Chris Grevsmuhl 17. Leivaha Pulu

In - Joe Greenwood

Out - Max King

Analysis - The Titans had yet another tough loss, this time against big brothers the Broncos but what can't be denied is the effort from Neil Henry's men, given their horrific injury toll so far this season. Max King will miss this week's match at Shark Park, with Joe Greenwood named on the bench. The cavalry could invade Shark Park late, with stars Jarryd Hayne, Konrad Hurrell and Kevin Proctor all named on the extended bench.   

Weather Watch - Rain

1. James Tedesco 2. David Nofoaluma 3. Michael Chee-Kam 4. Moses Suli 5. Kevin Naiqama 6. Mitchell Moses 21. Luke Brooks 8. Aaron Woods 9. Matt McIlwrick 10. Ava Seumanufagai 16. Joel Edwards 12. Chris Lawrence 13. Elijah Taylor 11. Josh Aloiai 14. Tim Grant 15. Sauaso Sue 17. Jacob Liddle

In - Joel Edwards

Out - Jamal Idris

Analysis - The Tigers return to ANZ Stadium where they face their second local derby in a row when they host the Bulldogs at ANZ Stadium on Sunday afternoon. After the circus involving Mitchell Moses last week, there will be plenty of interest in this game given the Bulldogs reported interest in James Tedesco and Aaron Woods. The big news from the Tigers camp is that Mitchell Moses has been named and not granted an immediate release to join the Eels early. Wests have lost Jamal Idris to a hamstring injury, with Michael Chee-Kam moving to centre and the hard hitting Joel Edwards coming onto the bench. 

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. Greg Eastwood 13. David Klemmer 14. Sam Kasiano 15. Danny Fualalo 16. Adam Elliot 20. Matt Frawley

In - David Klemmer

Out - Matt Frawley

Analysis - Canterbury have all the sudden responded after a poor start to their season and are now looking to make it four straight when they return to ANZ Stadium, which was the scene of their amazing second half performance to thrash the Bunnies in their Good Friday clash. The Bulldogs welcome back David Klemmer in a huge boost to their go forward, which sees Adam Elliott return to the bench and half Matt Frawley named outside the 17. This will not happen, given how the side went in attack when Frawley was injected last week, expect him to be named on the bench at the very least once again.

Weather Watch - Rain

1. Michael Gordon 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Joseph Manu 4. Shaun Kenny-Dowall 5. Blake Ferguson 6. Luke Keary 7. Mitchell Pearce 8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves 9. Jake Friend 10. Isaac Liu 11. Boyd Cordner 13. Aidan Guerra 17. Sio Siua Taukeiaho 14. Zane Tetevano 15. Paul Carter 16. Kane Evans 19. Dylan Napa

In - Kane Evans

Out - Ryan Matterson

Analysis - The Roosters head into their annual Anzac Day clash against the Dragons coming off a convincing win over the last placed Knights. Trent Robinson has named Kane Evans to return from injury in place of Ryan Matterson who misses out due to an ankle injury, with Blake Ferguson swapping positions with Shaun Kenny-Dowall, who moves to centre. Expect some late changes however, with Latrell Mitchell, Dylan Napa and Connor Watson named on the extended bench.  

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. Kurt Mann 17. Hame Sele

In - Josh Dugan

Out - Taane Milne

Analysis - St George continue to impress, after running out winners despite a late scare from the Cowboys in Wollongong on Saturday night. NSW and Australian back Josh Dugan returns from a hamstring injury for the Anzac Day clash, which sees veteran Jason Nightingale move back to the wing, with Kurt Mann to the bench and Taane Milne named outside the 17.

Weather Watch - Rain

1. Billy Slater 2. Suliasi Vunivalu 3. William Chambers 4. Cheyse Blair 5. Josh Addo-Carr 17. Cameron Munster 7. Cooper Cronk 8. Jesse Bromwich 9. Cameron Smith 10. Jordan McLean 11. Felise Kaufusi 12. Joe Stimson 13. Dale Finucane 14. Christian Welch 15. Tim Glasby 16. Nelson Asofa-Solomona 17. Ryley Jacks

In - Will Chambers

Out - Young Tonumaipea

Analysis - Melbourne again host the Warriors in their annual Anzac Day clash at AAMI Park in what promises to be another classic clash between the two clubs. The Storm sit second on the competition ladder and have again proved to be the benchmark. Queensland and Australian centre Will Chambers returns from suspension, replacing Young Tonumaipea in the only change for the home side. Craig Bellemy and Cameron Smith were far from impressed with how many points were leaked in their high scoring win over the Sea Eagles in Round 7, so expect the Storm defence to really lift against a dangerous Warriors outfit.  

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 16. Ligi Sao 17. Sam Lisone 18. Ben Matulino

In - Nil

Out - Nil

Analysis - The Warriors couldn't keep pace with the Raiders in Canberra last start, with their defence unable to contain a rampant Joey Leilua. New Zealand enter their Anzac Day match with again some mixed form and will be relying on star halves Kieran Foran and Shaun Johnson to really step up against the league's best defensive outfit. There are no changes for the visitors from their loss to the Raiders, however prop Ben Matulino has been named in the squad and will push for a late inclusion after a long injury lay off.

Weather Watch - Fine