NRL Teams Analysis - 2017 Round 9

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Sam Bourke's weekly look at all the ins and outs plus the important weather forecasts for each clash.

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 11. Sam Thaiday 15. Joe Ofahengaue 8. Korbin Sims 17. David Mead

In - Jordan Kahu

Out - Jonus Pearson

Analysis - The Broncos were extremely fortunate to leave Sydney with the win against the Rabbitohs, with the visitors receiving some very dubious calls which resulted in tries. Brisbane return home to Suncorp Stadium this week, where they face a desperate Panthers outfit, as they look at making it four wins in a row. Jordan Kahu returns to the wing from injury, replacing David Mead who moves back to the bench, with Jonus Pearson named in the extended squad.     

1. Matt Moylan 2. Waqa Blake 3. Dean Whare 4. Peta Hiku 5. Dallin Watene Zelezniak 6. Bryce Cartwright 7. Nathan Cleary 8. James Tamou 9. Peter Wallace 10. Regan Campbell-Gillard 11. Corey Harawira 12. Isaah Yeo 13. Trent Merrin 14. Tyrone Peachey 15. Leilani Latu 16. Tim Browne 20. Viliame Kikau

In - Nil

Out - Nil

Analysis - Penrith came into the season as equal competition favourites, but now have lost four in a row heading into Round 9. The Panthers were awful last week against the Eels, however in fairness Parramatta were not much better. Coach Anthony Griffin has given the side plenty of bonding time, with the side leaving to Brisbane early in the week to do some soul searching. Penrith have made no changes to the 17 that lost last weekend, however James Fisher-Harris may push for a late inclusion.     

Weather Watch - Fine

1. Alex Johnston 2. Hymel Hunt 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. Cameron Murray

In - Adam Reynolds

Out - George Burgess

Analysis - It is fair to say that Souths were the better team last Friday night against the Broncos but unfortunately for the Bunnies they went down by a solitary point at home. They now welcome the Sea Eagles to ANZ Stadium and will be boosted by the timely return of halfback Adam Reynolds who returns from injury, which sees John Sutton return to the backrow. George Burgess has been suspended for a month for a clumsy shoulder charge on Anthony Milford, with Kyle Turner returning to the front row. 

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 16. Nate Myles 17. Addin Fonua-blake

In - Nil

Out - Nil

Analysis - The Sea Eagles produced a late ambush on the Raiders at Canberra Stadium on Friday night, storming home to snatch victory, with a penalty goal to Dylan Walker sealing a valuable two points for the visitors. Manly are undefeated on the road this season, winning three from three and will fancy their chances on their trip over the Bridge on Friday night. Trent Barrett has made no changes to the winning formula for Friday night.

Weather Watch - Fine 

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 14. Ray Thompson 10. Scott Bolton 11. Gavin Cooper 12. Coen Hess 13. Jason Taumalolo . Ethan Lowe 15. Ben Spina 16. Corey Jensen 17. Ben Hampton

In - Nil

Out - Nil

Analysis - The Cowboys were far too good for the Knights in Townsville last week, with teen sensation Kalyn Ponga starring with two tries. They now welcome the Eels to North Queensland, as they look to make it back to back wins at home for the first time in 2017. Coach Paul Green has made no changes to his 17, however the mercurial Jonathan Thurston has been named as 18th

1. Clint Gutherson 2. Semi Radradra 3. Michael Jennings 4. Kirisome Auva'a 5. Josh Hoffman 19. Will Smith 7. Corey Norman 8. Suaia Matagi 9. Kaysa Pritchard 10. Tim Mannah 11. Manu Ma'u 12. Tepai Moeroa 13. Nathan Brown 6. Kenny Edwards 14. Beau Scott 15. Daniel Alvaro 17. Siosaia Vave 18. John Folau 19. Will Smith

In - David Gower

Out - Brad Takairangi

Analysis - The Eels were scrappy at best, but were a little more enthusiastic than the Panthers, securing back to back wins for the second time this season. They have however suffered another injury setback with five-eighth Brad Takairangi ruled out with a knee injury, which will see Kenny Edwards move to the halves and David Gower join the 17 from the interchange bench.      

Weather Watch - Rain 

6. Tyrone Roberts 2. Anthony Don 1. Jarryd Hayne 4. Konrad Hurrell 3. Dan Sarginson 14. Kane Elgey 7. Ashley Taylor 8. Jarrod Wallace 9. Nathan Peats 10. Ryan James 11. Chris McQueen 12. Kevin Proctor 13. Ryan Simpkins 15. Joe Greenwood 16. Paterika Vaivai 17. Leivaha Pulu 18. Morgan Boyle

In - Kane Elgey, Tyronne Roberts-Davis, Paterika Vaivai

Out - Chris Grevsmuhl, Dale Copley, Karl Lawton

Analysis - The Titans stunned the defending premiers on Saturday night, running out four point winners over Cronulla at Shark Park. Jarryd Hayne played his best game in Titans colours last start and will be looking to make a claim for an Origin recall in the coming weeks. The Gold Coast continue to have a rough run with injury, with Chris Grevsmuhl, Dale Copley and Karl Lawton out, which sees Tyronne Roberts-Davis come back on the wing, with Kane Elgey and Pat Vaivai joining the bench. 

1. Brendan Elliott 2. Ken Sio 3. Dane Gagai 4. Peter Mata'utia 5. Nathan Ross 6. Brock Lamb 7. Jaelen Feeney 8. Daniel Saifiti 9. Danny Levi 10. Josh Starling 11. Sione Mata'utia 12. Sam Stone 20. Josh King 13. Luke Yates 15. Joe Wardle 16. Jack Stockwell 17. Jacob Saifiti

In - Joe Wardle

Out - Mitch Barnett

Analysis - The Knights travel to the Gold Coast on the back of six straight losses and now face a stiff test when they face the in-form Titans at CBUS Stadium. To make things more difficult, the Knights have lost tacking machine Mitch Barnett, which sees Luke Yates start at lock, with Joe Wardle joining the bench. Jaelen Feeney will start in the #7, with last week's makeshift halfback and the club's youngest ever skipper Sione Mata'utia returning to his regular spot in the backrow.

Weather Watch - Fine

23. William Hopoate 2. Kerrod Holland 3. Josh Morris 4. Brenko Lee 1. Brett Morris 6. Josh Reynolds 7. Moses Mbye 8. Aiden Tolman 9. Michael Lichaa 10. James Graham 11. Josh Jackson 16. Adam Elliot 13. David Klemmer 12. Greg Eastwood 14. Sam Kasiano 15. Danny Fualalo 20. Matt Frawley

In - Raymond Faitala-Mariner

Out - Matt Frawley

Analysis - Canterbury failed to make it four wins on the trot when they slipped over late against a resurgent Tigers outfit last Sunday. The Bulldogs much improved attack will need to be at their best against the competition's entertainers the Raiders. Des Hasler has per usual has not named Matt Frawley in his 17, however expect him to come onto the bench for Raymond Faitala-Mariner against his junior club. Will Hopoate has been named in jersey #23 and could force his way into the backline, returning from a facial fracture suffered in Round 2. It will be interesting to see how the Bulldogs will react with the news that five-eighth and fan favourite Josh Reynolds announcing a lucrative deal with the Wests Tigers from 2018.   

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

In - Clay Priest

Out - Dunamis Lui

Analysis - Canberra will be left stinging after the failed to ice the game against the Sea Eagles last Friday. The Green Machine now travel up the Hume Highway, where they face traditional rivals the Bulldogs in what promises to be one of the games of the round. Clay Priest returns to the bench in place of Dunamis Lui in the only change for Ricky Stuart's men. The Raiders will need to be wary of a fired up Bulldogs outfit who would have no doubt had a tough week at training after letting the Tigers snatch a late victory last week. 

Weather Watch - Partly Cloudy 

1. James Tedesco 2. David Nofoaluma 3. Michael Chee-Kam 4. Moses Suli 5. Kevin Naiqama 6. Mitchell Moses 7. Luke Brooks 8. Aaron Woods 9. Matt McIlwrick 10. Ava Seumanufagai 11. Joel Edwards 12. Chris Lawrence 13. Elijah Taylor 15. Sauaso Sue 16. Josh Aloiai 17. Jacob Liddle 18. Jj Felise

In - Nil

Out - Nil

Analysis - The Tigers responded in the best possible way for their fans when they showed tremendous heart to fight back and defeat the Bulldogs late to clinch a vital two points in what has been a tough start to 2017 for the embattled club. New coach Ivan Cleary has made no changes to the winning formula, as the Tigers go into their match against the defending premiers the Sharks with finally some fantastic signing news, after the club secured the services of Bulldogs five-eighth Josh Reynolds and Kiwi prop Ben Matulino for 2018.

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 18. Tony Williams 12. Wade Graham 13. Paul Gallen 14. Kurt Capewell 15. Chris Heighington 16. Jeremy Latimore 17. Joseph Paulo

In - Luke Lewis, Gerard Beale

Out - Jayson Bukuya, Sam Tagataese

Analysis - The Sharks travel to Leichardt Oval this week, after again finding out that is a tough existence being defending premiers after the Titans sprung and upset over them at home last Saturday night. The Sharks welcome back Gerard Beale on the wing, which sees Kurt Capewell return to the bench. Clive Churchill medalist Luke Lewis also returns, which sees Sam Tagataese named outside the 17.

Weather Watch - Partly Cloudy

1. Roger Tuivasa-sheck 2. Charnze Nicoll-klokstad 3. David Fusitua 4. Blake Ayshford 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. Ligi Sao 16. Sam Lisone 17. Ben Matulino

In - Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad

Out - Solomone Kata

Analysis - The Warriors put in a strong performance in their Anzac Day clash against the competition leaders the Storm, however they lacked the composure in the final ten minutes of the game to come away with the two competition points. They now host the Roosters at Mount Smart Stadium, where they will be looking to continue their much improved line speed in defence which was on show against Melbourne. The Warriors will be missing Solomone Kata for the clash, which sees David Fusitua move to centre and under 20's star Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad handed his NRL debut on the wing. Ben Matulino has again been named to start from the bench after returning for his first game of the season against the Storm.     

1. Michael Gordon 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Shaun Kenny-Dowall 4. Joseph Manu 5. Blake Ferguson 6. Luke Keary 7. Mitchell Pearce 8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves 9. Jake Friend 10. Dylan Napa 11. Boyd Cordner 13. Aidan Guerra 16. Sio Siua Taukeiaho 12. Mitchell Aubusson 14. Isaac Liu 15. Zane Tetevano 22. Connor Watson

In - Mitchell Aubusson

Out - Kane Evans

Analysis - The Roosters pulled off a famous victory in their Anzac Day classic against the Dragons, with a Mitchell Pearce drop goal proving the difference. The Tricolours now face the daunting task of travelling across the Tasman to take on the Warriors who will be smarting from their narrow loss to the Storm. Mitchell Aubusson returns to the second row, with Kane Evans relegated to the extended bench in the only change. Latrell Mitchell has again been kept out of the side due to the form of Joseph Manu who will again start at centre.  

Weather Watch - Rain 

1. Josh Dugan 2. Nene Macdonald 3. Euan Aitken 4. Timoteo Lafai 5. Jason Nightingale 6. Kurt Mann 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 18. Jai Field 20. Luciano Leilua

In - Taane Milne

Out - Gareth Widdop

Analysis - St George lost in Golden Point in their Anzac Day thriller at Allianz Stadium and now face the competition leaders in a 1 vs 2 clash, in easily the match of the round on Sunday afternoon in Wollongong. In a huge blow for the home side, five eighth Gareth Widdop has been ruled out for at least a month. Kurt Mann has been handed the #6 jersey against his former club, with Taane Milne coming into the 17 on the bench. 

1. Billy Slater 2. Suliasi Vunivalu 3. William Chambers 4. Cheyse Blair 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Cameron Munster 7. Cooper Cronk 8. Jesse Bromwich 9. Cameron Smith 10. Jordan McLean 11. Felise Kaufusi 12. Kenneath Bromwich 13. Dale Finucane 14. Christian Welch 15. Tim Glasby 16. Nelson Asofa-Solomona 18. Joe Stimson 19. Mark Nicholls 21. Curtis Scott

In - Kenny Bromwich

Out - Joe Stimson

Analysis - Melbourne were their methodical selves in their Anzac Day clash against the Warriors, which sent them back to the top of the NRL ladder. They now travel to Wollongong where they face the second placed Dragons in what promises to be a huge game for the club. Kenny Bromwich returns to the starting side, after missing Anzac Day due to the birth of his first child, this sees late replacement Joe Stimson named on the extended bench. Kiwi international Tohu Harris has not been named this week but is close to a return.

Weather Watch - Rain