NRL Teams Analysis - 2017 Round 11

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Sam Bourke looks at all the teamlist news ahead of Round 11 of the NRL, as well as a weather outlook for all eight matches.

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. Chris Heighington 11. Luke Lewis 12. Wade Graham 13. Paul Gallen 15. Jayson Bukuya 16. Jeremy Latimore 17. Sam Tagataese 18. Joseph Paulo

In - Chris Heighington, Jayson Bukuya

Out - Matt Prior, Joseph Paulo

Analysis - The Sharks scraped home in the local derby against bitter rivals the Dragons last start and now return to Shark Park where they host the 2015 premiers in North Queensland in what will be an absolute cracking way to kick off Round 11. Front rower Matt Prior has accepted a 1 match ban for a shoulder charge and is replaced in the starting side by Chris Heighington. Jayson Bukuya also forces his way back into the 17, with Joseph Paulo named 18th

1. Lachlan Coote 2. Kyle Feldt 3. Justin O'Neill 4. Kane Linnett 5. Antonio Winterstein 6. Michael Morgan 7. Ray Thompson 8. John Asiata 9. Jake Granville 10. Scott Bolton 11. Gavin Cooper 12. Ethan Lowe 13. Jason Taumalolo 14. Ben Hampton 15. Coen Hess 16. Shaun Fensom 17. Ben Spina

In - Nil

Out - Nil

Analysis - The Cowboys bounced back in a big way in Round 10, securing a valuable away win against Canterbury at ANZ Stadium. The Cowboys were given little chance without Jonathan Thurston, however Michael Morgan really stepped up in his absence in one of the best efforts of the season for the Townsville based side. Thurston has been named in the extended squad but is unlikely to play, as former NSW skipper Paul Gallen will likely beat him up on the last week before the Origin squads are announced.  

Weather Watch - Fine

1. Roger Tuivasa-sheck 2. Charnze Nicoll-klokstad 3. Blake Ayshford 4. David Fusitua 5. Ken Maumalo 6. Kieran Foran 7. Shaun Johnson 17. Ben Matulino 9. Issac Luke 10. Jacob Lillyman 11. Bodene Thompson 12. Ryan Hoffman 13. Bunty Afoa 14. Nathaniel Roache 15. Sam Lisone 8. James Gavet 18. Charlie Gubb

In - Ken Maumalo

Out - Solomone Kata

Analysis - The Warriors head back across the Tasman where they host the Dragons, after one of the greatest chokes of all last week against the Panthers. New Zealand ran in five first half tries, only to be somehow run down by a resurgent Penrith, who swallowed them up 36-28. Solomone Kata is out for the home side, which sees David Fusitua switch to centre and Ken Maumalo coming onto the wing. Rookie Charnze Nicoll-Klonstad retains his spot on the wing, as Manu Vatuvei continues to struggle with a calf injury.  

1. Jason Nightingale 2. Nene Macdonald 3. Taane Milne 4. Timoteo Lafai 5. Kalifa Faifai Loa 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. Jai Field

In - Kalifa Fai Fai Loa

Out - Euan Aitken

Analysis - St George have now lost 3 in a row, however they have just played arguably 3 of the toughest sides in Storm, Roosters and Sharks. They have also gone down swinging in each of those matches which will please coach Paul McGregor, given they are also missing key personnel in Gareth Widdop and Josh Dugan. Euan Aitken is missing this week in a further injury blow, this sees Taane Milne move to his preferred centre position, with Kalifa Fai Fai Loa coming into the side on the wing. The Dragons have a terrific record in New Zealand, having beaten the Warriors across the ditch more than any other side.   

Weather Watch - Chance of Rain

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. Joe Ofahengaue 17. David Mead

In - James Roberts

Out - George Fai

Analysis - The Broncos withstood a first half blitz from the Sea Eagles to pile on 24 unanswered points in the second half in an amazing victory at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday night. Strike centre James Roberts returns in a timely boost, which sees David Mead return to the bench and Jordan Kahu return to the wing. Ben Hunt has been named in the extended squad and is pushing for a return at halfback despite the great form of Kodi Nikorima last week in their win over the Eagles. 

1. James Tedesco 2. David Nofoaluma 3. Malakai Watene-Zelezniak 4. Moses Suli 5. Kevin Naiqama 6. Jack Littlejohn 20. Jordan Rankin 8. Aaron Woods 9. Matt McIlwrick 10. Sauaso Sue 11. Joel Edwards 16. Kyle Lovett 13. Elijah Taylor 14. Tim Grant 15. Josh Aloiai 17. Jacob Liddle 21. Michael Chee-Kam

In - Aaron Woods

Out - Mitchell Moses, Ava Seumanufagai

Analysis - The Tigers put in an awful performance against their traditional rivals the Rabbitohs losing 28-8 in Round 10 and will be desperate to turn things around on their trip to Brisbane. Mitchell Moses has finally been granted a release after so much speculation for many weeks. Jack Littlejohn returns to the side at five-eighth, but the big return for Wests, is their skipper Aaron Woods who returns early from a groin injury to lead the pack against the Broncos at Suncorp Stadium in an Origin rehearsal. 

Weather Watch - Rain

1. Tyrone Roberts 2. Anthony Don 3. Jarryd Hayne 4. Konrad Hurrell 5. Dale Copley 6. Kane Elgey 7. Ashley Taylor 8. Jarrod Wallace 9. Nathan Peats 10. Ryan James 11. Chris McQueen 12. Joe Greenwood 13. Leivaha Pulu 14. Karl Lawton 15. Morgan Boyle 16. Paterika Vaivai 17. Nathaniel Peteru

In - Dale Copley, Karl Lawton

Out - Dan Sarginson, Ryan Simpkins

Analysis - The Gold Coast made it 3 wins on the trot, fighting back to defeat the ladder leaders Melbourne 38-36 in a stunning performance. The Titans now return to CBUS Stadium where they host the Sea Eagles. Jarryd Hayne has been named despite leaving the field with a minor knee injury last week. Both Dan Sarginson and Ryan Simpkins have been ruled out through injury, which sees Dale Copley and Leivaha Pulu come into the starting side with Karl Lawton and Nathaniel Peteru joining the bench.   

1. Matthew Wright 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 - Matthew Wright

Out - Tom Trbojevic

Analysis - The Sea Eagles were outstanding in the first half against the Broncos last week, but completely capitulated when star player Tom Trbojevic left the field with a serious leg injury after blitzing the Broncos in the first half. Unfortunately in a huge blow the Eagles are without Tom Trbojevic for 6-8 weeks. Matthew Wright comes into the side at fullback for their trip to the Gold Coast.

Weather Watch - Rain   

1. Bevan French 2. Semi Radradra 3. Michael Jennings 4. Kirisome Auva'a 5. Josh Hoffman 6. Clint Gutherson 21. Mitchell Moses 8. Suaia Matagi 9. Kaysa Pritchard 10. Tim Mannah 11. Manu Ma'u 12. Tepai Moeroa 13. Nathan Brown 15. Daniel Alvaro 16. Kenny Edwards 17. Siosaia Vave 18. David Gower

In - Bevan French  

Out - Corey Norman

Analysis - The Eels return to ANZ Stadium, where they host an under siege Raiders in what will feature as a must win for both sides. The Eels have lost five-eighth Corey Norman for 6 weeks, however they have finally secured the services of former Tiger, Mitchell Moses who has been named in the extended squad. Fullback Bevan French returns to the side after a stint on the sidelines, while Brad Takairangi has also been named alongside Moses on the extended bench so expect a backline reshuffle. 

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 16. Clay Priest 17. Iosia Soliola 18. Dunamis Lui

In - Josh Papalii

Out - Dunamis Lui

Analysis - Canberra have now slumped to 3 losses in a row and now find themselves having won just 4 of their opening 10 matches of 2017, after being one of the premiership favourites in the pre-season. They now face a trip up the Hume Highway, where they face Parramatta minus their best player Corey Norman. Josh Papalii returns from suspension, which pushes Dunamis Lui out of the 17 in the only change for the men in green.   

Weather Watch - Rain 

1. Dane Gagai 2. Ken Sio 3. Joe Wardle 4. Peter Mata'utia 18. Brendan Elliott 6. Brock Lamb 7. Jaelen Feeney 8. Daniel Saifiti 9. Danny Levi 21. Jack Stockwell 11. Sione Mata'utia 12. Sam Stone 17. Jacob Saifiti 14. Luke Yates 16. Mitchell Barnett 19. Tyler Randell 21. Josh King

In - Sam Stone, Mitchell Barnett

Out - Lachlan Fitzgibbon, Tyler Randall

Analysis - The Knights secured their second win of the season, stunning the Raiders at Hunter Stadium, in easily their best performance of 2017…maybe even since 2016..I can't remember. Newcastle now host the Panthers at the same venue and confidence will be high. The Novocastrians welcome back Sam Stone and Mitchell Barnett to the side, with Lachlan Fitzgibbon and Tyler Randall making way. 

1. Matt Moylan 2. Peta Hiku 3. Dean Whare 4. Waqa Blake 5. Dallin Watene Zelezniak 6. Bryce Cartwright 7. Nathan Cleary 8. James Tamou 9. Peter Wallace 10. Regan Campbell-Gillard 11. Corey Harawira 14. Tyrone Peachey 13. Trent Merrin 15. Leilani Latu 16. Tim Browne 17. Viliame Kikau 19. Sitaleki Akauola

In - Viliame Kikau

Out - James Fisher-Harris

Analysis - Penrith performed one of their greatest comebacks in their history to steal a win against the Warriors last Saturday. The question is..has this turned their season around? Penrith now must back up that second half performance when they take the trip up the M1 to take on a passionate Knights at Hunter Stadium.  James Fisher-Harris and Viliame Kikau swap places from last week, with Fisher-Harris out with a hamstring injury. Rookie backrower Corey Harawira-Naera will start in the second row, with Kikau on the interchange.    

Weather Watch - Rain 

1. William Hopoate 2. Brett Morris 3. Josh Morris 4. Brenko Lee 5. Kerrod Holland 6. Matt Frawley 7. Moses Mbye 8. Aiden Tolman 9. Michael Lichaa 10. James Graham 11. Josh Jackson 12. Adam Elliot 13. David Klemmer 14. Sam Kasiano 15. Danny Fualalo 16. Greg Eastwood 17. Craig Garvey

In - Craig Garvey

Out - Marcelo Montoya

Analysis - Canterbury were very poor at home against a Cowboys side minus their best player Jonathan Thurston, blowing a golden opportunity to consolidate their position in the Top 8. They now host a red hot Roosters outfit in what promises to be one of the games of the round. Craig Garvey has been named on the bench for Marcelo Montoya in the only change.  Fullback Will Hopoate will play, after making the decision to make himself available to play on Sundays for the rest of the season.    

1. Michael Gordon 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Latrell Mitchell 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 12. Mitchell Aubusson 13. Sio Siua Taukeiaho 14. Aidan Guerra 16. Kane Evans 17. Connor Watson 18. Ryan Matterson

In - Nil

Out - Nil

Analysis - The Roosters thrashed the Eels at Allianz Stadium last Sunday and confidence will be high as they face bitter rivals the Bulldogs at ANZ Stadium on Sunday afternoon. This match will have huge implications on NSW Origin selection, with numerous players on both sides likely to be included for the Blues.  All eyes though will be on the performance of halfback Mitchell Pearce who is firming for a NSW recall after showing strong form so far this season.

Weather Watch - Fine

1. Cody Walker 2. Alex Johnston 3. Hymel Hunt 4. Bryson Goodwin 5. Aaron Gray 6. John Sutton 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Thomas Burgess 9. Robbie Farah 10. Robbie Rochow 11. Kyle Turner 12. Angus Crichton 13. Sam Burgess 14. Damien Cook 15. Tyrell Fuimaono 16. Anthony Cherrington 17. Zane Musgrove

In - Zane Musgrove

Out - Jason Clark

Analysis - South Sydney bounced back after suffering 3 straight defeats, when they smacked the Tigers 28-8 last Friday night. The Rabbitohs now travel to Perth, where they will be hoping for another bumper ‘home' crowd in the West. With key players Robbie Farah and Adam Reynolds needing huge games against the Storm in order to gain NSW selection. Zane Musgrove comes onto the bench for Jason Clark in the only change for the Bunnies.  

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

In - Nil

Out - Nil

Analysis - Melbourne coach Craig Bellamy will be filthy on two accounts this week, one the Storm lost and two they let in 38 points in their narrow loss to the Titans. The Storm now travel to Perth where they face the Rabbitohs and expect to see a dramatic improvement in their defence this week. Joe Stimson will start this week, with Felise Kaufusi moving back to the interchange bench in the only change for the visitors. Nelson Asofa-Solomona has been named on the extended bench and will push for a late inclusion.    

Weather Watch - Showers