NRL Teams Analysis - 2017 Round 14

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Sam is back with his weekly analysis of all the NRL Round 14 teamlists.

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 11. Luke Lewis 12. Wade Graham 13. Paul Gallen 14. Jayson Bukuya 15. Chris Heighington 16. Sam Tagataese 17. Joseph Paulo

In - Andrew Fifita, Jack Bird, James Maloney, Wade Graham

Out - Edrick Lee, Jeremy Latimore, Kurt Capewell, Fa'manu Brown

Analysis - The Sharks kick off Round 14 with the Grand Final replay at Shark Park in a blockbuster to welcome back Thursday night football. Cronulla's successful NSW contingent in Andrew Fifita, Jack Bird, James Maloney, and Wade Graham all return, which sees the home side at full strength for this massive clash. The defending premiers got the result in Round 6, where they defeated the Storm 11-2 in Melbourne and a win here will see their price for the premiership reel in with the bookies. 

1. Billy Slater 2. Suliasi Vunivalu 3. William Chambers 4. Cheyse Blair 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Cameron Munster 21. Ryley Jacks 8. Jesse Bromwich 9. Cameron Smith 15. Tim Glasby 11. Felise Kaufusi 12. Tohu Harris 13. Dale Finucane 10. Jordan McLean 14. Slade Griffin 16. Kenneath Bromwich 17. Nelson Asofa-Solomona

In - Cameron Smith

Out - Brandon Smith

Analysis - Melbourne welcome back skipper Cameron Smith for the Grand Final re-match in a huge boost for the squad. Despite Smith's absence last week with a sternum injury, the Storm were electric against the hapless Knights, running out 40-12 winners, with Billy Slater well and truly putting his hand up for an Origin recall. A win at Shark Park will see the Storm skip to a four point lead at the top of the NRL ladder in what will be a huge game for the Victorian based club. 

21. Tom Trbojevic 1. Matthew Wright 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. Lloyd Perrett 16. Jackson Hastings 17. Addin Fonua-blake

In - Jonathan Wright

Out - Jorge Taufua

Analysis - The Sea Eagles defeated the Raiders for the second time this season in Golden Point, winning just their second game at Brookvale Oval in 2017. The Sea Eagles again play host, and welcome the Knights, where they will be looking to make it 3 wins on the trot. In a blow for the Eagles, winger Jorge Taufua has been ruled out for the season with an ACL injury, which sees the experienced Jonathan Wright named in his place. Superstar fullback Tom Trbojevic has been named on the extended bench and is an outside chance to make his comeback from a leg injury suffered against the Broncos in Round 10. 

1. Dane Gagai 2. Ken Sio 18. Brendan Elliott 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. Lachlan Fitzgibbon 13. Mitchell Barnett 14. Luke Yates 15. Josh King 16. Tyler Randell 17. Jacob Saifiti

In - Josh King

Out - Sam Stone

Analysis - The Knights were handed a harsh lesson against the competition's benchmark in the Storm in Round 13, going down 40-12. Incredibly, the Knights did not make it into their own 20m attacking zone until the 70th minute, something they will have to improve on immensely against the Sea Eagles. The Knights have made a few positional changes to their starting pack, with hardworking backrower Mitch Barnett starting at lock, and Luke Yates shifting to the bench. Josh King replaces Sam Stone on the interchange in the other change.   

Weather Watch - Rain

1. Darius Boyd 2. Corey Oates 3. James Roberts 4. Tautau Moga 5. Jordan Kahu 6. Anthony Milford 17. Kodi Nikorima 8. Korbin Sims 9. Andrew McCullough 10. Adam Blair 14. Alex Glenn 12. Matt Gillett 13. Josh Mcguire 11. Sam Thaiday 15. Tevita Pangai 18. Joe Ofahengaue 19. Benji Marshall

In - Anthony Milford, Kodi Nikorima

Out - Benji Marshall, Jaydn Su'a

Analysis - The Broncos have suffered back to back away losses, after going on a run of being undefeated since Round 5. Brisbane now return to Suncorp Stadium where they host an out of form Rabbitohs side in Friday night football. Anthony Milford returns after suffering a head knock in Origin, replacing an outstanding Benji Marshall, who was very good fill in for the mercurial five-eighth. Kodi Nikorima also returns to the bench replacing Jaydn Su'a.   

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. George Burgess 15. Tyrell Fuimaono 12. Angus Crichton 13. Sam Burgess 14. Damien Cook 11. Kyle Turner 17. Zane Musgrove 20. Robbie Rochow

In - Bryson Goodwin

Out - Robbie Rochow

Analysis - South Sydney had a timely week off after an awful performance in Round 11 against the Eels in what was an forgettable game for the Bunnies, but an unforgettable spray in the change rooms from coach Michael Maguire, which had Russell Crowe reaching for the earplugs! The Rabbitohs welcome back Bryson Goodwin to the centres, which sees young gun Tyrell Fuimaono returning to the bench and Roobie Rochow out of the starting 17. The Rabbitohs will be looking for a much improved performance after only winning 3 of their last 7 matches.    

Weather Watch - Partly Cloudy

1. Jarryd Hayne 2. Anthony Don 3. Dale Copley 4. Konrad Hurrell 5. William Zillman 6. Kane Elgey 7. Ashley Taylor 8. Jarrod Wallace 9. Nathan Peats 10. Ryan James 15. Morgan Boyle 12. Joe Greenwood 11. Chris McQueen 13. Leivaha Pulu 14. Karl Lawton 19. Nathaniel Peteru 20. Max King

In - Nathan Peats

Out - Max King

Analysis - The Titans just did not click into gear last round against the Cowboys in Townsville, going down 20-8 and succumbing to their second successive loss. The Titans now return to CBUS Stadium, where the host the Warriors in a danger game for the home side. Jarryd Hayne returns to fullback this week, where he is much more of a threat, which sees Tyrone Roberts move back to the interchange bench. Dale Copley moves back to centre, while Will Zillman comes into the starting side on the wing.

1. Roger Tuivasa-sheck 2. David Fusitua 3. Blake Ayshford 4. Solomone Kata 5. Ken Maumalo 6. Kieran Foran 7. Shaun Johnson 8. Jacob Lillyman 9. Issac Luke 10. Ben Matulino 11. Bodene Thompson 12. Ryan Hoffman 13. Simon Mannering 15. Sam Lisone 16. Albert Vete 17. Bunty Afoa 22. Mafoa'aeata Hingano

In - Bunty Afoa

Out - James Gavet

Analysis - The Warriors couldn't run down the Eels in another poor display away from Mt Smart Stadium. New Zealand now travel to the Gold Coast where they face a fired up Titans side, who are looking to snap a 2 game losing streak. Prop James Gavet is out with a hamstring injury, which sees Queensland prop Jacob Lilyman, joining Ben Matulino to start in the front row, with Bunty Afoa coming onto the bench.    

Weather Watch - Rain

1. Dylan Edwards 2. Josh Mansour 3. Dean Whare 4. Waqa Blake 5. Dallin Watene Zelezniak 6. Matt Moylan 7. Nathan Cleary 8. James Tamou 9. Mitch Rein 10. Regan Campbell-Gillard 11. Corey Harawira 12. Isaah Yeo 13. Trent Merrin 14. Tyrone Peachey 15. Leilani Latu 16. Tim Browne 17. Viliame Kikau

In - Nil

Out - Nil

Analysis - Penrith put in their most complete performance of 2017, after they thrashed the Bulldogs at ANZ Stadium last Sunday. The Panthers now return to their home away from home at Carrington Park in Bathurst in their annual country round game again the Raiders. Skipper Matt Moylan remains at five eighth which proved a masterstroke last weekend, with Dylan Edwards again named at fullback.     

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. Iosia Soliola 11. Josh Papalii 12. Elliot Whitehead 13. Luke Bateman 15. Royce Hunt 16. Clay Priest 17. Joseph Tapine 21. Kurt Baptiste

In - Luke Bateman, Royce Hunt

Out - Shannon Boyd, Dunamis Lui

Analysis - Canberra were unlucky to go down for the second time this season to Manly in Golden Point, look out if these two teams meet again in September. The Raiders however need to dust themselves off quickly as the Panthers will be certain to be looking for revenge after the Raiders ended the Panthers season in 2016. In a big..literally big blow Shannon Boyd is out with a knee injury, while Dunamis Lui will miss the rest of the season after injuring his ACL last week. Sia Soliola has been named at starting prop, with Luke Bateman returning to the side at lock. Royce Hunt has been named on the bench and looks likely make his NRL debut. Former Australian and Queensland prop Dave Taylor has overcome the chicken pox and has been named on the extended bench. 

Weather Watch - Partly Cloudy   

1. Bevan French 2. Semi Radradra 3. Brad Takairangi 6. Clint Gutherson 5. Nathan Davis 21. Corey Norman 7. Mitchell Moses 15. Daniel Alvaro 9. Kaysa Pritchard 10. Tim Mannah 11. Manu Ma'u 12. Tepai Moeroa 13. Nathan Brown 8. Suaia Matagi 14. Beau Scott 16. Kenny Edwards 17. Will Smith

In - Tim Mannah, Nathan Davis 

Out - Josh Hoffman, David Gower

Analysis - The Eels travel to TIO Stadium in Darwin, where the host the high flying Cowboys in a test for the blue and golds. Parramatta have turned things around and won two games on the trot. The form of five-eighth Clint Gutherson has been outstanding, however with the recruitment of ex-Tiger Mitchell Moses and the imminent return of star playmaker Corey Norman creates a difficult selection for coach Brad Arthur. This could loom as early as this week, with Norman named on the extended bench and will likely force his way into the side. Josh Hoffman and David Gower are out through injury, which sees former Titan Nathan Davis get his chance on the wing, with captain Tim Mannah returning at prop.     

1. Lachlan Coote 2. Kyle Feldt 3. Justin O'Neill 4. Kane Linnett 5. Antonio Winterstein 19. Johnathan Thurston 7. Michael Morgan 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 - Justin O'Neil, Kyle Laybutt

Out - Ray Thompson, Javid Bowen

Analysis - The Cowboys travel to Darwin, where the heat certainly won't be a problem. North Queensland were terrific last week defeating the Titans at home off the back of some strong performances of their big names in Jason Taumalolo and Michael Morgan. The Cows welcome back under fire Queensland centre Justin O'Neil, who replaces Javid Bowen. Rookie Kyle Laybutt has been named to make his NRL debut, however once again Jonathan Thurston has been named in the extended squad and will be looking to getting 80 minutes under his belt if he is to push his return to the Queensland side prior to Origin II.  

Weather Watch - Sunny   

1. James Tedesco 2. David Nofoaluma 3. Michael Chee-Kam 4. Moses Suli 5. Kevin Naiqama 6. Tuimoala Lolohea 7. Jack Littlejohn 8. Aaron Woods 9. Matt McIlwrick 10. Ava Seumanufagai 11. Sauaso Sue 12. Kyle Lovett 13. Elijah Taylor 14. Tim Grant 15. Jj Felise 16. Esan Marsters 17. Jacob Liddle

In - Sauaso Sue

Out - Chris Lawrence

Analysis - The Tigers are staring down the barrel of 5 straight losses when they host their traditional rivals the Roosters at Campbelltown Stadium in the only Sunday game this week. Wests have lost Chris Lawrence, who is replaced by Sauaso Sue who returns to the starting side in the backrow. James Tedesco was sensational for the Tigers last week against the Dragons and will again need another top shelf display against his future club to give the Tigers any hope. 

1. Michael Gordon 3. Latrell Mitchell 12. Mitchell Aubusson 4. Joseph Manu 5. Blake Ferguson 6. Luke Keary 7. Mitchell Pearce 8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves 9. Jake Friend 10. Dylan Napa 16. Ryan Matterson 15. Aidan Guerra 13. Sio Siua Taukeiaho 14. Isaac Liu 17. Connor Watson 18. Zane Tetevano 19. Kane Evans

In -Mitchell Pearce

Out - Zane Tetevano

Analysis - The Roosters just got home against the Broncos in Round 13, in what may prove a valuable two points for a potential Top 4 spot come season's end for the Bondi based club. NSW half Mitchell Pearce returns at halfback, which sees Connor Watson switch back to the interchange and Zane Tetevano moving to the extended squad. NSW skipper Boyd Cordner has been in sublime form for the Roosters and will be a handful for the Tigers edge defenders.

Weather Watch - Showers   

1. William Hopoate 2. Brett Morris 3. Josh Morris 4. Chase Stanley 5. Marcelo Montoya 17. 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 20. Kerrod Holland

In - James Graham, Josh Reynolds, Brett Morris, Chase Stanley

Out - Brenko Lee, Kerrod Holland, Francis Tualau, Craig Garvey

Analysis - The under fire Bulldogs welcome back the cavalry in skipper James Graham, NSW winger Brett Morris and fan favourite Josh Reynolds in some huge inclusions for Des Hasler's side. Outside backs Brenko Lee and Kerrod Holland have paid the price for some costly errors in their 38-0 thrashing at the hands of the Panthers, with both players dropped. Veteran centre Chase Stanley makes his first appearance for the year against his former club at centre and will likely takeover the goalkicking duties. Rookie winger Marcelo Montoya switches to the right wing replacing Holland. Make no mistake, this is a huge game for the club as they look to respond to four straight losses against their bitter rivals the Dragons.

1. Josh Dugan 2. Nene Macdonald 3. Kurt Mann 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. Hame Sele 17. Taane Milne

In - Nil

Out - Nil

Analysis - The third placed Dragons return to ANZ Stadium on Monday afternoon after defeating the Tigers 16-12 at the same venue last week. St George have made no changes, with fullback Josh Dugan and five eighth Gareth Widdop making successful returns for the Red V. The Dragons will not be doing any favours for their bitter rivals Canterbury and will not be taking the under siege side lightly.   

Weather Watch - Partly Cloudy