NRL Teams Analysis - 2017 Round 16

Embed from Getty Images

Sam returns to analyse all fourteen lineups ahead of NRL Round 16.

1. Roger Tuivasa-sheck 2. Charnze Nicoll-klokstad 3. Blake Ayshford 4. David Fusitua 5. Ken Maumalo 22. Mafoa'aeata Hingano 7. Shaun Johnson 8. Jacob Lillyman 9. Issac Luke 10. Ben Matulino 11. Bodene Thompson 12. Ryan Hoffman 13. Simon Mannering 14. Nathaniel Roache 15. Sam Lisone 16. Albert Vete 18. James Gavet

In - Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, Nathaniel Roache

Out - Solomona Kata, Ata Hingano

Analysis - The Warriors welcome the Bulldogs to Mt Smart Stadium to kick off Round 16. The match is billed as the clash of the two five-eighths, with incoming Bulldogs five-eighth Kieran Foran matching up against current Bulldogs and Tigers bound five eighth Josh Reynolds. Foran has been named despite leaving the field with a quad injury in Round 14 and is rated a 50/50 chance of taking his place on Friday night. Should he not take his place expect Ata Hingano to come straight into the halves to partner Shaun Johnson. Centre Solomona Kata has been given leave for this week, which sees David Fusitua move to centre and rookie winger Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad has been named on the wing. Manu Vatuvei has been named on the extended bench in jumper #20 and could come into the game day 17. The Warriors last 5 matches read WLWLW, which highlights their inconsistency once again in 2017.

1. William Hopoate 20. Kerrod Holland 3. Josh Morris 4. Chase Stanley 5. Marcelo Montoya 6. Josh Reynolds 7. Moses Mbye 8. Aiden Tolman 9. Michael Lichaa 10. James Graham 11. Josh Jackson 12. Adam Elliot 15. Danny Fualalo 14. Sam Kasiano 13. David Klemmer 16. Greg Eastwood 22. Raymond Faitala-Mariner

In - Josh Reynolds,

Out - Kerrod Holland

Analysis - Canterbury return fresh off the bye with a difficult trip across the Tasman, which looms as a possible turning point in their season after their win over the Dragons last start. Star five-eighth Josh Reynolds has been missed and returns for the trip across the ditch. This sees Matt Frawley move back to the bench and Kerrod Holland out of the 17. The Bulldogs were solid in their upset of the Dragons in Round 14 and all eyes will be on their Origin stars Josh Jackson, David Klemmer and Brett Morris who will be backing up from Origin II less than 48 hours earlier. 

Weather Watch - Rain

5. Kevin Naiqama 2. David Nofoaluma 3. Esan Marsters 4. Moses Suli 18. Malakai Watene-Zelezniak 6. Tuimoala Lolohea 7. Luke Brooks 8. Aaron Woods 9. Jacob Liddle 10. Ava Seumanufagai 11. Sauaso Sue 12. Kyle Lovett 13. Elijah Taylor 14. Matthew Eisenhuth 15. Jj Felise 16. Michael Chee-Kam 17. Matt McIlwrick

In - James Tedesco, Aaron Woods

Out - Malakai Watene-Zelezniak, Tim Grant

Analysis - The Tigers took the defending premiers to the brink last Saturday night at Shark Park, however were closed out late to slump to their sixth loss in a row. NSW duo James Tedesco and Aaron Woods will back up provided they get through Wednesday night, which will be a major boost for their clash at Campbelltown for Friday Night Football, where you would expect the home side to lift.

1. Jarryd Hayne 2. Anthony Don 3. Dale Copley 4. Konrad Hurrell 5. William Zillman 21. Jamal Fogarty 7. Ashley Taylor 8. Jarrod Wallace 9. Nathan Peats 10. Ryan James 11. Kevin Proctor 17. Joe Greenwood 13. Max King 14. John Olive 15. Pat Politoni 16. Morgan Boyle 20. Agnatius Paasi

In - Jarryd Hayne, Nathan Peats, Jarrod Wallace, William Zillman, Anthony Don

Out - Eddy Pettybourne, Leivaha Pulu, Phillip Sami, Nathaniel Peteru, Paterika Vaivai

Analysis - The Titans are under pressure after losing their last four matches on the trot. They welcome back an enormous amount of talent to their starting side, should Origin representatives in Jarryd Hayne, Nathan Peats and Jarrod Wallace get through Origin II unscathed. Wingers Anthony Don and Will Zillman return for John Olive and Phillip Sami, while Chris McQueen returns to the backrow after starting at five-eighth last week. Max King has been named at lock, replacing Leivaha Pulu, who will miss the next month through appendicitis.

Weather Watch - Fine

1. Lachlan Coote 2. Kyle Feldt 3. Justin O'Neill 4. Kane Linnett 5. Antonio Winterstein 6. Michael Morgan 18. Kyle Laybutt 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. Corey Jensen

In - Jonathan Thurston, Michael Morgan, Gavin Cooper, Coen Hess

Out - Kyle Laybutt, Ray Thompson, Javid Bowen, Ben Spina

Analysis - The Cowboys host the resurgent Panthers at 1300 Smiles Stadium in what promises to be one of the matches of the round. The Cowboys have named a near full strength line up with all their Origin stars in Michael Morgan, Gavin Cooper, Coen Hess and of course the mercurial Jonathan Thurston, who was simply outstanding on his return from injury against the Eels in Round 14. The inexperienced Cowboys went down to the equally inexperienced Storm last week, however the performance was still strong from Paul Green's men, with Jason Taumalolo playing a huge role with their stars missing.      

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 return off their final bye of the year, and after a horrible start to the season. The men from the foot of the Blue Mountains have now won four in a row and have the rest of the competition looking over their shoulder. Penrith have made no changes to the side with skipper Matt Moylan playing outstanding football since switching to five eighth.      

Weather Watch - Showers

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. Iosia Soliola 14. Kurt Baptiste 16. Clay Priest 17. Joseph Tapine

In - Shannon Boyd

Out - Royce Hunt

Analysis - Canberra return to GIO Stadium for the first of four straight home games in the Nation's Capital for the Green Machine. The Raiders welcome back Australian prop Shannon Boyd in a huge boost for their match against their traditional rivals the Broncos. Coach Ricky Stuart re-signed with the Raiders as coach until 2020 during the week and will have his men jumping out of their skin to break a two game losing streak in front of their home fans.  

5. Jordan Kahu 2. Corey Oates 3. James Roberts 4. Tautau Moga 21. David Mead 6. Benji Marshall 7. Kodi Nikorima 20. Herman Essese 9. Andrew McCullough 10. Adam Blair 14. Alex Glenn 12. Matt Gillett 13. Josh Mcguire 11. Sam Thaiday 15. Tevita Pangai 16. Joe Ofahengaue 17. Ben Hunt

In - Ben Hunt,

Out - Anthony Milford

Analysis - The Broncos head to the ACT currently sitting in fourth position on the NRL ladder and will be hoping that their four Origin stars get through Wednesday night to take on the Raiders. Former Raider Anthony Milford is out, which sees Benji Marshall named at five-eighth, with Ben Hunt recalled to first grade from the bench after playing a game in QLD Cup in Round 14. Brisbane know the Origin period pinch better than most and a win away from home would be a huge boost to their Top 4 aspirations.

Weather Watch - Partly Cloudy

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 15. Aidan Guerra 12. Mitchell Aubusson 16. Ryan Matterson 14. Isaac Liu 17. Connor Watson 18. Zane Tetevano 20. Nat Butcher

In - Boyd Cordner, Daniel Tupou

Out - Kane Evans, Zane Tetevano

Analysis - The Roosters take an absolute blockbuster home game to the City of Churches in Round 20, with Adelaide Oval playing host to the first placed Storm vs the second placed Roosters, which will hopefully ensure a bumper crowd on Saturday night. The Roosters welcome back NSW Captain Boyd Cordner, as well as Daniel Tupou, who comes up against Suniasi Vunivalu in one of the many outstanding match ups across the park from two of the competitions form teams. The Roosters will be sweating on the fitness of Mitchell Pearce and Cordner post Origin for this blockbuster.  

6. Cameron Munster 2. Suliasi Vunivalu 16. Curtis Scott 4. Young Tonumaipea 5. Josh Addo-Carr 22. Jahrome Hughes 19. Brodie Croft 8. Jesse Bromwich 18. Slade Griffin 14. Nelson Asofa-Solomona 11. Felise Kaufusi 12. Tohu Harris 13. Dale Finucane 10. Tim Glasby 15. Kenneath Bromwich 17. Mark Nicholls 20. Brandon Smith

In - Cameron Smith, Billy Slater, Cooper Cronk, Will Chambers, Tim Glasby

Out - Ryley Jacks, Brodie Croft, Mark Nicholls, Brandon Smith, Dean Britt, Slade Griffin

Analysis - Melbourne's young stars were so impressive last week, with a Brodie Croft field goal in Golden Point securing a valuable two points for the home side. The Storm now travel to neighbouring Adelaide, where they face the Roosters, with all their Origin stars in Cameron Smith, Billy Slater, Cooper Cronk, Will Chambers and Tim Glasby slated to return 72 hours after Origin II. Craig Bellemy has been resting his stars one by one lately so a late re-shuffle to the 17 named is likely. 

Weather Watch - Showers

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 19. Tyson Frizell 12. Joel Thompson 11. Tariq Sims 14. Jacob Host 15. Leeson Ah Mau 16. Hame Sele 17. Taane Milne

In - Josh Dugan

Out - Kalifa Fai Fai Loa, Jack De Belin

Analysis - The Dragons after storming into the Top 4 earlier in the season are now officially in a slump, going down to bitter rivals in the Bulldogs and the Eels in consecutive weeks. St George now host the Knights at Kogarah Oval in what is shaping as a must win match for the Red V. Josh Dugan has been named to return from Origin duty at fullback, while NSW backrower Tyson Frizell has been named on the extended bench. In a huge blow lock Jack De Belin has been suspended for a crusher tackle and will miss the match against Newcastle. In some positive news, centre Euan Aitken has been named in the extended squad and will be pushing for a return. 

1. Dane Gagai 2. Ken Sio 3. Brendan Elliott 4. Peter Mata'utia 5. Nathan Ross 6. Brock Lamb 7. Jaelen Feeney 8. Daniel Saifiti 9. Danny Levi 15. Josh King 11. Sione Mata'utia 12. Lachlan Fitzgibbon 13. Mitchell Barnett 14. Luke Yates 16. Tyler Randell 17. Jacob Saifiti 18. Sam Mataora

In - Nil

Out - Nil

Analysis - The Knights have named an unchanged line up to the side that undeservedly went down to the Sea Eagles in Round 14, after a howler of a decision granting Manly winger Akuila Uate a try, when replays showed he clearly lost the ball. Newcastle will fancy their chances against the Dragons who are down on form, looking to snap a two match losing streak.   

Weather Watch - Partly Cloudy

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 14. Jayson Bukuya 11. Luke Lewis 12. Wade Graham 13. Paul Gallen 10. Matt Prior 15. Chris Heighington 16. Kurt Capewell 17. Daniel Mortimer

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

Out - Edrick Lee, Jeremy Latimore, Sam Tagatese, Fa'manu Brown, Joseph Paulo

Analysis - The Sharks welcome back their five star players missing due to State of Origin duty, which sees Jeremy Latimore, Sam Tagataese, Joseph Paulo, Fa'amanu Brown and Edrick Lee making way. Kurt Capewell and Daniel Mortimer have been rewarded for their match winnings efforts last week against the Tigers and will start from the interchange against their traditional rivals the Sea Eagles at Shark Park on Sunday. 

1. Tom Trbojevic 2. 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. Darcy Lussick 17. Addin Fonua-blake

In - Darcy Lussick

Out - Jackson Hastings

Analysis - The Sea Eagles have been the surprise packets in 2017, and will be looking to make it four wins on the trot should they spring an upset over the defending premiers on Sunday at Shark Park. Darcy Lussick returns on the interchange for Jackson Hastings in the only change to the side who defeated the Knights in Round 14. Jake Trbojevic has been named to start and is the Eagles sole Origin representative backing up on Sunday afternoon.  

Weather Watch - Partly Cloudy