Teamlist Tuesday Analysis - 2017 Round 17

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Sam Bourke returns with his weekly analysis of all the teamlists ahead of Round 17 of the NRL.

Parramatta Eels

1. Clint Gutherson 2. Semi Radradra 3. Michael Jennings 4. Brad Takairangi 5. Bevan French 6. Corey Norman 7. Mitchell Moses 8. Daniel Alvaro 9. Cameron King 10. Tim Mannah 11. Manu Ma'u 12. Kenny Edwards 13. Nathan Brown 14. David Gower 15. Tepai Moeroa 16. Suaia Matagi 17. Will Smith

In - Cameron King, Tepai Moeroa, David Gower

Out - Beau Scott, Kaysa Pritchard, Siosaia Vave 

Analysis - The Eels sit in eighth position and fresh off the bye, they host their bitter rivals Canterbury at ANZ Stadium in what could prove to be a massive chance to further push their claims for their first appearance since 2009. The Eels have been dealt a blow with both hooker Kaysa Pritchard and former NSW forward Beau Scott ruled out for the season. Cameron King gets his first shot a first grade since joining the club and will start in the #9. Tepai Moeroa returns from injury and returns to the backrow, with David Gower replacing Siosaia Vave on the bench.    

Canterbury Bulldogs

1. William Hopoate 2. Brett Morris 3. Josh Morris 4. Chase Stanley 5. Marcelo Montoya 6. Josh Reynolds 7. Moses Mbye 8. Aiden Tolman 9. Michael Lichaa 15. Danny Fualalo 11. Josh Jackson 12. Adam Elliot 13. David Klemmer 10. Sam Kasiano 14. Raymond Faitala-Mariner 16. Francis Tualau 17. Matt Frawley

In - Brett Morris, Matt Frawley, Francis Tualau

Out - James Graham, Greg Eastwood, Kerrod Holland

Analysis - Canterbury were back to their Jekyl and Hyde ways last week, after looking to have turned a corner after defeating the high flying Dragons in Round 15. However, the Dogs took the wrong medicine on their trip across the Tasman and were again poor going down 21-14. Just when things couldn't get much worse for Canterbury in 2017, their skipper James Graham has been ruled out for at least a month with a minor neck injury. New Zealand backrower Greg Eastwood will also join him on the sidelines, ruled out for six weeks with a knee injury. Sam Kasiano will move from the bench to start at prop, while NSW enforcer David Klemmer returns to the starting side after a less than 48 hour turnaround from Origin II last week. Matt Frawley and Francis Tualau come onto the interchange bench.

Weather Watch - Partly Cloudy

Gold Coast Titans

1. Jarryd Hayne 2. Anthony Don 3. Dale Copley 4. Konrad Hurrell 5. William Zillman 6. Tyrone Roberts 7. Ashley Taylor 8. Jarrod Wallace 9. Nathan Peats 10. Ryan James 11. Kevin Proctor 12. Joe Greenwood 16. Max King 14. Pat Politoni 15. Morgan Boyle 16. Nathaniel Peteru 17. Agnatius Paasi

In - Chris McQueen, Tyrone Roberts

Out - John Olive, Jamal Fogarty

Analysis - The Titans bounced back against the Tigers at Campbelltown last Friday night, after being under pressure after losing their last four matches on the trot. Fullback Jarryd Hayne responded after being criticised for a lackluster performance for the Blues, scoring two tries in a matter of minutes to take the game away from the Tigers. Chris McQueen returns to the starting side and will start at lock, while the versatile Tyrone Roberts also returns and joins Ash Taylor in the halves in a big boost for the home side.   

St George Illawarra Dragons

1. Josh Dugan 2. Nene Macdonald 3. Euan Aitken 4. Timoteo Lafai 5. Jason Nightingale 6. Gareth Widdop 7. Kurt Mann 8. Russell Packer 9. Cameron McInnes 10. Leeson Ah Mau 11. Tyson Frizell 12. Joel Thompson 13. Jack de Belin 14. Tariq Sims 15. Blake Lawrie 16. Hame Sele 17. Josh McCrone

In - Jack De Belin, Euan Aitken

Out - Paul Vaughan, Taane Milne

Analysis - The Dragons were extremely lucky to come back and salvage a win against the Knights, after the visitors lead the Dragons 28-10 at half time. The Red V have suffered a big blow out of the Knights match, with in form prop Paul Vaughan ruled out for a month after tearing a calf muscle early in their clash with the Knights. This sees Leeson Ah Mau replace Vaughan in the front row and in some good news, Jack De Belin returns from suspension.  Further to this, Euan Aitken makes his long awaited return to centre, which sees Kurt Mann named at halfback, with Josh McCrone starting from the bench.  

Weather Watch - Rain

Brisbane Broncos

1. Jordan Kahu 21. Jonus Pearson 3. James Roberts 4. Tautau Moga 5. David Mead 6. Benji Marshall 17. Ben Hunt 8. Korbin Sims 9. Andrew McCullough 10. Adam Blair 14. Alex Glenn 12. Matt Gillett 13. Josh Mcguire 7. Kodi Nikorima 11. Sam Thaiday 15. Tevita Pangai 18. Joe Ofahengaue

In - Korbin Sims

Out - Joe Ofahengaue

Analysis - The Broncos were excellent against the Raiders, running out 30-20 winners in Canberra in a win that may well make the difference for their Top 4 bid in 2017. Brisbane now test themselves against the competition's benchmark, when they host the Strom at Suncorp Stadium in the match of the round. Prop Korbin Sims returns for Joe Ofahengaue in the only change from last week's 17, however don't be surprised to see Ben Hunt start with Benji Marshall in the halves after their electric performance against the Green Machine.

Melbourne Storm

1. Billy Slater 2. Suliasi Vunivalu 3. William Chambers 20. Curtis Scott 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Cameron Munster 7. Cooper Cronk 8. Jesse Bromwich 9. Cameron Smith 10. Tim Glasby 11. Felise Kaufusi 12. Tohu Harris 13. Dale Finucane 14. Nelson Asofa-Solomona 16. Kenneath Bromwich 17. Joe Stimson 18. Mark Nicholls

In - Cameron Smith, Billy Slater, Cooper Cronk, Will Chambers, Joe Stimson

Out - Brodie Croft, Mark Nicholls, Brandon Smith, Jahrome Hughes, Curtis Scott

Analysis - Melbourne have again named their Origin stars, who all missed last week's narrow loss to the Roosters in Adelaide. Cameron Smith, Billy Slater, Cooper Cronk and Will Chambers all look set to return for this absolute blockbuster at Suncorp Stadium, in what should be an intriguing clash before the Queensland side for Origin III is announced next week. Cameron Smith is in some doubt with a sternum injury and will need to pass a fitness test on Thursday to take his place. If the Australian skipper does not play, then Slade Griffin will take over the hooking duties. Kiwi International Tohu Harris is also in doubt with a knee injury, which forced him from the field early in the match last week.

Weather Watch - Showers  

Sydney Roosters

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. Ryan Matterson 12. Mitchell Aubusson 13. Aidan Guerra 14. Isaac Liu 15. Zane Tetevano 17. Connor Watson 18. Kane Evans

In - Nil

Out - Nil

Analysis - The Roosters again dug deep in Golden Point, with NSW half Mitch Pearce again the hero with a field goal in Golden Point securing a crucial two points over the ladder leaders Melbourne. The Tricolours now take their home match against the fifth placed Sharks to Central Coast Stadium, where a bumper crowd, which will get a preview of these finals bound sides at almost full strength. NSW Skipper Boyd Cordner has again not been named as he races the clock to be fit for Origin III.   

Cronulla Sharks

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. Fa'amanu Brown 10. Matt Prior 11. Luke Lewis 12. Wade Graham 13. Paul Gallen 14. Jayson Bukuya 15. Chris Heighington 17. Joseph Paulo 18. Sam Tagataese

In - Fa'amanu Brown, Joseph Paulo

Out - Jayden Brailey, Daniel Mortimer

Analysis - The Sharks were thrashed by the Sea Eagles at Shark Park 35-20 in a real wake up call for the defending premiers. Cronulla have lost hooker and rookie of the year nominee Jayden Brailey to a broken jaw and his back up Daniel Mortimer has left the club to sign with English Super League side Leigh prior to June 30. This sees the versatile Fa'manu Brown start at hooker, with Joseph Paulo to help out from the interchange. All five of Cronulla's Origin stars have been named.   

Weather Watch - Fine  

Manly Sea Eagles

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. Lewis Brown 13. Jake Trbojevic 15. Lloyd Perrett 16. Darcy Lussick 17. Addin Fonua-blake 18. Jarrad Kennedy

In - Cameron Cullen

Out - Curtis Sironen

Analysis - The Sea Eagles have stormed into the Top 4 on the back of a four match winning streak, which culminated in another huge win away from home against the Sharks. The Sea Eagles now host the Warriors in Perth and with Daly Cherry-Evans and Tom Trbojevic pushing for Origin selection, expect the home side to be well up for making it five wins on the trot. Second rower Curtis Sironen will miss the next 8 weeks with a pectoral injury, which sees former Warrior Lewis Brown move to the starting side and Cameron Cullen coming onto the bench as a utility.

New Zealand Warriors

1. Roger Tuivasa-sheck 2. Charnze Nicoll-klokstad 3. Blake Ayshford 4. David Fusitua 5. Ken Maumalo 6. Kieran Foran 7. Shaun Johnson 8. Jacob Lillyman 9. Nathaniel Roache 10. Ben Matulino 11. Bodene Thompson 15. Bunty Afoa 13. Simon Mannering 14. Ata Hingano 16. Albert Vete 17. James Gavet 20. Ligi Sao

In - Kieran Foran, Bunty Afoa

Out - Issac Luke, Sam Lisone

Analysis - The Warriors finally managed to secure back to back wins, defeating the Bulldogs 21-14 in a strong performance from the Auckland based side. The Warriors now make the long trip to Perth, were it is hopeful that Kieran Foran will finally return from a hamstring injury. Foran has again been named but is yet again doubtful, with Ata Hingano expected to again play at five-eighth. Issac Luke will miss a month with a shoulder injury and will be replaced by Nathaniel Roache. Bunty Afoa also returns to the 17, replacing Sam Lisone on the interchange. 

Weather Watch - Showers

Canberra Raiders

1. Jack Wighton 2. Nick Cotric 3. Jarrod Croker 4. Joseph Leilua 5. Jordan Rapana 6. Blake Austin 7. Aidan Sezer 8. Junior Paulo 14. Kurt Baptiste 10. Shannon Boyd 11. Josh Papalii 12. Elliot Whitehead 13. Iosia Soliola 15. Luke Bateman 16. Dave Taylor 17. Joseph Tapine 18. Scott Sorensen

In - Dave Taylor

Out - Clay Priest

Analysis - Canberra were one of the competition favourites in the pre-season but after last week's home loss to the Broncos, the Green Machine have now suffered three losses in a row and will be officially in crisis should they not get their season back on track against the Cowboys minus Jonathan Thurston at GIO Stadium on Saturday night. Dave Taylor returns to the 17, replacing Clay Priest on the bench, with Iosia Soliola starting at lock, with Luke Bateman starting from the bench.  

North Queensland Cowboys

1. Lachlan Coote 2. Kyle Feldt 3. Justin O'Neill 4. Kane Linnett 5. Antonio Winterstein 6. Te Maire Martin 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. Corey Jensen

In - Te Maire Martin

Out - Kyle Laybutt

Analysis - The Cowboys were superb and showed plenty of character to defeat Panthers 14-12 at 1300 Smiles Stadium, despite most pundits writing off the Cowboys season immediately with the news that Jonathan Thurston will miss the rest of the season with a torn rotator cuff. Some shrewd recruitment prior to the 30 June deadline sees former Panther Te Maire Martin rushed straight into the starting side at halfback, forming a new halves combination with Michael Morgan. This will be a big game for North Queensland who currently sit in seventh and a win here can help push them back up the ladder.

Weather Watch - Fine

Newcastle Knights

1. Nathan Ross 2. Ken Sio 3. Dane Gagai 4. Peter Mata'utia 15. Joe Wardle 20. Trent Hodkinson 7. Jaelen Feeney 8. Daniel Saifiti 9. Danny Levi 10. Josh King 11. Sione Mata'utia 12. Lachlan Fitzgibbon 13. Mitchell Barnett 14. Jamie Buhrer 17. Jacob Saifiti 19. Sam Stone 21. Josh Starling

In - Joe Wardle

Out - Luke Yates

Analysis - The Knights were left in shock after they found themselves leading the Dragons convincingly at halftime only to get the wobbles in the second half, going down 32-28, letting in 22 unanswered points. Newcastle now host the last placed Tigers in what will be the battle for the spoon in 2017. Rookie forward Luke Yates will miss the match through injury and is replaced by Joe Wardle. Nathan Ross has been named fullback after his three try performance last week, with coach Nathan Brown advising that Ross will remain there for the rest of the season, with Dane Gagai returning to his preferred centre position. Newcastle will go into the match as favourites for the first time in 2017.   

Wests Tigers

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 20. Joel Edwards 13. Elijah Taylor 14. Matthew Eisenhuth 16. Michael Chee-Kam 17. Matt McIlwrick 21. Alex Twal

In - James Tedesco

Out - Malakai Watene-Zelezniak

Analysis - The Tigers were awful against the Titans last week and travel to Newcastle in order to avoid the Wooden Spoon for 2017. NSW fullback James Tedesco returns from an ankle injury, replacing Malakai Watene-Zelezniak who drops to the extended bench, with Kevin Naiqama returning to the wing. Wests have now lost seven in a row and should they suffer a loss here then things could get ugly for the backend of the year.

Weather Watch - Fine

South Sydney Rabbitohs

1. Cody Walker 2. Alex Johnston 3. Aaron Gray 4. Bryson Goodwin 5. Braidon Burns 6. John Sutton 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Thomas Burgess 9. Robbie Farah 10. David Tyrrell 11. Tyrell Fuimaono 12. Angus Crichton 13. Sam Burgess 14. Damien Cook 15. Jason Clark 16. Zane Musgrove 17. George Burgess 18. Anthony Cherrington 19. Kyle Turner

In - Sam Burgess, Aaron Gray

Out - Kyle Turner, Anthony Cherrington

Analysis - South Sydney put in a better effort in Round 15, defeating the Titans 36-20 and will be looking to make it back to back wins at ANZ Stadium when they return off last week's bye round. Sam Burgess returns at lock in a massive boost. Aaron Gray returns and has been named in the centres, Hymel Hunt out with a thumb injury. Dave Tyrrell will starts at prop, with a straight swap for George Burgess who moves back to the bench, Kyle Turner drops out of the 17.

Penrith Panthers

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. Sione Katoa 10. Regan Campbell-Gillard 11. Corey Harawira 12. Isaah Yeo 13. Trent Merrin 14. Tyrone Peachey 15. Leilani Latu 16. Tim Browne 20. Sitaleki Akauola

In - Nil

Out - Nil

Analysis - Penrith return from Townsville with no competition points after fading late against the Cowboys. They now travel to ANZ Stadium to face the Bunnies and have made no changes to their starting 17 from last week. Penrith had the competition looking over their shoulders in recent week's so how they respond to last week's loss to North Queensland will be of great interest. In an interesting statistic for this game, Penrith have never defeated Souths at ANZ Stadium…hoodoo.         

Weather Watch - Fine