NRL Teams Analysis - 2017 Round 20

Sam analyses all the teamlists ahead of Round 20 of the NRL.

21. Kodi Nikorima 2. Jonus Pearson 3. James Roberts 4. Tautau Moga 5. Jordan Kahu 6. Anthony Milford 7. Ben Hunt 8. Korbin Sims 9. Andrew McCullough 10. Adam Blair 11. Alex Glenn 12. Matt Gillett 13. Josh Mcguire 14. Sam Thaiday 15. Tevita Pangai 16. Joe Ofahengaue 17. Benji Marshall

In - Matt Gillett, Josh McGuire

Out - Jaydn Su'a, Jai Arrow

Analysis - The Broncos return to Suncorp Stadium where they face the Bulldogs to kick off Women in League round. Brisbane managed to charge over the top of the hapless Knights in the second half last week, however they really struggled early in the match without Origin stars Josh McGuire and Matt Gillett. They both return this week to strengthen the Broncos pack against the giant Bulldogs forwards, with youngsters Jaydn Su'a and Jai Arrow making way.

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 10. Danny Fualalo 11. Josh Jackson 12. Adam Elliot 13. David Klemmer 14. Sam Kasiano 15. Raymond Faitala-Mariner 16. Francis Tualau 17. Matt Frawley

In - Josh Jackson, David Klemmer, Brett Morris

Out - Kerrod Holland, Asipeli Fine, Andy Saunders

Analysis - Canterbury return fresh off the bye after they managed a Houdini act in the final minutes at Belmore to escape with a heart stopping 20-18 win over the Knights. The Bulldogs welcome back their NSW contingent in Josh Jackson, David Klemmer and Brett Morris in a huge boost for the struggling club. The season is really on the line for the final time you would think on Thursday night, but given their form heading into the bye, the Blue and Whites will need to turn to their Origin stars to be any hope of pulling off an upset at Suncorp Stadium. 

Weather Watch - Fine

1. Connor Watson 5. Blake Ferguson 12. Mitchell Aubusson 3. Latrell Mitchell 2. Daniel Tupou 6. Luke Keary 7. Mitchell Pearce 8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves 17. Victor Radley 10. Dylan Napa 11. Ryan Matterson 16. Aidan Guerra 13. Isaac Liu 9. Mitchell Cornish 14. Kane Evans 15. Sio Siua Taukeiaho 18. Zane Tetevano

In - Mitchell Pearce, Blake Ferguson, Dylan Napa Sio Siua Taukeiaho, Victor Radley

Out - Jake Friend, Michael Gordon, Zane Tetevano, Lindsay Collins, Nat Butcher

Analysis - The Roosters host the Knights at Allianz Stadium to kick off Friday night football. The Tricolours Origin contingent in Mitchell Pearce, Blake Ferguson and Dylan Napa return to a boost for the home side. The Roosters however have lost skipper Jake Friend with a broken hand, he has been replaced by Mitchell Cornish at 9, who was outstanding in their 14-12 victory over Souths in Round 18. Veteran Michael Gordon also misses the match with a pectoral injury, which sees Connor Watson given his chance at fullback. Victor Radley comes onto the interchange for Lindsay Collins. 

1. Nathan Ross 2. Chanel Mata'utia 3. Dane Gagai 4. Peter Mata'utia 5. Shaun Kenny-dowall 6. Brock Lamb 7. Trent Hodkinson 8. Daniel Saifiti 14. Jamie Buhrer 10. Josh King 11. Sione Mata'utia 12. Joe Wardle 13. Mitchell Barnett 9. Danny Levi 15. Mickey Paea 16. Lachlan Fitzgibbon 17. Luke Yates

In - Shaun Kenny-Dowall, Luke Yates

Out - Brendan Elliott, Jacob Saifiti

Analysis - The Knights have been so desperately unlucky in recent weeks and they again let a lead slip against the Broncos last week, going down 34-22 at Hunter Stadium. Newcastle have lost Jacob Saifiti for the clash with the Roosters, with twin brother Daniel Saifiti starting at prop and Luke Yates coming onto the bench. Former Rooster Shaun Kenny-Dowall makes his Knights debut against his former club on the wing, with Danny Levi to start at hooker and Jamie Buhrer moving back to the bench.   

Weather Watch - Cloudy

1. Valentine Holmes 2. Sosaia Feki 19. Kurt Capewell 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. James Segeyaro 18. Jeremy Latimore

In - James Maloney,

Out - Kurt Capewell

Analysis - The Sharks again really struggled to bounce back after Origin, being thrashed by the Titans 30-10 in appalling conditions on the Gold Coast. Five-eighth James Maloney returns to the side, with Jack Bird moving back to centre and Kurt Capewell making way. The Sharks have slipped to fifth position on the NRL ladder and will be looking to bounce back in a big way when they face the Rabbitohs at Shark Park. 

1. Cody Walker 2. Alex Johnston 3. Bryson Goodwin 4. Robert Jennings 20. 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 16. Zane Musgrove 17. George Burgess 19. Kyle Turner

In - Aaron Gray, Damien Cook

Out - Braidon Burns, Cameron Murray

Analysis - South Sydney head to Shark Park with back to back losses and their season well and truly on life support. The Rabbitohs welcome back Aaron Gray to the wing, who replaces Braidon Burns. Damien Cook returns to the 17, after being left out last week. The Rabbitohs need to make a big statement and it doesn't get much bigger than defeating the defending premiers at home.

Weather Watch - Cloudy   

1. Dylan Edwards 2. Josh Mansour 3. Tyrone Peachey 4. Waqa Blake 5. Dallin Watene Zelezniak 6. Matt Moylan 7. Nathan Cleary 8. James Tamou 9. Peter Wallace 16. Tim Browne 11. Corey Harawira 12. Isaah Yeo 13. Moses Leota 14. Sione Katoa 15. Leilani Latu 10. Regan Campbell-Gillard 17. James Fisher-Harris

In - Matt Moylan, Peter Wallace, Moses Leota

Out - Trent Merrin, Tyrone May, Mitch Rein

Analysis - Penrith are heading towards the Top 8 and a Nathan Cleary masterclass got them home after a tough start against the Warriors in rainy Auckland last week. Skipper Matt Moylan returns to five-eighth this week, which should give them some extra confidence, as well as that Peter Wallace also returns at hooker. Trent Merrin has been ruled out for 6-8 weeks with a knee injury, which sees Moses Leota named at lock. Bryce Cartwright will return via NSW Cup this weekend and looks likely to feature in the next few weeks.

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 13. Max King 14. Morgan Boyle 17. Leivaha Pulu 16. Nathaniel Peteru 18. Kane Elgey

In - Morgan Boyle

Out - Pat Politini

Analysis - The Titans gave it to the Sharks in atrocious conditions on Saturday night on the Gold Coast. The Titans head to Penrith high on confidence, however Neil Henry will certainly be reminding his troops that last week will mean nothing if they can't make it four wins in a row against the Panthers. Morgan Boyle comes onto the interchange for Pat Politini in the only change. Halfback Ash Taylor was outstanding last week and his clash against Nathan Cleary will be crucial to determining a winner on Saturday afternoon.

Weather Watch - Fine

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 13. Iosia Soliola 12. Elliot Whitehead 9. Josh Hodgson 11. Joseph Tapine 15. Luke Bateman 16. Dave Taylor 17. Michael Oldfield

In - Michael Oldfield

Out - Josh Papalii

Analysis - Canberra finally closed out a tight contest in Round 19, defeating arch rivals the Dragons in Golden Point, thanks to an Elliott Whitehead try off the back of a superb offload by Dave Taylor and a superb 40/20 from Aidan Sezer. The Raiders play their fourth home game in a row, and it is an absolute blockbuster against the competition favourites in the Storm. The Raiders have lost QLD forward Josh Papalii to a two week suspension, which sees Joseph Tapine come into the starting side and former Rooster and mid season recruit Michael Oldfield come onto the interchange bench. 

1. Billy Slater 2. Suliasi Vunivalu 3. William Chambers 19. Curtis Scott 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Cameron Munster 7. Cooper Cronk 8. Jesse Bromwich 9. Cameron Smith 15. Nelson Asofa-Solomona 11. Felise Kaufusi 17. Joe Stimson 13. Dale Finucane 10. Tim Glasby 14. Kenneath Bromwich 16. Nate Myles 18. Mark Nicholls

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

Out - Brodie Croft, Mark Nicholls, Jahrome Hughes, Cheyse Blair, Slade Griffin

Analysis - Melbourne welcome back their Origin stars and are fresh off the bye, with Craig Bellemy's men looking to cement their spot on the NRL ladder with a win on a tough away trip to the Nation's Capital on a freezing cold Saturday night. With the Storm missing a massive six players in their last start loss against the Eels, the Raiders will be more than aware that with Cameron Smith, Billy Slater, Cooper Cronk, Will Chambers and new superstar Cameron Munster all returning, that that type of form is a one off.

Weather Watch - Cold

1. Lachlan Coote 2. Kyle Feldt 3. Justin O'Neill 4. Kane Linnett 21. Javid Bowen 6. Te Maire Martin 7. Michael Morgan 16. Shaun Fensom 9. Jake Granville 10. Scott Bolton 11. Gavin Cooper 12. Ethan Lowe 13. Jason Taumalolo 8. John Asiata 14. Ben Hampton 15. Coen Hess 17. Corey Jensen

In - Nil

Out - Nil

Analysis - The Cowboys bounced back after a slow start to make it three wins on the trot, when they defeated the Rabbitohs in Cairns last Sunday. They now turn their attention to the unpredictable Warriors outfit, when they return to Townsville on Saturday night. Coach Paul Green has made no changes to the side that defeated the Bunnies, however winger Antonio Winterstein is in severe doubt, with Javid Bowen and Kalyn Ponga named on the extended bench as cover.   

1. Roger Tuivasa-sheck 2. David Fusitua 3. Blake Ayshford 4. Solomone Kata 5. Ken Maumalo 6. Kieran Foran 7. Mason Lino 8. Jacob Lillyman 9. Issac Luke 10. Ben Matulino 11. Bodene Thompson 12. Bunty Afoa 13. Simon Mannering 14. Mafoa'aeata Hingano 15. Sam Lisone 17. Ligi Sao 20. Chris Satae

In - Mason Lino

Out - Shaun Johnson

Analysis - The Warriors looked set to defeat the Panthers early in the second half last week against the Panthers, when New Zealand's worst nightmare happened, star half Shaun Johnson went down with a potentially serious knee injury. The Warriors combusted and were never the same, which is a real worry as he has been ruled out for at least the next four to six weeks. Mason Lino comes into the starting side, which puts a lot of responsibility on Kieran Foran and Roger Tuivasa-Sheck.  

Weather Watch - Fine

18. Matthew Dufty 2. Nene Macdonald 3. Euan Aitken 4. Timoteo Lafai 5. Jason Nightingale 6. Gareth Widdop 7. Josh McCrone 8. Leeson Ah Mau 9. Cameron McInnes 10. Paul Vaughan 11. Tyson Frizell 12. Joel Thompson 13. Jack de Belin 14. Tariq Sims 15. Jacob Host 17. Kurt Mann 20. Russell Packer

In - Tyson Frizell, Euan Aitken, Blake Lawrie

Out - Russell Packer, Taane Milne, Hame Sele

Analysis - The Dragons are officially on the slide after losing their second match in a row against the Raiders last week. The Dragons need to pick up big time when they host the red hot Sea Eagles in Wollongong on Sunday afternoon. The Dragons welcome back NSW backrower Tyson Frizzel and centre Euan Aitken for the clash in a timely boost. Jack De Belin also returns to the starting side, after starting from the bench against the Raiders, with Tariq Sims returning to the bench, where he is joined by rookie Blake Lawrie. Russell Packer, Taane Milne and Hame Sele all miss the 17, with Packer set to be ruled out for a few weeks with a hip injury.   

1. Tom Trbojevic 2. Brad Parker 3. Dylan Walker 4. Brian Kelly 5. Akuila Uate 14. Jackson Hastings 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 15. Lloyd Perrett 9. Cameron Cullen 10. Martin Taupau 11. Frank Winterstein 12. Shaun Lane 13. Jake Trbojevic 16. Darcy Lussick 17. Addin Fonua-blake 18. Jarrad Kennedy 19. Joey Lussick

In - Apisau Koroisau,Brad Parker

Out - Matthew Wright, Jackson Hastings

Analysis - The Sea Eagles stepped up a gear in the second half last week, with fullback Tom Trbojevic simply dominant in their 28-16 win over the Tigers at Brookvale Oval. The Sea Eagles now travel to Wollongong where they will face a Dragons side under pressure. Hooker Api Koroisau has been ruled out with a rib injury, which sees Cameron Cullen start at hooker, with Jackson Hastings coming in the side as the bench utility. Matthew Wright will also miss the game and has been replaced by Brad Parker.   

Weather Watch - Fine

1. James Tedesco 2. David Nofoaluma 3. Esan Marsters 4. Kevin Naiqama 5. Malakai Watene-Zelezniak 6. Tuimoala Lolohea 7. Luke Brooks 8. Aaron Woods 9. Matt McIlwrick 10. Ava Seumanufagai 20. Kyle Lovett 17. Tim Grant 14. Matthew Eisenhuth 13. Elijah Taylor 16. Michael Chee-Kam 17. Alex Twal 18. Jack Littlejohn

In - Tim Grant, Michael Chee-Kam

Out - Jacob Liddle, Sauaso Sue

Analysis - The Tigers looked strong early against the Sea Eagles on Sunday, however they were simply blown away by the home side in the second half. Wests have lost hooker Jacob Liddle to a shoulder injury, which sees Matt McIllwrick start, while Sauaso Sue has been suspended, with Chris Lawrence starting in the backrow, with Tim Grant and Michael Chee-Kam coming onto the bench.

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

In - Manu Ma'u

Out - David Gower

Analysis - The Eels had their last bye round last weekend and return to finish the back half of the season in foreign territory, currently sitting in seventh position with six rounds remaining. Manu Ma'u returns to the starting side from injury, which sees Kenny Edwards move back to the bench and David Gower dropping out. The Eels now commence their final six matches with five being at their 2017 home ground, ANZ Stadium in a huge bonus for the Eels chances to returning to finals football for the first time since 2009.

Weather Watch - Fine