NRL Teams Analysis - 2017 Round 22

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Sam's back for another week as we look at the teamlists for each of the 16 NRL clubs ahead of Round 22.

1. William Hopoate 2. Brett Morris 3. Josh Morris 23. Brenko Lee 5. Marcelo Montoya 6. Josh Reynolds 4. Chase Stanley 8. Aiden Tolman 9. Moses Mbye 10. James Graham 11. Josh Jackson 12. Adam Elliot 13. David Klemmer 7. Matt Frawley 14. Sam Kasiano 15. Raymond Faitala-Mariner 16. Danny Fualalo

In - Brett Morris

Out - Kerrod Holland

Analysis - Retro Round kicks off on Thursday night and it doesn't get any bigger than Canterbury vs Parramatta. The Dogs have had the wood on their neighbours in recent times, however the tide has turned, with the Eels sitting in 6th and the Dogs in 13th place on the NRL ladder. The Bulldogs season is over after back to back losses against the Panthers and the Broncos in recent weeks. Brett Morris returns to the wing in place of Kerrod Holland in the only change for the home side.

1. Bevan French 2. Semi Radradra 3. Michael Jennings 4. Brad Takairangi 5. Kirisome Auva'a 6. Corey Norman 7. Mitchell Moses 8. Siosaia Vave 9. Cameron King 10. Tim Mannah 11. Manu Ma'u 15. Kenny Edwards 13. Nathan Brown 14. Daniel Alvaro 16. Suaia Matagi 17. Peni Terepo 20. Frank Pritchard

In - Nil

Out - Nil

Analysis - The Eels were written off by many pundits last week against the Broncos after they lost arguably their best player Clint Gutherson for the season. However the Eels surprised many by putting in one of their best performances of the season to run out convincing winners 28-14. Brad Arthur has made no changes to his winning side, however Josh Hoffman may force his way into the 17, after being a late scratching last week in his return from injury, as well as Bulldogs favourite Frank Pritchard who could force his way onto the bench against his former club.

Weather Watch - Rain

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

In - Nil

Out - Nil

Analysis - The Dragons were expected to keep their new found attack going against the last placed Knights but were left stunned when they fell to an ambush by the Knights at Hunter Stadium in Round 21. Paul McGregor blew up deluxe at the referees and has been fined $10k but remarkably he has made no changes to his side for this weekend, despite the real risk of the Red V missing the Top 8. The match at the SCG looms as a must win if they are to again get their finals charge back on track.     

1. Alex Johnston 2. Bryson Goodwin 3. Hymel Hunt 4. Tyrell Fuimaono 22. Campbell Graham 6. Cody Walker 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Thomas Burgess 9. Damien Cook 10. Zane Musgrove 11. John Sutton 12. Angus Crichton 13. Sam Burgess 14. Robbie Farah 15. George Burgess 16. Kyle Turner 17. Cameron Murray

In - Zane Musgrove

Out - Dave Tyrell

Analysis - South Sydney return to the SCG to face their traditional rivals the Dragons on Friday night and will be keen to snap their four game losing streak and make things difficult for the Dragons. Zane Musgrove has been named to start in the front row, with Dave Tyrell relegated to the extended squad. Sam Burgess has been named despite leaving the field early in their loss to the Raiders with a rib injury but will likely manage the injury to play.

Weather Watch - Fine

1. Lachlan Coote 2. Kyle Feldt 3. Justin O'Neill 4. Kane Linnett 5. Antonio Winterstein 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 15. Coen Hess 17. Corey Jensen 20. Sam Hoare

In - Shaun Fensom

Out - Braden Uele

Analysis - The Cowboys four game winning streak came to an end against the Roosters last week, going down 22-16 at Allianz Stadium. The Cowboys now return to 1300 Smiles Stadium, where they host the red hot competition favourites the Melbourne Storm. Shaun Fensom has been named on the bench after being a late scratching last week, with youngster Braden Uele returning to the extended bench in the only change for the Cowboys.   

1. Billy Slater 2. Suliasi Vunivalu 3. William Chambers 4. Curtis Scott 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Ryley Jacks 7. Cooper Cronk 8. Jesse Bromwich 9. Cameron Smith 14. Nelson Asofa-Solomona 11. Felise Kaufusi 12. Joe Stimson 13. Dale Finucane 10. Tim Glasby 15. Kenneath Bromwich 16. Jordan McLean 17. Slade Griffin

In - Billy Slater, Ryley Jacks

Out - Cameron Munster, Jahrome Hughes

Analysis - Melbourne were dominant against the Sea Eagles last week, with a Cameron Smith masterclass in NRL game 350 for the Australian skipper, seeing the Storm thrash Manly 40-6. Melbourne now take the trip to Townsville in what they will see as a great test with 5 rounds remaining before the finals. Cameron Munster has been ruled out with an ankle injury in a big blow for the visitors, which sees Ryley Jacks named at five-eighth. However it is not all bad news for the visitors, with fullback Billy Slater returning in place of understudy Jahrome Hughes.     

Weather Watch - Fine  

1. Nathan Ross 2. Ken Sio 3. Dane Gagai 4. Peter Mata'utia 21. Chanel Mata'utia 6. Brock Lamb 7. Trent Hodkinson 8. Daniel Saifiti 9. Jamie Buhrer 10. Josh King 11. Sione Mata'utia 16. Lachlan Fitzgibbon 13. Mitchell Barnett 14. Danny Levi 15. Luke Yates 17. Jacob Saifiti 19. Sam Stone

In - Nil

Out - Nil

Analysis - The Knights return to Hunter Stadium on the back of their stunning victory over the Dragons last week. Newcastle again enjoy the Saturday afternoon game, where they will host the unpredictable Warriors. Nathan Brown has made no changes to the winning side who will go in with plenty of confidence of making it back to back wins as they look to avoid a third straight wooden spoon.  

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. Isaiah Papalii 12. Bunty Afoa 13. Simon Mannering 15. Sam Lisone 17. James Bell 18. Jazz Tevaga 21. Nathaniel Roache

In - Isaiah Papalii

Out - Bodene Thompson

Analysis - The Warriors travel to Hunter Stadium looking to avoid 5 straight losses and coach Stephen Kearney has read his side the riot act during the week in order to fire up his underperforming squad. In a big blow, second rower Bodene Thompson will miss the remainder of the season with a pectoral injury. Isaiah Papalii has been given the call up to the starting side in a big opportunity for the youngster. Ben Matulino has been named to start at prop after coming off the bench last week in a strong performance in a losing side. Sam Lisone returns to the interchange.

Weather Watch - Cloudy

1. Jarryd Hayne 2. Anthony Don 3. Dale Copley 4. John Olive 5. William Zillman 6. Kane Elgey 7. Ashley Taylor 8. Jarrod Wallace 9. Nathan Peats 10. Ryan James 15. Morgan Boyle 12. Joe Greenwood 13. Max King 14. Tyrone Roberts 16. Leivaha Pulu 17. Agnatius Paasi 18. Nathaniel Peteru

In - John Olive, Kevin Proctor

Out - Konrad Hurrell, Karl Lawton

Analysis - The Titans host big brother the Broncos at CBUS Stadium in a huge match on the Gold Coast on Saturday afternoon. Jarryd Hayne returns to fullback after his switch to centre proved less effective in their thrashing to the lowly placed Tigers. Kevin Proctor returns in a much needed boost for the home side, which sees Morgan Boyle return to the bench. John Olive has again been named at centre despite missing the cut last week. Tyrone Roberts returns to the utility role this week after his late switch to fullback against the Tigers.  

1. Darius Boyd 18. Corey Oates 3. James Roberts 4. Tautau Moga 5. Jordan Kahu 6. Anthony Milford 7. Kodi Nikorima 8. Korbin Sims 11. Alex Glenn 10. Adam Blair 14. Sam Thaiday 12. Matt Gillett 13. Josh Mcguire 9. Ben Hunt 15. Tevita Pangai 16. Joe Ofahengaue 20. Herman Essese

In - Kodi Nikorima, David Mead

Out - Andrew McCullough, Jonus Pearson

Analysis - The Broncos were brought back down to earth against the Eels last week and will be in real danger of falling out of the Top 4 in their Retro Round clash against the Gold Coast. The loss to Parramatta was further compounded, with hooker Andrew McCullough being ruled out for the season, which sees halfback Ben Hunt switch to hooker and Kodi Nikorima rejoin Anthony Milford in the halves. David Mead replaces Jonus Pearson on the wing, however Corey Oates has been named on the extended bench and looks likely to make his long awaited return on Saturday.

Weather Watch - Fine

1. Valentine Holmes 2. Sosaia Feki 3. Jack Bird 4. Ricky Leutele 5. Gerard Beale 6. Fa'amanu Brown 7. Chad Townsend 8. Andrew Fifita 9. James Segeyaro 10. Matt Prior 11. Luke Lewis 12. Wade Graham 13. Paul Gallen 14. Jayson Bukuya 15. Chris Heighington 16. Jeremy Latimore 18. Adam Clydsdale

In - Jack Bird

Out - Adam Clydsdale

Analysis - The Sharks welcome the Raiders to Shark Park in an absolute blockbuster on Saturday night. Cronulla currently sit in 3rd position on the NRL Ladder and will be very weary of the Raiders who have a great recent record at Shark Park. Jack Bird returns to centre, which sees Kurt Capewell move to the bench and Adam Clydsdale named 18th man against his former club. Fa'amanu Brown has been named at five-eighth but must past a fitness test after a heavy knock last week in their win over the Warriors. 

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 17. Joseph Tapine 14. Kurt Baptiste 15. Clay Priest 16. Dave Taylor 13. Luke Bateman

In - Jordan Rapana, Josh Papalii

Out - Michael Oldfield, Jeff Lima

Analysis - Canberra looked a far better side in their 32-18 win over the Rabbitohs at ANZ Stadium last week, with the form of Jarrod Croker and favourite for rookie of the year Nick Cotric particularly impressive. In a huge boost for the Green Machine top tryscorer Jordan Rapana returns from suspension, as well as Queensland backrower Josh Papalii who will re-new his rivalry with Sharks skipper Paul Gallen in a must see match up. Canberra must win all their matches and a win over the defending premiers could see their stocks rise with five rounds remaining. 

Weather Watch - Fine  

1. Tom Trbojevic 2. Matthew Wright 3. Dylan Walker 15. Brad Parker 5. Akuila Uate 6. Blake Green 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Brenton Lawrence 9. Apisai Koroisau 10. Martin Taupau 11. Frank Winterstein 12. Shaun Lane 13. Jake Trbojevic 14. Lewis Brown 16. Darcy Lussick 17. Lloyd Perrett 21. Kelepi Tanginoa

In - Brad Parker, Lloyd Perrett

Out - Addin Fonua-Blake, Cameron Cullen

Analysis - The Sea Eagles were flying along and looked to be a smokey for the premiership just a fortnight ago. However two weeks is a long time in the NRL and Manly have now slumped to back to back losses against the Dragons and Storm in recent weeks. Trent Barrett's men now return to Brookvale Oval, where they will face fellow contenders and bitter rivals the Roosters on Sunday afternoon. The Sea Eagles have a few changes with Addin Fonua-Blake missing through suspension, which sees Lloyd Perrett replace him on the interchange bench. Shaun Lane has been named to start this week, with Lewis Brown on the interchange, joining Brad Parker who comes into the side pushing Cameron Cullen to the extended bench.     

1. Connor Watson 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Latrell Mitchell 4. Joseph Manu 5. Blake Ferguson 6. Luke Keary 7. Mitchell Pearce 8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves 9. Victor Radley 10. Dylan Napa 11. Ryan Matterson 12. Mitchell Aubusson 13. Isaac Liu 14. Zane Tetevano 15. Sio Siua Taukeiaho 16. Aidan Guerra 17. Mitchell Cornish

In - Nil

Out - Nil

Analysis - The Roosters made it 3 wins on the trot, when they defeated the Cowboys 22-16 in a strong performance from Trent Robinson's men. Sio Siua Taukeiaho was simply sensational really stepping up in the absence of skipper Boyd Cordner. Cordner has again not been named, however both Jake Friend and Kane Evans have been named on the extended bench and loom as late inclusions.

Weather Watch - Fine 

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

In - Moses Leota

Out - Leilani Latu

Analysis - Penrith got over the top of the Bulldogs in one of the most boring games of the year last Friday night at Pepper Stadium. The Panthers now face the neighbouring Tigers in what promises to be a very entertaining match with strike weapons across the park for both sides. The Panthers have lost Leilani Latu with a broken jaw, which sees Moses Leota return to lock. Bryce Cartwright has again been named on the interchange, however could force his way into the starting 13. Likewise, skipper Matt Moylan and Dean Whare who have been named on the extended bench. Given it is the last game of the round which allows some extra recovery time, expect a late reshuffle.  

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. Tim Grant 11. Chris Lawrence 12. Elijah Taylor 13. Matthew Eisenhuth 14. Alex Twal 15. Sauaso Sue 16. Michael Chee-Kam 17. Jack Littlejohn

In - Nil

Out - Nil

Analysis - The Tigers thrashed the Titans at CBUS Stadium last Sunday in one of their best performances of the season. Wests now travel to nearby Penrith in a classic Retro Round clash. James Tedesco and Aaron Woods have really found their mojo in recent weeks and it is no coincidence that wins have followed. Ivan Cleary has made no changes to the winning side, and for the first time will coach against his son Nathan in an interesting scenario for the Tigers coach who returns to Penrith as head coach of an opposition side for the first time since he left the foot of the mountains at the end of 2015.

Weather Watch - Fine