Who's Playing Who?

The upsets continued last weekend, and following the trend of the season, so did the injuries. This means plenty of changes for this week’s games, so check out your side’s Ins and Outs, and for you Dream Team coaches, check the status of your star players!

 

FRIDAY

Brisbane Broncos v Penrith Panthers at Suncorp Stadium, 7:30pm

Broncos: Gerard Beale, Dale Copley, Jack Reed, Justin Hodges, Jharal Yow Yeh, Darren Lockyer (c), Peter Wallace, Sam Thaiday, Andrew McCullough, Ben Hannant, Alex Glenn, Matt Gillett, Corey Parker. Interchange: Ben Hunt, Ben Te’o, Josh McGuire, Shane Tronc.

Ins: Dane Copley

Outs: Josh Hoffman (shin – round 5)

 

Panthers: Lachlan Coote, Michael Gordon, Michael Jennings, Brad Tighe, David Simmons, Travis Burns, Kevin Kingston, Tim Grant, Masada Iosefa, Petero Civoniceva, Trent Waterhouse, Nigel Plum, Luke Lewis.  Interchange (from):  Sam McKendry, Matthew Bell, Adrian Purtell, Timana Tahu, Nafe Seluni.

Ins: Brad Tighe, Travis Burns, Nafe Seluni

Outs: Luke Walsh (shoulder – round 5), Sarafu Fatiaki (NYC)

 

 

Adrian Considers: Young Broncos fullback Josh Hoffman is out, with Beale moving from the wing to take his spot at the back. Big out for the Panthers, with Luke Walsh missing for the week. Tahu is the X-Factor on the bench, but going by last week’s efforts, he wont be at his best for a while yet.

Matt Considers: Josh Hoffman drops out with a shin cork for the Broncos, but his place will be taken by Gerard Beale, who was very good replacing Hoffman after the injury occurred last week. For the Panthers, Tahu joins an extended bench with a massive loss in Luke Walsh. New halfback Kevin Kingston is only really filling the hole there, but will probably struggle without the proper support outside him.

 

 

South Sydney Rabbitohs v Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles at Bluetongue Stadium, Gosford, 7:30pm

Rabbitohs (UPDATED): Nathan Merrit, Kane Morgan, Dylan Farrell, Greg Inglis, Fetuli Talanoa, John Sutton, Chris Sandow, Luke Stuart, Issac Luke, Roy Asotasi, Michael Crocker, David Taylor, David Tyrrell. Interchange: Ben Ross, Shannan McPherson, Chris McQueen, Nathan Peats.

Ins: Nathan Peats, Kane Morgan

Outs: Rhys Wesser (hamstring- indefinite), Eddy Petteybourne (suspended – round 7)

 

Sea Eagles: Brett Stewart, Michael Robertson, Jamie Lyon (c), Will Hopoate, David Williams, Kieran Foran, Daly Cherry-Evans, Jason King (c), Matt Ballin, Brent Kite, Anthony Watmough, Joe Galuvao, Glenn Stewart. Interchange (from): Terence Seuseu, Jamie Buhrer, George Rose, Vic Mauro, Tim Robinson.

Ins: Jamie Lyon, Tim Robinson

Outs: Michael Oldfield (dropped)

 

 

Adrian Considers: Good to see Sam Burgess return to the line up for Souths, bolstering the much forgotten right edge of the Rabbitohs attack. While the left gets all the headlines, Burgess and Farrell aren’t too shabby either. Manly could have unearthed a superstar centre in Will Hopoate, and with co-captain Lyon joining him on the field, the Sea Eagles’ back line looks incredibly dangerous.

Matt Considers: A couple of big Ins in both sides, but we will start with Souths. Burgess is back at Redfern, and after their showing last week this could signal the start of a good run. Unfortunately Pettybourne is suspended, but his hole is well filled. For Manly, co-captain and international centre Jamie Lyon is the big in, with youngster Michael Oldfield making way.

EDIT – A big change to the Rabbitohs, Sam Burgess has been ruled out.

 

SATURDAY

Canberra Raiders v Gold Coast Titans at Canberra Stadium, 5:30pm

Raiders: Josh Dugan, Blake Ferguson, Jarrod Croker, Joel Thompson, Daniel Vidot, Josh McCrone, Matt Orford, Dane Tilse, Travis Waddell, David Shillington (C), Trevor Thurling, Bronson Harrison (C), Shaun Fensom.  Interchange (from): Glen Buttriss, Josh Miller, Tom Learoyd-Lahrs, Brett White, Danny Galea.

Ins: Danny Galea, Josh Miller

Outs: Joe Picker (ankle – round 6)

 

Titans: William Zillman, Steve Michaels, Esikeli Tonga, Bodene Thompson, David Mead, Greg Bird, Scott Prince, Luke Bailey, Riley Brown, Matthew White, Anthony Laffranchi, Mark Minichiello, Ben Ridge.  Interchange (from): Michael Henderson, Sam Tagataese, Ryan James, Preston Campbell, Brad Meyers.

Ins: Ben Ridge, Matthew White

Outs: Ashley Harrison (hamstring – round 5)

 

 

Adrian Considers: The Raiders have gone with the more conservative 5-man bench this week, as opposed to last week’s MEGABENCH. The battle between the forwards will be pivotal in this game. Ash Harrison is a big loss for the Titans, who can’t afford missing any more key players. Good to see bloodnut superstar Brad Meyers on the extended bench again, hopefully he can grab some game time.

Matt Considers: A big loss for the Titans, with hard-working lock Ashley Harrison succumbing to a hamstring problem. His place is taken by 21-year-old Ben Ridge, who has 4 NRL games to his name from last year. Also returning is big skinhead prop Matt White, who pushes Michael Henderson to the bench. Some big changes to the Raiders pack, with Tilse coming into the starting line-up and TLL dropping out after being out muscled and outplayed by Big Red Keith Galloway last week. Josh Miller and Danny Galea come onto the bench as well, with Joe Picker injuring his ankle.

 

 

Parramatta Eels v North Queensland Cowboys at Parramatta Stadium, 7:30pm

Eels: Jarryd Hayne, Luke Burt, Joel Reddy, Ryan Morgan, Etu Uaisele, Daniel Mortimer, Jeff Robson, Tim Mannah, Matt Keating, Shane Shackleton, Nathan Hindmarsh, Taniela Lasalo, Ben Smith.  Interchange: Anthony Mitchell, Justin Horo, Mitchell Allgood, Carl Webb.

Ins: Joel Reddy, Anthony Mitchell, Mitchell Allgood, Carl Webb

Outs: Chris Walker (hip – indefinite), Casey McGuire (calf – round 5), Billy Rogers (dropped), Fui Fui Moi Moi (suspended – round 5)

 

Cowboys: Matthew Bowen, Ashley Graham, Will Tupou, Willie Tonga, Kalifa Faifai Loa, Ray Thompson, Johnathan Thurston, Matthew Scott, Aaron Payne, James Tamou, Gavin Cooper, Glenn Hall, Dallas Johnson.  Interchange: James Segeyaro, Leeson Ah Mau, Tariq Sims, Ashton Sims.

Ins: None

Outs: None

 

 

Adrian Considers: Some big names returning for the Eels. Reddy finally gets a crack at FG in 2011, while Mitchell, Allgood and Webb come onto the bench. This is shaping to be a slightly better Parramatta outfit than the one which ran out onto ANZ Stadium last week. No changes in Cowboy land, with Coach Henry obviously pleased with his sides’ efforts against the Storm.

Matt Considers: Some big changes at the Eels, with Joel Reddy returning for his first start of the year after Chris Walker again injured himself. Elsewhere, Anthony Mitchell comes into the squad on the bench, with Matt Keating being promoted to start at hooker, whilst Fui Fui copped a one week ban, allowing Carl Webb to make his Eels debut against his old club. The Cowboys are unchanged after an impressive home win over the Storm.

 

 

SUNDAY

Cronulla Sharks v New Zealand Warriors at Owen Delany Park, Taupo, 2:00pm

Warriors: Glen Fisiiahi, Bill Tupou, Shaun Berrigan, Simon Mannering (c), Krisnan Inu, Feleti  Mateo, James Maloney, Jacob Lillyman, Aaron Heremaia, Russell Packer, Lewis Brown, Ukuma Ta’ai, Micheal Luck.  Interchange (from): Kevin Locke, Sam Rapira, Ben Matulino, Elijah Taylor, Alehana Mara.

Ins: Glen Fisiiahi, Bill Tupou, Elijah Taylor, Ukuma Ta’ai, Alehana Mara

Outs: Lance Hohaia (dropped), Joel Moon (NSW Cup), Brett Seymour (NSW Cup), Jerome Ropati (knee – season)

 

Sharks: Nathan Gardner, Matthew Wright, Ben Pomeroy, Colin Best, John Williams, Albert Kelly, Wade Graham, Kade Snowden, John Morris, Luke Douglas, Jeremy Smith, Anthony Tupou, Paul Gallen (c).  Interchange (from): Josh Cordoba, Broderick Wright, Paul Aiton, Dean Collis, Johnny Mannah, Taulima Tautai.

Ins: Dean Collis, Taulima Tautai

Outs: None

 

 

Adrian Considers: Changes ahoy! Some big moves here with implications for both Dream Team and the actual game itself. “The Fish” finds himself at fullback (which I don’t think is a fantastic move but hey, I’m not Ivan Cleary), while a new look centre pairing of Mannering and Berrigan will take the park. The 2nd Row obviously wasn’t working for Mateo, so let’s see what he can do at 5/8. Not surprisingly, the Sharks are unchanged… If you had money on a North Queensland/Cronulla Quinella, then you’d be pretty happy right about now!

Matt Considers: Warriors coach Ivan Cleary has finally bitten the bullet and axed regulars Lance Hohaia, Joel Moon and Brett Seymour from the side in a shock move. There is also plenty of movement within the side, with Feliti Mateo going to five-eighth, James Maloney to halfback, Shaun Berrigan and Simon Mannering to the centres and Ukuma ‘Pad’ Ta’ai getting a start in the back row. The Sharks are unchanged after another shock win over the Panthers, with Dean Collis and Taulima Tautai joining an extended bench.

 

 

Newcastle Knights v St George Illawarra Dragons at Ausgrid Stadium, 2:00pm

Knights: Wes Naiqama, James McManus, Junior Sa’u, Adam MacDougall, Akuila Uate, Kurt Gidley (C), Jarrod Mullen, Antonio Kaufusi, Matt Hilder, Evarn Tuimavave, Zeb Taia, Chris Houston, Joel Edwards.  Interchange: Marvin Karawana, Cory Paterson, Richie Fa’aoso, Dan Tolar.

Ins: Kurt Gidley, Adam MacDougall, Joel Edwards, Marvin Karawana

Outs: Shannon McDonnell (concussion – round 5), Beau Henry (ankle – indefinite), Ben Rogers (shoulder – round 9), Cameron Ciraldo (pectoral – indefinite)

 

Dragons: Darius Boyd, Brett Morris, Mark Gasnier, Matt Cooper, Jason Nightingale, Jamie Soward, Ben Hornby, Dan Hunt, Nathan Fien, David Gower, Beau Scott, Ben Creagh, Matt Prior. Interchange (from): Michael Greenfield, Jon Green, Trent Merrin, Kyle Stanley, Adam Cuthbertson, Mitch Rein.

Ins: Beau Scott, Mitch Rein

Outs: None

 

 

Adrian Considers: My my, the Knights have been hit hard by injury so early on in the season. Gidley at No. 6 is a perfectly understandable move, with more depth currently in the fullback role. Hopefully all 17 players make it through this one, otherwise Matty and Joey might be getting the call up! Pretty standard stuff from the Dragons, opting to go with the 6-man bench, just one shy of the illusive MEGABENCH.

Matt Considers: Injuries galore at the Knights, but luckily for them inspirational captain Kurt Gidley returns in the halves for Beau Henry, whilst Mad Dog Adam MacDougall returns to the back-line. Shannon McDonnell hasn’t been named, but is still a chance to play despite a heavy concussion. The Dragons haven’t lost anyone, but they have gained representative back-rower Beau Scott to be, minus Michael Weyman, at full strength.

 

 

Sydney Roosters v Wests Tigers at Sydney Football Stadium, 3:00pm

Tigers: Wade McKinnon, Mitch Brown, Blake Ayshford, Tim Moltzen, Matt Utai, Benji Marshall, Jacob Miller, Andrew Fifita, Robbie Farah, Keith Galloway, Simon Dwyer, Alan Schirnack, Chris Heighington.  Interchange: Geoff Daniela, Jason Schirnack, Aaron Woods, Todd Payten.

Ins: Mitch Brown, Jacob Miller, Geoff Daniela

Outs: Chris Lawrence (hip – late-July), Lote Tuqiri (arm – round 11), Rob Lui (ankle – indefinite)

 

Roosters: Anthony Minichiello, Justin Carney, Mitchell Aubusson, Shaun Kenny-Dowall, Joseph ‘BJ’ Leilua, Todd Carney, Mitchell Pearce, Jason Ryles, Jake Friend, Martin Kennedy, Braith Anasta, Frank-Paul Nuuausala, Nate Myles.  Interchange (from): Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, Mose Masoe, Mark Riddell, Tom Symonds, Daniel Conn.

Ins: Justin Carney, Daniel Conn, Tom Symonds

Outs: Sam Perrett (ankle – round 15), Kane Linnett (dropped)

 

 

Adrian Considers: While injuries have hit the Tigers hard, there’s still some handy talent replacing their regular starters. Mitch Brown slots onto the wing, while Moltzen gets a starting spot in the centres. Alan Schirnack starts in the 2nd Row, with Jacob Miller at No. 7. For the Roosters, Mitch Aubusson was lucky to escape suspension, but finds himself in the centres, which will seriously reduce his scoring potential in DT. Also, give Tom Symonds a run!

Matt Considers: The Tigers are reeling after injuries have decimated their side. The left side of Lawrence and Tuqiri are both out, as is form halfback Rob Lui. Former Roosters youngster Jacob Miller is set to make his debut, with Mitch Brown and Geoff Daniela coming into the side. Don’t be surprised to see Miller start off the bench, with Daniela starting in the centres and Tim Moltzen at halfback. The Roosters are also missing some backs, with Perrett suffering a broken ankle, and Kane Linnett missing as well.

 

 

MONDAY

Melbourne Storm v Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs at AAMI Park, 7:00pm

Storm: Billy Slater, Justin O’Neill, Dane Nielsen, Beau Champion, Anthony Quinn, Gareth Widdop, Cooper Cronk, Kevin Proctor, Cameron Smith, Bryan Norrie, Adam Blair, Todd Lowrie, Ryan Hinchcliffe.  Interchange: Adam Woolnough, Jaiman Lowe, Troy Thompson, Jesse Bromwich.

Ins: Adam Woolnough

Outs: Sika Manu (leg – indefinite)

 

Bulldogs: Ben Barba, Steve Turner, Timoteo Lafai, Jamal Idris, Bryson Goodwin, Kris Keating, Trent Hodkinson, Aiden Tolman, Michael Ennis, Mickey Paea, Frank Pritchard, Andrew Ryan, David Stagg.  Interchange (from): Sam Kasiano, Jake Foster, Corey Payne, Dene Halatau, Chris Armit.

Ins: Chris Armit

Outs: None

 

 

Adrian Considers: There should be plenty of changes in the Storm side named, as Matt will outline next. Sika Manu will be missed though, as he was beginning to find some form once again. The Dogs add Chris Armit to their bench, while Frank Pritchard and Mickey Paea will start.

Matt Considers: The Bulldogs are unchanged after an impressive performance last week against the Roosters, with just Chris Armit added to an extended bench. Sika Manu is looking at a lengthy stint on the sidelines after injuring a previously broken leg, with Adam Woolnough coming onto the bench. Despite this, Dane Nielsen (concussion) and Kevin Proctor (face) are in serious doubt after being injured in their Monday night loss to the Cowboys.