Who's Playing Who?

The teams have all been named for Round 16, the Women in League Round, and a crucial round for many teams looking to hang on to the bottom places in the top eight. There are some big outs for a few teams too, and with the judiciary having a big night tomorrow, there could be some major changes, mainly coming out of Townsville. So read on to get all your team news…..

FRIDAY, June 24

South Sydney Rabbitohs v Brisbane Broncos at NIB Stadium, 7.00pm

Rabbitohs: Rhys Wesser, Nathan Merritt, Dylan Farrell, Greg Inglis, James Roberts, John Sutton, Chris Sandow, Ben Ross, Issac Luke, Shannan McPherson, Chris McQueen, David Taylor, Michael Crocker (c). Interchange: Eddy Pettybourne, Dave Tyrrell, Jason Clark, Nathan Peats.

Ins: None

Outs: None

Broncos: Josh Hoffman, Gerard Beale, Jack Reed, Justin Hodges, Jharal Yow Yeh, Darren Lockyer (c), Peter Wallace, Ben Hannant, Kurt Baptiste, Scott Anderson, Alex Glenn, Sam Thaiday, Corey Parker. Interchange: Corey Norman, Matt Gillett, Dunamis Lui, David Hala, Dale Copley.

Ins: Justin Hodges, Kurt Baptiste, Corey Parker, Matt Gillett

Outs: Andrew McCullough (disciplinary), Mitchell Dodds (shoulder), Nick Kenny (shoulder)

Adrian Considers: Perth hosts an intriguing clash between Souths and Brisbane. No changes for the Rabbitohs, which has been a rare occurrence this year. While there are many quality players missing through injury, these players have played a fair few matches together now, so the combinations should be starting to form nicely. The Broncos are missing McCullough due off-field shenanigans, while Mitchell Dodds and Nick Kenny are out with shoulder injuries. Coming in though are some handy players. You might have heard of three of them, at least. Hodges and Parker resume their usual positions, while Baptiste gets a run at Hooker. Matt Gillett is back from his injury, named as part of an extended bench. Jack Reed moves back from the forwards into the centres, meaning the backline is pretty much at full strength.

Wests Tigers v Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs at Campbelltown Sports Stadium, 7.35pm

Tigers: Wade McKinnon, Beau Ryan, Blake Ayshford, Tim Simona, Mitch Brown, Jacob Miller, Robert Lui, Bryce Gibbs, Robbie Farah (c), Keith Galloway, Simon Dwyer, Gareth Ellis, Chris Heighington. Interchange (from): Tim Moltzen, Liam Fulton, Aaron Woods, Andrew Fifita, Ben Murdoch-Masila.

Ins: Jacob Miller, Ben Murdoch-Masila

Outs: Benji Marshall (knee)

Bulldogs: Ben Barba, Steve Turner, Josh Morris, Jamal Idris, Jonathan Wright, Kris Keating, Trent Hodkinson, Aiden Tolman, Michael Ennis, Michael Hodgson, Frank Pritchard, Andrew Ryan (c), David Stagg. Interchange: Sam Kasiano, Greg Eastwood, Corey Payne, Dene Halatau.

Ins: Jamal Idris, Johnathan Wright, Trent Hodkinson, Michael Ennis, Corey Payne

Outs: Tim Lafai (Toyota Cup), Michael Lett (NSW Cup), Ben Roberts (NSW Cup), Grant Millington (NSW Cup), Josh Reynolds (NSW Cup)

Matt Considers: This one could be up to match of the round status if not for the blockbuster on Monday night. Two western Sydney rivals with the hooking battle to once again re-ignite. Both sides are also coming off a loss, and looking to hold on to their spot of the bottom of the eight. For the Tigers, the worst possible out in Benji Marshall, with Jacob Miller coming into five-eighth, and also likely to take over from Marshall’s goal-kicking duties. Young monster Ben Murdoch-Masila is also on an extended bench. For the Bulldogs, Jamal Idris returns from his club-induced suspension after missing training, along with Michael Ennis, who returns after being unable to back-up from Origin last week. Trent Hodkinson also returns from suspension, Corey Payne joins the bench, and Johnathan Wright looks set to finally make his club debut. Neither side is likely to have any late injury returns, but don’t be surprised to see Tigers coach Tim Sheens alter his line-up at the last minute.

SATURDAY, June 25

Gold Coast Titans v Cronulla Sharks at Skilled Park, 5.30pm

Titans: William Zillman, Steve Michaels, Clinton Toopi, Joseph Tomane, David Mead, Preston Campbell, Scott Prince (c), Luke Bailey, Matt Srama, Anthony Laffranchi, Greg Bird, Mark Minichiello, Ashley Harrison.  Interchange (from):  Matt White, Michael Henderson, Bodene Thompson, Ben Ridge, Brenton Lawrence, Luke O’Dwyer.

Ins: Greg Bird, Brenton Lawrence, Luke O’Dwyer

Outs: Ryan James (knee)

Sharks: Nathan Gardner, Matthew Wright, Ben Pomeroy, Colin Best, Nathan Stapleton, Wade Graham, Chad Townsend, Kade Snowden, John Morris, Luke Douglas, Jeremy Smith, Jayson Bukuya, Paul Gallen (c). Interchange: Anthony Tupou, Sam Tagataese, Stuart Flanagan, Taulima Tautai.

Ins: None

Outs: None

Adrian Considers: The Titans welcome back Greg Bird to the starting side, after his post-Origin lay-off. The Zillman experiment at 5/8 seems to have finished, as he returns to custodian, allowing Preston Campbell to start in the halves. Unfortunately, Ryan James is set to miss the rest of the season. A disappointing end to the young 2nd Rower’s season, but it does mean there’s an opening in the side. Perhaps Bodene Thompson will move back into the forwards? No changes for the Sharks side that knocked off the Bulldogs… who is going to mess with a winning formula?

Canberra Raiders v Parramatta Eels at Canberra Stadium, 7.30pm

Raiders: Nathan Massey, James Stuart, Jarrod Croker, Blake Ferguson, Reece Robinson, Josh McCrone, Sam Williams, Brett White, Alan Tongue (c), David Shillington, Joe Picker, Josh Papalii, Shaun Fensom. Interchange (from): Glen Buttriss, Bronson Harrison, Tom Learoyd-Lahrs, Dane Tilse, Trevor Thurling, Josh Miller.

Ins: Trevor Thurling, Josh Miller

Outs: None

Eels: Jarryd Hayne, Luke Burt, Ryan Morgan, Jacob Loko, Jordan Atkins, Casey McGuire, Jeff Robson, Tim Mannah, Matt Keating, Fuifui Moimoi, Nathan Hindmarsh (c), Taniela Lasalo, Ben Smith. Interchange: Shane Shackleton, Mitchell Allgood, Carl Webb, Justin Horo.

Ins: None

Outs: None

Matt Considers: A big clash for both sides. Although it is still early, the Eels finals chances may line on the line here, with a loss putting both more than two wins outside the eight with only 10 rounds remaining, while the Raiders chances are all but over with a loss. Neither side has any changes, with the Raiders naming Trevor Thurling and Josh Miller on an extended bench. Joel Thompson is a chance of returning from injury early, and would take his place in the centres, with Stuart likely to drop out. Youngster Josh Papalii also replaces Bronson Harrison in the starting line-up, while David Shillington starts in front of Dane Tilse. The Eels are unchanged for the second game running after a tough loss against the Eagles on Monday night.

SUNDAY, June 26

Warriors v Melbourne Storm at Mt Smart Stadium, 2.00pm

Warriors: Lance Hohaia, Bill Tupou, Lewis Brown, Shaun Berrigan, Manu Vatuvei, James Maloney, Brett Seymour, Russell Packer, Aaron Heremaia, Jacob Lillyman, Feleti Mateo, Simon Mannering, Elijah Taylor. Interchange (from): Shaun Johnson, Jeremy Latimore, Sione Lousi, Alehana Mara, Ben Matulino, Steve Rapira.

Ins: Bill Tupou, Shaun Berrigan, Brett Seymour, Sione Lousi, Alehana Mara

Outs: Kevin Locke (knee), Kristan Inu (NSW Cup), Glen Fisiiahi (groin)

Storm: Billy Slater, Matt Duffie, Dane Nielsen, Maurice Blair, Sisa Waqa, Gareth Widdop, Cooper Cronk, Jesse Bromwich, Cameron Smith (c), Bryan Norrie, Adam Blair, Kevin Proctor, Todd Lowrie. Interchange (from): Ryan Hinchcliffe, Sika Manu, Adam Woolnough, Jaiman Lowe, Rory Kostjasyn, Justin O’Neill.

Ins: Dane Nielsen, Jesse Bromwich

Outs: None

Adrian Considers: Changes galore at the Warriors. Locke, Inu and The Fish are all out, Tupou,  Berrigan, Seymour, Lousi and Alehana Mara are in. Young halfback Shaun Johnson stays in the squad and looks to take the utility role the Warriors like to use. That being said, they could go with an extra forward instead… At any rate, the final make up of the side will be decided on closer to game time. The Storm welcome back Dane Nielsen and Jesse Bromwich, pushing Kostjasyn and O’Neill onto an extended bench. I’ve noticed the Storm like to use the squad this year, which isn’t so helpful for DT coaches…

Penrith Panthers v North Queensland Cowboys at Centrebet Stadium, 2.00pm

Panthers: Lachlane Coote, David Simmons, Junior Vai Vai, Brad Tighe, Adrian Purtell, Travis Burns, Luke Walsh, Sam McKendry, Kevin Kingston, Petero Civoniceva, Trent Waterhouse, Nathan Smith, Luke Lewis. Interchange (from): Nade Seluini, Tim Grant, Matthew Bell, Dayne Weston, Sarafu Fatiaki.

Ins: Luke Lewis, Dayne Weston, Sarafu Fatiaki

Outs: Masada Iosefa (hand), Joseph Paulo (NSW Cup)

Cowboys: Matthew Bowen, Ashley Graham, Ben Jones, Gavin Cooper, Kalifa Faifai Loa, Ray Thompson,Johnathan Thurston (c), Matthew Scott (c), Aaron Payne, James Tamou, Tariq Sims, Glenn Hall, Dallas Johnson. Interchange: James Segeyaro, Joel Riethmuller, Ashton Sims, Leeson Ah Mau.

Ins: James Tamou, Glenn Hall

Outs: Will Tupou, Isaak Ah Mau

Matt Considers: While these teams have been named, we will be waiting with intrigue tomorrow night to hear the verdict from the judiciary, primarily on the Johnathan Thurston case, but also with Tariq Sims, who is looking for a down-grade to his charge in order to play this week. If both are out, expect Michael Morgan to replace Thurston, while either Gavin Cooper or Isaak Ah Mau will replace Sims in the back-row. For the Panthers, Steve Georgallis will have his work cut out for him in his top grade coaching debut, with the drama surrounding the club this week likely to heavily impact their performance. Luke Lewis returns after a massive game in Origin Two, while Dayne Weston and Sarafu Fatiaki are on an extended bench. They have lost their best performer from last week Masada Iosefa, who injured his hand.

Newcastle Knights v Sydney Roosters at Ausgrid Stadium, 3.00pm

Knights: Wes Naiqama, James McManus, Junior Sa’u, Keith Lulia, Akuila Uate, Ryan Stig, Kurt Gidley (c), Richie Fa’aoso, Matt Hilder, Evarn Tuimavave, Chris Houston, Neville Costigan, Joel Edwards. Interchange (from): Isaac De Gois, Antonio Kaufusi, Cameron Ciraldo, Dan Tolar, Tyrone Roberts, Steve Southern, Peter Mata’utia.

Ins: James McManus, Dan Tolar, Tyrone Roberts

Outs: None

Roosters: Anthony Minichiello, Sam Perrett, Justin Carney, Shaun Kenny-Dowall, Joseph ‘BJ’ Leilua, Todd Carney, Mitchell Pearce, Jason Ryles, Jake Friend, Nate Myles, Braith Anasta (c), Boyd Cordner, Frank Paul Nuuausala. Interchange: Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, Mose Masoe, Aidan Guerra, Tom Symonds.

Ins: Anthony Minichiello, Sam Perrett, Shaun Kenny-Dowall, Mitchell Pearce, Nate Myles, Mose Masoe

Outs: Rhys Pritchard (shoulder), Francis Vaiotu (NSW Cup), Willie Mataka (NSW Cup), Tinirau Arona (NSW Cup), Mark Riddell (retired), Brad Takairangi (NSW Cup)

Adrian Considers: Three inclusions for the Knights, with McManus returning on the wing, while Tolar and Roberts are on a seven-man bench. Interestingly enough, all three of the bloodnuts that Newcastle have on the books have been named. Surely they’re setting some sort of record here? For the Roosters… Wow! Minichiello, Perrett, Kenny-Dowall, Pearce, Myles and Masoe are all In. I’ll let that speak for itself. This is a very decent looking side on paper.

MONDAY, June 27

St George Illawarra Dragons v Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles at WIN Stadium, 7.00pm

Dragons: Darius Boyd, Brett Morris, Mark Gasnier, Kyle Stanley, Jason Nightingale, Jamie Soward, Ben Hornby (c), Dan Hunt, Dean Young, Michael Weyman, Trent Merrin, Ben Creagh, Matt Prior. Interchange (from): Jon Green, Nathan Fien, Adam Cuthbertson, Michael Greenfield, Jack Bosden, Alex McKinnon.

Ins: Brett Morris, Dean Young, Ben Creagh

Outs: Ratu Peni Tagive (Illawarra A-Grade)

Sea Eagles: Brett Stewart, Michael Robertson, Jamie Lyon (c), Steve Matai, David Williams, Kieran Foran, Daly Cherry-Evans, Jason King (c), Matt Ballin, George Rose, Anthony Watmough, Joe Galuvao, Glenn Stewart. Interchange (from): Vic Mauro, Jamie Buhrer, Tim Robinson, Darcy Lussick, Daniel Harrison.

Ins: Darcy Lussick, Daniel Harrison

Outs: Tony Williams (hamstring)

Matt Considers: Without a doubt the match of the round. There is also the added spice now of Ricky Stuart asking players to step down, none of which have done so at the moment. For the Dragons, they haven’t won since playing the Tigers after Origin One, so this game represents a chance to regain the momentum that saw them win eight straight. They welcome back Brett Morris on the left wing, Dean Young, who couldn’t back up from the weekend before, and Ben Creagh, who missed last week after picking up an ankle injury in Origin Two. He is still in some doubt but is expected to play, as is Ben Hornby, who is also struggling with an ankle injury. For the Eagles, they have lost Tony Williams with a hamstring strain, while despite being named, Joe Galuvao isn’t expected to play after breaking his hand against the Eels on Monday night. A massive clash out of Wollongong, and first place could be up for grabs here, as well as possibly the premiership favouritism.