Who's Playing Who?

All the teams have been named, and again there are some massive players returning, and some big names out as well. There is also some major milestones this weekend in a massive round in the make-up of the top eight. We return to eight games this weekend also, with all team’s byes now over, so make sure you check out the teams before the weekend!

 

FRIDAY:  July 15

Brisbane Broncos v Gold Coast Titans at Suncorp Stadium, 7:35pm

Broncos: Josh Hoffman, Gerald Beale, Justin Hodges, Jack Reed, Jharal Yow Yeh, Darren Lockyer, Peter Wallace, Ben Hannant, Andrew McCullough, Scott Anderson, Alex Glenn, Sam Thaiday, Corey Parker.  Interchange (from): Matt Gillett, Ben Hunt, Mitchell Dodds, Josh McGuire, Kurt Baptiste, Dunamis Lui.

Ins: Justin Hodges, Jharal Yow Yeh, Darren Lockyer, Ben Hannant, Sam Thaiday, Corey Parker, Kurt Baptiste

Outs: Dale Copley (Toyota Cup), Dave Gagai (Toyota Cup), Corey Norman (dropped), Nick Kenny (Queensland Cup), David Hala (Queensland Cup)

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

Ins: Luke Capewell, Greg Bird, Preston Campbell

Outs: Mat Rogers (broken foot – retired), Jordan Rankin (Toyota Cup)

Adrian Considers: The Broncos have named pretty much their best possible line up, with Hodges, Yoh Yeh, Lockyer, Hannant, Thaiday and Parker all returning from the victorious Queensland side, with Kurt Baptiste also added to an extended bench. That bye was excellent, allowing the stars of Origin a week off to celebrate the victory, and freshen up before the ‘Glory Bound’ Rounds (are they still calling them that?) They will most definitely be playing in the finals, and could go a long way. Matt especially thinks this side is capable of big things, and I’d be inclined to agree. The Titans on the other hand are still struggling, and there looks to be no end to this horror run in the near future. They currently sit in last place on the ladder, and while they are still a mathematical chance of making the finals (such is the nature of the competition this year), I’d say they wont be moving far off the bottom. That being said, they welcome back some handy players- Luke Capewell, Greg Bird (I said he’d back up last week… wrong again!) and Preston Campbell. Mat Rogers’ return to the NRL was short lived, breaking his foot only a week into his career revival. At least he got to play his 200th game, right? Zillman returns to 5/8, which will please those DT coaches who held onto him. I’ve earmarked Brenton Lawrence as a potential cheapie as well, as he’s on the cusp of his third game (if picked). Extended benches, damn you.

 

NZ Warriors v Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs at Mt. Smart Stadium, 8:30pm (local)

Warriors: Kevin Locke, Bill Tupou, Joel Moon, Shaun Berrigan, Manu Vatuvei, James Maloney, Shaun Johnson, Russell Packer, Aaron Heremaia, Jacob Lillyman, Feleti Mateo, Simon Mannering (c), Micheal Luck.  Interchange (from): Lance Hohaia, Sam Rapira, Ben Matulino, Elijah Taylor, Steve Rapira.

Ins: Joel Moon, Steve Rapira

Outs: Lewis Brown (ankle)

Bulldogs: Ben Barba, Steve Turner, Josh Morris, Jamal Idris, Jonathon Wright, Kris Keating, Trent Hodkinson, Aiden Tolman, Dene Halatau, Sam Kasiano, Frank Pritchard, Andrew Ryan (c), David Stagg. Interchange: Greg Eastwood, Martin Taupau, Gary Warburton, Ben Roberts

Ins: None

Outs: None

Matt Considers: The Warriors are starting to kick-away from the chasing pack on the ladder, and another home game will only assist this rise. The Bulldogs however are struggling big-time, and the loss of Michael Ennis following Origin has only made this worse. While Dene Halatau is a competent replacement at hooker, they miss the energy and guile that Ennis possesses, and his strong combination with Keating and Hodkinson. They are unchanged from their loss to the Storm last week in Adelaide, but that is more from habit rather than form. They need to start winning to stay in contention for the finals, and the save the job of coach Kevin Moore, although this is a very tough task. For the home side, they were methodical in their win over the Titans last Friday night, and if they continue on that path, then the Bulldogs could be in for a long night. Shaun Johnson is proving to be a great replacement for Brett Seymour at halfback, while the Beast is again becoming dangerous, as is their massive bench. They welcome back Joel Moon to the centres for the injured Lewis Brown, and Steve Rapira is added to an extended bench.

 

SATURDAY: July 16

South Sydney Rabbitohs v Sydney Roosters at ANZ Stadium, 5:30pm

Rabbitohs: Rhys Wesser, Nathan Merritt, Dylan Farrell, Greg Inglis, Chris McQueen, John Sutton, Chris Sandow, Ben Ross, Issac Luke, Shannan McPherson, Jason Clark, Eddy Pettybourne, Michael Crocker (c), Interchange (from): Luke Burgess, Dave Tyrrell, Ben Lowe, Nathan Peats, Shaune Corrigan

Ins: Shaune Corrigan

Outs: None

Roosters: Phil Graham, Sam Perrett, Kane Linnett, Shaun Kenny-Dowall, Joseph ‘BJ’ Leilua, Todd Carney, Mitchell Pearce, Jason  Ryles, Jake Friend, Nate Myles, Braith  Anasta, Tom Symonds, Frank Paul Nuuausala. Interchange: Anthony Mitchell, Tinirau Arona, Brad Takairangi, Aidan Guerra

Ins: Aiden Guerra

Outs: Mose Masoe (dropped)

Adrian Considers: Only the one inclusion for Souths, with ginger/outside-back Shaune Corrigan added to an extended bench. Jason Clark gets his chance to start for the second week. People laughed at me when I said he was a decent option for your DT bench. Who’s laughing now? A respectable score of 38 last week will no doubt be backed up by something similar. Not bad for someone priced at $92k (when I picked him up.) They take on their arch-nemesis the Roosters (oh that’s right, it’s Rivalry Round! So where does this leave the Bound for Glory Rounds?) Aiden Guerra is included at the expense of Mose Masoe. Once regarded as being one of the all-time toughest players in the game by the Daily Telegraph (after a handful of FG games), he is now tossed aside for whatever reason. How is this any way to treat one of the legends of the game?! That’ll do me, honestly…

 

North QLD Cowboys v Wests Tigers at Dairy Farmers Stadium, 7:30pm

Cowboys: Matthew Bowen, Ashley Graham, Brent Tate, Willie Tonga, Kalifa Faifai Loa, Ray Thompson, Michael  Morgan, Matthew Scott (c), Aaron Payne, James Tamou, Gavin Cooper, Glenn Hall, Dallas Johnson. Interchange (from): James Segeyaro, Joel Riethmuller, Ashton Sims, Tariq Sims, Cory Paterson, Will Tupou, Leeson Ah Mau

Ins: Brent Tate, Aaron Payne, Tariq Sims, Lesson Ah Mau

Outs: Clint Amos (Queensland Cup)

Tigers: Tim Moltzen, Beau Ryan, Blake Ayshford, Chris Lawrence, Mitch Brown, Benji Marshall, Robert Lui, Bryce Gibbs, Robbie Farah, Keith Galloway, Liam Fulton, Gareth Ellis, Chris Heighington, Interchange: Sean Meaney, Todd Payten, Aaron Woods, Andrew Fifita

Ins: Liam Fulton, Sean Meaney

Outs: Wade McKinnon (ribs), Ben Murdoch-Masila (hamstring)

Matt Considers: The Cowboys proved their class on Monday night against the Knights in Newcastle, coming away with a big victory without Johnathon Thurston, and they will have to replicate this again to beat the struggling Tigers. For the home side, they have a raft of people returning, including international off-season signing Brent Tate, who is making his club debut, along with Tariq Sims, and Aaron Payne, while Lesson Ah Mau is on an extended bench. This is Tate’s first game since a potentially career-ending knee injury in last year’s Four Nations final, and he could take some time before he returns to his best (at least that’s what I’m hoping). For the Tigers, Wade McKinnon is out with a rib injury which he did against the Bulldogs, but played with against the Eels, while young monster Ben Murdoch-Masila is out with a hamstring injury. They welcome back Liam Fulton, who was forced to sit out a week after back-to-back concussions, and impressive utility back Sean Meaney, with the Dragons’ latest signing Tim Moltzen going back to fullback.

 

Penrith Panthers v Parramatta Eels at Centrebet Stadium, 7:30pm

Panthers: Lachlan Coote, David Simmons, Michael Jennings, Brad Tighe, Adrian Purtell, Travis Burns, Luke Walsh, Sam McKendry, Kevin Kingston, Petero Civoniceva (c), Trent Waterhouse, Nigel Plum, Luke Lewis. Interchange (from): Nafe Seluini, Dayne Weston, Nathan Smith, Tim Grant, Matthew Bell

Ins: Michael Jennings, Matthew Bell

Outs: Taioalo Vai Vai (dropped)

Eels: Jarryd Hayne, Luke Burt, Ryan Morgan, Ben Smith, Jordan Atkins, Casey McGuire, Jeff Robson, Tim Mannah, Matt Keating, Fuifui Moimoi, Nathan Hindmarsh (C), Taniela Lasalo, Justin Horo. Interchange: Shane Shackleton, Mitchell Allgood, Manase Manuokafoa, Reni Maitua

Ins: Jeff Robson, Manase Manuokafoa

Outs: Etuate Uaisele (dropped), Pat O’Hanlon (dropped)

Adrian Considers: For the Panthers, Michael Jennings returns finally from injury, replacing Junior Vai Vai. Matthew Bell is added to an extended bench. Surprisingly (or not), Jarryd Hayne has been named at fullback, with Luke Burt back on the wing. Personally, I feel like their best option at the moment is Hayne at 5/8, Burt at fullback. I mean, why not keep it going? It seemed to work last week. Robson returns at halfback, and Manuokafoa is back on the bench.

 

SUNDAY: July 17

Canberra Raiders v Melbourne Storm at Canberra Stadium, 2:00pm

Raiders: Josh Dugan, Blake Ferguson, Jarrod Croker, Joel Thompson, Daniel Vidot, Josh McCrone, Sam Williams, Brett White, Alan Tongue (c), Dane Tilse, Danny Galea, Bronson Harrison, Shaun Fensom. Interchange (from): Glen Buttriss, Joe Picker, Sam Mataora, Trevor Thurling, Josh Miller

Ins: Josh Dugan, Daniel Vidot, Danny Galea, Josh Miller

Outs: Nathan Massey (Toyota Cup), Reece Robinson (knee), Josh Papalii (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, Sika Manu, Kevin Proctor. Interchange: Rory Kostjasyn, Ryan Hinchcliffe, Adam Woolnough, Jaiman Lowe

Ins: None

Outs: None

Matt Considers: A very interesting clash between a struggling Raiders side, and a Storm side who are far and away the best side in this competition. The big team news of the round comes in this game, with the return of Raiders and NSW fullback Josh Dugan from the ankle injury which ruled him out of Games Two and Three. He replaces young fullback Nathan Massey, who impressed in his short time at the back, while they have a revamped back-row, with Danny Galea returning to the side, Bronson Harrison returning to the starting line-up, and Joe Picker dropping back to the bench. Exiled winger Daniel Vidot also returns, with injuries to Reece Robinson and boom second-rower Josh Papalii leaving them out. For the Storm, they go in unchanged from their victory over the Bulldogs, with Cameron Smith to start this game after resting on the bench for some time following Origin. Rep backs Beau Champion and Anthony Quinn remain on the outer, despite impressive performances in State Cup for Cronulla.

 

Newcastle Knights v Manly Sea Eagles at Ausgrid Stadium, 3:00pm

Knights: Wes Naiqama, James McManus, Junior Sa’u, Keith Lulia, Akuila Uate, Ryan Stig, Jarrod Mullen (c), Richie Fa’aoso, Isaac De Gois, Evarn Tuimavave, Chris Houston, Neville Costigan, Joel Edwards. Interchange (from): Matt Hilder, Antonio Kaufusi, Cameron Ciraldo, Dan Tolar, Mark Taufua, Steve Southern, Adam MacDougall

Ins: Keith Lulia, Isaac De Gois, Evarn Tuimavave, Neville Costigan

Outs: Kurt Gidley (hamstring)

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

Ins: Steve Matai, Tim Robinson, Darcy Lussick

Outs: Michael Oldfield (NSW Cup)

Adrian Considers: Bigs ins, and one big out for the Knights. Lulia, De Gois, Tuimavave and Costigan all return, while Gidley is out after he picked up that injury after his second try on Monday night. Good news for Stig, who takes Gidley’s spot at 5/8. Huge 7-man MEGABENCH for the Knights. No idea who’s going to get a run, but it’d be safe to assume MacDougall wont unless there’s an injury to any outside backs. The Sea Eagles welcome back Steve Matai, with Tim Robinson and Darcy Lussick on a 5-man bench. Michael Oldfield is dropped to the NSW Cup, despite a good showing in the centres last round.

 

MONDAY: July 18

St. George Illawarra Dragons v Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks at WIN Jubilee, 7:00pm

Dragons: Darius Boyd, Brett Morris, Mark Gasnier, Matt Cooper, Jason Nightingale, Jamie Soward, Nathan Fien, Dan Hunt, Dean Young (c), Michael Weyman, Beau Scott, Ben Creagh, Matt Prior. Interchange: Jon Green, Mitch Rein, Adam Cuthbertson, Trent Merrin

Ins: Darius Boyd, Brett Morris, Mark Gasnier, Matt Cooper, Jamie Soward, Beau Scott, Ben Creagh

Outs: Ratu Peni Tagive (Illawarra A Grade), Alex McKinnon (Toyota Cup), Kyle Stanley (Illawarra A Grade), Reece Simmonds (Illawarra A Grade), Ben Hornby (fractured hand), Jack De Belin (Toyota Cup), Jake Marketo (Illawarra A Grade)

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

Ins: Johnny Mannah

Outs: None

Matt Considers: The Dragons are welcomed back to the Premiership after the bye and the Origin period, and now they’ve lost another player, with skipper Ben Hornby out with a fractured hand. Their Origin players return, and minus Hornby, they’re at full strength this week for this local derby. The Sharks are unchanged from last week, with only John Mannah added to the bench. The last time these two sides met the Sharks won in a massive upset, but this time they’re on the back of a four game winning streak, while the Dragons have won just one in their last five. This time however, the home side are over Origin, and with Matt Cooper back in the side, they have a world-class back-line, all of whom minus Soward, have represented their country. Another Monday Night blockbuster ahead!