Star enforcer Jared Waerea-Hargreaves returns from suspension for the Roosters’ must-win clash, while coach Trent Robinson has stuck solid with his halves combination.
Elsewhere, Sharks coach Craig Fitzgibbon is backing Nicho Hynes at No.7 despite suggestions the star playmaker could be benched — or dropped.
And powerhouse centre Jesse Ramien is eyeing a return from an ankle injury.
Read on for the Teams Analysis for the semi-finals.
IMAGINE WHAT YOU COULD BE BUYING INSTEAD. For Free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au.
Watch the best coverage of the 2024 NRL finals, with expert analysis and every game until the Grand Final LIVE with no ad-breaks during play, on Kayo. New to Kayo? Start your free trial today >
SEMI-FINALS
FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 20
Sharks vs Cowboys at Allianz Stadium, 7.50pm AEST
Sharks team: 1. William Kennedy 2. Sione Katoa 3. Siosifa Talakai 4. Kayal Iro 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo 6. Braydon Trindall 7. Nicho Hynes 8. Toby Rudolf 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Oregon Kaufusi 11. Briton Nikora 12. Teig Wilton 13. Cameron McInnes 14. Daniel Atkinson 15. Jack Williams 16. Royce Hunt 17. Thomas Hazelton 18. Braden Hamlin-Uele 19. Tuku Hau Tapuha 20. Jayden Berrell 21. Samuel Stonestreet 22. Jesse Ramien
Analysis: The Sharks have kept the same 17 that lost to the Storm. Star centre Jesse Ramien has been named amongst the reserves as he looks to return from the ankle injury that ruled him out of the Storm clash. Ramien will be given until later in the week to try and prove his fitness. If he is fit expect Siosifa Talakai to switch to the bench. Braden Hamlin-Uele is listed as 18th man.
Cowboys team: 1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Kyle Feldt 3. Valentine Holmes 4. Viliami Vailea 5. Murray Taulagi 6. Tom Dearden 7. Jake Clifford 8. Jordan McLean 9. Reece Robson 10. Jason Taumalolo 11. Heilum Luki 12. Jeremiah Nanai 13. Reuben Cotter 14. Sam McIntyre 15. Harrison Edwards 16. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki 17. Griffin Neame 18. Jaxon Purdue 19. Chad Townsend 20. Thomas Mikaele 21. Braidon Burns 22. Tomas Chester
Analysis: Coach Todd Payten has kept faith with the same 17 that got the job done against the Knights. However, Jaxon Purdue is listed as 18th man after Thomas Mikaele filled that role against Newcastle. Chad Townsend, Braidon Burns and Tom Chester make up the rest of the reserves.
Josh Addo-Carr to front Integrity Unit | 03:00
MORE NRL NEWS
HOOPS:Clubs that could make play for Foxx as Dogs set to bite hard
HUNT: Details of season review emerge as Dragons standoff set to get ‘messy’
RESSIES WRAP: Dolphins cult hero’s contract statement; veteran Panther’s farewell
‘TOO EARLY TO SAY’: Gus’ Foxx reveal as Dogs winger ‘summoned’ by NRL
SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 21
Sydney Roosters vs Manly Sea Eagles at Allianz Stadium, 7.50pm AEST
Roosters team: 1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii 4. Joseph Manu 5. Dominic Young 6. Luke Keary 7. Sandon Smith 8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves 9. Connor Watson 10. Lindsay Collins 11. Angus Crichton 12. Sitili Tupouniua 13. Naufahu Whyte 14. Siua Wong 15. Spencer Leniu 16. Nat Butcher 17. Terrell May 18. Zach Dockar-Clay 19. Fetalaiga Pauga 20. Blake Steep 21. Michael Jennings 22. Victor Radley
Analysis: Jared Waerea-Hargreaves returns from his suspension, taking his place in the front row alongside Lindsay Collins. Nat Butcher shifts to the bench, with Naufuha Whyte named at lock. Butcher will sit on the pine with Siua Wong, Spencer Leniu and Terrell May, while Victor Radley has been named in the extended squad. He will be given the week to prove his fitness ahead of a potential return from a fractured scapula suffered in Round 26.
Sea Eagles team: 1. Tom Trbojevic 2. Tommy Talau 3. Tolutau Koula 4. Reuben Garrick 5. Lehi Hopoate 6. Luke Brooks 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Taniela Paseka 9. Lachlan Croker 10. Matthew Lodge 11. Haumole Olakau’atu 12. Karl Lawton 13. Jake Trbojevic 14. Ben Trbojevic 15. Josh Aloiai 16. Ethan Bullemor 17. Nathan Brown 18. Clayton Faulalo 19. Jamie Humphreys 20. Toafofoa Sipley 21. Gordon Chan Kum Tong 22. Corey Waddell
Analysis: Anthony Seibold has the luxury of naming the same 17 as he did in his side’s win over the Bulldogs in the first week of finals. Tom Trbojevic will continue to nurse his shoulder injury, but should have more confidence this week after a solid performance to down the Dogs. Jason Saab remains sidelined with an ankle injury and hasn’t been included in the squad.
Discussion about this post