Roosters coach Trent Robinson has a big decision to make around his forward pack following a brutal injury blow and a disappointing performance from his engine room across the ditch.
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Meanwhile, Ivan Cleary left an international centre out of his side against the Broncos with the replacement shining in a 26-0 rout. What will the Panthers coach decide to do amid some interesting transfer rumours involving Tago?
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Read on for all the NRL Team Tips for Round 2.
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THURSDAY MARCH 12
Brisbane Broncos vs. Parramatta Eels at Suncorp Stadium, 8.00pm AEDT
Last week’s Broncos team: 1. Reece Walsh 2. Josiah Karapani 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Gehamat Shibasaki 5. Deine Mariner 14. Ben Hunt 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Corey Jensen 9. Cory Paix 10. Payne Haas 11. Jack Gosiewski 12. Jordan Riki 13. Patrick Carrigan 6. Ezra Mam 15. Xavier Willison 16. Ben Talty 17. Aublix Tawha 18. Grant Anderson 21. Jaiyden Hunt
Team Tips: The Brisbane Broncos may have been embarrassed by the Panthers last week, but don’t expect Michael Maguire to make any rash changes, at least for another week. Maguire moved Ben Hunt into the halves in a late pre-game switch, which pushed Ezra Mam to the bench, but that plan seemed to backfire as Brisbane were held scoreless. Expect Mam to start and Hunt to either come off the bench or begin at hooker. Jesse Arthars could be in contention to retain his spot in the backline. He was solid for Wynnum Manly (OLD Cup) over the weekend. Back-rower Brendan Piakura (knee) is set to miss at least one more week.
Last week’s Eels team: 1. Isaiah Iongi 2. Bailey Simonsson 3. Viliami Penisini 4. Brian Kelly 5. Sean Russell 6. Jonah Pezet 7. Mitchell Moses 8. J’maine Hopgood 9. Ryley Smith 10. Junior Paulo 11. Jack Williams 12. Kitione Kautoga 13. Jack de Belin 14. Dylan Walker 15. Sam Tuivaiti 16. Matt Doorey 17. Tallyn Da Silva 18. Kelma Tuilagi 19. Joash Papali’i
Team Tips: It’ll be interesting to see if Jason Ryles makes any changes to the side that was flogged 52-4 in Round 1 or if he keeps the faith for another week. There will be at least one forced change with J’maine Hopgood suspended (high tackle) for one match. Luca Morretti led the forwards in NSW Cup and is set to be the player called into the squad. Fullback Isaiah Iongi did suffer a concussion in their previous match against the Storm but returned to the match and will be available this week. Josh Addo-Carr (thumb) remains sidelined.
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Storm pump Eels to keep R1 streak alive | 02:39
FRIDAY MARCH 13
New Zealand Warriors vs. Canberra Raiders at Go Media Stadium, 6.00pm AEDT
Last week’s Warriors team: 1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 3. Ali Leiataua 4. Adam Pompey 5. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 6. Chanel Harris-Tavita 7. Tanah Boyd 8. James Fisher-Harris 9. Wayde Egan 10. Jackson Ford 11. Kurt Capewell 12. Jacob Laban 13. Erin Clark 14. Samuel Healey 15. Demitric Vaimauga 16. Leka Halasima 17. Tanner Stowers-Smith 18. Taine Tuaupiki 20. Morgan Gannon
Team Tips: The Warriors were outstanding in their opening match and it’s hard to see Andrew Webster reshuffling his line up. The forward pack are the real deal, with three props going over 100m, including Tanner Stowers-Smith off the bench. Perhaps the toughest decision Webster will have to make will be whether to start Jacob Laban or Leka Halasima. Outside of a sensational try from a kick, Halasima was quiet as was Laban but both have terrific futures ahead of them.
Last week’s Raiders team: 1. Kaeo Weekes 2. Savelio Tamale 3. Simi Sasagi 4. Sebastian Kris 5. Xavier Savage 6. Ethan Strange 7. Ethan Sanders 8. Josh Papali’i 9. Tom Starling 10. Joseph Tapine 11. Hudson Young 12. Noah Martin 13. Corey Horsburgh 14. Jayden Brailey 15. Zac Hosking 16. Ata Mariota 17. Morgan Smithies 18. Daine Laurie 19. Jed Stuart
Team Tips: Ricky Stuart has a tough call on his hands when it comes to his outside backs. The versatile Simi Sasagi was excellent against Manly, taking several tough carries from Canberra’s own end to put the Raiders on the front foot. Matt Timoko is one of the more dangerous centres in the game when he’s on song, but he spent last week in NSW Cup as he needed minutes in his legs after an interrupted pre-season. It’d be hard to see Sasagi lose his spot but if Timoko is healthy, he has to be in the 17. Seb Kris is the other centre so perhaps he’s on the chopping block? Another change that could be made is Timoko slotting straight back into the centres and pushing Sasagi to the interchange bench. Matty Nicholson re-injured his shoulder in NSW Cup, so he won’t be available to play, however given the performance of Noah Martin against the Sea Eagles, Nicholson would’ve been in an uphill battle to win his spot back.
Sydney Roosters vs. South Sydney Rabbitohs at Allianz Stadium, 8.00pm AEDT
Last week’s Roosters team: 1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Billy Smith 19. Fetalaiga Pauga 5. Mark Nawaqanitawase 6. Daly Cherry-Evans 7. Sam Walker 17. Spencer Leniu 9. Benaiah Ioelu 10. Lindsay Collins 11. Angus Crichton 12. Nat Butcher 8. Naufahu Whyte 13. Blake Steep 14. Connor Watson 15. Siua Wong 16. Egan Butcher 18. Cody Ramsey 22. Toby Rodwell
Team Tips: After being a late withdrawal last week, Robert Toia (foot) is expected to be back on deck and will take his spot back in the centres. However, Spencer Leniu (hamstring) is still set to be sidelined for at least another week. The Leniu injury hurts the Chooks as their pack was monstered by the Warriors in Round 1. The likes of Angus Crichton and Lindsay Collins will need to step up significantly. Expect Salesi Foketi to have more of a role this weekend. He played 13 minutes in first grade, backing up from NSW Cup. Taylor Losalu is set to earn a call up.
Last week’s Rabbitohs team: 1. Jye Gray 2. Alex Johnston 3. Latrell Mitchell 4. Jack Wighton 5. Campbell Graham 6. Cody Walker 7. Ashton Ward 8. Tevita Tatola 9. Bronson Garlick 10. Keaon Koloamatangi 11. David Fifita 12. Euan Aitken 13. Cameron Murray 14. Peter Mamouzelos 15. Tallis Duncan 16. Lachlan Hubner 17. Sean Keppie 18. Jayden Sullivan 19. Moala Graham-Taufa
Team Tips: The Rabbitohs are forced into at least one change with Ashton Ward (ankle) ruled out for at least a couple of weeks. With Jamie Humphreys still suspended, Jayden Sullivan will replace him in the halves. They are still without Brandon Smith, Jai Arrow, Jonah Glover and Isaiah Tass due to various injury issues, so don’t expect any other changes to the side who put 40 on the Dolphins at Suncorp Stadium.
SATURDAY MARCH 14
Wests Tigers vs. North Queensland Cowboys at Leichhardt Oval, 3.00pm AEDT
Last week’s Tigers team: Did not play.
Team Tips: The Wests Tigers only have one injury issue heading into their opening match of the season, with Latu Fainu (shoulder) expected to still be unavailable after undergoing surgery in the off-season. Rookie Heamasi Makasini is set to play and will transition from the centres to the wing, while Adam Doueihi (wearing the No. 7 jersey) will accompany Jarome Luai in the halves. Recruit Kai Pearce-Paul (calf) was a late withdrawal in the club’s final trial match but is expected to make his club debut on the weekend.
Last week’s Cowboys team: 1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Braidon Burns 3. Jaxon Purdue 4. Thomas Chester 5. Murray Taulagi 6. Jake Clifford 7. Tom Dearden 8. Coen Hess 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Jason Taumalolo 11. Heilum Luki 12. Sam McIntyre 13. Reuben Cotter 14. Soni Luke 15. Thomas Mikaele 17. Kai O’Donnell 18. Griffin Neame 21. Matthew Lodge 22. Robert Derby
Team Tips: Although they had a somewhat disappointing showing against the Knights in Las Vegas, it is hard to see Todd Payten ring the alarm bells just yet. Scott Drinkwater (ribs) is under an injury cloud but is expected to be fit, while Payten could potentially shift Jaxon Purdue into the halves to accompany Tom Dearden – but it is unlikely. Meanwhile, Thomas Mikaele (knee) will have to be replaced and his replacement is likely to be youngster Kaiden Lahrs. Braidon Burns was charged with a Grade 2 Careless High Tackle but has decided to challenge the grading, so his availability remains unknown but if he loses at the judiciary, Rob Derby will likely come into the side.
St George Illawarra Dragons vs. Melbourne Storm at WIN Stadium, 5.30pm AEDT
Last week’s Dragons team: 1. Clinton Gutherson 2. Christian Tuipulotu 3. Moses Suli 4. Valentine Holmes 5. Setu Tu 6. Kyle Flanagan 7. Daniel Atkinson 8. Emre Guler 9. Damien Cook 10. Toby Couchman 11. Luciano Leilua 12. Jaydn Su’A 14. Hame Sele 13. Hamish Stewart 15. Josh Kerr 16. Blake Lawrie 17. Ryan Couchman 18. Lyhkan King-Togia 21. Mathew Feagai
Team Tips: Jacob Liddle (hamstring) is a chance to return after suffering an injury during pre-season training and if available, will immediately enter the squad. There are no other injuries or returning players on deck, so the squad is likely to remain the same as what it did in Las Vegas.
Last week’s Storm team: 1. Sualauvi Faalogo 2. William Warbrick 3. Jack Howarth 4. Moses Leo 5. Nick Meaney 6. Cameron Munster 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Stefano Utoikamanu 9. Harry Grant 10. Josh King 11. Joe Chan 12. Ativalu Lisati 13. Alec MacDonald 14. Tyran Wishart 15. Cooper Clarke 16. Tui Kamikamica 17. Davvy Moale 18. Preston Conn 19. Siulagi Tuimalatu-Brown
Team Tips: The Storm are forced into at least one change with Alex MacDonald (concussion) ruled out of the clash. Cooper Clarke (ribs) and Harry Grant (hamstring) both picked up minor injuries but are expected to play, while Shawn Blore (ankle) is expected to be back in Round 3 but could be set for an early return. Trent Loiero remains suspended for at least another week.
Penrith Panthers vs. Cronulla Sharks at Carrington Park Bathurst, 7.35pm AEDT
Last week’s Sharks team: 1. William Kennedy 2. Sione Katoa 3. Jesse Ramien 4. KL Iro 5. Samuel Stonestreet 6. Braydon Trindall 7. Nicho Hynes 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Thomas Hazelton 11. Briton Nikora 12. Billy Burns 13. Jesse Colquhoun 14. Siosifa Talakai 15. Toby Rudolf 16. Oregon Kaufusi 17. Braden Hamlin-Uele 18. Hohepa Puru 19. Chris Veaila
Team Tips: What a performance from Cronulla in the opening round! Therefore, don’t expect any changes from the Sharks this week as they prepare to head down to Bathurst for a tough battle. The club picked up no injuries or suspensions last week and Teig Wilton (shoulder) and versatile outside back Mawene Hiroti (knee) remain sidelined for at least another week.
Last week’s Panthers team: 1. Dylan Edwards 2. Paul Alamoti 4. Casey McLean 18. Thomas Jenkins 5. Brian To’o 6. Blaize Talagi 7. Nathan Cleary 8. Moses Leota 9. Mitch Kenny 10. Lindsay Smith 16. Isaiah Papali’i 12. Luke Garner 13. Isaah Yeo 3. Izack Tago 11. Scott Sorensen 14. Jack Cogger 17. Kalani Going 19. Freddy Lussick 20. Billy Phillips
Team Tips: The Panthers will be hopeful that they will have forward duo Liam Henry (knee) and Liam Martin (calf) back on deck this weekend, but an exact return timeline has yet to be issued. Rookie Luron Patea was a late withdrawal, but did play in NSW Cup, so he is also another potential option that Ivan Cleary has. Tom Jenkins was a late in, replacing Izack Tago in a shock switch. Cleary revealed post-game that Tago has had an interrupted pre-season because of circumstances “that weren’t his fault”. It’s unclear if Cleary will turn back to Tago but it must be said Jenkins had a blinder and will make it tough for Cleary to drop him.
Broncos kept scoreless by tough Panthers | 02:46
SUNDAY MARCH 15
Manly Sea Eagles vs. Newcastle Knights at 4 Pines Park, 4.05pm AEDT
Last week’s Sea Eagles team: 1. Tom Trbojevic 2. Jason Saab 3. Tolutau Koula 4. Reuben Garrick 5. Lehi Hopoate 6. Luke Brooks 7. Jamal Fogarty 8. Taniela Paseka 9. Jake Simpkin 10. Siosiua Taukeiaho 11. Haumole Olakau’atu 12. Ben Trbojevic 13. Jake Trbojevic 14. Joey Walsh 15. Kobe Hetherington 16. Ethan Bullemor 17. Nathan Brown 18. Clayton Faulalo 20. Corey Waddell
Team Tips: After an extra-time loss to the Raiders, the Sea Eagles may make some changes to their forward stocks with Simione Laiafi (concussion) and Paul Bryan both available for selection and pushing for a spot. Siosiua Taukeiaho is under an injury cloud following a calf issue that limited him to just 15 minutes against Canberra. His absence could mean another call-up for Corey Waddell, while also freeing space for gun halfback Joey Walsh on the bench.
Last week’s Knights team: 1. Kalyn Ponga 2. Dominic Young 3. Dane Gagai 4. Bradman Best 5. Greg Marzhew 6. Fletcher Sharpe 7. Dylan Brown 8. Jacob Saifiti 9. Phoenix Crossland 10. Trey Mooney 11. Dylan Lucas 12. Jermaine McEwen 15. Mathew Croker 13. Tyson Frizell 14. Sandon Smith 16. Thomas Cant 17. Pasami Saulo 18. Fletcher Hunt 19. Francis Manuleleua
Team Tips: The Knights will be without star five-eighth Fletcher Sharpe for at least another week following a knee injury sustained in round one in Las Vegas. Sandon Smith will take his spot in the halves while recruit Harrison Graham is likely to be the man to come into the squad after being rested from reserve-grade last week. Otherwise the Knights are expected to field a side closely mirroring Round 1.
Dolphins vs. Gold Coast Titans at Suncorp Stadium, 6.15pm AEDT
Last week’s Dolphins team: 1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Jake Averillo 4. Herbie Farnworth 5. Selwyn Cobbo 6. Kodi Nikorima 7. Isaiya Katoa 8. Tom Gilbert 14. Brad Schneider 10. Thomas Flegler 11. Connelly Lemuelu 12. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki 13. Morgan Knowles 15. Oryn Keeley 16. Felise Kaufusi 17. Trai Fuller 18. Sebastian Su’a 19. Brent Woolf 20. Lewis Symonds
Team Tips: The Dolphins are set to receive two massive inclusions for Round 2 with Daniel Saifiti (shoulder) and Kurt Donoghoe (hamstring) both slated to make their returns this week. Continuing the positive news, utility forward Max Plath made his return to the field last week via the QLD Cup and is also expected to be available for selection. Francis Molo and LJ Nonu will be out until at least Round 4, while Ray Stone is a chance inclusion for Round 2.
Last week’s Titans team: 1. Keano Kini 2. Sialetili Faeamani 3. Jojo Fifita 4. Max Feagai 5. Phillip Sami 6. AJ Brimson 7. Lachlan Ilias 8. Moeaki Fotuaika 9. Sam Verrills 10. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui 11. Arama Hau 12. Beau Fermor 13. Chris Randall 14. Kurtis Morrin 15. Tukimihia Simpkins 16. Klese Haas 17. Cooper Bai 18. Luke Sommerton 19. Zane Harrison
Team Tips: The Gold Coast Titans are set to shake-up their spine once again with dummy-half Sam Verrills unlikely to play after picking up a sternum injury against the Sharks. This will see former Penrith Panthers hooker Luke Sommerton replace Verrills in the No. 9 if the ex-Rooster is ruled out. And continuing the trend of unfortunate news, they will still be without star Jayden Campbell for at least another week with a hamstring injury, gifting Lachlan Ilias another opportunity in the No.7. With that said, you’d have to wonder how tempted coach Josh Hannay is to play young gun Zane Harrison given the Gold Coast couldn’t really capitalise on plenty of good field position against the Sharks.
Bye: Canterbury Bulldogs
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