Broncos’ bumper Haas call amid turmoil; star playmaker returns in stunner — NRL Teams Analysis

FRIDAY MARCH 27

NZ Warriors v Wests Tigers, 6pm AEDT at Go Media Stadium

Warriors team: 1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 3. Adam Pompey 4. Ali Leiataua 5. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 6. Luke Metcalf 7. Tanah Boyd 8. James Fisher-Harris 9. Wayde Egan 10. Jackson Ford 11. Leka Halasima 12. Jacob Laban 13. Erin Clark 14. Samuel Healey 15. Mitchell Barnett 16. Demitric Vaimauga 17. Tanner Stowers-Smith 18. Marata Niukore 20. Chanel Harris-Tavita 21. Taine Tuaupiki 22. Alofiana Khan-Pereira 23. Eddie Ieremia-Toeava

Analysis: In a selection stunner, Luke Metcalf is back on deck for the unbeaten Warriors. Metcalf was slated to return in Round 6 or 7 but is available for Friday night as the Warriors strive for a 4-0 start. He’ll partner the in-form Tanah Boyd in the halves. Metcalf will play six and Boyd will remain at halfback. Boyd has been unbelievably good for the Warriors, orchestrating his side to at least 40 points in all three games. While Metcalf is a very good half, he’s more dangerous as a six, especially next to a organising halfback like Boyd who will handle the majority of the kicking duties to let Metcalf play off the cuff. Chanel Harris-Tavita is back after missing a game due to a head knock. He has been named on the extended bench. Last week’s debutant Luke Hanson makes way. Adam Pompey and Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad are back after missing the win over the Knights. Nicoll-Klokstad replaces Taine Tuaupiki at fullback and Pompey replaces Leka Halasima in the centres, but Halasima moves to the back row. Morgan Gannon is out for a game (concussion).

Tigers team: 1. Jahream Bula 2. Jeral Skelton 3. Sunia Turuva 4. Heamasi Makasini 5. Luke Laulilii 6. Jock Madden 7. Adam Doueihi 8. Terrell May 9. Apisai Koroisau 10. Fonua Pole 11. Samuela Fainu 12. Kai Pearce-Paul 13. Alex Twal 14. Tristan Hope 15. Sione Fainu 16. Royce Hunt 17. Alex Seyfarth 18. Bunty Afoa 19. Faaletino Tavana 20. Tony Sukkar 21. Latu Fainu 22. Patrick Herbert

Analysis: Co-captain Jarome Luai is out for a month with a knee injury. Remarkably, Luai’s halves partner Adam Doueihi has been named despite failing to finish last weekend’s loss to Souths because of a hamstring issue. It appeared Doueihi would have to miss a bit of time given he looked to be in a bit of pain when limping off against the Rabbitohs, but he’s reportedly trained well since. It’s not certain he’ll play but he’s trending towards starting alongside recruit Jock Madden who is set to make his first appearance of 2026. Madden has been named on the bench twice this year but hasn’t been utilised in either game. Interestingly, Latu Fainu has also been named in his return from injury but he won’t be rushed back. Fainu underwent a shoulder reconstruction last year. He’ll probably act as halves cover on an extended six-man bench. “We’ll check him out. Potentially he’s ready but one thing I know about our staff is we won’t put him back in unless he’s ready,” Tigers coach Benji Marshall said.

Brisbane Broncos v Dolphins, 8pm AEDT at Suncorp Stadium

Broncos team: 1. Reece Walsh 2. Josiah Karapani 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Deine Mariner 5. Grant Anderson 6. Ezra Mam 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Corey Jensen 9. Cory Paix 10. Xavier Willison 11. Brendan Piakura 12. Jordan Riki 13. Patrick Carrigan 14. Ben Hunt 15. Ben Talty 16. Aublix Tawha 17. Gehamat Shibasaki 18. Jaiyden Hunt 19. Blake Mozer 20. Jesse Arthars 21. Thomas Duffy 22. Va’a Semu

Analysis: Payne Haas will not play in the Battle of Brisbane because of a shoulder injury. It was reported on Monday that Haas’ work at training was limited before the extent of the injury was revealed on Tuesday. The Broncos are electing to err on the side of caution with the superstar prop given it’s so early in the season. He will replaced by Xavier Willison, who started on an edge last week. Willison is a promising young prop who won’t get through the same amount of work as Haas, but will prove a handful for the Dolphins. With Willison moving from back row to middle forward, it’s opened up a space for the Brendan Piakura, who will start at left edge. Piakura played off the bench last week in what was his first NRL game of the season. The Broncos only used two interchange players last week, with Aublix Tawha and Gehamat Shibasaki failing to see the field. Shibasaki played well in QLD Cup last week but given Deine Mariner’s strong form in the centres against the Storm last week, Shibasaki might be up against it to earn game time. Tawha meanwhile is almost certain to be utilised by Maguire in Haas’ absence. Against his former club, he will want to prove a point, so expect chaos whenever Tawha is injected into the game. As expected, Adam Reynolds will start at halfback after missing last week’s win with a rib injury. That pushes Ben Hunt back to the bench with Cory Paix named to start at hooker.

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 9. Max Plath 10. Felise Kaufusi 11. Connelly Lemuelu 12. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki 13. Morgan Knowles 14. Brad Schneider 15. Thomas Flegler 16. Oryn Keeley 17. Ray Stone 18. Trai Fuller 19. Francis Molo 20. Lewis Symonds 21. Tevita Naufahu 22. Brian Pouniu

Analysis: Outside of Penrith, the Dolphins were arguably the most impressive team of Round 3. It was tight with the Sharks for most of the game before they flexed their muscles late and ran away with it. Because of that, coach Kristian Woolf has elected not to make any changes to his starting side. In a double boost, front row pair Tom Flegler and Francis Molo are set to return, with both named on the bench. Flegler missed one game with a rib injury while Molo was banned for three matches and against the Broncos, could see his first bit of NRL action this season. The Dolphins’ forwards without Flegler and Molo were very good against an above average Cronulla pack last Saturday so adding two class middles into the fray gives Woolf a good headache to have.

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SATURDAY MARCH 28

Canterbury Bulldogs v Newcastle Knights, 3pm AEDT at Accor Stadium

Bulldogs team: 1. Connor Tracey 2. Jacob Kiraz 3. Enari Tuala 4. Stephen Crichton 5. Marcelo Montoya 6. Matt Burton 7. Lachlan Galvin 8. Max King 9. Bailey Hayward 10. Sitili Tupouniua 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Jacob Preston 13. Jaeman Salmon 14. Kurt Mann 15. Josh Curran 16. Lipoi Hopoi 17. Sean O’Sullivan 19. Jonathan Sua 20. Fletcher Baker 21. Logan Spinks 22. Jack Underhill 23. Bronson Xerri

Analysis: Back-rower Sitili Tupouniua shifts to prop in place of Sam Hughes in the only change to the starting line-up. Lipoi Hopoi and Jonathan Sua come onto the six-man bench. Cameron Ciraldo is sticking solid with his team despite their attack still struggling to click. But how long does he keep faith with the Lachlan Galvin and Matt Burton halves combination, particularly if they struggle to score points against a Knights team missing Kalyn Ponga and Dylan brown and Trey Mooney through suspension. It feels like the Bulldogs’ attack needs a circuit breaker and a big scoring game to throw off the shackles and unlock some creativity. But one thing is for sure, while the Bulldogs’ brilliant defence can see them make the top four, they won’t beat the Storm, Broncos or Panthers in the finals scoring just 14 points.

Knights team: 1. Fletcher Hunt 2. Dominic Young 3. Dane Gagai 4. Bradman Best 5. Greg Marzhew 6. Fletcher Sharpe 7. Sandon Smith 8. Jacob Saifiti 9. Phoenix Crossland 10. Tyson Frizell 11. Dylan Lucas 12. Jermaine McEwen 13. Mathew Croker 14. Thomas Cant 15. Pasami Saulo 16. Cody Hopwood 17. Francis Manuleleua 18. Tyson Gamble 19. Harrison Graham 20. Elijah Leaumoana 21. James Schiller 22. Wilson De Courcey

Analysis: Five-eighth Fletcher Sharpe returns from the knee injury he suffered in Las Vegas in a timely boost with Tyson Gamble shifting to the bench. Without Kalyn Ponga and Dylan Brown for the next month at least, the Knights desperately need Sharpe’s creativity in attack and try-scoring and creating ability. Sharpe should be the focal point of attack and allow him to get the ball early and often to unlock the players around him. Tyson Frizell shifts to prop in place of the suspended Trey Mooney, with Cody Hopwood joining bench. Dane Gagai escaped a suspension for a brain snap forearm to the head and takes his place in the centres, but the Knights need more from him and Bradman Best with their two best attacking weapons sidelined.

Penrith Panthers v Parramatta Eels, 5:30pm AEDT at CommBank Stadium

Panthers team: 1. Dylan Edwards 2. Thomas Jenkins 3. Paul Alamoti 4. Casey McLean 5. Brian To’o 6. Blaize Talagi 7. Nathan Cleary 8. Moses Leota 9. Mitch Kenny 10. Lindsay Smith 11. Isaiah Papali’i 12. Liam Martin 13. Isaah Yeo 14. Jack Cogger 15. Billy Phillips 16. Scott Sorensen 17. Luke Garner 18. Izack Tago 19. Freddy Lussick 20. Kalani Going 21. Jack Cole 22. Jaxen Edgar

Analysis: Utility Jack Cogger joins the bench on his return from concussion with Jack Cole dropping out. Star centre Izack Tago is again on the six-man bench as he bids to return to the team, after Thomas Jenkins’ stunning start to the season. Jenkins scored four tries in the win over the Roosters and has surely cemented his spot for the foreseeable future. It means Tago will likely have to wait for an injury in the centres or back row to get another shot at the starting side. Last year it was Paul Alamoti that was dropped for Jenkins only to return for the finals, but it would be brutal to drop Jenkins two years in a row, especially with the type of form he is in at the moment. Ivan Cleary has shown he is not afraid to make the tough selection calls with some if his best players and proven premiership winners to keep the side honest and performing. However, it remains to be seen how long Tago will be left out before he becomes agitated and wants to find another club. It is a delicate balancing act keeping the squad happy and content with so much competition at the Panthers and someone always bound to be unlucky and miss out.

Eels team: 1. Isaiah Iongi 2. Bailey Simonsson 3. Brian Kelly 4. Sean Russell 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Jonah Pezet 7. Mitchell Moses 8. Jack Williams 9. Ryley Smith 10. Junior Paulo 11. Kelma Tuilagi 12. Kitione Kautoga 13. Dylan Walker 14. Tallyn Da Silva 15. Sam Tuivaiti 16. Matt Doorey 17. Luca Moretti 18. Charlie Guymer 19. Joash Papali’i 20. Jack de Belin 21. Teancum Brown 22. Araz Nanva

Analysis: Brian Kelly is back for his first game since Round 1 after coming into the centres for Jordan Samrani, who is sidelined with a knee injury. In a huge blow for the Eels’ season J’maine Hopgood is sidelined for the year with an ACL injury, with Luca Moretti join the bench for his first NRL game of the year. Hopgood will be a massive loss for an Eels pack that is already one or two elite players away from being a genuine contender. Interestingly Moretti was promoted ahead of star recruit Jack de Belin who was dropped last week and is trying to fight his way back into the 19 via the reserves. Dylan Walker starts at lock, which is a good replacement to have, but that takes away from his utility value on the bench and coming on fresh when the teams tire. Joash Papalii is on the six man bench and it will be interesting to see if Jason Ryles gives him more game time as the season progresses at five-eighth, given Jonah Pezet joins the Broncos next season.

NQ Cowboys v Melbourne Storm, 7:35pm AEDT at QLD Country Bank Stadium

Cowboys team: 1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Braidon Burns 3. Jaxon Purdue 4. Zac Laybutt 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. Kai O’Donnell 16. Griffin Neame 17. Harrison Edwards 18. Thomas Mikaele 19. Liam Sutton 20. Kaiden Lahrs 21. Matthew Lodge 22. Robert Derby

Analysis: After returning from injury, Zac Laybutt comes into the starting side at centre in place of Tom Chester, who is serving a one-game ban for a high tackle. Laybutt has been earmarked as a star centre for years, but has been dogged by injuries. With Laybutt and Jaxon Purdue in the centres, the Cowboys have far more settled edges and strike on both sides of the field in attack to run off Jake Clifford and Tom Dearden. Thomas Mikaele returns from a knee injury on the bench alongside Harrison Edwards, who was a late withdrawal last week. But Kaiden Lahrs and Matthew Lodge were late inclusions last week and Payten may opt to use them again. Scott Drinkwater has held his place at fullback with Payten resisting the temptation to use Purdue at fullback as he closes in on a $3m deal to stay at the club until 2030.

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. Alec MacDonald 13. Trent Loiero 14. Tyran Wishart 15. Cooper Clarke 16. Tui Kamikamica 17. Davvy Moale 18. Jack Hetherington 19. Siulagi Tuimalatu-Brown 20. Lazarus Vaalepu 21. Manaia Waitere 22. Trent Toelau

Analysis: Trent Loiero is back starting at lock after returning from suspension via the bench last week, with coach Craig Bellamy keen to get his best team on the park after a disappointing loss to the Broncos after leading 14-0. It came on the back of surrendering a 22-14 lead in the Grand Final to the Broncos and it is a concern for the team going forward. Sua Fa’alogo was again impressive against the Broncos in the first half, but Bellamy warned he still has a lot to learn about playing fullback in the NRL and getting in position on both sides of the ball to take advantage of his speed. Moses Leo has been retained at centre, despite being caught out of position at marker for a Jordan Riki try and plays just his sixth game of NRL against the Cowboys. Prop Tui Kamikamica switches to the bench alongside Tyran Wishart, Cooper Clarke, Davvy Moale, Jack Hetherington and Siulagi Tuimalatu-Brown.

SUNDAY MARCH 29

Canberra Raiders v Cronulla Sharks, 4:05pm AEDT at GIO Stadium

Raiders team: 1. Kaeo Weekes 2. Savelio Tamale 3. Simi Sasagi 4. Sebastian Kris 5. Xavier Savage 6. Ethan Strange 7. Ethan Sanders 8. Morgan Smithies 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. Joseph Roddy 18. Daine Laurie 19. Jed Stuart 20. Owen Pattie 21. Matthew Timoko 22. Chevy Stewart

Analysis: The pressure is on Ricky Stuart’s side after starting the season 1-2, after taking out a stunning minor premiership last season. Ethan Sanders slotted the match winning field goal in Round 1, but the Raiders need more from him and Ethan Strange in attack to set free their danger men out wide with Kaeo Weekes struggling to get into the season and show his class and speed. There also remains doubts over Jayden Brailey being used ahead of Owen Pattie as a bench substitute. Brailey is a solid dummyhalf and great defender but he doesn’t scream super sub and Tom Starling and Pattie are more likely to make an impact coming off the bench. Josh Papalii is out due to suspension for a careless high tackle, with Morgan Smithies starting at prop and young back-rower Joe Roddy joining the bench for his second NRL game. Daine Laurie and Jed Stuart again round out the bench, Kiwis centre Matt Timoko still on the reserves.

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. Billy Burns 12. Teig Wilton 13. Jesse Colquhoun 14. Siosifa Talakai 15. Toby Rudolf 16. Oregon Kaufusi 17. Braden Hamlin-Uele 18. Hohepa Puru 19. Tuku Hau Tapuha 20. Chris Veaila 21. Jayden Berrell 22. Mawene Hiroti

Analysis: Teig Wilton starts in place of Briton Nikora, who is sidelined with Barden Hamlin-Uele coming onto the bench. The Sharks dominated the Titans in Round 1, but their attack has struggled to click since in losses to the Panthers and Dolphins and if they lose to the Raiders, it will ramp up the pressure on their underperforming spine. William Kennedy is under pressure to show more in a contract season and help take the pressure off Nicho Hynes, Braydin Trindall and skipper Blayne Brailey. KL Iro and Jesse Ramien also need to lift their games to create more options running off Hynes and Trindall on the edges. Meanwhile, Hohepa Puru and Tukupa-Ke Hau Tapuha are part of the six-man bench. The Sharks were considered a title threat after Round 1, but if they can’t get back on track soon they will be seen as pretenders.

GC Titans v St. George-Illawarra Dragons, 6:15pm AEDT at Cbus Super Stadium

Titans team: 1. Keano Kini 2. Sialetili Faeamani 3. Jojo Fifita 4. Max Feagai 5. Phillip Sami 6. AJ Brimson 7. Jayden Campbell 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. Lachlan Ilias 19. Josh Patston 20. Jaylan De Groot 21. Oliver Pascoe 22. Jett Liu

Analysis: Josh Hannay has stuck with the same squad despite the Titans’ 0-3 start to the season. It is a fine balance for the new coach between backing his players and trying to find the right combinations to end their winless run. Jayden Campbell backs up after returning from injury at halfback last week and will continue to work on his combinations with AJ Brimson and Keano Kini. The Titans have shown they have points in them with this combination, but they still need to get their defence right to get back in the winners circle. Unless they can hold a team to under 30 points, they won’t be a chance of breaking their duck. Against the 0-3 Dragons this game is already looming as a Spoon Bowl and both teams will be desperate to win, especially the Titans at home.

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. Blake Lawrie 11. Luciano Leilua 12. Jaydn Su’A 13. Hamish Stewart 14. Jacob Liddle 15. Hame Sele 16. Jacob Halangahu 17. Loko Jnr Pasifiki Tonga 18. Josh Kerr 19. Hayden Buchanan 20. Tyrell Sloan 21. Ryan Hutchinson 22. Lyhkan King-Togia

Analysis: Despite their horror 0-3 start to the year, Shane Flanagan has resisted the chance to shake up his halves. But if they can’t beat the 0-3 Titans in Round 4, pressure will only grow on Kyle Flanagan and Daniel Atkinson with Lyhkan King-Togia named on the extended reserves. The Dragons were strong defensively last season, which kept them in a lot of games, but that seems to have deserted them in the opening rounds this year and their attack hasn’t improved much either. Given the Titans have struggled defensively as well this season, if their halves can’t find some points this week, Flanagan may have little choice but to shake things up. Toby Couchman is out due to concussion protocols with Blake Lawrie starting at prop and Hamish Stewart shifting to lock. Ryan Couchman has been referred directly to the judiciary on a dangerous contact charge and has not been named. Hame Sele, Jacob Halangahu and Loko Pasifiki Tonga come onto the six-man bench. It is a stunning return for Pasifika Tonga who was rushed to hospital with a suspected neck injury from a training tackle gone wrong, but luckily he was cleared of serious damage. The Dragons may need to use him as a point of difference in the coming weeks because they need an injection of X-factor.

Bye: South Sydney Rabbitohs