The Broncos welcome back Reece Walsh for the battle of Brisbane, while the Roosters have reshuffled their side after a number of injuries to key stars.
Read on for the NRL Teams Analysis for Round 6.
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Panel clashes on Manly knock on call | 01:27
THURSDAY APRIL 11
Newcastle Knights vs Sydney Roosters at McDonald Jones Stadium, 7:50pm
Knights team: 1. Kalyn Ponga 2. Thomas Jenkins 3. Dane Gagai 4. Bradman Best 5. Enari Tuala 6. Jack Cogger 7. Jackson Hastings 8. Jacob Saifiti 9. Jayden Brailey 10. Leo Thompson 11. Dylan Lucas 12. Kai Pearce-Paul 13. Adam Elliott 14. Phoenix Crossland 15. Daniel Saifiti 16. Jack Hetherington 17. Mathew Croker 18. Jed Cartwright 19. Brodie Jones 20. Tyson Gamble 21. Will Pryce 22. Greg Marzhew
Analysis: Coach Adam O’Brien has elected not to make any changes to the team that thrashed the Dragons last start. Greg Marzhew is getting closer to returning from a wrist injury. He’s been named in the extended squad.
Roosters team: 1. Joseph Manu 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Michael Jennings 4. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii 5. Fetalaiga Pauga 6. Connor Watson 7. Luke Keary 8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves 9. Brandon Smith 10. Lindsay Collins 11. Nat Butcher 12. Angus Crichton 13. Victor Radley 14. Zach Dockar-Clay 15. Naufahu Whyte 16. Sitili Tupouniua 17. Terrell May 18. Egan Butcher 19. Lewis Murphy 20. Benaiah Ioelu 21. Hugo Savala 22. Siua Wong
Analysis: A bit to digest here for the Chooks, who were heavily impacted by last Friday’s brutal clash against the Dogs. Fullback James Tedesco and halfback Sam Walker both suffered Category 1 head knocks last week and are out for at least one game. As expected, Joey Manu will play fullback. Luke Keary is the new halfback while Connor Watson will make his first start of the season in the No. 6 jersey. In game 300, Michael Jennings will start in the centres while Fetalaiga Pauga is on the wing as the Roosters fill the void of the suspended Dom Young. Hooker Zach Dockar-Clay is set to make his club debut, named on the bench. Nat Butcher is back in the side and he’ll start in the second row.
Munster continues to fight mental demons | 00:55
FRIDAY APRIL 12
Melbourne Storm vs Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs at AAMI Park, 6pm
Storm team:1. Ryan Papenhuyzen 2. William Warbrick 3. Reimis Smith 4. Nick Meaney 5. Xavier Coates 6. Cameron Munster 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Tui Kamikamica 9. Harry Grant 10. Josh King 11. Shawn Blore 12. Eliesa Katoa 13. Trent Loiero 14. Tyran Wishart 15. Christian Welch 16. Tepai Moeroa 17. Alec MacDonald 18. Joe Chan 19. Jack Howarth 20. Marion Seve 21. Jonah Pezet 22. Nelson Asofa-Solomona
Analysis: Craig Bellamy has made a single change this week, bringing Tepai Moeroa onto the bench in place of Jack Howarth. Nelson Asofa-Solomona has also been listed on the extended bench, and could be a late inclusion to play his first game for the season in the NRL.
Bulldogs team: 1. Stephen Crichton 2. Connor Tracey 3. Jacob Kiraz 4. Bronson Xerri 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Matt Burton 7. Drew Hutchison 8. Max King 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Chris Patolo 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Josh Curran 13. Jaeman Salmon 14. Bailey Hayward 15. Poasa Faamausili 16. Samuel Hughes 17. Kitione Kautoga 19. Toby Sexton 20. Liam Knight 21. Jake Turpin 22. Jeral Skelton 23. Harry Hayes
Analysis:Stephen Crichton has replaced Blake Taaffe at fullback after he suffered a nasty concussion against the Roosters. Jacob Kiraz has shifted into the centres, and Josh Addo-Carr returns on the wing. Kurt Mann has been ruled out due to a hand injury, which sees Jaeman Salmon start in the No.13 and Josh Curran in the back row. Bailey Hayward has been named to make his NRL debut while Poasa Faamausili also joins the bench due to Harrison Edwards’ neck injury.
Brisbane Broncos vs Dolphins at Suncorp Stadium, 8pm
Broncos team:1. Reece Walsh 2. Corey Oates 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Selwyn Cobbo 5. Jesse Arthars 6. Ezra Mam 7. Jock Madden 8. Corey Jensen 9. Billy Walters 10. Fletcher Baker 11. Jaiyden Hunt 12. Jordan Riki 13. Patrick Carrigan 14. Tyson Smoothy 15. Xavier Willison 16. Kobe Hetherington 17. Tristan Sailor 18. Martin Taupau 19. Benjamin Te Kura 20. Jordan Pereira 21. Blake Mozer 22. Josiah Karapani
Analysis: Superstar fullback Reece Walsh is back earlier than anticipated after suffering a facial fracture against Penrith in Round 3. With Walsh’s return, the in-form Tristan Sailor will come off the bench in jersey No. 17. Jock Madden has been named at halfback with Adam Reynolds set for a sideline stint with a hamstring injury. Deine Mariner is out with a back injury which brings fan favourite Corey Oates into the starting lineup. He’ll play wing after coming off the bench as a reserve forward of late. In a big boost, Xavier Willison is back in the side after recovering from a head knock. He was one of Brisbane’s best in the loss to Penrith. Impressive youngster Benjamin Te Kura is the player to make way.
Dolphins team: 1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Jake Averillo 4. Tesi Niu 5. Jack Bostock 6. Kodi Nikorima 7. Isaiya Katoa 8. Jesse Bromwich 9. Jeremy Marshall-King 10. Thomas Flegler 11. Kenny Bromwich 12. Euan Aitken 13. Ray Stone 14. Josh Kerr 15. Anthony Milford 16. Mark Nicholls 17. Jarrod Wallace 18. Oryn Keeley 19. Sean O’Sullivan 20. Mason Teague 21. Valynce Te Whare 22. Lachlan Hubner
Analysis: They breed them tough in North Queensland! Tully product Tom Flegler is set to play despite failing to finish last week’s win over the Tigers with a shoulder injury. Fellow new recruit Herbie Farnworth’s shoulder injury is much more serious, meaning he’ll miss a few weeks. Tesi Niu takes Farnworth’s place in the centres. Veteran Felise Kaufusi suffered a hamstring injury last week and will be replaced by Kenny Bromwich in the starting lineup with Jarrod Wallace the new face on the bench. Anthony Milford replaces the suspended Kurt Donoghoe.
“What is Trent Robinson on?” | 01:16
SATURDAY APRIL 13
New Zealand Warriors vs Manly Sea Eagles at Go Media Stadium, 3pm
Warriors team: 1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 3. Rocco Berry 4. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 5. Marcelo Montoya 6. Te Maire Martin 7. Shaun Johnson 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Wayde Egan 10. Mitchell Barnett 11. Jackson Ford 12. Kurt Capewell 13. Tohu Harris 14. Chanel Harris-Tavita 15. Tom Ale 16. Jazz Tevaga 17. Jacob Laban 18. Adam Pompey 20. Taine Tuaupiki 21. Zyon Maiu’u 22. Edward Kosi 23. Ali Leiataua
Analysis: The Warriors welcome back winger Dallin Watene-Zelezniak from a hamstring injury. Adam Pompey drops out of the side. Kurt Capewell also returns (concussion) and will start in the second row, meaning Mitch Barnett shifts to prop.
Sea Eagles team: 1. Tom Trbojevic 2. Tommy Talau 3. Tolutau Koula 4. Ben Trbojevic 5. Jaxson Paulo 6. Luke Brooks 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Taniela Paseka 9. Lachlan Croker 10. Josh Aloiai 11. Haumole Olakau’atu 12. Corey Waddell 13. Jake Trbojevic 14. Karl Lawton 15. Ethan Bullemor 16. Toafofoa Sipley 17. Nathan Brown 18. Jakob Arthur 19. Aaron Woods 20. Brad Parker 21. Raymond Tuiamalo Vaega 22. Gordon Chan Kum Tong
Analysis: In somewhat of a shock, Ben Trbojevic will start at centre in lieu of Reuben Garrick, who has been stood down for 11 days under the NRL’s concussion protocol. Corey Waddell will start on the left edge.
Parramatta Eels vs North Queensland Cowboys at CommBank Stadium, 5:30pm
Eels team: 1. Clinton Gutherson 2. Bailey Simonsson 3. Viliami Penisini 4. Morgan Harper 5. Sean Russell 6. Daejarn Asi 7. Dylan Brown 8. Reagan Campbell-Gillard 9. Joey Lussick 10. Junior Paulo 11. Shaun Lane 12. Bryce Cartwright 13. J’maine Hopgood 14. Luca Moretti 15. Ryan Matterson 16. Joe Ofahengaue 17. Kelma Tuilagi 18. Ofahiki Ogden 19. Blaize Talagi 20. Wiremu Greig 21. Makahesi Makatoa 22. Maika Sivo
Analysis: After dropping their last two, Parra have made a raft of changes. Winger Maika Sivo has been dropped, with Morgan Harper replacing him. Harper will start at centre while Bailey Simonsson shifts to wing. Daejarn Asi will replace young gun Blaize Talagi at five-eighth. Talagi was very good on debut in the centres but failed to flatter in the No. 6 jersey in his last two games. Bryce Cartwright is back from a rib injury. He will start with Kelma Tuilagi to come off the pine. Forward Wiremu Greig is the other player to lose his spot in the 17.
Cowboys team:1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Kyle Feldt 3. Valentine Holmes 4. Tomas Chester 5. Murray Taulagi 6. Tom Dearden 7. Chad Townsend 8. Jordan McLean 9. Reece Robson 10. Jason Taumalolo 11. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki 12. Jeremiah Nanai 13. Reuben Cotter 14. Jake Granville 15. Griffin Neame 16. Sam McIntyre 17. Jack Gosiewski 18. Jake Clifford 19. Thomas Mikaele 20. Semi Valemei 21. Jamal Shibasaki 22. Viliami Vailea
Analysis: Promising centre Zac Laybutt suffered an ACL injury against the Titans and is out for the season. He has been replaced by young gun Tom Chester, who played well in cover for Laybutt earlier in the year.
South Sydney Rabbitohs vs Cronulla Sharks at Accor Stadium, 7:35pm
Rabbitohs team: 1. Jye Gray 2. Tyrone Munro 3. Jack Wighton 4. Isaiah Tass 5. Taane Milne 6. Cody Walker 7. Dean Hawkins 8. Tevita Tatola 9. Peter Mamouzelos 10. Thomas Burgess 11. Keaon Koloamatangi 12. Jacob Host 13. Cameron Murray 14. Michael Chee Kam 15. Siliva Havili 16. Shaquai Mitchell 17. Davvy Moale 18. Damien Cook 19. Jacob Gagai 20. Sean Keppie 21. Tallis Duncan 22. Dion Teaupa
Analysis:Jye Gray has been named to make his NRL debut, wearing the No.1 jersey in place of the suspended Latrell Mitchell. Peter Mamouzelos has been named at No.9 with Damien Cook dropping out of the side to 18th man. Tyrone Munro replaces Izack Thompson on the wing, returning from a collarbone injury. Meanwhile, both Tallis Duncan and Sean Keppie have been shifted off the bench, with Shaquai Mitchell, Siliva Havili and Davvy Moale named on the pine.
Sharks team: 1. William Kennedy 2. Sione Katoa 3. Jesse Ramien 4. Kayal Iro 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo 6. Braydon Trindall 7. Nicho Hynes 8. Thomas Hazelton 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Oregon Kaufusi 11. Briton Nikora 12. Teig Wilton 13. Cameron McInnes 14. Billy Burns 15. Jack Williams 16. Siosifa Talakai 17. Tuku Hau Tapuha 18. Daniel Atkinson 19. Jayden Berrell 20. Toby Rudolf 21. Samuel Stonestreet 22. Braden Hamlin-Uele
Analysis:Briton Nikora returns, shifting Siosifa Talakai to the bench with Kayal Iro keeping his spot in the starting side. Braden Hamlin-Uele has been named in the extended bench and could be a late inclusion.
“Where’s the Souths players?!” | 01:10
SUNDAY APRIL 14
Wests Tigers vs St. George-Illawarra Dragons at Campbelltown Stadium, 4:05pm
Tigers team: 1. Jahream Bula 2. Charlie Staines 3. Solomona Faataape 4. Justin Olam 5. Junior Tupou 6. Jayden Sullivan 7. Aidan Sezer 8. Stefano Utoikamanu 9. Apisai Koroisau 10. David Klemmer 11. Isaiah Papali’i 12. Alex Seyfarth 13. Fonua Pole 14. Jake Simpkin 15. Alex Twal 16. Justin Matamua 17. Asu Kepaoa 18. Solomon Alaimalo 19. Josh Feledy 20. Tony Sukkar 21. Kit Laulilii 22. Brandon Tumeth
Analysis:Alex Seyfarth has replaced backrower John Bateman who has been sidelined due to concussion. Samuela Fainu has seen the same fate, while his brother Latu has also been omitted due to a hamstring injury. Asu Keapaoa, Justin Matamua and Jake Simpkin has been named on the bench.
Dragons team: 1. Tyrell Sloan 2. Zac Lomax 3. Moses Suli 4. Jack Bird 5. Mikaele Ravalawa 6. Kyle Flanagan 7. Ben Hunt 8. Francis Molo 9. Jacob Liddle 10. Hame Sele 11. Luciano Leilua 12. Jaydn Su’A 13. Tom Eisenhuth 14. Jesse Marschke 15. Blake Lawrie 16. Jack de Belin 17. Raymond Faitala-Mariner 18. Ben Murdoch-Masila 19. Christian Tuipulotu 20. Michael Molo 21. Toby Couchman 22. Mathew Feagai
Analysis:Michael Molo has dropped out of the side, with Jack de Belin shifting to the bench to accommodate the return of Hame Sele from a calf injury. Blake Lawrie has also been named on the pine. Jack Bird, despite suffering a knee injury against the Knights, have been named to start in the centres.
Canberra Raiders vs Gold Coast Titans at GIO Stadium, 6:15pm
Raiders team: 1. Chevy Stewart 2. James Schiller 3. Matthew Timoko 4. Sebastian Kris 5. Xavier Savage 6. Ethan Strange 7. Jamal Fogarty 8. Josh Papali’i 9. Danny Levi 10. Joseph Tapine 11. Hudson Young 12. Zac Hosking 13. Morgan Smithies 14. Tom Starling 15. Ata Mariota 16. Trey Mooney 17. Pasami Saulo 18. Kaeo Weekes 19. Simi Sasagi 20. Zac Woolford 21. Nick Cotric 22. Emre Guler
Analysis:Jordan Rapana has been sidelined due to a knee injury, which sees Ricky Stuart name debutant Chevy Stewart at fullback. Ata Mariota has also shifted back to the bench due to the return of backrower Zac Hosking after sitting out due to concussion. Corey Horsburgh (groin) has been sidelined while Trey Mooney has been named to make his first appearance of the season. Meanwhile, Simi Sasagi has also been omitted from the bench.
Titans team: 1. Jayden Campbell 2. Harley Smith-Shields 3. Brian Kelly 4. AJ Brimson 5. Jojo Fifita 6. Kieran Foran 7. Tanah Boyd 8. Moeaki Fotuaika 9. Chris Randall 10. Jaimin Jolliffe 11. David Fifita 12. Beau Fermor 13. Klese Haas 14. Sam Verrills 15. Erin Clark 16. Isaac Liu 17. Josiah Pahulu 18. Joe Stimson 19. Keano Kini 20. Iszac Fa’asumaleaui 21. Tony Francis 22. Alofiana Khan-Pereira
Analysis: Five-eighth Kieran Foran has been named, despite leaving the field with an ankle injury in Round 5. Isaac Liu has joined the bench after being sidelined for a week due to concussion, with Joe Stimson the man to make way on the bench.
Bye: Penrith Panthers
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