NRL Teams Analysis - 2017 Round 2

Sam returns to dissect the NRL teamlists for Round 2.

1. Michael Gordon 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Latrell Mitchell 4. Blake Ferguson 5. Shaun Kenny-Dowall 6. Luke Keary 7. Mitchell Pearce 8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves 9. Jake Friend 10. Dylan Napa 11. Boyd Cordner 12. Mitchell Aubusson 13. Aidan Guerra 15. Kane Evans 16. Ryan Matterson 17. Connor Watson 23. Zane Tetevano

In - Nil

Out - Nil

Analysis - The Roosters have named an unchanged 17 for their battle against their bitter arch rivals Canterbury at Allianz Stadium to kick off Round 2. The Roosters put on a dominant first half display against the Titans, laying on 5 unanswered tries in the first 40 minutes, with the new halves pairing of Luke Keary and Mitchell Pearce particularly impressive. Coach Trent Robinson would not have been particularly happy with their second half effort and they will not be able to be so complacent against a desperate Bulldogs outfit.

1. William Hopoate 2. Brett Morris 3. Josh Morris 4. Brenko Lee 5. Kerrod Holland 6. Josh Reynolds 7. Moses Mbye 8. Aiden Tolman 9. Michael Lichaa 10. James Graham 11. Josh Jackson 12. Greg Eastwood 13. David Klemmer 14. Sam Kasiano 15. Danny Fualalo 16. Adam Elliot 17. Raymond Faitala-Mariner

In - Nil

Out - Nil

Analysis - This is a huge match already for the under siege Dogs, as a loss against the Roosters will not sit well for their fans. Canterbury have also named an unchanged line up after their narrow 12-6 loss to the Storm. While the weather played a major part in points being at a premium, they did blow numerous scoring opportunities due to poor handling close to the line. With a dry forecast likely this Thursday night this should give a better indication as to whether the boys from Belmore have improved their much criticised attack in the off-season.  

Weather Watch - Shower early afternoon, clearing in the evening.

1. Roger Tuivasa-sheck 2. Tuimoala Lolohea 3. David Fusitua 4. Solomone Kata 5. Ken Maumalo 6. Mafoa'aeata Hingano 7. Shaun Johnson 8. Albert Vete 9. Issac Luke 10. Charlie Gubb 11. Bunty Afoa 12. Ryan Hoffman 13. Simon Mannering 14. Erin Clark 15. Jacob Lillyman 16. Sam Lisone 17. Bodene Thompson

In - Erin Clark

Out - Isaiah Papali'i

Analysis - The Warriors were lucky to get the points late at home against the Knights and will need to improve immensely if they are to worry Melbourne. Interchange utility Erin Clark has been named in the 17 for Isaiah Papali'i in the only change. ‘The Beast' Manu Vatuvei has been named on the extended bench and could push for a late inclusion.  Issac Luke is in doubt and will be monitored up until game day. 

1. Cameron Munster 2. Suliasi Vunivalu 3. William Chambers 4. Cheyse Blair 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Ryley Jacks 7. Cooper Cronk 14. Christian Welch 9. Cameron Smith 10. Jordan McLean 11. Felise Kaufusi 12. Kenneath Bromwich 13. Dale Finucane 8. Tim Glasby 15. Joe Stimson 16. Nelson Asofa-Solomona 19. Vincent Leuluai

In - Joe Stimson

Out - Jesse Bromwich

Analysis - Melbourne were their typical Melbourne Storm selves in Round 1, successfully getting into an arm wrestle with the Bulldogs and coming away with the two points. The Storm have lost Kiwi skipper Jesse Bromwich for at least 2 weeks with a dislocated thumb. This sees Tim Glasby start at prop, with Joe Stimson to make his NRL debut on the bench. Canadian international half Ryley Jacks keeps his spot at five-eighth after a strong debut and Cameron Munster will start again at fullback.  

Weather Watch - Rain

1. Darius Boyd 2. Corey Oates 3. James Roberts 4. Tautau Moga 5. Jordan Kahu 6. Anthony Milford 7. Ben Hunt 8. Korbin Sims 9. Andrew McCullough 10. Adam Blair 11. Sam Thaiday 12. Matt Gillett 13. Josh Mcguire 14. Alex Glenn 15. Tevita Pangai 16. Herman Essese 17. Jai Arrow

In - Nil

Out - Nil

Analysis - The Broncos are unchanged from the 17 that defeated the Sharks, as they prepare for their local derby with the Cowboys. The rivalry between these two Queensland sides has reached epic proportions in recent times and with both sides at full strength, this match up should prove no different.  Benji Marshall has been named in the extended squad and could be a contender for a bench spot. 

1. Lachlan Coote 2. Kyle Feldt 3. Justin O'Neill 4. Kane Linnett 5. Antonio Winterstein 6. Michael Morgan 7. Johnathan Thurston 8. Matthew Scott 9. Jake Granville 10. Scott Bolton 11. Gavin Cooper 12. Ethan Lowe 13. Jason Taumalolo 14. Ben Hampton 15. John Asiata 16. Coen Hess 17. Patrick Kaufusi

In - Antonio Winterstein

Out - Javid Bowen

Analysis - The Cowboys got out of jail late against the Raiders, thanks to a Jonathan Thurston field goal attempt hitting the base of the crossbar and sitting up for backrower Gavin Cooper to dive on the winning try in Golden Point. Antonio Winterstein returns to reclaim his wing spot after missing Round 1 through injury, which sees Javid Bowen go back to the extended bench.  

Weather Watch - Clear conditions

1. Brendan Elliott 2. Ken Sio 3. Dane Gagai 4. Peter Mata'utia 5. Nathan Ross 6. Brock Lamb 7. Trent Hodkinson 8. Daniel Saifiti 9. Danny Levi 10. Josh Starling 11. Sione Mata'utia 12. Jamie Buhrer 13. Mitchell Barnett 14. Luke Yates 15. Jack Stockwell 16. Sam Stone 17. Jacob Saifiti

In - Brendan Elliott

Out - Dylan Phythian

Analysis - The Knights almost pulled off an upset over the Warriors at Mt Smart Stadium last Sunday. Fullback Dylan Phythian has unfortunately done his ACL and is out for the season in a tragic incident against the Warriors, he is replaced by Brendan Elliott at fullback in the only change for the Novocastrians. 

1. Jarryd Hayne 2. Anthony Don 12. Chris McQueen 4. Konrad Hurrell 21. Tyrone Roberts-Davis 6. Kane Elgey 7. Ashley Taylor 8. Jarrod Wallace 14. Karl Lawton 10. Ryan James 11. Kevin Proctor 17. Joe Greenwood 13. Leivaha Pulu 9. Tyrone Roberts 15. Nathaniel Peteru 16. Agnatius Paasi 20. Eddy Pettybourne

In - Nil

Out - Nil

Analysis - The Titans failed to get out of the blocks against the Roosters in Round 1 and gave away a 28 point start at halftime. They put in a much better second half performance lead by Ashley Taylor and Ryan James, however coach Neil Henry will be seriously disappointed with the performance. All eyes will be on fullback Jarryd Hayne who has attracted a storm of controversy regarding his attitude from the press during the week. The Titans have made no changes, with Kevin Proctor named despite carrying a shoulder injury. 

Weather Watch - partly cloudy.

1. Tom Trbojevic 2. Jorge Taufua 3. Dylan Walker 4. Brian Kelly 5. Akuila Uate 6. Blake Green 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Brenton Lawrence 9. Apisai Koroisau 10. Nate Myles 11. Frank Winterstein 12. Curtis Sironen 13. Jake Trbojevic 14. Cameron Cullen 15. Lewis Brown 16. Jarrad Kennedy 21. Billy Bainbridge

In - Cameron Cullen, Jarrad Kennedy, Shaun Lane

Out - Martin Taupau, Addin Fonua-Blake, Lloyd Perrett

Analysis - The Sea Eagles return to Brookvale Oval (or Lottoland) for the second week running and will be looking to put last week's performance behind them after a disappointing loss to Parramatta. It hasn't been a great preparation for Manly with enforcer Marty Taupau and young gun Addin Fonua-Blake suspended and their likely replacement in Bulldogs recruit Lloyd Perrett out with a fractured eye socket. This sees new recruits Jarrad Kennedy and Shaun Lane come into the side and ex-Titan Cameron Cullen join the bench as a utility. 

1. Alex Johnston 2. Braidon Burns 3. Hymel Hunt 18. Robert Jennings 5. Bryson Goodwin 6. Cody Walker 21. Adam Reynolds 8. Zane Musgrove 9. Robbie Farah 15. Jason Clark 11. John Sutton 12. Kyle Turner 13. Sam Burgess 14. Damien Cook 16. Angus Crichton 17. Robbie Rochow 20. George Burgess

In - Braidon Burns, Angus Critchton

Out - Greg Inglis, Tom Burgess

Analysis - South Sydney have had by far the worst injury news of the 16 clubs, losing superstar fullback and captain Greg Inglis to an ACL injury and he will be unlikely to return in 2016 in a devastating blow. This sees Alex Johnson move to fullback, with Charity Shield sensation Braidon Burns handed his debut game on the wing. Tom Burgess has been dropped for the promising Angus Critchton, joining his twin brother George out of the game day 17. In some great news for the Bunnies, expect NSW half Adam Reynolds who has been named in jersey #21 to be a late inclusion.

 Weather Watch - Partly Cloudy

1. Jack Wighton 2. Nick Cotric 3. Elliot Whitehead 4. Joseph Leilua 5. Jordan Rapana 6. Blake Austin 7. Aidan Sezer 8. Junior Paulo 9. Josh Hodgson 10. Shannon Boyd 11. Josh Papalii 12. Iosia Soliola 13. Luke Bateman 14. Adam Clydsdale 15. Dunamis Lui 16. Jeff Lima 17. Scott Sorenson

In - Jack Wighton, Junior Paulo, Scott Sorenson

Out - Joseph Tapine, Clay Priest, Zac Santo

Analysis - Canberra were very impressive in Round 1, despite losing off a dodgy Jonathan Thurston field goal attempt in Golden Point. They will now rise to welcome last year's premiers Cronulla back to Canberra, who famously defeated them in last year's finals. This match was best remembered for Michael Ennis' mocking of the Viking Clap at fulltime. Expect Ricky Stuart to remind them of this during the week and the incident to be displayed on the big screen at GIO Stadium prior to kickoff. The Raiders welcome back stars Jack Wighton and Junior Paulo into the starting side in a big boost for the home side.

3. Jack Bird 2. Sosaia Feki 19. Kurt Capewell 4. Ricky Leutele 5. Edrick Lee 6. James Maloney 7. Chad Townsend 8. Andrew Fifita 9. Jayden Brailey 10. Matt Prior 11. Luke Lewis 12. Wade Graham 13. Paul Gallen 14. Jayson Bukuya 15. Chris Heighington 20. Joseph Paulo 21. Jeremy Latimore

In - Nil

Out - Nil

Analysis - It's tough life being the defending premiers, with the Sharks failing to get off to a winning start in Round 1 against the Broncos and now will face a tough road trip to Canberra. Cronulla have made no changes to the 17, with Valentine Holmes given another week off to recover from a hamstring injury. Gerard Beale will remain at fullback with centre Jack Bird also in the frame for a late switch.  

Weather Watch - Partly Cloudy.

1. James Tedesco 2. David Nofoaluma 3. Kevin Naiqama 4. Michael Chee-Kam 5. Moses Suli 6. Mitchell Moses 7. Luke Brooks 8. Aaron Woods 9. Matt McIlwrick 10. Ava Seumanufagai 11. Sauaso Sue 12. Chris Lawrence 13. Elijah Taylor 15. Josh Aloiai 16. Jamal Idris 17. Jack Littlejohn 18. Joel Edwards

In - Nil

Out - Nil

Analysis - The Tigers got off to the perfect start in 2017, with a terrific win over their arch rivals the Rabbitohs 34-18. James Tedesco was sensational and will be primed for a big return to Campbelltown Sports Ground for the first time this season. The Tigers have named the same 17, with Jamal Idris to start from the bench with Michael Chee-Kam named at centre as per the late change last week. 

1. Matt Moylan 2. Dean Whare 3. Waqa Blake 4. Tyrone Peachey 5. Dylan Edwards 6. Te Maire Martin 7. Nathan Cleary 8. James Tamou 9. Peter Wallace 10. Regan Campbell-Gillard 11. Bryce Cartwright 12. Isaah Yeo 13. Trent Merrin 14. James Fisher-Harris 15. Leilani Latu 18. Sitaleki Akauola 21. Viliame Kikau

In - Dylan Edwards

Out - Peta Hiku

Analysis - The equal competition favourites must have read their own press on the way to Kogarah Oval, as they simply forgot to get off the bus against the Dragons, thrashed 42-10 in an embarrassing performance. The Panthers have lost winger Peta Hiku who suffered a broken eye socket, which sees winger Dylan Edwards handed his chance. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak has been named in the extended squad and could push for a late inclusion.

Weather Watch - Chance of Showers

1. Josh Dugan 2. Nene Macdonald 3. Euan Aitken 4. Timoteo Lafai 5. Jason Nightingale 6. Gareth Widdop 7. Josh McCrone 8. Russell Packer 9. Cameron McInnes 10. Paul Vaughan 11. Tyson Frizell 12. Joel Thompson 13. Jack de Belin 14. Tariq Sims 15. Leeson Ah Mau 16. Jacob Host 18. Kurt Mann

In - Nil

Out - Nil

Analysis - St George are on top of the NRL ladder, after they stunned the NRL in Round 1, thrashing the Panthers after being tipped to take home this year's wooden spoon by many experts. Coach Paul McGregor has named an unchanged 17 this week for their first game in Wollongong for 2017, however expect Luciano Leilua to push for selection on the bench against the big Parramatta pack.    

1. Bevan French 2. Semi Radradra 3. Michael Jennings 4. Brad Takairangi 5. Josh Hoffman 6. Clint Gutherson 7. Corey Norman 8. Suaia Matagi 9. Kaysa Pritchard 10. Tim Mannah 11. Manu Ma'u 12. Tepai Moeroa 13. Beau Scott 14. Nathan Brown 15. Daniel Alvaro 16. Rory O'Brien 17. Frank Pritchard

In - Nil

Out - Nil

Analysis - The Eels were impressive against the Sea Eagles on Sunday with the impressive halves combination of Corey Norman and Clint Gutherson leading the way. The Eels have made no changes to their Round 1 line up, where they will go in slight favourites against the Dragons in Wollongong.

Weather Watch - Chance of Showers.