NRL Teams Analysis - 2017 Round 13

Sam Bourke returns with his weekly look at all the NRL teamlists. Check out the ins & outs and analysis ahead of Round 13 - the first post-Origin weekend of footy this season.


1. Billy Slater 2. Suliasi Vunivalu 3. William Chambers 4. Cheyse Blair 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Cameron Munster 7. Cooper Cronk 8. Jesse Bromwich 19. Slade Griffin 10. Tim Glasby 11. Felise Kaufusi 12. Tohu Harris 13. Dale Finucane 14. Jordan McLean 15. Brandon Smith 16. Kenneath Bromwich 17. Nelson Asofa-Solomona

In - Jesse Bromwich

Out - Mark Nicholls

Analysis - Melbourne return fresh off the bye sitting on top of the NRL ladder heading into Round 13, hosting the last placed Knights at AAMI Park. Prop Jesse Bromwich returns from his drug suspension and will start, with Jordan McLean moving to the interchange and Mark Nicholls dropping to the extended bench. The Storm have Cameron Smith, Cooper Cronk and Will Chambers all backing up just 48 hours after Origin on Wednesday night.     

1. Dane Gagai 2. Ken Sio 3. Joe Wardle 4. Peter Mata'utia 5. Nathan Ross 6. Brock Lamb 7. Jaelen Feeney 8. Daniel Saifiti 9. Danny Levi 10. Josh Starling 11. Sione Mata'utia 21. Lachlan Fitzgibbon 13. Luke Yates 14. Sam Stone 12. Mitchell Barnett 16. Tyler Randell 17. Jacob Saifiti

In - Nathan Ross, Josh Starling

Out - Brendan Elliott, Jack Stockwell

Analysis - The Knights travel to Melbourne after a week off and will be looking to take advantage of the tight window between Origin and Round 13 for the key Storm players in Smith and Cronk. Star winger Nathan Ross returns to the starting side for Brendan Elliott and Josh Starling will start at prop with Jack Stockwell missing the 17. Mitchell Barnett moves to an edge, which sees Luke Yates start at lock.  

Weather Watch - Fine


1. Bevan French 2. Semi Radradra 3. Brad Takairangi 4. Kirisome Auva'a 5. Josh Hoffman 6. Clint Gutherson 7. Mitchell Moses 8. Suaia Matagi 9. Kaysa Pritchard 15. Daniel Alvaro 11. Manu Ma'u 12. Tepai Moeroa 13. Nathan Brown 14. Beau Scott 16. Kenny Edwards 18. David Gower 19. Will Smith

In - Nathan Brown 

Out - Will Smith

Analysis - The Eels snapped a two match losing streak when they defeated a woeful Rabbitohs outfit 22-16 at ANZ Stadium. Parramatta return to the same venue to welcome back Kieran Foran and the Warriors in a match that should have plenty of feeling, given Foran's controversial exit from the club in 2016. Aggressive lock Nathan Brown returns to the starting side after missing last week's win with a rib injury. Suaia Matagi has been named to start in the front row, with Siosaia Vave moving to the interchange bench.   

1. Roger Tuivasa-sheck 2. David Fusitua 3. Blake Ayshford 4. Solomone Kata 5. Ken Maumalo 6. Kieran Foran 7. Shaun Johnson 8. James Gavet 9. Issac Luke 10. Ben Matulino 11. Bodene Thompson 12. Ryan Hoffman 13. Simon Mannering 14. Nathaniel Roache 15. Sam Lisone 16. Albert Vete 18. Jacob Lillyman

In - Solomone Kata

Out - Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad

Analysis - The Warriors defeated an Origin affected Broncos 28-10 last start at Mt Smart Stadium in a much improved performance. The Warriors now travel to ANZ Stadium, where incredibly they have not played since 2015 and before that was their 2011 Grand Final loss to Manly. How has that happened! Centre Solomone Kata returns for the Warriors, which sees rookie Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad drop out of the side. Queensland prop Jacob Lilyman has been named 18th 

man and could be a late inclusion should he get through Wednesday night unscathed.  ###>

Weather Watch - Fine


19. Josh Dugan 2. Nene Macdonald 6. Kurt Mann 4. Timoteo Lafai 1. Jason Nightingale 21. Gareth Widdop 7. Josh McCrone 8. Russell Packer 9. Cameron McInnes 10. Paul Vaughan 20. Tyson Frizell 12. Joel Thompson 13. Jack de Belin 3. Taane Milne 11. Tariq Sims 15. Leeson Ah Mau 16. Hame Sele

In - Nil

Out - Nil

Analysis - The third placed Dragons host the Tigers at ANZ Stadium on Saturday afternoon after having the week off. The home side have made no major changes to their starting 17 that defeated the Warriors in Round 11, however Josh Dugan, Gareth Widdop and Tyson Frizell have been named in the extended squad. The Dragons flogged the Tigers 28-6 in Round 5 and will be looking to consolidate their position in the Top 4.  

1. James Tedesco 2. David Nofoaluma 21. Michael Chee-Kam 4. Moses Suli 5. Kevin Naiqama 6. Tuimoala Lolohea 7. Jack Littlejohn 8. Aaron Woods 9. Matt McIlwrick 10. Ava Seumanufagai 11. Kyle Lovett 12. Chris Lawrence 13. Elijah Taylor 14. Tim Grant 15. Jj Felise 17. Jacob Liddle 18. Esan Marsters

In - Tuimoala Lolohea, Chris Lawrence, JJ Felise

Out - Sauaso Sue, Jordan Rankin, Josh Aloiai

Analysis - The Tigers return off the bye trying to snap a three game losing streak, when the face traditional rivals the Dragons at ANZ Stadium. The big change for the Tigers is new recruit Tui Lolohea, who has been rushed straight into the starting side at five eighth after signing mid week from the Warriors. Veteran Chris Lawrence also returns to the starting side in the backrow, with JJ Felise starting from the bench. The Tigers will be sweating on star players Aaron Woods and James Tedesco getting through Origin I on Wednesday night in order to get their season back on track.

Weather Watch - Partly Cloudy


1. Michael Gordon 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Latrell Mitchell 4. Joseph Manu 5. Blake Ferguson 6. Luke Keary 19. Connor Watson 8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves 9. Jake Friend 10. Dylan Napa 11. Boyd Cordner 12. Mitchell Aubusson 13. Sio Siua Taukeiaho 14. Isaac Liu 16. Aidan Guerra 17. Ryan Matterson 23. Zane Tetevano

In - Boyd Cordner, Mitchell Pearce, Blake Ferguson, Aidan Guerra, Dylan Napa

Out - Connor Watson, Lindsay Collins, Chris Smith, Mitchell Cornish, Zane Tetevano

Analysis - The Roosters were very gallant in defeat against the Raiders despite having five Origin players missing from their starting side. Coach Trent Robinson will be very pleased with the effort put in, as the club looks to have the depth to give the competition a real shake towards the back end of the year. The Roosters have Boyd Cordner, Mitchell Pearce, Blake Ferguson, Aidan Guerra and Dylan Napa returning which almost matches the potential six Origin players returning for Brisbane. 

1. Darius Boyd 2. Corey Oates 3. James Roberts 4. Tautau Moga 5. Jordan Kahu 20. Benji Marshall 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 19. Jaydn Su'a

In - Darius Boyd, Anthony Milford, Josh McGuire, Andrew McCullough, Matt Gillett, Sam Thaiday, Corey Oates, Tevita Pangai Jr

Out - Benji Marshall, George Fai, Jai Arrow, Jaydn Su'a, Jonus Pearson, Travis Waddell, David Mead

Analysis - The Broncos suffered their first loss since Round 5, when they were defeated 28-10 by the Warriors in New Zealand. The Broncos were however missing half their regular side to Origin and in the end it proved to be too much. Brisbane now travel to Sydney with the hope that their star players get through unscathed from State of Origin I. Despite last week's loss, Wayne Bennett's side still sit in the Top 4 and any win during the Origin period is gold for the Broncos.  

Weather Watch - Partly Cloudy


1. Lachlan Coote 2. Kyle Feldt 22. Javid Bowen 4. Kane Linnett 5. Antonio Winterstein 6. Ray Thompson 7. Michael Morgan 8. John Asiata 9. Jake Granville 10. Scott Bolton 11. Gavin Cooper 12. Ethan Lowe 13. Jason Taumalolo 14. Ben Hampton 15. Coen Hess 16. Shaun Fensom 17. Ben Spina

In - Nil

Out - Nil

Analysis - The Cowboys return to 1300 Smiles Stadium for the first time in a month, where they host little brothers the Gold Coast Titans in what should be a red hot Queensland derby just a few days after Origin. North Queensland have made no changes to their 17, with their Origin stars Michael Morgan and Justin O'Neil named to start. Captain Jonathan Thurston has been named in the extended squad yet again this week for the home side, so check for late mail.   

1. Tyrone Roberts 2. Anthony Don 3. Jarryd Hayne 4. Konrad Hurrell 5. Dale Copley 6. Kane Elgey 7. Ashley Taylor 8. Jarrod Wallace 14. Karl Lawton 10. Ryan James 15. Morgan Boyle 12. Joe Greenwood 11. Chris McQueen 13. Leivaha Pulu 16. Paterika Vaivai 19. William Zillman 20. Max King

In - Nil

Out - Nil

Analysis - The Titans have made no changes to the side that went down to Manly in Round 11, with Leivaha Pulu again named to start at lock, with Morgan Boyle on the interchange. Origin stars Jarryd Hayne and Nathan Peats have been named to start, provided they get through Wednesday night. The Gold Coast currently sit 12th on the NRL ladder and a win here could prove crucial to their Finals aspirations this year.

Weather Watch - Partly Cloudy


1. Matthew Wright 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. Martin Taupau 11. Frank Winterstein 12. Curtis Sironen 13. Jake Trbojevic 14. Lewis Brown 15. Jackson Hastings 17. Addin Fonua-blake 22. Lloyd Perrett

In - Nil

Out - Nil

Analysis - The Sea Eagles have been electric in recent weeks leading into the representative period, with convincing wins over the Titans and Rabbitohs and one disastrous half against the Broncos their only fault. Still no sign of Tom Trbrojevic just yet, with Matthew Wright again named at fullback, while Origin stars Nate Myles and Jake Trbojevic have been named to play at Lottoland, where the Sea Eagles have a terrible one from five record so far in 2017.

1. Jack Wighton 2. Nick Cotric 3. Jarrod Croker 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. Elliot Whitehead 13. Iosia Soliola 14. Adam Clydsdale 15. Joseph Tapine 16. Clay Priest 17. Dunamis Lui

In - Josh Papalii

Out - Luke Bateman

Analysis - Canberra made it two wins on the trot, defeating the Roosters 24-16 at Canberra Stadium last Sunday. The Green Machine now travel to Brookvale Oval, where they take on Manly sitting just inside the Top 8 on for and against. Sole Origin rep, Josh Papalii has been named to return in the backrow , with Sia Soliola starting at lock replacing Luke Bateman who misses the match with a broken thumb in the only change. 

Weather Watch - Showers


1. William Hopoate 20. Marcelo Montoya 3. Josh Morris 4. Brenko Lee 5. Kerrod Holland 6. Matt Frawley 7. Moses Mbye 8. Aiden Tolman 9. Michael Lichaa 14. Sam Kasiano 11. Josh Jackson 12. Adam Elliot 13. David Klemmer 15. Danny Fualalo 16. Greg Eastwood 17. Craig Garvey 19. Francis Tualau

In - Josh Jackson, David Klemmer, Brett Morris

Out - Marcelo Montoya, Francis Tualau, Asipeli Fine

Analysis - Canterbury looked to be in control with ten minutes remaining against the Sharks until the defending premiers fought back late to snatch a 9-8 win. The Bulldogs welcome back their Origin contingent in Josh Jackson, David Klemmer and Brett Morris in a big boost, however five eighth Josh Reynolds has again not been named and this is significant as the Dogs have lost all three matches without him. Captain James Graham has been named despite leaving the field after just 20 minutes with a potential shoulder injury, he will need to pass a late fitness test in order to play and remains in doubt.      

1. Dylan Edwards 2. Josh Mansour 3. Dean Whare 4. Waqa Blake 5. Dallin Watene Zelezniak 6. Matt Moylan 7. Nathan Cleary 8. James Tamou 9. Mitch Rein 10. Regan Campbell-Gillard 11. Corey Harawira 12. Isaah Yeo 13. Trent Merrin 14. Tyrone Peachey 15. Leilani Latu 16. Tim Browne 17. Viliame Kikau

In - Josh Mansour, Dylan Edwards, Mitch Rein

Out - Bryce Cartwright, Peter Wallace, Peta Hiku

Analysis - Penrith are looking to make it three wins in a row when they face the Bulldogs in a replay of their Elimination Final in 2016 at the same venue. The big news for the Panthers is Bryce Cartwright will again spend time on the sidelines for the second time this season, this sees the much anticipated move of captain Matt Moylan starting in the #6 jersey. Representative winger Josh Mansour also makes his long awaited return from a knee reconstruction, while rookie Dylan Edwards will get his 3rd game in first grade at fullback. Former Dragon Mitch Rein replaces Peter Wallace at hooker, which is a handy replacement for the first choice NSW hooker.  

Weather Watch - Showers