A host of injured players are set to return in what could double as State of Origin auditions after Game 2, with one star given a chance to make a surprisingly early comeback.
Read on for the Round 16 Team Lists!
Round 16
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FRIDAY JUNE 19
Newcastle Knights vs St George Illawarra Dragons @ McDonald Jones Stadium, 8pm
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. Thomas Cant 13. Mathew Croker 14. Harrison Graham 15. Tyson Frizell 16. Pasami Saulo 17. Cody Hopwood 18. Fletcher Hunt 19. Francis Manuleleua 20. Sandon Smith 21. Tyson Gamble 22. James Schiller
Analysis: It is typically said that it is easier to back up from Origin a few days after the game than later on the weekend, so the Knights have named Kalyn Ponga and Dylan Lucas to back up depending on how they fare on Wednesday night. If Ponga isn’t available, they can at least take confident from knowing they have Sandon Smith on the reserves who could return from a calf injury, which would see Fletcher Sharpe move back to fullback if Ponga can’t back up. Ohterwise, Smith will likely join the interchange as cover regardless as he was before the injury. Elsewhere, if the Blues were to lose Game 2 it will be interesting to see if Bradman Best has enough time to press his claims for a call-up after being named to make his return from a hamstring injury. In Newcastle’s only other change, Thomas Cant joins the starting side with Jermaine McEwen suspended by the club for one game after he was charged with low-range drink driving.
Dragons team: 1. Clinton Gutherson 2. Setu Tu 3. Moses Suli 4. Valentine Holmes 5. Mathew Feagai 6. Daniel Atkinson 7. Kyle Flanagan 8. Loko Jnr Pasifiki Tonga 9. Damien Cook 10. Toby Couchman 11. Dylan Egan 12. Hamish Stewart 13. Ryan Couchman 14. Jacob Liddle 15. Luciano Leilua 16. Josh Kerr 17. Blake Lawrie 18. Emre Guler 19. Tyrell Sloan 20. Hame Sele 21. Lyhkan King-Togia 22. Christian Tuipulotu
Analysis: Not too many changes for the Dragons, with interim head coach Dean Young sticking solid with the team that faded badly against the Sharks before the bye. There is no Jaydn Su’A (pec) however, with Luciano Leilua earning a recall after impressing in NSW Cup. Christian Tuipulotu is also nearing a return from a hamstring injury after being named among the reserves.
Ready makes BOLD call on Madge’s future | 01:40
SATURDAY JUNE 20
Wests Tigers vs Dolphins @ Campbelltown Sports Stadium, 3pm
Tigers team: 1. Jahream Bula 2. Sunia Turuva 3. Taylan May 4. Patrick Herbert 5. Starford To’a 6. Jarome Luai 7. Jock Madden 8. Terrell May 9. Apisai Koroisau 10. Fonua Pole 11. Tony Sukkar 12. Sione Fainu 13. Alex Seyfarth 14. Josese Lanyon 15. Bunty Afoa 16. Mavrik Geyer 17. Charlie Murray 18. Heamasi Makasini 19. Latu Fainu 20. Heath Mason 21. Peter Taateo 22. Adam Doueihi
Analysis: A surprise inclusion on the reserves for the Tigers, with Adam Doueihi named pending fitness tests on his shoulder. It comes after Benji Marshall said in his post-game press conference on the weekend that Doueihi would likely miss another two weeks. If he returns, expect Josese Lanyon to make way, provided Apisai Koroisau gets through Origin unscathed. In a big blow to the Tigers’ already tested second row stocks, Kai Pearce-Paul is undergoing surgery this week on his injured pectoral muscle, with a return to play yet to be confirmed. However, Fonua Pole told media today that Pearce-Paul told teammates he would be out for the season. He is replaced in the starting side by Tony Sukkar.
Dolphins team: 1. Trai Fuller 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Jack Bostock 4. Herbie Farnworth 5. Tevita Naufahu 6. Kodi Nikorima 7. Isaiya Katoa 8. Felise Kaufusi 9. Jeremy Marshall-King 10. Francis Molo 11. Connelly Lemuelu 12. Oryn Keeley 13. Morgan Knowles 14. Brad Schneider 15. Kurt Donoghoe 16. Tom Gilbert 17. Ray Stone 18. Sebastian Su’a 19. Brian Pouniu 20. John Fineanganofo 21. LJ Nonu 22. Sam Elliott 23. Max Plath 24. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki
Analysis: The Phins are well and truly up at this point, so it is hardly surprising to see Kristian Woolf name the same 19-man side that demolished the Roosters last week. The Dolphins could be boosted by the return of Max Plath and Kulikefu Finefeuiaki, with both Origin representatives named on the reserves. If they do return, Finefeuiaki would replace Oryn Keeley in the starting side while Woolf would have a welcome headache given Plath filled in previously at hooker for Jeremy Marshall-King when he was injured. But now that they are both healthy, expect Plath to line up at lock when the Dolphins are at full-strength with Morgan Knowles dropping to the bench. Thomas Flegler, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and Selwyn Cobbo are all expected to play big minutes in Origin and will be rested accordingly.
Luai’s Tigers legacy on the line? | 08:34
Gold Coast Titans vs Penrith Panthers @ Cbus Super Stadium, 5.30pm
Titans team: 1. Keano Kini 2. Jenson Taumoepeau 3. Jojo Fifita 4. AJ Brimson 5. Phillip Sami 6. Jayden Campbell 7. Zane Harrison 8. Moeaki Fotuaika 9. Oliver Pascoe 10. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui 11. Arama Hau 12. Beau Fermor 13. Cooper Bai 14. Kurtis Morrin 15. Josh Patston 16. Klese Haas 17. Jaylan De Groot 18. Lachlan Ilias 19. Jett Liu 20. Sam Verrills 21. Adam Christensen 22. Bodhi Sharpley
Analysis: It will be a tall task for the Titans up against the high-flying Panthers, but it seems like they may have their Origin contingent backing up with both Tino Fa’asuamaleaui and Jojo Fifita named. That sees Klese Haas and Jaylan De Groot drop back to the bench.
Panthers team: 1. Dylan Edwards 2. Thomas Jenkins 3. Izack Tago 4. Luke Garner 5. Paul Alamoti 6. Blaize Talagi 7. Jack Cogger 8. Moses Leota 9. Freddy Lussick 10. Liam Henry 11. Isaiah Papali’i 12. Liam Martin 13. Lindsay Smith 14. Billy Scott 15. Scott Sorensen 16. Billy Phillips 17. Luron Patea 18. Jack Cole 19. Sione Fonua 20. Kalani Going 21. Isaah Yeo 22. Brian To’o 23. Nathan Cleary
Analysis: Based on what Ivan Cleary did for the game against the Warriors late last month, expect Penrith’s Origin representatives to not suit up despite being named on the reserves. That means the Panthers should line up as named, with the biggest change seeing Luke Garner slot into the centres with Casey McLean (quad) expected to miss up to a month.
‘Tigers will play finals footy THIS YEAR | 01:16
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs vs Manly Sea Eagles @ Accor Stadium, 7.35pm
Bulldogs team: 1. Connor Tracey 2. Jacob Kiraz 3. Bronson Xerri 4. Stephen Crichton 5. Enari Tuala 6. Matt Burton 7. Lachlan Galvin 8. Max King 9. Kurt Mann 10. Leo Thompson 11. Sitili Tupouniua 12. Jaeman Salmon 13. Harry Hayes 14. Bailey Hayward 15. Jed Reardon 16. Jack Underhill 17. Josh Curran 19. Jethro Rinakama 20. Logan Spinks 21. Lipoi Hopoi 22. Alex Conti 23. Alekolasimi Jones
Analysis: While he wasn’t healthy enough to get through full training for Origin II, Stephen Crichton is going to continue to push through the pain at club land after being named to line up against the Sea Eagles. Crichton had told reporters before the bye after the win over Parramatta that the shoulder was the “best it’s ever felt”. In further good news, Kurt Mann (ear) returns at hooker so Bailey Hayward goes back to the bench.
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. Brandon Wakeham 10. Kobe Hetherington 11. Haumole Olakau’atu 12. Ben Trbojevic 13. Jake Trbojevic 14. Jake Simpkin 15. Nathan Brown 16. Ethan Bullemor 17. Simione Laiafi 18. Josh Feledy 19. Joey Walsh 20. Hugo Hart 21. Blake Wilson 22. Jackson Shereb
Analysis: It is a particularly timely return for Tom Trbojevic given his replacement, Clayton Faulalo, is out with the hamstring injury he suffered against South Sydney. Kieran Foran said after that game that it was a low-grade strain for Faulalo and that he expected him to be OK to play after the bye, so it shouldn’t be too long of a sideline stint for the impressive Faulalo. Haumole Olakau’atu will have a point to prove after being snubbed by the Blues, while now former NSW teammate Tolu Koula has been named to play. Ethan Bullemor is back after missing Round 14 due to a head knock.
Keano Kini putting on a show! | 00:27
SUNDAY JUNE 21
Warriors vs North Queensland Cowboys @ ONE NZ Stadium, 2pm
Warriors team: 1. Taine Tuaupiki 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 3. Ali Leiataua 4. Adam Pompey 5. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 6. Chanel Harris-Tavita 7. Te Maire Martin 8. Tanner Stowers-Smith 9. Wayde Egan 10. Jackson Ford 11. Jacob Laban 12. Marata Niukore 13. Erin Clark 14. Samuel Healey 15. Eddie Ieremia-Toeava 16. Demitric Vaimauga 17. Kayliss Fatialofa 18. Rocco Berry 20. Luke Metcalf 21. Makaia Tafua 22. Mitchell Barnett 23. Kurt Capewell
Analysis:Mitch Barnett and Kurt Capewell have both been named on the extended bench and Warriors coaches will make a call regarding their fitness after Origin II. Alofiana Khan-Pereira is out due a cork suffered in Round 15, while Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad takes his place on the wing. No signs of either Skipper James Fisher-Harris (calf) and back-rower Leka Halasima (hamstring) as they remain sidelined but interestingly Luke Metcalf has been named on the pine alongside Rocco Berry after that pair spent a stint in NSW Cup. Metcalf was particularly impressive on the weekend in Cup, and so he could be an impact player off the bench for the Warriors, although with Samuel Healey still in the mix it’s unlikely he’ll get playing time without an injury in the halves.
Cowboys team: 1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Braidon Burns 3. Zac Laybutt 4. Tomas Chester 5. Murray Taulagi 6. Jaxon Purdue 7. Jake Clifford 8. Thomas Mikaele 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Jason Taumalolo 11. Heilum Luki 12. Jeremiah Nanai 13. Reuben Cotter 14. Soni Luke 15. Griffin Neame 16. Matthew Lodge 17. Coen Hess 18. Liam Sutton 19. Sam McIntyre 20. John Bateman 21. Jaxson Paulo 22. Ethan King 23. Wiremu Greig
Analysis: Gun back-rower Jeremiah Nanai (shoulder) returns in a huge boost for Todd Payten, who has been without his star edge forward since Round 9. He may also have just enough time to press his claims for an Origin call-up too, although getting back to full fitness for the Cowboys will be the priority. Braidon Burns is also set to return from a hamstring injury, which sparks a backline reshuffle with Liam Sutton dropping to the pine. Jaxon Purdue has been named at five-eighth, while Zac Laybutt moves to the centres. John Bateman is also set to play his first game of the NRL season, having been sidelined due to a wrist injury which required surgery.
Confusion over BIZARRE shot clock pen | 00:44
Melbourne Storm vs Canberra Raiders @ AAMI Park, 4.05pm
Storm team: 1. Sualauvi Faalogo 2. William Warbrick 3. Jack Howarth 4. Joe Chan 5. Moses Leo 6. Cameron Munster 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Stefano Utoikamanu 9. Harry Grant 10. Josh King 11. Cooper Clarke 12. Ativalu Lisati 13. Trent Loiero 14. Trent Toelau 15. Alec MacDonald 16. Jack Hetherington 17. Josiah Pahulu 18. Shawn Blore 19. Tyran Wishart 20. Davvy Moale 21. Preston Conn 22. Siulagi Tuimalatu-Brown 23. Lockyer-Azile Foliola
Analysis:Cameron Munster, Harry Grant and Trent Loiero have all been named to back up, and it remains to be seen if they will remain in the run-on side or the 19 altogether come game day after backing up from Origin Game II. Centre Jack Howarth (quad) and utility Tyran Wishart (ankle) both have been named to return, which sees both Manaia Waitere (ankle) and Siulagi Tuimalatu-Brown drop off the pine.
Raiders team: 1. Kaeo Weekes 2. Savelio Tamale 3. Sebastian Kris 4. Matthew Timoko 5. Xavier Savage 6. Ethan Strange 7. Ethan Sanders 8. Corey Horsburgh 9. Tom Starling 10. Joseph Tapine 11. Hudson Young 12. Zac Hosking 13. Jayden Brailey 14. Owen Pattie 15. Ata Mariota 16. Morgan Smithies 17. Daine Laurie 18. Jed Stuart 19. Vena Patuki-Case 20. Coby Black 21. Jordan Uta 22. Chevy Stewart
Analysis: Things aren’t going great for Ricky Stuart’s men, but the veteran coach isn’t panicking yet or making mass changes. The Raiders are still without both Josh Papalii and Simi Sasagi, but in a boost Savelio Tamale has been named to return after suffering a head knock. Ethan Strange and Hudson Young have also been named and could back up after their duties with the Blues, which sees both Daine Laurie and Ata Mariota drop to the pine.
Raiders left shell shocked by Eels | 01:46
Sydney Roosters vs Cronulla Sharks @ Allianz Stadium, 6.15pm
Roosters team: 1. James Tedesco 2. Tommy Talau 3. Billy Smith 4. Robert Toia 5. Mark Nawaqanitawase 6. Daly Cherry-Evans 7. Sam Walker 8. Naufahu Whyte 9. Reece Robson 10. Lindsay Collins 11. Angus Crichton 12. Siua Wong 13. Victor Radley 14. Connor Watson 15. Spencer Leniu 16. Nat Butcher 17. Salesi Foketi 18. Rex Bassingthwaighte 19. Toby Rodwell 20. Benaiah Ioelu 21. Junior Tupou 22. Egan Butcher 23. Taylor Losalu 24. Cody Ramsey
Analysis: For now, the Roosters have all their Origin players on deck. James Tedesco, Mark Nawaqanitawase, Sam Walker, Reece Robson, Rob Toia, Lindsay Collins and Victor Radley have all been named. Trent Robinson and his Roosters staff will then have to make a call on their fitness, but given they have five days to recover, the Tricolours could be set for a big boost. Last week’s debutants Rex Bassingthwaighte and Toby Rodwell have both kept their spots on the six-man bench after impressive performances while Reece Foley and Hugo Savala both sit out after suffering head knocks.
Sharks team: 1. William Kennedy 2. Sione Katoa 3. Jesse Ramien 4. KL Iro 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo 6. Braydon Trindall 7. Niwhai Puru 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Jayden Berrell 10. Jesse Colquhoun 11. Briton Nikora 12. Teig Wilton 13. Cameron McInnes 14. Billy Burns 15. Oregon Kaufusi 16. Siosifa Talakai 17. Thomas Hazelton 18. Hohepa Puru 19. Mawene Hiroti 20. Samuel Stonestreet 21. Blayke Brailey 22. Nicho Hynes
Analysis: It’s a potentially staggering return around threee weeks after he suffered a fractured arm, but Blayke Brailey has been named on the extended bench for the Sharks. Brailey came out and said he was aiming to return in that little amount of time, but it’s easier said than done and yet he looks like he could be on track for an incredible recovery to put himself back in the frame for Origin III. Nicho Hynes has also been listed as he eyes a return from a calf injury in what shapes as a big boost while Cronulla officials will have to make a call on both Addin Fonua-Blake and Briton Nikora, having been named to start despite featuring in the second Origin fixture on Wednesday night.
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