Cameron Ciraldo is facing a brutal call regarding the make-up of his backline after an impressive showing against the Storm from Connor Tracey.
The Roosters have a utility headache with Sam Walker due to return in the No.7, while the Dragons may have to replace Jack Bird in the centres.
Meanwhile, the Sea Eagles will welcome back a host of troops, but will also be without several key players.
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Read below for all your Round 7 team news!
THURSDAY APRIL 18
Sydney Roosters v Melbourne Storm, 7:50pm @ Allianz Stadium
Last week’s 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
Team Tips: The Roosters are set to welcome a host of troops back in Round 7. James Tedesco will return at fullback after a week off due to concussion, which will see Joey Manu shift to the centres in place of Michael Jennings. Sam Walker also returns in the No.7, shifting Connor Watson out of the halves and into the utility role after a strong showing starting at five-eighth. Sandon Smith is also due to return from an elbow injury and could join Watson on the bench as another utility, with Watson likely playing a middle forward role. However, it remains to be seen if both players can fit on a bench. Sitili Tupouniua also suffered a head knock and will sit out for a week, meaning Egan Butcher could join the bench.
Last week’s 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
Team Tips: Prop Tui Kamikamica is set to be sidelined with a calf injury, meaning Nelson Asofa-Solomona’s return could be a timely one for the Storm. Speaking post-match in Round 6, Craig Bellamy revealed Joe Chan is an option to replace the PNG international, however Asofa-Solomona is a strong chance of returning. Ryan Papenhuyzen also avoided suspension for a hip-drop tackle on Josh Addo-Carr.
FRIDAY APRIL 19
St George Illawarra Dragons vs New Zealand Warriors, 6:00pm @ WIN Stadium
Last week’s 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 17. Raymond Faitala-Mariner 12. Jaydn Su’A 13. Tom Eisenhuth 14. Jesse Marschke 15. Blake Lawrie 16. Jack de Belin 18. Ben Murdoch-Masila
Team Tips: Jack Bird is set to sit out for a week after suffering a head knock, however the Dragons could challenge grading with Shane Flanagan explaining Bird was “fine in the dressing room, absolutely nothing wrong with him”. Flanagan has multiple options to replace him, with Zac Lomax a chance of moving back to the centres. That decision seems unlikely considering his form on the wing, meaning Savelio Tamale could be in line for an NRL debut or Max Feagai could earn a call-up.
Last week’s 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
Team Tips: Jazz Tevaga is set to be sidelined for an extended period with a hamstring injury, meaning the Warriors need a bench forward. Zyon Maiu’u, who started at prop in NSW Cup, could be in line for selection, while Tanner Stowers-Smith is also an outside chance with Bunty Afoa and Marata Niukore sidelined.
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Parramatta Eels vs the Dolphins, 8:00pm @ TIO Stadium, Darwin
Last week’s 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 16. Joe Ofahengaue 11. Shaun Lane 12. Bryce Cartwright 13. J’maine Hopgood 10. Junior Paulo 14. Luca Moretti 15. Ryan Matterson 17. Kelma Tuilagi
Team Tips:Daejarn Asi was strong in the halves alongside Dylan Brown and will remain in the No.6 jersey this week. Brad Arthur also indicated he thought Bailey Simonsson and Morgan Harper “did a really good job” as a centre and wing pairing, meaning they will also likely keep their spots in the side, despite Simonsson leaving the field with a knee injury. Brad Arthur confirmed Blaize Talagi would be named against the Dolphins as an impact player off the bench. “We’re going to use him off the bench this week. He can cover a few different spots for us. When it gets fast we might put him on through the middle. We’re going to experiment a few things with him because he does provide x-factor for us,” Arthur said on NRL 360. “Blaize is a young kid that has a real ability to find space with the ball. He’s still learning the game. He handled the first three games physically for us. He’s just got to get on top of some detail.”
Last week’s 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 16. Mark Nicholls 11. Kenny Bromwich 12. Euan Aitken 13. Ray Stone 14. Josh Kerr 15. Anthony Milford 17. Jarrod Wallace 22. Lachlan Hubner
Team Tips: Wayne Bennett suffered yet another injury blow, with Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow going down with a hamstring injury. Kodi Nikorima looks to be his obvious replacement in the No.1 but also was battling a calf complaint himself, with Bennett confident he can take the field in Round 7. Max Plath is due to return and will either slot onto the bench or replace Ray Stone at lock. Meanwhile, Connelly Lemuelu is also due to return and is a chance of displacing Kenny Bromwich in the backrow with Felise Kaufusi sidelined due to a hamstring injury. Tom Fleger is also unlikely to return.
SATURDAY APRIL 20
Penrith Panthers vs Wests Tigers, 3:00pm @ Carrington Park, Bathurst
Round 5 Panthers team: 1. Dylan Edwards 2. Sunia Turuva 3. Izack Tago 4. Taylan May 5. Brian To’o 6. Jarome Luai 7. Brad Schneider 8. Moses Leota 9. Mitch Kenny 15. Lindsay Smith 11. Luke Garner 12. Liam Martin 13. Isaah Yeo 10. James Fisher-Harris 14. Daine Laurie 16. Liam Henry 17. Matt Eisenhuth
Team Tips: Nathan Cleary’s return date has been delayed and featuring in Round 7 looks unlikely for the halfback superstar. If he fails to prove his fitness, Brad Schneider will remain in the halves. Meanwhile, Scott Sorensen is due to return from a knee injury and could replace Luke Garner in the backrow, shifting Matt Eisenhuth off the pine. Jarome Luai has also been battling a knee injury but will be fit to take the field.
Last week’s 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
Team Tips: The return of the Tigers’ rising star. Lachlan Galvin will return from suspension and take a place in the halves, shifting Jayden Sullivan to the utility role and Jake Simpkin out of the team. David Klemmer avoided suspension after being placed on report twice, while John Bateman will take up a place in the backrow after being sidelined for a week due to a head knock. Samuela Fainu is also due to return, which could see both Justin Matamua and Asu Kepaoa drop out of the side.
Gold Coast Titans vs Manly Sea Eagles, 5:30pm @ Cbus Super Stadium
Last week’s Titans team: 1. Jayden Campbell 5. Jojo Fifita 2. Harley Smith-Shields 3. Brian Kelly 22. Alofiana Khan-Pereira 4. AJ Brimson 6. Kieran Foran 8. Moeaki Fotuaika 9. Chris Randall 10. Jaimin Jolliffe 12. Beau Fermor 13. Klese Haas 16. Isaac Liu 11. David Fifita 14. Sam Verrills 15. Erin Clark 17. Josiah Pahulu
Team Tips: AJ Brimson and Kieran Foran look to be the Titans halves pairing moving forward after a solid showing against the Raiders. Jayden Campbell suffered another injury setback with his knee injury flaring up, meaning Keano Kini will likely return to the side at fullback. Meanwhile, Keenan Palasia is due to return and could displace Josiah Pahulu on the bench.
Last week’s 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 19. Aaron Woods
Team Tips: A whole host of injuries for the Sea Eagles. Ben Trbojevic is set to be sidelined after a hamstring injury, and he will be replaced by the returning Reuben Garrick in the centres. Prop Toafofoa Sipley is battling a knee injury and will likely miss games, but in a timely boost Nathan Brown is due to return from a knee injury. Lachlan Croker was also taken from the field for a HIA but it was later revealed he had actually injured his shoulder, meaning he could be cleared to take the field. Meanwhile, Matt Lodge is due to return from a knee injury and will replace Aaron Woods on the bench. Winger Jason Saab is also set to be fit to take the field after a hamstring injury suffered in Las Vegas, meaning he will take the place of Jaxson Paulo or Tommy Talau.
Brisbane Broncos vs Canberra Raiders, 7:35pm @ Suncorp Stadium
Last week’s 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
Team Tips: It looks unlikely the Broncos will make any changes this week, unless Payne Haas returns early from a knee injury.
Last week’s 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
Team Tips: A horror blow for Zac Hosking who suffered a dislocated shoulder against the Titans. He will likely be replaced by Elliott Whitehead if he’s fit to take the field after battling a calf injury. However, Ata Mariota looks a more likely man to fill the backrow spot with Emre Guler returning to the bench. Albert Hopoate’s return date is also unclear after suffering burns in a cooking accident, but it remains to be seen if Ricky Stuart will drop in-form flyer James Schiller.
JD survives axe after hard-fought defeat | 00:38
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SUNDAY APRIL 21
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs vs Newcastle Knights, 2:00pm @ Accor Stadium
Last week’s Bulldogs team: 1. Stephen Crichton 2. Connor Tracey 3. Jacob Kiraz 4. Bronson Xerri 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Matt Burton 7. Drew Hutchison 10. Chris Patolo 9. Reed Mahoney 12. Josh Curran 11. Viliame Kikau 13. Jaeman Salmon 21. Jake Turpin 14. Bailey Hayward 15. Poasa Faamausili 16. Samuel Hughes 17. Kitione Kautoga
Team Tips: It remains to be seen whether Blake Taaffe will be fit to return after an ugly head knock against the Roosters. However, Connor Tracey’s performance at fullback could see him remain at the back, putting in a strong performance, switching with Stephen Crichton who wore the No.1. Taaffe’s return could come off the bench in the utility role. Kurtis Morrin is also due to return and could take the place of Bailey Hayward or Poasa Faamausili. It also remains to be seen whether Blake Wilson will break back into this side, with Bronson Xerri delivering in the centres. Xerri, alongside Crichton, Jacob Kiraz and Josh Addo-Carr looks to be the club’s best backline. Drew Hutchison is also under pressure to keep his spot, with NSW Cup halfback Toby Sexton scoring a double in an impressive performance. It remains to be seen when Kurt Mann or Max King will return from their respective wrist and hand injuries.
Last week’s Knights team: 1. Kalyn Ponga 22. Greg Marzhew 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
Team Tips: The big talking point for the Knights will be whether Kalyn Ponga is fit to take the field. He suffered a hip pointer injury and bravely played on against the Roosters, almost orchestrating a comeback victory. Elsewhere, Tyson Frizell could return from a hamstring injury and push Dylan Lucas back to the bench.
Cronulla Sharks vs North Queensland Cowboys, 4:05pm @ Pointsbet Stadium
Last week’s 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 15. Jack Williams 16. Siosifa Talakai 17. Tuku Hau Tapuha 20. Toby Rudolf
Team Tips:Dale Finucane is set to return from a facial injury and Tuku Hau Tapuha looks the man to drop off the bench. Sione Katoa is also set to miss a game due to suspension which could see Kayal Iro move to the wing and Siosifa Talakai into the centres.
Last week’s 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
Team Tips: The Cowboys are unlikely to make any changes, with Todd Payten happy with Tom Chester’s performance in the centres.
Bye: South Sydney Rabbitohs
Source Agencies
