Predicted NRL teams: Mixed news for Broncos but star prop almost ready to return
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The NRL is all systems go for a May 28 restart.
And so with only three weeks remaining until a delayed Round 3 is finally played, all eyes now turn to the teamsheets again.
One positive out of the forced coronavirus shutdown has been the chance for injured players to recover, and some won’t even miss a game despite being injured in Round 2.
Here are the predicted Round 3 teams and news.
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BRISBANE BRONCOS
1. Jamayne Isaako 2. Corey Oates 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Darius Boyd 5. Jesse Arthars 6. Anthony Milford 7. Brodie Croft 8. Matt Lodge 9. Jake Turpin 10. Payne Haas 11. Jamil Hopoate 12. Alex Glenn 13. Patrick Carrigan 14. Matt Lodge 15. Andrew McCullough 16. Joe Ofahengaue 17. Ethan Bullemor
Analysis: Broncos coach Anthony Seibold has revealed star forward Matt Lodge is “there or thereabouts” on track for a Round 3 return. Lodge missed the first two games having been ruled out indefinitely with a knee problem. David Fifita is facing “a few weeks” still in recovery from knee surgery, according to coach Anthony Seibold. Jamil Hopoate looms as his replacement in the backrow. Corey Oates and Brodie Croft were both injured before the season was suspended, however they are both fit to play. Alex Glenn returns from a hamstring injury and Joe Ofahengaue returns from a two-game club-imposed suspension. Tevita Pangai Jnr still needs to serve another five matches on the sideline suspended.
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CANBERRA RAIDERS
1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 2. Bailey Simonsson 3. Jarrod Croker 4. Curtis Scott 5. Nick Cotric 6. Jack Wighton 7. George Williams 8. Josh Papalii 9. Josh Hodgson 10. Corey Horsburgh 11. John Bateman 12. Elliott Whitehead 13. Joseph Tapine 14. Siliva Havili 15. Dunamis Lui 16. Iosia Soliola 17. Emre Guler
Analysis: John Bateman missed the opening two rounds but is expected to be fit for Round 3. He’ll come back into his starting spot shifting Joseph Tapine to lock and sets up a battle between Corey Horsburgh and Dunamis Lui to start alongside Josh Papalii in the front row. Michael Oldfield will slip out of the side.
CANTERBURY BULLDOGS
1. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 2. Nick Meaney 3. Reimis Smith 4. Will Hopoate 5. Christian Crichton 6. Brandon Wakeham 7. Kieran Foran 8. Aiden Tolman 9. Jeremy Marshall-King 10. Dylan Napa 11. Josh Jackson 12. Dean Britt 13. Adam Elliott 14. Chris Smith 15. Renouf To’omaga 16. Raymond Faitala-Mariner 17. Jake Averillo
Analysis: The big in for the Bulldogs is chief playmaker Kieran Foran who is a high chance of returning. The 29-year-old faced missing the entire season when he had surgery but all reports prior to the season shutdown said he was ahead of schedule. Considering Lachlan Lewis was benched in their last outing, Dean Pay is likely to stick with young gun Brandon Wakeham to partner Foran in the halves. Chris Smith is also expected to return from a knee injury, while Joe Stimson is possibly ruled out for the season after shoulder surgery.
CRONULLA SHARKS
1. Will Kennedy 2. Josh Dugan 3. Bronson Xerri 4. Jesse Ramien 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo 6. Shaun Johnson 7. Chad Townsend 8. Andrew Fifita 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Aaron Woods 11. Briton Nikora 12. Wade Graham 13. Jack Williams 14. Connor Tracey 15. Braden Hamlin-Uele 16. Toby Rudolf 17. Scott Sorensen
Analysis: Plenty of good news for Sharks fans with Josh Dugan, Bronson Xerri and Briton Nikora all expected to be fit to play in Round 3. However, they will play their first game without veteran centre Josh Morris who has now joined the Roosters. Matt Moylan is still battling a hamstring injury and isn’t expected to return until June.
GOLD COAST TITANS
1. Phillip Sami 2. Anthony Don 3. Brian Kelly 4. Dale Copley 5. Jonus Pearson 6. Tyrone Roberts 7. Ashley Taylor 8. Jarrod Wallace 9. Mitch Rein 10. Sam Lisone 11. Kevin Proctor 12. Tyrone Peachey 13. Jai Arrow 14. Nathan Peats 15. Moeaki Fotuaika 16. Jai Whitbread 17. AJ Brimson
Analysis: Kallum Watkins has left the club during the lockdown, signing with Toronto Wolfpack in the Super League. The Titans welcome back Dale Copley, Kevin Proctor, and AJ Brimson from injury. Phillip Sami was sensational at fullback and will keep his place ahead of Brimson. Bryce Cartwright refused to get a flu injection but has signed a waiver and will reportedly be allowed to train and play.
MANLY SEA EAGLES
1. Tom Trbojevic 2. Jorge Taufua 3. Brad Parker 4. Moses Suli 5. Reuben Garrick 6. Dylan Walker 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Danny Levi 10. Martin Taupau 11. Joel Thompson 12. Curtis Sironen 13. Jake Trbojevic 14. Lachlan Croker 15. Taniela Paseka 16. Morgan Boyle 17. Jack Gosiewski
Analysis: Manly will be sitting comfortably come Round 3 with every single player available for selection except for Manase Fainu, who remains stood down by the NRL waiting to face court. The two additions for Round 3 are Taniela Paseka and Jack Gosiewski who return from an ankle and back injury respectively.
MELBOURNE STORM
1. Ryan Papenhuyzen 2. Suliasi Vunivalu 3. Paul Momirovski 4. Justin Olam 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Cameron Munster 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Jesse Bromwich 9. Cameron Smith 10. Nelson Asofa-Solomona 11. Felise Kaufusi 12. Kenneath Bromwich 13. Dale Finucane 14. Brandon Smith 15. Tino Faasuamaleaui 16. Tui Kamikamica 17. Max King
Analysis: The key addition for Melbourne is new recruit Paul Momirovski. The 23-year-old’s swap deal with Harry Grant was finally agreed to before the season shutdown. He’ll slot into the right centre and it’s expected that Marion Seve will make way. Brandon Smith suffered a facial fracture in the All Stars game before the season started but he is recovered and ready to play. Josh Addo-Carr escaped a suspension for his lockdown breach with Latrell Mitchell.
NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS
1. Tex Hoy 2. Edrick Lee 3. Enari Tuala 4. Gehamat Shibasaki 5. Hymel Hunt 6. Kurt Mann 7. Mitchell Pearce 8. David Klemmer 9. Connor Watson 10. Daniel Saifiti 11. Lachlan Fitzgibbon 12. Sione Mata’utia 13. Herman Ese’ese 14. Mason Lino 15. Jacob Saifiti 16. Tim Glasby 17. Aiden Guerra
Analysis: The big omission is Kalyn Ponga who has a one-match suspension for a shoulder charge. Tex Hoy will make his NRL debut at fullback. Mitchell Barnett is out indefinitely after having surgery on his neck and Jayden Brailey will miss the rest of the season with a torn ACL. Connor Watson seems like the most logical replacement at hooker, although Mason Lino will be in the discussion. It’s not all doom and gloom for Knights fans though, Sione Mata’utia will be back and both Phoenix Crossland and Bradman Best are available for selection. Pending Best's fitness he could slot straight into the centres.
NORTH QUEENSLAND COWBOYS
1. Valentine Holmes 2. Kyle Feldt 3. Justin O’Neill 4. Esan Marsters 5. Ben Hampton 6. Scott Drinkwater 7. Michael Morgan 8. Josh McGuire 9. Jake Granville 10. Jordan McLean 11. Gavin Cooper 12. Coen Hess 13. Jason Taumalolo 14. Reece Robson 15. John Asiata 16. Mitchell Dunn 17. Francis Molo
Analysis: The Cowboys have got no known injuries and are expected to line up as they did in Round 2.
PARRAMATTA EELS
1. Clint Gutherson 2. Maika Sivo 3. Michael Jennings 4. Waqa Blake 5. Blake Ferguson 6. Dylan Brown 7. Mitchell Moses 8. Reagan Campbell-Gillard 9. Rhys Davies 10. Junior Paulo 11. Shaun Lane 12. Ryan Matterson 13. Peni Terepo 14. Brad Takairangi, 15. Marata Niukore 16. Kane Evans 17. David Gower
Analysis: Reed Mahoney is unlikely to be fit after injuring his foot in Round 2. He has undergone surgery, but the Eels are hopeful he will return shortly after May 28. Rhys Davies comes into the side. Nathan Brown is suspended until Round 5.
PENRITH PANTHERS
1. Dylan Edwards 2. Josh Mansour 3. Dean Whare 4. Brent Naden 5. Brian To’o 6. Jarome Luai 7. Nathan Cleary 8. James Tamou 9. Api Koroisau 10. Zane Tetevano 11. Viliame Kikau 13. James Fisher-Harris. 14. Kurt Capewell 15. Liam Martin 16. Stephen Crichton 17. Moses Leota
Analysis: Kurt Capewell will be back from a pre-season injury, while Dylan Edwards is expected to take Caleb Aekins’ place at fullback. Jack Hetherington is still serving a suspension, while Spencer Leniu and Mitch Kenny will be available for selection after knee and elbow injuries respectively. Nathan Cleary avoided a suspension for his TikTok video indiscretion.
SOUTH SYDNEY RABBITOHS
1. Latrell Mitchell 2. Dane Gagai 3. James Roberts 4. Braidon Burns 5. Campbell Graham 6. Cody Walker 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Tevita Tatola 9. Damien Cook 10. Tom Burgess 11. Jaydn Su’a 12. Cameron Murray 13. Liam Knight 14. Ethan Lowe 15. Hame Sele 16. Alex Johnston 17. Patrick Mago
Analysis: Souths have a clean bill of health. Patrick Mago, who was impressive in the pre-season, is likely to come into consideration to add bulk to the Bunnies pack. Latrell Mitchell was ordinary in the first two rounds of the season and he’s found himself in trouble during lockdown for his infamous camping trip with Josh Addo-Carr. It will be interesting to see whether Wayne Bennett sticks with Mitchell at fullback or replaces him with Alex Johnston.
ST GEORGE ILLAWARRA DRAGONS
1. Matt Dufty 2. Jordan Pereira 3. Brayden Wiliame 4. Euan Aitken 5. Zac Lomax 6. Corey Norman 7. Ben Hunt 8. James Graham 9. Cameron McInnes 10. Paul Vaughan 11. Tyson Frizell 12. Tariq Sims 13. Blake Lawrie 14. Trent Merrin 15. Josh Kerr 16. Isaac Luke 17. Korbin Sims
Analysis: Korbin Sims and Cameron McInnes are expected to return along with Euan Aitken in the centres.
ROOSTERS
1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Josh Morris 4. Joey Manu 5. Brett Morris 6. Luke Keary 7. Kyle Flanagan 8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves 9. Jake Friend 10. Siousiua Taukeiaho 11. Boyd Cordner 12. Mitch Aubusson 13. Victor Radley. 14. Sam Verrills 15. Isaac Liu 16. Lindsay Collins 17. Angus Crichton
Analysis: Boyd Cordner will return to the second row after being rested for the opening two rounds of the season, with Angus Crichton dropping to the bench. New signing Josh Morris will slot straight in at centre and allow his brother Brett to play on the wing.
WARRIORS
1. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 2. Patrick Herbert 3. David Fusitu’a 3. Peta Hiku, 5. Ken Maumalo 6. Chanel Harris-Tavita 7. Blake Green 8. Leeson Ah Mau 9. Wayde Egan 10. Lachlan Burr 11. Adam Blair 12. Tohu Harris 13. Isaiah Papali’i 14. Jazz Tevaga 15. Nathaniel Roache 16. Kodi Nikorima 17. Jamayne Taunoa-Brown
Analysis: Nathaniel Roache was left in New Zealand after reporting fly symptoms but has been cleared of coronavirus and will be available by May 28. David Fusitu’a also remained in New Zealand on compassionate grounds but the club is hoping to fly him across the ditch for Round 3.
WESTS TIGERS
1. Adam Doueihi 2. David Nofoaluma 3. Joey Leilua 4. Moses Mbye 5. Corey Thompson 6. Benji Marshall 7. Luke Brooks 8. Josh Aloiai 9. Harry Grant 10. Alex Twal 11. Luke Garner 12. Luciano Leilua 13. Elijah Taylor 14. Thomas Mikaele 15. Zane Musgrove 16. Josh Reynolds 17. Michael Chee-Kam
Analysis: Moses Mbye and Luke Brooks are due to return from injury, with Josh Reynolds likely to drop to the bench. Adam Doueihi could shift to fullback, with Corey Thompson displacing Robert Jennings on the wing. Harry Grant comes in at hooker after being swapped by Melbourne for Paul Momirovski.