With Shane Flanagan gone after a 0-7 start to the season, everyone wants to know what the Dragons interim coach will do at the selection table this week. Is a $1m man in jeopardy of losing his spot?
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The Bulldogs are set to receive a massive boost. and it’s much-needed following a shock loss on Sunday.
Meanwhile, the Broncos have a massive Payne Haas-sized hole to replace in their forward pack. Who will Michael Maguire pin his faith in?
Read on for NRL Team Tips for Round 8!
THURSDAY 23RD APRIL
Wests Tigers vs. Canberra Raiders @ Leichhardt Oval, 7.50pm
Last week’s Tigers team: 1. Jahream Bula 2. Sunia Turuva 3. Taylan May 4. Patrick Herbert 5. Heamasi Makasini 6. Jarome Luai 7. Adam Doueihi 8. Terrell May 9. Apisai Koroisau 10. Fonua Pole 11. Samuela Fainu 12. Kai Pearce-Paul 13. Alex Twal 14. Jock Madden 15. Sione Fainu 16. Royce Hunt 17. Alex Seyfarth 18. Latu Fainu 19. Luke Laulilii
Team tips: There have been calls to give teen sensation Heamasi Makasini a week off after a poor showing against the Broncos given he’s only 18 and has played every game this season. Tino Tavana remains sidelined with a hamstring injury and it remains to be seen when he will be fit to return to the side or whether he will displace Patrick Herbert or even Makasini. The Tigers centre came off in the loss to Brisbane with what Benji Marshall described as tightness, but it was also to accommodate playmaker Jock Madden, who Benji Marshall wanted to inject late to help ice the game.
Last week’s Raiders team: 1. Kaeo Weekes 2. Sebastian Kris 3. Simi Sasagi 4. Matthew Timoko 5. Jed Stuart 6. Ethan Strange 7. Ethan Sanders 16. Ata Mariota 9. Tom Starling 10. Joseph Tapine 11. Hudson Young 15. Zac Hosking 13. Corey Horsburgh 8. Josh Papali’i 12. Noah Martin 14. Jayden Brailey 17. Morgan Smithies 18. Daine Laurie 19. Joseph Roddy
Team tips: Veteran enforcer Josh Papalii left the field with a calf injury in Round 7 and is unlikely to be fit to take the field against the Tigers, especially considering their Thursday night clash. Elsewhere, Hudson Young earned a ban for a high tackle on Sua Faalogo, meaning Noah Martin will likely join the starting side after dropping to the bench in his last two games. Matty Nicholson is still sidelined with a shoulder injury so Joe Roddy is likely to join the interchange rotation against the Tigers. Roddy has been on the extended bench the last two games but hasn’t been called upon.
MORE NRL NEWS
TEAM TIPS: Dragons’ cleanout on the cards after Flanno sacking; Bulldogs’ huge boost
CONTENDERS: Why obvious choice isn’t a lock for the job
TALKING POINTS: Why it’s time for brutal $2.5m call; proof Latrell debate is ‘over’
CRAWLS: Brutal Dragons reality Flanno sacking can’t mask
Broncos edge Tigers, but at what cost? | 02:29
FRIDAY 24TH APRIL
North Queensland Cowboys vs. Cronulla Sharks @ Queensland Country Bank Stadium, 6.00pm
Last week’s Cowboys team: 1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Braidon Burns 3. Jaxon Purdue 4. Tomas Chester 5. Zac Laybutt 6. Jake Clifford 7. Tom Dearden 8. Coen Hess 9. Soni Luke 10. Jason Taumalolo 11. Heilum Luki 12. Kai O’Donnell 13. Reuben Cotter 14. Sam McIntyre 15. Griffin Neame 16. Thomas Mikaele 17. Matthew Lodge 18. Viliami Vailea 20. Harrison Edwards
Team tips:Reed Mahoney is due to return from a head knock and will displace Soni Luke, who will shuffle back to the bench. On the wing, Murray Taulagi also returns from a head knock which could see Zac Laybutt drop out of the side, or retain a spot on the six-man bench. Despite a horror loss to Manly, Todd Payten generally isn’t one to rush into changes. Given they won four straight leading into the Sea Eagles game, Payten will likely roll with the same group outside of Luke and Laybutt, who will make way for Mahoney and Taulagi respectively.
Last week’s Sharks team: 1. Will Kennedy 2. Sione Katoa 3. Mawene Hiroti 4. KL Iro 5. Sam Stonestreet 6. Braydon Trindal 7. Nicho Hynes 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Toby Rudolf 11. Billy Burns 12. Teig Wilton 13. Jesse Colquhoun 14. Briton Nikora 15. Siosifa Talakai 16. Oregon Kaufusi 17. Tom Hazelton 18. Jayden Berrell 19. Riley Jones
Team tips: Cronulla had the bye over the weekend. Their last start was a loss to the Roosters. Jesse Ramien is due back from a knee injury next week, meaning Mawene Hiroti will start alongside KL Iro in the centres. Forward Cam McInnes is set to return not long afterwards.
Brisbane Broncos vs. Canterbury Bulldogs @ Suncorp Stadium, 8.00pm
Last week’s Broncos team: 1. Jesse Arthars 2. Josiah Karapani 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Gehamat Shibasaki 5. Deine Mariner 6. Ezra Mam 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Corey Jensen 9. Josh Rogers 10. Payne Haas 11. Brendan Piakura 12. Jordan Riki 13. Xavier Willison 14. Thomas Duffy 15. Ben Talty 17. Jack Gosiewski 18. Va’a Semu 19. Hayze Perham 20. Cameron Bukowski
Team tips: A huge loss for the Broncos, with Payne Haas set for an extended sideline stint after suffering a knee injury. With the gun prop dropping out of the side, Ben Talty could join Corey Jensen and Xavier Willison in the run on team. Cory Paix is due to return from a head knock, which could see a big reshuffle. Josh Rogers will likely be replaced, and with Tom Duffy and Cameron Bukowski on the pine, Rogers may drop out of the side altogether. With that said, Rogers was sound against the Tigers. He didn’t run the ball but made 41 tackles in the middle. Kotoni Staggs also suffered a torn ligament in his foot but played on, meaning he could be free to take the field in Round 8. Jesse Arthars ended the game on the sideline and ice on his leg.
Last week’s Bulldogs team: 1. Connor Tracey 2. Jacob Kiraz 21. Josh Curran 4. Bronson Xerri 5. Marcelo Montoya 6. Matt Burton 7. Lachlan Galvin 8. Samuel Hughes 9. Bailey Hayward 10. Leo Thompson 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Jacob Preston 13. Jaeman Salmon 14. Kurt Mann 15. Sitili Tupouniua 16. Harry Hayes 17. Jake Turpin 19. Jonathan Sua 20. Lipoi Hopoi
Team tips: Hard to gauge the Dogs. Thrash Penrith one week, lose to an undermanned Eels side the next. Coach Cameron Ciraldo will likely be forced into one change and that’s Jacob Kiraz. The winger will go for scans after suffering a knee injury. Jonathan Sua was solid off the bench. He has the inside running to replace Kiraz this weekend. Enari Tuala was a late out, forcing Josh Curran to play 80 minutes out of position in the centres. That won’t happen this week with Curran better suited in the middle. Thankfully for Bulldogs fans, Ciraldo revealed that Stephen Crichton is back on deck.
SATURDAY 25TH APRIL
St George Illawarra Dragons vs. Sydney Roosters @ Allianz Stadium, 4.00pm
Last week’s Dragons team: 1. Tyrell Sloan 20. David Fale 3. Mathew Feagai 4. Valentine Holmes 5. Setu Tu 6. Daniel Atkinson 7. Kyle Flanagan 8. Emre Guler 14. Jacob Liddle 10. Toby Couchman 11. Luciano Leilua 12. Jaydn Su’A 17. Josh Kerr 9. Damien Cook 13. Hamish Stewart 15. Blake Lawrie 16. Jacob Halangahu 19. Kade Reed 21. Loko Jnr Pasifiki Tonga
Team tips: With Shane Flanagan set to be axed, there could be sweeping changes. Jaydn Su’A will miss at least three weeks after copping a suspension for a high shot. Hamish Stewart will likely start on an edge with Josh Kerr to retain a starting lock spot. The form of Val Holmes has come under a cloud after Latrell Mitchell terrorised him on the weekend. He’s a very real chance of being dropped to find some form. A welcome inclusion for the Dragons, with key forward Ryan Couchman set to return from suspension. He will take up his spot on the bench. Rising star Dylan Egan isn’t far away from being available after a serious knee injury. Christian Tuipulotu is in some doubt with a knee issue. The winger could miss another week with bone bruising. Much was made about Loko Jnr Pasifiki Tonga’s future at the team last week. He was decent off the bench in his first NRL appearance of the season (65, eight hit ups). He’ll keep his position. With Flanagan gone, you’d have to wonder whether Kade Reed will get a run in first grade and if Kyle Flanagan is at risk of being dropped.
Last week’s Roosters team: 1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Hugo Savala 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. Cody Ramsey 19. Tommy Talau
Team tips: Roosters coach Trent Robinson faces a genuine selection headache with Billy Smith nearing a return from his knee injury. Smith was named in last week’s squad before dropping out and while he wasn’t quite ready against the Knights, he will be pushing to play this week. But will Robinson even pick him? Hugo Savala has been a revelation at centre, scoring two tries against the Knights and was heaped with praise from his coach after the win. “I thought he was so good out there today at left centre. He’s doing the role that he’s been asked to do,” Robinson said.
New Zealand Warriors vs. Dolphins @ Hnry Stadium, 6.05pm
Last week’s Warriors team: 22. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 3. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 4. Ali Leiataua 5. Alofiana Khan-Pereira 6. Chanel Harris-Tavita 7. Tanah Boyd 8. James Fisher-Harris 9. Wayde Egan 10. Jackson Ford 11. Leka Halasima 12. Kurt Capewell 13. Erin Clark 1. Taine Tuaupiki 14. Samuel Healey 15. Marata Niukore 16. Demitric Vaimauga 17. Jacob Laban 23. Mitchell Barnett
Team tips: Andrew Webster made a couple of late changes before the Titans win, including Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad returning at fullback and Mitch Barnett named to come off the pine. Both were outstanding. It means Taine Tuaupiki likely drops out of the side or remains on the six-man bench. Alofiana Khan-Pereira scored a double against his former side and will keep his spt on the flank. Adam Pompey returns from suspension but he’s no certainty to be picked as Ali Leiataua and Roger Tuivasa-Sheck have been strong in the centres during the club’s two-game winning streak. Te Maire Martin is nearing a comeback from a leg injury.
Last week’s Dolphins team: 1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Jake Averillo 4. Herbie Farnworth 5. Selwyn Cobbo 6. Kodi Nikorima 7. Isaiya Katoa 8. Tom Gilbert 9. Max Plath 17. Francis Molo 11. Connelly Lemuelu 12. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki 13. Morgan Knowles 10. Felise Kaufusi 14. Brad Schneider 15. Thomas Flegler 16. Ray Stone 18. Oryn Keeley 19. Trai Fuller
Team Tips: A loss is a loss, but it was a step in the right direction from Kristian Woolf’s men, who pushed Penrith to golden point. Kodi Nikorima copped a two week ban for a hip drop tackle. He is set to be replaced by Brad Schneider in the halves. Jeremy Marshall-King is probably another week away from returning. Winger Jack Bostock is set to make his comeback in the next two to three weeks.
Warriors hold on to beat the Titans | 02:44
MORE NRL NEWS
TEAM TIPS: Dragons’ cleanout on the cards after Flanno sacking; Bulldogs’ huge boost
CONTENDERS: Why obvious choice isn’t a lock for the job
TALKING POINTS: Why it’s time for brutal $2.5m call; proof Latrell debate is ‘over’
CRAWLS: Brutal Dragons reality Flanno sacking can’t mask
Melbourne Storm vs. South Sydney Rabbitohs @ AAMI Park, 8.10pm
Last week’s Storm team: 1. Sualauvi Faalogo 2. William Warbrick 3. Jack Howarth 5. Manaia Waitere 4. Nick Meaney 6. Cameron Munster 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Stefano Utoikamanu 9. Harry Grant 10. Josh King 11. Joe Chan 12. Cooper Clarke 13. Trent Loiero 14. Tyran Wishart 15. Alec MacDonald 16. Jack Hetherington 17. Davvy Moale 18. Shawn Blore 19. Hugo Peel
Team tips: What does Craig Bellamy do after five straight losses? It’s hard to see him making too many changes as the depth isn’t necessarily bursting the door down. He might make one or two, but he’ll be relying on his leaders to help spark the turnaround. They had their chance to win in Canberra but couldn’t nail the big moments which is uncharacteristic. Ativalu Lisati is due back this weekend from a calf injury. He will add some much needed punch. He could return via the bench or start ahead of Joe Chan or Cooper Clarke. Xavier Coates (Achilles) is at least another week away.
Last week’s Rabbitohs team: 1. Matthew Dufty 2. Alex Johnston 3. Latrell Mitchell 4. Jack Wighton 5. Campbell Graham 6. Cody Walker 7. Jamie Humphreys 8. Tevita Tatola 9. Brandon Smith 16. Sean Keppie 15. Bronson Garlick 12. Tallis Duncan 13. Cameron Murray 10. Keaon Koloamatangi 11. Lachlan Hubner 14. Peter Mamouzelos 17. Jayden Sullivan 18. Edward Kosi 19. Thomas Fletcher
Team tips: There were some nervy moments but they flexed their muscles in the second half and proved too classy for the Dragons, with Latrell Mitchell scoring four. Ashton Ward is set to return from an ankle injury but despite his promising start to the season pre-setback, it’s hard to see him usurping Jamie Humphreys at the moment. In an interesting call from Wayne Bennett, Keaon Koloamatangi started on the bench against the Dragons. Expect him to be named in the starting pack on Tuesday. With Dave Fifita still out for another month, we could see Brandon Smith at lock and Cam Murray on an edge again. Smith set up two tries at lock last weekend.
SUNDAY 26TH APRIL
Newcastle Knights vs. Penrith Panthers @ McDonald Jones Stadium, 2.00pm
Last week’s Knights team: 1. Fletcher Sharpe 2. Dominic Young 3. Dane Gagai 4. Fletcher Hunt 5. Greg Marzhew 6. Sandon Smith 7. Dylan Brown 8. Jacob Saifiti 9. Phoenix Crossland 10. Trey Mooney 17. Francis Manuleleua 12. Jermaine McEwen 13. Mathew Croker 14. Harrison Graham 15. Pasami Saulo 16. Cody Hopwood 18. Kyle McCarthy 19. Peter Hola 21. Elijah Leaumoana
Team tips: Greg Marzhew left the Roosters game with a head knock so he’s in some doubt against the Panthers. Justin Holbrook wasn’t sure of his status. The likes of Kalyn Ponga, Tyson Frizell, Bradman Best and Dylan Lucas are still a couple of weeks away at least. The form of Fletcher Hunt gives reason to pause for Holbrook when he considers his line up when Best and Ponga are back on deck. With that duo both healthy, it’s hard to see where Hunt fits into the puzzle, but it’s also hard to leave him out given the way he’s going of late.
Last week’s Panthers team: 1. Dylan Edwards 2. Thomas Jenkins 3. Paul Alamoti 4. Izack Tago 5. Brian To’o 6. Blaize Talagi 7. Nathan Cleary 8. Moses Leota 9. Mitch Kenny 10. Lindsay Smith 11. Isaiah Papali’i 12. Luke Garner 13. Isaah Yeo 14. Jack Cogger 15. Scott Sorensen 16. Kalani Going 17. Billy Phillips 18. Sione Fonua 19. Freddy Lussick
Team tips: Mitch Kenny will be sidelined for at least a couple of months after injuring his leg in a hip drop from Kodi Nikorima. Freddy Lussick has impressed in his first season at the Panthers and will wear the No. 9 for the foreseeable future.
Manly Sea Eagles vs. Parramatta Eels @ 4 Pines Park, 4.05pm
Last week’s 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. Corey Waddell 16. Ethan Bullemor 17. Siosiua Taukeiaho 19. Clayton Faulalo 20. Jackson Shereb
Team tips: Manly are one of the hottest teams in the NRL right now but in a cruel twist, they’ll be without Tom Trbojevic for the next six to eight weeks. The Manly fullback suffered yet another hamstring injury against the Cowboys. Thankfully for coach Kieran Foran, they have a more than suitable replacement in Tolu Koula. While Koula has been excellent in the centres this season, he has proven in the past that he can be electric at the back. Clayton Faulalo came on when Trbojevic left the field and played in the centres inside of Lehi Hopoate. Faulalo had a nice game in 60 minutes, running for 114m, recording four tackle busts and a try assist so he’ll be named in the starting side.
Last week’s Eels team: 1. Joash Papali’i 2. Brian Kelly 3. Viliami Penisini 19. Araz Nanva 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Ronald Volkman 7. Mitchell Moses 8. Luca Moretti 9. Ryley Smith 10. Junior Paulo 11. Charlie Guymer 12. Jack Williams 16. Jack de Belin 13. Dylan Walker 14. Tallyn Da Silva 15. Saxon Pryke 17. Toni Mataele 18. Teancum Brown 20. Lorenzo Talataina
Team tips: Jason Ryles is expected to welcome back Kelma Tuilagi and Sean Russell in Round 8, with Araz Nanva dropping out, while Charlie Guymer will also revert to the pine after a strong performance in the back row. Ryley Smith suffered a sternum injury against the Bulldogs, but Ryles was confident he will be fit to take the field. Regardless, fellow rake Tallyn Da Silva was confident he could do a job as an 80-minute hooker if his partner is ruled out. “I’ll be ready for that, regardless of whether I am going to play 80 minutes or 40 minutes,” he said. “Obviously I want to be an 80-minute hooker and I want to build to that starting role. But I know I’m ready for it and I can’t wait for that opportunity if it does come up.”
BYE: Gold Coast Titans