NRL teams lists Round 14: Karmichael Hunt returns for Broncos, KFC SuperCoach analysis

A host of Origin stars have been named to back-up this weekend, while the Broncos have named a cross-code star to make his return to the NRL. Check out all the ins and outs.

KFC SuperCoach NRL Team Talk.

Cross-code superstar Karmichael Hunt will create NRL history when he makes a fairytale comeback for the Brisbane Broncos this weekend.

Hunt will play his first NRL game in nearly 12 years when he starts at five-eighth for the Broncos against Canberra at GIO Stadium on Saturday.

Broncos coach Kevin Walters has wielded the selection axe following last week’s disappointing loss to the Dragons, dropping halfback Tyson Gamble and fullback Jamayne Isaako.

Watch The 2021 NRL Telstra Premiership Live & On-Demand with No Ad-Breaks During Play. New to Kayo? Try 14-Days Free Now >

Maligned five-eighth Anthony Milford underwent knee surgery this week and was unavailable for selection, although his form has been poor.

At 34, Hunt will make a remarkable comeback to the NRL as Walters looks to inject some experience to the inconsistent Broncos.

Hunt’s 125th and last NRL game for the Broncos was in Brisbane’s preliminary final loss to Melbourne on September 26, 2009. He then embarked on a trailblazing switch to the AFL’s Gold Coast Suns before moving to Super Rugby with the Queensland Reds and NSW Waratahs, also representing the Wallabies at Test level.

His 4277-day period between NRL games is the longest in the competition’s history — eclipsing the 10-year absence of Willie Manu, who played for the Dragons in 2005 and Roosters in 2015.

Only Vic Hey missed more Australian top grade time, going 12 seasons between appearances for Wests in 1935 and Parramatta in 1948.

Hunt made his return from a minor knee injury for Souths-Logan over the weekend and said he was ready to go if needed.

“I’m pretty confident in the condition I’m in and with my footy,” he said.

“If Kevvie needs me, wherever he needs me, I’ll do a job for him.

“I did my MCL in the PNG game (May 16). It was a grade two, but it’s healed really nicely. It’s all good. I’ve been on light duties for a bit, but trained two sessions with the boys at Red Hill last week and was good to go.”

Hunt made his NRL debut in 2004 and played in Brisbane’s 2006 premiership team, which remains the last time the club tasted title success.

He left the NRL as one of the code’s elite players - a Kangaroos and Queensland State of Origin star — to test himself in the AFL.

Karmichael Hunt will make his NRL return for the Broncos this weekend. Picture: Liam Kidston

After not being offered a contract extension by the Waratahs, Hunt decided to sign with his junior club Souths-Logan in the hope of securing an NRL comeback with the Broncos.

He scored a contract with Brisbane in April and said he was determined to prove he still had what it took to compete in the NRL.

“If anyone has followed my career and understands me, I don’t take things up that I don’t want to do or believe I can do,” Hunt said after signing with the Broncos.

“For me to accept the opportunity to come back to Red Hill, compete for a position and give my knowledge … I want it just as much as anyone else would want it.

“I turn up and try to earn my stripes every day. That’s not going to change. I want it just as much as I’ve always wanted it.

“I always feel like I’ve got stuff to prove and things in my game I need to get better at.

“It’s really no different to if I was at the Waratahs. I go into a season with the mentality to get better.

“The situation now is that I’m coming back to a game I haven’t played in 12 years at age 34. Externally, people will think of those variables a bit more but for me it’s the same mentality.

“I’m looking forward to improving, competing and doing my best every week as I normally do.”

The Broncos are languishing in 15th spot on the ladder and Walters is hoping Hunt’s return will help Brisbane improve in the second half of the NRL season.

Broncos coach Kevin Walters has wielded the axe after Brisbane’s loss to the Dragons. Picture: Getty Images

ROUND 14 TEAMS

SEA EAGLES V COWBOYS

Friday 11 June, Lottoland, Sydney, 6:00pm

SEA EAGLES

1. Tom Trbojevic, 2. Jason Saab, 3. Brad Parker, 4. Morgan Harper, 5. Reuben Garrick, 6. Keiran Foran, 7. Daly Cherry-Evans, 8. Taniela Paseka, 9. Lachlan Croker, 10. Martin Taupau, 11. Haumole Olakau’atu, 12. Karl Lawton, 13. Jake Trbojevic

Bench: 14. Dylan Walker, 15. Moses Suli, 16. Ben Trbojevic, 17. Toafofoa Sipley

Reserves: 18. Kurt De Lewis, 19. Cade Cust, 20. Christian Tuipulotu, 21. Jorge Taufua 22. Tolutau Koula

TEAMS COMMENT: Manly have named all of their Origin stars to backup, just 48 hours after Game 1 in Townsville, however there is still a good chance they’re either rested or play reduced minutes, especially for Tom Trbojevic. Still no sign of Josh Schuster, but Dylan Walker has been named to return via the bench. Olakau’atu returns to the starting side for the suspended Sean Keppie, while highly touted youngset Tolutau Koula is named among the reserves.

COWBOYS

1. Valentine Holmes, 2. Kyle Feldt, 3. Javid Bowen, 4. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, 5. Murray Taulagi, 6. Scott Drinkwater, 7. Tom Dearden, 8. Tom Gilbert, 9. Reece Robson, 10. Jordan McLean, 11. Shane Wright, 12. Coen Hess, 13. Jason Taumalolo

Bench: 14. Jake Granville, 15. Peter Hola, 16. Lachlan Burr, 17. Francis Molo

Reserves: 18. Justin O’Neill, 19. Ben Condon, 20. Daejarn Asi, 21. Corey Jensen 22. Kyle Laybutt

TEAMS COMMENT: The Cowboys are boosted by the return of suspended stars Jason Taumalolo and Lachlan Burr, while Tom Dearden will also make his club debut following the departure of Jake Clifford. Corey Jensen drops to the reserves, while Mitchell Dunn is out with suspension.

SHARKS V PANTHERS

Friday 11 June, Netstrata Jubilee Stadium, Sydney, 7:55pm

SHARKS

1. Will Kennedy, 2. Connor Tracey, 3. Will Chambers, 4. Jesse Ramien, 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo, 6. Matt Moylan, 7. Shaun Johnson, 8. Aiden Tolman, 9. Blayke Brailey, 10. Aaron Woods, 11. Briton Nikora, 12. Wade Graham, 13. Toby Rudolf

Bench: 14. Braydon Trindall, 15. Siosifa Talakai, 16. Jack Williams, 17. Andrew Fifita

Reserves: 18. Teig Wilton, 19. Chad Townsend, 20. Franklin Pele, 21. Mawene Hiroti

TEAMS COMMENT: Just one change to the team, with Andrew Fifita returning on the bench at the expense of Franklin Pele. Wilton on to extended bench in place of Magoulias and Mawene Hiroti for Jenson Taumoepeau.

PANTHERS

1. Dylan Edwards, 2. Charlie Staines, 3. Stephen Crichton 4. Paul Momirovski, 5. Robert Jennings, 6. Matt Burton, 7. Tyrone May, 8. Moses Leota, 9. Apisai Koroisau, 10. James Fisher-Harris, 11. Viliame Kikau, 12. Scott Sorensen, 13. Matt Eisenhuth

Bench: 14. Mitch Kenny, 15. J’maine Hopgood, 16. Spencer Leniu, 17. Izack Tago

Reserves: 18. Isaah yeo, 19. Nathan Cleary, 20. Liam Martin, 21. Jarome Luai, 22. Kurt Capewell, 23. Brian To’o

TEAMS COMMENT: Moses Leota (susp) returns pushing Spencer Leniu to the bench, while the Panthers other Origin stars have all been named among the reserves, despite early mail suggesting they wouldn’t back up. However NSW’s 18th man Api Koroisau has been named to start, pushing Mitch Kenny back to the bench.

Blues halfback Nathan Cleary has been named on the reserves bench for the Panthers. Picture: Getty Images

TITANS V ROOSTERS

Saturday 12 June, Cbus Super Stadium, Gold Coast, 3:00pm

TITANS

1. AJ Brimson, 2. Greg Marzhew, 3. Brian Kelly, 4. Patrick Herbert, 5. Phillip Sami, 6. Ash Taylor, 7. Jamal Fogarty, 8. Jarrod Wallace, 9. Erin Clark, 10. Mo Fotuaika, 11. Kevin Proctor, 12. David Fifita, 13. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui

Bench: 14. Tyrone Peachey, 15. Jaiman Jolliffe, 16. Sam McIntyre, 17. Esan Marsters

Reserves: 18. Sam Stone, 19. Joseph Vuna, 20. Jai Whitbread, 21. Jayden Campbell, 22. Anthony Don, 23. Mitch Rein

TEAMS COMMENT: AJ Brimson has been named to play for the Titans, despite backing up from Origin and carrying a knee injury, however Jayden Campbell has been named among the reserves and could be in line for a recall if Brimson is out. Other Origin players David Fifita, Tino Fa’asuamaleaui and Moeaki Fotuaika have all been named to backup but will likely play reduced minutes. Greg Marzhew impressed on debut and has kept his starting spot, however Anthony Don is named in the reserves and could return from a hip injury at his expense.

ROOSTERS

1. James Tedesco, 2. Daniel Tupou, 3. Josh Morris, 4. Joey Manu, 5. Matt Ikuvalu, 6. Lachlan Lam, 7. Sam Walker, 8. Jared Waerea-Hargreave, 9. Ben Marschke, 10. Siosiua Taukeiaho, 11. Angus Crichton, 12. Sitili Tupouniua, 13. Isaac Liu

Bench: 14. Adam Keighran, 15. Egan Butcher, 16. Daniel Suluka-Fifita, 17. Fletcher Baker

Reserves: 18. Tuku Hau Tapuha, 19. Ben Thomas, 20. Brad Abbey, 21. Joseph Suaalii

TEAMS COMMENT: Likewise the Roosters sole origin player James Tedesco has been named to backup, however could still be a late withdrawal for the Roosters depending on how he pulls up. Angus Crichton returns from suspension, Joey Manu moves back to the centres, with Lachlan Lam returning to five-eighth and Sam Walker returning from a week off. In bad news for SuperCoaches Joseph Suaalii has been moved back to the reserves, but could still be a late inclusion if James Tedesco is given a week off. Boyd Cordner is still a few weeks away at least.

RABBITOHS V KNIGHTS

Saturday 12 June, Stadium Australia, Sydney, 5:30pm

RABBITOHS

1. Latrell Mitchell, 2. Alex Johnston, 3. Braidon Burns, 4. Campbell Graham, 5. Taane Milne 6. Cody Walker, 7. Adam Reynolds, 8. Mark Nicholls, 9. Damien Cook, 10. Tevita Tatola, 11. Keon Koloamatangi, 12. Jacob Host, 13. Cam Murray

Bench: 14. Benji Marshall, 15. Jaydn Su’A, 16. Hame Sele, 17. Thomas Burgess

Reserves: 18. Liam Knight, 19. Patrick Mago, 20. Blake Taaffe, 21. Josh Mansour, 22. Tautau Moga, 23. Peter Mamouzelos

TEAMS COMMENT: Again, the Rabbitohs have also named their Origin stars to backup, with the exceptions of Dane Gagai (who is set to be rested after battling illness while in Maroons camp), and Jai Arrow.

KNIGHTS

1. Tex Hoy, 2. Enari Tuala, 3. Kurt Mann, 4. Bradman Best, 5. Brayden Musgrove, 6. Jake Clifford, 7. Phoenix Crossland, 8. Jacob Saifiti, 9. Jayden Brailey, 10. Daniel Saifiti, 11. Brodie Jones, 12. Lachlan Fitzgibbon, 13. Mitchell Barnett

Bench: 14. Connor Watson, 15. Sauaso Sue, 16. Josh King, 17. Jack Johns

Reserves: 18. Gehamat Shibasaki, 19. Jirah Momoisea, 20. Matt Croker, 21. Dominic Young

TEAMS COMMENT: The Knights have been hit hard by injury and suspension and will be hoping Daniel Saifiti is good to go when he returns from Origin duties. In a back-line reshuffle, Kurt Mann has been shifted to centre, pushing Enari Tuala out to the wing, bringing Phoenix Crossland back into the starting side. Mitchell Pearce and Kalyn Ponga are still at least another week away.

Latrell Mitchell is among a host of Origin players named to back-up this weekend. Picture: Getty Images

RAIDERS V BRONCOS

Saturday 12 June, GIO Stadium, Canberra, 7:35pm

RAIDERS

1. Bailey Simonsson, 2. Semi Valemei, 3. Sebastian Kris, 4. Matthew Timoko, 5. Jordan Rapana, 6. Jack Wighton, 7. Sam Williams, 8. Josh Papalii, 9. Josh Hodgson, 10. Dunamis Lui, 11. Corey Harawira-Naera, 12. Elliott Whitehead, 13. Ryan Sutton

Bench: 14. Tom Starling, 15. Emre Guler, 16, Iosia Soliola, 17. Joseph Tapine

Reserves: 18. Elijah Anderson, 19. Hudson Young, 20. Matt Frawley, 21. Harry Rushton

TEAMS COMMENT: The Raiders have overhauled their backline, with Bailey Simonsson replacing Caleb Aekins at fullback, while Matt Timoko replaces Curtis Scott at centre, while Josh Papalii and Joseph Tapine are back in the team. Emre Guler moves back to the bench, while Corey Horsburgh and Ryan James are out of the squad.

BRONCOS

1. Herbie Farnworth, 2. Xavier Coates, 3. Dale Copley, 4. Jesse Arthars, 5. Selwyn Cobbo, 6. Karmichael Hunt, 7. Albert Kelly, 8. Matthew Lodge, 9. Jake Turpin, 10. Payne Haas, 11. Alex Glenn, 12. Tevita Pangai Jnr, 13. Thomas Flegler

Bench: 14. Kobe Hetherington, 15. John Asiata, 16. Keenan Palasia, 17. TC Robati

Reserves: 18. Tesi Niu, 19. Cory Paix, 20. David Mead, 21. Jordan Riki

TEAMS COMMENT: Karmichael Hunt will play his first NRL game since 2009, while Herbie Farnworth replaces Jamayne Isaako at fullback, with Tyson Gamble and Isaako out of the team. Payne Haas has been named to backup from Origin, pushing Thomas Flegler to lock, John Asiata to the bench and Ethan Bullemor out of the squad altogether.

WARRIORS V STORM

Sunday 13 June, Central Coast Stadium, Gosford, 2:00pm

WARRIORS

1. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, 2. Marcelo Montoya, 3. Euan Aitken, 4. Rocco Berry, 5. Edward Kosi, 6. Kodi Nikorima, 7. Chanel Harris-Tavita, 8. Jamayne Taunoa-Brown, 9. Wayde Egan, 10. Leeson Ah Mau, 11. Bayley Sironen, 12. Tohu Harris, 13. Josh Curran

Bench: 14. Jack Murchie, 15. Kane Evans, 16. Bunty Afoa, 17. Ben Murdoch-Masila

Reserves: 18. Jazz Tevaga, 20. Sean O’Sullivan, 21. Ken Maumalo, 23. Addin Fonua-Blake

TEAMS COMMENT: Addin Fonua-Blake has been named among the reserves and looks set to make his return after a 10-week absence. Roger Tuivasa-Scheck returns to fullback with young gun Reece Walsh suspended, while Josh Curran returns from injury at lock. Rocco Berry replaces the suspended Adam Pompey, while Leeson Ah Mau replaces Kane Evans at front row.

STORM

1. Nicho Hynes, 2. George Jennings, 3. Reimis Smith, 4. Justin Olam, 5. Josh Addo-Carr, 6. Cameron Munster, 7. Jahrome Hughes, 8. Jesse Bromwich, 9. Brandon Smith, 10. Nelson Asofa-Solomona, 11. Kenny Bromwich, 12. Felise Kaufusi, 13. Dale Finucane

Bench: 14. Harry Grant, 15. Tui Kamikamica 16. Christian Welch, 17. Aaron Pene

Reserves: 18. Dean Ieremia, 19. Tom Eisenhuth, 20. Marion Seve, 21. Chris Lewis 22. Trent Loiero 23. Cooper Johns

TEAMS COMMENT: Nelson Asofa-Solomona and Reimis Smith are both facing suspensions and will need to be successful at the judiciary to play. Origin stars Cameron Munster, Felise Kaufusi and Josh Addo-Carr have been named to back up, while Harry Grant and Christian Welch are named on the bench.

Blake Ferguson is on the reserves bench for the Eels. Picture: Brett Costello/NRL Photos

EELS V WESTS TIGERS

Sunday 13 June, Bankwest Stadium, Sydney, 4:05pm

EELS

1. Clint Gutherson, 2. Maika Sivo, 3. Tom Opacic, 4. Waqa Blake, 5. Haze Dunster, 6. Dylan Brown, 7. Mitchell Moses, 8. Reagan Campbell-Gillard, 9. Joey Lussick, 10. Junior Paulo, 11. Isaiah Papali’i, 12. Ryan Matterson, 13. Nathan Brown

Bench: 14. Marata Niukore, 15. Shaun Lane, 16. Oregon Kaufusi, 17. Bryce Cartwright

Reserves: 18. Will Smith, 19. Blake Ferguson, 20. Jakob Arthur, 21. Nathaniel Roache

TEAMS COMMENT: Reed Mahoney is out for Parramatta after picking up a shoulder injury late in their win over Newcastle, with Joey Lussick replacing him at dummy half. Blues prop Junior Paulo has been named to return, pushing Marata Niukore back to the bench and Will Smith back to the reserves. Haze Dunster retains the starting wing spot, Blake Ferguson named among the reserves.

WESTS TIGERS

1. Daine Laurie, 2. David Nofoaluma, 3. Adam Doueihi, 4. Tommy Talau, 5.James Roberts, 6. Moses Mbye, 7. Luke Brooks, 8. James Tamou, 9. Jacob Liddle, 10. Alex Twal, 11. Luke Garner, 12. Luciano Leilua, 13. Joe Ofahengaue

Bench: 14. Stefano Utoikamanu, 15. Shawn Blore, 16. Tom Amone, 17. Alex Seyfarth

Reserves: 18. Michael Chee Kam, 19. Billy Walters, 20. Kelma Tuilagi, 21. Jake Simpkin

TEAMS COMMENT: Despite picking up a knee injury in their win over Penrith, Moses Mbye has been named, while Thomas Mikaele is out of the squad. Joe Ofahengaue has been named to backup from Origin, with Alex Seyfarth moving back to the bench.

BULLDOGS V DRAGONS

Monday 14 June, Stadium Australia, Sydney, 4:00pm

BULLDOGS

1. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, 2. Nick Cotric, 3. Will Hopoate, 4. Aaron Schoupp, 5. Nick Meaney, 6. Brandon Wakeham, 7. Jake Averillo, 8. Jack Hetherington, 9. Jeremy Marshall-King, 10. Luke Thompson, 11. Adam Elliott, 12. Matt Doorey, 13. Josh Jackson

Bench: 14. Sione Katoa, 15. Dylan Napa, 16. Ava Seumanufaga, 17. Joe Stimsoni

Reserves: 19. Kyle Flanagan, 20. Corey Waddell, 21. Tuipulotu Katoa, 23. Kris Smith

TEAMS COMMENT: Jeremy Marshall-King has been named to make his return from a foot injury, while Sione Katoa returns from suspension on the bench.

DRAGONS

1. Matthew Dufty, 2. Cody Ramsey, 3. Brayden Williame, 4. Gerard Beale, 5. Mikaele Ravalawa, 6. Corey Norman, 7. Ben Hunt, 8. Blake Lawrie, 9. Andrew McCullough, 10. Paul Vaughan, 11. Josh Kerr, 12. Jack Bird, 13. Jackson Ford

Bench: 14. Talatau Amone, 15. Poasa Faamausili, 16. Daniel Alvaro, 17. Jack de Belin

Reserves: 18. Adam Clune, 19. Kaide Ellis, 20. Tariq Sims, 21. Billy Burns

TEAMS COMMENT: The Dragons have named the same 17 after their impressive win over Brisbane, with Tariq Sims named among the reserves.

Originally published as NRL teams lists Round 14: Karmichael Hunt returns for Broncos, KFC SuperCoach analysis