KFC SuperCoach NRL team talk ahead of round two

After being decimated by injuries in Round One, reinforcements arrive just in time, with several high profile stars set to return. SEE ALL TEAM LISTS.

Parramatta’s Nathan Brown has overcome a round one reserve grade start and a late night off field incident to earn a recall into Brad Arthur’s side to take on Cronulla.

Former Eels player Jarryd Hayne and Brown, who has been named on the bench against the Sharks, were involved in a heated verbal exchange with a road worker early Sunday morning outside of a hotel in Parramatta.

Arthur has also promoted young forward Oregon Kaufusi to lock with Ryan Matterson omitted from the side. Last week’s 18th man, Bryce Cartwright, is on the bench.

On the wing, Waqa Blake has replaced Sean Russell, who was rushed to hospital with a punctured lung after a tackle gone wrong against the Gold Coast Titans. Tom Opacic is the Eels’ new centre.

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While injuries mount after Round 1, a host of big name players are set to make their return from injury and suspension, including Melbourne’s Cameron Munster. Picture: Getty Images.

The Sharks’ 1-17 is unchanged from round one but Cameron McInnes [knee] and Connor Tracey (quad) are among the reserves.

Canterbury enforcer Tevita Pangai Jnr (hamstring) will to line-up against former side Brisbane on Sunday night. Broncos halfback Adam Reynolds [Covid] has passed return to play protocols and will partner Albert Kelly in the halves. At fullback Jamayne Isaako has been dropped for Tesi Niu.

South Sydney’s Latrell Mitchell (suspension) will make his highly anticipated return against Melbourne at fullback. Latrell’s placeholder, Blake Taaffe, is out with an ankle injury.

Storm coach Craig Bellamy has turned to youngster Dean Ieremia as cover for George Jennings [ACL]. Harry Grant returns at hooker for Brandon Smith [hand], Jesse Bromwich (Covid) will replace Christian Welch (achilles) at prop with Cameron Munster (suspension) injected at five-eighth.

Boom fullback Reece Walsh and prop Matt Lodge are back from suspension to take on the Titans. Ashley Taylor gets his shot at redemption at halfback as Shaun Johnson’s (pec) replacement in the halves alongside Chanel Harris-Tavita. Jesse Arthars takes over Viliami Vailea (knee) at centre and winger Dallin Watene-Zelezniak (thumb) is out for Adam Pompey.

AJ Brimson is in the No.6 jumper after missing round one for the Titans. Brimson’s injection has pushed Will Smith to the bench.

After suffering round one concussions, lock Victor Radley and centre Billy Smith have been named to play Manly on Friday night. For the Sea Eagles, utility Dylan Walker has recovered from an ankle injury at the expense of rookie flyer Tolutau Koula.

St George Illawarra coach Anthony Griffin has opted to keep Tariq Sims out of the Dragons 17 to face on Penrith with Jack Bird and Jaydn Su’A preferred in the backrow. Francis Molo has been promoted in Aaron Woods’ (hamstring) absence. New recruit George Burgess is on the bench.

The Panthers have gone with Spencer Leniu as starting prop after Moses Leota (shoulder) was sideline for up to 10 weeks. Matt Eisenhuth is on the bench for Leniu.

Canberra’s Matt Frawley has received the nod to replace rising playmaker Brad Schneider (Covid) in the halves against North Queensland.

At the Tigers, a leg issue forced halfback Luke Brooks to miss Tuesday’s training session, while winger Ken Maumalo picked a hamstring ‘tweak’. Both are in coach Michael Maguire’s starting side against on Newcastle on Saturday.

ROUND 2 TEAMS

STORM v RABBITOHS

Thursday, 8.05pm, AAMI Park, Melbourne

Storm

1. Ryan Papenhuyzen, 2. Dean Ieremia, 3. Reimis Smith, 4. Justin Olam, 5. Xavier Coates, 6. Cameron Munster, 7. Jahrome Hughes, 8. Jesse Bromwich, 9. Harry Grant, 10. Nelson Asofa-Solomona, 11. Felise Kaufusi, 12. Kenny Bromwich, 13. Josh King

Bench: 14. Tyran Wishart, 15. Alec MacDonald, 16. Trent Loiero, 17. Tepai Moeroa

Reserves: 18. Chris Lewis, 19. Nick Meaney, 20. Bronson Garlick, 21. Jayden Nikorima, 22. Jonah Pezet, 23. Jack Howarth, 24. William Warbrick

TEAM NEWS: The Storm have a host of big names returning from suspension/injury which is lucky as they copped a horror injury toll in round one. Harry Grant’s return (suspension) nicely offset the loss of Brandon Smith (Hand, 3-4 weeks). Jesse Bromwich (Covid) comes back slotting straight into the starting front row in place of Christian Welch (Achilles). Cameron Munster also returns (suspension) at the expense of Nick Meaney. There was some thought Meaney would move to the wing to cover George Jennings (Knee, season) but Victorian Dean Ieremia has been preferred to Meaney. Nelson Asofa-Solomona has been named in the run-on side as a starting front-rower with Bromwich.

Rabbitohs

1. Latrell Mitchell, 2. Alex Johnston, 3. Jaxson Paulo, 4. Campbell Graham, 5. Taane Milne, 6. Cody Walker, 7. Lachlan Ilias, 8. Tevita Tatola, 9. Damien Cook, 10. Mark Nicholls, 11. Keaon Koloamatangi, 12.Jai Arrow, 13. Cameron Murray

Bench: 14. Jacob Host 15. Siliva Havili, 16. Thomas Burgess, 17. Michael Chee Kam

Reserves: 18. Davvy Moale, 19. Josh Mansour, 20. Liam Knight, 21. Richard Kenner, 22. Peter Mamouzelos 23. Isaih Tass 24. Dean Hawkins

TEAM NEWS: Latrell Mitchell is back which is both a huge boost to the team, and great timing considering the injury to Blake Taaffe (knee). Alex Johnston had covered for Taaffe at fullback in round one but he is now free to return to the left wing likely at the expense of Josh Mansour.

DRAGONS v PANTHERS

Friday, 6pm, Netstrata Jubilee Stadium, Sydney

Dragons

1. Tyrell Sloan, 2. Cody Ramsey, 3. Moses Suli, 4. Zac Lomax, 5. Mikaele Ravalawa, 6. Talatau Amone, 7. Ben Hunt, 8. Francis Molo, 19. Andrew McCullough, 10. Blake Lawrie, 11. Jack Bird, 12. Jaydn Su’A, 13. Jack de Belin

Bench: 14. Moses Mbye, 15. Josh Kerr, 16. Jack Gosiewski, 17. George Burgess

Reserves: 18. Jackson Ford, 20. Tariq Sims, 21. Mathew Fegai 22. Daniel Alvaro, 23. Poasa Faamausili 24. Tautau Moga 25. Jaiyden Hunt

TEAM NEWS: Aaron Woods (hamstring) is out replaced in the starting team by Francis Molo with George Burgess coming on to the bench. Tariq Sims is back…in the reserves!

Panthers

1. Dylan Edwards, 2. Charlie Staines, 3. Izack Tago, 4. Stephen Crichton, 5. Brian To’o, 6. Jarome Luai, 7. Sean O’Sullivan, 8. Spencer Leniu, 9. Api Koroisau, 10. James Fisher-Harris, 11. Viliame Kikau, 12. Liam Martin, 13. Isaah Yeo

Bench: 14. Mitch Kenny, 15. Scott Sorensen, 16. Matt Eisenhuth, 17. Jaeman Salmon

Reserves: 18. J’maine Hopgood, 19. Chris Smith, 20. Robert Jennings, 21. Taylan May, 22. Lindsay Smith, 23. Soni Luke, 24. Kurt Falls

TEAM NEWS: A change up front with Moses Leota (Shoulder) out which sees Spencer Leniu called in to the starting side and Matt Eisenhuth join the interchange.

ROOSTERS v SEA EAGLES

Friday, 8.05pm, SCG, Sydney

Roosters

1. James Tedesco, 2. Daniel Tupou, 3. Billy Smith, 4. Joey Manu, 5. Paul Momirovski, 6. Sam Walker, 7. Luke Keary, 8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, 9. Connor Watson, 10. Lindsay Collins, 11. Angus Crichton, 12. Sitili Tupouniua, 13. Victor Radley

Bench: 14. Drew Hutchison, 15. Fletcher Baker, 16. Nat Butcher, 17. Siosiua Taukeiaho

Reserves: 18. Kevin Naiqama, 19. Daniel Suluka-Fifita, 20. Lachlan Lam, 21. Naufahu Whyte, 22. Adam Keighran, 23. Renouf Atoni, 24. Ben Marschke

TEAM NEWS: Billy Smith and Victor Radley (concussion) have both been named. The club was adamant neither player should have been hooked mid-match by NRL officials and that neither player was showing any concussion symptoms post-match so, if true, they should be right to go on Friday night. Just one change with new recruit Renouf Atoni coming in to the reserves at the expense of Tuku Hau Tapuha.

Sea Eagles

1. Tom Trbojevic, 2. Jason Saab, 3. Brad Parker, 4. Morgan Harper, 5. Reuben Garrick, 6. Kieran Foran, 7. Daly Cherry-Evans, 8. Toafofoa Sipley, 9. Lachlan Croker, 10. Martin Taupau, 11. Haumole Olakau’atu, 12. Ethan Bullemor, 13. Jake Trbojevic

Bench: 14. Dylan Walker, 15. Karl Lawton, 16. Sean Keppie, 17. Taniela Paseka

Reserves: 18. Morgan Boyle, 19. Andrew Davey, 20. Tolutau Koula, 21. Jorge Taufua, 22. Alec Tuitavake, 23. Christian Tuipulotu, 24. James Roumanos

TEAM NEWS: Dylan Walker is back from injury which pushes Tolu Koula to the reserves. Karl Lawton is working through concussion protocols but is expected to play.

TITANS v WARRIORS

Saturday, 3pm, Cbus Super Stadium, Gold Coast

Titans

1. Jayden Campbell, 2. Phillip Sami, 3. Brian Kelly, 4. Patrick Herbert, 5. Greg Marzhew, 6. AJ Brimson, 7. Toby Sexton, 8. Moeaki Fotuaika, 9. Erin Clark, 10. Isaac Liu, 11. David Fifita, 12. Beau Fermor, 13. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui

Bench: 14. Will Smith, 15. Sam Lisone, 16. Jaimin Jolliffe, 17. Kevin Proctor

Reserves: 18. Jarrod Wallace, 19. Tanah Boyd, 20. Herman Ese’ese, 21. Esan Marsters, 22. Sam McIntyre, 23. Paul Turner, 24. Sosefo Fifita

TEAM NEWS: AJ Brimson (groin) returns which sees Will Smith move to the bench. Corey Thompson is still not available, extending round one call-up Greg Marzhew’s stay in first grade. Travis Meyn reports that Key players Jayden Campbell and Erin Clark suffered knee injuries in last Sunday’s loss to Parramatta and did not train on Tuesday.

Brimson could yet be needed at fullback if Campbell doesn’t recover in time.Utility Tanah Boyd could step into Clark’s void if he is ruled out.

Warriors

1. Reece Walsh, 2. Adam Pompey, 3. Jesse Arthars, 4. Rocco Berry, 5. Marcelo Montoya, 6. Chanel Harris-Tavita, 7. Ash Taylor, 8. Addin Fonua-Blake, 9. Wayde Egan, 10.Matt Lodge, 11. Euan Aitken, 12. Eliesa Katoa, 13. Josh Curran

Bench: 14. Jazz Tevaga, 15. Bunty Afoa, 16. Aaron Pene, 17. Bayley Sironen

Reserves: 18. Kodi Nikorima, 20. Ben Murdoch-Masila, 21. Jack Murchie, 22. Pride Patterson-Robati 23.Taniela Otukolo 24. Junior Ratuva, 25. Edward Kosi

TEAM NEWS: Injuries galore for the Warriors with Shaun Johnson (pectoral), Dallin Watene-Zelezniak and Viliami Vailea (knee) all out. Johnson’s absence is offset by the return of Reece Walsh (suspension). Walsh slots back in to fullback, which sees fill in fullback Chanel Harris-Tevita move to five-eighth relegating Kodi Nikorima to the reserves. New recruit Ash Taylor comes in at half replacing Johnson and loanee Jesse Arthars also makes his club debut replacing Vailea. Adam Pompey replaces DWZ. Matt Lodge (suspension) returns pushing Bunty Afoa to the bench.

SHARKS v EELS

Saturday, 5.30pm, Pointsbet Stadium, Sydney

Sharks

1. Will Kennedy, 2. Sione Katoa, 3. Jesse Ramien, 4. Ronaldo Mulitalo, 5. Matt Ikuvalu, 6. Matt Moylan, 7. Nicho Hynes, 8. Toby Rudolf, 9. Blayke Brailey, 10. Braden Hamlin-Uele, 11. Briton Nikora, 12. Teig Wilton, 13. Dale Finucane

Bench: 14. Aiden Tolman, 15. Siosifa Talakai, 16. Royce Hunt, 17. Andrew Fifita

Reserves: 18. Luke Metcalf, 19. Cameron McInnes, 20. Connor Tracey, 21. Jenson Taumoepeau, 22. Lachlan Miller, 23. Jayden Berrell, 24. Franklin Pele

TEAM NEWS: Same 17 but big inclusions in the reserves with Cameron McInnes (knee), Connor Tracey (quad) and Franklin Pele (suspension) eyeing returns.

Eels

1. Clint Gutherson, 2. Waqa Blake, 3. Will Penisini, 4. Tom Opacic, 5. Bailey Simonsson, 6. Dylan Brown, 7. Mitchell Moses, 8. Reagan Campbell-Gillard, 9. Reed Mahoney, 10. Junior Paulo, 11. Shaun Lane, 12. Isaiah Papali’i, 13. Oregon Kaufusi

Bench: 14. Makahesi Makatoa, 15. Bryce Cartwright, 16. Ray Stone, 17. Nathan Brown

Reserves: 18. Mitch Rein, 19. Jake Arthur, 20. Ky Rodwell, 21. Hayze Perham, 22. Wiremu Greig, 23. Solomone Naiduki, 24. Samuel Loizou

TEAM NEWS: Ryan Matterson (hamstring) is the big omission. He is out for 2-3 weeks with a hamstring issue. Oregon Kaufusi takes the No. 13 jersey with Nathan Brown added to the bench after being eased back from injury in NSW Cup last week. Sean Russell (ribs) is out with Waqa Blake shifting to the wing and Tom Opacic coming in at centre.

COWBOYS v RAIDERS

Saturday, 7.35pm, QCB Stadium, Townsville

Cowboys

1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, 2. Kyle Feldt, 3. Valentine Holmes, 4. Peta Hiku, 5. Murray Taulagi, 6. Tom Dearden, 7. Chad Townsend, 8. Jordan McLean, 9. Reece Robson, 10. Coen Hess, 11. Tom Gilbert, 12. Jeremiah Nanai, 13. Jason Taumalolo

Bench: 14. Jake Granville, 15. Helium Luki, 16. Mitchell Dunn, 17. Griffin Neame

Reserves: 18. Reuben Cotter, 19. Scott Drinkwater, 20. Connelly Lemuelu, 21. Brendan Elliot, 22. Ben Condon, 23. Emry Pere, 24. Daejarn Asi

TEAM NEWS: Jamayne Taunoa-Brown (knee) is replaced at starting prop by Jordan McLean with Griffin Neame added to the interchange. Popular KFC SuperCoach Heilum Luki remains on the bench as per last week’s late change. Reuben Cotter (hamstring) is on the reserves list after missing last week.

Raiders

1. Charnze Nicholl-Klokstad, 2. Nick Cotric, 3. Matt Timoko, 4. Semi Valemei, 5. James Schiller, 6. Jack Wighton, 7. Matt Frawley, 8. Josh Papalii, 9. Tom Starling, 10. Joseph Tapine, 11. Hudson Young, 12. Corey Harawira-Naera, 13. Elliott Whitehead

Bench: 14. Adrian Trevilyan, 15. Emre Guler, 16. Adam Elliott, 17. Corey Horsburgh

Reserves: 18. Xavier Savage, 19. Sebastian Kris, 20. Sam Williams, 21. Ryan Sutton, 22. Peter Hola, 23. Trey Mooney, 24. Harry Rushton

TEAM NEWS: Brad Schneider (Covid) is out, replaced by Matt Frawley at halfback. Josh Hodgson’s knee injury sees Tom Starling start at hooker with Adrian Trevilyan added to the bench for his NRL debut. Sebastian Kris (Covid) returns on the reserves list and could place pressure on James Schiller for a backline spot.

KNIGHTS v TIGERS

Sunday, 4.05pm, McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle

Knights

1. Kalyn Ponga, 2. Dominic Young, 3. Dane Gagai, 4. Bradman Best, 5. Enari Tuala, 6. Jake Clifford, 7. Adam Clune, 8. David Klemmer, 9. Chris Randall, 10. Jacob Saifiti, 11. Tyson Frizell, 12. Lachlan Fitzgibbon, 13. Kurt Mann

Bench: 14. Phoenix Crossland, 15. Mitch Barnett, 16. Leo Thompson 17. Jirah Momoisea

Reserves: 18. Mathew Croker, 19. Pasami Saulo, 20. Tex Hoy, 21. Simi Sasagi 22. Brayden Musgrove, 23. Dylan Lucas, 24. Daniel Saifiti

TEAM NEWS: Winners are grinners. Coach Adam O’Brien has named the same 17 that pulled an upset over the Roosters. Origin prop Daniel Saifiti (leg) has been named in reserves and is pushing for a return.

Tigers

1. Daine Laurie, 2. David Nofoaluma, 3. James Roberts, 4. Oliver Gildart, 5. Ken Maumalo, 6. Jackson Hastings, 7. Luke Brooks, 8. James Tamou, 9. Jake Simpkin, 10. Stefano Utoikamanu, 11. Kelma Tuilagi, 12. Luciano Leilua, 13. Joe Ofahengaue

Bench: 14. Tyrone Peachey, 15. Alex Twal, 16. Zane Musgrove, 17. Alex Seyfarth

Reserves: 18. Thomas Mikaele, 19. Luke Garner, 20. Starford To’a, 21. Tukimihia Simpkins, 22. Jock Madden, 23. Austin Dias, 24. Jacob Liddle

TEAM NEWS: James Tamou (suspension) returns and slots straight into the starting team pushing Alex Twal to the bench and Luke Garner to reserves. Jake Simpkin (shoulder) has been named despite an injury last week.

BULLDOGS v BRONCOS

Sunday, 6.15pm, Accor Stadium, Sydney

Bulldogs

1. Matt Dufty, 2. Jayden Okunbor, 3. Braiden Burns, 4. Brent Naden, 5. Josh Addo-Carr, 6. Matt Burton, 7. Jake Averillo, 8. Luke Thompson, 9. Jeremy Marshall-King, 10. Paul Vaughan, 11. Jack Hetherington, 12. Tevita Pangai Jr, 13. Josh Jackson

Bench: 14. Bailey Biondi-Odo, 15. Corey Waddell, 16. Max King, 17. Ava Seumanufagai

Reserves: 19. Chris Patolo, 20. Brandon Wakeham, 21. Joe Stimson, 22. Kyle Flanagan, 23. Reece Hoffman, 24. Josh Cook, 25. Aaron Schoupp

TEAM NEWS: Jeremy Marshall-King, Braidon Burns and Brent Naden have been named despite concussions last week. Tevita Pangai Jr (hamstring) is slated to make his club debut after being a late withdrawal. Corey Waddell moves to the bench and Chris Patolo, who also copped a concussion last week, drops to the reserves list.

Broncos

1. Tesi Niu, 2. Corey Oates, 3. Kotoni Staggs, 4. Herbie Farnworth, 5. Selwyn Cobbo, 6. Albert Kelly, 7. Adam Reynolds, 8. Keenan Palasia, 9. Jake Turpin, 10. Payne Haas, 11. Kurt Capewell, 12. Jordan Riki, 13. Pat Carrigan

Bench: 14. Ryan James, 15. Kobe Hetherington, 16. TC Robati, 17. Billy Walters

Reserves: 18. Brenko Lee, 19. Rhys Kennedy, 20. Corey Jensen, 21. Jordan Pereira, 22. Corey Paix, 23. Jamayne Isaako, 24. Tyson Gamble

TEAM NEWS: Adam Reynolds (Covid) is available after missing the season opener. He slots straight into halfback, forcing coach Kevin Walters to choose between his son Billy or Albert Kelly to play five-eighth. Kelly has won that battle with Walters dropping to bench utility and Tyrone Roberts out. Tesi Niu (hamstring) returns at fullback in place of Jamayne Isaako. Kobe Hetherington (Covid) returns on the bench. Brendan Piakura (suspension) is available for selection but has missed the squad.

Originally published as KFC SuperCoach NRL team talk ahead of round two