NRL Round 14 teams and KFC SuperCoach NRL chat
The Roosters and the Storm get boosts ahead of their much-anticipated Thursday night showdown, Parramatta powerhouse returns after a lengthy layoff. FULL Rd 14 TEAMS
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Parramatta coach Brad Arthur has confirmed forward Ryan Matterson will return from a serious head knock on Friday night against St George Illawarra.
Arthur told News Corp Australia that Matterson has been eased back into training following a shocking head clash in round 11 against his former side, Wests Tigers.
“He’s keen to play … you have to make sure the player is comfortable within themselves. The last thing you want to do after a head knock is put them out there, if they aren’t 100 per cent comfortable,” Arthur said.
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Roosters comment: In a team as noteworthy for who is not in, it as who is, the Roosters welcome back Josh Morris for the clash against the Storm. Morris’ return sees Mitch Aubusson start at second row. Nat Butcher reverts from the starting team to the interchange bench which sees Max Bailey slide to the reserves. However, still no Boyd Cordner, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, Brett Morris or Angus Crichton and Kyle Flanagan is still in the reserves.
Storm comment: The Storm will be without both Camerons with Smith (shoulder) not ready to return despite missing last week and Munster (knee) injuring himself against the Bulldogs in round 13. Ryley Jacks comes into the halves to replace Munster. Fullback Ryan Papnhuyzen returns after being rested last week which sees Nicho Hynes revert to the interchange bench. Dale Finucane returns to the team after being rested shifting Tino Faasuamaleaui to the interchange and Chris Lewis drops to the reserves.
Warriors comment: Loanee Jack Hetherington (suspended) is out and his spot at prop is taken by Lachlan Burr. Isaiah Papali’i comes on to the interchange bench in place of Burr.
Panthers comment: No changes from last week’s team. However, Penrith have named fullback Dylan Edwards on an extended bench for Friday’s match against the Warriors. Edwards has missed the last few weeks with a hamstring injury but may slot in as a replacement for Caleb Aekins as the Panthers chase their eighth straight win.
Eels comment: Rejoice SuperCoaches, Ryan Matterson is back after missing two weeks due to the concussion suffered in round 11 against the Wests Tigers. Matterson’s return pushes Marata Niukore to the interchange bench and Andrew Davey to the reserves.
Dragons comment: Paul McGregor has handed Corey Norman an NRL-reprieve. Having dropped Norman ahead of the Dragons loss to the Roosters last Thursday night due to form, McGregor has brought Norman back into the starting squad. Norman’s return to the halves alongside rookie Adam Clune sees Ben Hunt shift from the scrumbase and back into the hooking role, with captain Cameron McInnes reverting to lock. Tristan Sailor is on the bench. Tariq Sims (shoulder), Jackson Ford (suspended) and Trent Merrin are out. Tyrell Fuimaono wins a start at second row in place of Sims while Korbin Sims and Jacob Host come onto the interchange.
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Sharks comment: Siosifa Talakai rides again! The Cronulla cult hero has retained his starting second-row role with Briton Nikora once again in the reserves. Scott Sorensen is on the interchange bench with Toby Rudolf named to start. Don’t be surprised to see Rudolf swap with Sorensen at game time, or possibly Jack Williams who comes on to the interchange this week in place of Teig Wilton.
Titans comment: Winners are grinners on the Gold Coast with no changes to the side that walloped the Cowboys last week.
Cowboys comment: Scott Drinkwater makes a return from injury at fullback, pushing Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow to the wing and Justin O’Neill out of the side. John Asiata (knee) returns on the bench in place of Tom Gilbert.
Rabbitohs comment: Jaydn Su’A (suspension) returns in the back row, bumping Liam Knight to the bench and Jack Johns to 18th man. Latrell Mitchell should be fit to play despite managing a leg injury.
Raiders comment: No changes, with hooker Siliva Havili (triceps) named and expected to play. John Bateman is free to play after being cleared by the match review committee.
Broncos comment: Tevita Pangai Jnr is out due to a COVID breach, for which he is expected to be sacked. Ben Te’o comes into the starting back row with Jordan Riki named for his NRL debut on the bench. Cory Paix comes onto the interchange in place of Issac Luke.
WINNERS AND LOSERS 🎬
— SuperCoach NRL (@SuperCoachNRL) August 11, 2020
Dominated by the "losers" section yet again after another tough teams day, explains @TomSangsterSC. pic.twitter.com/M77U6Tvn38
Knights comment: Origin prop Daniel Saifiti (knee) is a key inclusion at prop. Brother Jacob reverts to the bench with Brodie Jones dropping out. Starford To’a retains his wing spot after being cleared of a COVID breach.
Sea Eagles comment: Prop Martin Taupau has been named despite failing a concussion test last week and will need to pass protocol. But his front row partner Addin Fonua-Blake (PCL) is out for a month, replaced by Taniela Paseka in the starting side. Back rowers Curtis Sironen (knee) and Joel Thompson (ankle) return, pushing Haumole Olakau’atu and Corey Waddell to the interchange. Brad Parker (concussion) returns, replacing Tevita Funa at centre.
Wests Tigers comment: Jacob Liddle returns at hooker almost 12 months to the day since the 23-year-old ruptured his ACL/LCL/MCL. After struggling at No. 9 last week, Moses Mbye returns to centre with Tommy Talau shifting to the wing and Asu Kepaoa out. Billy Walters is out after scans revealed a torn MCL and ACL, replaced by Josh Reynolds on the bench. Luke Garner is recalled in the back row with Chris Lawrence dropping to the bench and Shawn Blore out. Alex Twal (sternum) again misses the team sheet.
Bulldogs comment: Young gun Jake Averillo (hip) is out, replaced by Kerrod Holland at centre. Lachlan Lewis (suspension) is replaced at halfback by Jack Cogger.