NRL Round 17 team lists: How every club will line up for bye week

With 11 of their biggest names out through injury and Origin selection, the Broncos will hand one of their brightest young stars his NRL debut. See full Round 17 teams.

Brisbane rookie Zac Hosking will make his NRL debut as the injury-ravaged Broncos look to overcome the loss of 11 top-liners in Sunday’s crucial home clash against the Dragons.

Hosking, the son of former Manly first-grade prop David, is a former carpenter and Brisbane coach Kevin Walters believes he has the tools to handle a back-row baptism against the Red V at Suncorp Stadium.

The 25-year-old former Knights lower grader is the poster boy for the winds of change sweeping through Red Hill this week as the Broncos come to terms with one of the worst injury tolls in their history.

The fifth-placed Broncos will face the Dragons without star prop Payne Haas (shoulder), fullback Te Maire Martin (ribs), front-rower Corey Jensen (calf) and hooker Jake Turpin (illness).

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Zac Hosking will make his NRL debut in Round 17, with the Broncos decimated by injury and Origin selection. Picture: Getty Images.

Compounding the injury saga, rampaging forward TC Robati suffered a broken arm playing in the Hostplus Cup on Sunday, while boom back-rower Brendan Piakura copped a head knock for Brisbane affiliate Norths Devils.

Meanwhile, key trio Pat Carrigan, Kurt Capewell and Selwyn Cobbo are unavailable due to Maroons commitments for Origin III, as is teammate Tom Flegler, who has been named Queensland’s 18th man for the Suncorp decider.

An 11th Bronco, strike centre Herbie Farnworth, remains sidelined with a torn bicep.

The decimation of Brisbane’s top squad has accelerated the blooding of Hosking. He is joined by promising teenage prop Xavier Willison, who makes his 2022 debut after three games last season, while fullback Tesi Niu (hamstring) and hooker Cory Paix (knee) are back from injury.

David ‘The Mule’ Hosking played 78 top-grade games for Souths and Manly from 1987-93 and now the Broncos will unveil the ‘Baby Mule’ in Zac, who will replace Capewell on Brisbane’s left edge.

Zac’s father David 'Mule' Hosking was a fan favourite at the Sea Eagles.

“Zac has been killing it in Q Cup, so I am happy to see him get his debut,” said utility Kobe Hetherington, who replaces Carrigan at lock.

“He had a really good pre-season for us, the boys here like him, so I am looking forward to seeing him run out.

“It will be a good test for Zac but I have faith in him.

“He will do the job on the edge.”

In the absence of Haas and Jensen, Brisbane’s engine room will be spearheaded by Keenan Palasia and Ryan James in a Dragons tussle that could decide the finals fortunes of both teams.

While the Broncos’ forward pack has been ripped apart, Brisbane’s scrumbase remains intact with captain Adam Reynolds to stabilise a youthful outfit that includes playmaking sensation Ezra Mam at five-eighth.

St George Illawarra, eighth on percentages, are just one win adrift of the Broncos and have a golden chance of a Suncorp ambush, but Hetherington remains confident Brisbane will hold their own.

“Having Reynolds there for us is great, you notice his leadership out there,” he said.

“It’s pretty tough when you have so many players coming in and out, but we just have to dig deep this week and hopefully come away with a win.”

Tesi Niu will make his return, after suffering a hamstring injury in Round 6. Picture: NRL Images.

Brett Kimmorley has wielded the axe, but has again spared Luke Brooks, as the interim Wests Tigers coach bloods another local junior to debut against Parramatta on Saturday.

NSW under 19’s player and Western Suburbs Magpies junior Justin Matamua will make his NRL debut from the bench.

Earlier this year the club moved to lock in the rising forward on a three-year deal.

The 19-year old is the captain of the club‘s SG Ball team and helped NSW to victory over Queensland in the under 19’s State of Origin match at Leichhardt Oval in June.

Matamau’s debut comes after Kimmorley handed Austin Dias and Fonua Pole, who has retained his place, a start last week against the Warriors.

Kimmorley has resisted pressure to drop five-eighth Brooks after the Tigers slumped to four-straight losses against the Warriors last weekend.

Hooker Jacob Liddle joins Matamua on the pine.

Captain James Tamou is back after he was a late omission against the Warriors with a calf complaint. Rookie prop Fonua Pole has retained a bench spot with Alex Seyfarth dropping out of the side.

Tigers coach Brett Kimmorley has wielded the axe but once again spared Luke Brooks. Picture: Getty Images.

For the Eels, Marata Niukore has been tasked with taking over at starting prop with Junior Paulo preparing to play for NSW in the Origin decider on Wednesday week.

Ryan Matterson is back from a rib injury at lock. While skipper Clint Gutherson will be released from Blues camp in Kingscliff to take the field at fullback.

Cronulla coach Craig Fitzgibbon has named versatile back Connor Tracey to step in at centre for wrecking ball Siosifa Talakai (Origin) in Thursday’s clash against Melbourne. Playmaker Braydon Trindall is the 18th man.

Melbourne Mr Fix It Nick Meaney moves to five-eighth for Cameron Munster, who along with hooker Harry Grant is on Maroons Origin duty. Brandon Smith will take over at dummy half with Josh King to start at lock.

Nelson Asofa-Solomona has been named to start, with coach Craig Bellamy going with a new look bench of Tui Kamikamica, Tyran Wishart, Jordan Grant and Alec MacDonald.

Popular SuperCoach cheapie Grant Anderson has won the starting wing spot for Storm in the crucial Round 17 bye round. Picture: Getty Images.

Newcastle have received a much needed boost with hooker Jayden Brailey (achilles) and Bradman Best (elbow) back from injury to take on a resurgent South Sydney.

Best will fill the void left at centre by Dane Gagai, who along with Kalyn Ponga are in Queensland camp. Tex Hoy will again wear Ponga’s no.1 jumper.

Taane Milne has been charged with replacing hard working centre Campbell Graham, who is out for an extended period with a facial fracture. Prop Hame Sele (hamstring) is out with veteran Thomas Burgess to come into the starting side, opening a space for Davvy Moale on the bench.

Siliva Havili and reliable forward Mark Nicholls are in for the Rabbitohs’ NSW contingent of hooker Damien Cook and lock Cameron Murray, respectively.

Rabbitohs coach Jason Demetriou has wasted no time in adding the club’s latest recruit Daniel Suluka-Fifita, who joined on Monday from the Roosters after an early release, into his squad as 18th man. Suluka Fifita could be a late inclusion.

Rising halve Jayden Sullivan has been tasked with the halfback role for Ben Hunt, who will play for the Maroons in game three.

ROUND 17 TEAMS

SHARKS v STORM

Thursday, 7.50pm, PointsBet Stadium, Cronulla

Sharks: 1. Will Kennedy, 2. Sione Katoa, 3. Jesse Ramien, 4. Connor Tracey, 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo, 6. Matt Moylan, 7. Nicho Hynes, 8. Toby Rudolf, 9. Blayke Brailey, 10. Royce Hunt, 11. Briton Nikora, 12. Wade Graham, 13. Dale Finucane

Bench: 14. Aiden Tolman, 15. Cameron McInnes, 16. Teig Wilton, 17. Andrew Fifita

Reserves: 18. Braydon Trindall, 19. Jesse Colquhoun, 20. Kade Dykes, 21. Braden Hamlin-Uele, 22. Lachie Miller

TEAM NEWS: Nicho Hynes is a huge inclusion for KFC SuperCoaches after missing the 17 for the Blues. But Siosifa Talakai is not available after being named on the NSW bench. He is replaced by versatile Connor Tracey.

Storm: 1. Ryan Papenhuyzen, 2. Dean Ieremia, 3. Marion Seve, 4. Justin Olam, 5. Grant Anderson, 6. Nick Meaney, 7. Jahrome Hughes, 8. Jesse Bromwich, 9. Brandon Smith, 10. Nelson Asofa-Solomona, 11. Chris Lewis, 12. Kenny Bromwich, 13. Josh King

Bench: 14. Tyran Wishart, 15. Tui Kamikamica, 16. Alec MacDonald, 17. Jordan Grant

Reserves: 18. Bronson Garlick, 19. Yee-Huang Tonumaipe’a, 20. Jack Howarth, 21. Jayden Nikorima, 22. Tyson Smoothy

TEAM NEWS: Big news for KFC SuperCoaches with top cheapie Grant Anderson retaining his spot. Dean Ieremia comes in on the wing and Nick Meaney moves to five-eighth with Jayden Nikorima dropping to 18th Man. Brandon Smith starts at hooker for Queensland’s Harry Grant and is a very popular buy this week.

KNIGHTS v RABBITOHS

Friday, 7.55pm, McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle

Knights: 1. Tex Hoy, 2. Edrick Lee, 3. Enari Tuala, 4. Bradman Best, 5. Dominic Young, 6. Anthony Milford, 7. Adam Clune, 8. David Klemmer, 9. Chris Randall, 10. Jacob Saifiti, 11. Tyson Frizell, 12. Mitch Barnett, 13. Kurt Mann

Bench: 14. Jayden Brailey, 15. Jacob Saifiti, 16. Leo Thompson, 17. Mat Croker

Reserves: 18. Simi Sasagi, 19. Pasami Saulo, 20. Lachlan Fitzgibbon, 21. Hymel Hunt, 22. Jake Clifford

TEAM NEWS: Jayden Brailey (Achilles) and Bradman Best (elbow) are huge inclusions. Dane Gagai and Kalyn Ponga are both on Origin duty.

Rabbitohs: 1. Latrell Mitchell, 2. Alex Johnston, 3. Taane Milne, 4. Isaiah Tass, 5. Jaxson Paulo, 6. Cody Walker, 7. Lachlan Ilias, 8. Tevita Tatola, 9. Siliva Havili, 10. Thomas Burgess, 11. Keaon Koloamatangi, 12. Jed Cartwright, 13. Mark Nicholls

Bench: 14. Kodi Nikorima, 15. Blake Taaffe, 16. Michael Chee Kam, 17. Davvy Moale

Reserves: 18. Daniel Suluka-Fifita, 19. Ben Lovett, 20. Richard Kennar, 21. Shaquai Mitchell, 22. Dean Hawkins

TEAM NEWS: Campbell Graham (facial fracture) is replaced at centre by Taane Milne. Hame Sele (hamstring) is also out, while Liam Knight (knee) has been ruled out for the season.

TIGERS v EELS

Saturday, 7.35pm, Leichhardt Oval, Sydney

Tigers: 1. Daine Laurie, 2. David Nofoaluma, 3. Starford To’a, 4. Adam Doueihi, 5. Ken Maumalo, 6. Luke Brooks, 7. Jackson Hastings, 8. James Tamou, 9. Fa’amanu Brown, 10. Zane Musgrove, 11. Luke Garner, 12. Kelma Tuilagi, 13. Joe Ofahengaue

Bench: 14. Stefano Utoikamanu, 15. Justin Matamua, 16. Jacob Liddle, 17. Fonua Pole

Reserves: 18. Austin Dias, 19. Alex Seyfarth, 20. Junior Tupou, 21. Asu Kepaoa, 22. Jock Madden

TEAM NEWS: James Tamou makes his return from a calf injurym forcing Alex Seyfarth back to the reserves, with Fonua Pole keeping his bench spot. Adam Doueihi returns to the starting side at centre, with James Roberts out of the side.

Eels: 1. Clint Gutherson, 2. Maika Sivo, 3. Waqa Blake, 4. Will Penisini, 5. Bailey Simonsson, 6. Dylan Brown, 7. Mitchell Moses, 8. Reagan Campbell-Gillard, 9. Reed Mahoney, 10. Marata Niukore, 11. Shaun Lane, 12. Isaiah Papali’i, 13. Ryan Matterson

Bench: 14. Makahesi Makatoa, 15. Tom Opacic, 16. Oregon Kaufusi, 17. Ky Rodwell

Reserves: 18. Nathan Brown, 19. Jake Arthur, 20. Sean Russell, 21. Wiremu Greig, 23. Hayze Perham

TEAM NEWS: Junior Paulo is out through Blues duty, but Ryan Matterson (ribs) is back in a huge boost. Skipper Clint Gutherson will be released from the NSW squad to play for the Eels.

BRONCOS v DRAGONS

Sunday, 4.05pm, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane

Broncos: 1. Tesi Niu, 2. Corey Oates, 3. Kotoni Staggs, 4. Brenko Lee, 5. Jordan Pereira, 6. Ezra Mam, 7. Adam Reynolds, 8. Keenan Palasia, 9. Billy Walters, 10. Ryan James, 11. Zac Hosking, 12. Jordan Riki, 13. Kobe Hetherington

Bench: 14. Cory Paix, 15. Rhys Kennedy, 16. Xavier Willison, 17. Tyson Gamble

Reserves: 18. Delouise Hoeter, 19. Jake Turpin, 20. Deine Mariner, 21. Tyrone Roberts, 22. Logan Bayliss

TEAM NEWS: The Broncos have Kurt Capewell, Selwyn Cobbo, Pat Carrigan and Thomas Flegler out on Origin duty, while Payne Haas, Te Maire Martin and Corey Jensen are sidelined with injury. Zac Hosking makes his NRL debut in the backrow, while Tesi Niu replaces Martin at fullback, Jordan Pereira is on the wing, Keenan Palasia and Ryan James start in the frontrow.

Dragons: 1. Cody Ramsey, 2. Mathew Feagai, 3. Moses Suli, 4. Zac Lomax, 5. Mikaele Ravalawa, 6. Talatau Amone, 7. Jayden Sullivan, 8. Jack De Belin, 9. Andrew McCullough, 10. Blake Lawrie, 11. Jack Bird, 12. Jaydn Su’A, 13. Tariq Sims

Bench: 14. Moses Mbye, 15. Francis Molo, 16. Aaron Woods, 17. Michael Molo

Reserves: 18. Jaiyden Hunt, 19. Tautau Moga, 20. Josh Kerr, 21. Billy Burns, 22. Jonathan Reuben

TEAM NEWS: The Dragons have just one change, with skipper Ben Hunt in Maroons Origin camp and Jayden Sullivan starting at halfback.

TEAMS ON BYE: Sea Eagles, Titans, Panthers, Roosters, Broncos, Cowboys, Raiders, Warriors