NRL teams lists Round 15: Penrith’s Origin stars return, KFC SuperCoach analysis

Penrith’s Origin stars are back for the clash against the Roosters, while the Knights have received a massive boost and a giant winger joins the Tigers’ backline. Check out all the ins and outs for Round 15.

KFC SuperCoach NRL Team Talk.

Wests Tigers missed out on landing Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, but when one door closes another opens especially if giant winger Ken Maumalo is the one knocking it down.

Maumalo, who will make his club debut on Sunday against Melbourne after transferring from the Warriors, might not have the profile of the Kiwi Test captain but numbers prove the 2019 Dally M winger of the year could well be a better fit for Michael Maguire’s side.

The hulking Maumalo is one of the best yardage players in the NRL — his 173 average metres per game is fifth among all players over the last three years.

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“Maumalo is a specialist winger. He’s tall, solid under the high ball, a strong finisher and he’s great out of his own end — he’s the stereotypical modern winger that gets the job done and you can rely on,” Fox League expert Braith Anasta said.

“Dallin is a powerful runner of the ball, but he’s a bit lost. What’s his best position? He wants to play fullback, he’s probably better on the wing because his carries are so strong and tough.

SCROLL DOWN FOR ALL THE INS AND OUTS FOR ROUND 15

“He’s reliable in that way, but he’s probably not as good under the high ball and not as good a finisher. There are other areas where he might be better than Kenny, but Maumalo is definitely the better option when it comes to the wing.”

Ironically, Watene-Zelezniak now shapes as Maumalo’s replacement at the Warriors with the New Zealand club closing in on the Bulldogs flyer.

But Maumalo is far more than just a metre-eater and boasts one of the best tryscoring strike rates of any player in the competition.

Despite the Warriors struggling for consistency, since the start of 2019, Maumalo has scored 30 tries in 42 games to give him a strike rate of 0.71 tries per game, good for 11th in the NRL. He’s also scored two hat-tricks this season alone — coincidentally, both came against the Storm.

It’s been a difficult few seasons for Maumalo - he left the Warriors mid-season last year to return to New Zealand and there were emotional scenes on Sunday when he shed tears at full-time of the loss to Melbourne.

But the stability of switching to the Tigers should do Maumalo a world of good, and he’ll form an excellent one-two punch with fellow winger David Nofoalouma.

Ken Maumalo will make his Wests Tigers debut against the Storm this weekend. Picture: Twitter

“A bit of certainty for him will do him good. He’s an emotional guy, we saw that on the weekend. I think he’ll be a great addition to the Tigers.

“The Tigers don’t have the biggest or most powerful pack in the game and if you can add a bit of punch out of the backfield with a winger like Maumalo, paired with someone like Nofoaluma, those first couple of carries can get you the momentum and get you straight on the front foot. From there, the pack can get on top and then that knocks on to the spine. It’s a domino effect.”

Maumalo is expected to line up alongside Tommy Taulau with James Roberts switching from right wing to right centre after Adam Doueihi was not named due to concussion.

In other team news, Queensland’s chances of salvaging the State of Origin series have received a major boost with Kalyn Ponga named to return from a groin injury.

The superstar fullback last played in Round 9 and will be joined by Mitchell Pearce, who returns from a pec injury, and David Klemmer, who was suspended for the last two weeks.

A host of other Origin stars have returned after many were rested last week with James Tedesco, Nathan Cleary, Jarome Luai, Brain To’o, Kurt Capewell and Isaah Yeo all named to play in Friday’s Panthers-Roosters blockbuster.

The Tricolours will also welcome back premiership-winning dummy half Sam Verrills from an eye injury.

Benji Marshall has missed selection for the Rabbitohs match against Brisbane for the first time this season with Jaydn Su’A also failing to crack the starting 17 despite playing Origin last week.

ROUND 15 TEAMS

BRONCOS VS RABBITOHS

Thursday 17 June 7:50pm, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane

BRONCOS

1. Tesi Niu, 2. Xavier Coates, 3. Herbie Farnworth, 4. Jesse Arthars, 5. Selwyn Cobbo, 6. Karmichael Hunt, 7. Tyson Gamble, 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. Cory Paix, 19. Jordan Riki, 20. Rhys Kennedy, 21. Dale Copley

TEAMS COMMENT: Tesi Niu retains his spot at fullback after an impressive outing against the Raiders, while Xavier Coates has been named to return on the wing after being a late withdrawal in Round 14. Karmichael Hunt had a mixed NRL return, but maintains his spot in the starting side alongside Tyson Gamble, with Albert Kelly set to miss the next 1-2 weeks. Dale Copley drops to the reserves and Thomas Flegler is back at lock, with John Asiata on the bench.

RABBITOHS

1. Latrell Mitchell, 2. Alex Johnston, 3. Dane Gagai, 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. Jai Arrow, 13. Cam Murray

Bench: 14. Braidon Burns, 15. Hame Sele, 16. Thomas Burgess, 17. Jacob Host

Reserves: 18. Blake Taaffe, 19. Liam Knight, 20. Josh Mansour, 21. Jaydn Su’A

TEAMS COMMENT: Lots of changes for the Bunnies, with their Origin stars returning, while Benji Marshall is out of the squad and Jaydn Su’A has been dropped to the reserves. Peter Mamouzelos was solid on debut, but is also out of the squad, while Jacob Host, Hame Sele and Braidon Burns move to the bench. Liam Knight has also been moved to the reserves after suffering a head knock and could be a late inclusion on the bench.

Wayne Bennett has dumped Maroons backrower Jayden Su’a to the reserves. Picture: Getty Images

COWBOYS VS SHARKS

Friday 18 June, 6:00pm, Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Townsville

COWBOYS

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

Bench: 14. Jake Granville, 15. Tom Gilbert, 16. Lachlan Burr, 17. Francis Molo

Reserves: 18. Peter Hola, 19. Daejarn Asi, 20. Kane Bradley, 21. Corey Jensen

TEAMS COMMENT: Kyle Feldt is back after missing last week due to an injury from Origin Game I, with Justin O’Neill out of the squad. Mitchell Dunn is back from suspension, forcing Coen Hess to prop and Peter Hola to the reserves.

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. Siosifa Talakai, 13. Toby Rudolf

Bench: 14. Braydon Trindall, 15. Teig Wilton, 16. Jack Williams, 17. Andrew Fifita

Reserves: 18. Billy Magoulias, 19. Chad Townsend, 20. Braden Hamlin-Uele, 21. Sione Katoa

TEAMS COMMENT: Wade Graham is out due to concussion and is replace in the starting side by Siosifa Talakai, with Teig Wilton on the bench. Braden Hamlin-Uele (ankle) and winger Sione Katoa (knee) are named among the reserves and could be late inclusions.

PANTHERS VS ROOSTERS

Friday 18 June, 7:55pm, BlueBet Stadium, Penrith

PANTHERS

1. Dylan Edwards, 2. Charlie Staines, 3. Stephen Crichton, 4. Matt Burton, 5. Brian To’o, 6. Jarome Luai, 7. Nathan Cleary, 8. Moses Leota, 9. Apisai Koroisau, 10. James Fisher-Harris, 11. Liam Martin, 12. Kurt Capewell, 13. Isaah Yeo

Bench: 14. Mitch Kenny, 15. Scott Sorensen, 16. Matt Eisenhuth, 17. Izack Tago

Reserves: 18. Spencer Leniu, 19. J’maine Hopgood, 20. Tyrone May, 21. Brent Naden

TEAMS COMMENT: The Panthers welcome back their Origin stars but are without Viliame Kikau, after suffering an ankle injury against the Sharks. Matt Burton shifts back to the centres, with Tyrone May dropped to the reserves. Scott Sorensen moves back to the bench, while J’maine Hopgood moves back to the reserves. Izack Tago was very impressive in his second NRL game and holds a spot on the bench.

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. Adam Keighran, 10. Siosiua Taukeiaho, 11. Angus Crichton, 12. Sitili Tupouniua, 13. Isaac Liu

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

Reserves: 18. Tuku Hau Tapuha, 19. Ben Thomas, 20. Billy Smith, 21. Joseph Suaalii

TEAMS COMMENT: James Tedesco has been named to return, and Sam Walker has been named to backup, despite picking up a shoulder injury in their win over Gold Coast. Sam Verrills (eye) makes his return on the bench, replacing the suspended Ben Marschke. Siosiua Taukeiaho is back in the front row after being a late withdrawal last week, with Fletcher Baker dropping to the bench.

Kalyn POnga will make a welcome return for the Knights. Picture: Getty Images

KNIGHTS VS WARRIORS

Saturday 19 June, 3:00pm, McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle

KNIGHTS

1. Kalyn Ponga, 2. Dominic Young, 3. Kurt Mann, 4. Enari Tuala, 5. Hymel Hunt, 6. Jake Clifford, 7. Mitchell Pearce, 8. Jacob Saifiti, 9. Jayden Brailey, 10. Daniel Saifiti, 11. Lachlan Fitzgibbon, 12. Brodie Jones, 13. Mitchell Barnett

Bench: 14. Connor Watson, 15. David Klemmer, 16. Sauaso Sue, 17. Jack Johns

Reserves: 18. Josh King, 19. Matt Croker, 20. Brayden Musgrove, 21. Tex Hoy

TEAMS COMMENT: Kalyn Ponga (groin) and Mitchell Pearce (pectoral) have been named to return for Newcastle, while David Klemmer has been benched in his return from suspension. Hymel Hunt also returns on the wing, with Enari Tuala moving to centre and Bradman Best out with an ankle injury. With Pearce back, Connor Watson moves back to the bench, with Jake Clifford shifting to five-eighth.

WARRIORS

1. Reece Walsh, 2. Marcelo Montoya, 3. Rocco Berry, 4. Euan Aitken, 5. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, 6. Kodi Nikorima, 7. Sean O’Sullivan, 8. Addin Fonua-Blake, 9. Jazz Tevaga, 10. Ben Murdoch-Masila, 11. Bayley Sironen, 12. Tohu Harris, 13. Josh Curran

Bench: 14. Eliesa Katoa, 15. Leeson Ah Mau, 16. Bunty Afoa, 17. Kane Evans

Reserves: 18. Edward Kosi, 20. Jack Murchie, 21. Adam Pompey, 23. Taniela Otukolo

TEAMS COMMENT: Reece Walsh returns from suspension at fullback, with Roger Tuivasa-Sheck moving to the wing. Marcelo Montoya moves to the other wing, Rocco Berry returns at centre, and Sean O’Sullivan replaces Chanel Harris-Tavita after suffering a season ending torn pec. Jazz Tevaga replaces Wayde Egan (head knock) at hooker, while Addin Fonua-Blake is back in the starting side after a successful return from a knee injury via the bench last week. Leeson Ah Mau moves back to the bench, while Eliesa Katoa replaces Jack Murchie.

DRAGONS VS RAIDERS

Saturday 19 June, 5:30pm, WIN Stadium, Wollongong

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. Tariq Sims, 12. Jack Bird, 13. Jackson Ford

Bench: 14. Talatau Amone, 15. Josh Kerr, 16. Daniel Alvaro, 17. Jack de Belin

Reserves: 18. Adam Clune, 19. Poasa Faamausili, 20. Tyrell Sloan, 21. Zac Lomax

TEAMS COMMENT: Surprisingly the Dragons have named the same side that went down to the last placed Bulldogs in Round 14. Matt Dufty injured his shoulder in the upset loss but has been named, but could be replaced by Tyrell Sloan if he’s no good. Zac Lomax (thumb) is nearing a return and has been named among the reserves.

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. Xavier Savage, 19. Hudson Young, 20. Matt Frawley, 21. Ryan James

TEAMS COMMENT: Just one change for the Raiders, with Sia Soliola swapping with Ryan Sutton.

Christian Welch returns for the Storm. Picture: Getty Images

STORM VS TIGERS

Saturday 19 June, 7:35pm, Sunshine Coast Stadium, Sunshine Coast

STORM

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

Bench: 14. Harry Grant, 15. Tui Kamikamica 16. Chris Lewis, 17. Aaron Pene

Reserves: 18. Jordan Grant, 19. Cooper Johns, 20. Trent Loiero, 21. Dean Ieremia

TEAMS COMMENT: Jesse Bromwich is out for the Storm, but Christian Welch returns from concussion and Nelson Asofa-Solomona is back from suspension, with Tui Kamikamica moving back to the bench. George Jennings returns on the wing, with Dean Ieremia moving back to the reserves.

WESTS TIGERS

1. Daine Laurie, 2. David Nofoaluma, 3. Tommy Talau, 4. James Roberts 5. Ken Maumalo, 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. Kelma Tuilagi, 20. Fetalaiga Pauga, 21. Jake Simpkin

TEAMS COMMENT: The Tigers will be without star centre Adam Doueihi after a nasty high shot from Eels’ Maika Sivo, with James Roberts moving to centre and Ken Maumalo set to make his club debut. Moses Mbye returns at five-eighth, with Billy Walters out of the squad.

EELS VS BULLDOGS

Sunday 20 June, 2:00pm, Bankwest Stadium, Sydney

EELS

1. Clint Gutherson, 2. Sean Russell, 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. Keegan Hipgrave, 17. Nathaniel Roache

Reserves: 18. Oregon Kaufusi, 19. Blake Ferguson, 20. Bryce Cartwright, 21. Jakob Arthur

TEAMS COMMENT: Maika Sivo has been suspended for a week, with Sean Russell set to make his NRL debut ahead of Blake Ferguson who remains on the reserves. Keegan Hipgrave named on the bench, with Bryce Cartwright dropping back to the reserves.

BULLDOGS

1. Nick Meaney, 2. Nick Cotric, 3. Will Hopoate, 4. Aaron Schoupp, 5. Tui Katoa, 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. Corey Waddell

Reserves: 19. Kyle Flanagan, 20. Joe Stimson, 21. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 22. Jackson Topine

TEAMS COMMENT: Nick Meaney remains at fullback, with Dallin Watene-Zelezniak named among the reserves.

Tom Trbojevic slots back in at fullback for Manly after being rested last weekend. Picture: Getty Images

TITANS VS SEA EAGLES

Sunday 20 June, 4:05pm, Cbus Super Stadium, Gold Coast

TITANS

1. Jayden Campbell, 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. Moeaki Fotuaika, 11. Sam Stone, 12. David Fifita, 13. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui

Bench: 14. Tyrone Peachey, 15. Jaimin Jolliffe, 16. Sam McIntyre, 17. Jai Whitbread

Reserves: 18. Mitch Reine, 19. Joseph Vuna, 20. Anthony Don, 21. AJ Brimson

TEAMS COMMENT: Moeaki Fotuaika returns in the front row, with Jaimin Jolliffe moving back to the bench. David Fifita returns to the starting side with Kevin Proctor suspended, while Tino also returns to lock. AJ Brimson has been named on the reserves, with Jayden Cambell again starting at fullback. Greg Marzhew holds onto a starting spot, but Anthony Don is named on the reserves and could be a late inclusion.

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. Taniela Paseka, 9. Lachlan Croker, 10. Martin Taupau, 11. Haumole Olakau’atu, 12. Karl Lawton, 13. Jake Trbojevic

Bench: 14. Dylan Walker, 15. Ben Trbojevic, 16. Sean Keppie, 17. Toafofoa Sipley

Reserves: 18. Moses Suli, 19. Tevita Funa, 20. Christian Tuipulotu 21. Kurt De Lewis

TEAMS COMMENT: After being rested last week, Tom Trbojevic returns at fullback, with Reuben Garrick returning to the wing, Brad Parker at centre and Moses Suli to the reserves. Sean Keppie returns from suspension on the bench with Kurt De Luis on the reserves.

Originally published as NRL teams lists Round 15: Penrith’s Origin stars return, KFC SuperCoach analysis