NRL teams Round 16: Brent Nadan returns; State of Origin stars named

An exiled Panther will return after eight months on the sidelines, while there’s a miracle brewing in Bondi. All the ins and outs for Round 16!

State of Origin was expected to cause major headaches for NRL coaches and KFC SuperCoaches in Round 16.

But the majority of rep stars have been named. Check out all the ins and out and the guru Tom Sangster’s SuperCoach analysis.

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ROOSTERS V STORM

Thursday 1 July, McDonald Jones Stadium, 7.50pm

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. Sam Verrills, 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. Drew Hutchinson, 19. Ben Thomas, 20. Freddy Lussick, 21. Joseph Suaalii

Team news: James Tedesco and Angus Crichton have both been named to back up from Origin 2. Sam Walker (shoulder) returns at halfback, pushing Lachlan Lam to five-eighth, Joey Manu back to centre and Joseph Suaalii out of the team.

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. Christian Welch, 11. Felise Kaufusi, 12. Kenny Bromwich 13. Dale Finucane

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

Reserves: 18. Cooper Johns, 19. Jordan Grant, 20. Dean Ieremia, 21. Trent Loiero, 22. Marion Seve, 23. Tepai Moeroa

Team news: Origin players Josh Addo-Carr, Cameron Munster, Christian Welch and Felise Kaufusi have been named to back up. Jesse Bromwich (elbow) and Kenny Bromwich (ribs) return but Nelson Asofa-Solomona (suspension) and Harry Grant (hamstring) are unavailable.

Live NRL teams Round 16.

WARRIORS V DRAGONS

Friday 2 July, Central Coast Stadium, 6:00pm

Warriors: 1. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, 3. Adam Pompey, 4. Marcelo Montoya, 5. Edward Kosi, 6. Kodi Nikorima, 7. Chad Townsend, 8. Addin Fonua-Blake, 9. Wayde Egan, 10. Kane Evans, 11. Eliesa Katoa, 12. Ben Murdoch-Masila, 13. Tohu Harris

Bench: 14. Jazz Tevaga, 15. Leeson Ah Mau, 16. Bunty Afoa, 17. Bailey Sironen

Reserves: 18. Rocco Berry, 20. Jack Murchie, 21. Taniela Otukolo, 23. Sean O’Sullivan

Team news: Reece Walsh (hamstring) remains sidelined following his late withdrawal from Origin with Roger Tuivasa-Sheck switching to fullback. Mid-season recruits Dallin Watene-Zelezniak (wing) and Chad Townsend (halfback) have been rushed straight into the side. Euan Aitken and Josh Curran are both out due to inadvertent Covid mishaps. Marcelo Montoya moves from wing to centre to replace Aitken and Edward Kosi is the new winger. Eliesa Katoa comes into the starting side to fill the void left by Curran. Jazz Tevaga reverts to the bench to allow for the return of Wayde Egan (concussion).

Dragons: 1. Matthew Dufty, 2. Cody Ramsey, 3. Brayden Williame, 4. Jack Bird, 5. Gerard Beale, 6. Corey Norman, 7. Ben Hunt, 8. Blake Lawrie, 9. Andrew McCullough, 10. Paul Vaughan, 11. Josh Kerr, 12. Tariq Sims, 13. Jack de Belin

Bench: 14. Josh McGuire, 15. Billy Burns, 16. Daniel Alvaro, 17. Tyrell Fuimaono

Reserves: 18. Adam Clune, 19. Jackson Ford, 20. Kaide Ellis, 21. Jordan Pereira

Team news: Tariq Sims, Ben Hunt and Andrew McCullough have been named to back up from Origin, while the Dragons also have some serious cattle back in Josh McGuire, Tyrell Fuimaono (both suspension) and Matt Dufty (shoulder). Mikaele Ravalawa (suspension) is replaced on the wing by Gerard Beale with Jack Bird pushing to Beale’s centre spot.

PANTHERS V EELS

Friday 2 July, BlueBet Stadium, 7:55pm

Panthers: 1. Charlie Staines, 2. Brent Naden, 3. Stephen Crichton, 4. Tyrone May, 5. Brian To’o, 6. Jarome Luai, 7. Nathan Cleary, 8. Moses Leota, 9. Apisai Koroisau, 10. James Fisher-Harris, 11. Viliame Kikau, 12. Kurt Capewell, 13. Isaah Yeo

Bench: 14. Mitch Kenny, 15. Scott Sorensen, 16. Spencer Leniu, 17. Liam Martin

Reserves: 18. Izack Tago, 19. Jaeman Salmon, 20. Matthew Eisenhuth, 21. Taylan May

Team news: Nathan Cleary (shoulder) is out due to an injury sustained in Origin. Jarome Luai switches from five-eighth to halfback, Matt Burton moves in from centre to five-eighth and Tyrone May comes in at centre. Brian To’o, Isaah Yeo, Kurt Capewell and Luai have all been named to back up from Origin. Dylan Edwards (injury) is replaced at fullback by Charlie Staines with Brent Naden coming onto the wing. Viliame Kikau (hamstring) returns in the back row.

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 Penisini, 19. Will Smith, 20. Sean Russell, 21. Jake Arthur

Team news: Maika Sivo (suspension), Oregon Kaufusi and Bryce Cartwright return. Sivo replaces debutant Sean Russell on the wing. Nathaniel Roache (knee) and Keegan Hipgrave make way for Kaufusi and Cartwright on the bench.

BULLDOGS V SEA EAGLES

Saturday 3 July, Bankwest Stadium, 3:00pm

Bulldogs: 1. Nick Meaney, 2. Corey Allan, 3. Will Hopoate, 4. Falakiko Manu, 5. Tui Katoa, 6. Kyle Flanagan, 7. Jake Averillo, 8. Jack Hetherington, 9. Jeremy Marshall-King, 10. Luke Thompson, 11. Jackson Topine, 12. Matt Doorey, 13. Josh Jackson

Bench: 14. Bailey Biondi-Oro, 15. Joe Stimson, 16. Ava Seumanufaga, 17. Chris Patolo

Reserves: 19. Lachlan Lewis, 20. Ofahiki Ogden, 21. Renouf Atoni 22. Watson Heleta

Team news: Canterbury coach Trent Barrett has turned to three NRL debutants as the Bulldogs scramble to replace a host of players ruled out due to biosecurity violations. It comes as dumped playmaker Kyle Flanagan returns to the side at five-eighth. Centre Falakiko Manu, interchange half Bailey Biondi-Odo and utility forward Christopher Patolo will all make their maiden NRL starts against the Sea Eagles with former Queensland Origin player Corey Allan also returning on the wing. Dylan Napa, Brandon Wakeham, Corey Waddell, Aaron Schoupp and Sione Katoa have all been ruled out after they breached the NRL’s COVID-19 protocols.

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. Sean Keppie

Bench: 14. Dylan Walker, 15. Ben Trbojevic, 16. Kurt De Luis 17. Toaofoa Sipley

Reserves: 18. Moses Suli 19. Cade Cust, 20. Tevita Funa, 21. Kurt De Luis

Team news: No changes. Tom Trbojevic and Daly Cherry-Evans have been named to back up from Origin but Jake Trbojevic (hip) remains out.

RAIDERS V TITANS

Saturday 3 July, GIO Stadium, 5:30pm

Raiders: 1. Bailey Simonsson, 2. Semi Valemei, 3. Jarrod Croker, 4. Sebastian Kris, 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. Matthew Timoko, 19. Hudson Young, 20. Matt Frawley, 21. Ryan James

Team news: Raiders captain Jarrod Croker will play his first game in more than two months against the Gold Coast at GIO Stadium. Croker will make his comeback from a knee injury in the centres and will also resume goal kicking duties. Croker hasn’t played since round seven with his return pushing rookie outside back Matt Timoko back to the reserves. Josh Papalii and Jack Wighton have been named to back up from Origin.

Titans: 1. Alex Brimson, 2. Phillip Sami, 3. Brian Kelly, 4. Patrick Herbert, 5. Corey Thompson, 6. Ash Taylor, 7. Jamal Fogarty, 8. Jarrod Wallace, 9. Erin Clark, 10. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, 11. Kevin Proctor, 12. David Fifita, 13. Tyrone Peachey

Bench: 14. Beau Fermor, 15. Sam Lisone, 16. Moeaki Fotuaika, 17. Jaimin Jolliffe

Reserves: 18. Sam Stone, 19. Sam McIntyre, 20. Mitch Rein, 21. Jayden Campbell

Team news: Some massive inclusions. David Fifita, Tino Fa’asuamaleaui and Moeaki Fotuaika have been named to back up while AJ Brimson (knee), Corey Thompson (ankle), Kevin Proctor (suspension), Beau Fermor (hamstring) and Sam Lisone (pectoral) all return. Unfortunately for many KFC SuperCoaches, top cheapie Greg Marzhew (elbow) is out.

KNIGHTS V COWBOYS

Saturday 3 July, McDonald Jones Stadium, 7:35pm

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. Mitchell Barnett, 12. Lachlan Fitzgibbon, 13. Sauaso Sue

Bench: 14. Connor Watson, 15. David Klemmer, 16. Josh King, 17. Brodie Jones

Reserves: 18. Jack Johns, 19. Phoenix Crossland, 20. Simi Sasagi, 21. Jirah Momoisea

Team news: Kalyn Ponga (groin) is a big inclusion at fullback after a long lay-off, while Daniel Saifiti has been named to back up from Origin.

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. Connelly Lemuelu, 21. Heilum Luki

Team news: Unchanged 17 with Val Holmes, Kyle Feldt and Francis Molo named to back up.

BRONCOS V SHARKS

Sunday 4 July, Suncorp Stadium, 2:00pm

Broncos: 1. Tesi Niu, 2. Jamayne Isaako, 3. Herbie Farnworth, 4. Kotoni Staggs, 5. Xavier Coates, 6. Tyson Gamble, 7. Brodie Croft, 8. Matthew Lodge, 9. Jake Turpin, 10. Payne Haas, 11. Alex Glenn, 12. TC Robati, 13. Thomas Flegler

Bench: 14. Cory Paix, 15. Kobe Hetherington, 16. Keenan Palasia, 17. Jesse Arthars

Reserves: 18. Jordan Riki, 19. Rhys Kennedy, 20. David Mead, 21. Anthony Milford

Team news: Kotoni Staggs (ACL/hamstring) makes a long-awaited return at centre, pushing Jesse Arthars to the bench. Coach Kevin Walters has made a big call in the halves with Brodie Croft (knee) coming in at halfback, Tyson Gamble switching to five-eighth and Karmichael Hunt axed. Tevita Pangai Jnr (suspension) is out for three games and replaced in the back row by TC Robati.

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. Braden Hamlin-Uele

Reserves: 18. Billy Magoulias, 19. Sione Katoa, 20. Andrew Fifita, 21. Mawene Hiroti

Team news: Same 17 as last week although Siosifa Talakai’s back row spot could come under scrutiny after a poor defensive display last match.

TIGERS V RABBITOHS

Sunday 4 July, Leichhardt Oval, 4:05pm

Tigers: 1. Daine Laurie, 2. David Nofoaluma, 3. James Roberts, 4. Adam Doueihi 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. Alex Seyfarth

Bench: 14. Stefano Utoikamanu, 15. Shawn Blore, 16. Thomas Mikaele 17. Joe Ofahengaue

Reserves: 18. Michael Chee Kam, 19. Tom Amone, 20. Junior Pauga 21. Jake Simpkin

Team news: Coach Michael Maguire has stuck relatively solid despite last game’s capitulation against the Storm. There are only two new faces in the 17 with Adam Doueihi (concussion) a welcome return at centre in place of Tommy Talau, while Thomas Mikaele replaces Tom Amone on the bench. Alex Seyfarth scores the starting lock spot ahead of Joe Ofahengaue, who drops to 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. Hame Sele, 11. Keon Koloamatangi, 12. Jai Arrow, 13. Cam Murray

Bench: 14. Benji Marshall, 15. Liam Knight, 16. Thomas Burgess, 17. Jacob Host

Reserves: 18. Braidon Burns 19. Jaydn Su’A, 20. Blake Taaffe, 21. Josh Mansour, 22. Tautau Moga, 23. Patrick Mago

Team news: Latrell Mitchell, Dane Gagai, Damien Cook, Jai Arrow and Cameron Murray have been named to back up. Benji Marshall (birth of child) returns on the bench in place of Blake Taaffe. Tevita Tatola (knee) is out for six weeks, replaced at starting prop by Hame Sele with Liam Knight joining the bench.

Rooster in line for miracle return

Sydney Roosters five-eighth Drew Hutchison is on the verge of an incredible return to the field eight weeks after suffering a career-threatening injury that caused his lung to collapse three times.

Hutchison suffered two fractured ribs in the Roosters’ match against Parramatta in round nine after he copped some knees to the body from the Eels’ Dylan Brown as he attempted to score a try.

He was immediately transported to Westmead Hospital and his recovery hit a setback when his lung collapsed a third time threeweeks later, meaning surgery was required, but the 26-year-old is ready to return to action after he was named as 18th man for the clash against Melbourne on Thursday.

“He’s back to full training. It’d be nice to have a game for North Sydney (in NSW Cup) to get him back into the rhythm but that probably won’t take place over the next couple of weeks,” said Roosters coach Trent Robinson.

“He’ll get a good opportunity to get back in there and start playing footy soon for us. He was playing very good footy before he got injured.”

The off-contract Hutchison will have a chance to prove his wares after initial fears his long-term career could be severely impacted by the hit, which resulted in Brown copping a three-week suspension.

Superstar rookie Sam Walker named to return after he missed the loss to Penrith two weeks ago with a shoulder injury while Origin duo Tedesco and Crichton have been both named to back-up.

“They both came through the game well. We won’t see them until Wednesday at some stage (due to Covid protocols). They’re good, they’re positive and ready to go,” Robinson said.

“We’re planning on them playing the minutes of a normal game. I’ll manage them physically if I see something through the game but they’re ready to rock and roll.”

“We’re starting to get some continuity with players, we’ve had to change nearly every single week.

“But we’re starting to get a consistent squad and over the next few weeks we’re going to get a consistent squad that’s going to finish the season for us.

“We’ve had our challenges this year but we believe in what we can produce. We’ve got to go out and prove that, I can’t stand here and talk about it, it’s about us putting it on the pitch because we believe in our quality.

“People questioning our quality is what will drive us as well.”

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Brent Naden will make his NRL comeback after eight months in exile.

The Penrith flyer has been named on the wing for Friday night’s clash with derby rivals Parramatta at Blue bet Stadium.

Canterbury-bound Naden encountered a tumultuous off-season that included a drugs ban for cocaine use and a $5000 fine from the NRL for breaching the code’s bubble protocols on the night before the Panthers’ grand final loss to Melbourne last year.

Ever since, Naden has been forced to ply his trade in the NSW Cup with Penrith coach Ivan Cleary preferring Stephen Crichton, Charlie Staines, Matt Burton and Paul Momirovski in the Panthers’ outside backs.

However injuries to Nathan Cleary (shoulder), fullback Dylan Edwards (foot), winger Robert Jennings (hamstring) and centre Momirvoski (hip), Cleary has turned to Naden.

Jarome Luai will play halfback with Matt Burton moving from the centres to five-eighth, while Staines shifts from the wing to fullback and Naden makes his return on the wing.

Originally published as NRL teams Round 16: Brent Nadan returns; State of Origin stars named