Teams have been announced for Round 2 of the NRL season, highlighted by the return of marquee stars Cameron Munster and Latrell Mitchell for Thursday night’s AAMI Park showdown between Melbourne and South Sydney.

Several teams have been forced to shuffle their line-ups after injuries and head knocks sent many players to the sidelines in last week’s season opening matches.

Canterbury have named all four of their players who were replaced due to concussions in their win over North Queensland – Chris Patolo, Braidon Burns, Brent Naden and Jeremy Marshall-King – in their squad to face Brisbane in Round 2 on Sunday. Patolo has been relegated to the reserves with star recruit Tevita Pangai jnr set to make his club debut after a hamstring strain.

After missing Round 1, Sharks duo Cameron McInnes (knee) and Connor Tracey (thigh) could be late inclusions for Saturday’s home clash with Parramatta after being named on the extended bench.

Maroons hooker Harry Grant and utility forward Chris Lewis are back for the Storm after serving suspensions in Round 1 along with Warriors duo Matt Lodge and Reece Walsh and Tigers co-captain James Tamou, while Adam Reynolds will make his first appearance for the Broncos after sitting out last week’s win over Souths due to COVID protocols.

As part of their tribute to Immortal Norm Provan, who died in October, the Dragons have retired the No.9 jersey he made famous in the 1950s and ’60s for their first home game since his passing. Starting hooker Andrew McCullough will wear the No.19 jersey instead.

Round 2 teams

Thursday

Storm v Rabbitohs at AAMI Park, 8.05pm

Storm: The return of Cameron Munster and Harry Grant from suspension and Jesse Bromwich (COVID) is massive for Melbourne, particularly with Christian Welch, Brandon Smith and George Jennings sidelined long term.

Dean Ieremia has taken Jennings’ wing berth with Nick Meaney surprisingly named in the reserves.

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. Kenneath Bromwich 13. Josh King

Interchange: 14. Tyran Wishart 15. Alec MacDonald 16. Trent Loiero 17. Tepai Moeroa 18. Chris Lewis 19. Nick Meaney 20. Bronson Garlick 21. Jayden Nikorima 22. Jonah Pezet 23. Jack Howarth 24. William Warbrick

Rabbitohs: Latrell Mitchell comes back from his six-game ban at fullback, which is timely given Blake Taaffe won’t be fit for a couple of weeks due to his ankle problem. Alex Johnston goes back to his wing with Josh Mansour on the reserves. 

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

Interchange: 14. Jacob Host 15. Siliva Havili 16. Thomas Burgess 17. Michael Chee Kam 18. Davvy Moale 19. Josh Mansour 20. Liam Knight 21. Richard Kennar 22. Peter Mamouzelos 23. Isaiah Tass 24. Dean Hawkins

No shortage of greatness. #CB500 pic.twitter.com/1dsSi9eq1R

— Melbourne Storm (@storm) March 15, 2022

Friday

Dragons v Panthers at Netstrata Jublee Stadium, 6pm

Dragons: St George Illawarra looked like they found a few combinations in their win over the Warriors last weekend. Veteran prop Aaron Woods (hamstring) has been ruled out, replaced by former Cowboy Francis Molo. Former Rabbitohs front-rower George Burgess comes onto the bench after making his comeback in the NSW Cup last week. Tariq Sims remains out of favour in the reserves. 

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

Interchange: 14. Moses Mbye 15. Josh Kerr 16. Jack Gosiewski 17. George Burgess 18. Jackson Ford 20. Tariq Sims 21. Mathew Feagai 22. Daniel Alvaro 23. Poasa Faamausili 24. Tautau Moga 25. Jaiyden Hunt

Panthers: Prop Moses Leota is out for a couple of months due to a shoulder problem. Spencer Leniu will start for him with Matt Eisenhuth added to the interchange. 

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. Apisai Koroisau 10. James Fisher-Harris 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Liam Martin 13. Isaah Yeo

Interchange: 14. Mitch Kenny 15. Scott Sorensen 16. Matthew Eisenhuth 17. Jaeman Salmon 18. J’maine Hopgood 19. Chris Smith 20. Robert Jennings 21. Taylan May 22. Lindsay Smith 23. Soni Luke 24. Kurt Falls

Roosters v Sea Eagles at SCG, 8.05pm

Roosters: Victor Radley and Billy Smith need to pass the concussion protocols to play. 

1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Billy Smith 4. Joseph 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

Interchange: 14. Drew Hutchison 15. Fletcher Baker 16. Nat Butcher 17. Siosiua Taukeiaho 18. Kevin Naiqama 19. Daniel Suluka-Fifita 20. Lachlan Lam 21. Naufahu Whyte 22. Adam Keighran 23. Renouf Atoni 24. Ben Marschke

Sea Eagles: After a disappointing 28-6 loss to Penrith to start the season, Manly cannot afford another heavy defeat against another title contender. Dylan Walker is over his leg injury, replacing rookie Tolu Koula on the bench. 

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 

Interchange: 14. Dylan Walker 15. Karl Lawton 16. Sean Keppie 17. Taniela Paseka 18. Morgan Boyle 19. Andrew Davey 20. Tolutau Koula 21. Jorge Taufua 22. Alec Tuitavake 23. Christian Tuipulotu 24. James Roumanos

Our Round 2 team sheet is locked in thanks to @ELMO_Software https://t.co/QxU7IXHBap#NRLRoostersManly #ManlyForever

— Manly Warringah Sea Eagles (@SeaEagles) March 15, 2022

Saturday

Titans v Warriors at Cbus Super Stadium, 2pm (3pm AEDT)

Titans: Five-eighth AJ Brimson is back after he was rested in Round 1 due to a series of niggling injuries. Will Smith goes back to the interchange and Tanah Boyd has been dropped to the reserves.

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

Interchange: 14. Will Smith 15. Sam Lisone 16. Jaimin Jolliffe 17. Kevin Proctor 18. Jarrod Wallace 19. Tanah Boyd 20. Herman Ese’ese 21. Esan Marsters 22. Sam McIntyre 23. Paul Turner 24. Sosefo Fifita

Warriors: Reece Walsh and Matt Lodge make their return from suspensions while there is a new-look halves pairing after Kodi Nikorima has been dropped and Shaun Johnson has been sidelined with a pectoral injury.

Chanel Harris-Tavita has switched to five-eighth after filling in at fullback for Walsh in last Saturday’s loss to St George Illawarra while former Titans playmaker Ash Taylor has been selected to make his club debut at halfback. Utility back Jesse Arthars, who switched to the club from Brisbane in the off-season, will also play his first match as a Warrior, lining up in the centres to replace Viliami Vailea (knee). Adam Pompey has been elevated to the wing for Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, who is out with a broken thumb.

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 (c) 9. Wayde Egan 10. Matt Lodge 11. Euan Aitken 12. Eliesa Katoa 13. Josh Curran

Interchange: 14. Jazz Tevaga 15. Bunty Afoa 16. Aaron Pene 17. Bayley Sironen 18. Kodi Nikorima 20. Ben Murdoch-Masila 21. Jack Murchie 22. Pride Petterson-Robati 23. Taniela Otukolo 24. Junior Ratuva 25. Edward Kosi

Walsh and Lodge back, Taylor and Arthars to make club debut

More: https://t.co/xIXBnemUjU#TeamListTuesday with @nzherald pic.twitter.com/MBfcANn9Nt

— Vodafone Warriors (@NZWarriors) March 15, 2022

Sharks v Eels at PointsBet Stadium, 5.30pm

Sharks: Cameron McInnes looks set to make his first appearance as a Shark after he missed the entire 2021 season at the Dragons due to a torn ACL. Connor Tracey, who missed the season opener with a leg problem, is on the reserves and could be elevated to centre on game day.

1. William 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

Interchange: 14. Aiden Tolman 15. Siosifa Talakai 16. Royce Hunt 17. Andrew Fifita 18. Luke Metcalf 19. Cameron McInnes 20. Connor Tracey 21. Jenson Taumoepeau 22. Lachlan Miller 23. Jayden Berrell 24. Franklin Pele

Eels: Sean Russell’s absence due to a fractured lung continue’s Parramatta’s wretched run of luck with wingers. Waqa Blake has moved to a flank with Tom Opacic named at centre. Oregon Kaufusi will start at lock while Nathan Brown has returned to the interchange after a stint in NSW Cup last week with Ryan Matterson out with a hamstring problem.

1. Clint Gutherson 2. Waqa Blake 3. Viliami 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

Interchange: 14. Makahesi Makatoa 15. Bryce Cartwright 16. Ray Stone 17. Nathan Brown 18. Jakob Arthur 19. Mitch Rein 20. Ky Rodwell 21. Hayze Perham 22. Wiremu Greig 23. Solomone Naiduki 24. Samuel Loizou

Ryan Matterson will miss the next 2-3 weeks after suffering a minor hamstring injury in Round 1. Matches usual return to play time, caution with hamstring injuries comes from high recurrence rate (10-30%)

— NRL PHYSIO (@nrlphysio) March 15, 2022

Cowboys v Raiders at QCB Stadium, 6.35pm (7.35pm AEDT)

Cowboys: Todd Payten was forced to switch Jason Taumalolo to prop last week in the 8-6 loss to Canterbury but he’s back to lock. Jordan McLean replaces Jamayne Taunoa-Brown (knee) in the starting side. 

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

Interchange: 14. Jake Granville 15. Heilum Luki 16. Mitchell Dunn 17. Griffin Neame 18. Reuben Cotter 19. Scott Drinkwater 20. Connelly Lemuelu 21. Brendan Elliot 22. Ben Condon 23. Emry Pere 24. Daejarn Asi

Raiders: The absence of rookie halfback Brad Schneider due to a bout of COVID means Ricky Stuart is now down to his third choice at No.7 following Jamal Fogarty’s pre-season knee injury. Matt Frawley will start at halfback with Tom Starling at hooker for Josh Hodgson (knee). Back-up hooker Adrian Trevilyan is set to make his NRL debut via the interchange.

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

Interchange: 14. Adrian Trevilyan 15. Emre Guler 16. Adam Elliott 17. Corey Horsburgh 18. Xavier Savage 19. Sebastian Kris 20. Sam Williams 21. Ryan Sutton 22. Peter Hola 23. Trey Mooney 24. Harry Rushton

Sunday

Knights v Tigers at McDonald Jones Stadium, 4.05pm

Knights: The Newcastle side produced the big upset of Round 1 by beating the Roosters. Jacob Saifiti, will notch up 100 games in the NRL as the Knights retain the same 17 players who shone last Saturday.

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

Interchange: 14. Phoenix Crossland 15. Mitchell Barnett 16. Leo Thompson 17. Jirah Momoisea 18. Mathew Croker 19. Pasami Saulo 20. Tex Hoy 21. Simi Sasagi 22. Brayden Musgrove 23. Dylan Lucas 24. Daniel Saifiti

Tigers: After pushing Melbourne most of the way in their season opener, the Tigers now have prop James Tamou back on deck after he missed the match due to a dangerous contact ban.

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

Interchange: 14. Tyrone Peachey 15. Alex Twal 16. Zane Musgrove 17. Alex Seyfarth 18. Thomas Mikaele 19. Luke Garner 20. Starford To’a 21. Tukimihia Simpkins 22. Jock Madden 23. Austin Dias 24. Jacob Liddle

Back home to tackle the Broncos!

First home fixture of the year
TPJ to make club debut
Thompson to start at prop@carrollodea | #proudtobeabulldog

— Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs (@NRL_Bulldogs) March 15, 2022

Bulldogs v Broncos at Accor Stadium, 6.15pm

Bulldogs: Tevita Pangai jnr (hamstring) was a late withdrawal from Sunday’s win over North Queensland but will make his debut this weekend in the second row. Chris Patolo, Braidon Burns, Brent Naden and Jeremy Marshall-King, who suffered concussions in Round 1, have been named in the squad with Patolo back in the reserves with Pangai available.

1. Matt Dufty 2. Jayden Okunbor 3. Braidon 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 jnr 13. Josh Jackson

Interchange: 14. Bailey Biondi-Odo 15. Corey Waddell 16. Max King 17. Ava Seumanufagai 19. Chris Patolo 20. Brandon Wakeham 21. Joe Stimson 22. Kyle Flanagan 23. Reece Hoffman 24. Josh Cook 25. Aaron Schoupp

Broncos: Adam Reynolds will make his long-awaited Broncos debut with his return prompting Kevin Walters to tweak his halves. Billy Walters has been relegated to the bench with Albert Kelly retained at five-eighth.

Tesi Niu will make a return from a hamstring strain, sending Jamayne Isaako to the reserves.

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. Patrick Carrigan

Interchange: 14. Ryan James 15. Kobe Hetherington 16. TC Robati 17. Billy Walters 18. Brenko Lee 19. Rhys Kennedy 20. Corey Jensen 21. Jordan Pereira 22. Cory Paix 23. Jamayne Isaako 24. Tyson Gamble

The weary body of Jarrod Croker has copped another blow with coach Ricky Stuart revealing the Canberra co-captain has a bulging disc in his spine.

Croker, who underwent stem cell injections in his knee during the off-season in a bid to rejuvenate his 31-year-old body, was a late withdrawal from a NSW Cup match last weekend and won’t play this week as he tries to overcome the back issue.

Having managed just 12 games in 2021 due to shoulder and knee issues, there was speculation Croker might medically retire.

“It’s only hit him in this off-season and it’s something now that we’ve got to overcome,” Stuart said. “I feel the frustration of Toots. “He was very eager to get out there and play last week and I feel the disappointment but we’ve just got to get him right.”

Croker, hooker Josh Hodgson (knee) and halves Brad Schneider (COVID) and Jamal Fogarty (knee) are sidelined for Saturday’s Townsville tussle with the Cowboys.

“As a club we’re really in unprecedented waters at the moment,” Stuart said. “It’s a difficult period because we’re getting a lot of injuries, COVID at the top grades and we’re actually getting a number of injuries down around our lower grades right down to our 19s. We’re right down on numbers.”

As the Sharks indicated last month, veteran lock Cameron McInnes is expected to make his comeback from his long-term knee injury in Round 2 for Saturday’s return to PointsBet Stadium against Parramatta.

The Warriors are have lost three key players after their Round 1 loss to the Dragons with Shaun Johnson set to miss a month and Dallin Watene-Zelezniak and Viliami Vailea both ruled out for the foreseeable future.

Johnson has torn a pec and will not feature until Round 5 at the earliest. Early reports are that it is only a minor strain but the newly-returned Kiwi international will still be out for a month.

DWZ has broken his left thumb and will miss as much as two months, while Vailea has injured his MCL and is set for at least a month on the sidelines.

Penrith has lost key forward Moses Leota for 8-10 weeks as the Samoa international was revealed to have fractured his shoulder in the Panthers’ opening night victory over the Sea Eagles. Leota suffered the injury late in the game and was withdrawn with just 30 seconds left on the clock. The damage is to his shoulder socket and will require extensive rehabilitation.

Parramatta Eels winger Sean Russell had a bittersweet season opener, scoring three first half tries but injuring himself as he completed his hat-trick. Russell was caught by Titans fullback Jayden Campbell in the act of scoring and was hospitalised.

Later scans have revealed that Russell fractured several ribs and punctured his lung in the incident. He will be out indefinitely. Campbell has escaped any punishment for his part.

Cowboys hooker Jake Granville, who was put on report in the 57th minute, has escaped a ban and will instead cop a $1,000 fine after submitting an early guilty plea on a Grade 1 dangerous contact charge.

The Bunnies have confirmed that Blake Taaffe will miss a month after rolling his ankle during the captain’s run before their opening clash with Brisbane on Friday night. The fullback had been set to deputise for the suspended Latrell Mitchell, but was scratched at the last minute.

Storm prop Christian Welch is hoping to be back this year but the season is over for George Jennings after a horror injury toll in their win over the Wests Tigers. Kiwi forward Brandon Smith is also facing 3-6 weeks out with a broken hand. Jennings has a torn ACL while Welch, who ruptured his Achilles in the dying stages of the match, took to social media to put his injury into perspective.

Thankyou to everyone for the kind messages, really helped pick me up. If a dud achilles is the worst of my issues I’ve got it pretty good compared to so many other Aussies out there battling away

Op tomorrow and I’ll be doing everything I can to try get back out there in 2022 pic.twitter.com/K7lncfZnql

— Christian Welch (@clwelch94) March 13, 2022

Canterbury lost four players to concussions during Sunday night’s 6-4 win over the Cowboys with Chris Patolo, centres Braidon Burns and Brent Naden, and Jeremy Marshall-King to head knocks during the game, activating 18th player Aaron Schoupp.

Manly’s Karl Lawton only lasted two minutes in his season debut after copping a heavy knock against the Panthers.

Lawton, who came off the interchange bench in the 28-6 loss to Penrith, got his head into an awkward position while trying to make a tackle and was taken from the field and did not return. He will need to pass the concussion protocols to be able to play next Friday against the Roosters at the SCG.

Roosters lock Victor Radley (concussion) needs to pass the protocols to play in Round 2 while rake Sam Verrills (thumb) is likely to be out until Round 4.

NRL injuries and suspensions, team by team

Broncos

Tesi Niu (hamstring, Round 2)
Thomas Flegler (suspended, Round 4)
Xavier Willison (knee, mid-season)

Bulldogs

Tevita Pangai jnr (hamstring, Round 2)
Chris Patolo (concussion, Round 2)
Jeremy Marshall-King (concussion, Round 2)
Brent Naden (concussion, Round 2)
Braidon Burns (concussion, Round 2)
Raymond Faitala-Mariner (foot, Round 2-3)
Matt Doorey (knee, mid-season)

Cowboys

Reuben Cotter (hamstring, Round 2-3)
Jamayne Taunoa-Brown (knee, Round 3-4)
Ben Hampton (hamstring, Round 3-4)
Lachlan Burr (hip – early retirement)

Dragons

Billy Burns (foot, Round 3-4)
Jayden Sullivan (hamstring (Round 3-4)
Aaron Woods (hamstring, Round 4-5)
Max Feagai (ankle, indefinite)
Josh McGuire (suspended, Round 6)

Eels

Ryan Matterson (hamstring, Round 4-5)
Sean Russell (ribs, lung indefinite)
Maika Sivo (knee, June-July)
Haze Dunster (knee, season)

Knights

Daniel Saifiti (leg, Round 2-3)
Sauaso Sue (suspended, Round 3)
Jayden Brailey (Achilles, June-July)
Bailey Hodgson (elbow, indefinite)
Hymel Hunt (knee, indefinite)

Panthers

Nathan Cleary (shoulder, Round 4)
Mavrik Geyer (elbow, TBC)
Moses Leota (shoulder, Round 9-11)

Rabbitohs

Liam Knight (ankle, Round 5)
Blake Taaffe (ankle, Round 5)

Raiders

Brad Schneider (COVID, Round 3)
Jarrod Croker (back, TBC)
Peter Hola (knee, Round 2-4)
Jordan Rapana (suspended, Round 3)
Josh Hodgson (knee, Round 4-5)
Jamal Fogarty (knee, Round 15)
Harley Smith-Shields (ACL, season)

Roosters

Victor Radley (concussion, Round 2)
Sam Verrills (thumb, Round 5-6)
Joseph Suaalii (foot, Round 3-4)

Sea Eagles

Karl Lawton (concussion, Round 2-3)
Dylan Walker (leg, Round 2)
Josh Schuster (ankle, Round 3-5)
Ben Trbojevic (knee, Round 3-5)
Josh Aloiai (suspended, Round 4)

Sharks

Connor Tracey (groin, Round 2-3)
Cameron McInnes (knee, Round 2-3)
Jack Williams (knee, Round 3)
Braydon Trindall (suspended, Round 3)
Wade Graham (ankle, Round 4-6)

Storm

Cooper Johns (shoulder, Round 3-5)
Brandon Smith (hand, Round 4-7)
Christian Welch (Achilles, season)
George Jennings (knee, season)
Tui Kamikamica (stood down)

Tigers

Jacob Liddle (knee, Round 4-6)
Adam Doueihi (knee, Round 8-14)
Tommy Talau (knee, mid-season)
Asu Kepaoa (pectoral, mid-season)
Shawn Blore (ACL, season)

Titans

Joe Vuna (knee, mid-season)

Warriors

Viliami Vailea (knee, Round 5)
Shaun Johnson (pec, Round 5)
Dallin Watene-Zelezniak (thumb, Round 9-11)
Tohu Harris (knee, June-July)

The bid to wear the Wallabies No.15 jersey at next year’s Rugby World Cup is shaping as a hotly contested battle between at least six contenders, with incumbent Tom Banks laying down a marker with a bright start to Super Rugby Pacific.

On Wednesday, The Roar expert Nicholas Bishop, discussed relative merits of two of those Banks challengers who made their first fullback starts for the season last week – Queensland’s Jordie Petaia and Waratahs’ Will Harrison.

The fascinating topic was also tackled by The Roar Rugby Podcast where hosts Brett McKay and Harry Jones were joined by special guest and Sydney Morning Herald rugby writer Iain Payten. You can stream their discussion about that contentious position and plenty more from the world of rugby in the player below – or follow on your favourite podcast app.

While Banks has had a hot start in the Brumbies’ unbeaten surge this season, he will face challenges from the two named by Bishop, along with returning Kurtley Beale, Reds’ Jock Campbell, Reece Hodge of the Rebels, and Harry Jones’ tip, James O’Connor.

Payten kicked off the discussion by making the case for Banks to reclaim the he jersey he lost midway through last season when he suffered a broken arm.

“It’s still Banks, really. Everyone loves the fact Jordie Petaia had a great game in his move back to fullback but there are two elements  there – it was about getting him with the ball in his hands. A great disappointment of Jordie Petaia is we don’t see enough of him,” said Payten.

“He’s an incredible athlete and that was fantastic as far as it goes getting the ball in his hands. The second element was the fact it was against Fijian Drua who were never going to play a kicking game so we didn’t really get a sense of whether he can position himself well.

“He’s very good under the high ball but does he have that kind of tactical smarts required?

“I don’t see Jordie Petaia being a contender for the Wallabies fullback jersey. Banks has got it, we just need Banks to be more consistent.

“He’s been brilliant for the Brumbies for a number of years now. I don’t know that he’s necessarily taken that form to the Wallabies yet and I don’t quite know why. Whether that’s a function of the Wallabies’ systems don’t suit him or he is a little more reticent to do what he does for the Brumbies with the Wallabies, but solving that problem is the thing we need to do rather than look for a different fullback.”

Payten said Wallabies coach Dave Rennie would likely want Beale around the squad, with the veteran having impressed him on the northern tour in November.

But for a starter, Banks was the man.

“The answer has to be taking Banks’ brilliance to the next level,” Payten said. “I’d really love to see him do that in a Wallabies jersey.”

Harry Jones compared the Australian fullbacks to those in the Six Nations.

“Fullbacks are like No.8s,” Jones said. “It’s one of the few positions on the field where you can really have a point of difference . Teams play very differently and can ask their 15s to be different things – am I safe as houses, am I a counter, am I a left and right kicker, a playmaker coming in to the line, am I defensive organiser?

“For me Banks shapes as a poor man’s Stuart Hogg, he has those moments at Test level that look excruciating, at times they look brilliant. A little bit like Hogg, it depends on what he ate that day if he’s fast or not – he sometimes can be reeled in very easily.”

Jones said Harrison looked “a little frail. I think he could get munched at Test level,” while Petaia “scares me more as a Boks fan than any of the other guys.”

He added he would pick O’Connor for a big match like a World Cup quarter or semifinal.

“It’s ridiculous, I realise, and Banks is the incumbent but I always think he’s going to make a mistake.”

Brett McKay wistfully cast his gaze back to a retired former Rebels No.15. “I’d love if Dane Haylett Petty was 27, 28 now and a yard or two quicker. I think he was such an underrated player and would be so handy.”

Payten concluded: “It’s a problem position. I don’t think any of those names you put up you sign it off and go great choice. This is where you get to least worst option territory.”

Who wears the No.15 if you’re the Wallabies selector?

Sports opinion delivered daily 

   

There has been a flurry of new recruits switching NRL teams in the off-season but who will be the pick of the bunch in 2022?

Some high-profile players have joined new teams like Broncos duo Adam Reynolds and Kurt Capewell, Bulldogs signings Josh Addo-Carr, Tevita Pangai jnr and Matt Burton, and veteran Kiwi international Shaun Johnson heading back to the Warriors.

And there has also been a range of under-the-radar moves which could make a massive difference as the season goes on.

Each week, The Roar will put a burning issue to our experts to get their opinions on the main topics for the Greatest Game of All.

And you can also have your say on who will be the best recruit of 2022 in the comments section below.

Last week we asked the readers to rank each team’s finals chances out of 10 and after thousands of votes, there was plenty of support for the Roosters to challenge Penrith and Melbourne for the title while the Rabbitohs were tipped to slide after making last year’s grand final. The Bulldogs were likely to get the wooden spoon again with voters on average rating their finals chances a lowly 2.3 out of 10.

1. Panthers 9.0
2. Storm 8.9
3. Roosters 8.8
4. Eels 7.93
5. Sea Eagles 7.91
6. Rabbitohs 7.8
7. Sharks 6.5
8. Titans 5.9
9. Raiders 5.3
10. Dragons 5.2
11. Knights 4.8
12. Warriors 4.3
13. Broncos 3.6
14. Tigers 3.2
15. Cowboys 3.1
16. Bulldogs 2.9

Experts Roar: Who will be best recruit of 2022?

Michael Hagan (premiership-winning player and coach)

Kurt Capewell: He’s an experienced player who brings toughness to the Broncos pack as an edge back-rower. Capewell has shown his class at Origin level and in helping Penrith win the competition last year. His leadership will be crucial for Brisbane this season.

Paul Suttor (Roar expert)

Adam Reynolds: Whoever at Souths mismanaged their salary cap to the extent that they could only offer Reynolds a one-year deal should be sitting in the corner with a dunce’s hat on. Smart clubs do long-term planning to ensure chief playmakers who kick goals at historic levels that are also your captain with 200-plus games at their junior club are retained. He’s just what Brisbane needed and his recruitment will accelerate their rise from the cellar.

Danielle Smith (Roar expert)

Dane Gagai : Everyone has been talking about how much Adam Reynolds will be missed at the Bunnies – Souths not having Gagai is just as detrimental. His leadership, experience and guidance of the younger players around him was a huge factor in the Knights victory over the Roosters on Saturday. It’s wonderful to have him back in the red and blue, and he will prove to be one of the most valuable buys of the season.   

#218

Nick Meaney. pic.twitter.com/uhX0L1c7cL

— Melbourne Storm (@storm) March 12, 2022

Joe Frost (Roar expert)

Nick Meaney: He had a quiet start to the year playing at five-eighth for the Storm but the fact he was given the task of filling Cam Munster’s boots is significant in itself, showing the faith his new club already has in him. Meaney came into first grade at Newcastle behind Kalyn Ponga and then moved for better opportunities at a Bulldogs side that has struggled.

But the 24-year-old showed enough during these first 65 games that Craig Bellamy came calling, looking for someone to replace Nicho Hynes, and in the right system Meaney will flourish.

Mary Konstantopoulos (Ladies Who League)

Matt Burton: Not only is he extremely talented but he is the sort of player that the Bulldogs can build their roster around for the next decade.  He has new opportunity at the Bulldogs and I expect him to make a big impact this year.

Tim Gore (Roar expert)

Nicho Hynes: Last Friday evening Hynes weaved his magic against the Raiders and he nearly got them home. Not only did he guide the Sharks around the field extremely well, he was a constant danger running with ball in hand and his goal-kicking is an added bonus. In the second half the Raiders were lifting and had the Sharks pinned down their own end. Hynes kicked them out of trouble and it almost won the game. If there is a better purchase they’d want to be very good.

Mike Meehall Wood (Roar expert)

Nick Meaney: Melbourne have made an art form of taking guys that nobody else wanted and making them into superstars, which is exactly what they’re going to do with Meaney. What the Storm lost in Nicho Hynes was a guy they could play off the bench and cover a lot of positions, as well as kicking goals: in Meaney, they get a fullback, half, wing and centre that will likely feature in every game this year – probably split four ways into different roles in the team. He’s not on much money but Craig Bellamy will work wonders with him. 

AJ Mithen (Roar expert)

Josh Addo-Carr: When the Foxx left the Storm I thought he’d be living a lonely life out of the wing at Canterbury, but he brings so much more than speed and tries. Anyone who saw how he reacted on the weekend when he caught his teammates dawdling around at a restart understands he has brought a winner’s mentality with him and that’s just what the Dogs needed. He won’t necessarily be responsible for Canterbury performing miracles, but he’s definitely a shot in the arm for their club culture.

Stuart Thomas (Roar expert)

Moses Suli: Now at his third NRL club, Suli will be one of the most influential Dragons in 2022 and potentially the best recruit of the season. His powerhouse running was on clear display in Round 1 and after a patchy time at the Sea Eagles where he managed 64 games, but suffered with injury and poor discipline, the 23-year-old will be looking to grab this new opportunity with both hands. There is nothing subtle about the way he plays and should Anthony Griffin unlock the keys to channelling his talent into more polished and refined performances, Suli could well become one of the most dominant centres in the game.

Dolphins coach Wayne Bennett has defended the incoming NRL club’s recruitment strategy, saying the roster “could be finished tomorrow” if they were to settle for second best.

Bennett will lead the Redcliffe side in their debut from 2023 and was decked out in new club attire atop Brisbane’s Mt Coot-tha as the club’s website crashed on Wednesday when membership sales officially began.

Rookie Penrith playmaker Isaiya Katao, Storm trio Felise Kaufusi, Jesse and Kenny Bromwich, South Sydney prop Mark Nicholls, Brisbane fullback Jamayne Isaako and Eels utility Ray Stone have all signed with the new franchise.

They’re yet to lure an out-and-out superstar though, with Bennett on Wednesday insisting Newcastle’s Kalyn Ponga and North Queensland’s Jason Taumalolo were both players of interest.

But the master coach said he felt no pressure to stack up the signings yet.

“If we want to go and sign the second and third best players in the game we won’t have a problem filling a roster tomorrow,” he said.

“But we’re looking for the best players and those clubs who have them are doing all they can do hang on to them.

“That’s why we’ve got to remain patient and calm and just make sure we don’t spend our money on guys who can’t get the job done for us.

“I’m sure if we find ourselves in the market for him (Ponga) we’ll be able to afford it.”

Jack Bird has declared he wants to stay at St George Illawarra despite confirming he spoke with NRL rivals after the club pulled out of a deal at the end of 2021.

Bird remains off contract at season’s end and is the Dragons last big name to renegotiate a new deal after all but conceding they will cut Tariq Sims free for next year.

The centre-turned-back-rower was offered a two-year deal at the end of last year, but opted not to sign when given a deadline to decide his future.

That prompted meetings with Bennett about the Dolphins and Eels coach Brad Arthur over the summer.

However, the 26-year-old said he had let talks with the Eels run cold, while also making clear to Bennett that he does not want to move back to Queensland for the Dolphins.

Instead, he said he was hopeful a resolution would be reached to stay at the Red V, with talks well advanced.

“The talks are back in action now and I have made it clear I want to stay here and be here in the long run,” Bird said.

“I have always made it clear I want to stay at the Dragons. I am back home with my family and friends. Hopefully we can come to a decision in the next few weeks.”

Bird’s future has been a point of constant headlines in recent months, with Bennett declaring his interest this week and the Eels’ inquiries becoming public.

The former NSW State of Origin player said that those conversations had largely revolved around being an Isaiah Papali’i replacement for Parramatta, after accepting he will play his career out in the forwards.

But he denied there was any aspect of greed in speaking to other clubs before returning to talk with the Dragons to shore up his future. 

“(Reports) have made me look selfish and greedy, but it wasn’t about money,” Bird said. “I have only spoken to (Brad Arthur) once, but like every other player they talk to different clubs. “I keep in contact with Wayne every now and then but nothing to do with Dolphins.

“It’s just part of the game. You have to try and get the best deal you can get. I am getting older now and have obviously had some bad injuries.”

Bird’s comments come as Dragons captain Ben Hunt urged the club to keep the Steelers junior.

“You need a few players in your side every week who can play any number of positions,” Hunt said. 

“Jack is one of those. So I think it would be pretty smart from the club to look after him and keep him around.”

The Dragons will pay tribute to the late Norm Provan before Friday’s clash with Penrith, with the main grandstand at Kogarah to be renamed in the Immortal’s honour.