Kiwi NRL Encyclopedia Round 17
Surely Wayne Bennett is having a laugh ... it's great for Kodi, but we know better than to trust Wayne Bennett like that.
Roosters vs Bulldogs
Roosters: Shaun Kenny-Dowall, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, Sio Siua Taukeiaho, Sam Moa, Isaac Liu.
Bulldogs: Curtis Rona, Sam Perrett, Greg Eastwood, Sam Kasiano (Sam), Raymond Faitala-Mariner.
Doc's Word: Sneaky return for Greg Eastwood and that return comes on the edge where he'll offer a huge threat.
Broncos vs Storm
Broncos: Kodi Nikorima, Adam Blair, Alex Glenn.
Storm: Tohu Harris, Jesse Bromwich, Kevin Proctor, Kenny Bromwich.
Doc's Word: Kodi Nikorima has been named to start at centre which is an extremely funky move from Wayne Bennett. I'll believe it when I see it as Bennett has many tricks up his sleeve.
Warriors vs Titans
Warriors: David Fusitua (Ton), Tuimoala Lolohea, Solomone Kata (Ton), Ken Maumalo, Thomas Leuluai, Shaun Johnson, Issac Luke, Albert Vete (Ton), Bodene Thompson, Simon Mannering, Nathaniel Roache, Sam Lisone (Sam) Ben Matulino, Charlie Gubb.
Titans: Josh Hoffman, Leivaha Pulu, Agnatius Paasi (Ton).
Doc's Word: Leivaha Pulu starting on the edge gives the Titans a threat on either edge, with Pulu's skill definitely slept on.
Tigers vs Panthers
Tigers: Dene Halatau, Sauaso Sue (Sam), Josh Aloiai, Elijah Taylor, Ava Seumanufagai.
Panthers: Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, Suaia Matagi, Sitaleki Akauola, James Fisher-Harris, Sam McKendry.
Doc's Word: Tigers need Elijah Taylor back playing at lock asap.
Sharks vs Eels
Sharks: Sosaia Feki (Ton), Gerard Beale, Sam Tagataese (Sam).
Eels: Kenny Edwards, Manu Ma'u, Peni Terepo (Ton), Rory O'Brien.
Doc's Word: Sosaia Feki has been in and out of the Sharks recently thanks to injury, here's hoping we see him settle back into his work.
Raiders vs Knights
Raiders: Jordan Rapana (CookIs), Iosia Soliola, Joseph Tapine.
Knights: Sam Mataora (CookIs), Danny Levi, Jeremy Smith.
Doc's Word: This Raiders forward pack is ruthless and Jordan Rapana will only get better and better behind a pack that should roll forward with ease.
Rabbitohs vs Cowboys
Rabbitohs: Tautalatasi Tasi.
Cowboys: Antonio Winterstein, Jason Taumalolo.
Doc's Word: Why are the Rabbitohs struggling? Their lack of kiwi/polynesians is a good place to start.
Sea Eagles vs Dragons
Sea Eagles: Martin Taupau, Lewis Brown, Mathew Wright (Sam).
Dragons: Kalifa Faifai Loa, Jason Nightingale, Benji Marshall, Leeson Ah Mau, Russell Packer.
Doc's Word: Kalifa Faifai Loa on one wing, Jason Nightingale on the other ... can't go go wrong with two solid kiwi wingers.