#KiwiNRL Encyclopedia: Round Four
Who's Rusty Packer?
Rabbitohs vs Roosters
The 13
Rabbitohs: Siosifa Talakai, Bryson Goodwin.
Roosters: Joseph Manu, Shaun Kenny-Dowall, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves.
Bench
Rabbitohs: Zane Musgrove.
Roosters: Isaac Liu.
Doc's Word
Siosifa Talakai gets another chance at centre with Hymel Hunt out and while I'd love to see Talakai line up against Joseph Manu, a battle against Lattrell Mitchell's size will be a nice test for Talakai.
Panthers vs Knights
The 13
Panthers: Dean Whare, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, Te Maire Martin.
Knights: Danny Levi.
Bench
Panthers: Peta Hiku, Sitaleki Akauola, Moses Leota, Corey Harawira.
Knights: Haters.
Doc's Word
At the start of the season I wondered where Peta Hiku would fit in to a full-strength Penrith backline and now we are graced with a very funky alternative. Hiku is the perfect utility and he'll wear No.14, coming off the bench and covering every position on the field. There's a slim chance we see another product of the Penrith x Northland connection Corey Harawira get a run, being named on the bench shows that he's well and truly in the mix to make his NRL debut this season.
Broncos vs Raiders
The 13
Broncos: Jordan Kahu, Adam Blair.
Raiders: Jordan Rapana.
Bench
Broncos: Alex Glenn, Benji Marshall, Herman Ese'ese.
Raiders: Iosia Soliola, Joseph Tapine.
Doc's Word
I wouldn't expect Jordan Rapana to put up big stats coming up against a stronger Broncos defence, while Joseph Tapine is also lurking to possibly make his return.
Sea Eagles vs Bulldogs
The 13
Sea Eagles: Martin Taupau.
Bulldogs: Brad Abbey, Greg Eastwood.
Bench
Sea Eagles: Lewis Brown, Addin Fonua-Blake.
Bulldogs: Sam Kasiano, Raymod Faitala-Mariner, Francis Tualau, Reimis Smith.
Doc's Word
The returns of Martin Taupau and Addin Fonua-Blake have come at a perfect time for Manly as they'll face off against the Bulldogs' beastly pack. Expect Daly Cherry-Evans to put Brad Abbey under the microscope with his kicking game as well.
Eels vs Sharks
The 13
Eels: Brad Takairangi, Josh Hoffman, Suaia Matagi, Manu Ma'u, Frank Pritchard.
Sharks: Sosaia Feki.
2,080 Likes, 77 Comments - Frank Pritchard (@pritchardfrank) on Instagram: "Thank to my brothers for making my 250th game in NRL special with a win... Just grateful to get the..."
Bench
Eels: Kirisome Auva'a.
Sharks: Gerard Beale.
Doc's Word
Manu Ma'u on one edge and Frank Pritchard on the other? #ShitTheBed.
Titans vs Cowboys
The 13
Titans: Konrad Hurrell, Kevin Proctor, Agnatius Paasi.
Cowboys: Kalyn Ponga.
Bench
Titans: Nathaniel Peteru, Leivaha Pulu, Paterika Vaivai.
Cowboys: Braden Uele.
Doc's Word
The Cowboys' loss of Matt Scott and Jason Taumalolo has allowed some space for Braden Uele to get in on their bench. Don't expect Uele to play this week but the Cowboys could definitely benefit from having another big body in their pack and Uele is close to getting a run.
Tigers vs Storm
The 13
Tigers: Michael Chee-Kam, Matt McIllwrick, Ava Seumanufagai, Elijah Taylor.
Storm: Jesse Bromwich, Kenny Bromwich.
Bench
Tigers: Josh Aloiai.
Storm: Nelson Asofa-Solomona.
Doc's Word
Jesse Bromwich is the best in the business and the battle between him and Aaron Woods will excite rugby league nerds.
Dragons vs Warriors
The 13
Dragons: Jason Nightingale, Russell Packer.
Warriors: All but Jacob Lillyman and Ryan Hoffman.
Bench
Dragons: Leeson Ah Mau, Taane Milne.
Warriors: All but Blake Ayshford.
Doc's Word
All eyes will be on Kieran Foran and whether he plays or not, while Russell Packer and Leeson Ah Mau will look to stamp their mark on the middle against their former club.