Bulldogs vs Rabbitohs

The 13

Bulldogs: Greg Eastwood.

Rabbitohs: Siosifa Talakai.

Bench

Bulldogs: Sam Kasiano, Francis Tualau, Raymond Faitala-Mariner, Renouf To'omaga, Reimis Smith.

Rabbitohs: Zane Musgrove.

Doc's Word

Francis Tualau has been on the cusp of NRL footy for a while now and he looks likely to get a shot here and the Doggies could use his power/mobility to counter that big ol' Rabbitohs pack.

Knights vs Roosters

The 13

Knights: Danny Levi.

Roosters: Joseph Manu, Shaun Kenny-Dowall, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, Isaac Liu.

Bench

Knights: Haters.

Roosters: Sio Siua Taukeiaho.

Doc's Word

Excitement builds when I see Sio Siua Taukeiaho's name and while his focus will solely be on playing some NRL footy, Taukeiaho needs to start to build his case for a Kiwis World Cup spot. Joseph Manu also benefits from Latrell Mitchel's absence and we all know that Manu offers just as much as Mitchell at centre, so don't be surprised to see Manu stake his claim for consistent game time.

Broncos vs Titans

The 13

Broncos: Jordan Kahu, Kodi Nikorima, Adam Blair.

Titans: Konrad Hurrell.

Bench

Broncos: Alex Glenn, Herman Ese'ese, Jamayne Isaako.

Titans: Paterika Vaivai, Leivaha Pulu.

Doc's Word

All about Kodi Nikorima here as he has been named at halfback, replacing Ben Hunt. Nikorima came through the Broncos ranks as a half and he showed he's a slick operator last week when he came on for Hunt, there's also a long-term halfback spot up for grabs and Nikorima is getting first crack at it. Jamayne Isaako has worked his way on to Brisbane's bench as well and he's been a youngster to watch out for ever since making the Junior Kiwis while playing for Cronulla. Isaako was a schoolboy rugby star in Christchurch and since moving to Brisbane, he's been playing most backline positions in reserve grade.

Sea Eagles vs Storm

The 13

Sea Eagles: Addin Fonua-Blake.

Storm: Kenny Bromwich.

Bench

Sea Eagles: Lewis Brown.

Storm: Nelson Asofa-Solomona, Jesse Bromwich.

Doc's Word

Jesse Bromwich is lurking in the depths of Melbourne's bench and although we won't see Martin Taupau come up against Bromwich, we could see Manly youngster Addin Fonua-Blake face off against the Kiwis captain. Fonua-Blake ran for 109m off 11 caries last week off the bench and he'll face a major challenge in moving to the starting team against a strong Storm pack.

Raiders vs Warriors

The 13

Raiders: Jordan Rapana, Joseph Tapine.

Warriors: Everyone but Blake Ayshford, Jacob Lillyman, Ryan Hoffman.

Bench

Raiders: Iosia Soliola, Makahesi Makatoa.

Warriors: Everyone.

Doc's Word

Joseph Tapine rolled through 56 minutes of footy last week starting at lock and while he's shown glimpses of Jason Taumalolo-like attributes previously, Tapine's 100m off just 9 carries is another example of what he can do. Tapine is a big lad - tall not wide like Taumalolo - but moves with ease and he's named to start in the No.13 jersey.

Dragons vs Cowboys

The 13

Dragons: Jason Nightingale, Russell Packer.

Cowboys: Kalyn Ponga, Jason Taumalolo.

Bench

Dragons: Leeson Ah Mau, Taane Milne, Kalifa Faifai Loa.

Cowboys: Braden Uele.

Doc's Word

I'm still intrigued by the presence of Taane Milne on the Dragons bench and last week he came on for 12 minutes at centre. I wonder if there is value in playing Milne through the middle with his speed and footwork capable of giving the Dragons a splash of funk.

Panthers vs Sharks

The 13

Panthers: Dean Whare, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, Te Maire Martin, James Fisher-Harris.

Sharks: Sosaia Feki, Gerard Beale.

Bench

Panthers: Corey Harawira-Naera, Sitaleki Akauola, Moses Leota, Peta Hiku.

Sharks: Sam Tagataese, Fa'amanu Brown.

Doc's Word

Peta Hiku is the major loser from coach Anthony Griffin's decision to sit him, Matt Moylan and Waqa Blake out last week. Hiku was building some momentum but now sits on the outer of Penrith's bench, with his utility spot going to Corey Harawira-Naera. Harawira-Naera and James Fisher-Harris will both rep Northland and there aren't too many Northlanders in the NRL, let alone two in the same team.

Eels vs Tigers

The 13

Eels: Kirisome Auva'a, Josh Hoffman, Brad Takairangi, Suaia Matagi, Manu Ma'u.

Tigers: Matt McIlwrick, Ava Seumanufagai, Josh Aloiai, Elijah Taylor.

Bench

Eels: Peni Terepo, Marata Niukore.

Tigers: Michael Chee-Kam.

Doc's Word

Parramatta's backline shuffle now puts Brad Takairangi in the halves, opening up a spot for the low key return of Kirisome Auva'a. Former Junior Warrior Marata Niukore is also working his way into mix and he'll get his chance if there's another injury to an edge forward.

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