Broncos vs Panthers

The 13

Broncos: Jordan Kahu, Kodi Nikorima, Adam Blair.

Panthers: Peta Hiku, Dean Whare, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, Corey Harawira-Naera.

Bench

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

Panthers: Moses Leota, James Fisher-Harrs, Sitaleki Akauola, Te Maire Martin.

Doc's Word

I'm still enjoying watching Kodi Nikorima at halfback for Brisbane, although we've been robbed of a funky little match up between he and Te Maire Martin. Martin is a victim of Penrith's struggles with Bryce Cartwright stepping into the halves, while the two Northlanders continue to battle for that right edge spot. This time around Corey Harawira-Naera gets the start and James Fisher-Harris looks unlikely to play. 

Also note that Peta Hiku is now doing a job on the wing, after playing as an edge forward and bench utility. Not many blokes can do that.

Rabbitohs vs Sea Eagles

The 13

Rabbitohs: Siosifa Talakai. 

Sea Eagles: Martin Taupau.

Bench

Rabbitohs: Zane Musgrove.

Sea Eagles: Lewis Brown, Addin Fonua-Blake.

Doc's Word

Zane Musgrove hasn't been promoted to start with George Burgess out of action which is a bummer, but he and Manly's Addin Fonua-Blake will go at it in the middle after the 20-minute mark.

Cowboys vs Eels

The 13

Cowboys: Kalyn Ponga, Jason Taumalolo.

Eels: Kirisome Auva'a, Josh Hoffman, Kenny Edwards, Suaia Matagi, Manu Ma'u.

Bench

Cowboys: Haters.

Eels: Marata Niukore.

Doc's Word

There's been a fair amount of noise about John Asiata's ability in the halves, but the Eels have had to use a rotating cast if kiwis alongside Corey Norman. After Brad Takairangi did a job there for a few weeks, Kenny Edwards replaces the injured Takairangi and while you shouldn't expect too much kicking from Edwards, his running game out on the fringes could pose a few problems.

Titans vs Knights

The 13

Titans: Konrad Hurrell, Kevin Proctor. 

Knights: Danny Levi.

Bench

Titans: Paterika Vaivai, Leivaha Pulu, Nathaniel Peteru.

Knights: Haters.

Doc's Word

Paterika Vaivai was forced to re-evaluate his career after a few off-field issues, but has worked his way back into the NRL via strong showings in Queensland's Intrust Super Cup. The impact offered by him and Leivaha Pulu should blow the Knights away late in the first half.

Bulldogs vs Raiders

The 13

Bulldogs: Greg Eastwood.

Raiders: Jordan Rapana, Joseph Tapine.

Bench

Bulldogs: Sam Kasiano, Raymond Faitala-Mariner, Francis Tualau, Reimis Smith.

Raiders: Iosia Soliola, Makahesi Makatoa.

Doc's Word

Sam Kasiano has been making noise about his desire to represent the Kiwis again and while I think he will end up playing for Samoa at the World Cup, he could add some serious funk to an already beastly Kiwis forward pack. Raymond Faitala-Mariner also returns to offer some depth.
Raiders forward Joseph Tapine could benefit from Junior Paulo and Shannon Boyd going toe-to-toe with the Bulldogs big boys as Tapine's footwork will see him get in behind the ruck and speed play up.

Tigers vs Sharks

The 13

Tigers: Michael Chee-Kam, Matt McIlwrick, Ava Seumanufagai, Elijah Taylor.

Sharks: Sosaia Feki, Gerard Beale.

Bench

Tigers: Josh Aloiai.

Sharks: Sam Tagataese, Fa'amanu Brown.

Doc's Word

Matt McIlwrick comes up against his former club and he's going through a low key impressive patch of form; nothing special just doing his job for Ivan Cleary. Josh Aloiai had plenty of impact off the bench last week and the Tigers will need him to use his power to poke holes in a strong Sharks defensive line.

Warriors vs Roosters

Ain't named yet bruhs.

Dragons vs Storm

Ain't named yet cuzzy.

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