#KiwiNRL Encyclopedia: Round Waru (Anzac Day)
Bran
Dragons vs Roosters
Dragons
Starters: Jason Nightingale.
Bench/Extended Bench: Leeson Ah Mau.
Roosters
Starters: Joseph Manu, Zane Tetevano, Isaac Liu.
Bench/Extended Bench: Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, Sio Siua Taukeiaho/Frank-Paul Nuuausala.
Doc's Word
We are likely to be treated to a battle between Jason Nightingale and Joseph Manu out on the wing, after Manu was recently shifted from centre to wing by Roosters coach Trent Robinson. Manu benefits from the long-term absence of Daniel Tupou as Robinson seems to prefer the defensive abilities of Mitch Aubusson at centre over Manu, but there's still room for Manu to hold down his place in the top-17.
Sio Siua Taukeiaho returns swiftly from injury, settling into a bench role and the impact of Taukeiaho and Jared Waerea-Hargreaves will be interesting to observe. Taukeiaho had previously started at prop and I reckon he's got a lot to offer coming off the bench, fresh and eager to add his mobility and power through the middle.
Warriors vs Storm
Storm
Starters: Nelson Asofa-Solomona, Kenny Bromwich.
Bench/Extended Bench: Brandon Smith, Sam Kasiano.
Warriors
Starters: All but Blake Green.
Bench/Extended Bench: All the boys.
Doc's Word
Warriors continue to play with just one Aussie and last week they fielded a team that apart from Blake Green, the 16 other players all played their junior footy in Aotearoa.
Sam Kasiano will play in his first ANZAC Day match at @AAMIPark this Wednesday night ⚡️ #purplepride
3,422 Likes, 12 Comments - Melbourne Storm (@storm) on Instagram: "Sam Kasiano will play in his first ANZAC Day match at @AAMIPark this Wednesday night ⚡️ #purplepride"
No Jesse Bromwich for Storm and Brandon Smith holds on to his bench spot. This will once again see Smith play alongside Cameron Smith, as a running forward and not a hooker. Brandon offers a serious dose of energy late in games and gives the Storm balance in their middle rotation, as he and Kenny Bromwich are smaller bodies who counter the size of Nelson Asofa-Soloona, Tim Glasby, Christian Welch and Sam Kasiano.
I'll update this with the remaining games on Thursday.
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Peace and love 27.