Dolphins coach Wayne Bennett has called upon Kodi Nikorima and shifted Isaiya Katoa to halfback as his solution for losing Anthony Milford to injury.
After Milford was recalled for round five to replace the injured Sean O’Sullivan (pectoral muscle), the Dolphins copped another blow to their playmaker stocks when the former Queensland State of Origin representative strained a hamstring.
In the Dolphins’ clash with the Cowboys in Townsville on Friday night, Nikorima will play at five-eighth and Katoa halfback.
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Nikorima played off the bench in rounds three and four, but was sidelined for the Dolphins’ match against the Dragons at the weekend due to a head knock.
The Dolphins are placed seventh on the ladder ahead of round six and are aiming to bounce back from defeats to the Broncos and Dragons.
*All times in AEST
THURSDAY
Melbourne Storm vs Sydney Roosters at AAMI Park, 7.50pm
Storm: 1. Nick Meaney 2. William Warbrick 3. Reimis Smith 4. Justin Olam 5. Xavier Coates 6. Cameron Munster 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Tui Kamikamica 9. Harry Grant 10. Christian Welch 11. Trent Loiero 12. Eliesa Katoa 13. Josh King 14. Bronson Garlick 15. Alec MacDonald 16. Tom Eisenhuth 17. Tariq Sims 18. Jordan Grant 19. Grant Anderson 20. Tyran Wishart 21. Jack Howarth 22. Jonah Pezet
Analysis: Halfback Jahrome Hughes has been named to return after missing two games due to suspension. His return has pushed young gun Jonah Pezet to the extended bench. Tariq Sims has been named in the 17 after being dropped to the reserves last week.
Roosters: 1. Joseph Manu 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Joseph Suaalii 4. Drew Hutchison 5. Jaxson Paulo 6. Luke Keary 7. Sam Walker 8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves 9. Brandon Smith 10. Lindsay Collins 11. Egan Butcher 12. Nat Butcher 13. Victor Radley 14. Jake Turpin 15. Terrell May 16. Corey Allan 17. Fletcher Baker 18. Naufahu Whyte 19. Paul Momirovski 20. Sandon Smith 21. Siua Wong 22. Ben Thomas
Analysis: Joseph Manu has won the battle for the Roosters’ No.1 jumper, edging the rugby-bound Joseph Suaalii after James Tedesco was scrubbed from round six due to concussion.
Referee: Ashley Klein
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FRIDAY
Canterbury Bulldogs vs South Sydney Rabbitohs at Accor Stadium, 4.05pm
Bulldogs: 1. Hayze Perham 2. Jacob Kiraz 3. Jake Averillo 4. Paul Alamoti 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Matt Burton 7. Kyle Flanagan 8. Max King 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Ryan Sutton 11. Corey Waddell 12. Jacob Preston 13. Harrison Edwards 14. Josh Reynolds 15. Kurtis Morrin 16. Jayden Tanner 17. Jackson Topine 19. Karl Oloapu 20. Braidon Burns 21. Samuel Hughes 22. Reece Hoffman 23. Andrew Davey
Analysis: The Bulldogs have called upon Jackson Topine, Jayden Tanner and Jackson Topine to replace Franklin Pele (arm), Jayden Okunbor (suspension) and Raymond Faitala-Mariner (concussion).
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Rabbitohs: 1. Latrell Mitchell 2. Taane Milne 3. Isaiah Tass 4. Campbell Graham 5. Izaac Tu’itupou Thompson 6. Cody Walker 7. Lachlan Ilias 8. Tevita Tatola 9. Damien Cook 10. Thomas Burgess 11. Keaon Koloamatangi 12. Jacob Host 13. Cameron Murray 14. Jed Cartwright 15. Daniel Suluka-Fifita 16. Davvy Moale 17. Hame Sele 18. Michael Chee Kam 19. Blake Taaffe 20. Ben Lovett 21. Josiah Karapani 22. Dean Hawkins
Analysis: Junior Tatola has been named in the front row after recovering from an MCL injury, while Taane Mile will replace Alex Johnston (concussion) on the left wing.
Referee: Gerard Sutton
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North Queensland Cowboys vs Dolphins at Queensland Country Bank Stadium, 8pm
Cowboys: 1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Kyle Feldt 3. Valentine Holmes 4. Peta Hiku 5. Brendan Elliot 6. Tom Dearden 7. Chad Townsend 8. Mitchell Dunn 9. Reece Robson 10. Reuben Cotter 11. Coen Hess 12. Griffin Neame 13. Jason Taumalolo 14. Jake Granville 15. Tomas Chester 16. Jamayne Taunoa-Brown 17. Riley Price 18. Ben Hampton 19. Jack Gosiewski 20. Taniela Sadrugu 21. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki 22. Jake Bourke
Analysis: Fullback Scott Drinkwater (suspension) and front-rower Reuben Cotter (knee) will return for the Cowboys, as Tom Chester drops to the bench and Jordan McLean rehabilitates a knee injury.
Dolphins: 1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Euan Aitken 4. Brenko Lee 5. Edrick Lee 6. Kodi Nikorima 7. Isaiya Katoa 8. Jesse Bromwich 9. Jeremy Marshall-King 10. Herman Ese’ese 11. Kenny Bromwich 12. Connelly Lemuelu 13. Tom Gilbert 14. Jarrod Wallace 15. Mark Nicholls 16. Ray Stone 17. Kurt Donoghoe 18. Poasa Faamausili 19. Mason Teague 20. JJ Collins 21. Jack Bostock 22. Robert Jennings
Analysis: In addition to Kodi Nikorima being named at five-eighth and Isaiya Katoa shifting to halfback following the loss of Anthony Milford (hamstring), Edrick Lee has been named on a wing. The former Raiders, Sharks and Knights speedster will make his Dolphins debut.
Referee: Adam Gee
SATURDAY
Penrith Panthers vs Manly Sea Eagles at BlueBet Stadium, 5.30pm
Panthers: 1. Dylan Edwards 2. Sunia Turuva 3. Izack Tago 4. Stephen Crichton 5. Brian To’o 6. Jarome Luai 7. Nathan Cleary 8. Moses Leota 9. Mitch Kenny 10. Matt Eisenhuth 11. Scott Sorensen 12. Zac Hosking 13. Isaah Yeo 14. Soni Luke 15. Lindsay Smith 16. Spencer Leniu 17. Jaeman Salmon 18. Tyrone Peachey 19. Jack Cogger 20. Eddie Blacker 21. Kurt Falls 22. Thomas Jenkins
Analysis: Matt Eisenhuth has been named to start in the front row as the replacement for James Fisher-Harris, who was ruled out with a knee injury. Hooker Soni Luke has returned to the bench after missing round five because of concussion.
Sea Eagles: 1. Tom Trbojevic 2. Jason Saab 3. Brad Parker 4. Morgan Harper 5. Reuben Garrick 6. Josh Schuster 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Taniela Paseka 9. Lachlan Croker 10. Jake Trbojevic 11. Haumole Olakau’atu 12. Kelma Tuilagi 13. Josh Aloiai 14. Kaeo Weekes 15. Karl Lawton 16. Ethan Bullemor 17. Sean Keppie 18. Toafofoa Sipley 19. Cooper Johns 20. Ray Tuaimalo-Vaega 21. Samuela Fainu 22. Aaron Woods
Analysis: Speedster Jason Saab is set for his first NRL game of the season, having recovered from an ACL injury. Five-eighth Josh Schuster is back for Manly after missing round five due to a quad injury. Mid-season recruit Aaron Woods has been named on the extended bench.
Referee: Todd Smith
Brisbane Broncos vs Canberra Raiders at Suncorp Stadium, 7.35pm
Broncos: 1. Reece Walsh 2. Jesse Arthars 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Herbie Farnworth 5. Selwyn Cobbo 6. Ezra Mam 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Thomas Flegler 9. Billy Walters 10. Payne Haas 11. Kurt Capewell 12. Jordan Riki 13. Patrick Carrigan 14. Cory Paix 15. Keenan Palasia 16. Corey Jensen 17. Martin Taupau 18. Jordan Pereira 19. Brendan Piakura 20. Kobe Hetherington 21. Jock Madden 22. Xavier Willison
Analysis: Broncos coach Kevin Walters has named an unchanged 17 after overseeing a fifth win in succession at the weekend.
Raiders: 1. Sebastian Kris 2. Albert Hopoate 3. Jarrod Croker 4. Matthew Timoko 5. Jordan Rapana 6. Brad Schneider 7. Jamal Fogarty 8. Josh Papalii 9. Zac Woolford 10. Joseph Tapine 11. Hudson Young 12. Elliott Whitehead 13. Corey Horsburgh 14. Tom Starling 15. Emre Guler 16. Pasami Saulo 17. Corey Harawira-Naera 18. James Schiller 19. Trey Mooney 20. Peter Hola 21. Harley Smith-Shields 22. Clay Webb
Analysis: Veteran centre Jarrod Croker is set for his first NRL appearance of the season after taking the spot of Sebastian Kris. Brad Schneider will also play his first NRL match of the season, replacing Matt Frawley at five-eighth after the playmaker suffered a broken hand. First-choice five-eighth Jack Wighton is still suspended.
Referee: Grant Atkins
Scintillating Haas destroys Tigers
SUNDAY
Gold Coast Titans vs St George Illawarra Dragons at Cbus Super Stadium, 4.05pm
Titans: 1. Jayden Campbell 2. Alofiana Khan-Pereira 3. Brian Kelly 4. Aaron Schoupp 5. Phillip Sami 6. Toby Sexton 7. Tanah Boyd 8. Moeaki Fotuaika 9. Chris Randall 10. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui 11. David Fifita 12. Joe Stimson 13. Isaac Liu 14. Erin Clark 15. Jo Vuna 16. Iszac Fa’asumaleaui 17. Klese Haas 18. Sam McIntyre 19. Kruise Leeming 20. Jojo Fifita 21. Keano Kini 22. Treymain Spry
Analysis: Young gun Jayden Campbell will replace AJ Brimson (hamstring) at fullback and Toby Sexton will fill in for Kieran Foran (calf) at five-eighth. Former Super League star Kruise Leeming is a chance to make his NRL debut after being named on Gold Coast’s extended bench.
Dragons: 1. Tyrell Sloan 2. Mathew Feagai 3. Moses Suli 4. Zac Lomax 5. Mikaele Ravalawa 6. Talatau Amone 7. Ben Hunt 8. Francis Molo 9. Jacob Liddle 10. Blake Lawrie 11. Ben Murdoch-Masila 12. Jaydn Su’A 13. Jack Bird 14. Moses Mbye 15. Jack de Belin 16. Toby Couchman 17. Josh Kerr 18. Michael Molo 19. Tautau Moga 20. Zane Musgrove 21. Jayden Sullivan 22. Jaiyden Hunt
Analysis: Dragons coach Anthony Griffin has named an unchanged 17 after his side thrashed the Dolphins in round five.
Referee: Peter Gough
Newcastle Knights vs Warriors at McDonald Jones Stadium, 6.15pm
Knights: 1. Lachlan Miller 2. Dominic Young 3. Dane Gagai 4. Bradman Best 5. Greg Marzhew 6. Phoenix Crossland 7. Jackson Hastings 8. Daniel Saifiti 9. Jayden Brailey 10. Leo Thompson 11. Tyson Frizell 12. Lachlan Fitzgibbon 13. Jack Johns 14. Kurt Mann 15. Jack Hetherington 16. Mathew Croker 17. Brodie Jones 18. Enari Tuala 19. Dylan Lucas 20. Thomas Cant 21. Hymel Hunt 22. Ryan Rivett
Analysis: Young playmaker Phoenix Crossland has been named to replace Tyson Gamble (concussion) at five-eighth. Kurt Mann will start on the bench after missing round five because of concussion.
Warriors: 1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 2. Edward Kosi 3. Viliami Vailea 4. Adam Pompey 5. Marcelo Montoya 6. Te Maire Martin 7. Shaun Johnson 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Wayde Egan 10. Bunty Afoa 11. Jackson Ford 12. Bayley Sironen 13. Tohu Harris 14. Dylan Walker 15. Josh Curran 16. Jazz Tevaga 17. Tom Ale 18. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 20. Taine Tuaupiki 21. Freddy Lussick 22. Ronald Volkman 23. Demitric Sifakula
Analysis: Te Maire Martin and Shaun Johnson have been reunited in the halves with the former replacing Ronaldo Volkman (concussion). Suspended second-rower Marata Niukore has been replaced by Bayley Sironen.
Referee: Liam Kennedy
Players stunned at bizarre sin-bin
MONDAY
Wests Tigers vs Parramatta Eels at Accor Stadium, 4pm
Tigers: 1. Charlie Staines 2. Asu Kepaoa 3. Brent Naden 4. Starford To’a 5. Junior Tupou 6. Adam Doueihi 7. Luke Brooks 8. Stefano Utoikamanu 9. Apisai Koroisau 10. David Klemmer 11. Isaiah Papali’i 12. John Bateman 13. Fonua Pole 14. Jake Simpkin 15. Alex Twal 16. Joe Ofahengaue 17. Shawn Blore 18. Justin Matamua 19. Alex Seyfarth 20. Brandon Wakeham 21. Ruatapu Ngatikaura 22. Daine Laurie
Analysis: Wests Tigers coach Tim Sheens has ditched his shake-up of the spine, dropping Brandon Wakeham to the extended bench, naming Adam Doueihi at five-eighth and moving Charlie Staines from fullback to a wing. Centre Brent Naden is back in the 17 after overcoming an infection. Front-rower Joe Ofahengaue has been named on the bench.
Eels: 1. Clinton Gutherson 2. Maika Sivo 3. Viliami Penisini 4. Sean Russell 5. Haze Dunster 6. Dylan Brown 7. Mitchell Moses 8. Reagan Campbell-Gillard 9. Josh Hodgson 10. Wiremu Greig 11. Shaun Lane 12. Bryce Cartwright 13. Ryan Matterson 14. J’maine Hopgood 15. Brendan Hands 16. Jack Murchie 17. Makahesi Makatoa 18. Jakob Arthur 19. Matt Doorey 20. Ofahiki Ogden 21. Ky Rodwell 22. Waqa Blake
Analysis: Second-rower Shaun Lane is set to return from his broken jaw as he makes his 100th NRL appearance. Backs Haze Dunster and Sean Russell will play their first NRL games of the season.
Referee: Ben Cummins
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