NRL Round 2: Teams, score predictions, and TV coverage

The NRL returned with a bang last week as we saw a few shocks and a few of the early contenders lay down real markers.

As the campaign truly gets underway, we’re predicting who is set to be the winners and losers in Round Two.

So, without any further ado, let’s get into them.

Melbourne Storm vs South Sydney Rabbitohs

What a way to kick off the round. Last years’ Minor Premiers host the Grand Final runners-up as Melbourne Storm tackle South Sydney Rabbitohs. The Storm welcome back Cameron Munster, Jesse Bromwich and Harry Grant but lose Dally M hooker Brandon Smith to injury as well as Christian Welch and George Jennings. The Bunnies most notably have Latrell Mitchell back from suspension and perhaps they missed his ‘vigour’ in their loss at Brisbane last week. However, the Storm performed like champions last week, overturning the deficit against the Tigers and should be favoured nevertheless, especially as the Souths are still undergoing some transition, especially where it matters in the half-back role.

Prediction: Melbourne Storm 24-10 South Sydney Rabbitohs
TV Coverage: Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Arena 9:00am

Teams:

Melbourne Storm
1. Ryan Papenhuyzen, 2. Dean Ieremia, 3. Reimis Smith, 4. Justin Olam, 5. Xavier Coates, 6. Cameron Munster, 7. Jahrome Hughes, 8. Jesse Bromwich, 9. Harry Grant, 10. Nelson Asofa-Solomona, 11. Felise Kaufusi, 12. Kenneath Bromwich, 13. Josh King
Interchange
14. Tyran Wishart, 15. Alec MacDonald, 16. Trent Loiero, 17. Tepai Moeroa
Reserves
18. Chris Lewis, 19. Nick Meaney, 20. Bronson Garlick, 21. Jayden Nikorima, 22. Jonah Pezet, 23. Jack Howarth, 24. Will Warbick

South Sydney Rabbitohs
1. Latrell Mitchell, 2. Alex Johnston, 3. Jaxson Paulo, 4. Campbell Graham, 5. Taane Milne, 6. Cody Walker, 7. Lachlan Ilias, 8. Tevita Tatola, 9. Damien Cook, 10. Mark Nicholls, 11. Keaon Koloamatangi, 12. Jai Arrow, 13. Cameron Murray
Interchange
14. Jacob Host, 15. Siliva Havili, 16. Thomas Burgess, 17. Michael Chee Kam
Reserves
18. Davvy Moale, 19. Josh Mansour, 20. Liam Knight, 21. Richard Kennar, 22. Peter Mamouzelos, 23. Isaiah Tass, 24. Dean Hawkins

St George Illawarra Dragons vs Penrith Panthers

Two sides who opened their season with wins meet this week as St George Illawarra Dragons face Penrith Panthers. One major change for both clubs as Francis Molo replaces Aaron Woods for the Dragons whereas Spencer Leniu comes in to the side for Moses Leota. The Dragons are in good form and could provide a good match for the champions. But going by the manner of how Penrith swept aside Manly last week, the Panthers should take control of the match, especially with the ever-improving Dylan Edwards alongside Jarome Luai and Sean O’Sullivan pulling the strings.

Prediction: St George Illawarra Dragons 12-26 Penrith Panthers

Teams:

St George Illawarra Dragons
1. Tyrell Sloan, 2. Cody Ramsey, 3. Moses Suli, 4. Zac Lomax, 5. Mikaele Ravalawa, 6. Talatau Amone, 7. Ben Hunt, 8. Francis Molo, 9. Andrew McCullough, 10. Blake Lawrie, 11. Jack Bird, 12. Jaydn Su’A, 13. Jack De Belin
Interchange
14. Moses Mbye, 15. Josh Kerr, 16. Jack Gosiewski, 17. George Burgess
Reserves
18. Jackson Ford, 20. Tariq Sims, 21. Mathew Feagai, 22. Daniel Alvaro, 23. Poasa Faamausili, 24. Tautau Moga, 25. Jaiyden Hunt

Penrith Panthers
1. Dylan Edwards, 2. Charlie Staines, 3. Izack Tago, 4. Stephen Crichton, 5. Brian To’o, 6. Jarome Luai, 7. Sean O’Sullivan, 8. Spencer Leniu, 9. Apisai Koroisau, 10. James Fisher-Harris, 11. Viliame Kikau, 12. Liam Martin, 13. Isaah Yeo
Interchange
14. Mitch Kenny, 15, Scott Sorensen, 16. Matthew Eisenhuth, 17. Jaeman Salmon
Reserves
18. J’maine Hopgood, 19. Chris Smith, 20. Robert Jennings, 21. Taylan May, 22. Lindsay Smith, 23, Soni Luke, 24. Kurt Falls

Sydney Roosters vs Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles

Two top clubs in need of a turn-around will look to get their season up and running as the Sydney Roosters meet Manly Sea Eagles. Sydney have Jared Waerea-Hargreaves back in the starting line-up in what is a largely unchanged side. Manly welcome back Dylan Walker to the bench as they more or less keep the same side from last week. The key battle should be between the full-backs and the scrum halves here. James Tedesco against Tom Trbojevic will be an interesting battle between both New South Wales representatives, as will Luke Keary against Daly Cherry-Evans. A match that could go either way but the Roosters may just edge it through home advantage.

Prediction: Sydney Roosters 16-12 Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles
TV Coverage: Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Arena 9:00am

Teams:

Sydney Roosters
1. James Tedesco, 2. Daniel Tupou, 3. Billy Smith, 4. Joseph Manu, 5. Paul Momirovski, 6. Sam Walker, 7. Luke Keary, 8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, 9. Connor Watson, 10. Lindsay Collins, 11. Angus Crichton, 12. Sitili Tupouniua, 13. Victor Radley
Interchange
14. Drew Hutchison, 15. Fletcher Baker, 16. Nat Butcher, 17. Siosiua Taukeiaho
Reserves
18. Kevin Naiqama, 19. Daniel Suluka-Fifita, 20. Lachlan Lam, 21. Naufahu Whyte, 22. Adam Keighran, 23. Renouf Atoni, 24. Ben Marschke

Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles
1. Tom Trbojevic, 2. Jason Saab, 3. Brad Parker, 4. Morgan Harper, 5. Reuben Garrick, 6. Keiran Foran, 7. Daly Cherry-Evans, 8. Toafofoa Sipley, 9. Lachlan Croker, 10. Martin Taupau, 11. Haumole Olakau’atu, 12. Ethan Bullemor, 13. Jake Trbojevic
Interchange
14. Dylan Walker, 15. Karl Lawton, 16. Sean Keppie, 17. Taniela Paseka
Reserves
18. Morgan Boyle, 19. Andrew Davey, 20. Tolutau Koula, 21. Jorge Taufua, 22. Alec Tuitavake, 23. Christian Tuipulotu, 24. James Roumanos

Gold Coast Titans vs New Zealand Warriors

Another two clubs who want to bounce back as Gold Coast Titans host New Zealand Warriors. The Titans welcome back key man Alexander Brimson at half-back whereas the Warriors have Shaun Johnson out and, in his place, former Titans player Ashley Taylor will debut. Potentially a close game but the Titans looked good in attack last week and being at home and all, could well have the edge over the Warriors.

Prediction: Gold Coast Titans 30-22 New Zealand Warriors

Teams:

Gold Coast Titans
1. Jayden Campbell, 2. Philip Sami, 3. Brian Kelly, 4. Patrick Herbert, 5. Greg Marzhew, 6. Alexander Brimson, 7. Toby Sexton, 8. Moeaki Fotuaika, 9. Erin Clark, 10. Isaac Liu, 11. David Fifita, 12. Beau Fermor, 13. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui
Interchange
14. Will Smith, 15. Sam Lisone, 16. Jaimin Jolliffe, 17. Kevin Proctor
Reserves
18. Jarrod Wallace, 19. Tanah Boyd, 20. Herman Ese’ese, 21. Esan Marsters. 22. Sam McIntyre, 23. Paul Turner, 24. Sosefo Fifita

New Zealand Warriors
1. Reece Walsh, 2. Adam Pompey, 3. Jesse Arthars, 4. Rocco Berry, 5. Marcelo Montoya, 6. Chanel Harris-Tavita, 7. Ashley Taylor, 8. Addin Fonua-Blake, 9. Wayde Egan, 10. Matthew Lodge, 11. Euan Aitken, 12. Eliesa Katoa, 13. Josh Curran
Interchange
14. Jazz Tevaga, 15. Bunty Afoa, 16. Aaron Pene, 17. Bayley Sironen
Reserves
18. Kodi Nikorima, 20. Ben Murdoch-Masila, 21. Jack Murchie, 22. Pride Petterson-Robati, 23. Taniela Otukolo, 24. Junior Ratuva, 25. Edward Kosi

Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks vs Parramatta Eels

Back to Sydney as the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks face Parramatta Eels. The Sharks are unchanged from the side that very nearly completed a memorable comeback against Canberra, with William Kennedy, Matt Moylan and Nicho Hynes being the key men. But the Eels produced some superb rugby league last week and still possess their architects in Clint Gutherson, Mitchell Moses and Dylan Brown as well as their robust forwards in Reagan Campbell-Gillard and Isaiah Papali’I and have more than enough to get another win.

Prediction: Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks 18-24 Parramatta Eels

Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks
1. William Kennedy, 2. Sione Katoa, 3. Jesse Ramien, 4. Ronaldo Mulitalo, 5. Matt Ikuvalu, 6. Matt Moylan, 7. Nicholas Hynes, 8. Toby Rudolf, 9. Blayke Brailey, 10. Braden Hamlin-Uele, 11. Briton Nikora, 12. Teig Wilton, 13. Dale Finucane
Interchange
14. Aiden Tolman, 15. Siosifa Talakai, 16. Royce Hunt, 17. Andrew Fifita
Reserves
18. Luke Metcalf, 19. Cameron McInnes, 20. Connor Tracey, 21. Jenson Taumoepeau, 22. Lachlan Miller, 23. Jayden Berrell, 24. Franklin Pele

Parramatta Eels
1. Clinton Gutherson, 2. Waqa Blake, 3. Will Penisini, 4. Tom Opacic, 5. Bailey Simonsson, 6. Dylan Brown, 7. Mitchell Moses, 8. Reagan Campbell-Gillard, 9. Reed Mahoney, 10. Junior Paulo, 11. Shaun Lane, 12. Isaiah Papali’I, 13. Oregon Kaufusi
Interchange
14. Makahesi Makatoa, 15. Bryce Cartwright, 16. Ray Stone, 17. Nathan Brown
Reserves
18. Jake Arthur, 19. Mitch Rein, 20. Ky Rodwell, 21. Hayze Perham, 22. Wiremu Greig, 23. Solomone Naiduki, 24. Samuel Loizou

North Queensland Cowboys vs Canberra Raiders

Desperate for any sort of form, the North Queensland Cowboys will be hoping to overcome the Canberra Raiders in Round Two after a narrow loss last week. The Cowboys have work horse Jason Taumalolo available plus Valentine Holmes and Peta Hiku at centre so have plenty of fire power. The Raiders though still have 2020 Dally M medallist Jack Wighton starting along with Elliott Whitehead and Hudson Young in the back row and going by their win last week, should possess enough confidence to see off any sort of challenge the Cowboys may pose.

Prediction: North Queensland Cowboys 10-28 Canberra Raiders
TV Coverage: Sky Sports Arena 8:30am

North Queensland Cowboys
1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, 2. Kyle Feldt, 3. Valentine Holmes, 4. Peta Hiku, 5. Murray Taulagi, 6. Tom Dearden, 7. Chad Townsend, 8. Jordan McLean, 9. Reece Robson, 10. Coen Hess, 11. Tom Gilbert, 12. Jeremiah Nanai, 13. Jason Taumalolo
Interchange
14. Jake Granville, 15. Helium Luki, 16. Mitchell Dunn, 17. Griffin Neame
Reserves
18. Reuben Cotter, 19. Scott Drinkwater, 20. Connelly Lemuelu, 21. Brendan Elliot, 22. Ben Condon, 23. Emry Pere, 24. Daejarn Asi

Canberra Raiders
1. Charnze Nicoll-Kolkstad, 2. Nick Cotric, 3. Matthew Timoko, 4. Semi Valemei, 5. James Schiller, 6. Jack Wighton, 7. Matt Frawley, 8. Josh Papalii, 9. Tom Starling, 10. Joseph Tapine, 11. Hudson Young, 12. Corey Harawira-Naera, 13. Elliott Whitehead
Interchange
14. Adrian Trevilyan, 15. Emre Guler, 16. Adam Elliott, 17. Corey Horsburgh
Reserves
18. Xavier Savage, 19. Sebastian Kris, 20. Sam Williams, 21. Ryan Sutton, 22. Peter Hola, 23. Trey Mooney, 24. Harry Rushton

Newcastle Knights vs Wests Tigers

The Newcastle Knights will hope to back their impressive win last week but can the Tigers stop them? Newcastle are unchanged from when they stunned the Roosters last week whereas the Wests have James Tamou back in the side. The Tigers showed a lot of promise last week, with Daine Laurie and Ken Maumalo as stand outs but Dane Gagai and Tyson Frizell impressed last time out and alongside the likes of Kalyn Ponga, Jake Clifford and Adam Clune, should be too difficult to overcome this time around.

Prediction: Newcastle Knights 30-12 West Tigers

Newcastle Knights
1. Kalyn Ponga, 2. Dominic Young, 3. Dane Gagai, 4. Bradman Best, 5. Enari Tuala, 6. Jake Clifford, 7. Adam Clune, 8. David Klemmer, 9. Chris Randall, 10. Jacob Saifiti, 11. Tyson Frizell, 12. Lachlan Fitzgibbon, 13. Kurt Mann
Interchange
14. Phoenix Crossland, 15. Mitchell Barnett, 16. Leo Thompson, 17. Jirah Momoisea
Reserves
18. Mat Croker, 19. Pasami Saulo, 20. Tex Hoy, 21. Simi Sasagi, 22. Brayden Musgrove, 23. Dylan Lucas, 24. Daniel Saifiti

Wests Tigers
1. Daine Laurie, 2. David Nofoaluma, 3. James Roberts, 4. Oliver Gildart, 5. Ken Maumalo, 6. Jackson Hastings, 7. Luke Brooks, 8. James Tamou, 9. Jake Simpkin, 10. Stefano Utoikamanu, 11. Kelma Tuilagi, 12. Luciano Leilua, 13. Joe Ofahengaue
Interchange
14. Tyrone Peachey, 15. Ale Twal, 16. Zane Musgrove, 17. Alex Seyfarth
Reserves
18. Thomas Mikaele, 19. Luke Garner, 20. Starford To’a, 21. Tukimihia Simpkins, 22. Jock Madden, 23. Austin Dias, 24. Jacob Liddle

Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs vs Brisbane Broncos

Two of last years’ bottom three meet as Canterbury and Brisbane will hope to back up last weeks’ victories. The Bulldogs welcome in Tevita Pangai Junior whereas the Broncos have Adam Reynolds back from COVID. Both sides defended exceptionally last week and this could be a similar story. However, Reynolds’ partnership with Albert Kelly will be interesting to see and could overwhelm any resistance Canterbury have to offer, but you never know in this league.

Prediction: Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs 12-19 Brisbane Broncos

Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
1. Matt Dufty, 2. Jayden Okunbor, 3. Braidon Burns, 4. Brent Naden, 5. Josh Addo-Carr, 6. Matt Burton, 7. Jake Averillo, 8. Luke Thompson, 9. Jeremy Marshall-King, 10. Paul Vaughan, 11. Jack Hetherington, 12. Tevita Pangai Junior, 13. Josh Jackson
Interchange
14. Bailey Biondi-Odo, 15. Corey Waddell, 16. Max King, 17. Ava Seumanufagai
Reserves
19. Chris Patolo, 20. Brandon Wakeham, 21. Joe Stimson, 22. Kyle Flanagan, 23. Reece Hoffman, 24. Joshua Cook, 25. Aaron Schoupp

Brisbane Broncos
1. Tesi Niu, 2. Corey Oates, 3. Kotoni Staggs, 4. Herbie Farnworth, 5. Selwyn Cobbo, 6. Albert Kelly, 7. Adam Reynolds, 8. Keenan Palasia, 9. Jake Turpin, 10. Payne Haas, 11. Kurt Capewell, 12. Jordan Riki, 13. Patrick Carrigan
Interchange
14. Ryan James, 15. Kobe Hetherington, 16. Teui Robati, 17. Billy Walters
Reserves
18. Brenko Lee, 19. Rhys Kennedy, 20. Corey Jensen, 21. Jordan Pereira, 22. Cory Paix, 23. Jamayne Isaako, 24. Tyson Gamble