NRL Round 8: Teams, TV Coverage and Score Predictions

Round Seven of the NRL season produced some memorable moments and score lines which could end up having a major impact on the final standings of the 2022 season.

With Penrith and Melbourne both in red hot form, its up to the chasing pack to try and close the gap on the two best teams in the competition.

Lets take a look at each teams squads and how we think the games will go;

Brisbane Broncos vs Cronulla Sharks

After their impressive win against the Bulldogs, the Broncos have named the same 17 man squad in an effort to beat one of the inform teams of the competition. Billy Walters has once again been named at hooker despite Cory Paix performing well in his stint from the bench last time out. The Sharks come into this game full of confidence after last weekend’s victory and are boosted by the return of veteran loose forward Dale Finucane as he makes his return from concussion protocols. The Sharks will be looking for another big shift from centre Siosifa Talakai to help get them over the line against the Broncos

Score Prediction: Brisbane Broncos 10-20 Cronulla Sharks

Teams

Brisbane Broncos
1. Te Maire Martin, 2. Corey Oates, 3. Kotoni Staggs, 4. Herbie Farnworth, 5. Selwyn Cobbo, 6. Tyson Gamble, 7. Adam Reynolds, 8. Corey Jensen, 9. Billy Walters, 10. Payne Haas, 11. Kurt Capewell, 12. Jordan Riki, 13. Kobe Hetherington
Interchange
14. Cory Paix, 15. Rhys Kennedy, 16. Thomas Flegler, 17. Keenan Palasia

Cronulla Sharks
1. Williams Kennedy, 2. Sione Katoa, 3. Jesse Ramien, 4. Siosifa Talakai, 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo, 6. Matt Moylan, 7. Nicholas Hynes, 8. Toby Rudolf, 9. Blayke Brailey, 10. Aiden Tolman, 11. Briton Nikora, 12. Teig Wilton, 13. Dale Finucane
Interchange
14. Jack Williams, 15. Cameron McInnes, 16. Royce Hunt, 17. Andrew Fifita

Gold Coast Titans vs Penrith Panthers

There has been a reshuffle in the Titans team after a string of poor performances which was capped off by an embarrassing defeat at the hands of the Cowboys in the Queensland derby. Alexander Brimson has switched back to fullback where he has spent most of his professional career with Will Smith taking the six jersey, Phillip Sami is also a welcome return on the wing as it allows powerful backrow David Fifita to return to his usual position after spending the last game at centre.  Still undefeated in 2022 the Panthers continue to impress and are able to call upon a seemingly bottomless pit of talent another of which shined last week off the bench in Soni Luke as he keeps his place in the 14 jersey in the only change from last weeks squad.

TV Coverage: Sky Sports Arena 9am
Score Prediction: Gold Coast Titans 4-36 Penrith Panthers

Teams

Gold Coast Titans
1. Alexander Brimson, 2. Phillip Sami, 3. Brian Kelly, 4. Patrick Herbert, 5. Greg Marzhew, 6. Will Smith, 7. Toby Sexton, 8. Moeaki Fotuaika, 9. Erin Clark, 10. Isaac Liu, 11. David Fifita, 12. Beau Fermor, 13. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui
Interchange
14. Tanah Boyd, 15. Sam Lisone, 16. Herman Ese’ese, 17. Kevin Procter

Penrith Panthers
1. Dylan Edwards, 2. Charlie Staines, 3. Izack Tago, 4. Stephen Crichton, 5. Taylan May, 6. Jarome Luai, 7. Nathan Cleary. 8. Matthew Eisenhuth, 9. Apisai Koroisau, 10. James Fisher-Harris, 11. Viliame Kikau, 12. Liam Martin, 13. Isaah Yeo
Interchange
14. Soni Luke, 15. Scott Sorenson, 16. Spencer Leniu, 17. Jaeman Salmon

South Sydney Rabbitohs vs Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles

There are two changes to the Rabbitohs team who were shocked by the Wests Tigers last weekend. Taane Milne is suspended and his place in the centres it taken by Isaiah Tass and Jacob Host misses out through injury with Siliva Havili taking his spot on the interchange bench. Manly have been forced into a number of changes following their defeat against the Sharks. Andrew Davey is out with an injured shoulder and is replaced by the returning Martin Taupau. The big loss for Manly is Haumole Olakau’atu through suspension. Ethan Bullemor takes his place in the backrow with Kurt De Luis and Ben Trbojevic making the interchange. One of the unforced changes for the Sea Eagles is Tolutau Koula coming into the centres with Morgan Harper not being picked. Harper struggle against the Sharks and will need to find a way back into the starting 13.

TV Coverage: Sky Sports Arena 10:55am
Score Prediction: South Sydney Rabbitohs 22-18 Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles

Teams

South Sydney Rabbitohs
1. Blake Taaffe, 2. Alex Johnstone, 3. Isaiah Tass, 4. Campbell Graham, 5. Josh Mansour, 6. Cody Walker, 7. Lachlan Ilias, 8. Tevita Tatola, 9. Damien Cook, 10. Thomas Burgess, 11. Keaon Koloamatangi, 12. Jai Arrow, 13. Cameron Murray
Interchange
14. Siliva Havili, 15. Hame Sele, 16. Davvy Moale, 17. Liam Martin

Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles
1. Reuben Garrick, 2. Jason Saab, 3. Brad Parker, 4. Tolutau Koula, 5. Christian Tuipulotu, 6. Kieran Foran, 7. Daly Cherry-Evans, 8. Sean Keppie, 9. Lachlan Croker, 10. Martin Taupau, 11. Karl Lawton, 12. Ethan Bullemor, 13. Jack Trbojevic
Interchange
14. Dylan Walker, 15. Ben Trbojevic, 16. Kurt De Luis, 17. Toafofoa Sipley

New Zealand Warriors vs Canberra Raiders

After their heavy defeat against the Melbourne Storm there was always bound to be changes and Nathan Brown has made plenty. Wingers Dallin Watene-Zelezniak and Edward Kosi are both out with Rocco Berry and Viliami Vailea taking over out wide for the Warriors. Josh Curran and Aaron Pene also miss out with Jack Murchie and Eliesa Katoa back in the 17 man squad. There is only one change for the Raiders as Englishman Harry Rushton makes way for his compatriot Elliott Whitehead who missed last weeks defeat against the Panthers due to a nasty cut on his lip suffered in training.

Score Prediction: New Zealand Warriors 22-18 Canberra Raiders

Teams

New Zealand Warriors
1. Reece Walsh, 2. Rocco Berry, 3. Jesse Arthars, 4. Adam Pompey, 5. Viliami Vailea, 6. Chanel Harris-Tavita, 7. Shaun Johnson, 8. Addin Fonua-Blake, 9. Wayde Egan, 10. Matthew Lodge, 11. Euan Aitken, 12. Bayley Sironen, 13. Jazz Tevaga
Interchange
14. Taniela Otukolo, 15. Bunty Afoa, 16. Eliesa Katoa, 17. Jack Murchie

Canberra Raiders
1. Jordan Rapana, 2. Nick Cotric, 3. Matthew Timoko, 4. Semi Valemei, 5. Xavier Savage, 6. Jack Wighton, 7. Brad Schneider, 8. Josh Papalii, 9. Tom Starling, 10. Joseph Tapine, 11. Hudson Young, 12. Elliott Whitehead, 13. Ryan Sutton
Interchange
14. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, 15. Corey Harawira-Naera, 16. Adam Elliott, 17. Corey Horsburgh

Canterbury Bulldogs vs Sydney Roosters

The Bulldogs are given a much needed boost with the return of outside backs Brent Naden and Jake Averillo after the pair missed their defeat against the Broncos due to Covid protocols. Jayden Okunbor and Jacob Kiraz are the players to miss out. As for the Roosters they are looking to bounce back from their loss to the Dragons but are forced into change with Daniel Tupou suspended by the judiciary with Kevin Naiqama returning on the wing. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves and Victor Radley are also back in the starting 13 after starting last week’s match from the bench.

Score Prediction: Canterbury Bulldogs 10-20 Sydney Roosters

Teams

Canterbury Bulldogs
1. Matt Dufty, 2. Brent Naden, 3. Aaron Schoupp, 4. Jake Averillo, 5. Josh Addo-Carr, 6. Matt Burton, 7. Kyle Flanagan, 8. Luke Thompson, 9. Jeremy Marshall-King, 10. Paul Vaughan, 11. Corey Waddell, 12. Tevita Pangai Junior, 13. Josh Jackson
Interchange
14. Bailey Biondi-Odo, 15. Joe Stimson, 16. Max King, 17. Ava Seumanufagai

Sydney Roosters
1. James Tedesco, 2. Kevin Naiqama, 3. Paul Momirovski, 4. Joseph Manu, 5. Joseph Suaalii, 6. Sam Walker, 7. Luke Keary, 8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, 9. Sam Verrills, 10. Lindsay Collins, 11. Angus Crichton, 12. Sitili Tupouniua, 13. Victor Radley
Interchange
14. Drew Hutchinson, 15. Fletcher Baker, 16. Nat Butcher, 17. Siosiua Taukeiaho

Parramatta Eels vs North Queensland Cowboys

After their dominant win over the Newcastle Knights, the Parramatta Eels are given the luxury of naming the same 17 man squad to hopefully back up that display. Still short on outside backs, Dylan Brown remains in the centres with Jake Arthur occupying the stand off position. The North Queensland Cowboys have also named the same 17 man squad which got the job done for them last week against the Titans. There was some late changes to the starting lineup on gameday last week which may happen again.

Score Prediction: Parramatta Eels 18-6 North Queensland Cowboys

Teams

Parramatta Eels
1. Clinton Gutherson, 2. Hayze Perham, 3. Will Penisini, 4. Dylan Brown, 5. Bailey Simonsson, 6. Jake Arthur, 7. Mitchell Moses, 8. Reagan Campbell-Gillard, 9. Reed Mahoney, 10. Junior Paulo, 11. Shaun Lane, 12. Isaiah Papali’I, 13. Nathan Brown
Interchange
14. Makahesi Makatoa, 15. Ryan Matterson, 16. Oregon Kaufusi, 17. Bryce Cartwright

North Queensland Cowboys
1. Scott Drinkwater, 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. Heilum Luki, 12. Jeremiah Nanai, 13. Jason Taumalolo
Interchange
14. Jake Granville, 15. Tom Gilbert, 16. Reuben Cotter, 17. Griffin Neame

Newcastle Knights vs Melbourne Storm

The Newcastle Knights have a hard task this week coming up against a red hot Melbourne Storm side who scored 13 tries in their most recent fixture. The Knights are going to be without Origin centre Dane Gagai as he has a fractured cheekbone which will leave him out for an extended period. The Storm have named the same starting line up which demolished the Warriors, the only change coming on the interchange bench with Tyran Wishart replacing Chris Lewis.

Score Prediction: Newcastle Knights 6-40 Melbourne Storm

Teams

Newcastle Knights
1. Kalyn Ponga, 2. Edrick Lee, 3. Simi Sasagi, 4. Bradman Best, 5. Enari Tuala, 6. Jake Clifford, 7. Adam Clune, 8. David Klemmer, 9. Chris Randall, 10. Daniel Saifiti, 11. Tyson Frizell, 12. Brodie Jones, 13. Kurt Mann
Interchange
14. Phoenix Crossland, 15. Jacob Saifiti, 16. Leo Thompson, 17. Sauaso Sue

Melbourne Storm
1. Ryan Papenhuyzen, 2. Nick Meaney, 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, 13. Josh King
Interchange
14. Brandon Smith, 15. Tyran Wishart, 16. Trent Loiero, 17. Tepai Moeroa

St George Illawarra Dragons vs Wests Tigers

St George come into this game full of confidence after their hard fought Anzac day win against the Sydney Roosters. They have been forced into one change with Jaydn Su’a missing due to an ankle injury. Josh McGuire takes his place in the backrow with Tyrell Fuimaono in the interchange for what will be his first appearance of 2022. The Tigers will also be coming into this game full of confidence after winning their second game in a row however they will be without fullback Daine Laurie for an extended period after his MCL injury. Starford To’a moves to the fullback position which allows Englishman Oliver Gildart back into the side for his chance to impress in a team playing good rugby again. Kelma Tuilagi also returns after missing the Tigers’ win over the Rabbitohs due to illness with Alex Seyfarth back on the interchange.

TV Coverage: Sky Sports Mix 7:05am
Score Prediction: St George Illawarra Dragons 16-14 Wests Tigers

Teams

St George Illawarra Dragons
1. Moses Mbye, 2. Mathew Feagai, 3. Moses Suli, 4. Zac Lomax, 5. Mikaele Ravalawa, 6. Jack Bird, 7. Ben Hunt, 8. Francis Molo, 9. Andrew McCullough, 10. George Burgess, 11. Tariq Sims, 12. Josh McGuire, 13. Jack De Belin
Interchange
14. Talatau Amone, 15. Blake Lawrie, 16. Aaron Woods, 17. Tyrell Fuimaono

Wests Tigers
1. Starford To’a, 2. David Nofoaluma, 3. Luke Garner, 4. Oliver Gildart, 5. Ken Maumalo, 6. Luke Brooks, 7. Jackson Hastings, 8. James Tamou, 9. Jacob Liddle, 10. Zane Musgrove, 11. Kelma Tuilagi, 12. Luciano Leilua, 13. Joe Ofahengaue
Interchange
14. Jock Madden, 15. Alex Twal, 16. Thomas Mikaele, 17. Alex Seyfarth