NRL Round Four: Teams, score predictions, kick-off times and TV coverage

As Round Four approaches in the 2022 NRL season, only one team remains unbeaten in the competition: last season’s Premiers the Penrith Panthers. This week, they are involved in the tie of the round as they host the South Sydney Rabbitohs in a repeat of last season’s Grand Final.

That is one of a number of intriguing fixtures in this round as teams begin to find their best form with the season now in full swing as teams who haven’t started the season in the well, notably Manly and the Roosters, will be looking to use this round as a springboard to get their season fully underway.

So, let’s take a look at the squads for each team and give our prediction on how we think each side will fare in Round Four.

Gold Coast Titans vs West Tigers

Both teams were on the wrong side of results last week and will be looking to bounce back in the first game of Round Four. The Titans were superb in their first half against Canberra before they capitulated after half time and ended up losing a game which they once led 22-0. Justin Holbrook has made a couple of changes to his backline as fullback Jayden Campbell misses out through a rib injury and is replaced by new recruit Jamayne Isaako in the one jersey. Corey Thompson makes his first appearances of the season after injury and takes the place of Phillip Sami who has covid. The Tigers are now the only team in the NRL not to win a game this season and will look to use this game to turn their fortunes around, making a number of changes to their 17-man squad to hopefully achieve this. They welcome back James Roberts, Ken Maumalo and Kelma Tuilagi from injuries in a welcome boost and also bring Zane Musgrove into the starting line-up at prop after Stefano Utoikamanu suffered an ankle injury against the Warriors.

Prediction: Gold Coast Titans 24-10 West Tigers

Teams

Gold Coast Titans
1. Jamayne Isaako, 2. Corey Thompson, 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 Procter

West Tigers
1. Daine Laurie, 2. David Nofoaluma, 3. James Roberts, 4. Oliver Gildart, 5 Ken Maumalo, 6. Jock Madden, 7. Luke Brooks, 8. James Tamou, 9. Jacob Liddle, 10. Zane Musgrove, 11. Kelma Tuilagi, 12. Luciano Leilua, 13. Joe Ofahengaue
Interchange: 14. Tyrone Peachey, 15. Alex Twal, 16. Luke Garner, 17. Alex Seyfarth

Cronulla Sharks vs Newcastle Knights

Cronulla have started this season in fantastic form, with a large factor being the performances of their new recruit at halfback Nicho Hynes. He has made the Sharks a force to be reckoned with in the early parts of the season and could be playing himself into the New South Wales squad. Cronulla are boosted by the return of back Teig Wilton from suspension and his return pushes the impressive Siosifa Talakai to centre. Newcastle will be without backrow Mitchell Barnett for the next six rounds through suspension for his crazy off the ball hit in last week’s game against the Penrith Panthers. He is replaced in the 12 jersey by Brodie Jones. The Knights also welcome back skipper Kalyn Ponga after he has recovered from a knee injury as Newcastle look to bounce back from their loss to Penrith and continue their good start to the season.

Prediction: Cronulla Sharks 24-16 Newcastle Knights

Teams

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. Braden Hamlin-Uele, 11. Briton Nikora, 12. Teig Wilton, 13. Dale Finucane
Interchange: 14. Aiden Tolman, 15. Cameron McInnes, 16. Braydon Trindall, 17. Andrew Fifita

Newcastle Knights
1. Kalyn Ponga, 2. Dominic Young, 3. Dane Gagai, 4. Bradman Best, 5. Enari Tuala, 6. Jake Clifford, 7. Adam Clune, 8. Jacob Saifiti, 9. Chris Randall, 10. Daniel Saifiti, 11. Tyson Frizell, 12. Brodie Jones, 13. Kurt Mann
Interchange: 14. Phoenix Crossland, 15. Jirah Momoisea, 16. Leo Thompson, 17. Sauaso Sue

Penrith Panthers vs South Sydney Rabbitohs

This game promises to be the tie of the round as last year’s grand finalists met for the first time since Penrith won the Premiership. The Panthers are boosted by the return of their influential halfback Nathan Cleary, who hasn’t played since the Grand Final. Penrith are the only unbeaten team left in the competition and Cleary’s return only makes them stronger as the season progresses. The Bunnies are coming into this game off the back of a big win against their derby rivals the Sydney Roosters. Souths seem to have sorted their issue out when it comes to attacking and look back to their best when going forward. With star captain Cameron Murray coming off the back of a monster performance they could be the team to hand Penrith their first defeat.

Prediction: Penrith Panthers 18-12 South Sydney Rabbitohs
TV Coverage: Sky Sports Arena 10:00am

Teams

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. Spencer Leniu, 11. Viliame Kikau, 12. Scott Sorensen, 13. Isaah Yeo
Interchange: 14. Mitch Kenny, 15. J’maine Hopgood, 16. Lindsay Smith, 17. Jaeman Salmon

South Sydney Rabbitohs
1. Latrell Mitchell, 2. Alex Johnstone, 3. Taane Milne, 4. Campbell Graham, 5. Jaxson Paulo, 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. Liam Knight

New Zealand Warriors vs Brisbane Broncos

After last week’s damaging defeat to their local rivals, the Brisbane Broncos have made a number of changes to their 17 to try and get back to winning ways. The most notable absentee is Kurt Capewell. The backrow has a calf problem and has been named among the reserves but looks unlikely to play this week. Thomas Flegler is back after suspension, he makes the interchange bench which gives Ryan James the number eight jersey. The Warriors got their first win of the season in Round Three and will be hopeful of repeating their success in Round Four. They are forced into one change as Bayley Sironen has been ruled out with Jack Murchie taking his spot on the interchange bench.

Prediction: New Zealand Warriors 10-22 Brisbane Broncos

Teams

New Zealand Warriors
1. Reece Walsh, 2. Adam Pompey, 3. Jesse Arthars, 4. Rocco Berry, 5. Marcelo Montoya, 6. Chanel Harris-Tavita, 7. Kodi Nikorima, 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. Jack Murchie

Brisbane Broncos
1. Tesi Niu, 2. Corey Oates, 3. Kotoni Staggs, 4. Herbie Farnworth, 5. Selwyn Cobbo, 6. Albert Kelly, 7. Adam Reynolds, 8. Ryan James, 9. Jake Turpin, 10. Payne Haas, 11. Keenan Palasia, 12. Jordan Riki, 13. Patrick Carrigan
Interchange: 14. Thomas Flegler, 15. Kobe Hetherington, 16. Teui Robati, 17. Billy Walters

Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles vs Canberra Raiders

Both teams were involved in tight contests in the last round and will be looking to build on their hard-fought victories. Manly have named the same team who beat the Bulldogs last week, with fullback Tom Trbojevic having his best game of the 2022 season. The Sea Eagles will need him back to his best to beat a well drilled Canberra team. The Raiders will be full of confidence for this game after their stunning second half comeback in the last round. They are also boosted by the return of winger Nick Cotric from a calf injury in their only change from the previous round.

Prediction: Manly Warringah Sea Eagles 19-18 Canberra Raiders

Teams

Manly Warringah Sea Eagles
1. Tom Trbojevic, 2. Jason Saab, 3. Brad Parker, 4. Morgan Harper, 5. Reuben Garrick, 6. Kieran Foran, 7. Daly Cherry-Evans, 8. Sean Keppie, 9. Lachlan Croker, 10. Martin Taupau, 11. Haumole Olakau’atu, 12. Andrew Davey, 13. Jake Trbojevic
Interchange: 14. Dylan Walker, 15. Karl Lawton, 16. Ethan Bullemor, 17. Taniela Paseka

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

North Queensland Cowboys vs Sydney Roosters

The Cowboys have been red hot in the past two weeks and will look to continue their attacking prowess against a Roosters team whose season hasn’t fully got going yet. The Cowboys have named the same 17 which dismantled rivals Brisbane Broncos in the last round and will be hoping young gun Jeremiah Nanai can continue to impress at backrow. The Roosters have been forced into one change on the bench as Fletcher Baker is replaced by Daniel Suluka-Fifita. They will be without influential coach Trent Robinson as he has tested positive for Covid and will need his side to get a result without his presence.

Prediction: North Queensland Cowboys 20-26 Sydney Roosters
TV Coverage: Sky Sports Arena 9:35am

Teams

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. Heilum Luki, 16. Reuben Cotter, 17. Griffin Neame

Sydney Roosters
1. James Tedesco, 2. Daniel Tupou, 3. Paul Momirovski, 4. Joseph Manu, 5. Billy Smith, 6. Sam Walker, 7. Luke Keary, 8. Lindsay Collins, 9. Connor Watson, 10. Siosiua Taukeiaho, 11. Nat Butcher, 12. Sitili Tupouniua, 13. Victor Radley
Interchange: 14. Drew Hutchinson, 15. Daniel Suluka-Fifita, 16. Angus Crichton, 17. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves

Melbourne Storm vs Canterbury Bulldogs

Melbourne have been boosted in their team selection this week as they are welcoming back two origin stars in Xavier Coates and Harry Grant, the latter was particularly impressive in his last game for the Storm before he was ruled out with covid and they will be hoping he can continue his fine start to the season after their loss to the Parramatta Eels last time out. The Bulldogs have lost Jack Hetherington to a shoulder injury with Corey Waddell taking his place in the starting line-up. This move could mean more minutes for prop Luke Thompson as Waddell has been taking his spot in the starting 13 on gameday. Thompson will be looking to impress in what looks set to be a bigger role in the coming weeks.

Prediction: Melbourne Storm 30-6 Canterbury Bulldogs

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. Brandon Smith, 15. Alec MacDonald, 16. Trent Loiero, 17. Tepai Moeroa

Canterbury Bulldogs
1. Matt Dufty, 2. Braidon Burns, 3. Aaron Schoupp, 4. Brent Naden, 5. Josh Addo-Carr, 6. Matt Burton, 7. Brandon Wakeham, 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. Chris Patola, 16. Max King, 17. Ava Seumanufagai

Parramatta Eels vs St George Illawarra Dragons

The Eels come into this game full of confidence following their golden point win over the Melbourne Storm in Round Three. The only negative to come from that game is the loss of match winner Ray Stone as he has suffered an ACL injury in the action of scoring the final try of the game. In his place is the returning Ryan Matterson who makes the interchange bench. St George have been forced into a couple of changes after their defeat to the Cronulla Sharks. Backrow Jaydn Su’a is suspended after his yellow card and is replaced in the starting lineup by Jack Gosiewski. Mathew Feagai comes onto the wing for the Dragons in place of the injured Cody Ramsey

Prediction: Parramatta Eels 22-12 St George Illawarra Dragons
TV Coverage: Sky Sports Arena 9:15am

Teams

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. Nathan Brown
Interchange: 14. Makahesi Makatoa, 15. Ryan Matterson, 16. Bryce Cartwright, 17. Oregon Kaufusi

St George Illawarra 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. Moses Mbye, 10. Blake Lawrie, 11. Jack Bird, 12. Jack Gosiewski, 13. Tariq Sims
Interchange: 14. Jack De Belin, 15. Josh Kerr, 16. Jackson Ford, 17. Aaron Woods