NRL Weekly Watch: Everything to keep an eye on in Round 19

3 years ago - Sportingbase

Wests Tigers looking to bounce back from Townsville embarrassment

The last of the Origin-effected rounds kicks off between the Wests Tigers and Sharks on Thursday at CommBank with the hosts fresh off a demoralising 74-to-nothing loss to North Queensland.

David Nofoaluma (shoulder), Brent Naden (shoulder), and Alex Twal (suspension) are all missing for Tim Sheens with Asu Kepaoa and Tommy Talau earning recalls along with debutant Aitasi James.

A native of Hawke’s Bay, James has appeared in 15 KOE NSW Cup games this season having averaged 120 run metres.

Fonua Pole will start at lock with John Bateman shifting to an edge and Shawn Blore back to the bench.

For the Sharks, Dale Finucane (suspension) and Braden Hamlin-Uele (ribs) are out, however, Toby Rudolf (toe) has been named to start in his first NRL game in three months.

Cameron McInnes will start at lock with Jesse Colquhoun coming onto the bench for his first NRL appearance of the season.

The Sharks have won nine of their past 10 against the Wests Tigers with Sione Katoa having scored back-to-back doubles against the black and golds.

Hunt-less Dragons hosts Raiders at WIN

The Dragons will be looking to respond from their local derby defeat when the Raiders make the trip to Wollongong on Friday night.

Ben Hunt is out on Origin duties for the Dragons with Junior Amone coming in at six and Jayden Sullivan shifting to seven.

Tyrell Sloan (calf) is also unavailable with former Warrior and Titan Paul Turner making his club debut at fullback.

Moses Suli (head knock) returns into the centres at the expense of Tautau Moga whist Jaiyden Hunt’s (head knock) absence paves the way for Dan Russell to make his NRL debut.

An eight-year Queensland Cup veteran and Papua New Guinea international, the 27-year-old makes his long-awaited NRL debut off the interchange.

Corey Horsburgh is out for Canberra after earning an Origin debut whilst Pasami Saulo (head knock) is also missing.

Emre Guler will start up front with Ata Mariota at lock whilst Trey Mooney and Peter Hola come onto the interchange.

Canberra have won six of their past eight against the Dragons but have lost back-to-back games at WIN Stadium.

Undermanned Eels take on Warriors at CommBank

A Parramatta side hit by Origin call-ups will come up against the Warriors at CommBank Stadium on Saturday evening.

Clint Gutherson, Mitchell Moses, and Reagan Campbell-Gillard have all been called into the Blues side for Origin III, although Junior Paulo’s omission paves the way for him to line-up at prop.

Sean Russell shifts to fullback with Isaac Lumelume coming onto the wing with Daejarn Asi and Ryan Matterson in the halves.

Shaun Lane (hamstring) returns onto the bench along with rookie Luca Moretti.

The Warriors have named the same 17 that were downed by Souths last week, although Shaun Johnson may be a late scratching with the veteran half expecting his second child.

Ronald Volkman has been named among the reserves and firms as Johnson’s replacement should he withdraw from the contest.

Parramatta have won five of their past six against the Warriors with winger Maika Sivo – who will be appearing in his 100th NRL game – having scored a try in all four of his clashes against them.

Desperate Dogs face understrength Bunnies at Homebush

Fresh off a 66-0 thumping at the hands of Newcastle, Canterbury “travel” to Accor Stadium on Saturday night for a showdown against a weakened Souths squad.

Cody Walker, Keaon Koloamatangi, Cameron Murray and Damien Cook are all missing on Origin duty.

Isaiah Tass is back in the centres with last week’s try-scoring debutant Tyrone Munro named on the wing whilst Dean Hawkins comes in at six, rookie Ben Lovett is on an edge, and Peter Mamouzelos and Tallis Duncan earn interchange nods with Shaquai Mitchell starting at lock.

Josh Addo-Carr is out through Origin for the Dogs with Hayze Perham, Khaled Rajab, and Paul Alamoti also missing out.

Braidon Burns comes into the centres with rookie Blake Wilson named on the wing and Kyle Flanagan joining the interchange.

Toby Sexton has been named at halfback alongside Matt Burton after being granted a midyear release from the Titans.

Jake Averillo shifts to fullback with Jackson Topine moving into the centres, Raymond Faitala-Mariner at lock, and Tevita Pangai Jr. and Kurtis Morrin coming off the bench.

South Sydney have won 10 of their past 12 against the Bulldogs including five in a row.

Titans, Dolphins square off on the coast

The final game of the round comes in the form of a southeast Queensland derby between the Titans and Dolphins at Cbus Super Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

The Titans will be without Origin reps A.J. Brimson, Moeaki Fotuaika, Tino Fa’asuamaleaui and David Fifita.

Jayden Campbell starts at fullback with Phillip Sami coming back onto the wing and Iszac Fa’asuamaleaui, Jaimin Jolliffe, and Klese Haas coming into the starting pack.

Jojo Fifita is on the bench with debutant Jacob Alick – an Easts Tigers junior who made his international debut for Papua New Guinea a year ago.

For the Dolphins, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow (Origin) and Felise Kaufusi (head knock) are out with Euan Aitken shifting into the centres, Connelly Lemuelu into the second row, and Herman Ese’ese up front.

Jarrod Wallace and Anthony Milford are the new faces on the interchange.

The first time these sides faced, the Dolphins pulled off a miracle 26-point comeback in front of a rabid Suncorp crowd.