NRL 2021: Teams Round 2, ins and outs, suspensions, injuries, Eels vs Storm, Tigers vs Roosters, Sea Eagles vs Rabbitohs, Cowboys vs Dragons

After one round of footy we’ve seen new combinations firing and others fading, so expect to see plenty of changes ahead of Round 2.

The Roosters will be forced into a reshuffle after being struck with two key injuries and a star expected to be banned, while the Broncos have lost a starting forward.

Manly’s Des Hasler faces an important call on who will wear the No.9 jersey this week after a forgotten utility — who was snubbed from last week’s team — shone in NSW Cup.

Read on for Round 2 Team Tips.

Round 2

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THURSDAY MARCH 18

Parramatta Eels vs Melbourne Storm, 8.05pm at Bankwest Stadium

Last week’s Eels team: 1. Clinton Gutherson 2. Maika Sivo 3. Tom Opacic 4. Waqa Blake 5. Blake Ferguson 6. Dylan Brown 7. Mitchell Moses 8. Reagan Campbell-Gillard 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Junior Paulo 11. Shaun Lane 12. Ryan Matterson 13. Nathan Brown 14. Oregon Kaufusi 15. Isaiah Papali’i 16. Keegan Hipgrave 17. Will Smith

Team Tips: The Eels walked away from last weekend’s win with no injuries, however a significant change in their team didn’t fare well for them. Halves Mitch Moses and Dylan Brown as well as back rowers Shaun Lane and Ryan Matterson have swapped sides this season. Lane and Matterson were well below their best and it had Greg Alexander questioning the move. “It shouldn’t be as alien as it looked, it shouldn’t be that strange to them to be able to play on either side of the field,” he said. The out of character performances from Lane and Matterson could see them switch back this week. Bench utility Will Smith only played three minutes last week so coach Brad Arthur might opt to swap him out for another forward. Marate Nuikore is due back from a suspension so he would be that man.

Last week’s Storm team: 1. Ryan Papenhuyzen 2. George Jennings 3. Reimis Smith 4. Justin Olam 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Cameron Munster 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Jesse Bromwich 9. Brandon Smith 10. Christian Welch 11. Felise Kaufusi 12. Kenneath Bromwich 13. Nelson Asofa-Solomona 14. Chris Lewis 15. Tui Kamikamica 16. Tom Eisenhuth 21. Tyson Smoothy

Team Tips: Melbourne hope to welcome back Brenko Lee from a hamstring injury. He would likely slot into the centres, pushing Reimis Smith to the wing and forcing George Jennings out of the team. Tui Kamikamica passed his HIA so should be fine to play. Unfortunately for Melbourne, hooker Harry Grant is still “another three weeks” away and co-captain Dale Finucane is “probably a bit longer” according to coach Craig Bellamy.

FRIDAY MARCH 19

Warriors vs Newcastle Knights, 6.00pm at Central Coast Stadium

Last week’s Warriors team: 1. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 2. David Fusitu’a 3. Euan Aitken 4. Peta Hiku 5. Ken Maumalo 6. Kodi Nikorima 7. Chanel Harris-Tavita 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Wayde Egan 10. Jamayne Taunoa-Brown 11. Eliesa Katoa 12. Bayley Sironen 13. Tohu Harris 14. Jazz Tevaga 15. Ben Murdoch-Masila 16. Leeson Ah Mau 17. Bunty Afoa

Team Tips: Following an impressive win over the Titans, the Warriors are unfortunately set for a reshuffle with centre Euan Aitken will be out for three to four months after injuring his ankle. It’s a huge blow for the Warriors following the gun centre’s 132-metre and 16 tackle effort last Saturday. Brown said a “very capable replacement” in Adam Pompey would come into the left centre. Brown could also be without Bayley Sironen — who starred in his club debut last weekend — and Wayde Egan due to the pair failing their HIA’s. The NRL changed its concussion protocols heading into this season which now require a player to seek an exemption from an independent neurologist to play within 11 days of suffering the concussion. Jack Murchie is due back this week from a pectoral injury and could slot straight in for Sironen, while utility forward Jazz Tevaga will likely line up at No.9, opening up a spot on the bench. Kane Evans is expected to be fit for Round 2 so Brown could opt for a big bopper bench, or alternatively bring in Josh Curran. Halfback Chanel Harris-Tavita has been cleared to play after escaping a ban over a trip.

Last week’s Knights team: 1. Tex Hoy 2. Starford To’a 3. Enari Tuala 4. Bradman Best 18. Hymel Hunt 6. Kurt Mann 7. Mitchell Pearce 8. David Klemmer 9. Jayden Brailey 10. Daniel Saifiti 11. Tyson Frizell 12. Mitchell Barnett 14. Sauaso Sue 15. Jacob Saifiti 16. Josh King 17. Brodie Jones 13. Connor Watson

Team Tips: The Knights could be in for a bit of strife with three key players in doubt for this clash. Five-eighth Kurt Mann, winger Starford To’a and centre Bradman Best all picked up injuries last Friday. Best’s ankle was “heavily on ice” according to Fox League sideline reporter Lara Pitt after he left the field. Pitt also reported that the Knights said Best had suffered a sprain and will have scans early this week. Coach Adam O’Brien said following the match that Best could potentially miss a week. Mann’s injury at this stage is looking like a MCL injury, with the best case scenario a Round 7 return, while To’a struggled with a shoulder complaint and his return is still indefinite. Utility Connor Watson is an option to slot in at No.6, or Phoenix Crossland — who is fresh off a one-match ban — and O’Brien was impressed with Simi Sasagi in the reserve grade game beforehand. “I think Phoenix will be available as well so he will come into calculations. I watched the NSW Cup game and young Simi did a good job at six. But Connor did a good job for us tonight too, so we’ve got some options,” he said. Gehamat Shibasaki can fill in the vacant centre or wing spot, as can new recruit, towering Englishman Dominic Young.

TALKING POINTS: Taumalolo reduced to bench warmer; thumbs down for Eels’ switch

Gold Coast Titans vs Brisbane Broncos, 8.05pm at Cbus Super Stadium

Last week’s Titans team: 1. AJ Brimson 2. Corey Thompson 3. Brian Kelly 4. Patrick Herbert 5. Anthony Don 6. Ashley Taylor 7. Jamal Fogarty 8. Jarrod Wallace 9. Mitch Rein 10. Moeaki Fotuaika 11. Kevin Proctor 12. David Fifita 13. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui 14. Tyrone Peachey 15. Sam Lisone 16. Jaimin Jolliffe 17. Erin Clark

Team Tips: The Titans were lucky enough to walk away from last week’s game unscathed. Second-rower David Fifita played less minutes than usual but he revealed after the match that he had been in hospital earlier in the week with a foot infection. Expect him to play the full 80 minutes this week against his former club — or close to it. Coach Justin Holbrook wasn’t too disappointed with the loss to the Warriors so it’s unlikely he’ll make any drastic changes.

Last week’s Broncos team: 1. Jamayne Isaako 2. Xavier Coates 3. Herbie Farnworth 4. Tesi Niu 5. David Mead 6. Anthony Milford 7. Brodie Croft 8. Tevita Pangai Junior 9. Jake Turpin 10. Matthew Lodge 11. Alex Glenn 12. Jordan Riki 13. Patrick Carrigan 14. John Asiata 15. Thomas Flegler 16. Ethan Bullemor 17. Ben Te’o

Team Tips: Brisbane will be without starting prop Matt Lodge after he suffered a hamstring injury in Friday’s loss to the Eels. Thomas Flegler will likely be promoted to the starting side with Rhys Kennedy an option to fill the bench spot. Xavier Coates and John Asiata had some neck soreness following their injuries last Friday. They were cleared from hospital that night but the club said via a statement the pair would be assessed in the coming days.

SATURDAY MARCH 20

Canterbury Bulldogs vs Penrith Panthers, 3.00pm at Bankwest Stadium

Last week’s Bulldogs team: 1. Corey Allan 2. Nick Meaney 3. Will Hopoate 4. Nick Cotric 5. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 6. Jake Averillo 7. Kyle Flanagan 8. Ofahiki Ogden 9. Sione Katoa 10. Jack Hetherington 11. Adam Elliott 12. Corey Waddell 13. Josh Jackson 14. Bradley Deitz 15. Renouf Atoni 16. Raymond Faitala-Mariner 17. Dylan Napa

Team Tips: We can expect a pretty similar side to run out on Saturday, however Dylan Napa copped a knock to the knee so could be in doubt. Chris Smith would be his replacement. Nick Cotric was placed on report for a high tackle but is only facing a fine. Jake Averillo was a bit shaky in the No.6 jersey, however coach Trent Barrett will likely persist with the young playmaker and allow him time to find his feet. Jeremy Marshall-King isn’t due back just yet, giving Bradley Deitz another week in the team. Deitz was granted an exemption last week so will be forced from the team when Marshall-King returns — unless he is upgraded to the Top 30.

Last week’s Panthers team: 1. Dylan Edwards 2. Charlie Staines 3. Paul Momirovski 4. Stephen Crichton 5. Brian To’o 6. Jarome Luai 7. Nathan Cleary 8. Moses Leota 9. Apisai Koroisau 10. James Fisher-Harris 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Kurt Capewell 13. Isaah Yeo 14. Tyrone May 15. Spencer Leniu 16. Matthew Eisenhuth 17. Liam Martin

Team Tips: Penrith were one of the lucky teams to come out of Round 1 with no injuries. Kurt Capewell and Dylan Edwards copped a knock each but are both expected to be fine. Given their slick performance last weekend, it’s unlikely coach Ivan Cleary will make any changes.

Manly Sea Eagles vs South Sydney Rabbitohs, 5.30pm at Lottoland

Last week’s Sea Eagles team: 1. Dylan Walker 2. Jason Saab 3. Brad Parker 4. Moses Suli 5. Reuben Garrick 6. Kieran Foran 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Josh Aloiai 9. Lachlan Croker 10. Martin Taupau 11. Jack Gosiewski 12. Curtis Sironen 13. Jake Trbojevic 14. Tevita Funa 15. Andrew Davey 16. Morgan Boyle 17. Taniela Paseka

Team Tips: Following a 46-4 thrashing by the Roosters last week, Manly coach Des Hasler could — and probably should — sweep through his squad. Utility Cade Cust wasn’t included in last week’s team but after scoring a hat-trick in a dominant performance in NSW Cup on Sunday, he has to be considered for a bench spot at the very least, if not the No.9 jersey this week. Tevita Funa held the bench utility spot last week but only played six minutes and then played in the NSW Cup game the following week. He’ll most likely be the man who drops out for Cust. Kieran Foran left the field in the 73rd minute with a cork but will overcome it in time for Saturday’s match. Despite looking a little out of place, Walker looks set to remain at fullback. Hasler was asked after the match if Walker will retain the No.1 jersey, to which he said “yes… I thought Dylan was pretty solid.” Sean Keppie might be injected into the side this week after he did an extra training session instead of playing in the NSW Cup game last weekend.

Last week’s Rabbitohs team: 1. Latrell Mitchell 2. Alex Johnston 3. Dane Gagai 4. Campbell Graham 5. Josh Mansour 6. Cody Walker 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Thomas Burgess 9. Damien Cook 10. Tevita Tatola 11. Jacob Host 12. Jaydn Su’A 13. Cameron Murray 14. Benji Marshall 15. Mark Nicholls 16. Keaon Koloamatangi 17. Jai Arrow

Team Tips: Tom Burgess could be in doubt after suffering a nasty shoulder injury last week. There was a bit of a scare for Burgess when he was stretchered off and taken to hospital, however he was cleared from any serious damage. If he’s unable to play, Jai Arrow will be promoted to the starting side. Liam Knight is also due back after a concussion from a head knock at training.

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North Queensland Cowboys vs St George Illawarra Dragons, 7.35pm at Queensland Country Bank Stadium

Last week’s Cowboys team: 1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Kyle Feldt 3. Esan Marsters 4. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 5. Valentine Holmes 6. Michael Morgan 7. Jake Clifford 8. Francis Molo 9. Reece Robson 10. Jordan McLean 11. Mitchell Dunn 12. Coen Hess 13. Jason Taumalolo 14. Jake Granville 15. Josh Mcguire 16. Corey Jensen 19. Reuben Cotter

Team Tips: Coach Todd Payten made the bold call to reduce Jason Taumalolo’s minutes and it failed. One of the game’s best forwards usually plays more than 60 minutes and averages 184m per game. Last Saturday, Taumololo played 51 minutes and only ran 55 metres — partly because he and Cowboys didn’t see much ball. Payten doesn’t want to burn out the club’s marquee man but following a 24-nil loss to the Panthers, he could unleash Taumalolo and allow him to play maximum minutes. Beyond that, North Queensland’s spine looked a little clunky. Fox League’s Michael Ennis called for a switch up which would see Scott Drinkwater move to five-eighth, Michael Morgan to halfback and Valentine Holmes to fullback with Jake Clifford dropping out of the team.

Last week’s Dragons team: 1. Matthew Dufty 2. Cody Ramsey 3. Jack Bird 4. Zac Lomax 5. Mikaele Ravalawa 6. Adam Clune 7. Ben Hunt 8. Blake Lawrie 9. Andrew McCullough 10. Paul Vaughan 11. Josh Kerr 12. Tariq Sims 13. Tyrell Fuimaono 14. Poasa Faamausili 15. Trent Merrin 16. Daniel Alvaro 17. Brayden Wiliame

Team Tips: The Dragons welcome back five-eighth Corey Norman, who was suspended for Round 1. He’ll take the No.6 jersey with Adam Clune dropping out of the side. The only injury concern to come out of last Sunday’s clash with the Sharks is winger Cody Ramey. He rolled his ankle, but coach Anthony Griffin was confident after the game that Ramsey would be fine for Round 2.

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SUNDAY MARCH 21

Wests Tigers vs Sydney Roosters, 4.05pm at Campbelltown Sports Stadium

Last week’s Tigers team: 1. Daine Laurie 2. David Nofoaluma 3. James Roberts 4. Joseph Leilua 5. AJ Kepaoa 6. Moses Mbye 7. Luke Brooks 8. James Tamou 9. Jacob Liddle 10. Joe Ofahengaue 11. Luke Garner 12. Luciano Leilua 13. Alex Twal 14. Tommy Talau 15. Thomas Mikaele 16. Stefano Utoikamanu 17. Russell Packer

Team Tips: The Wests Tigers will be glad to welcome back Adam Doueihi who was suspended for the first round. He’ll line up in the No.6 jersey, leaving coach Michael Maguire with a big decision to make on where Moses Mbye will fit best in the team. James Roberts left the field in the final seconds of last weekend’s match. Maguire said afterwards it was just a niggle and he will be fine for this week: “I think he’s just getting the body back to playing footy.” Stefano Utoikamanu is also expected to overcome a knee concern. Joey and Luciano Leilua played have linked up on the same edge this season but following Joey’s disappointing performance he might switch sides.

Last week’s Roosters team: 1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Josh Morris 4. Joseph Manu 5. Brett Morris 6. Lachlan Lam 7. Luke Keary 8. Lindsay Collins 9. Jake Friend 10. Siosiua Taukeiaho 11. Angus Crichton 12. Sitili Tupouniua 13. Isaac Liu 14. Adam Keighran 15. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves 16. Nat Butcher 17. Daniel Suluka-Fifita

Team Tips: Teenage talent Joseph Suaalii has been granted an exemption to play in the NRL at 17 years of age, and so will be available for selection. He scored two tries in his NSW Cup debut last week and if he was called up for the Roosters, would most likely start on the bench and then be injected into the backline. The Roosters are set for several key changes this week. Jake Friend won’t play following a worrying concussion in last Saturday’s win. Young hooker Freddy Lussick was pulled late from the NSW Cup game on Sunday, in a sure sign he’ll be the man to replace him. Coach Trent Robinson said that Lussick has “been ready (to play NRL) for a long time. He’s had a great pre-season and he’s ready to go”. Lussick made his NRL debut last year and went on to play four more games. Angus Crichton has accepted a one-week ban for a crusher tackle. Nat Butcher’s younger brother, Egan could get the call-up to make his NRL debut. Bench utility Adam Keighran is looking at six to eight weeks on the sideline with a dislocated wrist. Back up hooker Sam Verrils is “not far” from returning but Robinson said he didn’t think it would be in time for Round 2. Teenage star Sam Walker or Drew Hutchison could be in line to take the bench utility role. Robinson could also completely reshuffle his spine, playing Hutchison at No.6, Lam at No.9 and Lussick off the bench. In a relief for the Roosters, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves has escaped a ban for a shove on an opposition player.

Cronulla Sharks vs Canberra Raiders, 6.15pm at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium,

Last week’s Sharks team: 1. Will Kennedy 2. Sione Katoa 3. Josh Dugan 4. Jesse Ramien 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo 6. Matt Moylan 7. Chad Townsend 8. Braden Hamlin-Uele 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Aaron Woods 11. Briton Nikora 12. Wade Graham 13. Toby Rudolf 14. Connor Tracey 15. Aiden Tolman 16. Jack Williams 17. Billy Magoulias

Team Tips: Star centre Jesse Ramien will be sidelined for three to four weeks — depending whether he fights his charge — following a swinging arm in last week’s win over the Dragons. Mawene Hiroti and Jackson Ferris will be in the conversation of who fills his spot. Halfback Chad Townsend looked to have pick up an ankle concern, however coach John Morris was confident after the game that the chief playmaker would pull up fine. Cronulla could welcome back Siosifa Talakai this week from off-season shoulder surgery. If so, Billy Magoulias is the likely man to drop out.

Last week’s Raiders team: 1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 2. Bailey Simonsson 3. Sebastian Kris 4. Curtis Scott 5. Jordan Rapana 6. Jack Wighton 7. George Williams 8. Josh Papalii 9. Josh Hodgson 10. Dunamis Lui 11. Hudson Young 12. Elliott Whitehead 13. Joseph Tapine 14. Siliva Havili 15. Ryan Sutton 16. Iosia Soliola 17. Ryan James

Team Tips: Bailey Simonsson should back up after copping a whack to the eye last Sunday, while coach Ricky Stuart hinted that co-captain Jarrod Croker could return this week. “I don’t think Jarrod had enough conditioning (to play Round 1), I didn’t want him to make that sacrifice. We’ve got to get him back to 100 per cent, whether that’s this week or the week after I’ll leave that with the performance team,” he said following the Round 1 win.