Ciraldo’s Dogs’ mammoth $1.55m boost; Panthers backrow headache emerges: Team Tips

The Bulldogs will welcome back two key stars that take up a reported $1.55 million of their salary cap for this season.

Panthers coach Ivan Cleary has a big decision to make if two backrowers are deemed fit to return to the field.

Meanwhile, Anthony Seibold will be without two key players in Round 7 and will make a call on who will take Reuben Garrick’s spot.

Read below for Round 7 team tips!

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THURSDAY APRIL 13

Dolphins vs South Sydney Rabbitohs at Suncorp Stadium — 7:50pm AEST

Last week’s Dolphins team: 1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Euan Aitken 4. Brenko Lee 5. Edrick Lee 6. Kodi Nikorima 7. Isaiya Katoa 15. Mark Nicholls 9. Jeremy Marshall-King 16. Ray Stone 11. Kenny Bromwich 12. Connelly Lemuelu 13. Tom Gilbert 10. Herman Ese’ese 14. Jarrod Wallace 17. Kurt Donoghoe 18. Poasa Faamausili

Team tips: Wayne Bennett was sweating on the Match Review Committe charge sheet after playmaker Kodi Nikorima was put on report for a lifting tackle. Luckily for the Dolphins, he escaped with only a fine and the NRL’s newest franchise would have been left scrambling to find another playmaker with Anthony Milford and Sean O’Sullivan sidelined. Meanwhile, veteran prop Jarrod Wallace suffered a category 1 head knock and will sit out for 11 days, leaving a big hole on Bennett’s bench. However, Jesse Bromwich is set to return after sitting out of Round 6 due to illness and will likely shift Ray Stone back to the bench in Wallace’s place.

Last week’s Rabbitohs team: 1. Latrell Mitchell 2. Taane Milne 3. Isaiah Tass 4. Campbell Graham 5. Izaac Tu’itupou Thompson 6. Cody Walker 7. Lachlan Ilias 8. Tevita Tatola 9. Damien Cook 10. Thomas Burgess 11. Keaon Koloamatangi 12. Jacob Host 13. Cameron Murray 14. Jed Cartwright 15. Daniel Suluka-Fifita 16. Davvy Moale 17. Hame Sele

Team tips: After Jacob Preston’s hip drop tackle, winger Izack Thompson could be sidelined after head coach Jason Demetriou confirmed he would have scans on an injured ankle. Demetriou is hopeful the injury, “is not too bad” but has a replacement ready to go. Alex Johnston is set for a Round 7 return from a head knock and will either take Taane Milne’s place if Thompson is deemed fit or fill his place on the left wing, with Milne shifting to the right. Meanwhile, Jai Arrow is set to return from a hamstring injury and Demetriou could be cautious with his veteran backrower. The 27-year-old could slot straight into Jacob Host’s position in the backrow or take either Daniel Suluka-Fifita or Jed Cartwright’s spot on the bench and be eased back into action.

FRIDAY APRIL 14

Cronulla Sharks vs Sydney Roosters at PointsBet Stadium — 6:00pm AEST

Round 5 Sharks team: 1. William Kennedy 2. Sione Katoa 3. Jesse Ramien 4. Siosifa Talakai 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo 6. Matt Moylan 7. Nicho Hynes 8. Toby Rudolf 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Braden Hamlin-Uele 11. Briton Nikora 12. Teig Wilton 13. Dale Finucane 14. Cameron McInnes 15. Royce Hunt 16. Jack Williams 17. Braydon Trindall 21. Samuel Stonestreet

Team tips: The Sharks had a week to rest and recover with the bye in Round 6 but Craig Fitzgibbon now has some big decisions to make. Toby Rudolf underwent surgery on his big toe and will now be sidelined until Round 18, leaving a big gap in the front row. Oregon Kaufusi is due to return from a head knock and is a strong chance of starting, with Royce Hunt remaining on the bench. Meanwhile, Dale Finucane has been suspended for a hip drop tackle and is out of action until Round 10, opening a path for Cameron McInnes to stand up in the No.13 jersey. Wade Graham also returns from a suspension and is the likely man to take up the vacant spot on the bench.

Last week’s Roosters team: 1. Joseph Manu 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Joseph Suaalii 4. Drew Hutchison 5. Jaxson Paulo 6. Luke Keary 7. Sam Walker 8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves 9. Brandon Smith 10. Lindsay Collins 11. Egan Butcher 12. Nat Butcher 13. Victor Radley 14. Jake Turpin 15. Terrell May 16. Corey Allan 17. Fletcher Baker

Team tips: Trent Robinson is set for a major boost in Round 7, with three key troops due to return. James Tedesco is due to return from a head knock and will shift Manu out of the No.1 jersey back to the centres, displacing Drew Hutchison who will likely take up a place on the bench in place of Corey Allan. Front row enforcer Matt Lodge is also set to return after a nasty cheekbone fracture in a huge inclusion and is set to take Fletcher Baker’s spot on the bench. Nathan Brown could also be in line for his club debut after joining from the Eels, however he could be eased back onto the field via NSW Cup with Terrell May keeping his spot on the pine.

Manly Sea Eagles vs Melbourne Storm at 4 Pines Park — 8:00pm AEST

Last week’s Sea Eagles team: 1. Tom Trbojevic 2. Jason Saab 3. Brad Parker 4. Morgan Harper 5. Reuben Garrick 14. Kaeo Weekes 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Taniela Paseka 9. Lachlan Croker 10. Jake Trbojevic 11. Haumole Olakau’atu 12. Kelma Tuilagi 13. Josh Aloiai 15. Karl Lawton 16. Ethan Bullemor 17. Sean Keppie 19. Cooper Johns 21. Samuela Fainu

Team tips: Anthony Seibold will be without two players after they were flogged by the reigning champions on Saturday night. Karl Lawton suffered another injury setback, dislocating his shoulder with his timeline for a return remaining unclear. Gun winger Reuben Garrick also failed a HIA and will miss one round, leaving a gaping hole on the wing. Raymond Vaega is the likely man to take his place with Christian Tuipulotu also sidelined due to a knee injury. Vaega got on the shore sheet against the Panthers in the NSW Cup on Saturday during Manly’s 26-24 win. Meanwhile, Josh Schuster could return after being out for two weeks with a quad injury. He will shift Kaeo Weekes out of the run on side and back to the utility role in Lawton’s place if he is named, however the Sea Eagles may take a cautious approach with their star five-eighth. Tom Trbojevic also struggled with back spasms against the Panthers but will likely be fit to take the field in Round 7.

Last week’s Storm team: 1. Nick Meaney 2. William Warbrick 3. Reimis Smith 4. Justin Olam 5. Xavier Coates 6. Cameron Munster 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Tui Kamikamica 9. Harry Grant 10. Christian Welch 11. Trent Loiero 12. Eliesa Katoa 13. Josh King 14. Bronson Garlick 15. Alec MacDonald 16. Tom Eisenhuth 17. Tariq Sims

Team tips: Craig Bellamy’s side got through Round 6 unscathed and could welcome two faces into their side for Round 8. Both Joe Chan and Tepai Moeroa are due to return from calf injuries, however the pair are unlikely to displace anyone off the bench after a big win over the Roosters.

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SATURDAY APRIL 15

New Zealand Warriors vs North Queensland Cowboys at Mat Smart Stadium — 3:00pm AEST

Last week’s Warriors team: 1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 2. Edward Kosi 3. Viliami Vailea 4. Adam Pompey 5. Marcelo Montoya 6. Te Maire Martin 7. Shaun Johnson 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Wayde Egan 10. Bunty Afoa 11. Jackson Ford 12. Bayley Sironen 16. Jazz Tevaga 14. Dylan Walker 15. Josh Curran 17. Tom Ale 20. Taine Tuaupiki

Team tips: The Warriors will be without five-eighth Te Maire Martin for an extended period after he suffered a lower leg fracture in Round 6. Coach Andrew Webster was unsure of the extent of the injury post-match but Ronald Volkman will step into his shoes until he is fit to return. Meanwhile, Wade Egan suffered the second head knock his season which will likely see him sit out of the club’s Round 7 clash. Freddy Lussick is set to replace him in the No.9 jersey with Dylan Walker and also Taine Tuaupiki on the bench as utilities. In a big boost, Tohu Harris will return and likely takes over in the No.13 jersey, shifting Jazz Tevaga back to the bench and Tuaupiki or Tom Ale out of the team.

Last week’s Cowboys team: 1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Kyle Feldt 3. Valentine Holmes 4. Peta Hiku 5. Brendan Elliot 6. Tom Dearden 7. Chad Townsend 8. Mitchell Dunn 9. Reece Robson 10. Reuben Cotter 11. Coen Hess 12. Griffin Neame 13. Jason Taumalolo 14. Jake Granville 15. Tomas Chester 16. Jamayne Taunoa-Brown 17. Riley Price

Team tips: The Cowboys also were able to get through Round 6 without any injuries and will welcome back a key player. Jeremiah Nanai will return from suspension, shifting Griffin Neame back to the bench despite strong performances on an edge. Neame will go back into the middle rotation off the bench and likely move Riley Price out of the starting team. However, after a barnstorming performance in a losing team, Neame could hold his spot on one edge with Coen Hess shifting back to the bench.

Newcastle Knights vs Penrith Panthers at McDonald Jones Stadium — 5:30pm AEST

Last week’s Knights team: 1. Lachlan Miller 2. Dominic Young 3. Dane Gagai 4. Bradman Best 5. Greg Marzhew 6. Phoenix Crossland 7. Jackson Hastings 8. Daniel Saifiti 9. Jayden Brailey 10. Leo Thompson 11. Tyson Frizell 12. Lachlan Fitzgibbon 16. Mathew Croker 13. Jack Johns 14. Kurt Mann 15. Jack Hetherington 17. Brodie Jones

Team tips: In another brutal blow to co-captain Jayden Brailey, the gun hooker is set for a four to six week sideline stint after suffering a meniscus injury. Mat Croker could also be out after a leg blow, but coach Adam O’Brien has a plan. He explained that Tyson Gamble is due to return from a head knock, meaning Phoenix Crossland and Kurt Mann will play in the No.9 and No.14 jerseys, sharing time at dummy-half. Jack Johns will then step into the lock position after a strong performance against Manly a fortnight ago. O’Brien may have to apply for another exemption to fill his bench with a third forward, with Thomas Cant the likely man to slot onto the pine after featuring against the Dolphins in Round 3. Otherwise, the Knights could select a second utility and play Simi Sasagi.

Last week’s Panthers team: 1. Dylan Edwards 2. Sunia Turuva 3. Izack Tago 4. Stephen Crichton 5. Brian To’o 6. Jarome Luai 7. Nathan Cleary 8. Moses Leota 9. Mitch Kenny 10. Matt Eisenhuth 11. Scott Sorensen 12. Zac Hosking 13. Isaah Yeo 14. Soni Luke 15. Lindsay Smith 16. Spencer Leniu 17. Jaeman Salmon 18. Tyrone Peachey

Team tips: Panthers coach Ivan Cleary could have a huge backrow headache on his hands with two players potentially returning in Round 7. Luke Garner and Liam Martin have both been sidelined due to rib and hamstring injuries respectively. While they aren’t certainties to take the field, after Zac Hosking’s stellar performances — Cleary must make a big call. The former Bronco has forged a strong partnership with Nathan Cleary on the right edge, which could see Martin shift to the left edge with Garner facing the prospect of losing his place in the team. If Martin returns, Scott Sorensen will move back to the bench and take the place of young gun Lindsay Smith who has shown he is more than capable of playing a big role in seasons to come.

Gold Coast Titans vs Brisbane Broncos at Cbus Super Stadium — 7:35pm AEST

Last week’s Titans team: 1. Jayden Campbell 2. Alofiana Khan-Pereira 3. Brian Kelly 4. Aaron Schoupp 5. Phillip Sami 6. Toby Sexton 7. Tanah Boyd 8. Moeaki Fotuaika 9. Chris Randall 10. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui 11. David Fifita 12. Joe Stimson 13. Isaac Liu 14. Erin Clark 15. Jo Vuna 16. Iszac Fa’asumaleaui 19. Kruise Leeming

Team tips: Veteran playmaker Kieran Foran is set to return against the Broncos, likely taking Toby Sexton’s spot. The young gun halfback was impressive in Round 6 and scored the winning try against the Dragons, however his performance won’t be enough to displace the ever-consistent Tanah Boyd. Meanwhile, Jojo Fifita is also expected to be fit after being sidelined with a knee injury, however he may find it hard to force his way into the team. Phillip Sami was excellent against the Dragons and rookie Alofiana Khan-Pereira has showcased his blistering speed and try-scoring ability in his debut season. Meanwhile, Brian Kelly and Aaron Schoupp have been solid, with Kelly being the likely man to make way if Fifita returns.

Last week’s Broncos team: 1. Reece Walsh 2. Jesse Arthars 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Herbie Farnworth 5. Selwyn Cobbo 6. Ezra Mam 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Thomas Flegler 9. Billy Walters 10. Payne Haas 11. Kurt Capewell 12. Jordan Riki 13. Patrick Carrigan 14. Cory Paix 15. Keenan Palasia 16. Corey Jensen 17. Martin Taupau 18. Jordan Pereira

Team tips: Boom prop Tom Flegler will miss Round 7 after an ugly head knock, however Kevin Walters has a number of players ready to step up in his absence. Corey Jensen will slot into the front row while Kobe Hetherington is the obvious choice to slot onto the bench, with Xavier Willison hot on his tail. Marty Taupau also escaped sanction for his ugly accidental knee on Jordan Rapana and will take the field.

SUNDAY APRIL 16

Canberra Raiders vs St George Illawarra Dragons at GIO Stadium — 2:00pm AEST

Last week’s Raiders team: 1. Sebastian Kris 2. Albert Hopoate 3. Jarrod Croker 4. Matthew Timoko 5. Jordan Rapana 6. Brad Schneider 7. Jamal Fogarty 8. Josh Papali’i 9. Zac Woolford 16. Pasami Saulo 11. Hudson Young 12. Elliott Whitehead 13. Corey Horsburgh 14. Tom Starling 15. Emre Guler 17. Corey Harawira-Naera 20. Peter Hola 18. James Schiller

Team tips: In a huge boost to Ricky Stuart’s side, two key players are set to return. Joseph Tapine was a late scratching due to the birth of his child and will return to the front row, moving Pasami Saulo to the bench and Peter Hola out of the team. Meanwhile, Jack Wighton also returns from suspension and takes Brad Schneider’s spot at five-eighth. The gun playmaker is also in the midst of a huge contract decision and Ricky Stuart made a desperate plea for Wighton to re-sign after his side’s upset win over the Broncos. Xavier Savage is likely another week away from returning from his early season broken jaw.

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Last week’s Dragons team: 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. Jacob Liddle 10. Blake Lawrie 11. Ben Murdoch-Masila 12. Jaydn Su’A 13. Jack Bird 14. Moses Mbye 15. Jack de Belin 16. Toby Couchman 17. Josh Kerr

Team tips: The Dragons face a nervous wait with Francis Molo placed on report for a hig shot on Titans prop Moeaki Fotuaika. The NRL is yet to release his charge and if he is sidelined, a new recruit could make his club debut off the bench. Viliami Fifita made n off-season switch from the Sea Eagles in a swap deal which saw Aaron Woods go the other way. Despite playing only 22 minutes against the Bears in NSW Cup, Griffin could rush the highly-rated youngster into his team.

Parramatta Eels vs Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs at CommBank Stadium — 4:00pm AEST

Last week’s Eels team: To come.

Team tips:To come.

Last week’s Bulldogs team: 1. Hayze Perham 2. Jacob Kiraz 3. Jake Averillo 4. Paul Alamoti 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Matt Burton 7. Kyle Flanagan 8. Max King 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Ryan Sutton 11. Corey Waddell 12. Jacob Preston 13. Harrison Edwards 14. Josh Reynolds 15. Kurtis Morrin 17. Jackson Topine 21. Samuel Hughes

Team tips: Cameron Ciraldo is another head coach who will receive a major boost with two key players due to return. Viliame Kikau (head knock) and Tevita Pangai Junior (calf) are set to be named, with Kikau taking Corey Waddell’s backrow spot and Pangai Junior likely starting off the bench in place of Kurtin Morrin. Between the two returning players, they take up a reportedly $1.55 million of the club’s salary cap and are big inclusions for the Canterbury-Bankstown team. Meanwhile, Jayden Okunbor and Raymond Faitala-Mariner also return from suspension and a head knock respectively. Faitala-Mariner will take his place in the No.13 jersey, with Harrison Edwards moving back to the bench, taking Samuel Hughes place while Okunbor will likely replace Jackson Topine.

Bye: Wests Tigers.