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NRL Finals Team Announcements: All The Ins And Outs From Every Premiership-Hungry Side

NRL Finals Team Announcements: All The Ins And Outs From Every Premiership-Hungry Side

The line-ups have been officially announced for both qualifying finals and do-or-die eliminations. Check them out RIGHT HERE.

Max Sherry

Max Sherry

QUALIFYING FINAL: MELBOURNE STORM (1st) vs MANLY SEA EAGLES (4th)

H2H: Melbourne ($1.40) vs Manly ($2.90)

Line: Melbourne (-7.5 @ $1.40) vs Manly (+7.5 @ $1.95)

Date: Friday, 10 September

Time: 7.50pm

Venue: Sunshine Coast Stadium

For all your latest TAB odds on Melbourne vs Manly, CLICK HERE.

MELBOURNE STORM:

Ins: Cameron Munster, Christian Welch, Felise Kaufusi, George Jennings, Jesse Bromwich, Kenneath Bromwich, Reimis Smith, Tom Eisenhuth

Outs: Daniel Atkinson, Dean Ieremia, Jordan Grant, Tepai Moeroa, Trent Loiero

1. Ryan Papenhuyzen

2. George Jennings

3. Reimis Smith

3. Justin Olam

5. Isaac Lumelume

6. Cameron Munster

7. Jahrome Hughes

8. Jesse Bromwich

9. Brandon Smith

10. Christian Welch

11. Felise Kaufusi

12. Kenneath Bromwich

13. Dale Finucane

14. Harry Grant

15. Tui Kamikamica

16. Nelson Asofa-Solomona

17. Nicho Hynes

MANLY SEA EAGLES:

Ins: Curtis Sironen, Josh Aloiai, Tevita Funa

Outs: N/A

1. Tom Trbojevic

2. Jason Saab

3. Brad Parker

4. Morgan Harper

5. Reuben Garrick

6. Kieran Foran

7. Daly Cherry-Evans

8. Josh Aloiai

9. Lachlan Croker

10. Martin Taupau

11. Haumole Olakau'atu

12. Josh Schuster

13. Jake Trbojevic

14. Dylan Walker

15. Karl Lawton

16. Sean Keppie

17. Taniela Paseka

KEY MATCH-UPS:

Ryan Papenhuyzen vs Tom Trbojevic

They're arguably two of the best players in the comp. Papenhuyzen looks to have found his stride after a lengthy stint on the sidelines. As for Turbo, he's just in a league of his own at the moment. On their day, either player has the capacity to single handedly win a game for their respective side.

Isaac Lumelume vs Jason Saab

The Storm will be without their best attacking threat with a lingering hamstring strain keeping Addo-Carr sidelined. That said, the battle on both wings will still be a big one, so keep a close eye out for the headlining duel between speedsters Lumelume and Saab. The Foxx is widely regarded as the quickest man in rugby league - or if you're Phil Gould, even the fastest man on the planet. But fear not, because Melbourne have parachuted in Lumelume to fill his shoes. Meanwhile, Saab has proved himself to be one of the most explosive wingers this season, made even more impressive given his tall frame and ability under the high ball. Witnessing these two go head-to-head in foot race would be pretty cool, but I guess we'll have to suffice with seeing them lock horns on the footy field instead.

BEST BETS (odds correct as of 07/09/21):

First try scorer:

George Jennings (MEL) - $9

Isaac Lumelume (MEL) - $9

Ryan Papenhuyzen (MEL) - $11

Reuben Garrick (MAN) - $11

Tom Trbojevic (MAN) - $11

Jason Saab (MAN) - $11

Anytime try scorer:

George Jennings (MEL) - $1.72

Isaac Lumelume (MEL) - $1.75

Ryan Papenhuyzen (MEL) - $2.15

Reuben Garrick (MAN) - $2.20

Tom Trbojevic (MAN) - $2.20

Jason Saab (MAN) - $2.20

Can Tom Trbojevic guide Manly to a historic victory?
Wikimedia Creative Commons

ELIMINATION FINAL: SYDNEY ROOSTERS (5th) vs GOLD COAST TITANS (8th)

H2H: Roosters ($1.25) vs Gold Coast ($3.80)

Line: Roosters (-11.5 @ $1.85) vs Gold Coast (+11.5 @ $1.95)

Date: Saturday, 11 September

Time: 5.40pm

Venue: Queensland Country Bank Stadium

For all your latest TAB odds on the Sydney Roosters vs Gold Coast Titans, CLICK HERE.

SYDNEY ROOSTERS:

Ins: Ben Thomas, Dale Copley, Fletcher Baker, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, Victor Radley

Outs: Brad Abbey, Tuku Hau Tapuha

1. James Tedesco

2. Daniel Tupou

3. Josh Morris

4. Adam Keighran

5. Matt Ikuvalu

6. Drew Hutchison

7. Lachlan Lam

8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves

9. Sam Verrills

10. Siosiua Taukeiaho

11. Angus Crichton

12. Sitili Tupouniua

13. Victor Radley

14. Sam Walker

15. Isaac Liu

16. Egan Butcher

17. Fletcher Baker

GOLD COAST TITANS:

Ins: Anthony Don, Greg Marzhew, Kevin Proctor

Outs: N/A

1. Jayden Campbell

2. Phillip Sami

3. Brian Kelly

4 Patrick Herbert

5. Corey Thompson

6. Tyrone Peachey

7. Jamal Fogarty

8. Jarrod Wallace

9. Mitch Rein

10. Moeaki Fotuaika

11. Kevin Proctor

12. Beau Fermor

13. Tino Fa'asuamaleaui

14. Erin Clark

15. Sam Lisone

16. David Fifita

17. Jaimin Jolliffe

KEY MATCH-UPS:

Drew Hutchison and Lachlan Lam/Sam Walker vs Tyrone Peachey and Jamal Fogarty

This halves match-up is a fascinating one. After chopping and changing for much of the season, Justin Holbrook looks like he might have finally found his perfect halves pairing - and it couldn't have come at a better time. Against the Warriors, Peachey and Fogarty looked a million dollars in the 6 and 7 jumpers. But then again, the Chooks are levels above the Warriors. The Roosters boast their own set of dynamic halves. Five-eighth Hutchison is finally starting to fill the void left by injured playmaker Luke Keary. As for Lam and Walker, their talent speaks for itself - even at 23 and 19 years of age respectively. If the Titans end up causing an upset, you'll know Peachey or Fogarty had a big part to play in it.

Victor Radley vs Tino Fa'asuamaleaui

The return of Radley will be a huge boost for the Chooks. The talented youngster's recent spell on the sidelines due to suspension has seen some figures in the game calling for him to tone down his aggression. Well, Roosters fans will want Radley to be at his ball-playing, heavy-hitting best when he goes to war with his opposite number come Saturday evening. While David Fifita may be the Titans' one-million-dollar man, it's Fa'asuamaleaui who has arguably been the side's best forward all season. When it comes to holding the ball, completing sets and staying alive defensively throughout the entire 80 minutes, there's none better than Big Tino. To put it simply, the battle between the Titans and Chooks could be won or lost in the middle of park.

BEST BETS (odds correct as of 07/09/21):

First try scorer:

Daniel Tupou (SYD) - $7.50

Matt Ikuvalu (SYD) - $7.50

James Tedesco (SYD) - $12

Phillip Sami (GC) - $13

Corey Thompson (GC) - $13

Jayden Campbell (GC) - $16

Anytime try scorer:

Daniel Tupou (SYD) - $1.65

Matt Ikuvalu (SYD) - $1.62

James Tedesco (SYD) - $2.20

Phillip Sami (GC) - $2.30

Corey Thompson (GC) - $2.40

Jayden Campbell (GC) - $2.70

The Titans will be without star man AJ Brimson.
Wikimedia Creative Commons

QUALIFYING FINAL: PENRITH PANTHERS (2nd) vs SOUTH SYDNEY RABBITOHS (3rd)

H2H: Penrith ($1.38) vs Souths ($3.80)

Line: Penrith (-11.5 @ $1.90) vs Souths (+11.5 @ $1.90)

Date: Saturday, 11 September

Time: 7.50pm

Venue: Queensland Country Bank Stadium

For all your latest TAB odds on Penrith vs South Sydney, CLICK HERE.

PENRITH PANTHERS:

Ins: Brent Naden, Charlie Staines, Matthew Eisenhuth, Mitch Kenny, Spencer Leniu

Outs: Scott Sorensen, Tyrone May

  1. Dylan Edwards
  2. Stephen Crichton
  3. Paul Momirovski
  4. Matt Burton
  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. Mitch Kenny
  15. Spencer Leniu
  16. Tevita Pangai Junior
  17. Liam Martin

SOUTH SYDNEY RABBITOHS:

Ins: Adam Reynolds, Alex Johnston, Cameron Murray, Cody Walker, Damien Cook, Dane Gagai, Keaon Koloamatangi, Thomas Burgess

Outs: Davvy Moale, Dean Hawkins, Peter Mamouzelos, Taane Milne, Tautau Moga

  1. Blake Taaffe
  2. Alex Johnston
  3. Dane Gagai
  4. Campbell Graham
  5. Jaxson Paulo
  6. Cody Walker
  7. Adam Reynolds
  8. Mark Nicholls
  9. Damien Cook
  10. Tevita Tatola
  11. Keaon Koloamatangi
  12. Jaydn Su'A
  13. Cameron Murray
  14. Benji Marshall
  15. Jacob Host
  16. Thomas Burgess
  17. 17 Jai Arrow

KEY MATCH-UPS:

Brian To'o vs Alex Johnston

Johnston may well have bagged the most tries this NRL season (27), but it's hard to deny that To'o wasn't the most exciting winger to watch. Both on and off the field, Panthers star To'o has taken the NRL by storm this year, although he now faces a tough task up against try-scoring machine Johnston. Both renowned for the odd acrobatic effort and blistering speed, expect plenty of tries in this qualifying final. That said, To'o and Johnston are equally as effective in defence so don't think either will roll over easily. And if the forwards are ever in need of a rest for the first hit-up, these two will be on hand to provide it - To'o alone mustered up 4,510 run metres in just 18 games. This match-up is mouth-watering to say the least.

Isaah Yeo vs Cameron Murray

Tough in the tackle. Great instincts. Leaders. Yeo and Murray have both had great seasons, playing instrumental roles in helping their sides reach the Finals. But they'll both know that the job is far from done. Yeo's ability as a first-receiver has come on leaps and bounds in recent seasons. Combine that with his durability on the other side of the ball and you've got yourself one of the best locks in the game. But it's hard to deny that Murray, even at 23, isn't already the complete forward who can occupy the number 11, 12 or 13 jumper if called upon. That said, when it came to picking between the two players, New South Wales Origin coach Brad Fittler opted for Yeo as his loose forward, shifting Murray out onto the edge.

Jarome Luai vs Cody Walker

Just remember, it was Luai who took Walker's starting position in the New South Wales Origin side. That says just about everything you need to know about this fiery match-up.

BEST BETS (odds correct as of 07/09/21):

First try scorer:

Brian To'o (PEN) - $7

Stephen Crichton (PEN) - $8

Matt Burton (PEN) - $11

Alex Johnston (SOU) - $11

Jaxon Paulo (SOU) - $13

Campbell Graham (SOU) - $21

Anytime try scorer:

Brian To'o (PEN) - $1.65

Stephen Crichton (PEN) - $1.75

Matt Burton (PEN) - $2.20

Alex Johnston (SOU) - $2.15

Jaxon Paulo (SOU) - $2.40

Campbell Graham (SOU) - $3.50

Brian To'o vs Alex Johnston will be a gripping battle on the wing.
Wikimedia Creative Commons

ELIMINATION FINAL: PARRAMATTA EELS (6th) vs NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS (7th)

H2H: Parramatta ($1.38) vs Newcastle ($3.00)

Line: Paramatta (-8.5 @ $1.95) vs Newcastle (+8.5 @ $1.85)

Date: Sunday, 12 September

Time: 4:05pm

Venue: Browne Park, Rockhampton

For all your latest TAB odds on Parramatta vs Newcastle, CLICK HERE.

PARRAMATTA EELS:

Ins: Clinton Gutherson, Dylan Brown, Isaiah Papali'i, Junior Paulo, Marata Niukore, Mitchell Moses, Nathan Brown, Reagan Campbell-Gillard, Ryan Matterson, Waqa Blake

Outs: Hayze Perham, Joey Lussick, Keegan Hipgrave, Ky Rodwell, Michael Oldfield, Samuel Loizou, Sean Russell

  1. Clinton Gutherson
  2. Haze Dunster
  3. Will Penisini
  4. Waqa Blake
  5. Blake Ferguson
  6. Dylan Brown
  7. Mitchell Moses
  8. Reagan Campbell-Gillard
  9. Ray Stone
  10. Junior Paulo
  11. Shaun Lane
  12. Marata Niukore
  13. Nathan Brown
  14. Will Smith
  15. Bryce Cartwright
  16. Isaiah Papali'i
  17. Makahesi Makatoa

NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS:

Ins: Daniel Saifiti, Hymel Hunt, Jacob Saifiti, Jayden Brailey, Mitchell Barnett, Sauaso Sue, Tyson Frizell

Outs: Chris Randall, Pasami Saulo, Starford To'a, Tex Hoy

  1. Kalyn Ponga
  2. Enari Tuala
  3. Kurt Mann
  4. Bradman Best
  5. Hymel Hunt
  6. Jake Clifford
  7. Mitchell Pearce
  8. Jacob Saifiti
  9. Jayden Brailey
  10. Daniel Saifiti
  11. Tyson Frizell
  12. Mitchell Barnett
  13. Connor Watson
  14. Sauaso Sue
  15. David Klemmer
  16. Josh King
  17. Brodie Jones

KEY MATCH-UPS:

Reagan Campbell-Gillard and Junior Paulo vs Jacob and Daniel Saifiti

It's the battle of the big boys in the props. Bully your opposite number, both with the ball and without it, and you stand in good stead of helping your team advance to a semi-final. It's that simple. With Isaiah Papali'i and David Klemmer coming off the bench too, you can imagine these two teams will be knocking seven bells out of each other right until the final whistle.

Clint Gutherson vs Kalyn Ponga

I mean, you can't look past these two talismanic figures, right? Eels captain Gutho continues to prove he's one of the best in the business week in week out. His talent is unquestionable, but it's his leadership and relentless communication which really makes his stand out from the crowd. The Eels finished the regular season with the most runs and offloads out of any team in the NRL - and the bloke at the back was orchestrating it all alongside his good friend Mitch Moses. As for Ponga, he has well and truly dragged the Knights kicking and screaming to the NRL Finals. The dynamic fullback will need to be at his best defensively to keep the Eels out, but it's with the ball-in-hand where he'll hope to make the difference come kick-off time. If the Knights can kick to the corners and play simple, effective footy, then they might just upset the apple cart in Rockhampton and produce a huge upset.

BEST BETS (odds correct as of 07/09/21):

First try scorer:

Blake Ferguson (PAR) - $8

Haze Dunster (PAR) - $9

Clint Gutherson (PAR) - $11

Enari Tuala (NEW) - $11

Hymel Hunt (NEW) - $13

Kalyn Ponga (NEW) - $15

Anytime try scorer:

Blake Ferguson (PAR) - $1.72

Haze Dunster (PAR) - $1.75

Clint Gutherson (PAR) - $2.10

Enari Tuala (NEW) - $2.05

Hymel Hunt (NEW) - $2.30

Kalyn Ponga (NEW) - $2.60

Featured Image Credit: Wikimedia Creative Commons

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