Team List Tuesday - Analysis Round 26

Sam's back for the "grand final edition" of Teamlist Tuesday Analysis - check out all the studs and duds ahead of NRL Round 26 right here!

Brisbane Broncos v Melbourne Storm
Suncorp Stadium - Thursday 7:45pm

1. Darius Boyd 2. Corey Oates 3. Jack Reed 4. Justin Hodges 5. Lachlan Maranta 6. Anthony Milford 7. Ben Hunt 8. Sam Thaiday 9. Andrew McCullough 10. Adam Blair 11. Jarrod Wallace 12. Matt Gillett 13. Corey Parker
Interchange: 14. David Stagg 15. Mitchell Dodds 16. Jo Ofanhengaue 17. Kodi Nikorima

Changes from Last Round

In - Maranta, Stagg

Out - Kahu, Glenn

Analysis - Brisbane have a chance to claim the Minor Premiership with a win over the Storm, provided the Roosters lose to Souths. If that isn't motivation enough, this will be Justin Hodges' farewell home game at Suncorp Stadium. Lachlan Maranta replaces Jordan Kahu on the wing, while veteran and club great David Stagg also earns himself a farewell replacing the suspended Alex Glenn from the bench.

Grand Final Hero - Anthony Milford (148) was absolutely scintillating last week and has scored 100+ twice from the last 3 rounds. Milford carried a lot of teams into the GF last week and there is no reason why it can't happen again.

1. Cameron Munster 2. Marika Koroibete 3. Will Chambers 4. Kurt Mann 5. Matt Duffie 6. Blake Green 7. Cooper Cronk 8. Jesse Bromwich 9. Cameron Smith 10. Tim Glasby 11. Kevin Proctor 12. Tohu Harris 13. Ryan Hinchcliffe
Interchange: 14. Kenneath Bromwich 15. Christian Welch 16. Nelson Asofa-Solomona 17. Jordan McLean

Changes from Last Round

In - Nil

Out - Nil

Analysis - Melbourne are unchanged after their strong performance over the Cowboys in wet conditions at AAMI Park. The Storm can clinch a Top 4 position with a win in Brisbane, provided the Sharks trip up against Manly. The Storm's defence was particularly impressive last week and they will need to be on their game a week out from the finals.

Grand Final Hero - Cameron Munster (76) was outstanding against the Cowboys and has averaged over 85 points in the past 5 rounds. With Billy Slater personally coaching the young talent, I'd back him to keep his form going.

Sydney Roosters v South Sydney Rabbitohs
Allianz Stadium - Friday 7:45pm

1. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Michael Jennings 4. Blake Ferguson 5. Brendan Elliott 6. James Maloney 7. Jackson Hastings 8. Sam Moa 9. Jake Friend 10. Dylan Napa 11. Boyd Cordner 12. Aidan Guerra 13. Siosiua Taukeiaho
Interchange: 14. Mitchell Aubusson 15. Isaac Liu 16. Kane Evans 17. Suaia Matagi 18. Matt McIlwrick

Changes from Last Round

In - Jennings

Out - Nil

Analysis - Roosters welcome back superstar centre Michael Jennings in a boost to the side on the cusp of their third straight Minor Premiership. Questions were raised about how the Roosters who handle things without halfback Mitch Pearce and front row enforcer Jared Warea-Hargraves, scarily for the rest of the competition Jackson Hastings and Sam Moa were just as good!

Grand Final Hero - Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (145) was on fire against Manly last week and with an average of over 105 in the past 5 weeks he is a solid captain choice in the big one. Would have to be one of the first picked for 2016.

1. Alex Johnston 2. Joel Reddy 3. Dylan Walker 4. Kirisome Auva'a 5. Bryson Goodwin 6. Luke Keary 7. Adam Reynolds 8. George Burgess 9. Cameron McInnes 10. David Tyrrell 11. Glenn Stewart 12. Chris McQueen 13. Kyle Turner
Interchange: 14. Jason Clark 15. Chris Grevsmuhl 16. Tim Grant 17. Thomas Burgess 18. Paul Carter

Changes from Last Round

In - McInnes, McQueen

Out - Luke, Sutton

Analysis - Souths premiership defence has suffered serious dents in the past fortnight, with skipper Greg Inglis sidelined and now a season ending injury to John Sutton and on top of that a two week suspension to Issac Luke has made life very difficult indeed. Cameron McInnes comes in for Issac Luke and former Queensland backrower Chris McQueen comes in for John Sutton.

Grand Final Hero - South Sydney's biggest Supercoach stars in Greg Inglis and Issac Luke are on the sideline. If Souths are to mount a semi final charge this weekend then halfback Adam Reynolds (42) will have to step up to guide them to an upset win.

Penrith Panthers v Newcastle Knights
Pepper Stadium - Saturday 3:00pm

1. William Smith 2. Josh Mansour 3. Waqa Blake 4. Lewis Brown 5. David Simmons 6. Apisai Koroisau 7. Jamie Soward 8. Sam McKendry 9. James Segeyaro 10. Regan Campbell-Gillard 11. Bryce Cartwright 12. Tyrone Peachey 13. Isaah Yeo
Interchange: 14. Tupou Sopoaga 15. Jeremy Latimore 16. Leilani Latu 17. Sika Manu

Changes from Last Round

In - Nil

Out - Nil

Analysis - Penrith have named the same side as Monday night as is tradition, however Bryce Cartwright will not play after suffering a kidney laceration late in the game against Canberra. Jamie Soward was heavily concussed and is also in significant doubt. Penrith are playing to avoid the wooden spoon which is all of the sudden a real possibility should these stars be missing from their starting side.

Grand Final Hero - James Segeyaro (98) was named in the #9, played the full 80 minutes and looks certain to do the same again given the Panthers injury crisis. He is certainly worth considering for those using their final trades as a point of difference. Please check late mail as Ivan Cleary might bench him for playing well.

1. Jake Mamo 2. Nathan Ross 3. Sione Mata'utia 4. Dane Gagai 5. Akuila Uate 6. Kurt Gidley 7. Tyrone Roberts 8. Kade Snowden 9. Adam Clydsdale 10. Korbin Sims 11. Beau Scott 12. Tariq Sims 13. Chris Houston
Interchange: 14. Tyler Randell 15. Joseph Tapine 16. Clint Newton 17. Sam Mataora

Changes from Last Round

In - Clydsdale

Out - Levi

Analysis - Despite narrowly losing to the Bulldogs on Saturday night, the Knights arguably put together one of their best performances of the year for departing skipper Kurt Gidley's emotional home farewell. Newcastle are a proud club and will certainly not want him to finish with the spoon. Hooker Adam Clydsdale returns to the starting side.

Grand Final Hero - Kade Snowden (66) has been Newcastle's most consistent performers in 2015 and will almost certainly bang out 50-70 points in the front row. Solid pick up to sure up the front row.

St. George Illawarra Dragons v Wests Tigers
ANZ Stadium - Saturday 5:30pm

1. Josh Dugan 2. Eto Nabuli 3. Euan Aitken 4. Peter Mata'utia 5. Jason Nightingale 6. Gareth Widdop 7. Benji Marshall 8. Leeson Ah Mau 9. Mitch Rein 10. Mike Cooper 11. Tyson Frizell 12. Jake Marketo 13. Trent Merrin
Interchange: 14. George Rose 15. Ben Creagh 16. Mark Ioane 17. Jack de Belin 18. Craig Garvey 23. Justin Hunt

Changes from Last Round

In - Marketo, Nabuli

Out - Thompson, Farrell

Analysis - The Dragons were again awful last weekend, allowing the hapless Gold Coast to escape picking up the dreaded wooden spoon for 2015. Heading into the finals, it's hard to see them even making a ripple given their form in the past month. Dylan Farrell and Joel Thompson are out and replaced by the rugby bound Eto Nabuli and Jake Marketo.

Grand Final Hero - Trent Merrin (68) only played 54 minutes in another top notch performance. If anything surely Paul McGregor increases Merrin's minutes this weekend. Since starting in his favoured #13 jersey, Merrin has consistently racked up 60-75 points per game.

1. James Tedesco 2. David Nofoaluma 3. Kevin Naiqama 4. Tim Simona 5. Pat Richards 6. Mitchell Moses 7. Luke Brooks 8. Aaron Woods 9. Robbie Farah 10. Sauaso Sue 11. Curtis Sironen 12. Chris Lawrence 13. Martin Taupau
Interchange: 14. Kyle Lovett 15. Keith Galloway 16. Ava Seumanufagai 17. Dene Halatau 18. Manaia Cherrington

Changes from Last Round

In - Lovett

Out - Nil

Analysis - Has the Robbie Farah dramas brought out the best in the Tigers? After they thrashed the Warriors in an emotional afternoon at Campbelltown Stadium the signs all point to yes. Kyle Lovett returns to the side from injury. Wests are still in danger of getting the wooden spoon and have plenty to pay for given it may well be Robbie Farah's last game for the club.

Grand Final Hero - James Tedesco (125) was a sensational captain choice for those who pressed the orange C on him last week. Tedesco is a tackle busting machine and is in incredible form. He was a Semi Final hero last week, so no reason why he can't do it this week.

North Queensland Cowboys v Gold Coast Titans
1300SMILES Stadium - Saturday 7:30pm

1. Lachlan Coote 2. Kyle Feldt 3. Justin O'Neill 4. Kane Linnett 5. Antonio Winterstein 6. Ray Thompson 7. Johnathan Thurston 8. Matthew Scott 9. Jake Granville 10. James Tamou 11. Gavin Cooper 12. Ethan Lowe 13. Jason Taumalolo
Interchange: 14. Rory Kostjasyn 15. John Asiata 16. Scott Bolton 17. Ben Hannant 18. Ben Spina

Changes from Last Round

In -Tamou

Out - Nil

Analysis - North Queensland will be bitterly disappointed with their loss to the Storm last Saturday night and will be keen to get in one more strong performance before the finals begin next week. James Tamou returns in a massive boost for the side as they look to warm up for the finals.

Grand Final Hero - Jonathan Thurston (42) didn't have his best game against the Storm but he isn't the red hot Dally M Medal favourite for nothing. Nobody looks more hungry for a premiership than JT and don't be surprised if last week's loss to Melbourne lights the fuse.

1. Josh Hoffman 2. David Mead 3. James Roberts 4. Brad Tighe 5. Nene Macdonald 6. Daniel Mortimer 7. Kane Elgey 8. Luke Douglas 9. Beau Falloon 10. Ryan James 11. Agnatius Paasi 12. Dave Taylor 13. Lachlan Burr
Interchange: 14. Matt White 15. Eddy Pettybourne 16. Nathaniel Peteru 17. Kierran Moseley 18. Kalifa Faifai Loa 19. Matt Robinson 20. Leva Li

Changes from Last Round

In - James

Out - Nil

Analysis - The Titans ambushed the Dragons last start and now look almost certain to avoid last place. The Titans welcome back man mountain Ryan James giving them some more grunt in the forward pack. Kane Elgey has been one of the highlights in the Titans' ordinary 2015 season.

Grand Final Hero - Dave Taylor (128) plays his last game in Titans colours and was absolutely devastating against the Dragons. Get around him! Seriously you are mad…nobody from the Titans will win you a GF this weekend.

Parramatta Eels v Canberra Raiders
Pirtek Stadium - Sunday 2:00pm

1. Reece Robinson 2. Semi Radradra 3. William Hopoate 4. Ryan Morgan 5. Bureta Faraimo 6. Corey Norman 7. Luke Kelly 8. Junior Paulo 9. Isaac De Gois 10. Tim Mannah 11. Manu Ma'u 12. Tepai Moeroa 13. David Gower
Interchange: 14. Pauli Pauli 15. Darcy Lussick 16. Daniel Alvaro 17. Peni Terepo

Changes from Last Round

In - Nil

Out - Nil

Analysis - Parramatta gave the Sharks an almighty scare last week and play host to the Canberra Raiders in their final home game of the season. It's been a long season for the Eels and they will certainly want to leave their fans with some optimism heading into 2016.

Grand Final Hero - Semi Radradra (45) is just one try from equaling Steve Ella's long standing record for most tries in a season. Quite incredibly Radradra has scored 22 tries for the season in just 17 games! Surely they will look to put him away this weekend against a side that has leaked plenty of points on the edges this season.

1. Sisa Waqa 2. Edrick Lee 3. Jarrod Croker 4. Brenko Lee 5. Jordan Rapana 6. Mitchell Cornish 7. Sam Williams 8. Frank Paul Nuuausala 9. Josh Hodgson 10. David Shillington 11. Josh Papalii 12. Jarrad Kennedy 13. Shaun Fensom
Interchange: 14. Kurt Baptiste 15. Luke Bateman 16. Paul Vaughan 17. Shannon Boyd

Changes from Last Round

In - Rapana, Cornish

Out - Wighton, Austin

Analysis - Canberra came away with the two points at GIO Stadium in their last home game in the nation's capital over the injury riddled Panthers. The win however has come at a cost with their best attacking players in Blake Austin and Jack Wighton to miss the game through injury and suspension respectively. Jordan Rapana and Mitch Cornish come into the side as handy replacements.

Grand Final Hero - Shaun Fensom (88) managed to find the chalk against the Panthers but besides this great effort for owners has been getting great minutes (73min last week) off Ricky Stuart late in the season. Luke Bateman has been named on the bench which is still a slight concern.

Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks v Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles
Remondis Stadium - Sunday 4:00pm

1. Michael Gordon 2. Sosaia Feki 3. Gerard Beale 4. Ricky Leutele 5. Valentine Holmes 6. Jack Bird 7. Jeff Robson 8. Chris Heighington 9. Michael Ennis 10. Sam Tagataese 11. Luke Lewis 12. Wade Graham 13. Paul Gallen
Interchange: 14. Matt Prior 15. Anthony Tupou 16. Tinirau Arona 17. Jayson Bukuya 19. Ben Barba

Changes from Last Round

In - Tupou, Barba

Out - Nil

Analysis - The Sharks can clinch an all important Top 4 spot against arch rivals the Manly Sea Eagles in what promises to be one of the matches of the round. Stuart Flanagan has an embarrassment of riches at his disposal this week with Ben Barba and Anthony Tupou returning to the squad.

Grand Final Hero - Paul Gallen (79) is a safe bet for captain choice this weekend and you can bet he will be hell bent on making sure the Sharks get a second bite of the cherry for this year's finals series.

1. Brett Stewart 2. Jorge Taufua 3. Jamie Lyon 4. Steve Matai 5. Peta Hiku 6. Kieran Foran 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Jake Trbojevic 9. Jayden Hodges 10. Ligi Sao 11. Feleti Mateo 12. Justin Horo 13. Blake Leary
Interchange: 14. Jesse Sene-Lefao 15. Dunamis Lui 16. Tom Symonds 17. Josh Starling 18. James Hasson

Changes from Last Round

In - Sene-Lafao

Out - Mason

Analysis - Manly were thrashed by the competition heavyweights the Roosters last Friday but you can bet the players won't want to send coach and club legend Geoff Toovey out with back to back losses. Manly have again lost Willie Mason to suspension and he is replaced in the starting side by Ligi Sao, with Jesse Sene-Lafao returning from the bench.

Grand Final Hero - Jamie Lyon (47) has been in great form for the Sea Eagles and if the Sea Eagles are to push for an upset, their captain will be one of the key figures. History shows he loves the big matches.

Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs v New Zealand Warriors
ANZ Stadium - Sunday 6:30pm

1. Brett Morris 2. Curtis Rona 3. Josh Morris 4. Timoteo Lafai 5. Sam Perrett 6. Josh Reynolds 7. Moses Mbye 8. Aiden Tolman 9. Damien Cook 10. James Graham 11. Josh Jackson 12. Frank Pritchard 13. Greg Eastwood
Interchange: 14. Sam Kasiano 15. Shaun Lane 16. David Klemmer 17. Tim Browne 19. Lloyd Perrett 20. Chase Stanley

Changes from Last Round

In - Reynolds, Tolman

Out - Hodkinson

Analysis - Canterbury again showed they have what it takes to be a force in this year's competition after overcoming an extremely passionate Newcastle side last Saturday. In a major blow, the Bulldogs have lost NSW Origin halfback Trent Hodkinson for the season. Josh Reynolds does return, which fans hope will offset the loss of Hodkinson. Underated prop, Aiden Tolman also returns to the starting side which sees the in form Sam Kasiano return to the bench.

Grand Final Hero - Brett Morris (30) was kept busy in defence against the Knights, however tends to rely on attacking stats in general. Previously Morris scored a season low 10 points against Cronulla in a similar game to the Knights match on Saturday. He promptly punched out a 100+ score the very next week and the Warriors have leaked a lot of points in the past month.

1. Tuimoala Lolohea 2. Matthew Allwood 3. Dominique Peyroux 4. Solomone Kata 5. Jonathan Wright 6. Chad Townsend 7. Mason Lino 8. Albert Vete 9. Nathan Friend 10. Ben Matulino 11. Bodene Thompson 12. Ryan Hoffman 13. Simon Mannering
Interchange: 14. Konrad Hurrell 15. Raymond Faitala-Mariner 16. Sebastine Ikahihifo 17. Sam Lisone 18. Siliva Havili

Changes from Last Round

In - Townsend, Matulino, Faitala-Mariner

Out - Tomkins, Gubb, Lousi

Analysis - The Warriors were hammered by the Tigers last start, however welcome back five eighth Chad Townsend, who plays his last game for the club. They also welcome back New Zealand prop Ben Matulino in a huge boost to their forward pack. The Warriors are staring down the barrel of 8 straight defeats to finish the season, after looking like contenders mid way through the season.

Grand Final Hero - Simon Mannering (45) picked up a virus last week and was certainly below his best against the Wests Tigers. He should be 100% this week and unlike some of his teammates has refused to quit since the end of Shaun Johnson's season.