NRL team lists: Every side’s predicted lineup for Round 5

Mark Molyneux

NRL team lists: Every side’s predicted lineup for Round 5 image

A wave of shock wins, disastrous injuries and a handful of suspensions is sure to shake things up in the NRL for Round 5. 

Penrith are staring down the barrel of four straight losses but could welcome Dylan Edwards and Nathan Cleary back to the fold, while South Sydney could be boosted by the return of Latrell Mitchell for their clash against the Sydney Roosters. 

Manly will be forced to do without their talisman Tom Trbojevic after he was sidelined with a knee injury last week, with the likes of Brian To'o, Kayal Iro and Victor Radley joining him in the casualty ward. 

Elsewhere, the Dolphins and Parramatta are the only remaining winless teams in the competition with Kristian Woolf and Jason Ryles already under mounting pressure. 

MORE: NRL Injury List - All the latest news and updates

Canberra Raiders vs. Cronulla Sharks 

(Thursday, April 3 at GIO Stadium, 8:00pm AEDT)

Canberra predicted team:

1. Kaeo Weekes 
2. Savelio Tamale 
3. Matthew Timoko
4. Seb Kris
5. Xavier Savage
6. Ethan Strange
7. Jamal Fogarty 
8. Josh Papali'i 
9. Tom Starling
10. Joe Tapine
11. Hudson Young
12. Matty Nicholson 
13. Morgan Smithies 

14. Owen Pattie
15. Corey Horsburgh 
16. Trey Mooney 
17. Ata Mariota

Raiders team news:

Kaeo Weekes endured a difficult night under the high ball against the Sharks but is set to keep his spot at fullback ahead of Chevy Stewart, who scored a try and clocked just under 200 run metres in reserve grade.  

Josh Papali'i and Joe Tapine were put on report in Round 4 but have both avoided suspension, so will take their place in the starting side. 

Corey Horsburgh, who has also avoided a ban, started at lock and Trey Mooney started up front against North Queensland but both men could drop to the bench to accommodate the return of Morgan Smithies

The Englishman is likely to be named in his customary lock position after missing the Cowboys loss due to a head knock. Meanwhile, Papali'i was initially named to start in the front row but dropped to the pine in a late switch with Mooney. 

Mooney and Simi Sasagi are likely to be competing for the final spot on the bench. 

Cronulla predicted team:

1. Will Kennedy
2. Samuel Stonestreet
3. Jesse Ramien 
4. Daniel Atkinson 
5. Ronaldo Mulitalo 
6. Braydon Trindall 
7. Nicho Hynes
8. Addin Fonua-Blake
9. Blayke Brailey 
10. Oregon Kaufusi 
11. Briton Nikora 
12. Teig Wilton 
13. Cameron McInnes

14. Jayden Berrell 
15. Tom Hazelton 
16. Toby Rudolf
17. Tuku Hau Tapuha

Sharks team news: 

Cronulla lost to Canterbury last week and saw two stars go down injured to give Craig Fitzgibbon some selection headaches. 

Kayal Iro suffered a hamstring issue and will likely need to be replaced in the centres, while Sifa Talakai will miss at least one game after failing his HIA against the Bulldogs. 

Daniel Atkinson could be promoted off the bench to take over from Iro, alternatively Mawene Hiroti could be drafted into the backline. 

Tom Hazelton has missed the past three weeks with a back injury but could finally return to the bench to replace Talakai. 

Jayden Berrell will be a leading contender to take the utility role on the pine if Atkinson is moved into the starting side. 

Braden Hamlin-Uele remains sidelined with a knee injury, so Tuku Hau Tapuha will keep his place in the 17. 

Penrith Panthers vs. North Queensland Cowboys

(Friday, April 4 at CommBank Stadium, 6:00pm AEDT)

Penrith predicted team:

1. Dylan Edwards
2. Paul Alamoti 
3. Izack Tago
4. Thomas Jenkins 
5. Casey McLean
6. Jack Cole
7. Nathan Cleary
8. Moses Leota
9. Mitch Kenny
10. Lindsay Smith
11. Luke Garner
12. Liam Martin
13. Isaah Yeo

14. Daine Laurie 
15. Liam Henry
16. Isaiah Papali'i 
17. Matthew Eisenhuth 

Panthers team news:

Penrith are set to receive two massive boosts as they attempt to avoid an unprecedented fourth straight defeat. 

Dylan Edwards is scheduled to return after missing the past few weeks, while Nathan Cleary should be back on deck after suffering a concussion in Round 3. 

Daine Laurie will go back to the bench and act as the utility, while Brad Schneider will drop to the reserves. 

Trent Toelau, who replaced Cleary at halfback during the loss to South Sydney, suffered a knee injury in the game and will not be available. 

Tom Jenkins bumped Casey McLean out of the side in the centres and will likely keep his spot despite the loss, although McLean could be back in the side to replace the injured Brian To'o

Scott Sorensen copped a head knock against the Bunnies and will be unavailable for this one with either Isaiah Papali'i, who started at prop in Round 4, or Luke Garner taking the vacant place in the backrow. 

Lindsay Smith was named to start up front but dropped to the bench in a late switch last week. The prop will be named to start in this one, with Luron Patea or Matthew Eisenhuth likely to be the new face on the pine. 

North Queensland predicted team:

1. Scott Drinkwater 
2. Robert Derby 
3. Jaxon Purdue
4. Viliami Vailea
5. Murray Taulagi 
6. Tom Dearden 
7. Jake Clifford 
8. Jordan McLean
9. Reece Robson 
10. Jason Taumalolo
11. John Bateman
12. Jeremiah Nanai 
13. Reuben Cotter 

14. Sam McIntyre 
15. Kai O'Donnell
16. Griffin Neame
17. Coen Hess

Cowboys team news: 

Todd Payten is likely to stick with the same 17 who got the job done against Canberra as the club grabbed their first win of the season. 

South Sydney Rabbitohs vs. Sydney Roosters

(Friday, April 4 at Accor Stadium, 8:00pm AEDT)

South Sydney predicted team:

1. Latrell Mitchell
2. Jye Gray
3. Jack Wighton 
4. Isaiah Tass
5. Mikaele Ravalawa
6. Cody Walker
7. Jamie Humphreys
8. Sean Keppie
9.  Peter Mamouzelos
10. Tevita Tatola
11. Keaon Koloamatangi
12. Jai Arrow
13. Lachlan Hubner

14. Jayden Sullivan
15. Davvy Moale
16. Tallis Duncan
17. Siliva Havili

Rabbitohs team news:

Latrell Mitchell could return to the fold in a major boost for the Bunnies after the fullback has missed the opening month of the campaign with a hamstring injury. 

If the star does return, Wayne Bennett could opt to shift Jye Gray to the wing after Alex Johnston's return proved short-lived as he picked up a shoulder issue against the Panthers. 

Campbell Graham was sidelined with a calf injury last week and is likely to remain on the sidelines for the time being. 

Tevita Tatola was promoted off the bench last week for Davvy Moale and could be named to start up front in Round 5. 

Lachlan Hubner will return at lock after serving a two-match ban. He will replace Tallis Duncan, with the youngster going to the bench and Liam Le Blanc dropping out of the side. 

Sydney predicted team:

1. James Tedesco
2. Daniel Tupou
3. Mark Nawaqanitawase 
4. Robert Toia
5. Dom Young
6. Sandon Smith
7. Chad Townsend
8. Naufahu Whyte 
9. Connor Watson 
10. Lindsay Collins
11. Angus Crichton
12. Siua Wong  
13. Nat Butcher

14. Zach Dockar-Clay
15. Spencer Leniu 
16. Blake Steep
17. Salesi Foketi

Roosters team news: 

Billy Smith continued his recovery from injury in the NSW Cup last week with the centre scoring a try and running for 100 metres during his side's win over Canberra. He will apply pressure on Robert Toia

Connor Watson will be back on deck at hooker after missing Round 4 with concussion. He will take the No.9 jersey with Zach Dockar-Clay dropping to the bench and Hugo Savala going out of the side. 

Spencer Leniu avoided a ban after being cited for a high shot during his side's loss to the Titans. Lindsay Collins could replace him in the starting side though after he returned from illness last week via the bench. 

Victor Radley suffered a fractured cheekbone during his side's Round 4 defeat and will be out of the side with Nat Butcher potentially taking over at lock. 

Salesi Foketi could return to the fold after serving his two-match suspension. 

Parramatta Eels vs. St George Illawarra Dragons

(Saturday, April 5 at CommBank Stadium, 3:00pm AEDT)

Parramatta predicted team:

1. Isaiah Iongi
2. Sean Russell
3. Will Penisini
4. Zac Lomax 
5. Josh Addo-Carr 
6. Dylan Brown
7. Dean Hawkins
8. Joe Ofahengaue
9. Joey Lussick 
10. Junior Paulo
11. Shaun Lane
12. Kitione Kautoga
13. J'maine Hopgood

14. Ryley Smith 
15. Dylan Walker
16. Dan Keir
17. Sam Tuivaiti

Eels team news:

Bailey Simonsson played on the wing in the NSW Cup last week and ran for 159 metres, busted through six tackles and made two offloads as the Eels lost to the Sea Eagles. He will apply pressure to Sean Russell

Jason Ryles may choose to throw recruit Dylan Walker straight into the side in the halves or use him off the bench after his arrival from the Warriors. 

Joe Ofahengaue will continue up front after being promoted off the pine following Jack Williams' injury. 

Charlie Guymer, Sam Tuivaiti and Dan Keir will be fighting to keep their spots in the 17. 

St George Illawarra predicted team:

1. Clint Gutherson 
2. Tyrell Sloan
3. Moses Suli
4. Valentine Holmes
5. Christian Tuipulotu
6. Kyle Flanagan
7. Lachlan Ilias
8. Toby Couchman
9. Damien Cook
10. David Klemmer 
11. Luciano Leilua
12. Jaydn Su'A
13. Jack de Belin

14. Jacob Liddle
15. Blake Lawrie
16. Hamish Stewart 
17. Dylan Egan 

Dragons team news: 

Shane Flanagan is unlikely to make any changes to his side other than enforced ones. 

Emre Guler is looking at a lengthy suspension for a crusher tackle during his side's upset win over the Storm. Toby Couchman is likely to start up front alongside David Klemmer in his place. 

Raymond Faitala-Mariner or Blake Lawrie could be restored to the 17 in Guler's absence. 

Gold Coast Titans vs. Dolphins

(Saturday, April 5 at Cbus Super Stadium, 5:30pm AEDT)

Gold Coast predicted team:

1. Jaylan de Groot
2. Tony Francis 
3. Brian Kelly
4. Phillip Sami
5. Jojo Fifita
6. AJ Brimson 
7. Jayden Campbell
8. Mo Fotuaika
9. Sam Verrills 
10. Reagan Campbell-Gillard
11. Klese Haas 
12. Beau Fermor
13. Tino Fa'asuamaleaui 

14. Chris Randall
15. David Fifita 
16. Jaimin Jolliffe
17. Brock Gray

Titans team news:

Des Hasler is tipped to name a settled side after the Gold Coast claimed their second win on the bounce last week. 

Jaylan de Groot got the nod at fullback after Keano Kini was ruled out for an extended period with a neck injury and the youngster will continue in the No.1 jersey. 

Tony Francis will continue on the wing with Alofiana Khan-Pereira still sidelined with a hamstring issue. 

Jaimin Jolliffe has missed the past two wins due to a calf injury he picked up in Round 2. If the prop is cleared to return, he could push Iszac Fa'asuamaleaui or Brock Gray off the bench. 

Dolphins predicted team:

1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow
2. Jamayne Isaako
3. Jake Averillo 
4. Herbie Farnworth
5. Jack Bostock
6. Kodi Nikorima
7. Isaiya Katoa
8. Daniel Saifiti
9. Jeremy Marshall-King
10. Felise Kaufusi
11. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki
12. Oryn Keeley
13. Max Plath

14. Kurt Donoghoe
15. Mark Nicholls 
16. Ray Stone
17. Kenny Bromwich

Dolphins team news:

The Phins remain winless under Kristian Woolf and could now have to do without their skipper Tom Gilbert after he was cited for a high shot in Round 4. 

If suspended, Max Plath could take over at lock with Oryn Keeley recalled on an edge. Alternatively, Ray Stone could be handed the No.13 jersey. 

Kenny Bromwich was a late addition to the bench last week and could keep his spot ahead of Josh Kerr and the still injured Connelly Lemuelu

Francis Molo is unlikely to be thrown straight into action after his move from the Dragons with Woolf revealing he would have to build up his fitness. 

Brisbane Broncos vs. Wests Tigers

(Saturday, April 5 at Suncorp Stadium, 7:35pm AEDT)

Brisbane predicted team:

1. Reece Walsh
2. Selwyn Cobbo
3. Kotoni Staggs
4. Gehamat Shibasaki
5. Jesse Arthars
6. Ben Hunt
7. Adam Reynolds
8. Patrick Carrigan 
9. Cory Paix
10. Payne Haas
11. Jack Gosiewski
12. Brendan Piakura
13. Kobe Hetherington 

14. Billy Walters
15. Corey Jensen
16. Xavier Willison 
17. Jaiyden Hunt

Broncos team news:

Jordan Riki is looking at two weeks on the sidelines after being cited for a high shot during his side's win over the Dolphins. 

Brendan Piakura could replace him in the backrow with Jaiyden Hunt, Ben Te Kura and Martin Taupau in the fight to grab the vacant bench spot. 

Wests Tigers predicted team:

1. Jahream Bula
2. Sunia Turuva
3. Adam Doueihi 
4. Starford To'a 
5. Jeral Skelton
6. Lachlan Galvin
7. Latu Fainu
8. Terrell May
9. Api Koroisau
10. Fonua Pole
11. Jack Bird
12. Alex Seyfarth
13. Alex Twal

14. Tallyn Da Silva 
15. Royce Hunt
16. Tony Sukkar
17. Sione Fainu

Tigers team news: 

Benji Marshall had to field an unfamiliar backline during the Tigers' loss to the Warriors with Jeral Skelton ruled out with a leg injury and Adam Doueihi then going down in the warm-up with a groin injury. 

The injured duo could be back on deck for this one though with Jack Bird moving into the second row and Solomona Faataape dropping out of the side. 

In a major blow, Jarome Luai has been hit with a one-match ban for a high tackle in Round 4. Latu Fainu could replace him at halfback. 

Samuela Fainu suffered a leg injury against the Warriors and is expected to be sidelined with Bird likely to take his spot on an edge. Tony Sukkar could be the new face on the bench. 

Manly Sea Eagles vs. Melbourne Storm

(Sunday, April 6 at 4 Pines Park, 4:05pm AEST)

Manly predicted team:

1. Lehi Hopoate
2. Jason Saab
3. Tolu Koula
4. Reuben Garrick
5. Clayton Faulalo
6. Luke Brooks
7. Daly Cherry-Evans
8. Josh Aloiai
9. Jazz Tevaga
10. Siosiua Taukeiaho
11. Haumole Olakau’atu
12. Ben Trbojevic
13. Jake Trbojevic

14. Jake Simpkin 
15. Corey Waddell 
16. Ethan Bullemor
17. Nathan Brown 

Sea Eagles team news:

Tom Trbojevic is looking at a spell on the sidelines after suffering a knee injury against the Eels. 

Lehi Hopoate will take over at fullback with Clayton Faulalo or Tommy Talau brought onto the wing. 

Josh Aloiai is in doubt after struggling with an AC joint injury in Round 4. If the prop is ruled out, Nathan Brown is likely to take his place up front with Tof Sipley added to the pine. 

Lachlan Croker is nearing a return after missing the opening month of the campaign with a knee injury. His inclusion would likely see Jake Simpkin drop out of the side. 

Melbourne predicted team:

1. Ryan Papenhuyzen 
2. Will Warbrick
3. Jack Howarth
4. Grant Anderson 
5. Xavier Coates
6. Cameron Munster
7. Tyran Wishart 
8. Stefano Utoikamanu
9. Harry Grant
10. Josh King
11. Shawn Blore
12. Eli Katoa
13. Trent Loiero

14. Bronson Garlick 
15. Alec MacDonald
16. Tui Kamikamica
17. Nelson Asofa-Solomona

Storm team news: 

Despite suffering a shock loss to the Dragons, Craig Bellamy is unlikely to make too many changes with Nick Meaney and Jahrome Hughes still sidelined. 

However, the Storm will be boosted by the return of Nelson Asofa-Solomona, who will replace Marion Seve in the 17. 

Canterbury Bulldogs vs. Newcastle Knights

(Sunday, April 6 at Accor Stadium, 6:15pm AEST)

Canterbury predicted team:

1. Connor Tracey 
2. Blake Wilson 
3. Bronson Xerri 
4. Stephen Crichton 
5. Marcelo Montoya 
6. Bailey Hayward 
7. Toby Sexton 
8. Max King
9. Reed Mahoney 
10. Daniel Suluka-Fifita 
11. Josh Curran
12. Jacob Preston 
13. Jaeman Salmon 

14. Kurt Mann
15. Harry Hayes
16. Kurtis Morrin 
17. Jack Todd

Bulldogs team news:

Cameron Ciraldo is set to name pretty much the same side which got the job done against Cronulla, with Jacob Kiraz, Matt Burton, Viliame Kikau and Sam Hughes still sidelined. 

Reed Mahoney copped two charges for incidents during his side's win over the Sharks, although he is free to take his place at hooker this week. 

Sitili Tupouniua will not feature though after he copped a one-match ban for a high tackle. Kurtis Morrin could replace him on the pine. 

Newcastle predicted team:

1. Kalyn Ponga 
2. James Schiller
3. Dane Gagai
4. Bradman Best 
5. Greg Marzhew 
6. Fletcher Sharpe
7. Jack Cogger 
8. Jacob Saifiti
9. Phoenix Crossland 
10. Brodie Jones
11. Dylan Lucas
12. Tyson Frizell 
13. Adam Elliott

14. Jayden Brailey 
15. Jack Hetherington 
16. Mat Croker
17. Thomas Cant 

Knights team news: 

Fresh off the bye, Adam O'Brien will be looking for an improved showing from his side after their loss to the Titans in Round 3. 

Leo Thompson and Kai Pearce-Paul are still unavailable, so Brodie Jones and Tyson Frizell are set to continue at prop and on an edge, respectively. 

Dylan Lucas missed the loss to the Titans after suffering a hamstring strain although he could be back on deck for this one. 

Jermaine McEwen could drop out as a result of his inclusion, while Thomas Cant will remain in the 17. 

Mark Molyneux

Mark Molyneux is a freelance writer covering the NRL and UFC for Sporting News Australia. He has previously worked in the music industry and as a teacher around the world.