St George Illawarra has named prop George Burgess in the teamlist this afternoon despite police charges being laid against him.
Burgess yesterday attended Mascot police station, where he was charged with “sexually touch another person without consent” over an alleged incident involving a woman.
He is due to face court on April 13.
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But less than 24 hours later, the Dragons announced Burgess in the extended squad for Thursday’s game against Cronulla.
Burgess has not been stood down by the NRL or his club.
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“The Dragons are yet to receive the necessary and required information pertaining to the Burgess matter and therefore cannot come to a decision on the player’s availability for round three,” the club said.
“The NRL’s stringent team selection process requires the Dragons to select a 24-man squad on Tuesday afternoon.
“The Dragons will continue to work closely with all relevant parties, including the NRL integrity unit and police, to determine the next steps surrounding this matter.”
THURSDAY
St George Illawarra Dragons vs Cronulla Sharks at WIN Stadium, 8.05pm (all times in AEDT)
Referee: Gerard Sutton
Dragons: 1. Tyrell Sloan 2. Cody Ramsey 3. Moses Suli 4. Zac Lomax 5. Mikaele Ravalawa 6. Talatau Amone 7. Ben Hunt 8. Francis Molo 9. Moses Mbye 10. Blake Lawrie 11. Jack Bird 12. Jaydn Su’A 13. Tariq Sims 14. Jack de Belin 15. Josh Kerr 16. Jackson Ford 17. Jack Gosiewski 18. Tautau Moga 19. Poasa Faamausili 20. Daniel Alvaro 21. Mathew Feagai 22. Jaiyden Hunt 23. Michael Molo 24. George Burgess
Analysis: George Burgess has been named in the extended squad despite being charged by police on Monday night. Burgess has not been stood down by the NRL or the club.
Sharks: 1. William Kennedy 2. Sione Katoa 3. Jesse Ramien 4. Connor Tracey 5. Matt Ikuvalu 6. Matt Moylan 7. Nicho Hynes 8. Toby Rudolf 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Braden Hamlin-Uele 11. Briton Nikora 12. Siosifa Talakai 13. Dale Finucane 14. Aiden Tolman 15. Cameron McInnes 16. Braydon Trindall 17. Andrew Fifita 18. Luke Metcalf 19. Royce Hunt 20. Jack Williams 21. Lachlan Miller 22. Franklin Pele 23. Jenson Taumoepeau 24. Thomas Hazelton
Analysis: The Sharks lose Ronaldo Mulitalo to injury and Teig Wilton to suspension. Matt Ikuvalu and Siosifa Talakai replace them respectively. Braydon Trindall is back from suspension, but starts on the bench with Matt Moylan retaining the No.6 jumper.
FRIDAY
Wests Tigers vs Warriors at Campbelltown Sports Stadium, 6pm
Referee: Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamski
Tigers: 1. Daine Laurie 2. David Nofoaluma 3. James Roberts 4. Oliver Gildart 5. Ken Maumalo 6. Jackson Hastings 7. Luke Brooks 8. James Tamou 9. Jacob Liddle 10. Stefano Utoikamanu 11. Luke Garner 12. Luciano Leilua 13. Joe Ofahengaue 14. Tyrone Peachey 15. Alex Twal 16. Zane Musgrove 17. Jake Simpkin 18. Thomas Mikaele 19. Jock Madden 20. Alex Seyfarth 21. Starford To’a 22. Tukimihia Simpkins 23. Austin Dias 24. Ruatapu Ngatikaura
Analysis: James Tamou was withdrawn in the warm-up on Sunday but he’s named to come back this week, pushing Alex Twal to the bench and Thomas Mikaele out of the team. Luke Garner comes into the backrow to replace Kelma Tuilagi. Jacob Liddle returns from injury to line up at hooker. Jackson Hastings is named, but fronts the NRL judiciary tonight to fight a suspension.
Warriors: 1. Reece Walsh 2. Adam Pompey 3. Jesse Arthars 4. Rocco Berry 5. Marcelo Montoya 6. Chanel Harris-Tavita 7. Kodi Nikorima 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Wayde Egan 10. Matt Lodge 11. Euan Aitken 12. Eliesa Katoa 13. Josh Curran 14. Jazz Tevaga 15. Bunty Afoa 16. Aaron Pene 17. Bayley Sironen 18. Jack Murchie 20. Ben Murdoch-Masila 21. Taniela Otukolo 22. Pride Petterson-Robati 23. Peesi Kepu 24. Junior Ratuva 25. Edward Kosi
Analysis: Ash Taylor is out after making his club debut last week, but the Warriors says it’s a hip complaint that has sidelined him, not simply being axed. Kodi Nikorima comes into the halves in his place.
South Sydney Rabbitohs vs Sydney Roosters at Accor Stadium, 8.05pm
Referee: Grant Atkins
Rabbitohs: 1. Latrell Mitchell 2. Alex Johnston 3. Taane Milne 4. Campbell Graham 5. Jaxson Paulo 6. Cody Walker 7. Lachlan Ilias 8. Tevita Tatola 9. Damien Cook 10. Mark Nicholls 11. Keaon Koloamatangi 12. Jai Arrow 13. Cameron Murray 14. Jacob Host 15. Siliva Havili 16. Thomas Burgess 17. Liam Knight 18. Josh Mansour 19. Michael Chee Kam 20. Richard Kennar 21. Davvy Moale 22. Dean Hawkins 23. Peter Mamouzelos 24. Isaiah Tass
Analysis: Taane Milne is named at centre and Jaxson Paulo on the wing, after the pair switched to those positions during last week’s narrow loss to Melbourne. The Rabbitohs instantly played better when that change happened.
Roosters: 1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Paul Momirovski 4. Joseph Manu 5. Billy Smith 6. Sam Walker 7. Luke Keary 8. Lindsay Collins 9. Connor Watson 10. Siosiua Taukeiaho 11. Nat Butcher 12. Sitili Tupouniua 13. Victor Radley 14. Drew Hutchison 15. Fletcher Baker 16. Angus Crichton 17. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves 18. Lachlan Lam 19. Daniel Suluka-Fifita 20. Freddy Lussick 21. Naufahu Whyte 22. Adam Keighran 23. Renouf Atoni 24. Kevin Naiqama
Analysis: Origin backrower Angus Crichton has been benched and replaced by Nat Butcher in the starting side. Connor Watson is back at hooker, pushing Drew Hutchison to the bench.
SATURDAY
Penrith Panthers vs Newcastle Knights at Carrington Park (Bathurst), 3pm
Referee: Peter Gough
Panthers: 1. Dylan Edwards 2. Charlie Staines 3. Izack Tago 4. Stephen Crichton 5. Taylan May 6. Jarome Luai 7. Sean O’Sullivan 8. Matthew Eisenhuth 9. Apisai Koroisau 10. James Fisher-Harris 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Liam Martin 13. Isaah Yeo 14. Mitch Kenny 15. Scott Sorensen 16. Spencer Leniu 17. Jaeman Salmon 18. J’maine Hopgood 19. Chris Smith 20. Robert Jennings 21. Lindsay Smith 22. Soni Luke 23. Kurt Falls 24. Nathan Cleary
Analysis: Brian To’o is out for a number of weeks, and Taylan May is named to replace him on the wing. Nathan Cleary is in the reserves list, despite the Panthers saying the halfback would miss at least the first three games of the season as he recovers from shoulder surgery.
Knights: 1. Kalyn Ponga 2. Dominic Young 3. Dane Gagai 4. Bradman Best 5. Enari Tuala 6. Jake Clifford 7. Adam Clune 8. Jacob Saifiti 9. Chris Randall 10. Daniel Saifiti 11. Tyson Frizell 12. Mitchell Barnett 13. Kurt Mann 14. Phoenix Crossland 15. Jirah Momoisea 16. Leo Thompson 17. Mathew Croker 18. Simi Sasagi 19. Tex Hoy 20. Edrick Lee 21. Sauaso Sue 22. Dylan Lucas 23. Brayden Musgrove 24. Jaron Purcell
Analysis: Kalyn Ponga is named, having been a late withdrawl due to injury in round two. Daniel Saifiti also returns from injury to take his place in the front row, pushing Mitchell Barnett to the backrow to replace the injured Lachlan Fitzgibbon.
Melbourne Storm vs Parramatta Eels at AAMI Park, 5.30pm
Referee: Ashley Klein
Storm: 1. Ryan Papenhuyzen 2. Dean Ieremia 3. Reimis Smith 4. Justin Olam 5. Xavier Coates 6. Cameron Munster 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Jesse Bromwich 9. Harry Grant 10. Nelson Asofa-Solomona 11. Felise Kaufusi 12. Kenneath Bromwich 13. Josh King 14. Tyran Wishart 15. Alec MacDonald 16. Trent Loiero 17. Tepai Moeroa 18. Chris Lewis 19. Nick Meaney 20. Jonah Pezet 21. Jayden Nikorima 22. William Warbrick 23. Brandon Smith 24. Sualauvi Faalogo
Analysis: Harry Grant was named in the team, but has since tested positive for COVID-19. His replacement at hooker will be named “later in the week”, according to the club. Brandon Smith is named in the extended squad, as he races to overcome a broken hand.
Eels: 1. Clinton Gutherson 2. Waqa Blake 3. Viliami Penisini 4. Tom Opacic 5. Bailey Simonsson 6. Dylan Brown 7. Mitchell Moses 8. Reagan Campbell-Gillard 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Junior Paulo 11. Shaun Lane 12. Isaiah Papali’i 13. Nathan Brown 14. Makahesi Makatoa 15. Wiremu Greig 16. Ray Stone 17. Oregon Kaufusi 18. Bryce Cartwright 19. Brendan Hands 20. Ky Rodwell 21. Hayze Perham 22. Solomone Naiduki 23. Luca Moretti 24. Samuel Loizou
Analysis: Nathan Brown comes into the starting side, having not even been in their round one squad. He pushes Oregon Kaufusi to the bench, joining Wiremu Greig who reaplces Jake Arthur, who will miss the next few weeks after having his appendix removed.
Canberra Raiders vs Gold Coast Titans at GIO Stadium, 7.35pm
Referee: Chris Sutton
Raiders: 1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 2. Nick Cotric 3. Matthew Timoko 4. Semi Valemei 5. Jordan Rapana 6. Jack Wighton 7. Brad Schneider 8. Josh Papalii 9. Tom Starling 10. Joseph Tapine 11. Hudson Young 12. Corey Harawira-Naera 13. Elliott Whitehead 14. Matt Frawley 15. Emre Guler 16. Adam Elliott 17. Corey Horsburgh 18. Xavier Savage 19. Ryan Sutton 20. Adrian Trevilyan 21. Sebastian Kris 22. Sam Williams 23. Trey Mooney 24. Harry Rushton
Analysis: Rookie halfback Brad Schneider returns from COVID-19 protocols, and pushes Matt Frawley to the bench. Both first-choice wingers – Nick Cotric and Jordan Rapana – are back from injuries.
Titans: 1. Jayden Campbell 2. Phillip Sami 3. Brian Kelly 4. Patrick Herbert 5. Greg Marzhew 6. Alexander Brimson 7. Toby Sexton 8. Moeaki Fotuaika 9. Erin Clark 10. Isaac Liu 11. David Fifita 12. Beau Fermor 13. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui 14. Will Smith 15. Sam Lisone 16. Jaimin Jolliffe 17. Kevin Proctor 18. Herman Ese’ese 19. Esan Marsters 20. Jarrod Wallace 21. Sam McIntyre 22. Jamayne Isaako 23. Paul Turner 24. Sosefo Fifita
Analysis: New recruit Jamayne Isaako is in the extended squad, but will not play unless there’s a late team change.
SUNDAY
Brisbane Broncos vs North Queensland Cowboys at Suncorp Stadium, 4.05pm
Referee: Adam Gee
Broncos: 1. Tesi Niu 2. Corey Oates 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Herbie Farnworth 5. Selwyn Cobbo 6. Albert Kelly 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Keenan Palasia 9. Jake Turpin 10. Payne Haas 11. Kurt Capewell 12. Jordan Riki 13. Patrick Carrigan 14. Ryan James 15. Kobe Hetherington 16. TC Robati 17. Billy Walters 18. David Mead 19. Rhys Kennedy 20. Tyson Gamble 21. Jordan Pereira 22. Cory Paix 23. Brenko Lee 24. Corey Jensen
Analysis: Brisbane has named the same side that beat the Bulldogs on Sunday.
Cowboys: 1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 2. Kyle Feldt 3. Valentine Holmes 4. Peta Hiku 5. Murray Taulagi 6. Tom Dearden 7. Chad Townsend 8. Jordan McLean 9. Reece Robson 10. Coen Hess 11. Tom Gilbert 12. Jeremiah Nanai 13. Jason Taumalolo 14. Jake Granville 15. Heilum Luki 16. Reuben Cotter 17. Griffin Neame 18. Emry Pere 19. Scott Drinkwater 20. Connelly Lemuelu 21. Brendan Elliot 22. Ben Condon 23. Jamayne Taunoa-Brown 24. Daejarn Asi
Analysis: A knee injury has ended Mitchell Dunn’s year, and Reuben Cotter comes in to replace him.
Manly Sea Eagles vs Canterbury Bulldogs at 4 Pines Park, 6.15pm
Referee: Ben Cummins
Sea Eagles: 1. Tom Trbojevic 2. Jason Saab 3. Brad Parker 4. Morgan Harper 5. Reuben Garrick 6. Kieran Foran 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Sean Keppie 9. Lachlan Croker 10. Martin Taupau 11. Haumole Olakau’atu 12. Ethan Bullemor 13. Jake Trbojevic 14. Dylan Walker 15. Karl Lawton 16. Andrew Davey 17. Taniela Paseka 18. Toafofoa Sipley 19. Morgan Boyle 20. Tolutau Koula 21. Jorge Taufua 22. Alec Tuitavake 23. Christian Tuipulotu 24. James Roumanos
Analysis: Unchanged from last week’s team.
Bulldogs: 1. Matt Dufty 2. Jayden Okunbor 3. Braidon Burns 4. Brent Naden 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Matt Burton 7. Jake Averillo 8. Luke Thompson 9. Jeremy Marshall-King 10. Paul Vaughan 11. Jack Hetherington 12. Tevita Pangai Junior 13. Josh Jackson 14. Bailey Biondi-Odo 15. Corey Waddell 16. Max King 17. Ava Seumanufagai 19. Chris Patolo 20. Brandon Wakeham 21. Joe Stimson 22. Kyle Flanagan 23. Reece Hoffman 24. Josh Cook 25. Aaron Schoupp
Analysis: Luke Thompson is back at starting prop, with Corey Waddell benched.
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