Fifteen NRL clubs are gearing up for the second match of the season, while the Wests Tigers will play their first NRL match since being awarded their second consecutive wooden spoon.
Unfortunately, several representatives are in doubt to play this weekend including Cameron Munster, Siosifa Talakai, Josh Addo-Carr and Mitchell Moses, among others.
Penrith Panthers vs Parramatta Eels
Hooker Mitch Kenny returns to the team this week after a one-week suspension, which will push Luke Sommeton out of the team.
According to The Daily Telegraph, Tyrone Peachey is also likely to return to the interchange bench after being a late omission due to injury and will be used as a utility. Although he was impressive in limited minutes, this will see Soni Luke move to the reserves.
Second-rower Scott Sorensen also pushes for a return to the side from injury. If selected, Luke Garner will move from the starting team to the interchange bench.
Projected Round 2 Team: 1. Dylan Edwards 2. Sunia Turuva 3. Izack Tago 4. Taylan May 5. Brian To'o 6. Jarome Luai 7. Nathan Cleary 8. Moses Leota 9. Mitch Kenny 10. James Fisher-Harris 11. Scott Sorensen 12. Liam Martin 13. Isaah Yeo 14. Tyrone Peachey 15. Lindsay Smith 16. Luke Garner 17. Liam Henry
The Eels have confirmed that Mitchell Moses has been cleared to play in Round 2. However, if his condition changes, Daejarn Asi will join the team and play alongside Dylan Brown.
Morgan Harper played well in his club debut and will likely keep his spot on the team, with Maika Sivo still out with a suspension.
Although Brad Arthur revealed in the pre-season that he would only play one hooker, he decided to go with a one-two punch combination last week and will do the same this weekend.
Projected Round 2 Team: 1. Clinton Gutherson 2. Bailey Simonsson 3. Will Penisini 4. Morgan Harper 5. Sean Russell 6. Dylan Brown 7. Mitchell Moses 8. Reagan Campbell-Gillard 9. Joey Lussick 10. Junior Paulo 11. Shaun Lane 12. Bryce Cartwright 13. J'maine Hopgood 14. Brendan Hands 15. Joe Ofahengaue 16. Ryan Matterson 17. Kelma Tuilagi
