NRL team lists: Every side's confirmed lineup for Finals Week 2

Liam O'Loughlin

Mark Molyneux

NRL team lists: Every side's confirmed lineup for Finals Week 2 image

The first round of the NRL Finals is in the books, with two teams earning a week off and two sides sent packing.

Penrith and Brisbane both flexed their premiership muscle to earn themselves a spot in the prelim finals, while the Sharks and Raiders went down in nail-biting elimination finals.

Shaun Johnson will return for the Warriors in their sudden-death clash with the Knights, but the news isn't so good for the likes of Jackson Hastings and Joseph Suaalii. 

The Sporting News has all the mail for the semi-finals below. 

NRL FINALS WEEK 2 RESULTS

MELBOURNE STORM 18 - 13 SYDNEY ROOSTERS

Friday 15th September, AAMI Park (7.50pm)

Storm confirmed team:

1. Nick Meaney
2. Will Warbrick
3. Marion Seve
4. Justin Olam
5. Reimis Smith
6. Cameron Munster
21. Tyran Wishart
8. Tui Kamikamica
19. Bronson Garlick 
16. Nelson Asofa-Solomona
11. Trent Loiero
12. Eli Katoa
13. Josh King

9. Harry Grant
10. Christian Welch
15. Tom Eisenhuth
17. Tariq Sims

18. Grant Anderson

Storm team news:

Two late changes for the Storm, with star hooker Harry Grant dropped to the bench in favour of Bronson Garlick, while hulking prop Nelson Asofa-Solomona has been promoted to the starting side. 

Jahrome Hughes (calf) has officially been ruled out due to injury, which sees Tyran Wishart come into the starting lineup at halfback. 

Ryan Papenhuyzen (ankle) won't feature again this season, with Alec MacDonald originally taking his place on the bench after recovering from a head knock. However, 24 hours out from kick off, he has been replaced on the interchange by Bronson Garlick. 

In two other changes to the side, which was comprehensively beaten by Brisbane, Xavier Coates has been ruled out with an ankle injury and Young Tonumaipea is also out. 

There are recalls for Reimis Smith and Justin Olam who will form a new-look backline for the Storm. 

Roosters confirmed team:

1. James Tedesco
2. Fetalaiga Pauga
3. Paul Momirovski
4. Corey Allan
5. Jaxson Paulo
6. Luke Keary
7. Sam Walker
15. Egan Butcher
9. Brandon Smith
10. Lindsay Collins
11. Siua Wong
12. Nat Butcher
13. Victor Radley

8. Fletcher Baker
14. Sandon Smith 
16. Terrell May
17. Angus Crichton

18. Drew Hutchison

Roosters team news:

Major blow for the Roosters, with outside backs Billy Smith (jaw) and Joseph Suaalii (head knock) both officially ruled out of the semi-final clash, while their star centre Joseph Manu (hamstring) has also succumbed to injury. 

With experienced winger Daniel Tupou (knee) still on the sidelines, the depth of the Roosters' backline will be severely tested. 

Paul Momirovski returns from a shoulder injury to play in his first NRL match since Round 9, while Corey Allan and Jaxson Paulo have also been included.  

NEW ZEALAND WARRIORS 40 - 10 NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS

Saturday 16th September, Go Media Stadium (4.05pm)

Warriors confirmed team: 

1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad
2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak
3. Rocco Berry
4. Adam Pompey
5. Marcelo Montoya
6. Te Maire Martin
7. Shaun Johnson
8. Addin Fonua-Blake
9. Wayde Egan
10. Mitch Barnett
11. Jackson Ford
12. Marata Niukore
13. Tohu Harris

14. Dylan Walker
15. Jazz Tevaga
16. Bayley Sironen
17. Josh Curran

20. Taine Tuaupiki

Warriors team news:

A massive boost for the Warriors with Shaun Johnson (calf) named to return at halfback. The veteran missed out on his side's qualifying final clash against Penrith but is now back on deck. 

His inclusion pushes Dylan Walker to the bench and Freddy Lussick out of the 17. 

Knights confirmed team:

1. Kalyn Ponga
2. Dominic Young
3. Dane Gagai
4. Bradman Best
5. Greg Marzhew
6. Tyson Gamble
7. Adam Clune
8. Jacob Saifiti
9. Phoenix Crossland
10. Leo Thompson
11. Tyson Frizell
12. Dylan Lucas
13. Adam Elliott

14. Kurt Mann
16. Jack Hetherington 
17. Mat Croker
18. Brodie Jones

20. Fa'amanu Brown

Knights team news:

Two big blows for Newcastle ahead of the semi-final in Auckland with Jackson Hastings (ankle) and Lachlan Fitzgibbon (shoulder) both ruled out due to injury, with Adam Clune and Dylan Lucas coming into the side. 

Another headache for the Knights, with front-rower Daniel Saifiti (hamstring) ruled out and replaced by Brodie Jones on the bench 24 hours prior to kickoff. 

Liam O'Loughlin

Liam O'Loughlin Photo

Liam has been with The Sporting News since 2019, helping lead both NRL and cricket content, as well as delving into the world of combat sports and NFL. A true rugby league tragic, he has spent the past 20 years playing, coaching and volunteering for his beloved junior club, Penshurst RSL. 

Away from work, Liam has a lifelong passion for all things pro wrestling and has travelled abroad to attend showcase events for WWE, AEW and NJPW. 

 

Mark Molyneux

Mark Molyneux Photo

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.