SUPERCOACH 2011 GENeral Chat thread

[lloydy]

I scored 1042 and lost in all of my 5 comps, some of my mates need to get out more haha.

 

[Berkeley_Eagle]

Silvertails Cup (League code: 256124)
The Stevos 1,000 def by 1,164 Wombats
BeRks_eAgLEs 1,084 def by 1,098 Kano's Eagles
Splinters 1,036 def 778 Gilly's Gorillas
WAMF's Eagles 917 def by 1,066 Bogans
Kavstars 1,125 def 1,068 shakamaker
Lloyds legends 1,047 def by 1,138 2 Smokin Hotties
Sydney Dugongs 1,131 def by 1,146 Axis of Ignorance
Raucous Curly 950 def 926 The Fluffers

round 7
The Stevos vs BeRks_eAgLEs
Splinters vs WAMF's Eagles
Kano's Eagles vs Wombats
Bogans vs Gilly's Gorillas
Kavstars vs Lloyds legends
Sydney Dugongs vs Raucous Curly
2 Smokin Hotties vs shakamaker
The Fluffers vs Axis of Ignorance


----------------------------------------------------------------
Silvertails Cup #2 (League code: 224391)

kaza 1,135 def 1,083 Kiwigurlz
tractorboy 1,025 def by 1,047 The Wolf Pack
Gazza'sEagleRock 977 def by 1,162 Lockys Legends
BeRks_eAgLEs 1,084 def by 1,134 Screamin' Eagles
Riley's Eagles 1,061 def by 1,079 Mosman Possums
EagleBombers 1,223 def 927 St Bobs Boys
40_nil 1,178 def 1,103 The Short & Curlys
Mudslingers 1,033 def 911 Brewskis Best

round 7
kaza vs tractorboy
Gazza'sEagleRock vs BeRks_eAgLEs
The Wolf Pack vs Kiwigurlz
Screamin' Eagles vs Lockys Legends
Riley's Eagles vs EagleBombers
40_nil vs Mudslingers
St Bobs Boys vs Mosman Possums
Brewskis Best vs The Short & Curlys

----------------------------------------------------------------
Battle Of Brookie (League invite code: 464428)

Bones 1,199 def 894 The 4020's
tractorboy 1,025 def 1,020 Big Guns
Razzas_Dazzlers 932 def by 1,001 Clowns of Cabarita
R 1,147 def 1,103 The Short & Curlys
4 No Caters 1,140 def 1,083 Kiwigurlz
mackayeagles 992 def by 1,164 Wombats
Mattyk Seaeagles 966 def 788 Venom
Axis of Ignorance 1,146 def 1,084 BeRks_eAgLEs

round 7
Bones vs tractorboy
Razzas_Dazzlers vs R
Big Guns vs The 4020's
The Short & Curlys vs Clowns of Cabarita
4 No Caters vs mackayeagles
Mattyk Seaeagles vs Axis of Ignorance
Wombats vs Kiwigurlz
BeRks_eAgLEs vs Venom

 

[Dan]

****ing bogans are travelling well. Must be all the VB I have them drinking in training as well mandatory Flanno

 

[Berkeley_Eagle]

Scott Anderson Calf Round 8
Josh Hoffman Shin Round 8
Ben T'eo Broken arm Indefinite
Ben Hunt Knee Round 7
CANBERRA RAIDERS
Canberra Raiders
Alan Tongue Shoulder Round 9
Matt Orford Back Round 8
Terry Campese Knee Round 12
Josh Dugan Calf Round 8
CANTERBURY BULLDOGS
Canterbury Bulldogs
Greg Eastwood Wrist surgery Round 9
Ryan Tandy Sacked Season
Josh Morris Knee Round 7
Corey Payne Suspended Round 8
CRONULLA SHARKS
Cronulla Sharks
John Morris Knee Round 10
GOLD COAST TITANS
Gold Coast Titans
Anthony Laffranchi Ankle Round 12
Preston Campbell Knee Round 9
Kevin Gordon Knee Season
Brad Meyers Wrist Indefinite
MANLY SEA EAGLES
Manly Sea Eagles
Shane Rodney Shoulder Indefinite
David Williams Knee Round 8
MELBOURNE STORM
Melbourne Storm
Sika Manu Ankle Round 11
Troy Thompson Knee Round 12
Chase Stanley Knee Season
Sione Kite Shoulder Round 20
NEW ZEALAND WARRIORS
New Zealand Warriors
Manu Vatuvei Knee Round 10
Jerome Ropati Knee Season
Glen Fisiiahi Ankle Round 12
Shaun Berrigan Broken hand Round 13
NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS
Newcastle Knights
Cory Paterson Suspension Round 7
Neville Costigan Broken arm Round 13
Beau Henry Ankle Round 10
Cameron Ciraldo Torn pectoral Round 10
Ben Rogers Dislocated shoulder Indefinite
Siuatonga Likiliki Knee Round 8
Kyle O'Donnell Elbow Round 7
Isaac De Gois Bicep Indefinite
Adam MacDougall Bicep Indefinite
Zeb Taia Neck Indefinite
NORTH QLD COWBOYS
North QLD Cowboys
Brent Tate Knee Round 15
James Tamou Suspension Round 7
Gavin Cooper Suspension Round 7
PARRAMATTA EELS
Parramatta Eels
Chris Walker Toe Indefinite
Ryan Morgan Ankle Round 8
Matt Keating Hand Round 11
Justin Poore Knee Indefinite
Chris Hicks Ankle Round 13
Reni Maitua Drug suspension Round 11
PENRITH PANTHERS
Penrith Panthers
Nathan Smith Groin Indefinite
Luke Lewis Wrist Round 11
Lachlan Coote Groin Indefinite
Dane Laurie Knee Round 14
SOUTH SYDNEY RABBITOHS
South Sydney Rabbitohs
Scott Geddes Achilles Season
Ben Lowe Foot Round 13
Eddy Pettybourne Suspension Round 7
Luke Stuart Knee Round 26
ST GEORGE ILLAWARRA DRAGONS
St George Illawarra Dragons
Cameron King Pectoral tear Round 16
Nick Emmett Foot Round 10
SYDNEY ROOSTERS
Sydney Roosters
Anthony Cherrington Knee Season
Anthony Watts Suspension Indefinite
Sam Perrett Broken ankle Round 13
Todd Carney Suspension Indefinite
WESTS TIGERS
Wests Tigers
Liam Fulton Shoulder Round 7
Beau Ryan Groin Round 7
Alan Schirnack Shoulder Round 10
Lote Tuqiri Broken arm Round 12
Chris Lawrence Dislocated hip Indefinite
Robert Lui Ankle Round 8
Geoff Daniela Torn pectoral Round 26
Keith Galloway Groin Round 7
Todd Payten Ankle Round 10
Ben Murdoch-Masila Shoulder Round 8

 

[Berkeley_Eagle]

FRIDAY
BULLDOGS v ST GEORGE ILLAWARRA DRAGONS at ANZ Stadium, 7.35pm

BULLDOGS: Ben Barba, Steve Turner, Josh Morris, Jamal Idris, Michael Lett, Kris Keating, Trent Hodkinson, Aiden Tolman, Michael Ennis, Mickey Paea, Frank Pritchard, Andrew Ryan, David Stagg. Interchange: Greg Eastwood, Jake Foster, Corey Payne, Dene Halatau.
Ins: Jake Foster
Outs: Grant Millington (elbow, round 12)
Other unavailables: Bryson Goodwin (foot, round 13), Michael Hodgson (ribs, indefinite), Jonathan Wright (ankle, round 15)
Comment: Jake Foster comes into the side for Grant Millington (elbow, round 12) in the only change. Michael Lett has emerged as a cheapie prospect after the return of Bryson Goodwin (foot) was extended from this weekend to round 13. Michael Hodgson (ribs, indefinite), Jonathan Wright (ankle, round 15) were both injured in NSW Cup on the weekend. With only three specialist props in the team (Aiden Tolman, Mickey Paea and Greg Eastwood) expect big minutes for Tolman.

DRAGONS: Darius Boyd, Brett Morris, Kyle Stanley, Matt Cooper, Jason Nightingale, Jamie Soward, Ben Hornby, Dan Hunt, Dean Young, Michael Weyman, Beau Scott, Ben Creagh, Matt Prior. Interchange: Adam Cuthbertson, Jon Green, Trent Merrin, Mitch Rein, Jack Bosden (one to be omitted).
Ins: Darius Boyd, Jason Nightingale, Jamie Soward, Jon Green
Outs: Bronx Goodwin (knee, round 20), Mark Gasnier (ankle, round 12), Peni Tagive (dropped)
Other unavailables: Cameron King (shoulder, round 16), Nick Emmett (foot, round 12), Nathan Fien (hamstring, round 12)
Comment: The Dragons are in the midst of a mini injury crisis. Bronx Goodwin (knee, round 20), Mark Gasnier (ankle, round 12) and Nathan Fien (hamstring, round 12) are out. Darius Boyd (hamstring) and Jamie Soward (groin and hand) both trained with the Dragons today and are expected to play, but Kyle Stanley (ankle) is in considerable doubt. SuperCoaches face an interesting conundrum here – the Dragons are one of the best teams in the comp for byes, but with so many injuries and players backing up, are they worth the trouble?

****************

PENRITH PANTHERS v BRISBANE BRONCOS at Centrebet Stadium, 7.35pm

PANTHERS: Michael Gordon, David Simmons, Timana Tahu, Brad Tighe, Adrian Purtell, Travis Burns, Luke Walsh, Tim Grant, Kevin Kingston, Petero Civoniceva, Trent Waterhouse, Nigel Plum, Luke Lewis. Interchange: Nafe Seluini, Sam McKendry, Dayne Weston, Natha Smith, Yileen Gordon (one to be omitted).
Ins: Adrian Purtell, Luke Lewis, Dayne Weston, Nathan Smith
Outs: Matthew Bell (dropped), Michael Jennings (calf and knee, round 11), Sarafu Fatiaki (dropped)
Other unavailables: Dane Laurie (knee, indefinite)
Comment: The loss of Michael Jennings (calf and knee, round 11) is offset by the return of Luke Lewis, who may cut into the scores of Trent Waterhouse and Nigel Plum. SuperCoach gun Michael Gordon retains his fullback spot ahead of Lachlan Coote, who makes a return from injury in NSW Cup. Popular early-season fancy Nathan Smith has been named on an extended bench after recovering from osteitis pubis. He returned from injury for the Wolves last weekend.

BRONCOS: Gerard Beale, Dale Copley, Jack Reed, Justin Hodges, Jharal Yow Yeh, Darren Lockyer (capt), Peter Wallace, Ben Hannant, Andrew McCullough, Nick Kenny, Alex Glenn, Sam Thaiday, Corey Parker. Interchange: Corey Norman, Scott Anderson, Mitchell Dodds, Dave Hala.
Ins: Justin Hodges, Darren Lockyer, Ben Hannant, Sam Thaiday
Outs: Dane Gagai (dropped), Ben Hunt (broken finger, round 15), Dunamis Lui (dropped), Dane Carlaw (dropped)
Other unavailables: Josh Hoffman (shin, round 12), Ben Te’o (broken arm, round 12), Matt Gillett (foot, round 15), Josh McGuire (lacerated eyeball, indefinite), Shane Tronc (neck, indefinite)
Comment: Justin Hodges, Darren Lockyer, Ben Hannant and Sam Thaiday return from Test duty. Ben Hunt (broken finger, round 15) is replaced on the bench by Corey Norman. Ben Te’o (broken arm, round 12) has not been named but is a chance of an early return, which may affect the game time of Alex Glenn. T’eo will wear a Mal Meninga-style arm brace for the rest of the season. David Hala retains his bench spot. Justin Hodges has been isolated from teammates due to a severe case of the flu, but is not considered in doubt.

*****************

SATURDAY
MELBOURNE STORM v CANBERRA RAIDERS at AAMI Park, 5.30pm

STORM: Billy Slater, Anthony Quinn, Dane Nielsen, Maurice Blair, Matt Duffie, Gareth Widdop, Cooper Cronk, Jesse Bromwich, Cameron Smith, Bryan Norrie, Adam Blair, Kevin Proctor, Todd Lowrie. Interchange: Ryan Hinchcliffe, Atelea Vea, Adam Woolnough, Jaiman Lowe, Rory Kostjasyn (one to be omitted).
Ins: Matt Duffie, Todd Lowrie
Outs: Sisa Waqa (dropped)
Other unavailables: Beau Champion (shoulder, round 15), Troy Thompson (knee, round 12), Sika Manu (ankle, round 12), Chase Stanley (knee, season), Sione Kite (shoulder, round 20), Justin O’Neill (hamstring, round 12)
Comment: The injury to Beau Champion (shoulder, round 15) opens the door for Maurice Blair as a possible cheapie. Matt Duffie and Todd Lowrie return after late withdrawals on the weekend. SuperCoaches worried about Cameron Smith’s scores over the Origin period should look at his bumper 88 last week less than 24 hours after playing the Anzac Test.

RAIDERS: Josh Dugan, Blake Ferguson, Jarrod Croker, Joel Thompson, Reece Robinson, Josh McCrone, Matt Orford, Dane Tilse, Alan Tongue (capt), Brett White, Danny Galea, Bronson Harrison, Shaun Fensom. Interchange: Glen Buttriss, Josh Miller, Sam Mataora, Trevor Thurling.
Ins: Josh Dugan
Outs: Nathan Massey (dropped)
Other unavailables: David Shillington (pectoral, indefinite), Terry Campese (knee, round 12), Joe Picker (ankle, round 11), Tom Learoyd-Lahrs (fractured eye socket, round 11)
Comment: Josh Dugan (boil on armpit) returns at the expense of Nathan Massey in the only change. Sam Mataora retains his spot on the bench, with Tom Learoyd-Lahrs (fractured eye socket, round 11) expected back soon – unless he makes Origin. Shaun Fensom returned to some semblance of SuperCoach form after playing 74 minutes on Monday. But interestingly, Danny Galea played the full 80 minutes, while Bronson Harrison scored just 49 minutes backing up from the Test.

****************

SOUTH SYDNEY RABBITOHS v WESTS TIGERS at ANZ Stadium, 7.30pm

RABBITOHS: Rhys Wesser, Nathan Merritt, Dylan Farrell, Shaune Corrigan, James Roberts, John Sutton, Chris Sandow, Ben Ross, Issac Luke, Shannan McPherson, Dave Tyrrell, David Taylor, Michael Crocker (capt). Interchange: Eddy Pettybourne, Jason Clark, Chris McQueen, Nathan Peats.
Ins: Rhys Wesser, Shaune Corrigan
Outs: Greg Inglis (hip, round 12), Roy Asotasi (arm, season)
Other unavailables: Sam Burgess (ankle, season), Luke Stuart (knee, season), Scott Geddes (Achilles, season), Ben Lowe (foot, round 13)
Comment: Shaune Corrigan replaces Greg Inglis (hip, round 12). Rhys Wesser earns a recall, with Nathan Merritt moved back to the wing and Chris McQueen pushed to the bench. Shannan McPherson starts in the front row in place of Roy Asotasi (arm, season). Jason Clark gets the chance to notch his second game after being named on the bench. Ben Ross is the only specialist prop in this team. James Roberts will see a price rise after this week.

TIGERS: Wade McKinnon, Mitch Brown, Blake Ayshford, Tim Moltzen, Matt Utai, Benji Marshall, Robert Lui, Andrew Fifita, Robbie Farah, Keith Galloway, Simon Dwyer, Liam Fulton, Chris Heighington. Interchange: Beau Ryan, Ben Murdoch-Masila, Alan Schirnack, Aaron Woods.
Ins: None
Outs: None
Other unavailables: Bryce Gibbs (toe, round 11) Gareth Ellis (ankle, round 12), Todd Payten (ankle and knee, indefinite), Geoff Daniela (torn pectoral, indefinite), Lote Tuqiri (broken arm, round 12), Chris Lawrence (dislocated hip, indefinite)
Comment: No changes. The return date of Gareth Ellis (ankle) has been pushed back from this week to round 12, which is good news for Chris Heighington, Simon Dwyer and Liam Fulton.

****************

NORTH QUEENSLAND v PARRAMATTA EELS at Dairy Farmers Stadium, 7.30pm

COWBOYS: Matthew Bowen, Ashley Graham, Antonio Winterstein, Willie Tonga, Kalifa Faifai Loa, Ray Thompson, Johnathan Thurston, Matthew Scott, Aaron Payne, James Tamou, Gavin Cooper, Glenn Hall, Dallas Johnson. Interchange: Scott Bolton, Leeson Ah Mau, Tariq Sims, Ashton Sims, James Segeyaro (one to be omitted).
Ins: Glenn Hall
Outs: None
Other unavailables: Brent Tate (knee, round 15), Michael Bani (ankle, indefinite)
Comment: Glenn Hall (corked thigh) returns in the only change. An ongoing knee injury to Dallas Johnson is affecting his ability to play 80 minutes. Matt Scott (ankle) and Scott Bolton (eye) are expected to play. Brent Tate (knee, round 15) is recovering well from a third knee reconstruction and has begun training with the team, although he is yet to perform contact.

EELS: Jarryd Hayne, Luke Burt, Joel Reddy, Jacob Loko, Jordan Atkins, Daniel Mortimer, Jeff Robson, Tim Mannah, Casey McGuire, Fuifui Moimoi, Nathan Hindmarsh (capt), Taniela Lasalo, Ben Smith. Interchange: Billy Rogers, Shane Shackleton, Mitchell Allgood, Justin Horo.
Ins: Jarryd Hayne
Outs: Etu Uaisele (dropped)
Other unavailables: Ryan Morgan (ankle, round 11), Matt Keating (hand, round 11), Justin Poore (knee, indefinite), Chris Walker (toe, indefinite), Chris Hicks (ankle, round 12), Reni Maitua (drug suspension, round 11)
Comment: Jarryd Hayne returns from suspension. Luke Burt moves from fullback to wing, with Etu Uaisele dropped to NSW Cup. Jacob Loko holds his spot, but his position could be in jeopardy when Ryan Morgan (ankle, round 11) recovers. SuperCoaches will be hoping the Eels can remain competitive in 2011, which ensures good game time for Nathan Hindmarsh, who plays big minutes in close games.

****************

SUNDAY
NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS v NZ WARRIORS at Ausgrid Stadium, 2pm

KNIGHTS: Shannon McDonnell, James McManus, Junior Sa’u, Wes Naiqama, Akuila Uate, Tyrone Roberts, Jarrod Mullen (capt), Richie Fa’aoso, Matt Hilder, Evarn Tuimavave, Chris Houston, Neville Costigan, Joel Edwards. Interchange: Isaac De Gois, Antonio Kaufusi, Cory Paterson, Dan Tolar, Mark Taufua (one to be omitted).
Ins: Neville Costigan, Isaac Do Gois, Mark Taufua
Outs: Kurt Gidley (shoulder, indefinite), Marvin Karawana
Other unavailables: Beau Henry (ankle, round 11), Cameron Ciraldo (torn pectoral, round 11), Ben Rogers (dislocated shoulder, indefinite), Adam MacDougall (bicep, indefinite), Zeb Taia (neck, indefinite)
Comment: Rookie Tyrone Roberts has been named as the replacement for Kurt Gidley (shoulder, indefinite). Popular cheapie Beau Henry (ankle, round 11) was not considered due to injury. Neville Costigan returns very early from a broken arm, which could affect forward game time (esp: Chris Houston). Isaac De Gois (bicep) also makes a comeback, which could cut into Matt Hilder’s scores. Adam MacDougall (bicep) and Cameron Ciraldo (pectoral) are also close to returns, while early-season cheapie option Siuatonga Likiliki (knee) will make a comeback in NSW Cup.

WARRIORS: Kevin Locke, Krisnan Inu, Lewis Brown, Simon Mannering (capt), Manu Vatuvei, James Maloney, Brett Seymour, Russell Packer, Aaron Heremaia, Jacob Lillyman, Feleti Mateo, Elijah Taylor, Micheal Luck. Interchange: Lance Hohaia, Jeremy Latimore, Alehana Mara, Ben Matulino, Ukuma Taai (one to be omitted).
Ins: Aaron Heremaia
Outs: None
Other unavailables: Shaun Berrigan (broken hand, round 13), Glen Fisiiahi (ankle, round 13), Jerome Ropati (knee, season), Bill Tupou (knee, indefinite), Sam Rapira (thumb, indefinite)
Comment: Aaron Heremaia (family tragedy) returns in the only change. Manu Vatuvei, who returned last week, could be a great buy over the coming rounds as his price drops due to some injury-affected rounds. Lewis Brown and Simon Mannering retain their spots in the centres despite Vatuvei’s comeback, meaning returns to the back row seem unlikely at least until Shaun Berrigan (broken hand, round 13) comes back.

***************

CRONULLA SHARKS v SYDNEY ROOSTERS at Toyota Stadium, 3pm

SHARKS: Isaac Gordon, Matthew Wright, Ben Pomeroy, Colin Best, Stewart Mills, Wade Graham, Tim Smith, Kade Snowden, Paul Aiton, Luke Douglas, Jeremy Smith, Anthony Tupou, Paul Gallen, Josh Cordoba. Interchange: Broderick Wright, Stuart Flanagan, Jayson Bukuya, Taulima Tautai, Siosaia Vave (one to be omitted).
Ins: Isaac Gordon, Stewart Mills, Taulima Tautai, Siosaia Vave
Outs: Nathan Gardner (ankle, round 11), John Williams (ankle, round 15)
Other unavailables: Albert Kelly (broken leg, round 15), John Morris (knee, round 11)
Comment: Toyota Cup gun Stewart Mills has been brought into the side as a replacement for John Williams (ankle, round 15). Likewise, Isaac Gordon replaces Nathan Gardner (ankle, round 11). Paul Gallen has been named despite a niggling calf injury, although the coach has picked an extended bench as cover. Potential cheapie Jayson Bukuya may be the SuperCoach beneficiary if any of the forwards are ruled out.

ROOSTERS: Anthony Minichiello, Steve Naughton, Kane Linnett, Shaun Kenny-Dowall, Joseph ‘BJ’ Leilua, Todd Carney, Mitchell Pearce, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, Jake Friend, Nate Myles, Mitchell Aubusson, Braith Anasta, Frank Paul Nuuausala. Interchange: Lama Tasi, Mose Masoe, Mark Riddell, Tom Symonds, Tinirau Arona (one to be omitted).
Ins: Steve Naughton, Kane Linnett, Todd Carney, Mose Masoe
Outs: Phil Graham (injury), Daniel Conn (injury), Martin Kennedy (injury)
Other unavailables: Sam Perrett (broken ankle, round 12), Anthony Cherrington (knee, season), Anthony Watts (suspension, indefinite), Jason Ryles (hamstring, indefinite)
Comment: Todd Carney’s return is a massive boost for the Roosters’ SuperCoach scoring potential. His comeback, as well as injuries to Phil Graham, Daniel Conn and Martin Kennedy (injury details unknown), cause a massive reshuffle, with Mitchell Aubusson the winner and Tom Symonds the loser. Braith Anasta and Aubusson move into the back row, pushing Nate Myles into the front row and Symonds onto the bench. Aubusson’s centre spot in taken by Kane Linnett, who has earned a recall. Newtown Jets star Steve Naughton has been named on the wing ahead of Justin Carney (who will play NSW Cup) and Graham. Front rower Lama Tasi has been retained following injuries to Kennedy and Jason Ryles (hamstring, indefinite).

*****************

MONDAY
GOLD COAST TITANS v MANLY SEA EAGLES at Skilled Park, 7pm

TITANS: Preston Campbell, Steve Michaels, Esi Tonga, Bodene Thompson, David Mead, William Zillman, Scott Prince, Luke Bailey, Riley Brown, Matthew White, Greg Bird, Mark Minichiello, Ashley Harrison. Interchange: Michael Henderson, Ryan James, Ben Ridge, Luke O’Dwyer, Kayne Lawton (one to be ommitted).
Ins: Luke Bailey
Outs: None
Other unavailables: Nathan Friend (shoulder, indefinite), Anthony Laffranchi (ankle, round 12), Brad Meyers (retired due to wrist injury, season), Kevin Gordon (knee, season)
Comment: Luke Bailey returns after his late withdrawal on the weekend, but he has suddenly emerged as a SuperCoach risk after revealing a neck issue. Those lucky enough to buy David Mead over the past few weeks will be pinching themselves after his brilliant 94 on the weekend. With a break even of -54, he has plenty of price rises left.

SEA EAGLES: Brett Stewart, Michael Robertson, Jamie Lyon (capt), Steve Matai, Will Hopoate, Kieran Foran, Daly Cherry-Evans, Jason King (capt), Matt Ballin, Brent Kite, Anthony Watmough, Joe Galuvao, Glenn Stewart. Interchange: Vic Mauro, Jamie Buhrer, George Rose, Tony Williams, Tim Robinson (one to be omitted).
Ins: Jason King
Outs: None
Other unavailables: Shane Rodney (shoulder, indefinite)
Comment: Jason King (ribs) returns in the only change, which could push Tim Robinson (who scored a long-awaited price rise this week) out of the 17. Jamie Buhrer has reached his price peak, meaning SuperCoaches have a tough decision to make: keep (probably only in front row), upgrade or cash in. Brett Stewart has been named despite suffering hamstring soreness against the Raiders and moving mid-game from fullback to wing – where he scored two of his three tries. David Williams will again play NSW Cup.

 

[Berkeley_Eagle]

good buys this week

Fensom, Shaun
position: 2nd Row Forward
team: Raiders
$270,300
ROUND 10 SCORE:
92
TOTAL POINTS:
614
AVG PER RD:
61.40
BREAK EVEN:
25
B.E LIKELIHOOD:
98.5%
CONS. RATING
16.7
PROJ $ CHANGE:
$14,400
--------------------------------------------------

Farah, Robbie
position: Front Row/Hooker
team: Tigers
$274,900
ROUND 10 SCORE:
91
TOTAL POINTS:
524
AVG PER RD:
58.22

BREAK EVEN:
16
B.E LIKELIHOOD:
99.0%
CONS. RATING
21.3
PROJ $ CHANGE:
$20,000
--------------------------------------------------
Clark, Jason
position: 2nd Row Forward, Front Row/Hooker
team: Rabbitohs
BREAK EVEN:
4
B.E LIKELIHOOD:
96.9%
CONS. RATING
11.7
PROJ $ CHANGE:
$8,600
--------------------------------------------------
Carney, Justin
position: Wing/Centre
team: Roosters
$122,300
BREAK EVEN:
-4
B.E LIKELIHOOD:
97.9%
CONS. RATING
22.2
PROJ $ CHANGE:
$18,000
--------------------------------------------------
Henry, Beau
position: Halfback
team: Knights
$118,200
BREAK EVEN:
2
B.E LIKELIHOOD:
99.9%
CONS. RATING
13.8
PROJ $ CHANGE:
$16,600
--------------------------------------------------
Bukuya, Jayson

position: 2nd Row Forward
team: Sharks
$94,300
BREAK EVEN:
-33
B.E LIKELIHOOD:
100.0%
CONS. RATING
12.6
PROJ $ CHANGE:
$27,700
--------------------------------------------------
Mills, Stewart
position: Fullback, Wing/Centre
team: Sharks
$87,500
BREAK EVEN:
-67
B.E LIKELIHOOD:
N/A
CONS. RATING
N/A
PROJ $ CHANGE:
$0
--------------------------------------------------
MALONEY, James (HFB)
TAYLOR, Elijah (5/8)
MORGAN, Ryan

 

[Berkeley_Eagle]

FRIDAY

CANBERRA RAIDERS v BULLDOGS at Canberra Stadium, 7.45pm

RAIDERS: Nathan Massey, Blake Ferguson, Jarrod Croker, Joel Thompson, Reece Robinson, Josh McCrone, Sam Williams, Dane Tilse, Alan Tongue (capt), Brett White, Danny Galea, Bronson Harrison, Shaun Fensom. Interchange: Glen Buttriss, Josh Miller, Josh Papalii, Sam Mataora.
Ins: Nathan Massey
Outs: Josh Dugan (NSW)
Other unavailables: David Shillington (pectoral, round 14), Terry Campese (knee, round 13), Matt Orford (groin, indefinite), Tom Learoyd-Lahrs (fractured eye socket, round 13)
Comment: Nathan Massey returns for Josh Dugan (NSW) in the only change. This is bad news for those who are yet to sell Blake Ferguson, who has often played closer to the action at fullback in Dugan’s absence. Sam Williams retains his halfback spot after being a late replacement for Matt Orford (groin, indefinite) on the weekend. Danny Galea (hamstring) and Jarrod Croker (hip) have slight injury concerns, but are expected to play. Sam Mataora and Josh Papalii retain their spots in the absence of David Shillington (pectoral, round 14) and Tom Learoyd-Lahrs (fractured eye socket, round 13). Shaun Fensom returned to his 80 minutes ways against Melbourne – and promptly pulled out 92.

BULLDOGS: Ben Barba, Steve Turner, Josh Morris, Jamal Idris, Bryson Goodwin, Kris Keating, Trent Hodkinson, Aiden Tolman, Josh Reynolds, Sam Kasiano, Frank Pritchard, Andrew Ryan (capt), David Stagg. Interchange: Greg Eastwood, Jake Foster, Corey Payne, Dene Halatau.
Ins: Bryson Goodwin, Josh Reynolds, Sam Kasiano
Outs: Michael Lett (hamstring, indefinite), Michael Ennis (NSW), Mickey Paea (knee, round 12)
Other unavailables: Jonathan Wright (ankle, round 15)
Comment: Canterbury’s 2010 Toyota Cup Player of the Year Josh Reynolds makes his debut, replacing Michael Ennis (NSW). Bryson Goodwin (toe) returns in the place of Michael Lett (hamstring, indefinite). Popular early-season pick Sam Kasiano also earns a recall in the place of Mickey Paea (knee, round 12). Jamal Idris has been named, but may not be released in time to play for the Bulldogs. He is 18th man for NSW and could get an Origin call-up if Mark Gasnier is forced to leave camp due to the birth of his first child. If Idris plays Origin, expect Tim Lafai to get a start. Ben Barba has an enormous break even this week (93). A lack of specialist props should again see big game time for Aiden Tolman. Michael Hodgson (ribs) and Grant Millington (elbow) were available for selection, but will make their returns from injury in NSW Cup.

*****************

SATURDAY

WESTS TIGERS v PENRITH PANTHERS at Campbelltown Sports Stadium, 7.30pm

TIGERS: Wade McKinnon, Mitch Brown, Blake Ayshford, Tim Moltzen, Matt Utai, Benji Marshall, Robert Lui, Andrew Fifita, Robbie Farah, Keith Galloway, Simon Dwyer, Liam Fulton, Chris Heighington. Interchange: Beau Ryan, Alan Schirnack, Ben Murdoch-Masila, Aaron Woods, Bryce Gibbs (one to be omitted).
Ins: Bryce Gibbs
Outs: None
Other unavailables: Gareth Ellis (ankle, round 12), Todd Payten (ankle and knee, indefinite), Geoff Daniela (torn pectoral, indefinite), Lote Tuqiri (broken arm, round 12), Chris Lawrence (dislocated hip, indefinite)
Comment: Bryce Gibbs (toe) returns in the only change. SuperCoaches were clamouring to sell Robbie Farah just a few weeks ago, but the star Tiger could now be a good buy. He is cheap, in form, seemingly over his osteitis pubis, has good byes and has been snubbed for Origin. That said, he has the spectre of possible groin surgery hanging over him. Gareth Ellis (ankle, round 12) has been enjoying a holiday in homeland England, but is on track for a return next week.

PANTHERS: Lachlan Coote, David Simmons, Brad Tighe, Adrian Purtell, Sandor Earl, Travis Burns, Luke Walsh, Tim Grant, Kevin Kingston, Sam McKendry, Trent Waterhouse, Nigel Plum, Luke Lewis (capt). Interchange: Masada Iosefa, Yileen Gordon, Dayne Weston, Nathan Smith, Matthew Bell (one to be omitted).
Ins: Lachlan Coote, Sandor Earl, Tim Grant, Masada Iosefa, Matthew Bell
Outs: Michael Gordon (knee, season), Timana Tahu (pectoral, season), Petero Civoniceva (Queensland), Nafe Seluini (injury, indefinite)
Other unavailables: Michael Jennings (NSW), Dane Laurie (knee, indefinite)
Comment: Michael Gordon’s injury (knee, season) is an enormous loss for many SuperCoaches (but a massive boost for those who didn’t have him). Lachlan Coote takes his spot at fullback. Coote was slated to return in NSW Cup last week but pulled out at the last minute, meaning this will be his first game back from a serious groin injury. Sandor Earl also gets a start in the backline, with Timana Tahu (pectoral, season) and Michael Jennings (NSW) unavailable. Tim Grant (hamstring) has been named despite being injured in the warm-up last week and withdrawing. With Petero Civoniceva (Queensland) on Origin duties, Grant and Sam McKendry start in the front, with Matthew Bell added to an extended bench. Early-season fancy Nathan Smith scored 28 on his return from osteitis pubis last week.

******************

SUNDAY

NZ WARRIORS v SOUTH SYDNEY RABBITOHS at Mt Smart Stadium, 4.00pm

WARRIORS: Kevin Locke, Krisnan Inu, Lewis Brown, Simon Mannering (capt), Manu Vatuvei, James Maloney, Brett Seymour, Russell Packer, Aaron Heremaia, Ben Matulino, Feleti Mateo, Elijah Taylor, Micheal Luck. Interchange: Shaun Berrigan, Lance Hohaia, Jeremy Latimore, Sione Lousi, Alehana Mara, Joel Moon, Ukuma Taai (three to be omitted).
Ins: Aaron Heremaia, Sione Lousi, Joel Moon, Ukuma Ta’ai
Outs: Jacob Lillyman (Queensland)
Other unavailables: Jerome Ropati (knee, season), Sam Rapira (thumb, indefinite)
Comment: Lewis Brown (knee) has been named in the centres but is in doubt. Joel Moon appears on an extended bench as cover, while interchange player Shaun Berrigan, who returned early from a hand injury last week, can also cover centre. SuperCoach favourite Glen Fisiiahi (ankle) has been named to make his return from injury for the Vulcans in NSW Cup. Aaron Heremaia returns after two weeks out due to a family tragedy. Jacob Lillyman is unavailable due to Origin, which brings Ben Matulino into the starting side and Sione Lousi and Ukuma Ta’ai onto an extended bench. Popular cheapie Elijah Taylor played 80 minutes last week and has serious keeper potential. With a break even of 56, Manu Vatuvei is good value this week.

RABBITOHS: Rhys Wesser, Nathan Merritt, Dylan Farrell, Shaune Corrigan, Fetuli Talanoa, John Sutton, Chris Sandow, Ben Ross, Issac Luke, Shannan McPherson, Dave Tyrrell, David Taylor, Michael Crocker (capt). Interchange: Eddy Pettybourne, Jason Clark, Chris McQueen, Nathan Peats.
Ins: None
Outs: None
Other unavailables: Greg Inglis (hip, round 15), Roy Asotasi (arm, season), Sam Burgess (ankle, season), Luke Stuart (knee, season), Scott Geddes (Achilles, season), Ben Lowe (foot, round 13)
Comment: No changes. Greg Inglis’s hip injury is worse than first thought. He won’t be sighted until at least round 15, meaning the door has opened for Shaune Corrigan. David Taylor WILL play unless he is required for Queensland, where he is 18th man. Fetuli Talanoa has retained his wing spot after youngster James Roberts was dropped for disciplinary reasons last week. Jason Clark’s cheapie bubble burst somewhat last week following his 21. Nonetheless, he will see a decent rise this week.

*****************

SYDNEY ROOSTERS v NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS at Sydney Football Stadium, 3.00pm

ROOSTERS: Anthony Minichiello, Steve Naughton, Justin Carney, Shaun Kenny-Dowall, Joseph ‘BJ’Leilua, Braith Anasta, Todd Carney, Jason Ryles, Jake Friend, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, Aidan Guerra, Frank Paul Nuuausala, Tinirau Arona. Interchange: Lama Tasi, Mose Masoe, Mark Riddell, Willie Mataka, Mark Khierallah (one to be omitted).
Ins: Justin Carney, Jason Ryles, Aidan Guerra, Willie Mataka, Mark Khierallah
Outs: Mitchell Pearce (NSW), Tom Symonds (finger, round 12), Nate Myles (Queensland), Kane Linnett (shoulder, round 16)
Other unavailables: Mitchell Aubusson (shoulder, round 16), Daniel Conn (neck, indefinite), Phil Graham (pectoral, indefinite), Martin Kennedy (foot, round 14), Sam Perrett (broken ankle, round 12), Anthony Cherrington (knee, season), Anthony Watts (suspension, indefinite)
Comment: The Roosters are in the midst of a serious injury crisis. Cheapie Justin Carney has been named in the centres, where he may stay for at least a few weeks considering the injuries to Kane Linnett (shoulder, round 16) and Mitchell Aubusson (shoulder, round 16). That said, the return of Sam Perrett (broken ankle, round 12) could put Carney’s spot in jeopardy, although Steve Naughton, who scored a solid 41 on debut last week, may be the player to drop out. Todd Carney moves to halfback to replace Mitchell Pearce (NSW). Braith Anasta moves from the pack to take Carney’s five-eighth spot. Anasta’s back row vacancy is filled by Tinirau Arona, who has been promoted from the bench. Similarly, the absence of Tom Symonds (finger, round 12) and Nate Myles (Queensland) have led to call-ups for Aidan Guerra and Willie Mataka. Jason Ryles (hamstring) returns from injury. This is bad news for potential cheapie Lama Tasi, although the unavailability of Martin Kennedy (foot, round 14) means Tasi should still get a decent run - at least until Myles returns from Origin duty.

KNIGHTS: Shannon McDonnell, James McManus, Junior Sa’u, Wes Naiqama, Keith Lulia, Beau Henry, Jarrod Mullen (capt), Richie Fa’aoso, Matt Hilder, Evarn Tuimavave, Chris Houston, Neville Costigan, Joel Edwards. Interchange: Isaac De Gois, Mark Taufua, Marvin Filipo, Dan Tolar, Antonio Kaufusi (one to be omitted).
Ins: Keith Lulia, Beau Henry, Isaac De Gois, Dan Tolar
Outs: Akuila Uate (NSW), Marvin Karawana (NSW Cup), Tyrone Roberts (Toyota Cup)
Other unavailables: Cory Paterson (shoulder, indefinite), Kurt Gidley (shoulder, indefinite), Ben Rogers (dislocated shoulder, indefinite), Adam MacDougall (bicep, indefinite), Zeb Taia (neck, indefinite)
Comment: The big news is Beau Henry’s return. He could make a great money-making downgrade at back-up half. The injury to Cory Paterson (shoulder, indefinite) means Chris Houston may continue to play 80 minutes. And while on Paterson, he is the first casualty of Wayne Bennett’s 2012 reign. Paterson has been granted permission to talk to other clubs, meaning he could become an afterthought later in the year if the Knights bow out of contention. Akuila Uate (NSW) has been replaced by Keith Lulia and not potential cash cow Siuatonga Likiliki, who will play for the Central Coast Centurions. Isaac De Gois and Dan Tolar are set for their first games in weeks, while Cameron Ciraldo (pectoral) returns from injury in NSW Cup.

*****************

MONDAY

PARRAMATTA EELS v CRONULLA SHARKS at Parramatta Stadium, 7.00pm

EELS: Jarryd Hayne, Luke Burt, Ryan Morgan, Jacob Loko, Jordan Atkins, Daniel Mortimer, Jeff Robson, Shane Shackleton, Casey McGuire, Fuifui Moimoi, Nathan Hindmarsh (capt), Taniela Lasalo, Ben Smith. Interchange: Billy Rogers, Carl Webb, Mitchell Allgood, Justin Horo.
Ins: Ryan Morgan, Carl Webb
Outs: Joel Reddy (pectoral, season), Tim Mannah (NSW)
Other unavailables: Matt Keating (hand, round 12), Justin Poore (knee, indefinite), Chris Hicks (ankle, round 12)
Comment: Jarryd Hayne has emerged as a SuperCoach special following his Origin snub. He returned to form with a stunning 114 on the weekend, but still only costs $263,100 due to a high BE. That said, Hayne is a proven rep performer who could still come into Origin consideration later in the series. The injury to Joel Reddy (pectoral, season) is a massive blow for the Eels, but a boon for SuperCoaches. It means cheapie Jacob Loko retains his spot, while Ryan Morgan will score more price rises after being named to return from injury as Reddy’s replacement. Chris Walker has been snubbed altogether. He will play for Wentworthville. Tim Mannah (NSW) is unavailable due to Origin selection, which brings Shane Shackleton into the starting team and Carl Webb (who will return from a calf injury) onto an extended bench. Disturbingly, Nathan Hindmarsh hasn’t played 80 minutes since round seven. The return of Matt Keating (hand, round 12) has been delayed by a week.

SHARKS: Isaac Gordon, Matthew Wright, Ben Pomeroy, Colin Best (capt), Stewart Mills, Wade Graham, Scott Porter, Josh Cordoba, John Morris (capt), Luke Douglas, Jayson Bukuya, Anthony Tupou, Taulima Tautai. Interchange: Siosaia Vave, Johnny Mannah, Stuart Flanagan, Broderick Wright, Tyson Frizell (one to be omitted).
Ins: John Morris, Johnny Mannah, Broderick Wright, Tyson Frizell
Outs: Kade Snowden (NSW), Paul Gallen (NSW), Paul Aiton (ankle, round 15)
Other unavailables: Nathan Gardner (ankle, round 12), John Williams (ankle, round 15), Albert Kelly (broken leg, round 15), Jeremy Smith (knee, round 13)
Comment: Stewart Mills has emerged as a great cheapie following his debut 62 on the weekend – as has Jayson Bukuya, who has averaged 47 in his opening two games. Paul Gallen and Kade Snowden are unavailable due to Origin duties, with Josh Cordoba and Talima Tautai coming into the starting side and Johnny Mannah, Broderick Wright and Tyson Frizell added to an extended bench. John Morris returns from injury in place of Paul Aiton (ankle, round 15). The return of Nathan Gardner (ankle, round 12) has been pushed back another week.

 

[eagles2win]

Welcome to international hook Aidan Tolman for 4-6 weeks day

 

[Berkeley_Eagle]

FRIDAY
MANLY SEA EAGLES v BRISBANE BRONCOS at Suncorp Stadium, 7pm

SEA EAGLES: Brett Stewart, David Williams, Jamie Lyon (capt), Steve Matai, Will Hopoate, Kieran Foran, Daly Cherry-Evans, Jason King (capt), Matt Ballin, Brent Kite, Anthony Watmough, Joe Galuvao, Glenn Stewart. Interchange: Vic Mauro, Jamie Buhrer, George Rose, Tony Williams, Tim Robinson, Michael Oldfield (two to be omitted).
Ins: Brett Stewart, Jason King, Michael Oldfield
Outs: Michael Robertson (knee, round 13)
Other unavailables: Shane Rodney (shoulder, indefinite)
Comment: Brett Stewart has been named to return from a troublesome hamstring injury, pushing Will Hopoate to the wing. Michael Oldfield has been named on the bench as cover. Michael Robertson (knee, round 13) is out, ending his record run of 139 consecutive NRL games. Only Jason King will be backing up from Origin. Cheapie Tim Robinson is in line for another start if King fails to pull through.

BRONCOS: Gerard Beale, Dane Gagai, Dale Copley, Jack Reed, Shea Moylan, Corey Norman, Peter Wallace, Mitchell Dodds, Andrew McCullough, Nick Kenny, Dumanis Lui, Alex Glenn, Ben Te’o. Interchange: Kurt Baptiste, Scott Anderson, Dane Carlaw, David Hala, Corey Parker, Jharal Yow Yeh (two to be omitted).
Ins: Dane Gagai, Shea Moylan, Dunamis Lui, Ben Te’o, Kurt Baptiste, Dane Carlaw
Outs: Sam Thaiday (Queensland), Ben Hannant (Queensland), Darren Lockyer (Queensland), Justin Hodges (hamstring, round 15)
Other unavailables: Ben Hunt (broken finger, round 15), Josh Hoffman (shin, indefinite), Matt Gillett (foot, round 15), Josh McGuire (lacerated eyeball, indefinite), Shane Tronc (neck, indefinite)
Comment: Expect plenty of late changes due to Wednesday’s Origin fixture. Darren Lockyer (thigh and back), Sam Thaiday (groin) and Ben Hannant (calf) will all carry niggles into Origin and haven’t been named to back up. Fellow Queensland stars Corey Parker and Jharal Yow Yeh have been named on an extended bench and will play if they make it through Origin. But will Parker get 80 minutes? And should you name him captain? Ben T’eo has been named to make his return from a broken arm after carving up in the Queensland Cup on the weekend. Alex Glenn has been named captain, which shows the esteem in which he is held by new coach Anthony Griffin. Popular cheapie Dane Gagai has been recalled. He should get a game even of Yow Yeh backs up, with Shea Moylan to drop out of the team and Justin Hodges (hamstring, round 15) still struggling with injury. Corey Norman will play five-eighth in the absence of Lockyer and Ben Hunt (broken finger, round 15), while Dunamis Lui, Kurt Baptiste and Dane Carlaw have also been called upon. Josh Hoffman (shin) was due to return this week, but the Broncos now say he will be out for an “indefinite” period.

*******************

CANTERBURY BULLDOGS v GOLD COAST TITANS at Suncorp Stadium, 8.45pm

BULLDOGS: Ben Barba, Steve Turner, Josh Morris, Jamal Idris, Bryson Goodwin, Kris Keating, Trent Hodkinson, Andrew Ryan (capt), Michael Ennis, Sam Kasiano, Frank Pritchard, Jake Foster, David Stagg. Interchange: Greg Eastwood, Corey Payne, Dene Halatau, Michael Hodgson.
Ins: Michael Ennis, Michael Hodgson
Outs: Aiden Tolman (knee, round 15), Josh Reynolds (NSW Cup)
Other unavailables: Michael Lett (hamstring, indefinite), Mickey Paea (knee, round 13), Jonathan Wright (ankle, round 15), Ryan Tandy (sacked, season)
Comment: The injury to Aiden Tolman (knee, round 15) is a big blow for SuperCoaches. Doctors say he could even be out until round 17. Andrew Ryan moves to the front row as Tolman’s replacement, with Michael Hodgson added to the bench. Ryan’s move to prop could play into David Stagg’s hands for SuperCoach. Michael Ennis will be backing up from Origin, with Josh Reynolds relegated to NSW Cup. Early-season cheapies Sam Kasiano and Jake Foster both get a crack in the starting side.

TITANS: Preston Campbell, Steve Michaels, Esi Tonga, Bodene Thompson, David Mead, William Zillman, Scott Prince, Luke Bailey, Riley Brown, Michael Henderson, Greg Bird, Mark Minichiello, Ashley Harrison. Interchange: Matt White, Ryan James, Sam Tagataese, Luke O’Dwyer.
Ins: Bodene Thompson
Outs: Joseph Tomane
Other unavailables: Nathan Friend (shoulder, indefinite), Anthony Laffranchi (ankle, round 13), Brad Meyers (retired due to wrist injury, season), Kevin Gordon (knee, season)
Comment: Bodene Thompson returns from a virus in the only change, with Joseph Tomane to drop back to Queensland Cup. David Mead has one more price rise left. Ashley Harrison and Greg Bird will be backing up from Origin. Harrison has played off the bench when backing up in the past. That said, the return of Anthony Laffranchi (ankle, round 13) has been pushed back another week, which is good news for Harrison owners.

*****************

SATURDAY
NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS v PARRAMATTA EELS at Ausgrid Stadium, 5.30pm

KNIGHTS: Shannon McDonnell, James McManus, Junior Sa’u, Wes Naiqama, Akuila Uate, Beau Henry, Jarrod Mullen (capt), Richie Fa’aoso, Matt Hilder, Evarn Tuimavave, Chris Houston, Neville Costigan, Joel Edwards. Interchange: Isaac De Gois, Mark Taufua, Cameron Ciraldo, Dan Tolar, Antonio Kaufusi (one to be omitted).
Ins: Junior Sa’u, Akuila Uate, Cameron Ciraldo, Richie Fa’aoso
Outs: Keith Lulia (dropped), Peter Mata’utia (dropped), Marvin Filipo (dropped)
Other unavailables: Cory Paterson (shoulder, indefinite), Kurt Gidley (shoulder, indefinite), Ben Rogers (dislocated shoulder, indefinite), Adam MacDougall (bicep, indefinite), Zeb Taia (neck, indefinite)
Comment: Junior Sa’u, Richie Fa’aoso and Cameron Ciraldo return from injury, while Akuila Uate returns from Origin duty. This pushes Keith Lulia, Peter Mata’utia and Marvin Filipo out of the team, ruling out Filipo as a cheapie this week (although Mata’utia could become a cash cow down the track). Matt Hilder’s brilliant run could be over following the return of Isaac De Gois last week. Chris Houston continues to play 80 minutes in Cory Paterson’s absence, making him a borderline keeper.

EELS: Jarryd Hayne, Luke Burt, Chris Walker, Jacob Loko, Jordan Atkins, Casey McGuire, Jeff Robson, Tim Mannah, Matt Keating, Fuifui Moimoi, Nathan Hindmarsh (capt), Taniela Lasalo, Ben Smith. Interchange: Anthony Mitchell, Shane Shackleton, Mitchell Allgood, Justin Horo.
Ins: Tim Mannah
Outs: Carl Webb (dropped)
Other unavailables: Justin Poore (knee, indefinite), Chris Hicks (ankle, round 13), Joel Reddy (pectoral, season)
Comment: Tim Mannah returns from Origin duty in the place of Carl Webb. Chris Walker, a late inclusion on Monday night, retains his spot ahead of Ryan Morgan, who will play for Wentworthville. Jarryd Hayne rose $26,700 last week and will see another huge rise this week. Daniel Mortimer has again missed out after being dropped at the last-minute against the Sharks, with Casey McGuire to play five-eighth. Nathan Hindmarsh hardly set the world on fire last week, but at least he played 80 minutes. Shane Shackleton will be free to play after being cleared of a serious eye injury. There’s still no sight of Reni Maitua, who was expected to make his return from a two-year drug suspension in NSW Cup this week.

*******************

NORTH QUEENSLAND COWBOYS v SYDNEY ROOSTERS at Dairy Farmers Stadium, 7.30pm

COWBOYS: Matthew Bowen, Ashley Graham, Antonio Winterstein, Willie Tonga, Kalifa Faifai Loa, Ray Thompson, Johnathan Thurston, Matthew Scott, Aaron Payne, James Tamou, Gavin Cooper, Glenn Hall, Dallas Johnson. Interchange: James Segeyaro, Scott Bolton, Tariq Sims, Ashton Sims, Leeson Ah Mau (one to be omitted).
Ins: Leeson Ah Mau
Outs: None
Other unavailables: Brent Tate (knee, round 15), Michael Bani (ankle, indefinite)
Comment: Leeson Ah Mau has been added to an extended bench in the only change. Johnathan Thurston, Willie Tonga and Matt Scott will be backing up from Wednesday’s Origin fixture. Thurston in particular prides himself on backing up and often produces massive performances in these games.

ROOSTERS: Anthony Minichiello, Steve Naughton, Justin Carney, Shaun Kenny-Dowall, Joseph ‘BJ’ Leilua, Todd Carney, Mitchell Pearce, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, Jake Friend, Nate Myles, Braith Anasta, Frank Paul Nuuausala, Aidan Guerra. Interchange: Jason Ryles, Mose Masoe, Mark Riddell, Tom Symonds.
Ins: Mitchell Pearce, Nate Myles, Tom Symonds
Outs: Lama Tasi (broken ankle, round 18), Willie Mataka (dropped), Tinirau Arona (dropped)
Other unavailables: Kane Linnett (shoulder, round 16), Mitchell Aubusson (shoulder, round 16), Daniel Conn (neck, indefinite), Phil Graham (pectoral, indefinite), Martin Kennedy (foot, round 14), Sam Perrett (broken ankle, round 13), Anthony Cherrington (knee, season), Anthony Watts (suspension, indefinite)
Comment: The injury to young prop Lama Tasi (broken ankle, round 18) is a massive blow for those who picked him up as a cheapie last week. Tom Symonds (broken finger) has been named, but will face a fitness test later in the week. The returns of Origin stars Mitchell Pearce and Nate Myles are huge boosts. Todd Carney moves back to five-eighth, with Pearce slotting in at halfback and Braith Anasta returning to the forwards. The return of Sam Perrett (broken ankle, round 13) has been pushed back, meaning Steve Naughton gets the chance to notch his third game – and the subsequent price rise. Shaun Kenny-Dowall was on fire on the weekend and seems to have set his mind on stepping up due to the Roosters’ injury list.

******************

SUNDAY
MELBOURNE STORM v CRONULLA SHARKS at AAMI Park, 2pm

STORM: Billy Slater, Anthony Quinn, Dane Nielsen, Maurice Blair, Matt Duffie, Gareth Widdop, Cooper Cronk, Jesse Bromwich, Cameron Smith (capt), Bryan Norrie, Adam Blair, Kevin Proctor, Todd Lowrie. Interchange: Ryan Hinchcliffe, Sika Manu, Adam Woolnough, Jaiman Lowe.
Ins: Anthony Quinn
Outs: Dane Chisholm
Other unavailables: Beau Champion (shoulder, round 15), Chase Stanley (knee, season), Sione Kite (shoulder, round 20), Atelea Vea (knee, round 14)
Comment: Anthony Quinn returns from injury in the only change, replacing Dane Chisholm. Cameron Smith has a break even of 92 and should drop over the next few weeks, especially if he plays off the bench while backing up, which he has done on occasions in the past. Billy Slater, Dane Nielsen and Cooper Cronk will also be backing up. Maurice Blair will see a big rise after this week and is guaranteed a spot until Beau Champion (shoulder, round 15) returns. Troy Thompson (knee, appendix) and Justin O’Neill (hamstring) are fit but haven’t been named.

SHARKS: Isaac Gordon, Matthew Wright, Ben Pomeroy, Colin Best, Stewart Mills, Wade Graham, Scott Porter, Kade Snowden, John Morris, Luke Douglas, Jayson Bukuya, Anthony Tupou, Paul Gallen. Interchange: Josh Cordoba, Taulima Tautai, Johnny Mannah, Stuart Flanagan, Broderick Wright, Siosaia Vave (two to be omitted).
Ins: Kade Snowden, Paul Gallen
Outs: None
Other unavailables: Paul Aiton (ankle, round 15), Nathan Gardner (ankle, round 13), John Williams (ankle, round 15), Albert Kelly (broken leg, round 15), Jeremy Smith (knee, round 15)
Comment: Kade Snowden and Paul Gallen return from Origin duty. Gallen in particular is very good at backing up and could come into consideration as captain this week after Corey Parker was named on an extended bench. Stewart Mills retains his spot and will see a big price rise after this week, despite coming back to earth with 18 on Monday night. The return of Jeremy Smith (knee, round 15) has been pushed back two more weeks, which is good news for Jayson Bukuya owners. The return of Nathan Gardner (ankle, round 13) has also been pushed back another week.

*****************

ST GEORGE ILLAWARRA DRAGONS v WESTS TIGERS at WIN Jubilee Oval, 3pm

DRAGONS: Darius Boyd, Brett Morris, Mark Gasnier, Matt Cooper, Jason Nightingale, Jamie Soward, Ben Hornby (capt), Dan Hunt, Dean Young, Michael Weyman, Beau Scott, Ben Creagh, Matt Prior. Interchange: Jon Green, Nathan Fien, Adam Cuthbertson, Trent Merrin, Kyle Stanley, Jack Bosden, Mitch Rein (three to be omitted).
Ins: Mark Gasnier, Nathan Fien, Jack Bosden
Outs: None
Other unavailables: Bronx Goodwin (knee, round 20), Cameron King (shoulder, round 16), Nick Emmett (foot, round 13)
Comment: Expect plenty of late changes, with eight players due to back up from Origin – Jamie Soward, Dean Young, Trent Merrin, Mark Gasnier, Ben Creagh, Beau Scott, Brett Morris and Darius Boyd. Nathan Fien (hamstring) is set to return from injury – as is Mark Gasnier (ankle) if he pulls up well from Origin. Late mail will be the key here.

TIGERS: Wade McKinnon, Mitch Brown, Blake Ayshford, Tim Moltzen, Matt Utai, Benji Marshall, Robert Lui, Bryce Gibbs, Robbie Farah, Keith Galloway, Simon Dwyer, Liam Fulton, Chris Heighington. Interchange: Beau Ryan, Andrew Fifita, Ben Murdoch-Masila, Aaron Woods, Alan Schirnack (one to be omitted).
Ins: Beau Ryan
Outs: None
Other unavailables: Gareth Ellis (ankle, round 13), Todd Payten (ankle and knee, indefinite), Geoff Daniela (torn pectoral, indefinite), Lote Tuqiri (broken arm, round 13), Chris Lawrence (dislocated hip, indefinite)
Comment: Beau Ryan has been named on an extended bench in the only change. Keith Galloway (concussion) will have to prove his fitness later in the week. Gareth Ellis (ankle, round 13) and Lote Tuqiri (broken arm, round 13) were originally slated to come back this week, but have had their return dates pushed back until next round. Robbie Farah’s price rose $27,000 in the last week. He will surge again this week.

*****************

MONDAY
PENRITH PANTHERS v SOUTH SYDNEY RABBITOHS at Centrebet Stadium, 7pm

PANTHERS: Lachlan Coote, David Simmons, Michael Jennings, Brad Tighe, Adrian Purtell, Travis Burns, Luke Walsh, Sam McKendry, Kevin Kingston, Petero Civoniceva (capt), Nigel Plum, Trent Waterhouse, Luke Lewis. Interchange: Masada Iosefa, Nathan Smith, Tim Grant, Matthew Bell, Dayne Weston, Sandor Earl, Yileen Gordon (three to omitted).
Ins: Travis Burns
Outs: None
Other unavailables: Michael Gordon (knee, season), Timana Tahu (pectoral, season), Dane Laurie (knee, indefinite)
Comment: Petero Civoniceva (Queensland) and Michael Jennings (NSW) have not been named, but will come into consideration if they make it through Origin. Luke Lewis (shoulder) and Travis Burns (ankle), who was a late withdrawal on the weekend, are both expected to play. Trent Waterhouse is no longer playing 80 minutes since the return of Luke Lewis. Dane Laurie (knee) returns from injury in the NSW Cup.

RABBITOHS: Rhys Wesser, Nathan Merritt, Dylan Farrell, Shaune Corrigan, Fetuli Talanoa, John Sutton, Chris Sandow, Ben Ross, Issac Luke, Shannan McPherson, Dave Tyrrell, David Taylor, Michael Crocker (capt). Interchange: Eddy Pettybourne, Jason Clark, Chris McQueen, Nathan Peats.
Ins: Fetuli Talanoa
Outs: James Roberts
Other unavailables: Greg Inglis (hip, round 15), Roy Asotasi (arm, season), Sam Burgess (ankle, season), Luke Stuart (knee, season), Scott Geddes (Achilles, season), Ben Lowe (foot, round 13)
Comment: Fetuli Talanoa returns from pneumonia in the place of youngster James Roberts. Dave Tyrrell (concussion) and Jason Clark (knee) will be monitored during the week. Dave Taylor has stepped up in the absence of South Sydney’s star forwards. Has he become a viable front row keeper following his Origin snub? Shaune Corrigan will see his first price rise after this week.

 

[clontaago]

Interesting week this one. With State of Origin players backing up and the Warriors and Raiders having the bye.

I've scraped together a bits and pieces team somehow.

 

[eagles2win]

5 leagues from 5 for me!

 

[Berkeley_Eagle]

FRIDAY

PARRAMATTA EELS v ST GEORGE ILLAWARRA DRAGONS at Parramatta Stadium, 7.35pm

EELS: Jarryd Hayne, Luke Burt, Ryan Morgan, Jacob Loko, Jordan Atkins, Casey McGuire, Jeff Robson, Tim Mannah, Matt Keating, Fuifui Moimoi, Nathan Hindmarsh (capt), Taniela Lasalo, Ben Smith. Interchange: Shane Shackleton, Mitchell Allgood, Carl Webb, Justin Horo.
Ins: Jacob Loko, Carl Webb
Outs: Chris Walker (NSW Cup), Anthony Mitchell (NSW Cup)
Other unavailables: Justin Poore (knee, indefinite), Joel Reddy (pectoral, season)
Comment: Chris Walker has been dropped. He will play on the wing for Wentworthville, with Jacob Loko and Ryan Morgan to play centre in the top grade. Coach Stephen Kearney has also dropped hooker Anthony Mitchell - instead going for four big men on the bench, which should ensure 80 minutes for Matt Keating. Chris Hicks makes a return from injury in NSW Cup alongside Daniel Mortimer, who will play halfback. Nathan Hindmarsh has played 80 minutes for two weeks in a row.

DRAGONS: Darius Boyd, Peni Tagive, Mark Gasnier, Matt Cooper, Jason Nightingale, Jamie Soward, Ben Hornby (capt), Dan Hunt, Dean Young, Michael Weyman, Beau Scott, Ben Creagh, Matt Prior. Interchange: Jon Green, Nathan Fien, Adam Cuthbertson, Trent Merrin, Jack Bosden, Mitch Rein (two to be omitted).
Ins: Ratu Peni Tagive, Dean Young, Jack Bosden
Outs: Brett Morris (hamstring, round 15)
Other unavailables: Bronx Goodwin (knee, round 20), Cameron King (shoulder, round 16), Nick Emmett (foot, round 14)
Comment: Brett Morris (hamstring, round 15) is out, replaced by Peni Tagive, who will play his second game. Matt Cooper (hand, cheekbone) is in doubt. Dean Young returns to the starting side after being the only St George Illawarra player not to back up on Sunday.

****************

CRONULLA SHARKS v BRISBANE BRONCOS at Toyota Stadium, 7.35pm

SHARKS: Isaac Gordon, Matthew Wright, Ben Pomeroy, Colin Best, Stewart Mills, Wade Graham, Scott Porter, Kade Snowden, John Morris, Taulima Tautai, Jayson Bukuya, Anthony Tupou, Paul Gallen (capt). Interchange: Siosaia Vave, Stuart Flanagan, Broderick Wright, Tyson Frizell.
Ins: Johnny Mannah, Broderick Wright, Tyson Trizell
Outs: Luke Douglas (knee, round 18), Josh Cordoba (hamstring, round 15)
Other unavailables: Paul Aiton (ankle, round 15), Nathan Gardner (ankle, round 15), John Williams (ankle, round 15), Albert Kelly (broken leg, round 15), Jeremy Smith (knee, round 15)
Comment: Johnny Mannah and Broderick Wright come into the team for Luke Douglas (knee, round 18) and Josh Cordoba (hamstring, round 15). Kade Snowden has an ongoing back injury that will need to be managed during the season. Taulima Tautai will be Snowden’s front row partner in the absence of Douglas. Jayson Bukuya continues to dominate in the place of Jeremy Smith (knee, round 15). Ben Pomeroy is free to play after taking an early guilty plea at the judiciary.

BRONCOS: Josh Hoffman, Dale Copley, Jack Reed, Gerard Beale, Jharal Yow Yeh, Darren Lockyer (capt), Peter Wallace, Ben Hannant, Andrew McCullough, Scott Anderson, Alex Glenn, Sam Thaiday, Corey Parker. Interchange: Kurt Baptiste, Dane Carlaw, Mitchell Dodds, David Hala.
Ins: Josh Hoffman, Darren Lockyer, Sam Thaiday, Dane Carlaw
Outs: Dane Gagai (Toyota Cup), Corey Norman (Toyota Cup), Ben Te’o (broken arm, round 18), Nick Kenny (shoulder, indefinite)
Other unavailables: Justin Hodges (hamstring, indefinite), Ben Hunt (broken finger, indefinite), Matt Gillett (foot, round 15), Josh McGuire (lacerated eyeball, indefinite), Shane Tronc (neck, indefinite)
Comment: Darren Lockyer and Sam Thaiday return after being rested last week, replacing Corey Norman (Toyota Cup) and Ben Te’o (re-broken arm, round 18). Te’o’s injury should benefit Alex Glenn owners. Josh Hoffman also returns from injury (which he this week revealed was actually a broken leg, not a corked shin), pushing Gerard Beale to the centres and Dane Gagai out of the team. Ongoing injuries to Josh McGuire (lacerated eyeball, indefinite) and Shane Tronc (neck, indefinite) mean cheapie David Hala retains his spot. Dane Carlaw has been recalled on the bench for Nick Kenny (shoulder, indefinite).

******************

SATURDAY

GOLD COAST TITANS v PENRITH PANTHERS at Skilled Park, 5.30pm

TITANS: Preston Campbell, Steve Michaels, Esi Tonga, Bodene Thompson, David Mead, William Zillman, Scott Prince (capt), Luke Bailey, Matt Srama, Michael Henderson, Greg Bird, Mark Minichiello, Ashley Harrison. Interchange: Matt White, Ryan James, Sam Tagataese, Luke O’Dwyer, Ben Ridge, Clinton Toopi (two to be omitted).
Ins: Ashley Harrison, Clinton Toopi
Outs: None
Other unavailables: Nathan Friend (shoulder, indefinite), Anthony Laffranchi (ankle, indefinite), Brad Meyers (retired due to wrist injury, season), Kevin Gordon (knee, season)
Comment: Young hooker Matt Srama looms as a great cheapie after retaining his spot. He played the full 80 minutes on debut last week. Ashley Harrison returns to the side after failing to back up from Origin. Clinton Toopi has been added to an extended bench as cover for Steve Michaels (concussion), William Zillman (neck, concussion) and Bodene Thompson (ribs).

PANTHERS: Lachlan Coote, David Simmons, Michael Jennings, Brad Tighe, Adrian Purtell, Travis Burns, Luke Walsh, Sam McKendry, Kevin Kingston, Petero Civoniceva, Trent Waterhouse, Nathan Smith, Luke Lewis. Interchange: Tim Grant, Matthew Bell, Sarafu Fatiaki, Dayne Weston, Masada Iosefa (one to be omitted).
Ins: Dayne Weston
Outs: None
Other unavailables: Michael Gordon (knee, season), Timana Tahu (pectoral, season), Sandor Earl (shoulder, season), Nigel Plum (meniscus tear, round 15)
Comment: Dayne Weston has been added to an extended bench in the only change. Luke Lewis’s brilliant form has him on the cusp of Origin selection. Michael Jennings has never been cheaper, but will miss at least two upcoming rounds through Origin. Sandor Earl (shoulder, season) and Nigel Plum (meniscus tear, round 15) have been added to Penrith’s walking wounded.

********************

SYDNEY ROOSTERS v NZ WARRIORS at Sydney Football Stadium, 7.30pm

ROOSTERS: Anthony Minichiello, Rhys Pritchard, Justin Carney, Shaun Kenny-Dowall, Joseph ‘BJ’ Leilua, Todd Carney, Mitchell Pearce, Jason Ryles, Jake Friend, Nate Myles, Braith Anasta, Frank Paul Nuuausala, Aidan Guerra. Interchange: Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, Tinirau Arona, Mark Riddell, Tom Symonds, Boyd Cordner (one to be omitted).
Ins: Rhys Pritchard, Tinirau Arona, Boyd Cordner
Outs: Steve Naughton (broken collarbone, round 19), Mose Masoe (dropped)
Other unavailables: Lama Tasi (broken ankle, round 18), Kane Linnett (shoulder, round 16), Mitchell Aubusson (shoulder, round 16), Daniel Conn (neck, indefinite), Phil Graham (pectoral, indefinite), Martin Kennedy (foot, round 14), Sam Perrett (broken ankle, round 14), Anthony Cherrington (knee, season), Anthony Watts (suspension, indefinite)
Comment: Rhys Pritchard takes the place of Steve Naughton (broken collarbone, round 19), with Sam Perrett (broken ankle, round 14) still unavailable. Boyd Cordner, a young back rower with an incredible reputation, has been added to an extended bench. Aidan Guerra retains his starting spot ahead of Tom Symonds.

WARRIORS: Kevin Locke, Krisnan Inu, Lewis Brown, Simon Mannering, Manu Vatuvei, James Maloney, Brett Seymour, Russell Packer, Aaron Heremaia, Jacob Lillyman, Feleti Mateo, Elijah Taylor, Michael Luck. Interchange: Shaun Berrigan, Jeremy Latimore, Ben Matulino, Steve Rapira.
Ins: Jacob Lillyman, Steve Rapira
Outs: Ukuma Ta’ai (knee, indefinite), Lance Hohaia (sternum, indefinite)
Other unavailables: Jerome Ropati (knee, season), Sam Rapira (thumb, indefinite)
Comment: Jacob Lillyman returns from Origin duty, pushing Ben Matulino to the bench. Steve Rapira will make his long-awaited club debut in the place of Ukuma Ta’ai (knee, indefinite). The injury to Lance Hohaia (sternum, indefinite) could play into the hands of Lewis Brown. Shaun Berrigan, who played centre last start, has taken Hohaia’s bench spot, meaning Brown gets a run in the backline. Glen Fisiiahi will play wing in NSW Cup.

******************

CANTERBURY BULLDOGS v MANLY SEA EAGLES at ANZ Stadium, 7.30pm

BULLDOGS: Ben Barba, Steve Turner, Josh Morris, Jamal Idris, Bryson Goodwin, Kris Keating, Josh Reynolds, Andrew Ryan (capt), Michael Ennis, Sam Kasiano, Frank Pritchard, Jake Foster, David Stagg. Interchange: Greg Eastwood, Corey Payne, Dene Halatau, Michael Hodgson.
Ins: Josh Reynolds
Outs: Trent Hodkinson (suspension, round 16)
Other unavailables: Aiden Tolman (knee, round 15), Mickey Paea (knee, round 13), Ryan Tandy (sacked, season), Ben Roberts (knee, round 18)
Comment: Josh Reynolds replaces Trent Hodkinson (suspension, round 16) in the only change. Hodkinson took the early guilty plea on a grade two dangerous contact charge and will miss two games. Greg Eastwood (eye) has been named. Andrew Ryan will again play front row in the absence of Aiden Tolman. Michael Ennis is free to play after taking an early guilty plea at the judiciary.

EAGLES: Brett Stewart, David Williams, Jamie Lyon, Steve Matai, Will Hopoate, Kieran Foran, Daly Cherry-Evans, Jason King, Matt Ballin, George Rose, Anthony Watmough, Joe Galuvao, Glenn Stewart. Interchange: Vic Mauro, Jamie Buhrer, Tim Robinson, Tony Williams, Darcy Lussick (one to be omitted).
Ins: Vic Mauro, Darcy Lussick
Outs: Brent Kite (ribs, round 14),
Other unavailables: Michael Robertson (knee, round 14), Shane Rodney (shoulder, indefinite)
Comment: Brent Kite (ribs, round 14) has been ruled out, which could benefit Tim Robinson owners. Jason King (ankle) and George Rose (calf) are in doubt. Michael Robertson (knee, round 14) again misses out, with David Williams retaining his wing spot. Jamie Lyon has won back the kicking duties and is a special for this week. Jamie Buhrer was only given six minutes on Friday night for no apparent reason.

******************

SUNDAY

CANBERRA RAIDERS v NORTH QUEENSLAND COWBOYS at Canberra Stadium, 2pm

RAIDERS: Josh Dugan, Blake Ferguson, Jarrod Croker, Joel Thompson, Reece Robinson, Josh McCrone, Sam Williams, Dane Tilse, Alan Tongue (capt), Brett White, Joe Picker, Bronson Harrison, Shaun Fensom. Interchange: Glen Buttriss, Josh Miller, Josh Papalii, Tom Learoyd-Lahrs.
Ins: Josh Dugan, Tom Learoyd-Lahrs
Outs: Nathan Massey (dropped), Sam Mataora (finger, round 18)
Other unavailables: David Shillington (pectoral, round 14), Terry Campese (knee, round 14), Matt Orford (illness and groin, indefinite), Daniel Vidot (ankle, round 16)
Comment: Josh Dugan returns from Origin duty, while Tom Learoyd-Lahrs will play his first game since fracturing his eye socket in the City-Country clash. Terry Campese (knee, round 14) will resume full training this week, but coach David Furner has resisted the temptation to rush him back into the team. “We’re confident in the halves we’ve got at the moment and we don’t need to rush Campo back until he’s completed a few more training sessions and had all the clearance from our medical staff,” he said. “Both Sammy Williams and Josh McCrone have been good for in the past two weeks and we have stuck with them for the Cowboys game.” Sam Mataora (finger, round 18) is out, while Daniel Vidot (ankle, round 16) was injured in Queensland Cup recently. This week will be Shaun Fensom’s first game since his incredible 74 tackle performance against the Bulldogs. He will see a massive rise after this week.

COWBOYS: Matthew Bowen, Ashley Graham, Antonio Winterstein, Gavin Cooper, Kalifa Faifai Loa, Ray Thompson, Johnathan Thurston (capt), Matthew Scott (capt), Aaron Payne, James Tamou, Tariq Sims, Glenn Hall, Dallas Johnson. Interchange: James Segeyaro, Scott Bolton, Leeson Ah Mau, Ashton Sims.
Ins: None
Outs: None
Other unavailables: Brent Tate (knee, round 15), Michael Bani (ankle, indefinite), Willie Tonga (shoulder, round 18)
Comment: No changes. Gavin Cooper will again play in the centres due to the injury to Willie Tonga (shoulder, indefinite). Tariq Sims is the big winner out of the switch. He scores a starting spot, with Scott Bolton again benched. Dallas Johnson and Aaron Payne (both concussion) will play.

******************

SOUTH SYDNEY RABBITOHS v MELBOURNE STORM at ANZ Stadium, 3pm

RABBITOHS: Rhys Wesser, Nathan Merritt, Shaune Corrigan, Greg Inglis, James Roberts, John Sutton, Chris Sandow, Ben Ross, Issac Luke, Shannan McPherson, Chris McQueen, David Taylor, Michael Crocker (capt). Interchange: Eddy Pettybourne, Dave Tyrrell, Jason Clark, Nathan Peats.
Ins: Greg Inglis, Jason Clark
Outs: Dylan Farrell (ankle, indefinite), Deon Apps (dropped)
Other unavailables: Roy Asotasi (arm, round 24), Sam Burgess (ankle, season), Luke Stuart (knee, season), Scott Geddes (Achilles, round 25), Ben Lowe (foot, round 16), Fetuli Talanoa (pneumonia, round 15)
Comment: Greg Inglis returns at the expense of Dylan Farrell (ankle, indefinite). Farrell’s injury means Shaune Corrigan retains his spot. Jason Clark (ankle) is in doubt. James Roberts retains his wing spot ahead of Fetuli Talanoa (pneumonia, round 15). Chris McQueen has been promoted to the starting side ahead of Dave Tyrrell. Ben Ross and Dave Taylor continue to produce keeper scores in the midst of South Sydney’s injury crisis.

STORM: Billy Slater, Sisa Waqa, Dane Nielsen, Maurice Blair, Matt Duffie, Gareth Widdop, Cooper Cronk, Jesse Bromwich, Cameron Smith (capt), Bryan Norrie, Adam Blair, Kevin Proctor, Todd Lowrie. Interchange: Ryan Hinchcliffe, Sika Manu, Adam Woolnough, Jaiman Lowe.
Ins: None
Outs: None
Other unavailables: Anthony Quinn (back, round 14), Beau Champion (shoulder, round 14), Chase Stanley (knee, season), Sione Kite (shoulder, round 20), Atelea Vea (knee, round 15)
Comment: Sisa Waqa has been named to again replace Anthony Quinn (back, round 14). He will see a big price rise after this week. The recovery of Beau Champion (shoulder, round 14) is on track, which could spell the end of Maurice Blair’s run. Cameron Smith (concussion) will play.

*****************

MONDAY

WESTS TIGERS v NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS at Leichhardt Oval, 7pm

TIGERS: Wade McKinnon, Lote Tuqiri, Blake Ayshford, Tim Moltzen, Mitch Brown, Benji Marshall, Robert Lui, Aaron Woods, Robbie Farah (capt), Keith Galloway, Simon Dwyer, Gareth Ellis, Chris Heighington. Interchange: Beau Ryan, Liam Fulton, Bryce Gibbs, Andrew Fifita.
Ins: Gareth Ellis, Wade McKinnon, Lote Tuqiri, Keith Galloway
Outs: Matt Groat (dropped), Alan Schirnack (dropped), Ben Murdoch-Masila (dropped) and Matt Utai (broken arm, round 18)
Other unavailables: Todd Payten (ankle and knee, indefinite), Geoff Daniela (torn pectoral, indefinite), Chris Lawrence (dislocated hip, indefinite)
Comment: Gareth Ellis (ankle), Wade McKinnon (hamstring), Lote Tuqiri (broken arm) and Keith Galloway (concussion) return from injury at the expense of Matt Groat (dropped), Alan Schirnack (dropped), Ben Murdoch-Masila (dropped) and Matt Utai (broken arm, round 18). Ellis’s return may cut into the game time of Chris Heighington and Liam Fulton. Aaron Woods, who has been producing great scores lately, retains his starting spot despite the return of Galloway.

KNIGHTS: Wes Naiqama, James McManus, Junior Sa’u, Keith Lulia, Akuila Uate, Beau Henry, Kurt Gidley (capt), Richie Fa’aoso, Matt Hilder, Evarn Tuimavave, Chris Houston, Neville Costigan, Joel Edwards. Interchange: Isaac De Gois, Antonio Kaufusi, Cameron Ciraldo, Dan Tolar.
Ins: Junior Sa’u, Antonio Kaufusi
Outs: Jarrod Mullen (pectoral indefinite), Mark Taufua (knee, indefinite)
Other unavailables: Cory Paterson (shoulder, indefinite), Ben Rogers (dislocated shoulder, indefinite), Adam MacDougall (bicep, indefinite), Zeb Taia (neck, indefinite)
Comment: Kurt Gidley moves from fullback to halfback to replace Jarrod Mullen (pectoral indefinite). This could cut Gidley’s runs. Wes Naiqama moves from centre to take Gidley’s fullback spot, with Junior Sa’u returning from injury in Naiqama’s centre spot.

 

[clontaago]

Who is kano's eagles? Gonna be a close one!!

 

[mosto]

1269 and lost 4 out of 5 games!!!

 

[Dan]

I havent updated mine for two weeks. went in and finally replaced mick Gordon
but got bored and left it at that

 

[The Gronk]

5 from 5 with 1365 points

 

[Berkeley_Eagle]

FRIDAY
ST GEORGE ILLAWARRA DRAGONS v GOLD COAST TITANS at WIN Jubilee Oval, 7.45pm

DRAGONS: Jason Nightingale, Ratu Peni Tagive, Alex McKinnon, Matt Prior, Reece Simmonds, Nathan Fien, Ben Hornby (capt), Dan Hunt, Dean Young, Michael Weyman, Jack Bosden, Michael Greenfield, Adam Cuthbertson. Interchange: Jon Green, David Gower, Daniel Penese, Jake Marketo, Mitch Rein (one to be omitted).
Ins: Alex McKinnon, Reece Simmonds, Michael Greenfield, David Gower, Daniel Penese, Jake Marketo, Mitch Rein
Outs: Darius Boyd (Queensland), Mark Gasnier, Jamie Soward, Beau Scott, Ben Creagh, Trent Merrin (all NSW)
Other unavailables: Kyle Stanley (hamstring, round 17), Matt Cooper (hand and cheekbone, round 19), Brett Morris (hamstring, round 16), Bronx Goodwin (knee, round 20), Cameron King (pectoral, round 20), Nick Emmett (foot, round 16)
Comment: A huge shake-up here, with the Dragons missing six players through Origin. Jason Nightingale will play fullback in the absence of Darius Boyd (Queensland), with Reece Simmonds taking Nightingale’s wing spot. Ratu Peni Tagive retains his wing spot in the absence of Brett Morris (hamstring, round 16). Tagive will see a big rise after this week and could come in handy for the Dragons given injuries to Morris, Kyle Stanley (hamstring, round 17), Matt Cooper (hand and cheekbone, round 19), Bronx Goodwin (knee, round 20) and Nick Emmett (foot, round 16). Toyota Cup star Alex McKinnon takes the centre spot of Mark Gasnier (NSW), with Matt Prior filling in for Cooper. Nathan Fien will play five-eighth in the absence of Jamie Soward (NSW), with Mitch Rein to take Fien’s bench hooker spot. Jack Bosden, Michael Greenfield and Adam Cuthbertson get starting spots in the absence of Beau Scott, Ben Creagh and Trent Merrin (all NSW), while David Gower (who will see a price rise after this game), Daniel Pensese and Jake Marketo have been added to the bench.

TITANS: William Zillman, Steve Michaels, Clinton Toopi, Joseph Tomane, David Mead, Preston Campbell, Scott Prince (capt), Luke Bailey, Matt Srama, Michael Henderson, Anthony Laffranchi, Mark Minichiello, Luke O’Dwyer. Interchange: Matt White, Ryan James, Bodene Thompson, Ben Ridge, Brenton Lawrence (one to be omitted).
Ins: Joseph Tomane, Anthony Laffranchi, Ben Ridge, Brenton Lawrence
Outs: Sam Tagataese, Greg Bird (NSW), Ashley Harrison (Queensland)
Other unavailables: Nathan Friend (shoulder, indefinite), Brad Meyers (retired due to wrist injury, season), Kevin Gordon (knee, season)
Comment: Matt Srama retains his spot and will see an enormous price rise after this week. With Greg Bird (NSW) and Ashley Harrison (Queensland) unavailable, Anthony Laffranchi has been named to make his return from a long-term ankle injury. Laffranchi’s comeback throws up a number of issues. Firstly, he may cut into the work of SuperCoach guns Luke Bailey and Harrison. Secondly, is he a keeper this season? He scored 67 and 87 early in the year before an injury-affected 28, which will ensure a price drop over the next few rounds. But Laffranchi will leave the club at the end of the year, meaning his minutes may be wound down if the Titans bow out of contention (ala Aiden Tolman at the Storm last year). Joseph Tomane has been named, with regular centre Bodene Thompson struggling with a rib injury and selected on the bench. Ben Ridge and Brenton Lawrence have been added to an extended bench.

*****************

SATURDAY
MANLY SEA EAGLES v NORTH QUEENSLAND COWBOYS at Brookvale Oval, 7.30pm

EAGLES: Brett Stewart, David Williams, Jamie Lyon (capt), Steve Matai, Michael Oldfield, Kieran Foran, Daly Cherry-Evans, Jason King (capt), Matt Ballin, George Rose, Tony Williams, Joe Galuvao, Glenn Stewart. Interchange: Vic Mauro, Jamie Buhrer, Tim Robinson, Darcy Lussick, Daniel Harrison (one to be omitted).
Ins: Michael Oldfield, Darcy Lussick, Daniel Harrison
Outs: Anthony Watmough, William Hopoate (both NSW)
Other unavailables: Brent Kite (ribs, round 15), Michael Robertson (knee, round 15), Shane Rodney (shoulder, indefinite)
Comment: Michael Oldfield replaces William Hopoate (NSW). Joe Galavao – not SuperCoach fave Jamie Buhrer – comes into the starting side for Anthony Watmough (NSW), with Darcy Lussick and Daniel Harrison added to an extended bench. While Buhrer should get decent minutes this week with Watmough out, he is a must-sell considering Tony Williams has leapfrogged him in the back row pecking order. Brett Stewart and Jason King’s Origin snubs are a win for the Sea Eagles, but Brent Kite (ribs, round 15) and Michael Robertson (knee, round 15) will again be missing. It’s safe to say Jamie Lyon has won back the kicking duties. He has taken every shot at goal in the last two games.

COWBOYS: Matthew Bowen, Ashley Graham, Antonio Winterstein, Gavin Cooper, Kalifa Faifai Loa, Ray Thompson, Michael Morgan, Ashton Sims, Aaron Payne, James Tamou, Tariq Sims, Glenn Hall, Dallas Johnson. Interchange: James Segeyaro, Ben Jones, Scott Bolton, Leeson Ah Mau.
Ins: James Segeyaro, Ben Jones
Outs: Johnathan Thurston, Matt Scott (both Queensland)
Other unavailables: Brent Tate (knee, round 15), Michael Bani (ankle, indefinite), Willie Tonga (shoulder, round 18)
Comment: Michael Morgan will play halfback in the absence of Johnathan Thurston (Queensland), while Ashton Sims takes the starting prop spot of Matt Scott (Queensland). James Segeyaro and Ben Jones have been added to the 17, meaning the Cowboys only have two big-men on the bench. This is good news for forward game time, especially Tariq Sims, who is on FIRE. Plenty of SuperCoaches will be regretting upgrading him earlier in the year.

******************

SUNDAY
BRISBANE BRONCOS v CANBERRA RAIDERS at Suncorp Stadium, 2pm

BRONCOS: Josh Hoffman, Dane Gagai, Gerard Beale, Dale Copley, Shea Moylan, Corey Norman, Peter Wallace, Nick Kenny, Andrew McCullough, Scott Anderson, Alex Glenn (capt), Dane Carlaw, Jack Reed. Interchange: Kurt Baptiste, Dunamis Lui, Mitchell Dodds, David Hala.
Ins: Dane Gagai, Shea Moylan, Corey Norman, Nick Kenny, Dunamis Lui
Outs: Darren Lockyer, Sam Thaiday, Ben Hannant, Jharal Yow Yeh, Corey Parker (all Queensland)
Other unavailables: Ben Te’o (broken arm, round 18), Justin Hodges (hamstring, indefinite), Ben Hunt (broken finger, indefinite), Matt Gillett (foot, round 15), Josh McGuire (lacerated eyeball, indefinite), Shane Tronc (neck, indefinite)
Comment: Plenty of youngsters get an opportunity with Brisbane’s five Origin stars unavailable and six regular first graders injured. Popular cheapie Dane Gagai gets the call-up – as do fellow youngsters Shea Moylan, Corey Norman and Dunamis Lui. Nick Kenny returns from injury. Popular early-season buy Jack Reed will play lock, which should increase his work. That said, the Broncos will surely struggle to score points with such a depleted side.

RAIDERS: Nathan Massey, James Stuart, Jarrod Croker, Blake Ferguson, Reece Robinson, Josh McCrone, Sam Williams, Dane Tilse, Alan Tongue (capt), Brett White, Joe Picker, Bronson Harrison, Shaun Fensom. Interchange: Glen Buttriss, Josh Miller, Tom Learoyd-Lahrs, Josh Papalii.
Ins: Nathan Massey, James Stuart, Glen Buttriss, David Shillington
Outs: Josh Dugan (ankle, round 17), Terry Campese (groin, round 24), Joel Thompson (groin, round 16)
Other unavailables: Sam Mataora (finger, round 18), David Shillington (pectoral, round 16), Matt Orford (illness and groin, indefinite), Daniel Vidot (ankle, round 16)
Comment: Josh Dugan (ankle, round 17), Terry Campese (groin, round 24) and Joel Thompson (groin, round 16) are massive losses that could ruin Canberra’s hopes of an end-of-season run (this could in turn limit Jarrod Croker’s shots at goal). That said, the return of David Shillington (pectoral) is a big boost, although the former Queensland star will need to prove his fitness later in the week, with Josh Papalii on standby. Nathan Massey replaces Dugan at fullback. Blake Ferguson has been moved closer to the action, replacing Thompson at centre. Medical staff are only “hopeful” Thompson will be back for round 16, with fears of a recurrence of the serious groin injury that ended his 2010. James Stuart takes Ferguson’s wing spot, while Glen Buttriss comes onto the bench for Campese, who has been diagnosed with a grade three tear to his adductor and won’t return until just before the finals.

*******************

NZ WARRIORS v WESTS TIGERS at Mt Smart Stadium, 4pm

WARRIORS: Kevin Locke, Krisnan Inu, Lewis Brown, Simon Mannering (capt), Manu Vatuvei, James Maloney, Shaun Johnson, Russell Packer, Shaun Berrigan, Jacob Lillyman, Feleti Mateo, Elijah Taylor, Micheal Luck. Interchange: Lance Hohaia, Jeremy Latimore, Sione Lousi, Ben Matulino, Steve Rapira (one to be omitted).
Ins: Lance Hohaia, Sione Lousi
Outs: Aaron Heremaia (hand, indefinite)
Other unavailables: Ukuma Ta’ai (knee, indefinite), Jerome Ropati (knee, season), Sam Rapira (thumb, indefinite), Brett Seymour (fractured eye socket, indefinite)
Comment: Aaron Heremaia (hand, indefinite) is out, with Shaun Berrigan moving to starting hooker and Lance Hohiaia (sternum) returning from injury on the bench. The injury to Brett Seymour (fractured eye socket, indefinite) gives young gun Shaun Johnson another chance. He scored 38 on debut last week and is available at halfback and five-eighth. Jacob Lillyman is free to play for the Warriors after being snubbed by Queensland. Glen Fisiiahi will again play NSW Cup.

TIGERS: Wade McKinnon, Lote Tuqiri, Blake Ayshford, Tim Moltzen, Mitch Brown, Benji Marshall, Robert Lui, Bryce Gibbs, (capt) Robbie Farah, Keith Galloway, Simon Dwyer, Gareth Ellis, Chris Heighington. Interchange: Beau Ryan, Liam Fulton, Aaron Woods, Andrew Fifita, Alan Schirnack (one to be omitted).
Ins: Wade McKinnon, Alan Schirnack
Outs: Tim Simona (dropped)
Other unavailables: Matt Utai (broken arm, round 18), Todd Payten (ankle and knee, indefinite), Geoff Daniela (torn pectoral, indefinite), Chris Lawrence (dislocated hip, indefinite)
Comment: Wade McKinnon returns from a hamstring injury, pushing Tim Moltzen to the centres and youngster Tim Simona out of the team. Alan Schirnack has been added to an extended bench. Chris Heighington has been producing huge scores despite rarely playing more than 60 minutes. Can this continue?

*****************

MONDAY
MELBOURNE STORM v SYDNEY ROOSTERS at AAMI Park, 7pm

STORM: Justin O’Neill, Sisa Waqa, Beau Champion, Maurice Blair, Anthony Quinn, Gareth Widdop, Rory Kostjasyn, Jesse Bromwich, Ryan Hinchcliffe, Bryan Norrie, Adam Blair (capt), Kevin Proctor, Todd Lowrie. Interchange: Atelea Vea, Sika Manu, Adam Woolnough, Jaiman Lowe.
Ins: Beau Champion, Anthony Quinn, Todd Lowrie, Atelea Vea
Outs: Billy Slater, Cameron Smith, Dane Nielsen, Cooper Cronk (all Queensland)
Other unavailables: Chase Stanley (knee, season), Sione Kite (shoulder, round 20), Matt Duffie (hamstring, round 15)
Comment: The Storm have been forced into a huge reshuffle, with four Origin players out and Matt Duffie (hamstring, round 15) on the sidelines. Justin O’Neill moves from wing to fullback in the absence of Billy Slater (Queensland). Anthony Quinn (back) returns from injury on O’Neill’s flank. Last week’s cheapie Sisa Waqa retains his spot due to the injury to Duffie. Beau Champion (shoulder) returns to the side in the place of Dane Nielsen (Queensland), sparing the axe for popular cheapie Maurice Blair. Ryan Hinchcilffe should get 80 minutes as the hooker replacement for Cameron Smith (Queensland), while Rory Kostjasyn takes the halfback spot of Cooper Cronk (Queensland). With Melbourne’s three best players on Origin duties, SuperCoach points may be hard to come by.

ROOSTERS: Rhys Pritchard, Sam Perrett, Justin Carney, Willie Mataka, Joseph ‘BJ’ Leilua, Braith Anasta, Todd Carney, Jason Ryles, Jake Friend, Frank Paul Nuuausala, Tom Symonds, Boyd Cordner, Aidan Guerra. Interchange: Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, Tinirau Arona, Mark Riddell, Brad Takairangi.
Ins: Sam Perrett, Willie Mataka, Mark Riddell, Brad Takairangi
Outs: Anthony Minichiello, Mitchell Pearce (both NSW), Nate Myles (Queensland), Shaun Kenny-Dowall (ankle, round 16)
Other unavailables: Steve Naughton (broken collarbone, round 19), Mose Masoe (neck, indefinite), Lama Tasi (broken ankle, round 18), Kane Linnett (shoulder, round 16), Mitchell Aubusson (shoulder, round 16), Daniel Conn (neck, indefinite), Phil Graham (pectoral, indefinite), Martin Kennedy (foot, round 16), Sam Perrett (broken ankle, round 14), Anthony Cherrington (knee, season), Anthony Watts (suspension, indefinite)
Comment: The Roosters are in massive strife. They will be missing three Origin stars (Anthony Minichiello, Mitchell Pearce and Nate Myles), while their injury list must be close to the biggest in NRL history. The latest addition to the casually ward is Shaun Kenny-Dowall, who will be missing for two-four weeks after injuring ankle ligaments. In SuperCoach-relevant news: potential cheapie Rhys Pritchard will play fullback in the place of Minichiello, Justin Carney retains his centre spot, Willie Mataka will play his second game (he replaces Kenny-Dowall in the centres), Braith Anasta moves to five-eighth and Todd Carney to halfback in the absence of Mitchell Pearce, Frank Paul Nuuausala will play front row, Tom Symonds, Aiden Guerra and Boyd Cordner make up an inexperienced back row, Brad Takairangi has been named to make his debut from the bench.

 

[Berkeley_Eagle]

BRONCOS: Josh Hoffman, Dale Copley, Justin Hodges, Gerard Beale, Jharal Yow Yeh, Darren Lockyer (capt), Peter Wallace, Ben Hannant, Andrew McCullough, Scott Anderson, Sam Thaiday, Alex Glenn, Corey Parker. Interchange: Jack Reed, Dunamis Lui, Mitchell Dodds, David Hala, Nick Kenny, Corey Norman, Kurt Baptiste (three to be omitted).
Ins: Justin Hodges, Jharal Yow Yeh, Darren Lockyer, Ben Hannant, Sam Thaiday, Corey Parker
Outs: Dane Gagai (Toyota Cup), Shea Moylan (Queensland Cup), Dane Carlaw (knee, round 20)
Other unavailables: Ben Te’o (broken arm, round 18), Ben Hunt (broken finger, indefinite), Matt Gillett (foot, round 16), Josh McGuire (lacerated eyeball, indefinite), Shane Tronc (neck, indefinite)
Comment: In a departure from Brisbane’s previous rep season strategy, Origin stars Jharal Yow Yeh, Darren Lockyer, Ben Hannant, Sam Thaiday and Corey Parker have been named to back-up. Justin Hodges returns from a hamstring injury, pushing Dale Copley to the wing and Dane Gagai out of the team. Jack Reed has completed his transformation from centre to back rower, named on the bench as a fringe forward. He played 80 minutes in the middle on the weekend. Dane Carlaw (knee, round 20) is out, while Nick Kenny (shoulder) is in serious doubt. Coach Anthony Griffin has named an enormous bench as cover for Kenny and Origin stars.

DRAGONS: Darius Boyd, Brett Morris, Mark Gasnier, Kyle Stanley, Jason Nightingale, Jamie Soward (capt), Ben Hornby, Dan Hunt, Dean Young, Michael Weyman, Beau Scott, Ben Creagh, Matt Prior. Interchange: Jon Green, Nathan Fien, Adam Cuthbertson, Trent Merrin.
Ins: Darius Boyd, Brett Morris, Mark Gasnier, Kyle Stanley, Jamie Soward, Beau Scott, Ben Creagh, Trent Merrin
Outs: Peni Tagive, Alex McKinnon, Reece Simmonds, Jack Bosden, Michael Greenfield, David Gower, Jake Marketo, Mitch Rein
Other unavailables: Matt Cooper (hand and cheekbone, round 19), Bronx Goodwin (knee, round 20), Cameron King (pectoral, round 20), Nick Emmett (foot, round 16)
Comment: The Dragons are almost back to full strength, with only Matt Cooper (hand and cheekbone, round 19) missing from their best 17. Darius Boyd, Mark Gasnier, Jamie Soward, Beau Scott, Ben Creagh and Trent Merrin return from Origin duty, while Brett Morris and Kyle Stanley (both hamstring) return from injury. The big casualty here SuperCoach-wise is Peni Tagive. Ben Hornby (ankle) is in doubt.

******************

SOUTH SYDNEY RABBITOHS v GOLD COAST TITANS at ANZ Stadium, 7.35pm

RABBITOHS: Rhys Wesser, Nathan Merritt, Dylan Farrell, Greg Inglis, James Roberts, John Sutton, Chris Sandow, Ben Ross, Issac Luke, Shannan McPherson, Chris McQueen, David Taylor, Michael Crocker (capt). Interchange: Eddy Pettybourne, Dave Tyrrell, Jason Clark, Nathan Peats, Shaune Corrigan, Alex Ranieri, Deon Apps (three to be omitted).
Ins: Dylan Farrell, Alex Ranieri, Deon Apps
Outs: None
Other unavailables: Roy Asotasi (arm, round 24), Sam Burgess (ankle, season), Luke Stuart (knee, season), Scott Geddes (Achilles, round 25), Ben Lowe (foot, round 17), Fetuli Talanoa (pneumonia, round 16)
Comment: Greg Inglis and Dave Taylor have been named to back up from Origin. Coach John Lang has picked a seven-man bench as cover. Dylan Farrell and Jason Clark (both ankle) return from injury.

TITANS: William Zillman, Steve Michaels, Clinton Toopi, Joseph Tomane, David Mead, Preston Campbell, Scott Prince (capt), Luke Bailey, Matt Srama, Michael Henderson, Anthony Laffranchi, Mark Minichiello, Ashley Harrison. Interchange: Matthew White, Ryan James, Bodene Thompson, Ben Ridge, Luke O’Dwyer, Greg Bird (two to be omitted).
Ins: Ashley Harrison, Greg Bird
Outs: None
Other unavailables: Nathan Friend (shoulder, indefinite), Brad Meyers (retired due to wrist injury, season), Kevin Gordon (knee, season)
Comment: Gold Coast have named the same 17 that beat the Dragons on Friday night with the addition of Origin stars Ashley Harrison and Greg Bird. The final make-up of the team will depend on the availability of these two. With Anthony Laffranchi back in the fold, the Titans now have four gun back rowers vying for game time – Harrison, Bird, Laffranchi and Mark Minichiello. Throw Bodene Thompson (who has again been named as a bench forward) into the mix and there’s a genuine back row log jam. Matt Srama, whose price rose $43,000 this week, could also be a casualty if Greg Bird is used at five-eighth. This could push Preston Campbell to hooker, as occurred against the Panthers, when Srama posted his lowest score of 42. But even if this is the case, Srama will still see more massive rises. Esi Tonga continues to ply his trade in Queensland Cup. Beau Henry moved from the Knights to the Titans mid-week, but hasn’t been named for NRL or Queensland Cup.

*****************

SATURDAY

NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS v PENRITH PANTHERS at Ausgrid Stadium, 5.30pm

KNIGHTS: Wes Naiqama, James McManus, Junior Sa’u, Keith Lulia, Akuila Uate, Tyrone Roberts, Kurt Gidley (capt), Richie Fa’aoso, Matt Hilder, Evarn Tuimavave, Chris Houston, Neville Costigan, Joel Edwards. Interchange: Isaac De Gois, Antonio Kaufusi, Cameron Ciraldo, Dan Tolar.
Ins: Tyrone Roberts
Outs: Beau Henry (released to Titans)
Other unavailables: Jarrod Mullen (pectoral indefinite), Mark Taufua (knee, indefinite), Cory Paterson (released to Cowboys), Ben Rogers (dislocated shoulder, indefinite), Adam MacDougall (bicep, indefinite), Zeb Taia (neck, indefinite)
Comment: Tyrone Roberts replaces Beau Henry at five-eighth in the only change. Roberts has emerged as a cheapie option after Henry, unwanted by incoming coach Wayne Bennett, was released to the Titans. Kurt Gidley is very cheap this week, but will play plenty of halfback given the serious injury to Jarrod Mullen (pectoral indefinite) and Henry’s release. Gidley and Akuila Uate will be backing up from Origin.

PANTHERS: Lachlan Coote, David Simmons, Joseph Paulo, Brad Tighe, Adrian Purtell, Travis Burns, Luke Walsh, Sam McKendry, Kevin Kingston, Tim Grant, Trent Waterhouse, Nathan Smith, Luke Lewis. Interchange: Nafe Seluini, Masada Iosefa, Matthew Bell, Dayne Weston (capt), Petero Civoniceva (one to be omitted).
Ins: Joseph Paulo, Nafe Seluini
Outs: Michael Jennings (ankle, round 20)
Other unavailables: Michael Gordon (knee, season), Timana Tahu (pectoral, season), Sandor Earl (shoulder, season), Nigel Plum (meniscus tear, round 16)
Comment: Joseph Paulo has scored the centre spot of Michael Jennings (ankle, round 20). Petero Civoniceva and Luke Lewis have been named to back up from Origin, with Civoniceva on an extended bench. Early-season fancy Nathan Smith is beginning to post decent scores following his return from a serious groin injury.

*******************

NORTH QUEENSLAND COWBOYS v NZ WARRIORS at Dairy Farmers Stadium, 7.30pm

COWBOYS: Matthew Bowen, Ashley Graham, Ben Jones, Gavin Cooper, Kalifa Faifai Loa, Ray Thompson, Johnathan Thurston, Matthew Scott, Aaron Payne, James Tamou, Tariq Sims, Scott Bolton, Dallas Johnson. Interchange: Michael Morgan, Joel Riethmuller, Ashton Sims, Leeson Ah Mau, Will Tupou (one to be omitted).
Ins: Johnathan Thurston, Matt Scott, Will Tupou
Outs: Antonio Winterstein (pectoral, indefinite), Glenn Hall (suspension, round 16)
Other unavailables: Brent Tate (knee, round 18), Michael Bani (ankle, indefinite), Willie Tonga (shoulder, round 18)
Comment: Johnathan Thurston and Matt Scott have been named to back up from Origin. The injury to Antonio Winterstein (pectoral, indefinite) means Gavin Cooper and Ben Jones will play in the centres. First choice three-quarters Brent Tate (knee) and Willie Tonga (shoulder) won’t be back until round 18. Glenn Hall will miss the game after taking the early guilty plea to a high tackle charge. The game time of Tariq Sims, Scott Bolton and Dallas Johnson should benefit. Joel Riethmuller has again been named after making his debut on the weekend.

WARRIORS: Kevin Locke, Glen Fisiiahi, Krisnan Inu, Simon Mannering (capt), Manu Vatuvei, James Maloney, Shaun Johnson, Russell Packer, Aaron Heremaia, Jacob Lillyman, Feleti Mateo, Steve Rapira, Elijah Taylor. Interchange: Lance Hohaia, Jeremy Latimore, Ben Matulino, Lewis Brown.
Ins: Aaron Heremaia, Glenn Fisiiahi
Outs: Shaun Berrigan (dropped), Michael Luck (knee, round 22)
Other unavailables: Ukuma Ta’ai (knee, indefinite), Jerome Ropati (knee, season), Sam Rapira (thumb, indefinite), Brett Seymour (fractured eye socket, indefinite)
Comment: Glen Fisiiahi makes his long-awaited return on the wing. Elijah Taylor and Feletio Mateo are the big winners out of the injury to Michael Luck (knee, round 22), but Lewis Brown is a massive loser. He has gone from starting centre to bench, with Steve Rapira named to start in the back row and Krisnan Inu moving to the centres. Halfback Shaun Johnson will see a big rise after this week. 

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SUNDAY

CANTERBURY BULLDOGS v CRONULLA SHARKS at ANZ Stadium, 2pm

BULLDOGS: Ben Barba, Steve Turner, Josh Morris, Tim Lafai, Michael Lett, Ben Roberts, Kris Keating, Aiden Tolman, Michael Ennis, Greg Eastwood, Frank Pritchard, Andrew Ryan (capt), David Stagg. Interchange: Sam Kasiano, Grant Millington, Corey Payne, Dene Halatau, Michael Hodgson (one to be omitted).
Ins: Tim Lafai, Michael Lett, Ben Roberts, Aiden Tolman, Greg Eastwood
Outs: Jamal Idris (club suspension, round 16), Jake Foster (dropped), Josh Reynolds (dropped), Bryson Goodwin (dropped)
Other unavailables: Trent Hodkinson (suspension, round 16), Mickey Paea (knee, round 16), Ryan Tandy (sacked, season)
Comment: Aiden Tolman has been named to make his return, which is great news for those who kept him. For those who didn’t (or those who never bought him) his price will drop over the coming weeks due to his injury-affected 51 in round 11. Jamal Idris has been dropped for not turning up to training, with early-season cheapie Tim Lafai called up. Michael Lett also gets a start after the Bulldogs put SuperCoaches out of their misery by dropping Bryson Goodwin. Kris Keating will play halfback in the absence of Trent Hodkinson (suspension, round 16), with Ben Roberts called up to play five-eighth and Josh Reynolds dropped. Greg Eastwood returns alongside Tolman in the front row, pushing Andrew Ryan into the back row, Sam Kasiano onto the bench and Jake Foster out of the side. Corey Payne and Keating are in doubt.

CRONULLA: Nathan Gardner, Matthew Wright, Ben Pomeroy, Colin Best, Isaac Gordon, Wade Graham, Chad Townsend, Kade Snowden, John Morris, Luke Douglas, Jeremy Smith, Jayson Bukuya (capt), Paul Gallen. Interchange: Anthony Tupou, Taulima Tautai, Stuart Flanagan, Josh Cordoba, Sam Tagataese (one to be omitted).
Ins: Isaac Gordon, Jeremy Smith, Josh Cordoba, Sam Tagataese
Outs: Nathan Stapleton (NSW Cup), Dean Collis (NSW Cup), Johnny Mannah (NSW Cup)
Other unavailables: Paul Aiton (ankle, round 16), John Williams (ankle, round 16), Albert Kelly (broken leg, round 17)
Comment: Popular cheapie Stuart Mills has been dropped to Toyota Cup, with Isaac Gordon taking his place in the backline. Only Paul Gallen will be backing up from Origin, with Kade Snowden not named for the Blues. Jeremy Smith (knee) and Josh Cordoba (hamstring) return. But in great news for SuperCoaches, Jayson Bukuya retains his starting spot, with Anthony Tupou benched. Luke Douglas has again been named despite a busted medial ligament. Youngster Chad Townsend has retained the halfback spot, with the return date of Albert Kelly (broken leg) pushed back to round 17. Sam Tagataese has been named on an extended bench after securing an immediate transfer from the Titans.

*****************

WESTS TIGERS v MELBOURNE STORM at Leichhardt Oval, 3pm

TIGERS: Wade McKinnon, Beau Ryan, Blake Ayshford, Tim Moltzen, Mitch Brown, Benji Marshall, Robert Lui, Bryce Gibbs, Robbie Farah, Keith Galloway, Simon Dwyer, Gareth Ellis, Chris Heighington. Interchange: Tim Simona, Liam Fulton, Aaron Woods, Andrew Fifita.
Ins: None
Outs: None
Other unavailables: Matt Utai (broken arm, round 18), Todd Payten (ankle and knee, indefinite), Geoff Daniela (torn pectoral, indefinite), Chris Lawrence (dislocated hip, indefinite), Lote Tuqiri (ankle, round 20)
Comment: No changes. Chris Heighington’s run as a keeper could be over after he played just 49 minutes on the weekend, although injury played its part. Benji Marshall still only costs $269,800 despite his massive score on the weekend.

STORM: Billy Slater, Matt Duffie, Dane Nielsen, Maurice Blair, Anthony Quinn, Gareth Widdop, Cooper Cronk, Jesse Bromwich, Cameron Smith (capt), Bryan Norrie, Adam Blair, Kevin Proctor, Todd Lowrie. Interchange: Ryan Hinchcliffe, Sika Manu, Adam Woolnough, Jaiman Lowe, Justin O’Neill, Rory Kostjasyn, Beau Champion, Sisa Waqa (four to be omitted).
Ins: Billy Slater, Dane Nielsen, Cooper Cronk, Cameron Smith
Outs: None
Other unavailables: Chase Stanley (knee, season), Sione Kite (shoulder, round 20)
Comment: The Storm have added their four Origin stars - Billy Slater, Dane Nielsen, Cooper Cronk and Cameron Smith – to the squad that beat the Roosters. Maurice Blair has retained a centre spot ahead of Beau Champion. Champion picked up a shoulder injury on Monday night, but Storm coaching staff have made it clear Blair has been picked on form, not due to Champion’s injury.

*****************

MONDAY

MANLY SEA EAGLES v PARRAMATTA EELS at Brookvale Oval, 7pm

EAGLES: Brett Stewart, David Williams, Jamie Lyon (capt), Steve Matai, William Hopoate, Kieran Foran, Daly Cherry-Evans, Jason King (capt), Matt Ballin, George Rose, Anthony Watmough, Joe Galuvao, Glenn Stewart. Interchange: Vic Mauro, Jamie Buhrer, Tim Robinson, Tony Williams, Daniel Harrison
Ins: William Hopoate, Anthony Watmough, Daniel Harrison
Outs: Michael Oldfield (NSW Cup), Darcy Lussick (NSW Cup)
Other unavailables: Brent Kite (ribs, round 16), Michael Robertson (knee, round 16), Shane Rodney (shoulder, indefinite)
Comment: William Hopoate and Anthony Watmough will be backing up from Origin, replacing Michael Oldfield and Darcy Lussick. Brent Kite (ribs, round 16) and Michael Robertson (knee, round 16) remain on the sidelines, with their injuries worse than first thought. Daly Cherry-Evans has a break even of 48 and could be sold for Shaun Johnson or Tyrone Roberts this week.

EELS: Jarryd Hayne, Luke Burt, Ryan Morgan, Jacob Loko, Jordan Atkins, Casey McGuire, Jeff Robson, Tim Mannah, Matt Keating, Fuifui Moimoi, Nathan Hindmarsh (capt), Taniela Lasalo, Ben Smith. Interchange: Shane Shackleton, Mitchell Allgood, Carl Webb, Justin Horo.
Ins: None
Outs: None
Other unavailables: Justin Poore (knee, indefinite), Joel Reddy (pectoral, season)
Comment: No changes. Jarryd Hayne and Tim Mannah will be backing up from Origin. Chris Walker will again play NSW Cup (as will Chris Hicks, Reni Maitua and Etu Uaisele), with Ryan Morgan and Jacob Loko the preferred centres. With four forwards named on the bench, including three props, expect big game time for Matt Keating.

 

[Berkeley_Eagle]

There are plenty of team changes to take advantage of this week - and plenty of uncertainty over whether Origin stars will step down. 

FRIDAY

SOUTH SYDNEY RABBITOHS v BRISBANE BRONCOS at NIB Stadium, 7pm

RABBITOHS: Rhys Wesser, Nathan Merritt, Dylan Farrell, Greg Inglis, James Roberts, John Sutton, Chris Sandow, Ben Ross, Issac Luke, Shannan McPherson, Chris McQueen, David Taylor, Michael Crocker (capt). Interchange: Eddy Pettybourne, Dave Tyrrell, Jason Clark, Nathan Peats.
Ins: None
Outs: None
Other unavailables: Roy Asotasi (arm, round 24), Sam Burgess (ankle, season), Luke Stuart (knee, season), Scott Geddes (Achilles, round 25), Ben Lowe (foot, round 17), Fetuli Talanoa (pneumonia, indefinite)
Comment: No changes. Issac Luke and Dave Taylor continue their rich vein of form. Nathan Peats is free to play after his hair pull on Ryan James failed to attract the attention of the match review committee.

BRONCOS: Josh Hoffman, Gerard Beale, Jack Reed, Justin Hodges, Jharal Yow Yeh, Darren Lockyer (capt), Peter Wallace, Ben Hannant, Kurt Baptiste, Scott Anderson, Alex Glenn, Sam Thaiday, Corey Parker. Interchange: Corey Norman, Matt Gillett, Dunamis Lui, David Hala, Dale Copley (one to be omitted)
Ins: Justin Hodges, Kurt Baptise, Corey Parker, Matt Gillett
Outs: Andrew McCullough (dropped for disciplinary reasons, round 17), Mitchell Dodds (shoulder, round 17), Dane Gagai (Toyota Cup)
Other unavailables: Ben Te’o (broken arm, round 18), Josh McGuire (lacerated eyeball, indefinite), Shane Tronc (neck, indefinite), Nick Kenny (shoulder, round 17), Ben Hunt (dropped for disciplinary reasons, round 17)
Comment: Corey Parker (groin) returns. Matt Gillett (foot) also comes back from a long injury lay-off, which could affect forward game time. Of particular note will be Alex Glenn’s minutes. Justin Hodges (hamstring) is a certain starter after a false start last week. He pushes Gerard Beale to the wing, Dale Copley out of the team and Dane Gagai way down the backline pecking order. Andrew McCullough and Ben Hunt (who was due to return from a hand injury this week) have been dropped to Queensland Cup for disciplinary reasons, with Kurt Baptise to start at hooker.

****************

WESTS TIGERS v CANTERBURY BULLDOGS at Campbelltown Sports Stadium, 7.35pm

TIGERS: Wade McKinnon, Beau Ryan, Blake Ayshford, Tim Simona, Mitch Brown, Jacob Miller, Robert Lui, Bryce Gibbs, Robbie Farah, Keith Galloway, Simon Dwyer, Gareth Ellis, Chris Heighington. Interchange: Tim Moltzen, Liam Fulton, Aaron Woods, Andrew Fifita, Ben Murdoch-Masila (one to be omitted).
Ins: Jacob Miller, Ben Murdoch-Masila
Outs: Benji Marshall (knee, round 18)
Other unavailables: Matt Utai (broken arm, round 18), Todd Payten (ankle and knee, indefinite), Geoff Daniela (torn pectoral, indefinite), Chris Lawrence (dislocated hip, round 18), Lote Tuqiri (ankle, round 20)
Comment: Benji Marshall (knee, round 18) is out. Jacob Miller takes his five-eighth spot, although don’t be surprised if Tim Moltzen, who has been named on the bench, starts in the halves. Robbie Farah may be forced to step up his involvement with Marshall out. The Tigers have finally set a return date for Chris Lawrence – round 18. Gareth Ellis continues to be the preferred 80 minute man in the back row - to the detriment of Chris Heighington, Liam Fulton and Simon Dwyer.

BULLDOGS: Ben Barba, Steve Turner, Josh Morris, Jamal Idris, Jonathan Wright, Kris Keating, Trent Hodkinson, Aiden Tolman, Michael Ennis, Michael Hodgson, Frank Pritchard, Andrew Ryan (capt), David Stagg. Interchange: Sam Kasiano, Greg Eastwood, Corey Payne, Dene Halatau.
Ins: Jamal Idris, Jonathan Wright, Trent Hodkinson, Michael Ennis, Corey Payne
Outs: Tim Lafai (Toyota Cup), Michael Lett (NSW Cup), Ben Roberts (NSW Cup), Josh Reynolds (NSW Cup), Grant Millington (NSW Cup)
Other unavailables: Ryan Tandy (sacked, season)
Comment: The Bulldogs are back to full strength. The returns of Jamal Idris (club suspension), Trent Hodkinson (suspension), Michael Ennis (ear) and Corey Payne (injury) are massive pluses for a struggling side. Michael Lett, Ben Roberts, Josh Reynolds, Grant Millington, Mickey Paea, Jake Foster and Bryson Goodwin will all play in a star-studded NSW Cup side. Aiden Tolman has a break even of 111 and will be buy of the week next round. Sam Kasiano has hit his straps and is rewarding those who stuck strong.

******************

SATURDAY

GOLD COAST TITANS v CRONULLA SHARKS at Skilled Park, 5.30pm

TITANS: William Zillman, Steve Michaels, Clinton Toopi, Joseph Tomane, David Mead, Preston Campbell, Scott Prince (capt), Luke Bailey, Matt Srama, Anthony Laffranchi, Greg Bird, Mark Minichiello, Ashley Harrison. Interchange: Matt White, Michael Henderson, Bodene Thompson, Ben Ridge, Brenton Lawrence, Luke O’Dwyer (two to be omitted).
Ins: Greg Bird, Brenton Lawrence, Luke O’Dwyer
Outs: Ryan James (knee, season)
Other unavailables: Nathan Friend (shoulder, indefinite), Brad Meyers (retired due to wrist injury, season), Kevin Gordon (knee, season)
Comment: Greg Bird (soreness) returns after failing to back up from Origin. Gold Coast’s back row log jam has been alleviated somewhat by Anthony Laffranchi’s move to the front row. This is great SuperCoach news for Ashley Harrison, but terrible news for Laffranchi. Harrison should soon be very affordable after attracting reduced minutes backing up from Origin. Still no Beau Henry.

SHARKS: Nathan Gardner, Matthew Wright, Ben Pomeroy, Colin Best, Nathan Stapleton, Wade Graham, Chad Townsend, Kade Snowden, John Morris, Luke Douglas, Jeremy Smith, Jayson Bukuya, Paul Gallen (capt). Interchange: Anthony Tupou, Sam Tagataese, Stuart Flanagan, Taulima Tautai.
Ins: None
Outs: None
Other unavailables: John Williams (ankle, round 17), Albert Kelly (broken leg, round 17)
Comment: Paul Gallen says he will defy Ricky Stuart’s Origin orders to stand down. Kade Snowden will be gunning for a NSW spot after being cleared of serious neck damage. Stewart Mills, who has been named for Toyota Cup, has plummeted down the backline pecking order, with Nathan Stapleton to play on the wing. Young halfback Chad Townsend will see a massive price rise after this week. There are suggestions he will hold his spot even when Albert Kelly (broken leg, round 17) returns, with Wade Graham to move into the forwards. Jayson Bukuya holds his staring spot, with Anthony Tupou again on the bench. Paul Aiton, Broderick Wright and Johnny Mannah will play NSW Cup.

******************

CANBERRA RAIDERS v PARRAMATTA EELS at Canberra Stadium, 7.30pm

RAIDERS: Nathan Massey, James Stuart, Jarrod Croker, Blake Ferguson, Reece Robinson, Josh McCrone, Sam Williams, Brett White, Alan Tongue (capt), David Shillington, Joe Picker, Josh Papalii, Shaun Fensom. Interchange: Glen Buttriss, Bronson Harrison, Tom Learoyd-Lahrs, Dane Tilse, Trevor Thurling, Josh Miller (two to be omitted).
Ins: Trevor Thurling, Josh Miller
Outs: None
Other unavailables: Josh Dugan (ankle, round 17), Terry Campese (groin, round 24), Joel Thompson (groin, round 17), Sam Mataora (finger, round 18), Matt Orford (illness and groin, indefinite), Daniel Vidot (ankle, round 17)
Comment: Trevor Thurling and Josh Miller have been added to an extended bench in the only changes. Joel Thompson (groin) hasn’t been named but could come into contention later in the week, which would push Blake Ferguson back to the wing. This reduces Ferguson’s appeal, although it will be interesting to see if he retains the kicking duties ahead of Jarrod Croker. Josh Dugan (ankle) is “very unlikely” to make an early return. Former SuperCoach stud Bronson Harrison has been benched, with Josh Papalii to start.

EELS: Jarryd Hayne, Luke Burt, Ryan Morgan, Jacob Loko, Jordan Atkins, Casey McGuire, Jeff Robson, Tim Mannah, Matt Keating, Fuifui Moimoi, Nathan Hindmarsh (capt), Taniela Lasalo, Ben Smith. Interchange: Shane Shackleton, Mitchell Allgood, Carl Webb, Justin Horo.
Ins: None
Outs: None
Other unavailables: Justin Poore (knee, indefinite), Joel Reddy (pectoral, season)
Comment: No changes. Jarryd Hayne is very cheap this week. Ben Smith and Nathan Hindmarsh are on fire, but Tim Mannah is being nursed through Origin by his coach, averaging just 47 over the past three weeks. His poor minutes may also have something to do with the Eels continually naming four forwards on the bench. Chris Walker, Chris Hicks, Daniel Mortimer and Reni Maitua will play NSW Cup.

*****************

SUNDAY

NZ WARRIORS v MELBOURNE STORM at Mt Smart Stadium, 2pm

WARRIORS: Lance Hohaia, Bill Tupou, Lewis Brown, Shaun Berrigan, Manu Vatuvei, James Maloney, Brett Seymour, Russell Packer, Aaron Heremaia, Jacob Lillyman, Feleti Mateo, Simon Mannering, Elijah Taylor. Interchange: Shaun Johnson, Jeremy Latimore, Sione Lousi, Alehana Mara, Ben Matulino, Steve Rapira (two to be omitted).
Ins: Bill Tupou, Shaun Berrigan, Brett Seymour, Sione Lousi, Alehana Mara
Outs: Kevin Locke (knee, indefinite), Glen Fisiiahi (groin, indefinite), Krisnan Inu (NSW Cup)
Other unavailables: Michael Luck (knee, round 22), Ukuma Ta’ai (knee, indefinite), Jerome Ropati (knee, season), Sam Rapira (thumb, indefinite)
Comment: Injuries to Kevin Locke (knee, indefinite) and Glen Fisiiahi (groin, indefinite), and the dropping of Krisnan Inu create another massively complicated reshuffle. The big news SuperCoach-wise is Lewis Brown’s return to the starting side at centre and Simon Mannering’s return to the back row. Mannering could be a bargain at $225K, although his return to the forwards may affect the game time of Elijah Taylor and Feleti Mateo. Brilliant youngster Shaun Johnson has been benched, with Brett Seymour (cheekbone) returning at halfback. Lance Hohaia moves from the bench to fullback. Bill Tupou comes onto the wing. Shaun Berrigan, who played NSW Cup last week, returns to the side at centre. Sione Lousi and Alehana Mara have been added to an extended bench.

STORM: Billy Slater, Matt Duffie, Dane Nielsen, Maurice Blair, Sisa Waqa, Gareth Widdop, Cooper Cronk, Jesse Bromwich, Cameron Smith, Bryan Norrie, Adam Blair, Kevin Proctor, Todd Lowrie. Interchange: Ryan Hinchcliffe, Sika Manu, Adam Woolnough, Jaiman Lowe, Rory Kostjasyn, Justin O’Neill (two to be omitted).
Ins: Dane Nielsen, Jesse Bromwich
Outs: None
Other unavailables: Chase Stanley (knee, season), Sione Kite (shoulder, round 20)
Comment: Jesse Bromwich (birth of child) and Dane Nielsen (rested) return after being late scratchings on the weekend. Popular cash cows Maurice Blair and Sisa Waqa retain their spots, with Beau Champion and Anthony Quinn to play NSW Cup. Cameron Smith’s price should drop over the coming weeks due to limited minutes on the weekend. The Storm will take 19 men over to New Zealand as cover for a “few bumps and bruises”. Sika Manu is free to play after taking the early guilty plea to a dangerous contact charge at the NRL judiciary.

*****************

PENRITH PANTHERS v NORTH QUEENSLAND COWBOYS at Centrebet Stadium, 2pm

PANTHERS: Lachlan Coote, David Simmons, Junior Vai Vai, Brad Tighe, Adrian Purtell, Travis Burns, Luke Walsh, Sam McKendry, Kevin Kingston, Petero Civoniceva, Trent Watershoue, Nathan Smith, Luke Lewis. Interchange: Nafe Seluini, Tim Grant, Matthew Bell, Dayne Weston, Sarafu Fatiaki (one to be omitted).
Ins: Luke Lewis, Dayne Weston, Sarafu Fatiaki
Outs: Masada Iosefa (hand, round 22), Joseph Paulo (dropped)
Other unavailables: Michael Jennings (ankle, round 19), Michael Gordon (knee, season), Timana Tahu (pectoral, season), Sandor Earl (shoulder, season), Nigel Plum (meniscus tear, indefinite)
Comment: Luke Lewis (hamstring) returns for Steve Georgallis’s first game as head coach. Georgallis has already said he plans to shake things up, so it will be interesting to see what changes under the new coach. The injury to Nigel Plum has been upgraded to “indefinite”, which is good news for those wanting to buy Nathan Smith. Junior Vaivai has emerged as a cheapie option after transferring mid-season from Souths and making his debut on the weekend.

COWBOYS: Matthew Bowen, Ashley Graham, Ben Jones, Gavin Cooper, Kalifa Faifai Loa, Ray Thompson, Johnathan Thurston, Matthew Scott, Aaron Payne, James Tamou, Tariq Sims, Glenn Hall, Dallas Johnson. Interchange: James Segeyaro, Joel Riethmuller, Ashton Sims, Leeson Ah Mau.
Ins: James Tamou, Glenn Hall
Outs: Will Tupou, Isaak Ah Mau
Other unavailables: Antonio Winterstein (pectoral, indefinite), Brent Tate (knee, round 18), Michael Bani (ankle, indefinite), Willie Tonga (shoulder, round 18)
Comment: Johnathan Thurston has been named despite a “minor” ankle sprain and pending trip to the NRL judiciary on Wednesday night. Thurston will plead not guilty to a grade two contrary conduct charge stemming from his collision with referee Matt Cecchin. If successful, Thurston will be free to play this weekend. If unsuccessful, he will be suspended for two games (although, for SuperCoach purposes, he’ll only miss one week because one of those games is an Origin week, which he would have missed already). If found guilty, Thurston will then attempt to have the charge downgraded in the hope of being cleared to play in Origin III. If successful, he will miss this weekend through suspension and round 17 through Origin (which, for the purposes of SuperCoach, is essentially the same as him being suspended for two games. In fact, in terms of SuperCoach, it would be better for Thurston to cop a two game ban than a one game ban because he won’t be forced to back up). Tariq Sims has pled guilty to a dangerous contact charge, but will seek a downgrade at the judiciary. He will be free to play this weekend if successful, giving him the change to push for an Origin berth. Gavin Cooper will again play centre, with Will Tupou omitted. Mid-season recruit Cory Paterson (knee) has been named in Queensland Cup.

*****************

NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS v SYDNEY ROOSTERS at Ausgrid Stadium, 3pm

KNIGHTS: Wes Naiqama, James McManus, Junior Sa’u, Keith Lulia, Akuila Uate, Ryan Stig, Kurt Gidley (capt), Richie Fa’aoso, Matt Hilder, Evarn Tuimavave, Chris Houston, Neville Costigan, Joel Edwards. Interchange: Isaac De Gois, Antonio Kaufusi, Cameron Ciraldo, Dan Tolar, Tyrone Roberts, Steve Southern, Peter Mata’utia (three to be omitted).
Ins: James McManus, Dan Tolar, Tyrone Roberts
Outs: None
Other unavailables: Beau Henry (released to Titans), Jarrod Mullen (pectoral indefinite), Mark Taufua (knee, indefinite), Cory Paterson (released to Cowboys), Ben Rogers (dislocated shoulder, indefinite), Adam MacDougall (bicep, indefinite), Zeb Taia (neck, indefinite)
Comment: Where the hell did Ryan Stig come from? The North Coast youngster produced a bumper debut on the weekend after being plucked from the blue to replace the injured Tyrone Roberts (knee). Stig is yet to be added to SuperCoach, but will be over the next few days, possibly in dual positions. Kurt Gidley pulled out a very solid 56 on the weekend without any big attacking stats, meaning he could be a great buy at his current price (note, however, he is battling an ongoing knee problem and will play Origin).

ROOSTERS: Anthony Minichiello, Sam Perrett, Justin Carney, Shaun Kenny-Dowall, Joseph ‘BJ’ Leilua, Todd Carney, Mitchell Pearce, Jason Ryles, Jake Friend, Nate Myles, Braith Anasta (capt), Boyd Cordner, Frank Paul Nuuausala. Interchange: Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, Mose Masoe, Aidan Guerra, Tom Symonds.
Ins: Anthony Minichiello, Sam Perrett, Shaun Kenny-Dowall, Mitchell Pearce, Nate Myles, Mose Masoe
Outs: Rhys Pritchard, Francis Vaiotu, Brad Takairangi, Willie Mataka, Mark Riddell, Tinirau Arona
Other unavailables: Steve Naughton (broken collarbone, round 19), Lama Tasi (broken ankle, round 18), Mitchell Aubusson (shoulder, season), Daniel Conn (neck, season), Martin Kennedy (foot, season), Anthony Cherrington (knee, season), Anthony Watts (suspension, indefinite)
Comment: The returns of Anthony Minichiello (NSW), Sam Perrett (broken leg), Shaun Kenny-Dowall (ankle), Mitchell Pearce (NSW), Nate Myles (Qld) and Mose Masoe (neck) mean the Roosters can finally field some semblance of a decent side. However, these returns are offset by more horror injury news. Mitchell Aubusson (shoulder), Martin Kennedy (foot) and Daniel Conn (neck) have all undergone surgery and will miss the rest of the season. Highly-rated youngster Boyd Cordner will see a massive rise after this week and has retained his starting spot ahead of Aidan Guerra and Tom Symonds. Justin Carney retains his centre spot, with Kane Linnett (shoulder) and Phil Graham (pectoral) to return from injury in NSW Cup. Jake Friend continues to post massive scores.

*****************

MONDAY

ST GEORGE ILLAWARRA DRAGONS v MANLY SEA EAGLES at WIN Stadium, 7pm

DRAGONS: Darius Boyd, Brett Morris, Mark Gasnier, Kyle Stanley, Jason Nightingale, Jamie Soward, Ben Hornby (capt), Dan Hunt, Dean Young, Michael Weyman, Trent Merrin, Ben Creagh, Matt Prior. Interchange: Jon Green, Nathan Fien, Adam Cuthbertson, Michael Greenfield, Jack Bosden, Alex McKinnon (two to be omitted).
Ins: Brett Morris, Ben Creagh, Dean Young
Outs: Peni Tagive (dropped)
Other unavailables: Matt Cooper (hand and cheekbone, round 19), Bronx Goodwin (knee, round 20), Cameron King (pectoral, round 20), Nick Emmett (foot, round 17), Beau Scott (eardrum and knee, round 17)
Comment: The big unknown here is whether St George Illawarra’s Origin stars stand down, as requested by NSW coach Ricky Stuart. Wayne Bennett has named a massive bench, which suggests they might. That said, Stuart himself claims his request was more aimed at making a statement about the representative schedule. Brett Morris (hamstring) returns, momentarily ending Peni Tagive’s run. But Tagive should get another crack in round 17 if Morris is named for the Blues (or this week if Morris steps down). Ben Creagh (ankle) returns earlier than expected from an ankle injury, while Dean Young (knee) also comes back into the team. The Dragons are confident Ben Honrby (ankle) will play despite going off against the Broncos. Trent Merrin has been named to start in the back row.

SEA EAGLES: Brett Stewart, Michael Robertson, Jamie Lyon (capt), Steve Matai, David Williams, Kieran Foran, Daly Cherry-Evans, Jason King (capt), Matt Ballin, George Rose, Anthony Watmough, Joe Galuvao, Glenn Stewart. Interchange: Vic Mauro, Jamie Buhrer, Tim Robinson, Darcy Lussick, Daniel Harrison (one to be omitted).
Ins: Darcy Lussick, Daniel Harrison
Outs: Tony Williams (hamstring, round 20)
Other unavailables: Brent Kite (ribs, round 18), Shane Rodney (shoulder, round 18)
Comment: The door has finally re-opened for Jamie Buhrer. His main competition for game time, Tony Williams (hamstring, round 20), is out. Fellow back rower Joe Galavao (broken hand) has been named but is in serious doubt. NSW star Anthony Watmough may also step down, as requested by Ricky Stuart. Buhrer could therefore be in the starting team this week and may even get 80 minutes. That said, Shane Rodney (shoulder, round 18) is due back after the bye, which could again put pressure on forward game time. With a BE of 106, Daly Cherry-Evans is set for a massive price drop. Similarly, Jamie Lyon (BE 85) should be more affordable after the bye.

 

[Dan]

Cory parker not playing cost some teams some points this week