SUPERCOACH 2011 GENeral Chat thread

[bob dylan]

Cory parker not playing cost some teams some points this week

Only those who didnt do their homework.

It was announced on the Channel 9 news at 6.00 pm.

 

[Dan]

With a newborn, the last of my worries is making team changes. My team is as it will be for the rest of the season I think

 

[mosto]

I gambled on Parker as I only had 18 players this week and could only bring in The Fish, who I got as an emergency anyway. Got the 5 green lights so all good.

 

[The Gronk]

With a newborn, the last of my worries is making team changes. My team is as it will be for the rest of the season I think

Also with a newborn, I call softness on that. As if you don't have 10 minutes a week free to update your side. Puhlease.

---

If my players just hit their averages I'm set for 1202 a week at the moment.

 

[Dan]

With a newborn, the last of my worries is making team changes. My team is as it will be for the rest of the season I think

Also with a newborn, I call softness on that. As if you don't have 10 minutes a week free to update your side. Puhlease.

---

If my players just hit their averages I'm set for 1202 a week at the moment.

---

i barely have 10 minutes a week to have a piss, let alone do the house keeping on this and some of my other sites and work on top of it all

 

[Berkeley_Eagle]

Plus the cooking, washing, vacuuming, gardening, ironing, lol

 

[Dan]

Plus the cooking, washing, vacuuming, gardening, ironing, lol

and packing to move

 

[Bradza]

and responding to responses!

 

[Stevo]

Is Jharal Yow Yeh in or out this week anyone?

 

[mosto]

Is Jharal Yow Yeh in or out this week anyone?

Out I believe Fonz, tonsilitis. Just heard that L Bailey, P Campbell and SKD are all out as well after being named earlier in the week.

 

[Berkeley_Eagle]

Luke Bailey out, Brenton Lawrence in. Preston Campbell out, Jordan Rankin in (not Beau Henry). Joseph Tomane out, Esi Tonga in.

---

Shaun Kenny-Dowall officially ruled out.

 

[mosto]

Jordan Rankin in (not Beau Henry)

Don't understand why they chased so hard to get Henry mid-season and don't play him. Particularly when 5/8 has been a revolving door at the Titans this year.

 

[Berkeley_Eagle]

New Zealand Warriors v Gold Coast Titans
Friday 8 July 2011, kickoff 6.30pm AEST; Mt Smart Stadium
 
Warriors: Kevin Locke, Bill Tupou, Lewis Brown, Shaun Berrigan, Manu Vatuvei, James Maloney, Shaun Johnson, Russell Packer, Aaron Heremaia, Jacob Lillyman, Feleti Mateo, Simon Mannering (c), Micheal Luck. Interchange: Lance Hohaia, Sam Rapira, Ben Matulino, Elijah Taylor, Steve Rapira
Ins: Kevin Locke, Shaun Johnson, Michael Luck, Sam Rapira
Outs: Brett Seymour (cheek), Alehana Mara (dropped), Sione Louisi (dropped)
Other unavailables: Brett Seymour (cheekbone, round 21), Glen Fisiiahi (groin round 19), Jerome Ropati (knee, season), Ukuma Ta'ai (knee, indefinite)
Comment: Michael Luck is a big inclusion for SuperCoach fans who stuck by him, but don’t buy the tackling machine just yet. He hasn’t scored decent points since round 10. His break even is 78. His return also means less minutes for Elijah Taylor. Sam Rapira appears a good buy on the surface, but it looks like he will only play if Jacob Lillyman can’t back up from State of Origin.
 
Titans: Jordan Rankin, Steve Michaels, Clinton Toopi, Esi Tonga, David Mead , William Zillman, Scott Prince, Luke Bailey, Matt Srama, Michael Henderson, Anthony Laffranchi, Mark Minichiello, Ashley Harrison. Interchange: Matthew White, Brenton Lawrence, Greg Bird, Bodene Thompson, Luke O'Dwyer
Ins: Luke Bailey, Greg Bird
Outs: Ben Ridge (dropped)
Other unavailables: Kevin Gordon (knee, season), Ryan James (knee, season), Brad Meyers (retired, season), Joseph Tomane (groin, round 19), Nathan Friend (shoulder, indefinite), Preston Campbell (wrist, round 19)
Comment: John Cartwright’s decision to use NSW Blues star Greg Bird from the bench is a death sentence for the utility. His BE is set at 66 and he hasn’t averaged anywhere near that during the State of Origin period. Sell. Sell. Sell.
 
 
 
Parramatta Eels v Wests Tigers
Friday 8 July 2011, kickoff 7.35pm, Parramatta Stadium
 
Eels: Jarryd Hayne, Luke Burt, Ryan Morgan, Ben Smith, Jordan Atkins, Casey McGuire, Jeff Robson, Tim Mannah, Matt Keating, Fuifui Moimoi, Nathan Hindmarsh (c), Taniela Lasalo, Justin Horo. Interchange: Shane Shackleton, Mitchell Allgood, Manase Manuokafoa, Reni Maitua
Ins: Jarryd Hayne, Tim Mannah, Jeff Robson, Jordan Atkins, Ryan Morgan
Outs: Etuate Uaisele (dropped), Chris Walker (dropped), Jacob Loko (knee, season), Carl Webb (dropped), Pat O’Hanlon (dropped)
Other unavailables: Justin Poore (knee, indefinite), Jacob Loko (knee, season), Joel Reddy (pectoral, season)
Comment: Parramatta’s lack of depth in the centres is bad news for Ben Smith and good news for Justin Horo, who it set to pick up a few more minutes as a starting lock. Luke Burt might not get the same amount of points this week now that Jarryd Hayne is back in the No. 1, but his price should continue to rise for another couple of weeks. Reni Maitua will also continue to rise, but there is too much uncertainty surrounding how Kearney will use him to make him a must buy.
 
Tigers: Wade McKinnon, Beau Ryan, Blake Ayshford, Chris Lawrence, Mitch Brown, Jacob Miller, Robert Lui, Bryce Gibbs, Robbie Farah (c), Keith Galloway, Ben Murdoch-Masila, Gareth Ellis, Chris Heighington. Interchange: Tim Moltzen, Todd Payten, Aaron Woods, Andrew Fifita
Ins: Chris Lawrence, Ben Murdoch-Masila, Todd Payten
Outs: Tim Simona (dropped), Simon Dwyer (shoulder/neck, season), Liam Fulton (concussion)
Other unavailables: Geoff Daniela (torn pectoral, indefinite), Lote Tuqiri (ankle round 20), Matt Utai (arm, round 19), Simon Dwyer (shoulder/neck, season)
Comment: Benji Marshall is still a 50/50 chance to play, so Jacob Miller might not be playing 80 minutes this week. Keith Galloway will have less than 48 hours to recover from the State of Origin decider and will not play his regular minutes. Ben Murdoch-Masila will get to play plenty of minutes in the starting 13, replacing the injured Simon Dwyer.  
 
 
Cronulla Sharks v Canberra Raiders
Saturday 9 July, kickoff 5.30pm, Toyota Stadium
 
Sharks: Nathan Gardner, Matthew Wright, Ben Pomeroy, Colin Best, Nathan Stapleton, Wade Graham, Chad Townsend, Kade Snowden, John Morris, Luke Douglas, Jeremy Smith, Jason Bukuya, Paul Gallen (c). Interchange: Anthony Tupou, Sam Tagataese, Stuart Flanagan, Taulima Tautai, Johnny Mannah, Josh Cordoba
Ins: Kade Snowden, Paul Gallen
Outs:  None
Other unavailables: Albert Kelly (broken leg, round 19), Scott Porter (knee round 19)
Comment: Kade Snowden has been named, but there are whispers his neck injury could be a long term problem. The Sharks however, are fully confident he will play this week. Paul Gallen’s return means Josh Cordoba, Jeremy Smith and Jason Bukuya will all play less minutes. Chad Townsend doesn’t seem to be under any immediate threat for his No. 7 jersey and his price will continue to rise for at least another few weeks.
 
Raiders: Nathan Massey, Blake Ferguson, Jarrod Croker, Joel Thompson, Reece Robinson, Josh McCrone, Sam Williams, Brett White, Alan Tongue (c), Dane Tilse, Joe Picker, Josh Papalii, Shaun Fensom. Interchange: Glen Buttriss, Bronson Harrison, Sam Mataora, Trevor Thurling, Josh Miller
Ins: Sam Mataora
Outs: Tom Learoyd-Lahrs (bicep, season)
Other unavailables: Daniel Vidot (ankle, round 19), Danny Galea, (finger, indefinite), Josh Dugan (ankle, round 19), Matt Orford (groin, indefinite), Terry Campese (groin, round 22)
Comment: Nathan Massey’s price continues to rise, but this is all but certain to be his last week in the No. 1 jumper. Coach David Furner says Dugan is still a small chance of coming back this round. The Raiders front-rowers should finally pull some decent points, now that both Tom Learoyd-Lahrs and David Shillington are again both out.
 
 
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs v Melbourne Storm
Saturday 9 July, kickoff 7.30pm AEST, Adelaide Oval
 
Bulldogs: Ben Barba, Steve Turner, Josh Morris, Jamal Idris, Jonathan Wright, Kris Keating, Trent Hodkinson, Aiden Tolman, Michael Ennis, Sam Kasiano, Frank Pritchard, Andrew Ryan (c), David Stagg. Interchange: Greg Eastwood, Martin Taupau, Corey Payne, Dene Halatau
Ins: Michael Ennis, Martin Taupau
Outs: Michael Hodgson, Ben Roberts
Other unavailables: Ryan Tandy (sacked, season)
Comment: Martin Taupau will play his first game of the season. Don’t expect miracles from the wrecking-ball front-rower. He has to play for the NSW Residents on Wednesday night in Brisbane and meet up with teammates in Adelaide before Saturday’s game. Kris Keating was a star in Supercoach last week, moving to hooker, but he’ll be back to his regular scores this week, and with the Dogs’ attack as blunt as it has been, don’t expect much from him or Hodkinson. Aiden Tolman remains a good buy with his BE at 58. David Stagg has been named at lock, but there is nothing to suggest coach Kevin Moore will stop suffocating his minutes on the field.
 
 
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, Ryan Hinchcliffe. Interchange: Rory Kostjasyn, Sika Manu, Adam Woolnough, Jaiman Lowe, Anthony Quinn, Justin O'Neill, Beau Champion
Ins: Bryan Norrie, Anthony Quinn, Justin O’Neill, Beau Champion
Outs: Todd Lowrie (dropped)
Other unavailables: Chase Stanley (knee, season), Sione Kite (shoulder, round 22)
Comment: The Storm will get their State of Origin players back. Cameron Smith will get to his lowest price in the next two weeks, so get ready to jump back on him when his minutes on the field increase after the end of the representative season.
 
 
Sydney Roosters v Penrith Panthers
Sunday 10 July, kickoff 2pm, Sydney Football Stadium
 
Roosters: Anthony Minichiello, Sam Perrett, Kane Linnett, Shaun Kenny-Dowall, Joseph Leilua, Todd Carney, Mitchell Pearce, Jason Ryles, Jake Friend, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, Braith Anasta (c), Frank Paul Nuuausala, Nate Myles. Interchange: Anthony Mitchell, Mose Masoe, Brad Takairangi, Aidan Guerra, Tom Symonds
Ins: Mitchell Pearce, Nate Myles, Anthony Minichiello
Outs: Jonathan Ford, Mark Khierallah, Tinirau Arona
Other unavailables: Anthony Cherrington (knee, season), Anthony Watts (suspension, indefinite), Daniel Conn (neck, season), Lama Tasi (ankle, round 19), Martin Kennedy (foot, season), Mitchell Aubusson (shoulder, season), Steve Naughton (collarbone, round 19), Boyd Cordner (ankle, round 19)
Comment: The return to the back-row means more tackles and more points for Braith Anasta, who was caught in no-man’s land between Todd Carney and Jonathan Ford on Monday night. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves looks to have locked down the starting spot in the front-row long term. His points have been slowly building upwards as well.
 
Panthers: Lachlan Coote, David Simmons, Junior Vai Vai, Brad Tighe, Adrian Purtell, Travis Burns, Luke Walsh, Sam McKendry, Kevin Kingston, Tim Grant, Trent Waterhouse (c), Nigel Plum, Nathan Smith. Interchange: Nafe Seluini, Dayne Weston, Matthew Bell, Sarafu Fatiaki
Ins: None
Outs: None
Other unavailables: Masada Iosefa (hand, round 22), Michael Gordon (knee, season), Michael Jennings (ankle, indefinite), Sandor Earl (shoulder, season), Timana Tahu (pectoral tear, season)
Comment: Michael Jennings, Luke Lewis and Petero Civoniceva are all expected to recover from Origin in time for Sunday’s game. It means Tim Grant will likely move to the bench to accommodate Civoniceva. Nathan Smith has his nose in front of Nigel Plum to keep a spot in the starting 13 when Lewis returns. Travis Burns’ super performance against the Bulldogs also means his price will continue to rise for another few weeks yet.
 
 
 
Manly Sea Eagles v South Sydney Rabbitohs
Sunday 10 July, kickoff 3pm, Brookvale Oval
 
Sea Eagles: Brett Stewart, Michael Robertson, Jamie Lyon (c), Michael Oldfield, David Williams, Kieran Foran, Daly Cherry-Evans, Jason King (c), Matt Ballin, Brent Kite, Anthony Watmough, Joe Galuvao, Glenn Stewart. Interchange: Vic Mauro, Jamie Buhrer, Shane Rodney, George Rose, Tim Robinson, Darcy Lussick
Ins: Michael Oldfield, Brent Kite, Shane Rodney
Outs: Steve Matai (suspension)
Other unavailables: Tony Williams (hamstring, round 22), William Hopoate (hamstring, round 21),
Comment: Steve Matai’s suspension has opened the door for Michael Oldfield, but don’t get too excited. Matai will be back in round 20. Glenn Stewart and Anthony Watmough may not play as large a role as usual, backing up from Origin. This could be good news for Jamie Buhrer and Shane Rodney.
 
Rabbitohs: Rhys Wesser, Nathan Merritt, Dylan Farrell, Greg Inglis, Chris McQueen, John Sutton, Chris Sandow, Ben Ross, Issac Luke, Shannan McPherson, Jason Clark, Eddy Pettybourne, Michael Crocker (c). Interchange: Luke Burgess, Dave Tyrrell, Ben Lowe, Nathan Peats, Shaune Corrigan
Ins: Luke Burgess, Ben Lowe
Outs: James Roberts (dropped)
Other unavailables: Sam Burgess (ankle, season), Scott Geddes (achilles round 25), Fetuli Talanoa (pneumonia, indefinite), Luke Stuart (knee, season), Roy Asotasi (arm, round 24), David Taylor (suspended round 22)
Comment: The return of Ben Lowe will cut into the plying time of other Rabbitohs players. Lowe, at his full fitness, is arguably the biggest workhorse in the available Souths forward pack. You can buy him cheap now, but wait another couple weeks until his price bottoms out. Luke Burgess is not cheap, but he did enough last week to show he could be capable of 60+ points.  
 
 
Newcastle Knights v North Queensland Cowboys
Monday 11 July, kickoff 7pm, Ausgrid Stadium
 
Knights: Wes Naiqama, James McManus, Junior Sa'u, Adam MacDougall, Akuila Uate,  Kurt Gidley (c), Jarrod Mullen, Richie Fa'aoso, Matt Hilder, Evarn Tuimavave,  Chris Houston,  Joel Edwards, Steve Southern. Interchange: Ryan Stig, Antonio Kaufusi, Cameron Ciraldo, Dan Tolar, Mark Taufua, Tyrone Roberts
Ins:Adam MacDougall, Akuila Uate, Kurt Gidley, Jarrod Mullen, Evarn Tuimivave
Outs: Keith Lulia (concussion), Isaac De Gois (knee), Peter Mata’utia
Other unavailables: Ben Rogers (shoulder, indefinite) Zeb Taia (neck indefinite), Neville Costigan (knee, indefinite)
Comment: Rick Stone doesn’t seem to have made up his mind on his halves. Ryan Stig is still a chance to burrow his way into the starting 13 if Kurt Gidley replaces Wes Naiqama at fullback. Jarrod Mullen is said to be a certain starter this week. Matt Hilder will also play plenty of minutes now that Isaac De Gois is likely to be on the sidelines for a while with a knee injury.
 
Cowboys: Matthew Bowen, Ashley Graham, Will Tupou, Willie Tonga, Kalifa Faifai Loa, Ray Thompson, Johnathan Thurston (c), Matthew Scott (c), Aaron Payne, James Tamou, Gavin Cooper, Glenn Hall, Dallas Johnson. Interchange: James Segeyaro, Joel Riethmuller, Ashton Sims, Leeson Ah Mau, Cory Paterson
Ins: Willie Tonga, Cory Paterson
Outs: Ben Jones (dropped)
Other unavailables: Antonio Winterstein (torn pectoral, season), Brent Tate (knee round 19), Michael Bani (ankle, indefinite), Scott Bolton (calf, indefinite), Tariq Sims (suspended, round 19)
Comment: Willie Tonga’s return is good news for Gavin Cooper who should now be able to play in the second-row for the remainder of the season. Tonga is a bargain at the moment and has a BE of just 18. With Brent Tate due back next week, you might want to think of upgrading Will Tupou.

 

[Fluffy]

got beaten coming 12,000 out of the 125,000 bummer.

funnily enough the comp i am doing better in is the tougher of the 2, ie ranked 880 out of 10,000 or so, about 1000 higher than the other.

Hoping for 2 wins this weekend

 

[Berkeley_Eagle]

*****************
FRIDAY

BRISBANE BRONCOS v GOLD COAST TITANS at Suncorp Stadium, 7.35pm

BRONCOS: Josh Hoffman, Gerald Beale, Justin Hodges, Jack Reed, Jharal Yow Yeh, Darren Lockyer, Peter Wallace, Ben Hannant, Andrew McCullough, Scott Anderson, Alex Glenn, Sam Thaiday, Corey Parker. Interchange: Matt Gillett, Ben Hunt, Mitchell Dodds, Josh McGuire, Kurt Baptiste, Dunamis Lui (two to be omitted).
Ins: Justin Hodges, Jharal Yow Yeh, Darren Lockyer, Ben Hannant, Sam Thaiday, Corey Parker, Kurt Baptiste
Outs: David Hala, Nick Kenny (both Queensland Cup), Dane Gagai, Dale Copley (Toyota Cup), Corey Norman
Other unavailables: Ben Te’o (broken arm, round 20), Shane Tronc (neck, indefinite), Dane Carlaw (knee, round 20)
Comment: The Broncos are back to near full strength. Justin Hodges, Jharal Yow Yeh, Darren Lockyer, Ben Hannant, Sam Thaiday and Corey Parker return from Origin duty. There are plenty of unlucky casualties - David Hala, Nick Kenny (both Queensland Cup), Dane Gagai, Dale Copley (both Toyota Cup) and Corey Norman. Matt Gillett’s return to form could place pressure on back row game time, including Alex Glenn. Here’s some interesting quotes from coach Anthony Griffin: “I’m conscious of two things; one being we made him (Gillett) play 80 minutes against Parramatta and he did a lot of that from the centres which we won’t have the luxury of doing from now on. With Parker and Thaiday back in the pack and with Scott Anderson going so well, it gives us more depth, more impact and we can share the minutes more. Alex (Glenn) has done a great job on that left edge and the way he’s led the club through that period (Origin), he’s earned his spot there. We’ve got the flexibility with Jack Reed who can play back-row or centre and Gillo on the bench. Those three guys, Jack, Alex and Gillo are interchangeable. It gives us a lot of flexibility there.”

TITANS: Luke Capewell, Steve Michaels, Clinton Toopi, Bodene Thompson, David Mead, William Zillman, Scott Prince (capt), Luke Bailey, Matt Srama, Anthony Laffranchi, Greg Bird, Mark Minichiello, Ashley Harrison. Interchange: Matthew White, Michael Henderson, Luke O’Dwyer, Preston Campbell, Brenton Lawrence (one to be omitted).
Ins: Luke Capewell, Greg Bird, Preston Campbell
Outs: Mat Rogers (retired due to broken foot, season), Jordan Rankin (Toyota Cup)
Other unavailables: Kevin Gordon (knee, season), Ryan James (knee, season), Brad Meyers (retired, season), Nathan Friend (shoulder, indefinite)
Comment: Luke Capewell has earned a recall at fullback following a blistering 15-try spell with the Ipswich Jets. Greg Bird (soreness) has also been recalled after failing to back up from Origin, pushing Anthony Laffranchi to the front row. Preston Campbell (wrist) returns on the bench, which could cut into the game time of Matt Srama, although the latest retirement of Mat Rogers (broken foot) offsets this somewhat.

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

NZ WARRIORS v CANTERBURY BULLDOGS at Mt Smart Stadium, 8.30pm

WARRIORS: Kevin Locke, Bill Tupou, Joel Moon, Shaun Berrigan, Manu Vatuvei, James Maloney, Shaun Johnson, Russell Packer, Aaron Heremaia, Jacob Lillyman, Feleti Mateo, Simon Mannering (capt), Micheal Luck. Interchange: Lance Hohaia, Sam Rapira, Ben Matulino, Elijah Taylor, Steve Rapira (one to be omitted).
Ins: Joel Moon, Steve Rapira
Outs: Lewis Brown (ankle, round 23)
Other unavailables: Brett Seymour (cheekbone, round 21), Jerome Ropati (knee, season), Ukuma Ta’ai (knee, indefinite)
Comment: Lewis Brown (ankle, round 23) is replaced in the centres by Joel Moon. Interestingly, coach Ivan Cleary has opted against returning Simon Mannering to the backline, where he’s played much of the year. Mannering instead remains in the forwards, which is great news for his scores, but bad news for Elijah Taylor, who has again been benched. Taylor scored a very respectable 48 from the bench last week, but clearly benefitted in the game time stakes (77 minutes) from the injury to Brown. Will this week therefore signal the downfall of Taylor as a keeper?

BULLDOGS: Ben Barba, Steve Turner, Josh Morris, Jamal Idris, Jonathan Wright, Kris Keating, Trent Hodkinson, David Stagg, Andrew Ryan (capt), Frank Pritchard, Sam Kasiano, Dene Halatau, Aiden Tolman. Interchange: Greg Eastwood, Martin Taupau, Gary Warburton, Ben Roberts.
Ins: None
Outs: None
Other unavailables: Ryan Tandy (sacked, season), Michael Ennis (chest, round 20)
Comment: With Michael Ennis (chest, round 20) still out, there are no personnel changes for the Bulldogs. However, coach Kevin Moore has again fiddled with his halves. Kris Keating moves back to starting five-eighth, but expect him to play plenty of hooker when Ben Roberts, who started in the halves last week, is on the field (as occurred last week). Young prop Martin Taupau retains his spot after a debut 43. He may come into contention as a cheapie next week. Taupau has earned his spot on merit - not injury - with Canterbury’s NSW Cup side again stacked with NRL talent, including Michael Lett, Bryson Goodwin, Josh Reynolds, Michael Hodgson, Mickey Paea, Grant Millington, Jake Foster, Chris Armit and Brad Morrin.

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

SATURDAY

SOUTH SYDNEY RABBITOHS v SYDNEY ROOSTERS at ANZ Stadium, 5.30pm

RABBITOHS: Rhys Wesser, Nathan Merritt, Dylan Farrell, Greg Inglis, Chris McQueen, John Sutton, Chris Sandow, Ben Ross, Issac Luke, Shannan McPherson, Jason Clark, Eddy Pettybourne, Michael Crocker (capt). Interchange: Luke Burgess, Dave Tyrrell, Ben Lowe, Nathan Peats, Shaune Corrigan (one to be omitted)
Ins: Shaune Corrigan
Outs: None
Other unavailables: Sam Burgess (ankle, season), Scott Geddes (achilles round 25), Fetuli Talanoa (pneumonia, indefinite), Luke Stuart (knee, season), Roy Asotasi (arm, round 24), David Taylor (suspended round 22)
Comment: Shaune Corrigan has been added as 18th man in the only change. Nathan Merritt (wrist) and Rhys Wesser (knee) will have to prove their fitness later in the week. The mid-season signing of Luke Burgess seems to be cutting slightly into the scores of Ben Ross. Expect Jason Clark’s minutes to drop considerably once Ben Lowe returns to full fitness. And while on Lowe, he is free to play after escaping charge for striking Manly fullback Brett Stewart. 

ROOSTERS: Phil Graham, Sam Perrett, Kane Linnett, Shaun Kenny-Dowall, Joseph ‘BJ’ Leilua, Todd Carney, Mitchell Pearce, Frank-Paul Nuuausala, Tom Symonds, Braith Anasta (capt), Nate Myles, Jake Friend, Jason Ryles. Interchange: Anthony Mitchell, Tinirau Arona, Brad Takairangi, Aidan Guerra.
Ins: Aidan Guerra
Outs: Mose Masoe (dropped)
Other unavailables: Anthony Minichiello (virus, indefinite), Anthony Cherrington (knee, season), Anthony Watts (suspension, indefinite), Daniel Conn (neck, season), Lama Tasi (ankle, round 20), Martin Kennedy (foot, season), Mitchell Aubusson (shoulder, season), Steve Naughton (collarbone, round 20), Boyd Cordner (ankle, round 20)
Comment: Aidan Guerra replaces Mose Masoe in the only change. But the sleeping giant here is Todd Carney. He was simply breathtaking last year and seems to be returning to similar form. He could be a bargain at his current price of $186,900, especially since he’s won back the kicking duties. Tom Symonds has again been named in the starting side, but only produced 25 points in 65 minutes last week.

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

NORTH QUEENSLAND COWBOYS v WESTS TIGERS at Dairy Farmers Stadium, 7.30pm

COWBOYS: Matthew Bowen (capt), Ashley Graham, Brent Tate, Willie Tonga, Kalifa Faifai-Loa, Ray Thompson, Michael Morgan, Dallas Johnson, Glenn Hall, Gavin Cooper, James Tamou, Aaron Payne, Matthew Scott (capt). Interchange: James Segeyaro, Joel Riethmuller, Ashton Sims, Tariq Sims, Cory Paterson, Will Tupou, Leeson Ah Mau (three to be omitted).
Ins: Brent Tate, Aaron Payne, Tariq Sims, Leeson Ah Mau
Outs: Clint Amos (Queensland Cup)
Other unavailables: Johnathan Thurston (knee, round 24), Antonio Winterstein (torn pectoral, season), Michael Bani (ankle, indefinite), Scott Bolton (calf, indefinite), Shannon Gallant (groin, indefinite)
Comment: There’s still no Johnathan Thurston (knee, round 24), but the Cowboys have some massive ins. Brent Tate (knee), Aaron Payne (finger), Tariq Sims (suspension) and Leeson Ah Mau all return.  Tate is a potential point of difference trade, although it is wise to wait considering he’s been out for so long. Tariq Sims has been named on an extended bench, while the emergence of mid-season purchase Cory Paterson may also cut into his game time. Willie Tonga (corked thigh) will have to prove his fitness later in the week. Clint Amos has been dropped, but remains on standby for Payne.

TIGERS: Tim Moltzen, Beau Ryan, Blake Ayshford, Chris Lawrence, Mitch Brown, Benji Marshall, Robert Lui, Bryce Gibbs, Robbie Farah, Keith Galloway, Liam Fulton, Gareth Ellis, Chris Heighington, Interchange: Sean Meaney, Todd Payten, Aaron Woods, Andrew Fifita.
Ins: Liam Fulton, Sean Meaney
Outs: Wade McKinnon, Ben Murdoch-Masila (hamstring, round 21)
Other unavailables: Geoff Daniela (torn pectoral, indefinite), Lote Tuqiri (ankle, round 20), Matt Utai (arm, round 21), Simon Dwyer (shoulder/neck, season)
Comment: Tim Moltzen has taken Wade McKinnon’s spot at fullback. Liam Fulton (concussion) returns to the side at the expense of Ben Murdoch-Masila (hamstring, round 21). Fulton’s return may again reduce the minutes of Chris Heighington, although Gareth Ellis appears a lock for 80 minutes. A backline shake-up is on the cards in coming weeks, with both Lote Tuqiri (ankle, round 20) and Matt Utai (arm, round 21) due back soon. Plenty of SuperCoaches will be hoping Benji Marshall and Robbie Farah step up to the plate.

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

PENRITH PANTHERS v PARRAMATTA EELS at Centrebet Stadium, 7.30pm

PANTHERS: Lachlan Coote, David Simmons, Michael Jennings, Brad Tighe, Adrian Purtell, Travis Burns, Luke Walsh, Sam McKendry, Kevin Kingston, Petero Civoniceva (capt), Trent Waterhouse, Nigel Plum, Luke Lewis. Interchange: Nafe Seluini, Dayne Weston, Nathan Smith, Tim Grant, Matthew Bell (one to be omitted).
Ins: Michael Jennings, Matthew Bell
Outs: Taioalo Vai Vai (dropped)
Other unavailables: Masada Iosefa (hand, round 22), Michael Gordon (knee, season), Sandor Earl (shoulder, season), Timana Tahu (pectoral tear, season)
Comment: Michael Jennings (ankle) returns at the expense of Taioalo Vai Vai. At just $188,600, Jennings could come into consideration as a point of difference trade. Matthew Bell has been added to an extended bench in the only other change. Trent Waterhouse (knee) is in doubt after leaving the field just 14 minutes into last weekend’s clash.

EELS: Jarryd Hayne, Luke Burt, Ryan Morgan, Ben Smith, Jordan Atkins, Casey McGuire, Jeff Robson, Tim Mannah, Matt Keating, Fuifui Moimoi, Nathan Hindmarsh (capt), Taniela Lasalo, Justin Horo. Interchange: Shane Shackleton, Mitchell Allgood, Manase Manuokafoa, Reni Maitua.
Ins: Jeff Robson, Manase Manuokafoa
Outs: Etu Uaisele, Pat O’Hanlon (both dropped)
Other unavailables: Justin Poore (knee, indefinite), Jacob Loko (knee, season), Joel Reddy (pectoral, season)
Comment: Coach Stephen Kearney has resisted the temptation to play Jarryd Hayne at five-eighth. Hayne returns to his normal fullback position, with Luke Burt pushed to the wing. Casey McGuire moves from halfback to Hayne’s five-eighth spot, while Jeff Robson (hamstring) returns in the No 7 jumper. Ben Smith has again been named in the centres. Nathan Hindmarsh will be up for a big game in his 300th match.

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

SUNDAY

CANBERRA RAIDERS v MELBOURNE STORM at Canberra Stadium, 2pm

RAIDERS: Josh Dugan, Blake Ferguson, Jarrod Croker, Joel Thompson, Daniel Vidot, Josh McCrone, Sam Williams, Brett White, Alan Tongue (capt), Dane Tilse, Danny Galea, Bronson Harrison, Shaun Fensom. Interchange: Glen Buttriss, Joe Picker, Sam Mataora, Trevor Thurling, Josh Miller (one to be omitted).
Ins: Josh Dugan, Daniel Vidot, Danny Galea, Josh Miller
Outs: Nathan Massey (dropped), Reece Robinson (knee, round 24), Josh Papalii (groin, 22)
Other unavailables: Tom Learoyd-Lahrs (bicep, season), Matt Orford (groin, indefinite), Terry Campese (groin, round 22)
Comment: Josh Dugan (ankle) returns at the expense of Nathan Massey, which could increase Canberra’s pointscoring potential. Daniel Vidot earns a recall in the place of Reece Robinson (knee, round 24), while Bronson Harrison moves back into the starting side to replace injured youngster Josh Papalii (groin, 22). Joe Picker has been relegated to the bench, with Danny Galea promoted to the starting side on his return to the top grade. Shaun Fensom has re-signed with the club until the end of 2014 and is a must-have SuperCoach player.

STORM: Billy Slater, Matthew Duffie, Dane Nielsen, Maurice Blair, Sisa Waqa, Gareth Widdop, Cooper Cronk, Kevin Proctor, Sika Manu, Adam Blair (capt), Bryan Norrie, Cameron Smith (capt), Jesse Bromwich. Interchange: Rory Kostjasyn, Ryan Hinchcliffe, Adam Woolnough, Jaiman Lowe.
Ins: None
Outs: None
Other unavailables: Chase Stanley (knee, season), Sione Kite (shoulder, round 22), Todd Lowrie (calf, round 20), Troy Thompson (ankle, round 20)
Comment: No changes. Cameron Smith has a BE of 100 and will dip below the $300,000 mark next week following reduced post-Origin minutes. It’s well-and-truly time to cash in on Maurice Blair. Justin O’Neill, Beau Champion and Anthony Quinn will all play NSW Cup. Contrary to earlier Facebook and Twitter musings, Dane Chisholm has NOT been named. He will play Queensland Cup.

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

NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS v MANLY SEA EAGLES at Ausgrid Stadium, 3pm

KNIGHTS: Wes Naiqama, James McManus, Junior Sa’u, Keith Lulia, Akuila Uate, Ryan Stig, Jarrod Mullen (capt), Richie Fa’aoso, Isaac De Gois, Evarn Tuimavave, Chris Houston, Neville Costigan, Joel Edwards. Interchange: Matt Hilder, Antonio Kaufusi, Cameron Ciraldo, Dan Tolar, Mark Taufua, Steve Southern, Adam MacDougall (three to be omitted).
Ins: Keith Lulia, Isaac De Gois, Evarn Tuimavave, Neville Costigan
Outs: Kurt Gidley (hamstring, round 20)
Other unavailables: Ben Rogers (shoulder, indefinite), Zeb Taia (neck indefinite)
Comment: The big news is the injury to Kurt Gidley (hamstring, round 20), which opens the door for cheapie Ryan Stig. However, Newcastle say Gidley may yet come into contention later in the week. Matt Hilder will again have to compete for hooker game time with Isaac De Gois, who returns early from a knee injury. The return of Neville Costigan (knee), may also cut into Chris Houston’s game time, although Costigan will surely take a few weeks to get back into the swing of things. Keith Lulia (concussion) returns from injury and has been named in the centres ahead of Adam MacDougall, who has been benched. 

SEA EAGLES: Brett Stewart, Michael Robertson, Jamie Lyon (capt), Steve Matai, David Williams, Kieran Foran, Daly Cherry-Evans, Jason King (capt), Matt Ballin, Brent Kite, Anthony Watmough, Joe Galuvao, Glenn Stewart. Interchange: Vic Mauro, Jamie Buhrer, Shane Rodney, George Rose, Tim Robinson, Darcy Lussick (two to be omitted).
Ins: Steve Matai, Tim Robinson, Darcy Lussick
Outs: Michael Oldfield (NSW Cup)
Other unavailables: Tony Williams (hamstring, round 20), William Hopoate (hamstring, round 20)
Comment: Steve Matai returns from suspension in the only change to the starting 17. Michael Oldfield drops back to NSW Cup, with Tim Robinson and Darcy Lussick added to an extended bench. Jamie Lyon (break even 83) should be very cheap next week. Jason King (hamstring) and Joe Galuvao (concussion) are expected to be fit. Will Hopoate and Tony Williams are on track for returns next week.

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

MONDAY

ST GEORGE ILLAWARRA DRAGONS v CRONULLA SHARKS at WIN Jubilee Oval, 7pm

DRAGONS: Darius Boyd, Brett Morris, Mark Gasnier, Matt Cooper, Jason Nightingale, Jamie Soward, Nathan Fien, Dan Hunt, Dean Young (capt), Michael Weyman, Beau Scott, Ben Creagh, Matt Prior. Interchange: Jon Green, Mitch Rein, Adam Cuthbertson, Trent Merrin
Ins: Darius Boyd, Brett Morris, Mark Gasnier, Matt Cooper, Jamie Soward, Beau Scott, Ben Creagh (all Origin)
Outs: Ben Hornby (fractured hand, round 21), Jake Marketo, Jack De Belin, Reece Simmonds, Kyle Stanley, Alex McKinnon (all dropped)
Other unavailables: Bronx Goodwin (knee, round 20), Cameron King (pectoral, round 20), Nick Emmett (foot, round 20).
Comment: With the exception of Ben Hornby (fractured hand, round 21), the Dragons are back to full strength following the returns of Origin stars Darius Boyd, Brett Morris, Mark Gasnier, Matt Cooper, Jamie Soward, Beau Scott and Ben Creagh. Nathan Fien will play halfback in Hornby’s absence. Mark Gasnier has a break even of 118 and could be a great buy over the coming rounds. Conversely, the brilliant run of Matt Prior (average 65 over last three weeks) could be over following the returns of Creagh and Scott.

SHARKS: Nathan Gardner, Matthew Wright, Ben Pomeroy, Colin Best, Nathan Stapleton, Wade Graham, Chad Townsend, Josh Cordoba, John Morris, Luke Douglas, Jeremy Smith, Jayson Bukuya, Paul Gallen. Interchange: Anthony Tupou, Sam Tagataese, Stuart Flanagan, Taulima Tautai, Johnny Mannah (one to be omitted).
Ins: Johnny Mannah
Outs: None
Other unavailables: Kade Snowden (back/neck, indefinite), Albert Kelly (broken leg, round 20), Scott Porter (knee round 21)
Comment: Johnny Mannah has been added to an extended bench in the only change. Paul Gallen has been all but cleared to play by Cronulla officials after copping a shoulder “burner” on the weekend and complaining of general soreness and fatigue. He has been given a few days off this week and should be raring to go for the local derby. However, the good news on Gallen is offset by bad news on Kade Snowden (back/neck, indefinite). He is unlikely to be fit for this weekend. Luke Douglas, who is playing with a busted medial ligament, is carving up in Snowden’s absence.

 

[Berkeley_Eagle]

FRIDAY

CANTERBURY BULLDOGS v PARRAMATTA EELS at ANZ Stadium, 7.35pm

BULLDOGS: Ben Barba, Steve Turner, Tim Lafai, Jamal Idris, Jonathan Wright, Ben Roberts, Trent Hodkinson, Aiden Tolman, Joel Romelo, Sam Kasiano, Frank Pritchard, Andrew Ryan (capt), Dene Halatau. Interchange: Greg Eastwood, Martin Taupau, David Stagg, Josh Reynolds.
Ins: Tim Lafai, Joel Romelo, Josh Reynolds
Outs: Gary Warburton, Josh Morris (both dropped), Kris Keating (elbow, round 24)
Other unavailables: Ryan Tandy (sacked, season), Michael Ennis (neck, season)
Comment: Caretaker coach Jim Dymock has wasted no time shaking up the Dogs – and there are plenty of opportunities for SuperCoaches. The biggest shock is the axing of Josh Morris. Tim Lafai takes his centre spot, which is good news for those who have hung onto the outstanding youngster. David Stagg is clearly not rated by the new coach (although Andrew Ryan, who got 80 minutes on the weekend, clearly is). Stagg has been pushed to the bench, with Dene Halatau moving from hooker to lock (possible opportunity here! Let’s wait and see). The loss of Michael Ennis (neck, season) is a massive blow. Joel Romelo has been called into the starting side as Ennis’s replacement. Romelo will rotate with Josh Reynolds, who has been recalled on the bench. Ben Roberts will again play five-eighth, with Kris Keating (elbow, round 24) ruled out. Brilliant young prop Martin Taupau will see a decent rise after this week.

EELS: Luke Burt, Etu Uaisele, Ryan Morgan, Ben Smith, Jordan Atkins, Jarryd Hayne, Casey McGuire, Tim Mannah, Matt Keating, Fuifui Moimoi, Nathan Hindmarsh (capt), Taniela Lasalo, Justin Horo. Interchange: Shane Shackleton, Mitchell Allgood, Reni Maitua, Pat O’Hanlon.
Ins: None
Outs: None
Other unavailables: Justin Poore (knee, indefinite), Jacob Loko (knee, season), Joel Reddy (pectoral, season), Jeff Robson (hamstring, indefinite)
Comment: No changes. Jarryd Hayne will again play five-eighth, with Luke Burt at fullback, Casey McGuire at halfback and Jeff Robson injured. Etu Uaisele (concussion) and Hayne (knee) will be monitored during the week but are expected to play. Shane Shackleton (concussion) is less likely. Ben Smith has again been named in the centres. Reni Maitua will be facing his old club.

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

MELBOURNE STORM v BRISBANE BRONCOS at AAMI Park, 7.35pm

STORM: Billy Slater, Matt Duffie, Dane Nielsen, Maurice Blair, Justin O’Neill, Gareth Widdop, Cooper Cronk, Jesse Bromwich, Cameron Smith (capt), Bryan Norrie, Adam Blair, Sika Manu, Kevin Proctor, Interchange: Rory Kostjasyn, Ryan Hinchcliffe, Adam Woolnough, Jaiman Lowe, Todd Lowrie (one to be omitted).
Ins: Jaiman Lowe
Outs: None
Other unavailables: Chase Stanley (knee, season), Sione Kite (shoulder, round 21), Troy Thompson (ankle, indefinite), Sisa Waqa (knee, indefinite)
Comment: Jaiman Lowe returns to an extended bench in the only change. Justin O’Neill retains his wing spot ahead of cheapie Sisa Waqa (knee, indefinite). Cameron Smith has played off the bench in his last two games. Surely this WON’T continue in the run in to the finals. In any case, his price will continue to plummet over the coming weeks. O’Neill (back), Rory Kostjasyn (concussion) and Maurice Blair (head cut) picked up injuries against the Raiders. 18th man Todd Lowrie (calf) also aggravated an existing injury and is expected to drop out of the team.

BRONCOS: Josh Hoffman, Gerard Beale, Jack Reed, Justin Hodges, Jharal Yow Yeh, Darren Lockyer (capt), Peter Wallace, Ben Hannant, Andrew McCullough, Scott Anderson, Alex Glenn, Sam Thaiday, Corey Parker. Interchange: Matt Gillett, Ben Hunt, Mitchell Dodds, Josh McGuire, Dunamis Lui (one to be omitted).
Ins: Scott Anderson
Outs: None
Other unavailables: Ben Te’o (broken arm, round 21), Shane Tronc (neck, indefinite), Dane Carlaw (knee, round 21)
Comment: Scott Anderson (asthma attack) returns at starting prop in the only change. Justin Hodges has great base stats and could make a great point of difference trade. But do you dare run the gauntlet with injuries? SuperCoaches shouldn’t lose faith in Alex Glenn despite his second lowest score of the year last week. He still played 80 minutes. In fact, despite a serious back row log jam, game time appeared encouraging: Glenn (80 minutes), Sam Thaiday (80), Corey Parker (76) and Matt Gillett (60). The biggest loser out of Brisbane’s back row riches may therefore be Ben Hannant, who only played 43 minutes. Brisbane captain Darren Lockyer, who was sent home from training on Monday with the flu, trained this morning and is not in any danger of missing the blockbuster. However, Dunamis Lui injured his ribs in the same session.

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

SATURDAY

GOLD COAST TITANS v NORTH QUEENSLAND COWBOYS at Skilled Park, 5.30pm

TITANS: Luke Capewell, Steve Michaels, William Zillman, Clinton Toopi, David Mead, Beau Henry, Scott Prince (capt), Greg Bird, Mark Minichiello, Bodene Thompson, Anthony Laffranchi, Matt Srama, Luke Bailey. Interchange: Matthew White, Brenton Lawrence, Luke O’Dwyer, Preston Campbell.
Ins: Brenton Lawrence, Beau Henry
Outs: Ashley Harrison (elbow, indefinite), Michael Henderson (broken finger, indefinite)
Other unavailables: Mat Rogers (retired due to broken foot, season), Kevin Gordon (knee, season), Ryan James (knee, season), Brad Meyers (retired due to wrist injury, season), Nathan Friend (shoulder, indefinite)
Comment: A massive shake-up for the Titans. SuperCoach stud Ashley Harrison (elbow) is out for “a few weeks”. Bodene Thompson takes his spot in the back row, with Anthony Laffranchi to again play prop. William Zillman takes Thompson’s centre spot, with Beau Henry to make his much-anticipated Gold Coast debut at five-eighth following his mid-season transfer from the Knights. Henry has been struggling with back and ankle injuries since his move to the Titans, but made a successful return in Queensland Cup on the weekend. With Preston Campbell again on the bench, expect Matt Srama to play only 60-odd minutes, as occurred on Friday night. The workloads of Greg Bird, Luke Bailey and Laffranchi may increase in the absence of Harrison.

COWBOYS: Matthew Bowen, Ashley Graham, Brent Tate, Willie Tonga, Kalifa Faifai-Loa, Ray Thompson, Ben Jones, Dallas Johnson, Tariq Sims, Gavin Cooper, Ashton Sims, Aaron Payne, Matthew Scott (capt). Interchange: James Segeyaro, Glenn Hall, Cory Paterson, James Tamou, Joel Riethmuller, Leeson Ah Mau (two to be omitted).
Ins: Ben Jones, Matthew Scott, Joel Reithmuller
Outs: Michael Morgan (Queensland Cup)
Other unavailables: Johnathan Thurston (knee, round 24), Antonio Winterstein (torn pectoral, season), Michael Bani (ankle, indefinite), Scott Bolton (calf, indefinite), Shannon Gallant (groin, indefinite)
Comment: Halfback Michael Morgan has been dropped, replaced by Ben Jones. Matt Scott (back) has been named but will need to prove his fitness later in the week. Joel Reithmuller has been named on an extended bench as cover. Stick strong with Tariq Sims. He played 70 minutes on the weekend despite his lowly score. Johnathan Thurston is “on track” for a round 24 return. Here are some interesting quotes: “It’s not too bad. I’m still on target for a six-week return. I was a little ambitious (thinking the time out would only be four weeks). Heading towards the finals, I don’t want to come back earlier than expected and do more damage. Our physio’s pretty happy with the progress that we’re making. There’s some days when I wake up that it feels a long way away and some days I wake up and it’s pretty good. I’ve just got to work hard.”

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

WESTS TIGERS v SYDNEY ROOSTERS at Leichhardt Oval, 7.30pm

TIGERS: Tim Moltzen, Lote Tuqiri, Blake Ayshford, Chris Lawrence, Matthew Utai, Benji Marshall, Robert Lui, Chris Heighington, Gareth Ellis, Liam Fulton, Keith Galloway, Robbie Farah (capt), Bryce Gibbs. Interchange: Mark Flanagan, Mitch Brown, Aaron Woods, Todd Payten, Andrew Fifita (one to be omitted).
Ins: Lote Tuqiri, Matt Utai, Todd Payten, Mark Flanagan
Outs: Sean Meaney, Matt Groat (both dropped), Beau Ryan (concussion, round 21)
Other unavailables: Ben Murdoch-Masila (hamstring, round 21), Geoff Daniela (torn pectoral, indefinite), Simon Dwyer (shoulder/neck, season), Wade McKinnon (sternum, round 21)
Comment: Lote Tuqiri (ankle) and Matt Utai (broken arm) return, pushing Mitch Brown to the bench and Beau Ryan (concussion, round 21) out of the team. Todd Payten (ankle, knee) and Mark Flanagan also return, with Matt Groat and Sean Meaney dropped. Benji Marshall returned to form on the weekend and is currently the cheapest he’s been all year (just $227K).

ROOSTERS: Anthony Minichiello, Sam Perrett, Kane Linnett, Shaun Kenny-Dowall, Joseph Leilua, Todd Carney, Mitchell Pearce, Frank-Paul Nuuausala, Aidan Guerra, Braith Anasta (capt), Nate Myles, Jake Friend, Jason Ryles. Interchange: Anthony Mitchell, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, Brad Takairangi, Tinirau Arona, Tom Symonds (one to be omitted).
Ins: Anthony Minichiello, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves
Outs: Phil Graham (dropped)
Other unavailables: Anthony Cherrington (knee, season), Anthony Watts (suspension, indefinite), Daniel Conn (neck, season), Martin Kennedy (foot, season), Mitchell Aubusson (shoulder, season), Steve Naughton (collarbone, round 21), Boyd Cordner (ankle, round 21)
Comment: Anthony Minichiello (virus) and Jared Waerea-Hargreaves (shoulder) are big returns for the Roosters. Phil Graham is the unlucky casualty. Minichiello is rated a “better than 50-50 chance” of recovering on time. Shaun Kenny-Dowall is on fire and looms as an alternative to Elijah Taylor, Ben Smith (both benched) and Jarrod Croker (injured). Lama Tasi (broken leg) returns from injury in NSW Cup.

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

CRONULLA SHARKS v NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS at Toyota Stadium, 7.30pm

SHARKS: Nathan Gardner, John Williams, Ben Pomeroy, Colin Best, Nathan Stapleton, Wade Graham, Chad Townsend, Josh Cordoba, John Morris, Luke Douglas, Jeremy Smith, Anthony Tupou, Paul Gallen (capt). Interchange: Kade Snowden, Sam Tagataese, Stuart Flanagan, Taulima Tautai, Johnny Mannah (one to be omitted).
Ins: John Williams, Stuart Flanagan, Johnny Mannah
Outs: Matthew Wright (neck, round 21), Jayson Bukuya (ankle, round 22)
Other unavailables: Scott Porter (knee round 21)
Comment: SuperCoach legend Paul Gallen (calf) has been named but is “very much in doubt”. Matthew Wright (neck, round 21) is replaced on the wing by John Williams, while Anthony Tupou takes the starting spot of Jayson Bukuya (ankle, round 22), with Johnny Mannah and Stuart Flanagan added to an extended bench. Kade Snowden (neck) and Luke Douglas (ankle and knee) will play. Chad Townsend (break even 44) has reached his peak. Albert Kelly (broken leg) will return from injury in NSW Cup.

KNIGHTS: Kurt Gidley (capt), James McManus, Junior Sa’u, Keith Lulia, Akuila Uate, Ryan Stig, Jarrod Mullen, Joel Edwards, Neville Costigan, Chris Houston, Antonio Kaufusi, Isaac De Gois, Richard Fa’aoso. Interchange: Matt Hilder, Mark Taufua, Cameron Ciraldo, Daniel Tolar, Steve Southern (one to be omitted).
Ins: Kurt Gidley, Matt Hilder, Mark Taufua
Outs: Tyrone Roberts (dropped), Wes Naiqama (tricep, round 24)
Other unavailables: Ben Rogers (shoulder, indefinite), Zeb Taia (neck indefinite), Adam MacDougall (knee, indefinite)
Comment: Kurt Gidley has been named at fullback, replacing Wes Naiqama (tricep, round 24). However, Gidley (hamstring) is far from certain to play. That said, the skipper’s move to fullback means SuperCoach fave Ryan Stig retains his five-eighth spot. Matt Hilder and Mark Taufua also return. Adam MacDougall (knee, indefinite) has again been struck down with injury. Junior Sa’u (shoulder) and James McManus (ribs) are in doubt.

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

SUNDAY

SOUTH SYDNEY RABBITOHS v NZ WARRIORS at ANZ Stadium, 2pm

RABBITOHS: Rhys Wesser, Nathan Merritt, Dylan Farrell, Greg Inglis, Chris McQueen, John Sutton, Chris Sandow, Ben Ross, Issac Luke, Shannan McPherson, Jason Clark, Eddy Pettybourne, Michael Crocker (capt). Interchange: Luke Burgess, Dave Tyrrell, Ben Lowe, Nathan Peats, Shaune Corrigan (one to be omitted).
Ins: Rhys Wesser
Outs: None
Other unavailables: Sam Burgess (ankle, season), Scott Geddes (achilles round 25), Luke Stuart (knee, season), Roy Asotasi (arm, round 24), David Taylor (suspended round 22)
Comment: Rhys Wesser (wrist) returns at fullback, with Nathan Merritt moving to the wing and Shaune Corrigan relegated to the bench. Souths have said Greg Inglis will change his role to play like a “second fullback”, given licence to roam around the field. Will this increase his SuperCoach scores? Fetuli Talanoa (pneumonia) will return from illness with the North Sydney Bears.

WARRIORS: Kevin Locke, Bill Tupou, Joel Moon, Shaun Berrigan, Manu Vatuvei, James Maloney, Shaun Johnson, Micheal Luck, Simon Mannering (capt), Feleti Mateo, Jacob Lillyman, Aaron Heremaia, Russell Packer. Interchange: Lance Hohaia, Sam Rapira, Ben Matulino, Elijah Taylor.
Ins: None
Outs: None
Other unavailables: Lewis Brown (ankle, round 23), Jerome Ropati (knee, season)
Comment: No changes. The Warriors’ back row riches continue to cause SuperCoach havoc. Elijah Taylor has officially become a fantasy worry after playing only 35 minutes on Friday night, despite starting. Similarly, Feleti Mateo only attracted 51 minutes and picked up a neck injury, which has put him in doubt for this weekend. Simon Mannering, however, is now a clear 80-minute man and has regained his status as a SuperCoach keeper. Brett Seymour (cheekbone) returns from injury in NSW Cup, with Shaun Johnson retained as NRL halfback. Glen Fisiiahi and Krisnan Inu will also play for the Vulcans.

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

PENRITH PANTHERS v MANLY SEA EAGLES at Centrebet Stadium, 3pm

PANTHERS: Lachlan Coote, David Simmons, Michael Jennings, Brad Tighe, Adrian Purtell, Travis Burns, Luke Walsh, Luke Lewis, Nigel Plum, Trent Waterhouse, Petero Civoniceva (capt), Kevin Kingston, Sam McKendry. Interchange: Nafe Seluini, Dayne Weston, Nathan Smith, Tim Grant, Matthew Bell (one to be omitted).
Ins: Trent Waterhouse
Outs: None
Other unavailables: Masada Iosefa (hand, round 22), Michael Gordon (knee, season), Sandor Earl (shoulder, season), Timana Tahu (pectoral tear, season)
Comment: Trent Waterhouse (knee) returns in the only change. Luke Lewis and Nigel Plum (both shoulder) have also been named but will need to prove their fitness later in the week. Expect another big score from Nathan Smith if Waterhouse, Lewis or Plum is ruled out. Michael Jennings is returning to his scintillating best. He is extremely cheap at the moment and has been a SuperCoach keeper in the past.

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, Shane Rodney, George Rose, Tim Robinson, Darcy Lussick (two to be omitted).
Ins: William Hopoate, Jason King, Tim Robinson
Outs: David Williams (hamstring, round 21)
Other unavailables: Tony Williams (hamstring, round 20)
Comment: William Hopoate (hamstring) returns as a straight swap for David Williams (hamstring, round 21). Brett Stewart may spend some time on the wing with Hopoate back in the side. Jason King (leg) also returns from injury, pushing George Rose back to the bench, while Tim Robinson has been added to the squad. Anthony Watmough (bruising to shoulder) is expected to be fit. He went off early against the Knights, but coaching staff say he could have returned if needed.

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

MONDAY

CANBERRA RAIDERS v ST GEORGE ILLAWARRA DRAGONS at Canberra Stadium, 7pm

RAIDERS: Josh Dugan, Blake Ferguson, Danny Galea, Joel Thompson, Daniel Vidot, Josh McCrone, Sam Williams, Shaun Fensom, Bronson Harrison, Joe Picker, Dane Tilse, Alan Tongue (capt), Brett White. Interchange: Glen Buttriss, Josh Miller, Trevor Thurling, Sam Mataora.
Ins: None
Outs: None
Other unavailables: Jarrod Croker (back, round 22), Reece Robinson (knee, round 24), Josh Papalii (groin, 21), Tom Learoyd-Lahrs (bicep, season), Matt Orford (groin, indefinite), Terry Campese (groin, round 22), David Shillington (pectoral, round 21)
Comment: No changes. Injuries are beginning to take their toll in the nation’s capital. Jarrod Croker (back, round 22) will miss at least this week after being a late withdrawal on the weekend. Josh Papalii (groin, 21) is an outside chance of an early return. Joel Thompson is free to play after accepting the early guilty plea for a high shot on Rory Kostjasyn. David Shillington (pectoral, round 21) is another week away.

DRAGONS: Darius Boyd, Brett Morris, Mark Gasnier, Matt Cooper (capt), Jason Nightingale, Jamie Soward, Nathan Fien, Matt Prior, Ben Creagh, Beau Scott, Michael Weyman, Kyle Stanley, Dan Hunt. Interchange: Adam Cuthbertson, Jon Green, Trent Merrin, Mitch Rein.
Ins: Kyle Stanley, Beau Scott
Outs: Jake Marketo, David Gower (both dropped)
Other unavailables: Ben Hornby (fractured hand, round 21), Dean Young (knee, round 22), Bronx Goodwin (knee, round 26), Cameron King (pectoral, round 21)
Comment: Kyle Stanley (groin) returns at hooker, with Dean Young (knee, round 22) out and Nathan Fien playing halfback due to the injury to Ben Hornby (fractured hand, round 21). Those who have earmarked Stanley for 2012 will be hoping he spends plenty of time on the bench in rotation with Mitch Rein. Beau Scott (virus) also returns, with Jake Marketo and David Gower dropping out. Mark Gasnier has a break even of 117 and will be buy of the round next week.

 

[Stevo]

So do you take the punt on Gallen playing this weekend or not? What to do??

 

[Wolfpack]

I wouldn't but then I also forgot to remove him from my team.

GTs.

 

[Fluffy]

i didnt know he was injured until after lockout.

meh still won both comps, have the lead with 2 players tongiht and all the opps players have played.

 

[Berkeley_Eagle]

Battle Of Brookie - Season 2011 League Finals
4th Qualifying Final
4. 4 No Caters 0
5. Wombats 0

3rd Qualifying Final
3. Bones 0
6. Kiwigurlz 0

2nd Qualifying Final
2. Axis of Ignorance 0
7. Mattyk Seaeagles 0

1st Qualifying Final
1. R 0
8. BeRks_eAgLEs 0

4th Qualifying Final
12. tractorboy 0
13. Razzas_Dazzlers 0
3rd Qualifying Final
11. mackayeagles 0
14. Clowns of Cabarita 0
2nd Qualifying Final
10. Big Guns 0
15. Venom 0
1st Qualifying Final
9. The Short & Curlys 0
16. The 4020's 0

Silvertails Cup - Season 2011 League Finals
4th Qualifying Final
4. shakamaker 0
5. Kavstars 0
3rd Qualifying Final
3. Kano's Eagles 0
6. Sydney Dugongs 0
2nd Qualifying Final
2. 2 Smokin Hotties 0
7. Lloyds legends 0
1st Qualifying Final
1. Axis of Ignorance 0
8. BeRks_eAgLEs 0

4th Qualifying Final
12. Raucous Curly 0
13. Splinters 0
3rd Qualifying Final
11. Wombats 0
14. WAMF's Eagles 0
2nd Qualifying Final
10. Bogans 0
15. The Stevos 0
1st Qualifying Final
9. The Fluffers 0
16. Gilly's Gorillas 0


Silvertails Cup #2

4th Qualifying Final
4. The Short & Curlys 0
5. Mudslingers 0
3rd Qualifying Final
3. Screamin' Eagles 0
6. Mosman Possums 0
2nd Qualifying Final
2. kaza 0
7. BeRks_eAgLEs 0
1st Qualifying Final
1. 40_nil 0
8. Kiwigurlz 0


4th Qualifying Final
12. The Wolf Pack 0
13. tractorboy 0
3rd Qualifying Final
11. EagleBombers 0
14. Brewskis Best 0
2nd Qualifying Final
10. Lockys Legends 0
15. Riley's Eagles 0
1st Qualifying Final
9. Gazza'sEagleRock 0
16. St Bobs Boys 0