Berkeley_Eagle
Current Status: 24/7 Manly Fan
http://blogs.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/nrlfantasy/index.php/dailytelegraph/comments/nrl_supercoach_round_one_team_analysis/
NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS v ST GEORGE ILLAWARRA DRAGONS
Injuries: Tyrone Roberts (broken eye socket, indefinite), Ryan Stig (knee, round four), Peter Mata’utia (knee, round four)
Comment: The Knights have named a new-look side, but there isn’t a great deal of SuperCoach opportunities considering the amount of new faces. Returning veteran Danny Buderus has huge potential, but Matt Hilder may cut into his minutes. Kurt Gidley’s move to five-eighth to accommodate Darius Boyd is probably a drawback – but not as a big a drawback as his injury history. Timana Tahu is SuperCoach irrelevant, while Kade Snowden would have to get huge minutes to improve his average. Zeb Taia is a former fantasy superstar at a very affordable price. Here’s wishing Alex McKinnon was $94,000. Kyle O’Donnell will play NSW Cup.
Injuries: Bronx Goodwin (ACL, round four), Dan Hunt (ribs, round four), Josh Miller (hamstring, round two), Atelea Vea (knee, round four)
Comment: With Chase Stanley to play NSW Cup and Beau Scott moving from the back row to centre, coach Steve Price has created room for SuperCoach fancy Jack De Belin. But will the Toyota Cup Player of the Year hold his spot when Dan Hunt (ribs, round four) returns? Or even when Josh Miller (hamstring, round two) returns? Kyle Stanley remains a great buy at fullback or centre/wing, while Jeremy Latimore has unseated NSW star Trent Merrin to take a starting front row spot. David Gower, Cameron King, Daniel Vidot and Denan Kemp join Stanley in NSW Cup.
PARRAMATTA EELS v BRISBANE BRONCOS at Parramatta Stadium, 7.30pm
Injuries: Willie Tonga (hamstring, indefinite), Jacob Loko (knee, season), Rory Brien (shoulder, indefinite), Jarryd Hayne (knee, indefinite), Ben Smith (pectoral, indefinite)
Comment: Fullback is proving a tough spot to fill, with the injury to Jarryd Hayne (knee, indefinite) a massive blow when combined with Michael Gordon and Nathan Merritt being named on wing. But with Willie Tonga (hamstring, indefinite) and Ben Smith (pectoral, indefinite) also out, Ken Sio and Cheyse Blair emerge as possible cheapies – although it’s hard to see where they stand when Hayne and co return. Interestingly though, Sio and Blair have been named ahead of Jordan Atkins, who will play for Wentworthville. Tim Mannah (knee) and Reni Maitua (ankle, shoulder) return from injury, which creates more competition for potential cheapie Justin Poore, although he still remains a decent buy.
Injuries: David Hala (foot, indefinite), Dunamis Lui (pectoral, round two), Jordan Kahu (ACL, season), Petero Civoniceva (suspension, round two)
Comment: The big news is Sam Thaiday’s move to the front row. This does not spell well for his SuperCoach scores, although expect him to return to the second row when Petero Civoniceva (suspension, round two) comes back. Perhaps the biggest loser out of Thaiday’s move is the heavily-fancied Josh McGuire, who has been benched. The biggest winner is Ben Te’o, who gets a start in the back row, but is available in the backs for SuperCoach. As expected, Corey Norman takes Darren Lockyer’s five-eighth spot. Brisbane say he will be given six weeks to perform, leaving plenty of time for price rises. SuperCoach God Corey Parker (hamstring) has recovered from injury and is training strongly.
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SATURDAY
CANBERRA RAIDERS v MELBOURNE STORM at Canberra Stadium, 5.30pm
Injuries: Drury Low (hamstring, round three), Michael Picker (foot, round two), Paul Vaughan (leg, round two)
Comment: He’s been priced out of SuperCoach this year, but the big news is the return of Terry Campese (groin), who should create some big attacking stats for teammates. Dual position fancy Joel Thompson bows out of SuperCoach contention after being named on the bench to accommodate Shaun Berrigan in the centres. Travis Waddell has been named at hooker and could represent value, although expect Glenn Buttriss’s game time to increase as he is eased back from off-season pectoral surgery.
Injuries: Jason Ryles (hamstring, round three)
Comment: Dane Nielsen and Justin O’Neill have won centre spots over Maurice Blair and the heavily-fancied Will Chambers, who have both been named in NSW Cup. Siosaia Vave and Michael Greenfield are the only Storm stars to even the ears cheapie-wise. Do you take a $388,000 punt on Cameron Smith considering he only has one trial behind him due to a shoulder injury?
*****************
PENRITH PANTHERS v CANTERBURY BULLDOGS at Centrebet Stadium, 7.30pm
Injuries: Nigel Plum (bicep, round 20)
Comment: Michael Gordon was dropped from 25 per cent of teams today when it was revealed Lachlan Coote would play fullback. But don’t totally give up on Gordon – he may well win back the spot and is a shoo-in if Coote gets injured. The back row dreams of many SuperCoaches have been answered – and dashed - at the same time. Nathan Smith now looms as a viable dual position prospect after being named to start, but Clint Newton and Blake Austin’s stocks have plummeted after being named on an extended bench. Cameron Ciraldo could be the wildcard, named to start in the back row.
Injuries: James Gavet (ankle, indefinite)
Comment: The benching of James Graham is a massive blow for SuperCoach, with Aiden Tolman and Sam Kasiano to start in the front row. Dene Halatau could be a juicy prospect in the SuperCoach centres after being named to start in the back row alongside another heavily-backed star – David Stagg. Jonathan Wright has won a centre spot ahead of Tim Lafai, who has been named in NSW Cup along with pre-season fancies Josh Jackson, Dale Finucane and Tim Browne.
*****************
NORTH QUEENSLAND COWBOYS v GOLD COAST TITANS at Dairy Farmers Stadium, 8.30pm
Injuries: Ben Jones (pectoral, round 13), Robert Lui (knee, round two), Tariq Sims (broken leg, indefinite), Blake Leary (ACL, indefinite)
Comment: Ridiculously talented youngster Jason Taumalolo gets a crack from the bench. Gavin Cooper has become a genuine centre/wing point of difference after being named to start in the back row, but will he retain the spot when Tariq Sims (broken leg, indefinite) returns? Robert Lui (knee, round two) has failed in his fitness bid, with Ray Thompson to play halfback and Johnathan Thurston to take up his new position at five-eighth. Brent Tate (ribs) is rated a 50-50 chance. Does that bring youngster Moses Pangai into contention?
Injuries: Kevin Gordon (knee, indefinite), Beau Champion (finger, round three)
Comment: Kayne Lawton is a potential cash cow at $102,500. He is expected to share the hooking duties with Matt Srama, who is yet to play in 2012 due to a shoulder injury. Dominique Peyroux and Steve Michaels get starts, but expect them to make way on the return of star players Kevin Gordon (knee, indefinite) and Beau Champion (finger, round three). Cheap youngster Jordan Rankin appears tempting after being named at five-eighth, but be wary as he posted some atrocious scores last year. Former SuperCoach gun Luke Douglas is impossible to buy after being named on the bench, with Luke Bailey and Nate Myles to start in the front row. That said, the fact Myles has been named at prop may free up minutes for Ashley Harrison and Greg Bird.
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SUNDAY
NZ WARRIORS v MANLY SEA EAGLES at Eden Park, 2.00pm
Comment: Gun youngster Konrad Hurrell is a must-have after ousting Krisnan Inu for a centre spot. Jerome Ropati claims the other centre spot and looks juicy at $160K if you can see past his horrid injury history. Sione Lousi wins a bench prop spot with Jacob Lillyman (bicep, round nine) and Sam Rapira (ankle, round three) out. He should retain the spot at least until Rapira returns. Starters Ben Matulino and Russell Packer may also step up in the absence of the club’s best two props. Feleti Mateo and Simon Mannering should get good minutes considering the Warriors’ depleted forward stocks – especially the absence of Michael Luck. Luck’s injury also gives an opportunity to young backrower Ben Henry, who could be a bargain at $87,500. The presence of Alehana Mara on an extended bench could create some tense moments for Nathan Friend owners, although Mara has also been named for NSW Cup.
Injuries: None
Comment: The only surprise is huge young centre Jorge Taufua being named 18th man, although he is unlikely to play unless there is an injury. The only semblance of SuperCoach value is Tony Williams, who looks set to play big minutes in the back row and is available at centre, but doesn’t perform a great deal of work and regularly goes missing. It’s hard to go wrong with Anthony Watmough, Glenn Stewart or Jamie Lyon, but in general, this is a very bland looking line-up SuperCoach-wise.
*****************
WESTS TIGERS v CRONULLA SHARKS at Leichhardt Oval, 2.00pm
Injuries: Lote Tuqiri (thumb, round four)
Comment: Cash cow James Tedesco has been named at fullback, but Tim Sheens has left us with a potential SuperCoach nightmare by naming Tom Humble and Joel Reddy on an extended bench. Both Humble and Reddy can play fullback, and Sheens has previously stated that he’d prefer NOT to play Tedesco in round one, meaning a late change could be on the cards. Aaron Woods is great value after being named to start, while the Tigers’ back row log jam has only increased with the arrival of Adam Blair. Mitch Brown will play NSW Cup.
Injuries: Nathan Stapleton (knee, round 12)
Comment: Paul Gallen has been named despite not playing a trial due to off-season facial surgery (although he played the All Stars game with the injury). Todd Carney is now the most popular player in the game, owned by 53 per cent of people, just ahead of Corey Parker on 50 per cent. Andrew Fifita’s stocks have dropped after being named on the bench. Ditto for Jon Green.
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MONDAY
SOUTH SYDNEY RABBITOHS v SYDNEY ROOSTERS at ANZ Stadium, 7.00pm
Injuries: Luke Burgess (foot, round 10), Issac Luke (suspension, round two)
Comment: Nathan Merritt has been named on the wing, which is a huge blow for SuperCoach, with Dylan Farrell to play fullback. Matt King looks juicy at $140,000, despite being named away from the action on the wing. Greg Inglis (ankle) has been named to make an early return, but is far too lazy for SuperCoach. Nathan Peats could be in for a massive game with Issac Luke (suspension, round two) out, but that’s unlikely to continue next week. The injury to Luke Burgess (foot, round 10) means brother Sam starts in the front row, which is not ideal (but he’s still hard to ignore). Scott Geddes has re-emerged as a front row cash cow after refusing surgery on an injured bicep. 18th man Neccrom Areaiiti also has cheapie potential, but may not get a game this weekend. Ben Lowe is clearly out of favour with new coach Michael Maguire, named for the Bears in NSW Cup.
Injuries: Tautau Moga (ankle, round two), Anthony Cherrington (knee, round eight), Shaun Kenny-Dowall (kidneys, round four)
Comment: The absence of cheapie Tautau Moga (ankle, round two) is a big loss for SuperCoach. His replacement, Mitchell Aubusson, also loses SuperCoach worth after being named in the backs. That said, Aubusson may move into the back row next week if Moga is fit, possibly relegating Boyd Cordner, who has been named to start in the back row and should see some improvement, even if benched next week. Martin Kennedy has been named to make an early return from an adductor injury, but on the bench, with Lama Tasi promoted to start. The presence of both Daniel Mortimer and Anthony Mitchell on an extended bench is not good news for Jake Friend, although Friend may find himself in the back row if either of the utilities makes the cut.
Wednesday
* Tom Sangster takes your questions live with the chat component of his teams analysis blog to kick off from 11am.
Thursday (season starts tonight!!!)
* Tom Sangster blogs live from 11am on tonight’s season opener, taking your questions and revealing his last-minute analysis.
* Special edition of Late Mail for tonight’s clash between Knights and Dragons, revealing the all-important injury info that could make or break your side.
* Follow your score live during the game at the SuperCoach match centre.
Friday
* With the new partial lockout meaning SuperCoach teams can be changed up to 7.30pm tonight (excluding Knights and Dragons, who play the night before), Tom Sangster hits the blogosphere to reveal his Final Word on the 2012 season.
* SuperCoach page in paper featuring Tom Sangster’s column, tips from past champions, key statistics and inside info on the best rookies, guns and duds.
* Late Mail on remaining seven games.
* Follow your score live at the match centre.
http://video.dailytelegraph.com.au/2198155857/SUPERCOACH-The-ten-commandments
NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS v ST GEORGE ILLAWARRA DRAGONS
Injuries: Tyrone Roberts (broken eye socket, indefinite), Ryan Stig (knee, round four), Peter Mata’utia (knee, round four)
Comment: The Knights have named a new-look side, but there isn’t a great deal of SuperCoach opportunities considering the amount of new faces. Returning veteran Danny Buderus has huge potential, but Matt Hilder may cut into his minutes. Kurt Gidley’s move to five-eighth to accommodate Darius Boyd is probably a drawback – but not as a big a drawback as his injury history. Timana Tahu is SuperCoach irrelevant, while Kade Snowden would have to get huge minutes to improve his average. Zeb Taia is a former fantasy superstar at a very affordable price. Here’s wishing Alex McKinnon was $94,000. Kyle O’Donnell will play NSW Cup.
Injuries: Bronx Goodwin (ACL, round four), Dan Hunt (ribs, round four), Josh Miller (hamstring, round two), Atelea Vea (knee, round four)
Comment: With Chase Stanley to play NSW Cup and Beau Scott moving from the back row to centre, coach Steve Price has created room for SuperCoach fancy Jack De Belin. But will the Toyota Cup Player of the Year hold his spot when Dan Hunt (ribs, round four) returns? Or even when Josh Miller (hamstring, round two) returns? Kyle Stanley remains a great buy at fullback or centre/wing, while Jeremy Latimore has unseated NSW star Trent Merrin to take a starting front row spot. David Gower, Cameron King, Daniel Vidot and Denan Kemp join Stanley in NSW Cup.
PARRAMATTA EELS v BRISBANE BRONCOS at Parramatta Stadium, 7.30pm
Injuries: Willie Tonga (hamstring, indefinite), Jacob Loko (knee, season), Rory Brien (shoulder, indefinite), Jarryd Hayne (knee, indefinite), Ben Smith (pectoral, indefinite)
Comment: Fullback is proving a tough spot to fill, with the injury to Jarryd Hayne (knee, indefinite) a massive blow when combined with Michael Gordon and Nathan Merritt being named on wing. But with Willie Tonga (hamstring, indefinite) and Ben Smith (pectoral, indefinite) also out, Ken Sio and Cheyse Blair emerge as possible cheapies – although it’s hard to see where they stand when Hayne and co return. Interestingly though, Sio and Blair have been named ahead of Jordan Atkins, who will play for Wentworthville. Tim Mannah (knee) and Reni Maitua (ankle, shoulder) return from injury, which creates more competition for potential cheapie Justin Poore, although he still remains a decent buy.
Injuries: David Hala (foot, indefinite), Dunamis Lui (pectoral, round two), Jordan Kahu (ACL, season), Petero Civoniceva (suspension, round two)
Comment: The big news is Sam Thaiday’s move to the front row. This does not spell well for his SuperCoach scores, although expect him to return to the second row when Petero Civoniceva (suspension, round two) comes back. Perhaps the biggest loser out of Thaiday’s move is the heavily-fancied Josh McGuire, who has been benched. The biggest winner is Ben Te’o, who gets a start in the back row, but is available in the backs for SuperCoach. As expected, Corey Norman takes Darren Lockyer’s five-eighth spot. Brisbane say he will be given six weeks to perform, leaving plenty of time for price rises. SuperCoach God Corey Parker (hamstring) has recovered from injury and is training strongly.
****************
SATURDAY
CANBERRA RAIDERS v MELBOURNE STORM at Canberra Stadium, 5.30pm
Injuries: Drury Low (hamstring, round three), Michael Picker (foot, round two), Paul Vaughan (leg, round two)
Comment: He’s been priced out of SuperCoach this year, but the big news is the return of Terry Campese (groin), who should create some big attacking stats for teammates. Dual position fancy Joel Thompson bows out of SuperCoach contention after being named on the bench to accommodate Shaun Berrigan in the centres. Travis Waddell has been named at hooker and could represent value, although expect Glenn Buttriss’s game time to increase as he is eased back from off-season pectoral surgery.
Injuries: Jason Ryles (hamstring, round three)
Comment: Dane Nielsen and Justin O’Neill have won centre spots over Maurice Blair and the heavily-fancied Will Chambers, who have both been named in NSW Cup. Siosaia Vave and Michael Greenfield are the only Storm stars to even the ears cheapie-wise. Do you take a $388,000 punt on Cameron Smith considering he only has one trial behind him due to a shoulder injury?
*****************
PENRITH PANTHERS v CANTERBURY BULLDOGS at Centrebet Stadium, 7.30pm
Injuries: Nigel Plum (bicep, round 20)
Comment: Michael Gordon was dropped from 25 per cent of teams today when it was revealed Lachlan Coote would play fullback. But don’t totally give up on Gordon – he may well win back the spot and is a shoo-in if Coote gets injured. The back row dreams of many SuperCoaches have been answered – and dashed - at the same time. Nathan Smith now looms as a viable dual position prospect after being named to start, but Clint Newton and Blake Austin’s stocks have plummeted after being named on an extended bench. Cameron Ciraldo could be the wildcard, named to start in the back row.
Injuries: James Gavet (ankle, indefinite)
Comment: The benching of James Graham is a massive blow for SuperCoach, with Aiden Tolman and Sam Kasiano to start in the front row. Dene Halatau could be a juicy prospect in the SuperCoach centres after being named to start in the back row alongside another heavily-backed star – David Stagg. Jonathan Wright has won a centre spot ahead of Tim Lafai, who has been named in NSW Cup along with pre-season fancies Josh Jackson, Dale Finucane and Tim Browne.
*****************
NORTH QUEENSLAND COWBOYS v GOLD COAST TITANS at Dairy Farmers Stadium, 8.30pm
Injuries: Ben Jones (pectoral, round 13), Robert Lui (knee, round two), Tariq Sims (broken leg, indefinite), Blake Leary (ACL, indefinite)
Comment: Ridiculously talented youngster Jason Taumalolo gets a crack from the bench. Gavin Cooper has become a genuine centre/wing point of difference after being named to start in the back row, but will he retain the spot when Tariq Sims (broken leg, indefinite) returns? Robert Lui (knee, round two) has failed in his fitness bid, with Ray Thompson to play halfback and Johnathan Thurston to take up his new position at five-eighth. Brent Tate (ribs) is rated a 50-50 chance. Does that bring youngster Moses Pangai into contention?
Injuries: Kevin Gordon (knee, indefinite), Beau Champion (finger, round three)
Comment: Kayne Lawton is a potential cash cow at $102,500. He is expected to share the hooking duties with Matt Srama, who is yet to play in 2012 due to a shoulder injury. Dominique Peyroux and Steve Michaels get starts, but expect them to make way on the return of star players Kevin Gordon (knee, indefinite) and Beau Champion (finger, round three). Cheap youngster Jordan Rankin appears tempting after being named at five-eighth, but be wary as he posted some atrocious scores last year. Former SuperCoach gun Luke Douglas is impossible to buy after being named on the bench, with Luke Bailey and Nate Myles to start in the front row. That said, the fact Myles has been named at prop may free up minutes for Ashley Harrison and Greg Bird.
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SUNDAY
NZ WARRIORS v MANLY SEA EAGLES at Eden Park, 2.00pm
Comment: Gun youngster Konrad Hurrell is a must-have after ousting Krisnan Inu for a centre spot. Jerome Ropati claims the other centre spot and looks juicy at $160K if you can see past his horrid injury history. Sione Lousi wins a bench prop spot with Jacob Lillyman (bicep, round nine) and Sam Rapira (ankle, round three) out. He should retain the spot at least until Rapira returns. Starters Ben Matulino and Russell Packer may also step up in the absence of the club’s best two props. Feleti Mateo and Simon Mannering should get good minutes considering the Warriors’ depleted forward stocks – especially the absence of Michael Luck. Luck’s injury also gives an opportunity to young backrower Ben Henry, who could be a bargain at $87,500. The presence of Alehana Mara on an extended bench could create some tense moments for Nathan Friend owners, although Mara has also been named for NSW Cup.
Injuries: None
Comment: The only surprise is huge young centre Jorge Taufua being named 18th man, although he is unlikely to play unless there is an injury. The only semblance of SuperCoach value is Tony Williams, who looks set to play big minutes in the back row and is available at centre, but doesn’t perform a great deal of work and regularly goes missing. It’s hard to go wrong with Anthony Watmough, Glenn Stewart or Jamie Lyon, but in general, this is a very bland looking line-up SuperCoach-wise.
*****************
WESTS TIGERS v CRONULLA SHARKS at Leichhardt Oval, 2.00pm
Injuries: Lote Tuqiri (thumb, round four)
Comment: Cash cow James Tedesco has been named at fullback, but Tim Sheens has left us with a potential SuperCoach nightmare by naming Tom Humble and Joel Reddy on an extended bench. Both Humble and Reddy can play fullback, and Sheens has previously stated that he’d prefer NOT to play Tedesco in round one, meaning a late change could be on the cards. Aaron Woods is great value after being named to start, while the Tigers’ back row log jam has only increased with the arrival of Adam Blair. Mitch Brown will play NSW Cup.
Injuries: Nathan Stapleton (knee, round 12)
Comment: Paul Gallen has been named despite not playing a trial due to off-season facial surgery (although he played the All Stars game with the injury). Todd Carney is now the most popular player in the game, owned by 53 per cent of people, just ahead of Corey Parker on 50 per cent. Andrew Fifita’s stocks have dropped after being named on the bench. Ditto for Jon Green.
****************
MONDAY
SOUTH SYDNEY RABBITOHS v SYDNEY ROOSTERS at ANZ Stadium, 7.00pm
Injuries: Luke Burgess (foot, round 10), Issac Luke (suspension, round two)
Comment: Nathan Merritt has been named on the wing, which is a huge blow for SuperCoach, with Dylan Farrell to play fullback. Matt King looks juicy at $140,000, despite being named away from the action on the wing. Greg Inglis (ankle) has been named to make an early return, but is far too lazy for SuperCoach. Nathan Peats could be in for a massive game with Issac Luke (suspension, round two) out, but that’s unlikely to continue next week. The injury to Luke Burgess (foot, round 10) means brother Sam starts in the front row, which is not ideal (but he’s still hard to ignore). Scott Geddes has re-emerged as a front row cash cow after refusing surgery on an injured bicep. 18th man Neccrom Areaiiti also has cheapie potential, but may not get a game this weekend. Ben Lowe is clearly out of favour with new coach Michael Maguire, named for the Bears in NSW Cup.
Injuries: Tautau Moga (ankle, round two), Anthony Cherrington (knee, round eight), Shaun Kenny-Dowall (kidneys, round four)
Comment: The absence of cheapie Tautau Moga (ankle, round two) is a big loss for SuperCoach. His replacement, Mitchell Aubusson, also loses SuperCoach worth after being named in the backs. That said, Aubusson may move into the back row next week if Moga is fit, possibly relegating Boyd Cordner, who has been named to start in the back row and should see some improvement, even if benched next week. Martin Kennedy has been named to make an early return from an adductor injury, but on the bench, with Lama Tasi promoted to start. The presence of both Daniel Mortimer and Anthony Mitchell on an extended bench is not good news for Jake Friend, although Friend may find himself in the back row if either of the utilities makes the cut.
Wednesday
* Tom Sangster takes your questions live with the chat component of his teams analysis blog to kick off from 11am.
Thursday (season starts tonight!!!)
* Tom Sangster blogs live from 11am on tonight’s season opener, taking your questions and revealing his last-minute analysis.
* Special edition of Late Mail for tonight’s clash between Knights and Dragons, revealing the all-important injury info that could make or break your side.
* Follow your score live during the game at the SuperCoach match centre.
Friday
* With the new partial lockout meaning SuperCoach teams can be changed up to 7.30pm tonight (excluding Knights and Dragons, who play the night before), Tom Sangster hits the blogosphere to reveal his Final Word on the 2012 season.
* SuperCoach page in paper featuring Tom Sangster’s column, tips from past champions, key statistics and inside info on the best rookies, guns and duds.
* Late Mail on remaining seven games.
* Follow your score live at the match centre.
http://video.dailytelegraph.com.au/2198155857/SUPERCOACH-The-ten-commandments