Team Talk with Marcho: Rd 5
Welcome back to team talk round 5, I apologise as I was having some internet issues last week. We have 5 day turn around issues compounded with mass team changes and of course injuries to top it all off. All this and it’s only round 5! At least a few big names such as Paul Gallan, Matty Moylan, Blake Austin and Michael Lichaa will be back.
Manly v South Sydney
This will be the Sea Eagles third game in ten days which seems a little tough but most players do get paid pretty well. Big news with Jake Trbojevic out with a knee injury. After already losing DCE and Jamie Buhrer for a month each the Sea Eagles are in some serious injury trouble at the start of the season. Brenton Lawrence and Marty Taupau return from suspension.
The Rabbits have also been hit with injury as Bryson Goodwin has also been ruled out, replaced by Michael Oldfield, Goodwin joins Alex Johnson in the injury ward. Both Sam and Tom Burgess are back from injury, and Sam will play his second game of the year at prop. Paul Carter finds himself on an extended bench after a shocking performance last week.
Gold Coast v Brisbane
Ryan James has been cleared to play after beating a charge at the judiciary last night, which is seriously turning into a bloody joke! Nathan Friend returns after a week off from concussion. Tyrone Roberts is out with a knee injury and his replacement is expected to be Cameron Cullen.
The Broncos get inform winger Corey Oates back as well as Jack Reed in the centres, pushing Jordan Kahu out to the wing. James Roberts return to 2015 form is rather timely as he comes up against his old side, adding to the minor Queensland derby.
Melbourne v Newcastle
Two more teams coming off the five day turn around. The Storm are short on outside backs at the moment with Curtis Scott suffering a broken leg and Marika Koroibete out suspended. Maybe Richie Kennar could come onto the wing, but I wouldn’t be surprised if Tohu Harris was pushed out into the centres again. Ben Hampton will line up in the centres this week. Kevin Proctor will be racing the clock to be fit for this clash also.
The Knights will get Sione Mataútia back from suspension this week and Aku Uate was also flown down with the team and could be a late replacement for young Cory Denniss. Jack Stockwell and Daniel Safiti have also joined the squad and could score a bench spot. I wouldn’t be surprised if the Knights put up a solid showing for two reasons, one they beat the Storm twice last year and it’s also extra motivation as it’s where Alex McKinnon suffered his horrendous injury.
Balmain-Wests v Cronulla
Jason Taylor decided carrying two hookers on the bench wasn’t the smartest idea after the round four debacle. Robbie Farah should start this week. Chris Lawrence and Dene Halatau slot into the backrow and Jack Buchanan is the 18th man. Tim Grant passed the concussion test and will be right to play.
The Sharks get their inspiration skipper Paul Gallan back, pushing Jayson Bukuya to the bench. I would still hang onto Bukuya as Gallen will no doubt go down again in a few rounds plus origin isn’t too far away, Wade Graham is surely in with a great chance this year as well, so Bukuya will hold his value for another 10 rounds at least.
North Queensland v St George Illawarra
Finally the Cowboys miraculous injury free run has come to an end, but why did it have to be the only cowboy’s player I had!! Kane Linnett has been replaced by Javid Bowen, who will make his NRL debut and is the nephew of Cowboys legend Matty Bowen. The usual hooker switch will take place as well.
The Dragons skipper Ben Creagh has gone for minor knee surgery and will be missing for at least a month. Benji Marshall will swap with Josh McCrone at halfback and Euan Aitken should be right after a nasty cork last week against the Panthers.
Sydney City v New Zealand
The Roosters have named the same side as last week. Jayden Nikorima has returned to the starting line-up but Aidan Guerra looks set to line up at 5/8 again with Nikorima on the bench and Isaac Lui starting at lock. I’m hoping for a Warrior win to keep the Roosters on the bottom of the ladder.
The Warriors are unchanged with Solomone Kata and Albert Vete pulling up well after the weekend with both expected to play. Konrad Hurrell is again on the bench and will have to wait for and injury before forcing his way into the starting line-up. On the signing front, Shuan Lane looks to be heading across the ditch while in return the dogs will get Raymond Faitala-Mariner in return. A pretty good deal for the Warriors.
Parramatta v Penrith
A classic battle of the west. Tim Mannah has a shoulder injury and will miss the next three games, he is replaced by Danny Wicks in the starting line-up, who is a sneaky chance of WH is this one as well. Peni Terepo joins the bench. Manu Maú is free to play after being found not guilty and for the first time I might add. Nathan Peats should return next week.
Panthers skipper Matt Moylan will lace up a boot for the first time this year. Will Smith will drop back to NSW cup. Turns out Elijah Taylor is being shopped around to rival clubs which is why he finds himself in reverse grade yet again. Bryce Cartwright is one tough bugger and has been cleared of any serious injury to his hand and is highly likely to play this weekend.
Canterbury v Canberra
Massive news for the dogs with first choice hooker Michael Lichaa training with the first grade squad on Thursday afternoon while Craig Garvey was spotted running around in NSW Cup. Tony Williams should be right to play this weekend as well.
The Raiders get two of their most important players back in halves Blake Austin and Aidan Sezer. Joseph Leilua returns for Brenko Lee in the centres. Good news for Edrick Lee after he was cleared of a fractured hand during the week and he will also play.
Make sure you keep a look out for any more late mail alter in the weekend. Good luck to all those coaches out there, unless of course you’re playing me.
Will Marchinton
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