Team Talk with Marcho: Rd 10
Welcome to Team Talk round 10. The rep round has seen a few more casualties then first reported. The week off is a good time to reassess how your players are travelling and also weight up how your opponents are looking on the ladder. The immediate move of Nathan Peats will no doubt have NRLCEO coaches everywhere nervous. As a result Nathan Friend’s stock goes down but Isaac De Gois has become the major beneficiary in all this cap drama.
St George Illawarra v Canberra
The biggest loser from the rep round was Jack De Belin. He has been in superb form so far this year and will now miss the next 6 weeks with a shoulder injury. Will Matthews comes in at lock and if given enough minutes could prove a handy pick up. Joel Thompson returns from suspension and this years worst buy, Tim Lafai returns but he has zero fantasy relevance this year.
The Raiders have a number of players on a short four day turnaround but all are expected to play. Since Paul Vaughan got the nod to start he certainly has stood up scoring 19 points in two round, as long as Frank-Paul Nuuausala is not on the team sheet Vaughan should continue to produce the goods.
Parramatta v South Sydney
The Eels lose their inspirational hooker Nathan Peats as a result of the salary cap issues, Isaac De Gois will now step up in Peats place. Kaysa Pritchard will come onto the bench. Tim Mannah is out injured again but Tepai Moeroa comes back in at lock. Vai Toutai will again play in the centres as Brad Takairangi will play 5/8. But this is only temporary, when Kieran Foran returns Tautai will drop back to NSW Cup.
South have lost winger Aaron Grey for a month which could prompt a backline reshuffle. Alex Johnston has been named at fullback but could now shift to the wing with Grey out. Greg Inglis has been named at 5/8 but could slot back into the fullback spot and Luke Keary (bench) could be back in at 5/8, Damien Cook would come onto the bench. David Tyrrell has been dropped and that bloke is an absolute spud so Nathan Brown starts at prop. New signing Jack Gosiewski will make his debut from the bench.
Penrith v New Zealand
Penrith welcome back Waqa Blake to the centres and if you are desperate for a centre, Blake will at least be playing for the rest of the year and Penrith won’t lose too many players over the origin period either. Chris Grevsmuhl moved over to the Panthers mid-week but will come into calculation to play next week. Big signing news with James Tamou tipped to be at the foot of the mountains next year.
Good luck if you are relying on the Warriors for points in this one. A tipster’s nightmare since 95. After breaking a hodo against the Dragons last week with a host of regulars out, the big guns return Ben Matalino, Tui Lolohea, Bodene Thompson and Thomas Leuluai all return for this clash. This game is being played in Christchurch so the Warriors could produce the goods. Simon Mannering is a chance of a late inclusion as is Manu Vatevei.
Melbourne v North Queensland
The rotation on outside backs continues at the Storm. Curtis Scott played during the rep round and is considered a strong chance of playing. Marika Koroibete could be off to Rugby Union next year but a return this week is unlikely.
I’m finding it harder and harder to talk about relevant team news for the Cowboys as it is the same week in week out until rep season. The 2015 premiers look finally set to lose a big name with James Tamou looking to be headed to the Panthers next season. Ray Thompson makes his injury comeback in QLD Cup this weekend.
Manly v Brisbane
The only reason a team would take an away game to Suncorp Stadium would be to make a pretty penny or two. But the double header is sold out and should make for a great atmosphere. The Sea Eagles have lost Brett Stewart and Steve Matai but Tom Trbojevic has travelled with the team and could be a late inclusion. Pita Godinet and Tom Symonds have also travelled up to Brisbane and will come into the team.
The Broncos will again be without Adam Blair with Jarrod Wallace starting at prop. Alex Glenn is out due to a hip injury, Sam Thaiday will start in the backrow but is yet to register a workhorse this year. Jai Arrow is a kid with some big wraps as a young workhorse in the backrow and is touted as Corey Parker’s eventual replacement should the Broncos skipper ever decide to hang up the boots.
Newcastle v Cronulla
The Knights get Sam Mataora back from suspension and Jacob Safiti returns to the back row, pushing Korbin Sims to the bench. Tyler Randell is back on the bench as David Bhana drops out. Trent Hodkinson is in doubt, Will Pearsall is on standby.
The Sharks get to show everyone how well their attack is gelling. Jayson Bukuya is out suspended for one week, Luke Lewis will start at backrow in his place. Joseph Paulo and David Fifita will be fighting it out for the last bench spot. I expect the Sharks to win comfortably here.
Balmain Wests v Canterbury
Big news for Tigers and CEO coaches everywhere Aaron Woods is back, but James Tedesco is out injured for 4-6 weeks. Justin Hunt will play fullback but don’t be surprised if Jordan Rankin switches positions at some point during the game. Tim Grant also returns at prop pushing Ava Seumanufagai to the bench and I doubt he will be able to keep scoring WH’s from the bench. Elijah Taylor has joined from the Panthers and will push for increased minutes in the coming weeks and be back to his workhorsing best in no time.
The Dogs lose Will Hopoate for the next three games for religious beliefs as he will not play on Sundays. Sam Perrett will play fullback and Tyrone Phillips will come onto a wing. Greg Eastwood has been pushed to an edge and Sam Kasiano will play lock. Tony Williams has been dropped to the bench but rumour has it he will be playing NSW Cup this weekend.
Gold Coast v Sydney City
The Titans will welcome Nathan Peats with open arms but it’s unsure if he will line up this weekend, next game looks more likely. David Shillington is back at prop with Anthony Don and Eddy Pettybourne added to an extended bench.
The Roosters lose Shuan Kenny-Dowall to turf toe and welcome back Daniel Tupou. Mitchell Aubusson will play centre, how he isn’t already a centre is beyond me, plays upwards of 20% of his games each year in the centres, yet can’t start the season with a centre spot?! Sio Siua Taukeiaho could return early from injury in this one. Jackson Hastings looked much more comfortable with Mitchell Pearce beside him in the halves last start.
That’s it for another week, remember to always check late mail an hour before kick-off for the final team lists and good luck to everyone, unless of course you are playing me.
Will Marchinton
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