Team Talk with Marcho: Rd 8
Welcome to Team Talk for Round 8, 2016. At this point in the season I like to reflect on a how everything is shaping up in my team and indeed the competition itself. To do this you need to focus on a few individual players, some are under performing; Corey Parker, Wade Graham, Andrew McCullough and Greg Inglis. Some are doing sweet jack all; George Burgess, Konrad Hurrell, Sam Thaiday and Damien Cook. While others have been plain unlucky due to injury, a new coach or coming to the end of a contact like Elijah Taylor, Kade Snowden, RTS and Sisa Waqa.
Brisbane v South Sydney
Friday Night Footy and of course it’s the Broncos right? A real training run last week for the Broncos but I was disappointed in the shared and not to mention poor kicking return of Corey Parker. Darius Boyd only managed to score one point in the rout of the Knights as well. Alex Glenn has been ruled out meaning Sam Thaiday could potentially score his first workhorse for 2016. Herman Ese’ése joins the bench.
The bunnies have been rather soft in the middle of the park this season. Tom and George Burgess need to get involved in particular George who is currently on his worst NRLCEO run of form ever. Dane Nielsen and Cody Walker have traveled with the team and could come into the side. Alex Johnston should return next week.
Canterbury v Gold Coast
I hope the Dogs little experiment of starting James Graham and Aidan Tolman off the bench is dead and buried, both players put up good numbers as you would expect and David Klemmer also got his first workhorse of 2016. Des has named Craig Garvey and Lloyd Perrett on the bench so who knows what the mad scientist is conjuring up.
The Titans put in a poor showing against the Dragons last week, Dan Mortimer is out replaced by Kierran Moseley on the bench and Greg Bird returns from suspension at lock. Ash Taylor is in doubt with Cameron Cullen on standby. Luke Douglas has been another player who has been disappointing in 2016 and barring injury looks set for a sub 50 year.
Canberra v Balmain-Wests
The Raiders have named a 20 man bench after consecutive thrashings, not sure if any of the extended bench will get a run here but the Raiders should be looking to beat the Tigers at home. Sam Williams plays his second game in a row at five-eighth with Blake Austin missing with a hamstring injury. Iosia Soliola looks to be the missing puzzle piece in defence but is not due back until round 12.
The Tigers tried hard last week but couldn’t find a way to win against the Storm. A few inflated scores due to extra time in the forward pack so I’ll wait to see if the likes of Ava Seumanufagai, Curtis Sironen and Chris Lawrence can reproduce those same numbers week in, week out. Robbie Farah has also scored a double workhorse two weeks in a row, maybe worth the captaincy this week.
North Queensland v Parramatta
I know its ANZAC round but this has potential to be the game of the round, a rock solid defence verses and red hot attack. No changed to the Cowboys line up with Gavin Cooper in line to make his Australian debut if he keeps up his form according to Mal Meninga, just pick as many of the Broncos and Cowboys players as possible and that should see us beat the Kiwis.
The big question for the Eels is, when will all this salary cap drama finally surface? What happens when they lose competition points? I’m tipping they won’t make the finals this year because of it all. Tepai Moeroa will play.
Cronulla v Penrith
The Sharks seem to be hitting the straps but nicely with James Maloney coming into form, Ben Barba’s looking comfortable at the back and Andrew Fifita getting heavily involved. Luke Lewis returns via the bench with Jayson Bukuya holding onto his starting backrow spot, maybe a sign of what is the come at the Sharks next year?
Unlucky for Penrith with the ref touching debacle. It brings me back to an old point that the entire match review committee, process and judiciary need to be scrapped because like everything in Rugby League it needs to be more consistent. Jeremy Latimore replaces Sam McKendry. I don’t expect to see Elijah Taylor playing anytime soon, hopefully he can get a release and join the Tigers who could do with a hard working tackle machine like him in the centre of the ruck. James Segeyaro is only an outside chance of playing but will more than likely return next week. I can’t blame the Panthers for taking a cautious approach when it comes to managing injuries after the last few years.
Newcastle v Manly
They say once you get the spoon you can only go up! Well last performance was a step backwards, and while a few concussions didn’t help, all those players will play this weekend. Jeremy Smith will return for his 200th game at age 36. Mickey Paea is expected to replace Jacob Saifiti on the bench. Sad news for anyone who held onto Kade Snowden with hopes of a return, looks like his NRLCEO days are over. Danny Levi returns to hooker pushing Tyler Randell to the bench. Korbin Sims has been named in the backrow again.
The Sea Eagles get Brenton Lawrence back and Matt Parcell is likely to return but not 100% just yet. Whenever you see a player with a hamstring injury it always takes a few weeks to fully heal – you can’t strap it and injections won’t help you overcome it. So be sure to look out for more info before kick-off regarding Parcell’s condition. Jorge Taufua has a fractured collarbone replaced by Brayden Williame, who still hasn’t won a game in first grade after 13 attempts.
St George Illiwarra v Sydney City
The big rival match of the round. Last year this fixture was utter chaos when the game has to be suspended due to torrential rain and lightning. While the Dragons sure do love a wet weather slop fest of a game it doesn’t do much for the neutral fans. Kalifa Faifai Loa could be a handy pick up if the Dragons can somehow score points with the club moving Peter Mata’útia on during the week. Euan Aitken is struggling with a hamstring injury and would be doing very well to play.
The Roosters are set to welcome back Boyd Cordner with week so put him straight into your team as he will be chomping at the bit to get out there and rip in for his bottom of the ladder team. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves and Mitchell Pearce will return next week as well.
Melbourne v New Zealand
The Storm get Young Tonumaipea back onto the wing for Suliasi Vunivalu, but that won’t be the last time we see that brilliant young kid on the wing. Richie Kennar plays his second straight game in the centres and finally some good news for the Storms outside back stocks with Curtis Scott ahead of schedule – so keep an eye out if he is free in your comp.
The Warriors NRLCEO coaches everywhere got the devastating news that RTS will be missing the rest of the season. Tui Lolohea is the man set to benefit, a Mr fix it of the Warriors backline in the past two years it will be good to see him get an opportunity to utilise the space he will be given combined with the speed he possesses – I think the Warriors will be ok. Thomas Leuluai will play five-eighth ahead of Jeff Robson who was stinking the place up when he was picked. Blake Ayshford has to be picked up after scoring 30 points so far in 2016 (including metre eaters). I never thought I would say drop Konrad Hurrell and pick up Ayshford ever.
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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