Team Talk with Marcho: Rd 10
Welcome to team talk round 10.
Adam Reynolds comeback was short lived, he will miss between 4-6 weeks.
The judiciary is a joke when Greg Bird can put someone on his back and get eight weeks but Tyrone Peachey drives Adam Blair’s neck into the turf and will only miss two weeks?!
With Origin just around the corner make sure you keep an eye on any emerging players or players who will get more minutes as a result of team mates being away with Origin.
Sydney Roosters v Canterbury
James Graham makes a timely return for the Dogs who have really struggled without him. Josh Reynolds also returns from suspension this week forcing Moses Mbye back to the bench. Sam Kasiano moves back to the bench meanwhile, David Klemmer scored his maiden workhorse only to be dropped to 18th man this week.
The Roosters are unchanged from last week. Mitch Aubusson will play his second straight game in the centres. If you need some backrow cover around Origin time Siosiua Teukeiaho has proven he will get a workhorse when Aiden Guerra and Boyd Cordner go off to Origin. This will be the final chance to impress NSW selectors for both sets of halves in this game. My money is on Trent Hodkinson and Mitchell Pearce
North Queensland v Brisbane
Another Friday night blockbuster. Michael Morgan was on fire last week and the Cowboys needed someone to step up as Johnathan Thurston had an off game. Ray Thompson and Sam Hoare come onto the bench as Rory Kostjasyn moves to 18th man. Ben Hannant is a proven performer around Origin time, pick him up if you need a front rower.
The Broncos have lost Josh McGuire to suspension for a week but welcome back Sam Thaiday to the front row. Jordan Kahu will stay on the wing this week. No word on when Dale Copley will return. Alex Glenn killed it last week, registering a double workhorse in the process.
Parramatta v New Zealand
Some big changes at the Eels this week. Chris Sandow. Joseph Paulo and David Gower. Luke Kelly comes in at halfback. Tepai Moeroa provides some real punch and a bit of ball playing ability out wide. Pauli Pauli joins the bench. I can’t see the Eels winning this one, even though it is at Pirtek Stadium.
The Warriors are still missing Sam Tomkins, it would be nice if he played a few games before going back to England with his tale between his legs! Konrad Hurrell has coped a three week suspension. Manu Vatuvei is under an injury cloud after failing to finish last week’s game. Dominique Peyroux will play in the centres.
Gold Coast v Cronulla
The Titans side is unchanged from last week. Lachlan Burr looks like he will get a few WH’s while Greg Bird is out. Shout out to my mate Curtis who captained Anthony Don on the weekend, a gutsy move but it certainly paid off 24 points! Nate Myles has signed with Manly for the next three years.
The Sharks have lost Anthony Tupou with a horrendous broken jaw. David Fifita returns to the bench. Michael Gordon was close to signing with the Eels for a mid-week transfer but that fell through with the Sharks board blocking the move, in response Michael Gordon decided not to play over the weekend.
Melbourne v South Sydney
Billy Slater finally scored his first try of the season and quickly doubled his tally in the first half. Tohu Harris has failed to get a workhorse the past two weeks, but he is a definite hold for me, he will produce points again despite a slight niggle in last week’s game. The Storm remain unchanged.
The Rabbits have again lost Adam Reynolds for a least a month. John Sutton is no certainty to play after copping a finger in the eye last round. Chris Grevsmuhl and Chris McQueen look set to benefit with added minutes in the backrow. Aaron Gray is ahead of Joel Reddy and the veteran should struggle to get his spot back again this year time to give him the flick! Isaac Luke’s demotion to the bench has everything to do with him announcing his departure from the club this week despite Madge denying it.
Canberra v St George Illawarra
Josh Dugan showed why he will be playing Origin this year, just not sure exactly where in the back line yet. Eto Nabuli is set to yo-yo between first grade and NSW Cup having lost his spot to Peter Mata’útia. I struggle to see the Dragons scoring many points in this game, but then again they are guaranteed to concede less than 22 points.
Sam Williams has been a quiet achiever outside Blake Austin and his kicking game and game control will be missed. Mitch Cornish will have a bit of pressure on him as he couldn’t cement his spot at the start of the season. David Shillington will be desperate to get back into first grade and has been named on an extended bench. A massive win last week could they make it four win in four games?
Newcastle v Wests/Balmain
Jarrod Mullen has a toe injury and its unknown when he will be back, which has caused a reshuffle in the backs. Kurt Gidley 5/8, Sione Mataútia centre and Dane Gagai fullback are all playing their second games in a row and could be in line for a position upgrade in two weeks’ time. That’s about as positive as I can get with the Knights ATM… Jack Stockwell returns to the bench.
The Tigers will fancy their chances this week, despite being away from home. Sauaso Sue started the season with some promise, three WH’s in four weeks, but the past five weeks have been average and it’s time to drop him. Pat Richards started last season in much the same manner as this. But it was around Origin that he and the Tigers really dropped off, I would be keeping an eye out for another kicker if you have snare one.
Manly v Penrith
Both teams returned to form last week with key personnel back to bolster their sides. The Sea Eagles back line was at its fluent best against the Knights. The return of Steve Matai will only help the boys from the northern beaches off the bottom of the ladder. The forward pack has plenty of questions about it but Blake Leary seems like he is the real deal, pick him up ASAP! Brett Stewart and Daly Cherry-Evans looked good last week at home and the Stewart could be worth a captaining this week at home.
The Panthers get James Segyaro back, pushing Apisai Koroisau to 5/8. Tyrone Peachy’s suspension sees Sika Manu return to the bench. Dean Whare could be late inclusion here most likely pushing Dallin Watene Zelezniak to the wing and David Simmons out of the side. This should be a great game to watch!
Best of luck to all coaches unless of course you are playing me!
Will Marchinton
Latest posts by Will Marchinton (see all)
- Moneyball Podcast: The Sequel - April 19, 2018
- Team Talk with Marcho: Rd 17 - June 30, 2016
- Team Talk with Marcho: Rd 15 - June 17, 2016
