Team Talk with Marcho: Rd 11
Welcome to team talk Round 11. The first of the massively interrupted rounds sees only four NRL games being played across four days. Yes we have to endure reduced NRL games but the best footy of the year – Origin always makes up for it! With just the one Saturday night game on, this could be the perfect opportunity to spend some time with your misses or significant other.
South Sydney v Parramatta
The biggest talking point for the Rabbits is Issac Luke sitting on the bench again this week! Which is extremely frustrating for CEO coach’s. Luke and Bryson Goodwin shared the kicking duties last game and until Adam Reynolds gets the all clear to return avoid making either your sole goal kicker unless you must! Alex Johnston moves to fullback and Joel Reddy returns to the wing. If Ben Lowe is still available in your comp, pick him up because he is a proven performer when it comes to producing WH’s at this time of the year.
The Eels face a similar goal kicking issue with Chris Sandow spending at least another week in reserve grade after a man of the match performance over the weekend for Wentworthville. If Luke Kelly could kick goals, the Eels would have beaten the Warriors! Reece Robinson started the year off goal kicking but hasn’t kicked since a slight hamstring injury back in Round 5. Junior Paulo returns after a nine week suspension in place of the injured Isaac De Gois. Nathan Peats is a clear captain option here and should get up against his old club. The powerful John Folau returns to the wing.
Wests-Balmain v North Queensland
Both teams are missing their most influential players in Johnathan Thurston and Robbie Farah. The Tigers are also without Aaron Woods, his replacement Matt Lodge has a big motor and could rack up a WH. Dene Halatau is another who will cruise to an easy WH and could still be available, so pick him up. Expect Marty Taupau to have a big game and be the sole enforcer of the Tigers pack. Chris Lawrence is on a lengthy 19 weeks tryless streak, a player to avoid.
The Cowboys have long been affected by Origin but this year is by far their worst losing both halves (Johnathan Thurston and Micheal Morgan) and both front rowers (James Tamou and Matt Scott) out! Robert Lui could be in line for a recall after Michael Morgan got the call up for Origin, but he was injured in Queensland Cup last week. Ray Thompson is listed down as the new halfback. Ben Hannant will get a WH and Ben Spina was impressive on debut and also notched a WH so he is another one worth a pick up if you are desperate for a backrower or a win! Ethan Lowe should kick goals in this one. Jason Taumalolo could also play this game.
Canberra v Canterbury
The Raiders will be heavy bookie favourites in this encounter, being one of only a select few teams unaffected by Origin. Jarrad Kennedy dropping back to the bench has seen a reduction in minutes and hasn’t looked like getting a WH since returning to the bench. Sisa Waqa has also been quiet lately and looks more conformable on the wing rather than the centres. Good news for Raiders fans, with the club expected to announce the signing of Knights centre Joey Leilua who seems to have had a falling out with coach Rick Stone. Sam Williams could be a late inclusion, but it’s unlikely.
On the flip side the Dogs are heavily affected by Origin missing Josh Jackson, Trent Hodkinson, Josh Morris and David Klemmer. Mr Fix It, Moses Mbye will play at halfback, while Tim Lafai makes an early return from injury, pity he has been given a kicker point this year! Chase Stanley and James Graham has been ruled out. It’s a real guess as to who will kick goals, not that the Dogs will be kicking many anyway!
Newcastle v Brisbane
The Knights finally got a win, all be it a very average game, riddled with errors. Beau Scott is off with the Blues and Joseph Tapine comes straight into the starting side, which looks like Rick Stone has one eye on the future with this promotion. Dane Gagai has been called into the Queensland squad as back up in case Billy Slater can’t play next week. Maybe Jake Mamo or Chanel Mataútia would come into the side should Dane Gagai play Origin. Sione Mataútia, (Centre) Kurt Gidley (5/8) and Dane Gagai (Full back) are all in line for position upgrades on NRLCEO should they play in their respective positions.
The Broncos are missing Darius Boyd, Justin Hodges, Corey Parker, Matt Gillett, Sam Thaiday and Josh McGuire which will leave them vulnerable up front. Dale Copley returns to the centres and Daniel Vidot comes back to the wing. If Andrew McCullough can get the metres he could be in line for a DWH. Veteran David Stagg makes his first appearance of the year as does Joe Boyce on the bench. Beware the baby Broncos.
Will Marchinton
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