Team Talk with Marcho: Rd 15
Welcome to Team Talk Round 15. So the Origin series is all level now and NSW and QLD coaches aren’t the only ones sweating on their players’ health, NRLCEO coaches will be hoping for solid returns from their Origin stars who manage to back up, but the likes of Justin Hodges, Robbie Farah and Paul Gallan all next to no chance of playing. Who else will be rested or has pulled up too sore to back up? Maybe a few Cowboys or Broncos won’t play.
Manly v Balmain-Wests
The Sea Eagles lose Jamie Lyon, which is no great fantasy loss this year! Lyon is replaced by Tom Trbojevic. Justin Horo has been suspended for one week and he is replaced by Tom Symonds in the backrow. Josh Starling has been named on an extended bench. DCE will hope to put a disappointing Origin game two behind him.
The Tigers will be without their skipper Robbie Farah for another week. Sauaso Sue is out injured replaced by Aaron Woods. Pat Richards has been rather quiet in the try scoring tally lately. Kyle Lovett has been hot and cold with WH’s. Kevin Naiqama and Dene Halatau both suffering injuries last week but should be right to take their places on Friday night.
Canberra v North Queensland
The Raiders are unchanged from the last win against the Knights. Joey Leilua has now officially signed for the rest of the year for the Raiders, which doesn’t come as a shock. He will be named as 18th man this week but should line-up next week and push Sisa Waqa to the wing and Jordan Rapana will be the unlucky bloke who will drop out of the side, barring injury.
Paul Green has gone on record for saying he will rest some Origin players throughout the year and with the Cowboys having a bye after Origin three its looks like this will be the week that happens. Rory Kostjasyn comes onto the bench for Ray Thompson. I get the feeling the Raiders will end the Cowboys winning streak this weekend, and I might put some money on them going 13+.
Gold Coast v New Zealand
The Titans will be sweating on the fitness of Nate Myles who copped a knock in last night’s game. In some signing news the Titans have picked up hooker Chad Redman (Knights) and winger Nene Macdonald (Roosters) and both are a chance to play this weekend. Brad Tighe is battling a shoulder injury and may not play.
The Warriors should have Jacob Lillyman who was looks like he may have played his last Origin game, I would go for a Dylan Napa in the next game who offers more impact coming from the bench. Ryan Hoffman on the other hand was instrumental in the Blues go forward, but picked up a head knock and may not be right to take his place. Nathan Friend should be right to go and Sam Tomkins may play, but he will have to prove his worth before I go putting him in my team!
Canterbury v Penrith
After Des Haslers blow up last week, he has come out and not named any of his Origin players. So expect some changes as all five players pulled up well. What will that mean for Moses Mbye, Josh Reynolds and Trent Hodkinson? Josh Reynolds will probably move back to the bench.
The Panthers are still battling a horror injury toll. Jamie Soward is under an injury cloud and Josh Mansour is still a week or two away from a return. Nigel Plum returns via the bench. Ivan Cleary has named an extended six man bench.
Newcastle v Cronulla
The Knights have lost Jack Stockwell for the season and let Joey Leilua and Chad Redman go to opposition clubs. Robbie Rochow returns from a back injury on the bench. Rochow should average 2 or 3 points for the rest of the year, if he stays fit. Tyrone Roberts returns to halfback, Kurt Gidley moves to fullback, Dane Gagai switches to the centres and Chris Houston starts at lock. Adam Clydsdale is a late withdrawal meaning Tyler Randell will start and young Dani Levi gets a debut on the bench.
The Sharks will be without Paul Gallen as he does his usual around this time of the year and misses five-seven weeks. Michael Gordon just announced he is off to the Eels in 2016. Gordon will be lining up at fullback this week with Valentine Holmes on the wing. Ricky Leutele replaces Blake Ayshford at centre. I really hope we see some open and entertaining footy being played.
Melbourne v Brisbane
The big news is Billy Slater is out for the rest of the year. A pretty dismal showing, purely from a Fantasy perspective anyway! Seven games, two tries and a total of thirty points. Cameron Munster will be the Storm fullback for the remainder of the year. Cam Smith and Will Chambers will be right to play.
Surely Justin Hodges won’t back up! However he has been names and with a four day turn around the other five Origin players should be good to play. Corey Parker returns to lock and Sam Thaiday is named on a seven man bench. The top of the table Broncos should be able to get the points down in Melbourne.
St George-Illawarra v Sydney City
The Dragons are set to resign Jason Nightingale this week. Joel Thompson hasn’t been named but is a chance of being a late inclusion. That would push Will Matthews back to the bench and Jake Marketo back down to reserve grade. Tyson Frizell will take his place in the backrow despite pulling out as 18th man of the NSW Origin squad through injury, while Ben Creagh is battling an ankle injury, but should be right to play.
The Roosters Origin players are all expected to back up. Jackson Hastings returns to the bench in place of Matt McIIwrick. Mitch Aubusson and Sio Siua Taukeiaho both move back to the bench in place of Aidan Guerra and Boyd Cordner. Brendon Elliot drops out of the backline for the returning Michael Jennings. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves is expected back next week.
That’s it for another week. Best of luck this weekend, unless you are playing me of course!
Will Marchinton
Latest posts by Will Marchinton (see all)
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