Team Talk with Marcho: Rd 16
Welcome to Team Talk Round 16. Another full round of NRL to talk about but more contract dramas. This week it’s Kieran Foran, although Parramatta are to blame, the last thing fan want is another contract issue. There are also a few players who are returning early from injury and some other who will need to prove their fitness in order to be able to play.
Brisbane v Newcastle
Last time these two team met, the baby Broncos, minus their Origin stars belted the Knights and this week the Knights are depleted and the Broncos are near full strength. Corey Parker and Justin Hodges return after a week off. Sam Thaiday gets a rest this week as Wayne Bennett continues his resting policy. Daniel Vidot picked up a hamstring injury, as a result Jordan Kahu will partner Hodges in the centres. Jack Reed failed to get thought training on Thursday and is out meaning Corey Oates will play on the wing and Dale Copley comes onto the bench.
Kade Snowden has been suspended for a week and Chris Houston could miss a month with a finger injury. Robbie Rochow moves from the bench to lock and should pick up a WH. The evergreen Clint Newton comes onto the bench. Jake Mamo was set to retain his fullback spot after a freakish try assist on the weekend. Jarrod Mullen has travelled to Brisbane and looks set to play his first game since round eight and will be a straight swap for Carlos Tuimavave.
South Sydney v Manly
Greg Inglis comes back to fullback, pushing Alex Johnston to the wing, with John Olive dropping out. Adam Reynolds return last week didn’t go to script and this should be a good intriguing battle for Souths, going up against one of their modern day rivals in Manly. Issac Luke and Glenn Stewart are both set for late inclusions after not initially being named on Tuesday. Tim Grant replaces Jason Clark on the bench.
The Sea Eagles are unchanged following last weeks win. Blake Leary has a back injury and won’t play this weekend. Justin Horo is 18th man after serving a one match ban. Peta Hiku has now been upgraded to a centre/wing but has largely underperformed from a NRLCEO perspective, like much of the Sea Eagles in 2015 so far. Brett Stewart is still a valuable prospect at the back, notching his tenth try for season.
New Zealand v Canberra
For the Warriors, Tuimoala Lolohea returns to the wing in place of Ken Maumalo. Both Jacob Lillyman and Ryan Hoffman are back in the starting line-up after a week on the bench. Sebastine Ikahihifo drops out all together for Albert Vete.
The Raiders are unchanged from last week. Joey Leilua is expected to come into the side for either Edrick Lee or Jordan Rapana. David Shillington announced he will be joining the Titans for 2016 and beyond. Blake Austin continues to be a Fantasy weapon after scoring his tenth try of the season, the Tigers must be kicking themselves!
North Queensland v Cronulla
Johnathan Thurston will have a week off after being bashed for the most part of 2015. Michael Morgan returns to play halfback and Rory Kostjasyn remains at 5/8. Cameron King makes a rare appearance on the bench and Patrick Kaufusi will also make his debut off the bench.
Paul Gallen is expected to come in, despite being named 18th man. Otherwise the Sharks will be unchanged from the team that won against the Knights. Sosaia Feki should be right to play, despite not being able to finish last weekends game.
Parramatta v St George Illawarra
The Eels have a huge injury toll, even after a week off! Reece Robinson has a fractured cheekbone meaning Corey Norman shifts to fullback and Luke Kelly comes in at 5/8. Nathan Peats injury is not as bad as first feared, but he won’t be back until at least round 20. Kaysa Pritchard is out for the season though and replaced by Cody Nelson at hooker. Anthony Watmough has not been named but could be a late inclusion. Danny Wicks will start at lock and Junior Paulo comes in at prop.
The Dragons lose hooker Mitch Rein to suspension for one week and Heath L’Estrange will start in his place. The Dragons are yet to name a replacement. Joel Thompson is out indefinitely, which is good news for Jack De Belin and Trent Merrin owners. Jason Nighingale and Peter Mata’utia are both battling, injury but should play.
Sydney City v Gold Coast
The Roosters get Michael Jennings back from a club imposed ban and Sam Moa returns from suspension. Brendan Elliot looks like he will fill the void if an outside back goes down with Mitch Aubusson starting in the backrow as Aidan Guerra is on the bench. How good was it to see Shaun Kenny-Dowall get a few pies, one of the most frustrating players to have, but he is on the end of a great backline/team so he will get plenty more tries from doing bugger all! Jared Waerea-Hargreaves will be a late inclusion.
There is one other team who can rival the Eels injury toll and that is the poor old Titans. Aidan Sezer did his hamstring and Daniel Mortimer shifts to halfback and should kick goals as well (if the Titans score that is!) Nate Myles returns at prop. Ryan James has been names but will have to prove his fitness in order to play on Sunday. Lachlan Burr moves back to the bench and I doubt he will get through near the amount of work as last week (56 involvements).
Balmain-Wests v Penrith
A battle of the west here and both teams will be desperate for a win to stay in touch with the top eight. In a boost for the Tigers, they welcome back Robbie Farah and Aaron Woods from Origin. Dene Halatau drops back to the bench and Manaia Cherrington drops off the bench. David Nofoaluma has picked up another injury (knee) and will be replaced by Delouise Hoeter. Sauaso Sue returns via the bench as Brendan Santi drops back to NSW Cup.
The Panthers should be as per program but Ivan Cleary always keeps his cards close to his chest. Josh Mansour will return to the wing and Waqa Blake moves to the centres as Isaah Yeo moves back to the backrow. James Segeyaro is expected to be out until round 20, he will be replaced by Apisai Koroisau at hooker. Bryce Cartwright put in a stellar performance last week and really added some much needed spark to the Panthers attack, let’s hope Tyrone Peachey follows suit this week. Bad news for those keeping a hold of Matt Moylan, with further ankle complications now ruling him out until round 22.
Canterbury v Melbourne
Well queue the chorus of conspiracy theories from north of the border after Josh Jackson got a downgrade and is now free to play in Origin three. Trent Hodkinson returns to halfback but may have signed a contract with Newcastle for next season. Josh Reynolds will play the utility role off the bench. Sam Perrett moves to wing as Brett Morris returns, Corey Thompson is the man to make way. Shaun Lane gets promoted to the run on side as a result of Jackson’s one week suspension.
The Storm may get Cooper Cronk back as he is desperate to get some game time under his belt before Origin three but like Billy Slater will it come as a determent to the Storms finals hopes? If Cronk does not play Ben Hampton will receive an upgrade to 5/8 and halfback.
That’s it for another week. Best of luck this weekend, unless you are playing me of course!
Will Marchinton
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