Team Talk with Marcho: Rd 17
Welcome to Team Talk Round 17. The last of the big bye rounds, thank god! But I have seen some interesting pick-ups (it is that time of the year), but nothing scream desperation more than a Ben Creagh pick up! Come on guys, its Ben Creagh we are talking about after all! Feleti Mateo has been getting great minutes and is kicking goals as well, a far better option. Jayson Bukuya and Chris Heighington are both better prospects too.
Penrith v South Sydney
The Panthers are unchanged from their big win last week over the Tigers. Dean Whare and David Simmons had a field day after Tim Simona went off injured. Apisai Koroisau is must have for any James Segeyaro owners, as he pumps out DWH after DWH. But he has followed Trent Barrett to the Sea Eagles for 2015, what does that mean for Matt Ballin?
Souths lose Greg Inglis, as usual Alex Johnston goes to fullback and Joel Reddy comes back onto the wing. Ben Lowe drops back to the bench as Glenn Stewart returns to the second row. George Burgess produced some of his 2014 form and could be a handy captain this week, maybe a sneaky WH, try and line break triple?
St George Illawarra v North Queensland
The Dragons have some new faces in the back row in Jacob Marketo and Mike Cooper. Tyson Frizell has a back injury but could be a late inclusion so you may as well put him in. Joel Thompson is still battling a hamstring injury and Jack De Belin has a virus – both are expected back in Round 18. Dylan Farrell also joins the casualty ward after picking up a back injury. Josh Dugan and Trent Merrin are on Origin duties. Mitch Rein returns from suspension. And Yaw Kiti Glymin will make his NRL debut on the wing. George Rose and Rory O’Brien come onto the bench. Will Matthews copped a suspension and will miss the match.
The Cowboys lose four players to Origin; Thurston, Morgan, Tamou and Scott. Ben Hannant and Sam Hoare will play in the front row with Robert Lui and Ray Thompson the new look halves pairing. Rory Kostjasyn drops back to the bench and Scott Bolton returns in jersey 16. This should be a good contest, but down at WIN Stadium, ill tip the home side in a tight one.
Manly v Cronulla
The home side still boast the Baron of Brookvale, Brett Stewart and he is always a worthy captain, especially with the Sea Eagles impressive home record against the Sharks. Jamie Lyon could be a late inclusion, he is yet to score a try and has scored a miserly eight points when you take away his 16 goals! Tom Trbojevic will drop out and Peter Hiku will move back to the wing. The big inclusion is Daly Cherry-Evans, who won’t be playing Origin due to poor form in Origin II and the Sea Eagles being last. Josh Starling and Willie Mason are both on a five man bench.
The Sharks lose hooker Michael Ennis to suspension and Origin, Pat Politoni comes in. Paul Gallen won’t be sighted in a Sharks jersey for another month! Ben Barba is surely the highest paid and overrated bench player still, one or two good games doesn’t change a thing. I will however change my mind if he consistently performs for the rest of the season.
Balmain-Wests v Parramatta
The Tigers have lost Tim Simona with yet another ankle injury, his replacement is Nathan Milone. Sauaso Sue replaces Aaron Woods at prop and Dene “hates a WH” Halatau comes in for Robbie Farah. No doubt he will prove me wrong and smash a WH out this round! Manaia Cherrington is the future Tigers hooker and has been blooded nicely so far this year, he comes onto the bench to share the hooking role.
The Eels lose Will Hopoate to NSW as Bureta Faraimo comes onto the wing. Manu Maú returns from suspension in the backrow. David Gower drops back to the bench and Joseph Paulo back to 18th man. The Eels left edge of Manu Maú, Brad Takairangi and Semi Radradra could carve up the young, inexperienced Tigers.
That’s it for another week. Best of luck this weekend, unless you are playing me of course!
Will Marchinton
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