Team Talk with Marcho: Rd 2
Welcome to Team Talk for Round Two. Stats aside, it was a great weekend of footy. Most people were predicting that as many as 13 teams were in finals contention before a ball had been kicked, but I’m putting a line though the Roosters and Penrith after one game! My biggest issues out of the weekend were the injuries and the fact Shaun Johnson gave up the kicking duties. Big name injuries included James Segeyaro, Michael Lichaa, Paul Gallen and Adam Reynolds none of which are expected back this month.
Penrith v Canterbury-Bankstown
The Panthers will be without James Segeyaro until Round 7. If the experiment of Tyrone Peachey at hooker works then he will gain an update soon enough, not to mention a workhorse. Elijah Taylor is off contract at the end of the year and this may be Anthony Griffins way of sending him a message. Matt Moylan looks set to return in round four or five. The Panthers love to change their line up so don’t be surprised if Dean Whare makes a surprise return to the centres.
The Dogs played simple footy straight though the middle of the park and they will look to bully the Panthers side before spinning the ball wide. The extent of Michael Lichaa’s injury appears to be one month, Craig Garvey is his replacement and should play close to 80 minutes which will be plenty of time to rack up a workhose. What a shock, Chase Stanley is injured, don’t go near him. Kerrod Holland will make his NRL debut in the centres and David Klemmer returns from suspension on the bench.
Brisbane v New Zealand
Jordan Kahu was expected to be out for a few weeks, but he will take his place this Friday night on the wing, Greg Eden will drop out as Jack Reed returns from injury. Traditionally this is always a brutal forwards clash but the sheer class of the outside backs on display combined with the Warriors flimsy defence make this the must watch game of the round in my opinion. James Roberts trained strongly during the week and will line up in the centres after pulling up sore.
Andrew McFadden is nervously waiting to see how his super star team responds this weekend, the pressure is surely on him and he still managed to pick the shittest centre in the competition Blake Ayshford, the only way things could be worse for Warriors fans, were if Jono Wright and Ayshford played in the same team! Konrad Hurrell has been linked with a move to the glitter strip so could have played his last game for the Warriors. Ben Henry has suffered another season ending knee injury, replaced by Bodene Thompson in the backrow and Raymond Faitala-Mariner joins the bench.
Canberra v Sydney City
In a devastating blow, the Raiders have lost both halves for four weeks. Sam Williams is capable of leading this team around but will be relied upon more as he plays alongside boom rookie Lachlan Croker, who is making his debut (just ask Jamie Bradnam (aka The Commish/JB) on his thoughts on the youngster). Elliott Whitehead turned in a great debut performance with a comfortable workhorse last week. Joey Leilua looks fit and ready to explode this year, I predict he will make the team of the year if he stays healthy.
The Roosters welcome back Daniel Tupou onto the wing, pushing Joe Burgess back to an extended bench. Finally some good news for chooks fans as Boyd Cordner is on track to an early comeback, he told Fox Sports News he was looking at round 8 at this stage. I don’t see how the bookies have the Roosters favourites to win this, the Roosters spine is still a work in progress.
South Sydney v Newcastle
The Rabbits by how many? If you have Greg Inglis slap the captaincy on him, four tries in the corresponding match last year. I’m also expecting the Burgess boys to bash the Knights around the middle. George Burgess returns from suspension and will line up in the front row, pushing Sam Burgess to the backrow. Drop John Sutton (if anyone was game enough to pick him up in the first place) as he is out injured until the second half of the season. Adam Reynolds suffered a broken jaw and he is replaced by Luke Keary at halfback.
After last weeks sloppy performance against the wooden spoon favourites, there may not appear to be much light at the end of the tunnel for the next few seasons for Knights fans. Rumour has it, Akuila Uate has signed a deal to go play Japanese Rugby next season, but will he see out the remainder of the season? I assume it’s unlikely. Kade Snowden was about as useful as tits on a bull on Saturday, as a result he has been dropped, but I do expect him to bounce back in a few weeks time. Pauli Pauli is suspended for a week meaning Danny Levi comes onto the bench.
Parramatta v North Queensland
The Eels new skipper Kieran Foran will play at halfback with Luke Kelly dropping back to reserve grade. Danny Wicks has been named on the bench but much of the focus at the Eels revolves around the shady administration deals and mismanagement of the salary cap. Now I seem to remember this time last year the exact same punishment coming out, that they would be stripped of four competition point yet the same ruling was handed down just before the season, I’m calling for blood and also putting a line though another top eight contender.
The Cowboys have been kissed on the dick when it comes to injuries in the past year. Same side as last week no changes. Gavin Cooper had a rare donut last game but did score a hat trick in seven minutes at Pirtek stadium last year. Just to remind Eels fans. They led 30-6 just after half time and ended up losing 36-30.
Cronulla v St George Illawarra
Ball hog Paul Gallen is injured for but fear not he will make it back in time for Origin so I’m guessing he will play about five or six games between now and the end of the Origin period. One NRLCEO coach’s loss, is another NRLCEO coach’s gain, Andrew Fifita usually steps up when Gallen is injured. If Jayson Bukuya is still available pick him up, as he will pick up a few points while Gallen is out. Joseph Paulo comes onto the bench. Gerard Beale is a chance to replace Ricky Leutele in the centres.
The saying goes don’t weaken a position in order to strengthen another. Well the Dragons seem to be weakening a few by moving Josh Dugan to the centres. Dugan’s strengths are his running game and kick returns, both Dugan and Euan Aitken struggled defensively on Monday night. Kurt Mann can ball play better then Dugan but looked shakie under the high ball. Tyson Frizell made an early return from injury last week and didn’t miss a beat easily bagging a workhorse. Joel Thompson could replace Will Matthews in the backrow.
Melbourne v Gold Coast
The Storm did get the rub of the green last Monday night, I’m not sure how they will go this year, but one thing I do know is that Marika Koroibete is going to score 140 points this year (Meter Eaters included)! It’s a big call but I predict 18-22 try’s and line breaks and 22 meter eaters. The Storm are also unchanged after their opening round win.
The Titans always put up a great fight against the Storm. They do have a few players racing the clock to be fit. Will Zillman and Eddy Pettybourne are both unlikely to play meaning Luke Douglas will come onto the bench. Nene McDonald could be a late inclusion should he overcome a knee injury.
Balmain-Wests v Manly
Luke Brooks is welcomed back at halfback for the Tigers, meaning Jack Littlejohn will return to NSW Cup. Dene Halatau comes back in at hooker pushing Kyle Lovett to the bench in place of Jack Buchanan.
The Sea Eagles won’t rush Brett Stewart back if he isn’t right. He is an outside chance of playing at this stage but still has a few more days to prove his fitness. The much hyped new Manly forward pack failed to fire in round one and Trent Barrett knows he must change things up, so Jake Trbojevic moves to lock, Josh Staling is promoted from the bench while Nathen Green drops back. Brenton Lawrence returns to the bench to play his first game since round one 2015.
Best of luck to all coaches unless that is you’re playing me of course.
Finally I’m calling out our resident Workhorse Watcher, Geoff Adams to come out with some of his own bold predictions for season 2016.
Will Marchinton
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