Team Talk with Marcho: Rd 24
Welcome to Team Talk round 24. This week would be one of the most successful weeks for players at the judiciary with Aidan Guerra, Jorge Taufua and Issac Luke all beating shoulder charges and Blake Ferguson getting off a tripping allegation. More players have announced their retirement from the game, while another handful of players are out for the rest of the season again.
St George Illawarra v Penrith
The Dragons will be looking to bounce back after last weeks defeat to the Broncos and Benji Marshall’s return should help. Dylan Farrell comes onto the wing for Nathan Green. Mike Cooper goes back to prop as Trent Merrin joins the starting side at lock.
For The Panthers Will Smith gets an upgrade to fullback and Apisai Koroisau will start at hooker with Ivan Cleary dropping James Segeyaro back to the bench. Nigel Plum’s retirement sees Tyrone Peachey elevated to the starting side with Isaac John to start at 5/8. Waqa Blake and Sika Manu are on an extended bench.
South Sydney v Canterbury
The Rabbitohs lose Luke Keary (shoulder charge) and Issac Luke (dangerous throw) for a week with John Sutton named at 5/8 and Paul Carter at hooker. Sutton is battling a glute injury and if he fails to pass a fitness test, Glenn Stewart would move to the halves. Cameron McInnes is likely to play and share the hooking role with Carter. Kirisome Auvaá will play in the centres.
The Bulldogs have also lost their choice hooker Michael Lichaa for the season, Damien Cook will play his first game of year in this Grand Final rematch. I expect Moses Mbye to slot into the hooking role when Josh Reynolds is fit. But don’t be surprised if Josh Jackson plays a bit of hooker on Friday night as well. Aidan Tolman is out battling a hamstring injury which could mean more minutes for James Graham to potentially get a DWH or David Klemmer to WH.
Cronulla v Balmain-Wests
The Sharks get Sam Tagataese back from suspension at prop, forcing Matt Prior to the bench. Ben Barba has an ankle injury and is expected to miss a week or two. With a game against the Tigers this week and the Eels the next, maybe some of the Sharkies outside backs could be worth picking up, but only if you’re desperate. The likes of Sosaia Feki and Gerard Beale have only managed to average a single point all year.
The Tigers team can cause an upset but with nothing left to play for in 2015 and a grinding game expected, I can’t see the Tigers producing the goods in this one. Marty Taupau returns from suspension and Chris Lawrence makes a surprise come backfrom injury via the bench. Manaia Cherrington and Jack Buchanan are on an extended bench with Aaron Woods battling a knee injury.
New Zealand v North Queensland
The Warriors have well and truly put the que in the rack for season 2015. Bodene Thompson returns from an ankle injury on the bench as Raymond Faitala-Mariner drops out. Albert Vete starts for the suspended Sam Rapira. Tuimoala Lolohea has added Halfback to his impressive list of positions so far this season. Is he the most versatile NRLCEO player in history?
The Cowboys will travel over the ditch this week minus hard working backrower, Gavin Cooper who can’t fly at the moment due to a facial injury but could be back on deck next week. John Asiata will line up on the left edge in Coopers place. Coen Hess is a part of the hugely successful U20’s Cowboys side who are first on the ladder and looks a very promising prospect.
Sydney City v Brisbane
The game of the round sees the Roosters at home to the Broncos with Aidan Guerra and Blake Ferguson both beating their charges at the judiciary meaning both are free to play. Young Gun Latrell Mitchell is on an extended bench but I doubt coach Trent Robinson would willingly throw an 18 year old kid into this high pressure environment, unless he absolutely had to. Brendan Elliot returns to the wing after being a late withdrawal last weekend.
The Broncos remain unchanged after their thumping 32-6 victory over the Dragons last weekend. Plenty of players have resigned this recently with the club announcing Jordan Kahu and Alex Glenn have signed on until the end of 2017. Sam Thaiday is also expected to resign. Kodi Nikorima is being chased by the Roosters, but Brisbane are reluctant to let him go without a fight.
Gold Coast v Canberra
The Titans have proved over the last few week that they will be a nuisance and if they can drag you down for the full 80 minutes, they could cause an upset. The Titans also have added incentive to avoid their second ever Wooden Spoon with the Knights victory sending them to the bottom of the ladder. Aidan Sezer joins the casualty ward and has more than likely played his final game for the Titans. Nate Myles comes back for some added grunt up front as Lachlan Burr drops back to Queensland Cup. Ryan James also returns to the starting forward pack.
When your team gets down to a mathematical chance of making the finals, you know your season is over! That is the scenario if the Raiders lose this week. Both Manly and the Dragons are playing teams lower down the table and although the Raiders have the easiest run home I have my doubts. Jarrod Croker will no surely carry some teams to NRLCEO glory this year. Jordan Rapana is out suspended, replaced by Joey Leilua who returns from suspension. It almost seems the Raiders outside backs are on a suspension rotation policy at the moment! Luke Bateman replaces Mitchell Barnett on the bench as Jarrad Kennedy starts in the backrow.
Manly v Parramatta
The Sea Eagles by how many? Most people seem to have forgotten how good a fit and firing Sea Eagles backline can be, as long their forwards hold their own The Baron of Brookvale, Brett Stewart should score plenty. Jamie Lyon has had a welcome return to form in the last few weeks. The Sea Eagles remain unchanged with Josh Starling starting and Ligi Sao dropping back to the bench.
The Eels put up a valiant performance last week against their much fancied opponent in the Roosters but will have to do without tackle machine Nathan Peats for the rest of the year. Isaac De Gois is a handy replacement and is surely not available in the spud pool anywhere. Will Hopoate returns to the centres and Daniel Alvaro comes onto the bench. Beau Champion announced his retirement from the game this week as well.
Melbourne v Newcastle
Most likely another blow out game here. The Storm have lost Dale Finucane to injury (four-six weeks) ending his fantasy season with Ryan Hinchcliffe likely to start and big Nelson Asofa-Solomona to come onto the bench. Matt Duffie has been sensational since returning to the side and could grab a few more tries this week as well.
The Knights have an unchanged side from the one which downed the Tigers last week. Joseph Tapine and Sam Mataora will fight it out for the final bench spot. This corresponding fixture last year saw the tragic Alex McKinnon incident unfold, so maybe the Knights will be up for this one.
Good luck to all finalists out there!
Will Marchinton
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