Team Talk with Marcho: Round 5
Welcome to Team Talk Week 5.
No sooner had I called out Souths last week, they go onto lose to the Eels.
Likewise the Cowboys, who managed to finish off over the top of the Storm in Golden point extra time.
Easter has thrown up a few crackers this year and I expect nothing but fireworks! However Mother Nature could give us more wet weather than dry weather footy.
South Sydney v Canterbury
The Grand Final replay has arrived on Friday night. The Dogs are near full strength with Josh Reynolds, Brett Morris and Tim Lafai returning. Moses Mbye is unlucky to move back to 18th man this week, but I predict another Josh Reynolds brain snap in the near future and Mbye slotting straight back into 5/8.
I am a little concerned with the Rabbits outside backs and how well they will be able to defend against the Dogs big mobile edge forwards. Rabbits need their captain Greg Inglis to stand up this week. They are unchanged from the team that lost to the Eels.
Gold Coast v Brisbane
Another Queensland derby with the Broncos favoured to notch up 3 wins in a row. Justin Hodges is out for 2-3 weeks and Adam Blair has not been named but could still play. Dale Copley returns to the centres and Mitchell Dodds and Mitch Garbutt are on the bench.
Beau Falloon was lucky not to cop six weeks in my opinion for that dangerous throw last week! His suspension sees Kierran Mosely return to the starting hooker spot. James Roberts continues to be the only real threat in the backline. Matt White and Lachlan Burr have been added to the bench.
Manly v Canberra
I have always been a BIG Jamie Lyon fan but with all the dramas going on at Manly and the fact he is not getting any younger it’s time to go old pal! If you’re holding Jamie Lyon and Tyrone Roberts or Pat Richards iare still around pick them up! Steve Matai returns in place of Lyon. Feleti Mateo and Josh Starling join the long casualty list. Justin Horo and Ligi Sao are onto the interchange bench. Jamie Buhrer has struggled so far this season only because he didn’t have an offseason, he will come good in a few more weeks! Drop Brenton Lawrence, as he won’t be back until round 17.
The Sea Eagles belted the Raiders last time they visited Brookie Oval, 54-18. But I am not expecting the same result this time around, the Raiders are a much improved side this year. Dane Tilse has just announced he is off to the Super League in a few rounds. Sam Williams will be looking to finally cement the Raiders #7 jersey, as he replaces Mitch Cornish. Tough one to split considering it’s being played in Albury, which is closer to Canberra than Manly.
Newcastle v St George
The Knights have lost Robbie Rochow to a lower back issue and the outlook doesn’t look good. On the flip side, Jarrod Mullen said, “Tariq Sims has been raring to go!” Sione has dropped back to the bench as the flying Scotsman James McManus returns. If Kade Snowden keeps up this form he could be in the Origin squad. Uate should notch up his 100th Knights try this weekend.
Benji Marshall and Gareth Widdop will be fearing coming up against the Knights hit men; Beau Scott, Jeremy Smith and Tariq Sims. Jack De Belin has been killing it this year and Euan Aitken has slotted into first grade nicely. The Dragons have an impressive record up at Newcastle and will fancy their chances of a win. Unchanged from Round 4.
Cronulla v Sydney Roosters
Massive blow for all Blake Ferguson owners. He was beginning to find some form and now will spend the next four months on the sidelines with an ankle injury. SKD moves to centre and Nene Macdonald comes onto the wing. Could be a landslide win for the in-form Roosters here. Jake Friend is aiming to return next round.
The Sharks have switched Michael Gordon and Valentines Holmes around. Holmes has big raps on him and this is his chance to make the Sharks fullback spot his own. Wade Graham returns to the forward pack and Jack Bird moves to 5/8. Andrew Fifita has been getting the job done for NRLCEO coaches but I know I would like a bit more out of him, as he is always a captain contender. Don’t worry that he has moved back to the bench this week.
Parramatta v West Tigers
More injury concerns for the Eels. Brad Takairangi is out injured with John Folau moving to centre and Bureta Faraimo to the wing. Reece Robinson successfully got a down grade at the judiciary and is now free to play. Boom back rower Tepai Moeroa returns after a week off, but has also struggled to hit 40+ involvements more than once this year.
Pat Richards returns from suspension and Aaron Woods is back in at prop. Dene Halatau re-joins the bench, but is not very fantasy relevant this year because he’s just not getting the minutes. Kyle Lovett looks great but job security is the biggest question coaches must be asking. Tigers should win this, but I’m still waiting for last years Fantasy king Robbie Farah to score 14+ points in a game like he was regularly doing last year.
Melbourne v New Zealand
This has become a big grudge match over the past few years. The Warriors love playing the Storm and they just seem to have their measure. Ngani Laumape gets his first start of the year in the centres, replacing Matthew Allgood. Ben Henry did his ACL at training mid week and is going to miss the remainder of the season. Sebastine Ikahihifo is his replacement on the interchange bench. If you are a Konrad Hurrell owners I hope you have rolling lockout as the whispers grow louder that he will return and push Jonathan Wright out of the side.
The Storm will be unchanged from Monday nights lose to the Cowboys. Dale Finucane missed out on a WH by two involvements and his five missed tackles in the final few minutes really hurt before Bellamy hooked him. Matt Duffie made his long awaited return from injury and could be playing on the wing if Young Tonumaipea keeps making errors.
Penrith v North Queensland
Penrith will be boosted by the return of Isaac John, James Segeyaro and Nigel Plum. Lewis Brown and Brent Kite are out, while Apisai Koroisau drops back in jersey #18. Penrith are still missing Jamie Soward’s game control and calculated kicking game. Being at home is always an advantage against the Cowboys.
While the Cowboys won’t be impressed with their first half against the Storm, the forwards were near impossible to stop in the second half. Jason Taumalolo was unstoppable last week with 229 running metres, shame that didn’t translate into a WH. Kelepi Tanginoa replaces John Asiata on the Cowboys bench.
Best of luck this week to all coaches and as always look out for any late mail.
Will Marchinton
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