Who's Playing Who?

The team lists are here for another week, with a new and improved format! We’re getting deeper into the season and coaches are starting to change things around with their squads. So are we. Matt will be looking at what the changes mean for each side’s chance at the 2 points, while Adrian looks at the Ins and Outs from the perspective of a hardened Dream Team coach. Let’s go!

FRIDAY

Manly Sea Eagles v Penrith Panthers at Brookvale Oval, 7:35pm

Sea Eagles: Brett Stewart, Michael Robertson, Jamie Lyon, Steve Matai, William Hopoate, Kieran Foran, Daly Cherry-Evans, Jason King, Matt Ballin, Brent Kite, Anthony Watmough, Joe Galuvao, Glenn Stewart.  Interchange (from): Tim Robinson, Jamie Buhrer, George Rose, Vic Mauro, Michael Oldfield.

Ins: Brett Stewart, Tim Robinson
Outs: None

Panthers: Michael Gordon, David Simmons, Michael Jennings, Brad Tighe, Sandor Earl, Travis Burns, Luke Walsh, Tim Grant, Kevin Kingston, Petero Civoniceva, Trent Waterhouse, Nigel Plum, Sarafu Fatiaki.  Interchange (from): Nafe Seluini, Sam McKendry, Timana Tahu, Matthew Bell, Yileen Gordon.

Ins: Yileen Gordon
Outs: None

Team analysis: Not a whole lot of news coming out of this clash. The Eagles name Stewart again, but he AGAIN is not a certain starter. Robinson is on an extended bench, whilst Gordon, of the Yileen fashion, is on an extended bench for the Panthers. If Stewart is out again, Hopoate will go back to fullback again, with Oldfield coming into the lineup. Tahu is still on the bench as the Panthers try to get him match fit.

Dream Team analysis: Brett Stewart is named once again at fullback, but won’t take part if he’s not 100%- Des Hasler isn’t taking any chances with the star custodian. Buhrer is on the bench, and if you don’t have him (like me), you might have missed out on some great value. He’s already risen by $87,600, and has just about peaked (unless his scoring increases hugely over the next few weeks).

For Penrith, Michael ‘Flash’ Gordon looks to be finding some form again and at fullback will be racking up some big scores while he remains at No. 1. Nafe Seluini is good value ($97,500), but I’d be worried about his job security with Masada Iosefa only one or two good games for Windsor away from returning to FG. If you’re a bit of a gambler, jump on Tahu ($111,400). While scores of 10, 13, 9, and 28 don’t set the world on fire, his 28 against the Storm is promising. He’ll be in the 17 most weeks and won’t be playing Origin this year, so if you’re feeling lucky and want to free up some cash, get on.

Wests Tigers v Brisbane Broncos at Sydney Football Stadium, 7:35pm

Tigers: Wade McKinnon, Beau Ryan, Blake Ayshford, Mitch Brown, Matt Utai, Benji Marshall, Tim Moltzen, Andrew Fifita, Robbie Farah, Keith Galloway, Simon Dwyer, Gareth Ellis, Chris Heighington.  Interchange: Sean Meaney, Liam Fulton, Bryce Gibbs, Aaron Woods.

Ins: Wade McKinnon, Beau Ryan, Keith Galloway, Liam Fulton, Aaron Woods
Outs: Sam Latu (NSW Cup), Jacob Miller (Toyota Cup), Todd Payten (ankle, round 10), Alan Schirnack (shoulder, round 10), Mark Flanagan (NSW Cup)

Broncos:  Gerard Beale, Dale Copley, Jack Reed, Justin Hodges, Jharal Yow Yeh, Darren Lockyer, Peter Wallace, Ben Hannant, Andrew McCullough, Sam Thaiday, Alex Glenn, Matt Gillett, Corey Parker. Interchange: Mitchell Dodds, Dane Carlaw, Nick Kenny, Ben Hunt.

Ins: Ben Hunt
Outs: Corey Norman (Toyota Cup)

Team analysis: Nothing much happening for the Broncos. Hunt comes in for Norman, who drops back to Toyota Cup. Down at the Tigers, some big changes, with McKinnon, Ryan, Galloway, Fulton and Woods finally coming back. McKinnon, Ryan and Woods are near certainties to play, all training fully with the team so far this week, whilst Galloway and Fulton have been slightly restricted, but are both expected to play. There are some whispers that Rob Lui could make a surprise return as well. Unfortunately Todd Payten and Alan Shrinack are injured, and Chris Heighington is facing a week’s suspension, so if he goes out, expect either Mark Flanagan or Jason Shirnack to come into the side.

Dream Team analysis: Plenty of quality players returning for the Tigers, which is great for the side, but leaves DT coaches a little worried. Dwyer, Ellis, Fulton and Heighington (if cleared to play) will all be fighting for game time in the back row. If you have any of the above in your side, I’d hold for now and see how it plays out. If you’ve held onto Fulton, don’t be too trigger happy with the Trade button! Those who have held onto Aaron Woods will be pleased to see him back on the bench, and a big game will see another price rise.

Ben Hunt returns, but other than that, no changes for the Broncos, which means we can back the players we’ve got to continue scoring pretty much the same. Reed moves back into the Centres from the Wing, which will help his score. Alex Glenn continues to get great scores and looks to have found a home in the 2nd Row.

SATURDAY

Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks v North Queensland Cowboys at Toyota Stadium, 5:30pm

Sharks:  Nathan Gardner, Matthew Wright, Ben Pomeroy, Colin Best, John Williams, Albert Kelly, Wade Graham, Kade Snowden, Paul Aiton, Luke Douglas, Jeremy Smith, Anthony Tupou, Paul Gallen.  Interchange (from): Josh Cordoba, Broderick Wright, Stuart Flanagan, Dean Collis, Johnny Mannah.

Ins: Dean Collis
Outs: None

Cowboys:  Matthew Bowen, Ashley Graham, Antonio Winterstein, Willie Tonga, Kalifa Faifai Loa, Ray Thompson, Johnathan Thurston, Matthew Scott, Aaron Payne, Ashton Sims, Scott Bolton, Glenn Hall, Dallas Johnson.  Interchange (from):  James Segeyaro, Leeson Ah Mau, Tariq Sims, Gavin Cooper, James Tamou, Will Tupou.

Ins: Gavin Cooper, James Tamou
Outs: None

Team analysis: Another boring game in regard to team changes. The Sharks are unchanged, with Collis again to drop off the bench, whilst the Cowboys impressive form continues, with Gavin Cooper returning from suspension on an extended bench, along with James Tamou. Not much else to say really.

Dream Team analysis:Dean Collis comes onto an extended Sharks bench, while the starting 13 remains stable. Coaches who picked up Albert Kelly will be pleased with his efforts, with a rise of $96,400 this season. His halves partner Wade Graham is also proving to be a consistent scorer. It looks like Gallen will play, and off the back of a 61 point game last week, he’ll be a good choice for captain.

A six man bench is always a worrying sight, but the Cowboys tend to do this every week, so we just have to go with it. It seems that Tariq Sims is in the best 17 now, which is a real positive for those that picked him from Round 1. Dallas Johnson has been smashing it, and despite a knee injury, should play against the Sharks. JT has been killing it, so if one of your halves has been underperforming, and you don’t care about him missing for the Test and Origin periods, get him in your side. Now.

Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs v South Sydney Rabbitohs at ANZ Stadium, 7:30pm

Bulldogs:  Ben Barba, Steve Turner, Josh Morris, Jamal Idris, Bryson Goodwin, Kris Keating, Trent Hodkinson, Aiden Tolman, Michael Ennis, Mickey Paea, Frank Pritchard, Andrew Ryan, David Stagg.  Interchange: Jake Foster, Grant Millington, Michael Hodgson, Dene Halatau.

Ins: Josh Morris, Jake Foster
Outs: Tim Lafai (Toyota Cup), Corey Payne (suspension, round

Rabbitohs:  James Roberts, Nathan Merritt, Dylan Farrell, Greg Inglis, Chris McQueen, John Sutton, Chris Sandow, Sam Burgess, Issac Luke, Roy Asotasi, David Tyrrell, David Taylor, Michael Crocker.  Interchange: Ben Ross, Shannan McPherson, Nathan Peats, Eddy Pettybourne.

Ins: James Roberts, Eddy Pettybourne
Outs: Rhys Wesser (dropped), Fetuli Talanoa (dropped).

Team analysis: John Lang has finally bitten the bullet with his under performing team, and whilst the dropping of Wesser is big news, I’m not so sure that Talanoa has been the reason for their little form slump. Pettybourne returns from suspension, as Lang restructures his bench with McQueen going to the wing. Young speedster James Roberts, who has been in outstanding form in the Toyota Cup, makes his debut, but in a high pressure situation is this really the best call? I’m not so sure, particularly with some more experienced options available. For the Dogs, Payne is suspended for his part in Jarryd Hayne’s brain explosion, whilst the welcome back Josh Morris from injury, with Tim Lafai going back to Toyota Cup after performing admirably in Morris’ absence.

Dream Team analysis: Josh Morris is back, meaning Tim Lafai returns to Toyota Cup. Will he be back if Idris or Morris are picked for NSW? I would have stayed away in the first place, but if you’ve got him and have adequate cover, hold onto him.

Wesser and Talanoa have been dropped, meaning Chris McQueen comes onto the wing and rookie fullback James Roberts makes his FG debut. What do we take from this? McQueen’s scoring will probably drop off, and Roberts isn’t even able to be selected in DT yet. Great…

SUNDAY

Canberra Raiders v Newcastle Knights at Canberra Stadium, 2:00pm

Raiders:  Blake Ferguson, Reece Robinson, Jarrod Croker, Joel Thompson, Daniel Vidot, Josh McCrone, Sam Williams, Dane Tilse, Glen Buttriss, David Shillington (C), Joe Picker, Bronson Harrison (C), Shaun Fensom.  Interchange (from): Travis Waddell, Trevor Thurling, Tom Learoyd-Lahrs, Brett White, Josh Miller.

Ins: Josh Miller
Outs: None

Knights:  Shannon McDonnell, James McManus, Junior Sa’u, Wes Naiqama, Akuila Uate, Kurt Gidley (C), Jarrod Mullen, Richie Fa’aoso, Matt Hilder, Evarn Tuimavave, Chris Houston, Cory Paterson, Joel Edwards.  Interchange: Tyrone Roberts, Antonio Kaufusi, Marvin Karawana, Dan Tolar.

Ins: Cory Paterson, Marvin Karawana, Dan Tolar
Outs: Mark Taufua (NSW Cup), Steve Southern (NSW Cup), Con Mika (NSW Cup)

Team analysis: The Raiders are settled for the first time in a while despite their loss, with only Josh Miller added to an extended bench. Alan Tonuge, Josh Dugan and Matt Orford are all a chance to return, but they will have to prove their fitness before the team’s final run on Thursday night. The Knights have some quite big changes, with Cory Paterson back from suspension. Dan Tolar and Marvin Karawana are both promoted into the side, with Con Mika, Steve Southern and Mark Taufua all in the Knights’ Central Coast feeder side.

Dream Team analysis: Sam Williams remains at halfback for the Raiders, but if you haven’t already selected him, don’t do it this round. Orford is pencilled in for a return next weekend, and may be a shock return this round, so Williams won’t be around FG for much longer. Dugan could be back, forcing Ferguson back to the wing. I’d steer clear of both players- Dugan is too much of a risk and Ferguson isn’t setting the world on fire points wise. There’s better value elsewhere.

I was going to recommend picking up Newcastle’s Con Mika ($115,900), due mainly to the fact that he could be selected as a CTW. But, he’s been dropped to NSW Cup, along with Steve Southern and Mark Taufua. Dan Tolar is back though… maybe the Knights have a one red-head policy? Gidley is a great buy while he remains in the halves.

Parramatta Eels v Gold Coast Titans atParramatta Stadium, 3:00pm

Eels:  Luke Burt, Etu Uaisele, Joel Reddy, Jacob Loko, Jordan Atkins, Daniel Mortimer, Jeff Robson, Tim Mannah, Casey McGuire, Fuifui Moimoi, Nathan Hindmarsh, Taniela Lasalo, Justin Horo.  Interchange (from): Billy Rogers, Shane Shackleton, Mitchell Allgood, Carl Webb, Ben Smith.

Ins: Jordan Atkins, Carl Webb
Outs: Jarryd Hayne (suspended, round 10)

Titans:  Luke Capewell, Steve Michaels, Esikeli Tonga, Bodene Thompson, David Mead, William Zillman, Scott Prince, Luke Bailey, Nathan Friend, Matthew White, Greg Bird, Mark Minichiello, Ashley Harrison.  Interchange (from): Michael Henderson, Ryan James, Ben Ridge, Luke O’Dwyer, Sam Tagataese.

Ins: Sam Tagataese
Outs: None

Team analysis: The big news here is that Jarryd Hayne is suspended for his head-butt. Luke Burt moves to fullback, where he had some great form a few years ago. Jordan Atkins comes onto the wing, and Carl Webb joins an extended bench. Expect either Ben Smith or Billy Rogers to drop off that bench. For the Titans, Sam Tagataese jumps onto the bench, with Preston Campbell still sitting out, with Capewell remaining at fullback, and Zillman at five-eighth, the same combination that scraped a win last week.

Dream Team analysis: Allgood and Shackleton have really been disappointing from a DT perspective. Neither have lived up to the great cash cow potential they had, and it seems that they’ve peaked in price already! You might be looking to downgrade these two to some decent rookies when they pop up. Hindmarsh might have only got you 35 points last week, but remember, he spent 10mins in the bin. Should have a massive game at home. Hayne is out for 2 matches… but did anyone pick him up this year? Mannah is on fire. He’s at a premium price now, but his form has been outstanding. One of the best props going around at the moment.

For the Titans, Will Zillman’s scoring shot through the roof with his move to Five-eighth. Nathan Friend is back and it looks like he hasn’t missed a beat, getting a tidy 50 and 52 the past two weeks. If you’re after a premium hooker that isn’t Cam Smith, lock and load. There’s a few young players in the 2nd Row, but they haven’t been scoring that well, and don’t seem to get much game time at the moment. I’d stay away for now.

Sydney Roosters v St George Illawarra Dragons at Sydney Football Stadium, 4:00pm

Roosters:  Anthony Minichiello, Justin Carney, Mitchell Aubusson, Shaun Kenny-Dowall, Joseph ‘BJ’ Leilua, Braith Anasta, Mitchell Pearce, Jason Ryles, Mark Riddell, Martin Kennedy, Tom Symonds, Frank Paul Nuuausala, Nate Myles.  Interchange (from): Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, Mose Masoe, Jake Friend, Daniel Conn, Tinirau Arona, Phil Graham.

Ins: Phil Graham, Tinirau Arona
Outs: None

Dragons:  Darius Boyd, Brett Morris, Mark Gasnier, Matt Cooper, Jason Nightingale, Jamie Soward, Ben Hornby, Dan Hunt, Nathan Fien, Michael Weyman, Beau Scott, Ben Creagh, Matt Prior.  Interchange (from): Jon Green, Dean Young, Trent Merrin, Kyle Stanley, Adam Cuthbertson, Mitch Rein.

Ins: Nathan Fien, Kyle Stanley
Outs: None

Team analysis: Big news here, more on the people NOT in the side than in it. Carney and Watts are both suspended indefinitely, although Watts has a long term injury and could still be sacked. Other than that, Phil Graham  and Tinirau Arona both join an extended bench, whilst Nathan Fien comes back after pulling out late last week, and Kyle Stanley joins the bench as cover for the back line.

Dream Team analysis: Anasta will be back at Five-eighth for a lot of the season now, so there’s a spot open in the back row at the Roosters. Tom Symonds was seemingly his replacement, but he’s under a bit of an injury cloud. What about Mitch Aubusson?! He used to be a reliable CTW… now he’s getting scores of 19 and 13. Brian Smith likes to move things around up until kick off, so take this line up with a grain of salt. Who knows who will be turning up on Anzac Day.

Fein and Stanley are back for the Dragons. Quite a relief for the 31,500 coaches who have Fein in their side. Interesting that Dean Young is still named on the bench, but we do know that these things can change. Also, Gaz has been killing it. I don’t know if he’s going to be in the NSW side, but if he isn’t… a definite keeper!

Melbourne Storm v New Zealand Warriors at AAMI Park, 7:00pm

Storm: Billy Slater, Anthony Quinn, Dane Nielsen, Beau Champion, Matt Duffie, Gareth Widdop, Cooper Cronk, Jesse Bromwich, Cameron Smith, Bryan Norrie, Adam Blair, Kevin Proctor, Todd Lowrie.  Interchange: Ryan Hinchcliffe, Atelea Vea, Adam Woolnough, Jaiman Lowe.

Ins: None
Outs: None

Warriors:  Lance Hohaia, Bill Tupou, Lewis Brown, Simon Mannering (C), Krisnan Inu, James Maloney, Brett Seymour, Sam Rapira, Aaron Heremaia, Jacob Lillyman, Feleti Mateo, Elijah Taylor, Michael Luck.  Interchange (from): Alehana Mara, Jeremy Latimore, Ben Matulino, Ukuma Ta’al, Russell Packer.

Ins: Brett Seymour, Jacob Lillyman, Ukuma Ta’ai
Outs: Shaun Berrigan (broken hand, round 13), Sione Lousi (NSW Cup)

Team analysis: The Storm stay settled, again, whilst the Warriors make some big changes. Shaun Berrigan is out for some time with a broken hand, causing another re-shuffle, with Lewis Brown and Simon Mannering coming into the centres, Feleti Mateo joining the second row, and Brett Seymour returning at halfback. Jacob Lillyman and Ukuma Ta’ai come back into the side, with Sione Lousi being dropped to the bench of NSW Cup.

Dream Team analysis: No changes for the Storm, but Cam Smith, what a legend. It seems that those who have him (as captain, naturally) are starting to pull away from the pack. At $421,900 I wouldn’t be rushing him into your side now, especially because Test and Origin duties await. But after that? You’d be silly not to.

Plenty of changes for the Warriors, with pretty much the entire team changing jersey numbers (not really, but you get the idea). Berrigan is gone with a broken hand, leaving those with him in their teams with a problem. He’s lost $4,200 overall this season, so should we just cover him until he returns? I can see the argument either way, so it’s up to you. Lewis Brown is back in the centres, which will probably hurt his score. Mateo is back to the 2nd Row, but I don’t think he’s going to be having a huge game points wise. Elijah Taylor though… Keep your eye on him.