Lake Mail – Magic Round

It’s the most wonderful time of the year. We as SuperCoaches tend to watch 8 of the 8 games every week anyway and what better way to do that than live and in person, with a beer in hand and no ridiculous commentary anywhere to be found. This is my paradise.

I’m as eager as anyone to get out there this weekend and revel in all of it but because to that (and my likely state of mind throughout), the late mail is all the more important. Here’s everything I’ve heard heading into the weekend.

BULLDOGS v KNIGHTS
Friday, 6.00pm, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane

BULLDOGS: Ava Seumanufagai and Jayden Okunbor remained after first cuts but I don’t see any changes taking place. Despite being named in the extendeds, Raymond Faitala-Mariner is battling this flu that’s been doing the rounds and will have to wait until next week to return at the earliest.

24 Hour Cuts: Josh Cook, Jackson Topine, Brandon Wakeham, Raymond Faitala-Mariner, Paul Alamoti

KNIGHTS: Adam Clune has to get through captians run but his knee appears to be good to go so he should run out to partner Tex Hoy in the halves. Edrick Lee had to pass through concussion protocols. Simi Sasagi remains in the extended squad as cover.

Tyson Frizell is another flu victim but should be ok for round 11.

24 Hour Cuts: Brayden Musgrove, Jaron Purcell, Krystian Mapapalangi, Kobe Rugless, Ben Talty

SEA EAGLES v BRONCOS
Friday, 8.05pm, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane

SEA EAGLES: There shouldn’t be any concern for Haumole Olakau’atu after being a late withdrawal last week with illness. However, Josh Schuster, who was said to be “highly doubtful” to play on Friday, has been was cut in the 24 hour squad reduction. Aaron Davey is back from a shoulder complaint and I’d expect he comes on to start in place of Ethan Bullemor.

24 Hour Cuts: Kaeo Weekes, James Roumanos, Josh Schuster, Jamie Humphreys, Jacob Sykes

BRONCOS: All signs point towards both Payne Haas and Kurt Capewell suiting up but both will be monitored right up until game time. Brisbane are on a good run so if there’s any concerns over either man, he’ll be rested again. I don’t see that happening though.

For those wondering about Brendan Piakura (me), he returned from his hamstring injury last weekend in the Hostplus Cup but suffered a concussion. He”’ be back on the comeback trail starting next week.

24 Hour Cuts: Rhys Kennedy, Ezra Mam, Jordan Pereira, Ryan James, Jake Turpin

WARRIORS v RABBITOHS
Saturday, 3.00pm, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane

WARRIORS: Euan Aitken was the big watch this weekend with his concussion recovery progression and has been withdrawn at the 24 hour team cuts. So has Wayde Egan. Jazz Tevaga goes to hooker, Jack Murchie to Aitken’s edge and Aaron Pene to lock. However, I’d expect further shuffling with Tohu into the middle at lock, and Eliesa Katoa to come in on an edge. New Roosters recruit Freddy Lussick has been added to the bench for now.

24 Hour Cuts: Euan Aitken, Wayde Egan, Rocco Berry, Junior Ratuva, Ronald Volkman

RABBITOHS: Blake Taaffe is another who has been struck down by flu this week. Earlier in the week, he needed to “greatly improve” in order to play on Saturday. He’s come out and said he’s good to play and the Bunnies are giving him every chance but have a plan in place for his game day withdrawal. Kodi Nikorima would likely start at fullback in his place.

24 Hour Cuts: Mansour, Shaq Mitchell, Dean Hawkins, Trent Peoples, Josiah Karapani

TITANS v DRAGONS
Saturday, 5.30pm, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane

TITANS: The Titans are expected to be 1-17 with the new look side as they try to stop the rot of their recent form.

DRAGONS: The Dragons ae likely to be without Andrew McCullough due to a thumb injury. His place would be filled by Jayden Sullivan and Tyrell Sloan would be given a reprieve from the bench. Also, expect to see George Burgess come in for Tyrell Fuimaono.

With little-to-no SuperCoach interest in the game, this could be a disaster from yours truly and my endeavour to be sober enough to watch the night game. More details as they come to hand.

STORM v PANTHERS
Saturday, 7.45pm, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane

STORM: There could be a big shuffle on the cards here which would see Nick Meaney back out on a wing, Dean Ieremia excluded and Tyran Wishart coming in to play fullback. He played there filling in for Papenhuyzen last weekend and did so well enough for Bellamy to considering giving him the spot for the time being. But talk about a baptism of fire.

Bellamy has also mentioned Munster as a fullback option, which would see Wishart in the halves, a position he’s far more comfortable in. Either way. plan for Meaney to revert to wing and if that happens, expect to see Tui Kamikamica on the bench for his first game back after serving a nine-game suspension.

PANTHERS: The Panthers will be as named, and as they were last week with Brian To’o on the right wing and Taylan May left.

SHARKS v RAIDERS
Sunday, 2.00pm, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane

SHARKS: I’m fully expecting the same change to the run-on side as last week, being Dale Finucane to prop, Cam McInnes to lock and Aiden Tolman on the bench. Other than that, there won’t be any changes. Nicho Hynes will play fullback in defence but as a quasi-third half in attack.

RAIDERS: No changes expected here with Charnze Nicholl-Klokstad and his corked quad seemingly good enough to play. I’m not expecting to see a Adam Elliott / Tom Starling swap either.

ROOSTERS v EELS
Sunday, 4.05pm, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane

ROOSTERS: Connor Watson returns but keep an eye out for that late Drew Hutchison switch the was happening so often earlier this year.

EELS: The only change the may occur is Sean Russell coming onto the wing in place of Hayze Perham. Russell is very close to a return so if it’s not this weekend, it may well be next.

TIGERS v COWBOYS
Sunday, 6.25pm, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane

TIGERS: Both Luciano Leilua (hamstring) and Ken Maumalo (concussion) have to prove their fitness ahead of Sunday’s closer, but are being given every chance to play. AJ Kepaoa though will be ruled out with COVID. Tyrone Peachey is in line to come into centre and push Oliver Gildart to the wing. Although if Maumalo also can’t play their depth will be seriously tested.

COWBOYS: Yada-yada-yada Lolo prop / Cotter lock something-something.