Lakey’s Teams Analysis – Magic Round

We’ve hit that magical time of the season where the NRL descends on Brisbane and grown men (and the ladies) are granted leave passes for a weekend of shenanigans. If you’ve never been, put it on your bucket list. It’s a must-do.

Here’s the teams for round 10. Yes, we’ve hit double digits.

This Weeks Bye Team/s

Newcastle Knights

No magic for my Knights this year. They’ve been deemed muggle bred.

CANTERBURY-BANKSTOWN BULLDOGS vs CANBERRA RAIDERS

Friday, 6.00pm, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane

Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs

1. Hayze Perham 2. Jacob Kiraz 3. Jake Averillo 4. Paul Alamoti 5. Declan Casey 6. Josh Reynolds 7. Matt Burton 8. Max King 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Tevita Pangai Junior 11. Corey Waddell 12. Jacob Preston 13. Raymond Faitala-Mariner 

Bench: 14. Karl Oloapu 15. Jayden Okunbor 16. Franklin Pele 17. Samuel Hughes 

Reserves: 19. Kurtis Morrin 20. Jackson Topine 21. Harrison Edwards 22. Kyle Flanagan 23. Blake Wilson

Teams Analysis:

The Dogs wicked injury run continues with Max King ($611.9k – FRF/2RF – BE 54) being scratched pre-game last week due to a rib issue and then Braidon Burns injuring his MCL against the Dragons. He’s set to miss up to eight weeks as a result. Fortunately for the Dogs, King has been named.

With Burns’ extended absence, Jacob Kiraz ($650.5k – CTW – BE 137) has made an early comeback from his injury. He wasn’t due until next week but the Dogs are mighty thin on the outside. It’s huge news but also a huge breakeven if you don’t have the kid in your side already. If you do, just take the win.

Canberra Raiders

1. Sebastian Kris 2. Xavier Savage 3. Jarrod Croker 4. Matthew Timoko 5. Jordan Rapana 6. Jack Wighton 7. Jamal Fogarty 8. Josh Papali’i 9. Zac Woolford 10. Joseph Tapine 11. Hudson Young 12. Elliott Whitehead 13. Corey Horsburgh 

Bench: 14. Tom Starling 15. Emre Guler 16. Pasami Saulo 17. Ata Mariota 

Reserves: 18. Brad Schneider 19. James Schiller 20. Trey Mooney 21. Corey Harawira-Naera 22. Peter Hola

Teams Analysis:

Minor changes for the Raiders so far but it must be noted again that Xavier Savage ($485.3k – FLB) is back, but only on the wing for now. He played fullback in NSW Cup, scoring a try and running close to 150m.

That means Jarrod Croker ($336.5k – CTW – BE -8) is still hanging about and honestly, he’s starting to look ok. In his third game back last week, the soon-to-be 300 gamer crossed the stripe early on his way to 69 points and a $57k price rise. Congrats if you got on board.

MANLY-WARRINGAH SEA EAGLES vs BRISBANE BRONCOS

Friday, 8.05pm, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane

Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles

1. Tom Trbojevic 2. Jason Saab 3. Brad Parker 4. Tolutau Koula 5. Reuben Garrick 6. Cooper Johns 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Taniela Paseka 9. Lachlan Croker 10. Sean Keppie 11. Haumole Olakau’atu 12. Kelma Tuilagi 13. Josh Aloiai 

Bench: 14. Karl Lawton 15. Ben Trbojevic 16. Ethan Bullemor 17. Aaron Woods 

Reserves: 18. Samuela Fainu 19. Kaeo Weekes 20. Ray Tuaimalo-Vaega 21. Christian Tuipulotu 22. Ben Condon

Teams Analysis:

Not a week goes by at the moment without some sort of Trbojevic news coming out of Manly. We’re blessed with the return of Tom Trbojevic ($594.7k – FLB – BE 84) at fullback, but brother Jake Trbojevic ($525.7k – FRF/2RF – BE 48) is dealing with a calf strain and is expecting to miss the next two weeks while dealing with that. It’s a hit to their front row stocks. Sean Keppie ($525.7k – FRF/2RF – BE 48) gets the start in his place.

Turbo back is huge for the 31% of teams still holding. He’s clearly been on a down slide of late, but all fullbacks not named Latrell have had their issues in recent weeks. He’s far from a outlier in that respect.

In other good SuperCoach news, Tolutau Koula ($460.6k – CTW/FLB – BE 47) returns from injury, going into centre and moving Reuben Garrick ($545.8k – FLB/CTW – BE 84) out to the wing. Garrick has been a dud since many grabbed him against the suddenly unbeatable Tigers two weeks ago but a move back onto the wing and hopefully some decent weather should see those better scores returning too.

And still no Josh Schuster. For those who haven’t heard, ongoing quad issues and ongoing off-field issues have resulted in him being said to miss the “next few weeks”. What a waste.

Brisbane Broncos

1. Reece Walsh 2. Jesse Arthars 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Herbie Farnworth 5. Selwyn Cobbo 6. Ezra Mam 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Thomas Flegler 9. Billy Walters 10. Payne Haas 11. Kurt Capewell 12. Jordan Riki 13. Patrick Carrigan 

Bench: 14. Cory Paix 15. Corey Jensen 16. Keenan Palasia 17. Martin Taupau 

Reserves: 18. Deine Mariner 19. Xavier Willison 20. Jock Madden 21. Delouise Hoeter 22. Kobe Hetherington

Teams Analysis:

No surprise here as Payne Haas ($757k – FRF – BE 90) and Ezra Mam ($524.6k – 5-8 – BE 29) are straight back in after serving their suspensions. Kobe Hetherington and Jock Madden are back into the reserves.

It will definitely help the team after being embarrassed on home soil by the Rabbitohs last week. Luckily, this one’s an away game……

THE WARRIORS vs PENRITH PANTHERS

Saturday, 3.00pm, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane

The Warriors

1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 3. Marcelo Montoya 4. Adam Pompey 5. Edward Kosi 6. Dylan Walker 7. Shaun Johnson 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Wayde Egan 10. Bunty Afoa 11. Jackson Ford 12. Marata Niukore 13. Tohu Harris 

Bench: 14. Bayley Sironen 15. Josh Curran 16. Demitric Sifakula 17. Tom Ale 

Reserves: 18. Freddy Lussick 20. Taine Tuaupiki 21. Viliami Vailea 22. Ronald Volkman 23. Kalani Going

Teams Analysis:

It’s been a tough couple of weeks for the Warriors and things don’t look any easier when they face the Panthers on Saturday afternoon. The team is boosted by the naming of Tohu Harris ($564.4k – FRF/2RF – BE 70), however Warriors coaching staff have stated at the stage he is only a 60% chance to play as his “MCL is loose but structurally sound and he was running well on it.”

Since Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad ($200.8k – FLB – BE 16) suffered a concussion just a week ago, he’s not eligible to play due to the NRL’s 11 day stand down period so it’s a surprise to see him named. Taine Tuaupiki ($200.8k – FLB – BE 16) is in the reserves and should come in at fullback. He was named their last week but withdrawn due to a leg injury.

Addin Fonua-Blake ($679.2k – FRF – BE 16) continued his run of form, even without scoring a try for the third week straight. His 85 points were very handy for those Coaches who took the punt, but he was played at lock last week. He’s named back at prop now with Tohu at lock. Stilesy will let you know if this stays as is.

Penrith Panthers

1. Dylan Edwards 2. Sunia Turuva 3. Tyrone Peachey 4. Stephen Crichton 5. Brian To’o 6. Jarome Luai 7. Nathan Cleary 8. Moses Leota 9. Mitch Kenny 10. James Fisher-Harris 11. Scott Sorensen 12. Zac Hosking 13. Isaah Yeo 

Bench: 14. Soni Luke 15. Lindsay Smith 16. Liam Henry 17. Jaeman Salmon 

Reserves: 18. Jack Cogger 19. Luke Garner 20. Thomas Jenkins 21. Spencer Leniu 22. Chris Smith

Teams Analysis:

Did anyone have the Tigers beating Penrith on their round 9 bingo card? The NRL is crazy.

James Fisher-Harris ($534.3k – FRF – BE 78) returns to boost the pack that was decimated in recent weeks. Matt Eisenhuth drops out after hurting his shoulder and being unable to finish the game.

Tyrone Peachey ($289k – 2RF – BE -11) remains at left centre for those looking for a downgrade option this week. It’s not his spot long term, but with Izack Tago out for six weeks, Peach should have enough time to earn some good cash provided he keeps crossing the stripe like he did last weekend.

Is it time to panic on Nathan Cleary ($885.2k – HFB – BE 161)? Part of me wants to. Another part of me remembers watching him tear up Magic Round for a record breaking score as my captain just a year or so ago. I’m very torn, but this groin injury does appear to be hampering him and without the goal kicking, his usual 60 base has become 40’s. Not good.

CRONULLA-SUTHERLAND SHARKS vs THE DOLPHINS

Saturday, 5:30pm, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane

Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks

1. William Kennedy 2. Sione Katoa 3. Jesse Ramien 4. Siosifa Talakai 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo 6. Matt Moylan 7. Nicho Hynes 8. Oregon Kaufusi 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Royce Hunt 11. Briton Nikora 12. Teig Wilton 13. Dale Finucane 

Bench: 14. Cameron McInnes 15. Jack Williams 16. Wade Graham 17. Thomas Hazelton 

Reserves: 18. Braydon Trindall 19. Connor Tracey 20. Jesse Colquhoun 21. Mawene Hiroti 22. Jayden Berrell

Teams Analysis:

Prop Braden Hamlin-Uele is out for up to four weeks after a hip-drop tackle caused a grade two medial ligament strain. Royce Hunt ($288.4k – FRF – BE 11) takes his place in the starting team. And Dale Finucane ($464.2k – 2RF – BE 52) is back from suspension at lock, which moves Cameron McInnes ($468.2k – 2RF – BE 43) back to the bench.

For those that finally grabbed Briton Nikora ($751.1k – 2RF – BE 80) and were stressing when he suffered a knee injury, he’s been cleared of anything serious and has been named for the time being.

Is it time to auto-captain Nicho Hynes ($994.2k – HFB – BE 74)? I over-thought things last week with the Cowboys matchup on Thursday and Cleary’s Tigers matchup. It cost me almost 100 points for the mistake. Don’t do what Danny don’t does.

The Dolphins

1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Euan Aitken 4. Brenko Lee 5. Tesi Niu 6. Kodi Nikorima 7. Isaiya Katoa 8. Jesse Bromwich 9. Jeremy Marshall-King 10. Kenny Bromwich 11. Felise Kaufusi 12. Connelly Lemuelu 13. Tom Gilbert 

Bench: 14. Jarrod Wallace 15. Anthony Milford 16. Mason Teague 17. Herman Ese’ese 

Reserves: 18. Kurt Donoghoe 19. Poasa Faamausili 20. Edrick Lee 21. Valynce Te Whare 22. JJ Collins

Teams Analysis:

BIG NEWS! With Brenko Lee likely to be out because of a twinged hamstring, young gun Valynce Te Whare ($200.8k – CTW) is set to debut in the centres for the Dolphins this week. News came out during Tuesday that the team was celebrating VTW at training so he should be promoted once cuts are made. It’s never good to celebrate an injury but we can only hope the kid takes this opportunity, runs with it and cements his spot in the side for the foreseeable future. We desperately need the downgrade option.

Meanwhile, Tesi Niu ($577.9k – CTW/FLB – BE 34) has overcome his knee injury to take up his spot on the left flank, pushing out last week’s popular cheapie option Robert Jennings. We tried to warn you.

Not much else of note here. Ray Stone is out through concussion and replaced on the bench by Poasa Faamausili ($234.8k – FRF – BE 32). And Anthony Milford ($427.4k – 5-8/HFB – BE 93) has made his way onto the bench for the time being.

I mentioned how Connelly Lemuelu ($521.9k – CTW/2RF – BE -22) survived last weeks suspension returns to stay on an edge. What I never saw coming was a two try, 120 point explosion. He went huge and will jump in price nicely this week before having the bye in round 11.

MELBOURNE STORM vs SOUTH SYDNEY RABBITOHS

Saturday, 7:45pm, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane

Melbourne Storm

1. Nick Meaney 2. William Warbrick 3. Reimis Smith 4. Justin Olam 5. Xavier Coates 6. Cameron Munster 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Nelson Asofa-Solomona 9. Harry Grant 10. Christian Welch 11. Trent Loiero 12. Eliesa Katoa 13. Josh King 

Bench: 14. Bronson Garlick 15. Aaron Pene 16. Tom Eisenhuth 17. Tariq Sims 

Reserves: 18. Tyran Wishart 19. Grant Anderson 20. Tepai Moeroa 21. Jordan Grant 22. Jonah Pezet

Teams Analysis:

Melbourne are fresh off the bye and so aren’t missing too much from their previous side from round 8. The notable exception being Eliesa Katoa ($545.8k – 2RF – BE 105) who’s in the NRL’s 11 day concussion period following ANZAC day. He’s been named but I was under the assumption he wouldn’t be able to play. Wait to see how this one plays out.

As good as the Bunnies have been of late, the one place they have been giving up point is against hookers. They’re currently allowing 56 PPG at the position and we know that Harry Grant ($690.9k – HOK – BE 72) just tonned up two weeks ago. Rested and against the potential NSW rake, he’ll be up for a big one.

South Sydney Rabbitohs

1. Latrell Mitchell 2. Alex Johnston 3. Isaiah Tass 4. Campbell Graham 5. Taane Milne 6. Cody Walker 7. Lachlan Ilias 8. Tevita Tatola 9. Damien Cook 10. Hame Sele 11. Michael Chee Kam 12. Jacob Host 13. Cameron Murray 

Bench: 14. Jed Cartwright 15. Jai Arrow 16. Liam Knight 17. Thomas Burgess 

Reserves: 18. Josiah Karapani 19. Blake Taaffe 20. Daniel Suluka-Fifita 21. Ben Lovett 22. Dean Hawkins

Teams Analysis:

The Bunnies are flying. They made a big statement to the NRL with a last minute win over the defending premiers followed up by a demolition of the league leading Broncos. And better yet, they’re doing it without injuries. They’ve made just one change with Liam Knight ($332.8k – 2RF/FRF) replacing Davvy Moale on the bench.

As mentioned earlier, there are no fullbacks going better than Latrell Mitchell ($962.1k – FLB – BE 90) at present. He had that one bad game against Manly but otherwise hasn’t gone under 60 and his last four scores are 146, 121, 102 and 96. Incredible. Just ride the hot hand.

Which could also include Campbell Graham ($801.9k – CTW – BE 71) who is now the the highest total scoring centre and highest averaging by anyone who’s played three or more games.

WESTS TIGERS vs St. GEORGE-ILLAWARRA DRAGONS

Sunday 1.50pm, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane

Wests Tigers

1. Jahream Bula 2. David Nofoaluma 3. Starford To’a 4. Tommy Talau 5. Junior Tupou 6. Brandon Wakeham 7. Luke Brooks 8. Stefano Utoikamanu 9. Apisai Koroisau 10. David Klemmer 11. Isaiah Papali’i 12. John Bateman 13. Fonua Pole 

Bench: 14. Jake Simpkin 15. Joe Ofahengaue 16. Alex Twal 17. Asu Kepaoa 

Reserves: 18. Alex Seyfarth 19. Justin Matamua 20. Daine Laurie 21. Shawn Blore 22. Triston Reilly

Teams Analysis:

Not much to change for the Tigers after picking up their first win of the season. That may have been the upset of the millennium. The only one being Brent Naden is out, Tommy Talau ($246k – CTW – BE 35) goes to centre and Asu Kepaoa ($417.1k – CTW – BE 56) comes onto the bench.

As far as SuperCoach goes, this is a wasteland. There’s not one single player who is averaging over 60 points from this team. The closest is Isaiah Papali’i ($623.6k – 2RF – BE 91) with 57.3 PPG. Yuck!

If you’re looking for a downgrade option at fullback (for some reason), Jahream Bula ($200.8k – FLB – BE -38) is on the bubble this week.

St George-Illawarra Dragons

1. Tyrell Sloan 2. Mathew Feagai 3. Moses Suli 4. Max Feagai 5. Mikaele Ravalawa 6. Talatau Amone 7. Ben Hunt 8. Jack de Belin 9. Moses Mbye 10. Blake Lawrie 11. Billy Burns 12. Jaydn Su’A 13. Jack Bird 

Bench: 14. Jayden Sullivan 15. Michael Molo 16. Ben Murdoch-Masila 17. Josh Kerr 

Reserves: 18. Toby Couchman 19. Jaiyden Hunt 20. Jacob Liddle 21. Zane Musgrove 22. Viliami Fifita

Teams Analysis:

A shocking twist for the Dragons. Zac Lomax has been axed. It’s desperate times in the ‘Gong. Taking over at left centre is Max Feagai ($234.8k – CTW) with Mikaele Ravalawa ($475.5k – CTW – BE -23) is back on the wing. Griffin is on the hot seat and looks to be panic picking his teams nowadays.

Not much else in the way of changes to last weeks team. Ben Murdoch-Masila ($300.7k – FRF/2RF – BE 26) was named to start last week, but is back onto the bench. It’s Jack de Belin ($548.7k – FRF/2RF – BE 30) who starts at prop here with Jack Bird ($627.7k – CTW/2RF – BE 56). Jaydn Su’A ($512.4k – 2RF – BE 41) and BIlly Burns ($294.6k – 2RF) are the new back row pairing.

I cannot stand the man from a moral standpoint, but JDB is starting to put together some decent scoring. Since getting a starting gig, he’s scored 52, 63 and 71. It’s just up to you to decide if you can live with yourself.

In all honesty, this might be the game to skip. Maybe have a sleep in on Sunday.

SYDNEY ROOSTERS vs NORTH QUEENSLAND COWBOYS

Sunday, 4.00pm, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane

Sydney Roosters

1. James Tedesco 2. Corey Allan 3. Joseph Suaalii 4. Drew Hutchison 5. Jaxson Paulo 6. Joseph Manu 7. Luke Keary 8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves 9. Brandon Smith 10. Lindsay Collins 11. Egan Butcher 12. Nat Butcher 13. Victor Radley 

Bench: 14. Jake Turpin 15. Angus Crichton 16. Sitili Tupouniua 17. Matthew Lodge 

Reserves: 18. Fletcher Baker 19. Sam Walker 20. Tuipulotu Katoa 21. Billy Smith 22. Nathan Brown

Teams Analysis:

The Chooks won well last week but they suffered some more injuries along the way. The most SuperCoach significant of those being to Brandon Smith ($497k – HOK – BE 43) who was hospitalised with a neck injury. It’s worse than it sounds, it was just precautionary but there is some concern that he’ll miss this one.

Jake Turpin ($229.8k – HOK – BE 37) has been named as back up to Cheese and that’s because regular utility Drew Hutchison ($231.1k – 5-8/2RF – BE 42) has gone to the centres to cover the injured Paul Momirovski. Meanwhile, Joey Manu ($613.7k – CTW – BE 30), a centre by trade, remains in the halves and Sam Walker still can’t get back into the team. In fairness, those you grabbed Manu when he got named at #6 two weeks ago have been very happy with the return of 90 and then 63 points. Doing far better than my Garrick, that’s for damn sure.

Jared Waerea-Hargreaves ($485k – FRF – BE 35) is back in the pack too, with Fletcher Baker making way.

Nth Queensland Cowboys

1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Kyle Feldt 3. Valentine Holmes 4. Peta Hiku 5. Murray Taulagi 6. Tom Dearden 7. Chad Townsend 8. Jordan McLean 9. Reece Robson 10. Coen Hess 11. Heilum Luki 12. Jack Gosiewski 13. Reuben Cotter 

Bench: 14. Jake Granville 15. Mitchell Dunn 16. Jamayne Taunoa-Brown 17. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki 

Reserves: 18. Riley Price 19. Ben Hampton 20. Brendan Elliot 21. Taniela Sadrugu 22. Jake Bourke

Teams Analysis:

Jeremiah Nanai has copped a four week suspension for his hip drop tackle, but Heilum Luki ($448.1k – 2RF – BE 22) makes a timely return and will slot straight in on the right edge.

Not that he’s SuperCoach relevant at all, but Chad Townsend ($350.1k – HFB – BE 72) failed to finish last game and has been absent from training to start the week. Obviously named and the intent is to play, but don’t be surprised to see him pulled before kick-off.

Unfortunately, Tom Chester has torn his ACL which ends his season.

It was so ugly for the Cows last weekend, but even in those games Val Holmes ($667.7k – CTW – BE 69) had been scoring well. Until I shouted him out that is. The result: 26 points. His worst score since round 1 last year. Got ‘im.

But all the Cows had a down week, none worse than Reuben Cotter ($597.6k – FRF – BE 74) who only played 34 minutes for some reason. Can anyone explain that? He’s named at lock again but considering he’s been dropped to bench the past two weeks, I’d expect the same again.

GOLD COAST TITANS vs PARRAMATTA EELS

Sunday 6:25pm, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane

Gold Coast Titans

1. Jayden Campbell 2. Alofiana Khan-Pereira 3. Brian Kelly 4. Jojo Fifita 5. Phillip Sami 6. Kieran Foran 7. Tanah Boyd 8. Moeaki Fotuaika 9. Chris Randall 10. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui 11. David Fifita 12. Joe Stimson 13. Isaac Liu 

Bench: 14. Kruise Leeming 15. Erin Clark 16. Klese Haas 17. Jo Vuna 

Reserves: 18. Keano Kini 19. Aaron Schoupp 20. Thomas Weaver 21. Thomas Mikaele 22. Sam McIntyre

Teams Analysis:

After just returning, AJ Brimson is set to be sidelined for an extended period with a hamstring injury, with Jayden Campbell ($444.7k – FLB – BE 69) named at fullback as he was earlier in the year. And that’s the extent of the changes to the Titans.

On a personal note: I hate not owning David Fifita ($797.9k – 2RF – BE 41). It’s been such a punishing watch.

Parramatta Eels

1. Clinton Gutherson 2. Maika Sivo 3. Viliami Penisini 4. Bailey Simonsson 5. Haze Dunster 6. Dylan Brown 7. Mitchell Moses 8. Wiremu Greig 9. Josh Hodgson 10. Junior Paulo 11. Shaun Lane 12. Andrew Davey 13. J’maine Hopgood 

Bench: 14. Bryce Cartwright 15. Brendan Hands 16. Ryan Matterson 17. Makahesi Makatoa 

Reserves: 18. Jakob Arthur 19. Sean Russell 20. Ofahiki Ogden 21. Matt Doorey 22. Jack Murchie

Teams Analysis:

We’ve been spruiking it, but the Eels have one of the best bye schedules of any team, playing on all three of the big bye weeks. So now’s the time to make some moves.

I wish I’d held onto J’Maine Hopgood ($577k – 2RF – BE 21) when he was benched. He’s now returned to starting lock and had a massive game against the Knights.

Andrew Davey ($447.8k – 2RF – BE 74) has been given the nod on the right edge to start here. Ryan Matterson ($723k – 2RF – BE 68) missed last week with the flu (is the Magic Round flu reappearing?), but is back on the bench with Bryce Cartwright ($451.4k – 2RF – BE 31). And Matt Doorey is done.

Bailey Simonsson ($348.9k – FLB/CTW – BE 29) returns from concussion protocols. But not at the expense of Haze Dunster ($225.1k – CTW – BE 15). He survives.

One man I’m looking closely at for those bye rounds, along with so many others, is Clint Gutherson ($753.1k – FLB – BE 26). It might be a move having to be made early as the King is firing and his price is sky-rocketing as a result. His 113 was his first ton of the year, and it took his first career hat-trick to do it, but he and the Eels look to be building after a slow start.