Lakey’s Teams Analysis – Round 11

Another successful Magic Round which marks off the next phase of the regular season; Origin and the byes. With only two more weeks before we get to the first major bye round of 2023, we really should be making plans to cover the outs starting weeks ago. But it’s never too late. Unfortunately, one thing that will inevitably ruin all of our best laid plans, the team lists. And here they are for round 11.

Sorry about the delayed drop this week. It’s been a busy day and I’d hate to just recycle the same stuff as every other outlet under the name of “analysis”.

This Weeks Bye Team/s

The Dolphins

MELBOURNE STORM vs BRISBANE BRONCOS

Thursday, 7.50pm, AAMI Park, Melbourne

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. Grant Anderson 

Reserves: 18. Tyran Wishart 19. Tariq Sims 20. Tepai Moeroa 21. Tui Kamikamica 22. Jayden Nikorima

Teams Analysis:

It’s a good one to kick of round 11 with the ever dangerous Storm taking on the ladder leading Broncos.

Nothing major to note here with the no changes thus far. However, Tui Kamikamica is eligible to return from suspension and has been named in the extended reserves.

It should be noted also, that Nelson Asofa-Solomona‘s ($599.8k – FRF – BE 57) knee was heavily strapped on the weekend and then he suffered a rib injury. He’s been cleared to play but it’s something to be aware of leading up to game 1.

This game really shapes up for some great Vice-Captain options but the Broncos have been really stingy against left halves (45 PPG) and hookers (32 PPG) this season, so looper beware.

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. Kobe Hetherington 17. Martin Taupau 

Reserves: 18. Deine Mariner 19. Keenan Palasia 20. Jock Madden 21. Brendan Piakura 22. Xavier Willison

Teams Analysis:

Brisbane bounced back from an embarrassing loss in round 9 to put Manly to the sword “away from home” in Magic round.

As such, it’s a pretty standard list for the Broncos once again. The only question marks are over Kurt Capewell ($478.5k – 2RF – BE 35), who was deemed to have shown cat. 2 concussion symptoms, and Adam Reynolds ($660.9k – HFB – BE 106), who got a cork towards the end of last week’s win. Both should be ok to play but there’s a few players on standby should Capewell not be cleared by the neuro.

To quote the great Mark Twain, Reece Walsh ($666.1k – FLB – BE 89) came out in round 10 and said “it appears the reports of my death have been greatly exaggerated”. He starred for 93 points in what’s really a catch 22. Manager’s hope the form stays, but if so, he’s a real shot at a Origin call up and then your short numbers for round 13 when you’d otherwise have a stud fullback. I think it’s best for owners and non-owners alike that Walsh just floats around the 60 PPG mark without doing anything spectacular.

CANTERBURY-BANKSTOWN BULLDOGS vs THE WARRIORS

Friday, 6.00pm, Accor Stadium, Sydney

Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs

1. Hayze Perham 2. Jacob Kiraz 3. Jake Averillo 4. Paul Alamoti 5. Josh Addo-Carr 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. Harrison Edwards 

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

Teams Analysis:

The Dogs are slowly getting healthier and it’s needed with their season starting to slip away in all too familiar fashion.

Jacob Kiraz ($561.1k – CTW – BE 128) surprised me by first being named, and then playing out the game over the weekend. He looked far from 100% but got through his return ok and has been named again. With a massive BE still, he can be waited on until closer to week 13. However, in a big boost for the club, his wing partner Josh Addo-Carr ($556.5k – CTW – BE 93) has likewise been named to return early. This is huge because not only do they get back a rep player and club leader, but they no longer have to play Declan Casey. He’s out provided the Fox gets the ok following this week’s captains run.

Of course, Canterbury are still without Braidon Burns, Luke Thompson and Viliame Kikau but Max King ($601.5k – FRF/2RF – BE 89) only missed the one week so take what you can get.

The other change to last week’s team is that Harrison Edwards ($200.8k – FRF – BE -18) is in on the bench to play his third game of the season. Joining him in that boat is young half Karl Oloapu ($200.8k – 5/8 – BE 3), but I’m not convinced they’re worth a trade in with their current roles and security.

The Warriors

1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 3. Rocco Berry 4. Adam Pompey 5. Marcelo Montoya 6. Ronald Volkman 7. Shaun Johnson 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Wayde Egan 10. Bunty Afoa 11. Josh Curran 12. Marata Niukore 13. Tohu Harris 

Bench: 14. Freddy Lussick 15. Dylan Walker 16. Demitric Sifakula 17. Tom Ale 

Reserves: 18. Bayley Sironen 20. Taine Tuaupiki 21. Ali Leiataua 22. Viliami Vailea 23. Kalani Going

Teams Analysis:

Speaking of injuries, the Warriors are going through their own crisis at present.

Rocco Berry ($307.1k – CTW) comes into the side in place of Ed Kosi. Meanwhile, Ronald Volkman ($250.4k – HFB) has been named for a return to the halves which moves Dylan Walker ($368.9k – CTW/2RF – BE 49) back to a utility role.

The other issue, and a far more SuperCoach relevant one, was the mystery surrounding, and subsequent loss of, Jackson Ford. He looked like he was on his way to a huge score before being sin-binned, and then failing to return because of, and I quote, “something to do with his head”. Apparently, that’s not concussion related but he’s not been named here so I don’t know what to think. Weird.

Ford has lost the spot to Josh Curran ($475.1k – 2RF – BE 40) for the time being, who’s a great replacement in real-time, but just about ruins us in SuperCoach, especially if he sticks. Maybe it’s time to take the profits on Ford and run.

On a side note, I really wish I’d got on Addin Fonua-Blake ($738.7k – FRF – BE 51) a few weeks ago. I’ve always been a big fan and he’s taken his game to new levels over the past month. He’s just too expensive for me now. But geez, he’s hard to watch as a non-owner.

PENRITH PANTHERS vs SYDNEY ROOSTERS

Friday, 8.00pm, BlueBet Stadium, Penrith

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. Spencer Leniu 17. Jaeman Salmon 

Reserves: 18. Jack Cogger 19. Luke Garner 20. Thomas Jenkins 21. Liam Martin 22. Liam Henry

Teams Analysis:

Since Spencer Leniu ($379.4k – FRF – BE -1) was a late addition to the Magic Round team, and Liam Martin is still on the peripherals of injury return, there’s not much happening at the foot of the mountains.

Nathan Cleary ($843.7k – HFB – BE 95) punished all who traded him out last week with a huge 120 bounce back game. It was especially worse if you went to Moses, but more on that later. And to rub salt in the wound, Cleary’s three game average against the Roosters is 102 PPG (82, 84 and 140).

Sydney Roosters

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

Bench: 14. Drew Hutchison 15. Fletcher Baker 16. Sitili Tupouniua 17. Matthew Lodge 

Reserves: 18. Jake Turpin 19. Naufahu Whyte 20. Sam Walker 21. Tuipulotu Katoa 22. Terrell May

Teams Analysis:

For the Chooks, Angus Crichton ($645.2k – 2RF – BE 75) gets a call up to the starting side because Egan Butcher is out with the concussion policy. Gussy was massive off the bench on the weekend, playing 66 minutes from when Egan was KO’d, scoring a try and 87 SC points. Unfortunately, like Walsh above, if he keeps up that form he’s likely to receive an Origin call-up.

With Butcher out, Fletcher Baker ($275.4k – FRF/2RF – BE 30) comes onto the bench. And now I’m just trying to figure out who the candlestick maker is.

Billy Smith ($289.5k – CTW) made a successful return last weekend with a 71 point game. Put him on your Kirkup list as One to watch.

SOUTH SYDNEY RABBITOHS vs WESTS TIGERS

Saturday, 3:00pm, Accor Stadium, Sydney

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

Reserves: 18. Blake Taaffe 19. Richard Kennar 20. Peter Mamouzelos 21. Ben Lovett 22. Dean Hawkins

Teams Analysis:

I’m struggling to find new superlative adjectives to describe the Bunnies each week. They’ve been unbeatable of late, and by large margins.

As far as the team list goes, there’s no shake-ups required. Cam Murray ($567k – 2RF – BE 91) played 53 minutes before being removed for a HIA. He never returned, but not because he failed, but because it was just too late in the game and he’s fine to play.

One man I’m super keen on from this side is Alex Johnston ($589.1k – CTW – BE 76). He’s dropped over $120k from his starting price and hasn’t been scoring tries. But he did against the Storm last week and I’m nervous at the idea of not owning him against the Tigers. For those worried about the highish BE, AJ had 77 and 114 on the Tiges last season.

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. Shawn Blore 21. Daine Laurie 22. Triston Reilly

Teams Analysis:

And speaking of unbeatable, after getting embarrassed for seven straight weeks, the Tigers have suddenly won back-to-back games to advance to…. nope, they’re still 17th. But they don’t have the worst for and against in the league. That honour goes to the Dogs. So that’s something.

John Bateman ($588.9k – 2RF – BE 87) couldn’t front up last week due to a hamstring strain, but has been named here so it doesn’t appear the issue was that bad. Still Asu Kepaoa ($394.5k – CTW – BE 70) is hanging around just in case he’s required in the run on team again.

One man who isn’t going anywhere is young Jahream Bula ($282.7k – FLB – BE -32). The kid is a genuine freak and it’s a shame he’s at fullback only as he’d be one of the most owned players in SuperCoach if he could be added literally anywhere else. Even still, with scores of 38 (in torrential rain), 60 and 59 from his three outings, some coaches are wondering if he’s worth the downgrade regardless. And honestly, with Origin 1 a mere fortnight away, I’m not going to tell you you can’t trade a Turbo or Teddy out to this gun for some bonus cash. But just know that you won’t have him for round 13.

NORTH QUEENSLAND COWBOYS vs St. GEORGE-ILLAWARRA DRAGONS

Saturday, 5:30pm, Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Townsville

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. Zac Laybutt 21. Brendan Elliot 22. Marly Bitungane

Teams Analysis:

I spoke briefly on last week’s pod of always having to talk JT off an edge after the Chooks beat the Cows at Magic Round each year. Suffice to say, I did not see that result coming on the weekend.

It’s another unchanged lineup named here. For once, Reuben Cotter ($607.3k – FRF – BE 68) actually started at lock where he was named and he had a massive outing. It gives him a three week form line of 76, 29 and 90 during these coaching shenanigans so hopefully this performance proves his value of being on the park. With two weeks to go before Origin though, it’s too late to jump back on board.

Jack Gosiewski ($332.3k – 2RF – BE 9) has survived in the starting squad too, and scored a try on the weekend to bump his score and price. He’s not really playable but could earn some decent cash while Jeremiah Nanai is out for suspension and then Origin.

And just on form lines, the Dragons have allowed right wingers to score 39, 58, 67, 108, 112, 75, 21, 106 and 101. So if you’re looking for a captain option this week, look no further than…….. awwwww Kyle Feldt ($495.7k – CTW – BE 65)?

JT – I think Kyle Feldt is pretty good
Me – You just don’t get football Juz.

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:

Another side with an unchanged naming. This is really starting to seem like a Stilesy wet dream.

As mentioned above (kinda), the Dragons just lost to the Tigers and before that, to the Dogs. Yet, Zac Lomax still can’t get a run. I have no idea what’s going on here. Last year, he was an injury away from a debut in sky blue. Then Hook changes the side of the field he plays on so he has to develop new combinations, and goes on to insinuate that Zac’s the problem. Can someone tell me what the hell is going on? Hit me up on twitter @dlake631 if you have any answers.

But what’s Zac’s loss is Max Feagai‘s ($234.8k – CTW – BE -28) gain. He’s on the bubble this week with a favourable BE and scores of 63 and 37 to his name. I personally don’t trust any Dragons this year but at least we know he’ll earn cash this week.

Jayden Sullivan ($381.1k – 5/8/HOK – BE 0) is eye-catching though. He starred for the V in the loss with two tries and 83 points in 55 minutes. He won’t score those every week but if that’s how he’s going to play from now on, he’s worth consideration as either your 5/8 or hooker back up.

CANBERRA RAIDERS vs PARRAMATTA EELS

Saturday 7.35pm, GIO Stadium, Canberra

Canberra Raiders

1. Sebastian Kris 2. Albert Hopoate 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. Xavier Savage 19. Harley Smith-Shields 20. Corey Harawira-Naera 21. Trey Mooney 22. Hohepa Puru

Teams Analysis:

Just one move for the Raiders with Albert Hopoate ($393.1k – FLB/CTW – BE 41) coming in for Xavier Savage, who’s dropped to reserves even after getting through last week safely and playing well in my humble opinion. Perhaps the step up was a bit too much too early for Savage but keep an eye on game day mail to see if they swap back.

The rest remains the same and so Corey Horsburgh ($591.1k – FRF/2RF – BE 22) gets another gig at #13. He may be a diagnosed nutcase, but Horse is putting up big scores right now. He’s averaged 70 PPG over the last month. He’s definitely worth looking at.

As is Matt Timoko ($654k – CTW – BE 3). For me, he’s gone under the radar but his form cannot be ignored. A 67 point average and scores of 75, 79 and 119 in his past three has forced his name into this article. He just looks dangerous every time he touches the ball. A real breakout year so far.

Parramatta Eels

1. Clinton Gutherson 2. Maika Sivo 3. Viliami Penisini 4. Bailey Simonsson 5. Haze Dunster 6. Dylan Brown 7. Jakob Arthur 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. Sean Russell 19. Ofahiki Ogden 20. Matt Doorey 21. Daejarn Asi 22. Ky Rodwell

Teams Analysis:

As hinted earlier, Mitch Moses is out having suffered a clear case of cat. 1 concussion symptoms. He’s a forced out and Jakob Arthur ($234.8k – HFB) comes in. Moses finished on 17 points for the game, and you could forgive that score with the failed HIA. Problem is, he suffered it in the 75th minute. He’d basically played a full game anyway and still didn’t score. That would have been a very difficult afternoon to those Cleary traders.

Perhaps the move that should have been made was to Dylan Brown ($750.5k – 5/8 – BE 6). If you don’t have him already, it may be your last chance with a low BE and 116 in his rolling average for the next three weeks.

Actually, we could really list a whole handful of Eels names as buys with the favourable bye round schedule ahead, but two I’m particularly looking at are Shaun Lane ($625.9k – 2RF – BE 85) and Ryan Matterson ($726.1k – 2RF – BE 86). Lane is still working his way back from the injury that derailed the start of his season but has showed glimpses of the form that saw him average almost 80 PPG from round 11 last season. And Matto? Hell, he’s still knocking out 70’s even coming off the bench. Phenomenal.

NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS vs GOLD COAST TITANS

Sunday, 2.00pm, McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle

Newcastle Knights

1. Lachlan Miller 2. Dominic Young 3. Dane Gagai 4. Bradman Best 5. Greg Marzhew 6. Kalyn Ponga 7. Jackson Hastings 8. Daniel Saifiti 9. Phoenix Crossland 10. Leo Thompson 11. Tyson Frizell 12. Lachlan Fitzgibbon 13. Mathew Croker 

Bench: 14. Tyson Gamble 15. Jacob Saifiti 16. Adam Elliott 17. Jack Hetherington 

Reserves: 18. Jack Johns 19. Enari Tuala 20. Adam Clune 21. Dylan Lucas 22. Simi Sasagi

Teams Analysis:

The Knights are back from Bali, where they presumably went for a mid-season trip to talk to some of the ladies about playing with some balls for the rest of the season. Kurt Mann is out with Adam Elliott ($564.5k – 2RF) coming in on the bench for his first action since round 1. That means those with Phoenix Crossland ($348k – 5/8/HFB – BE 39) get him back in as starting hooker.

Not much else to talk about hear. Maybe that Kalyn Ponga ($440.1k – FLB/5/8 – BE 61) should be nice and cheap following Origin but by then you should have your fullbacks and 5/8’s settled.

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. Iszac Fa’asumaleaui 21. Thomas Mikaele 22. Sam McIntyre

Teams Analysis:

Only a minor change to the team that upset the Eels last week. Keano Kini drops out for Kruise Leeming ($351.2k – HOK – BE 45). Doesn’t move the SuperCoach needle though.

I made potentially the most mental health saving trade last week as I used a boost late to turn Cam Murray into David Fifita ($843.1k – 2RF – BE 45). I could finally watch the Titans stress free again. Except this week, as a Knights fan. This could both suck and be awesome at the same time. Remember that time he ran over the top of Ponga three times in the same game at CBus? I do. I was there in person.

MANLY-WARRINGAH SEA EAGLES vs CRONULLA-SUTHERLAND SHARKS

Sunday 4:05pm, 4 Pines Park, Sydney

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. Kaeo Weekes 19. Ray Tuaimalo-Vaega 20. Morgan Harper 21. Samuela Fainu 22. Josh Schuster

Teams Analysis:

How do I do this Stilesy? ✅ 1-17. Yep the Eagles are also unchanged.

Although, we again get to play the Josh Schuster game since he’s been listed in jersey #22. Siebold has stated that he’s available so the wait is on to see if he’s brought in on game day.

I’m considering moving on Tom Trbojevic ($588.8k – FLB – BE 62) this week. The Sharks haven’t allowed much to fullbacks this year and Turbo will presumably be at centre for NSW in a few weeks time. But the thought of what he can do makes me nervous. For example, the 226 points he dropped on the Sharks in 2021. I know, different teams and situations, but still…..

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:

An unchanged 17 again. And really, there’s no need to change too much of this side because of one bad performance. If it happens again, sure, but not yet.

But let’s hope it doesn’t go that way again as easily the most captained player of the week absolutely butchered many scores with his 40 points. But seeing Nicho Hynes ($957.5k – HFB – BE 128) fronting the media after the game, I’m sure he’ll do everything to ensure it stops at one bad game. Plus, there’s the little fact that Nicho scored 130 and 97 on the Eagles last year. I’ll probably skipper him again.