Lakey’s Teams Analysis – Round 15

What a great couple of weeks of footy. The bye round of round 13 saw very few games but since then we had that fantastic opening Origin game followed by a big round 14 for SuperCoaching and a late Monday game. I’ve missed Monday football.

But we’re back into a normal routine again this week starting with traditional rivals facing off on Thursday night.

ST. GEORGE-ILLAWARRA DRAGONS v SOUTH SYDNEY RABBITOHS

Thursday, 7.50pm, WIN Stadium, Wollongong

St George-Illawarra Dragons

1. Cody Ramsey 2. Mathew Feagai 3. Moses Suli 4. Zac Lomax 5. Mikaele Ravalawa 6. Talatau Amone 7. Ben Hunt 8. Jack de Belin 9. Andrew McCullough 10. Blake Lawrie 11. Jack Bird 12. Jaydn Su’A 13. Tariq Sims

Bench: 14. Moses Mbye 15. Francis Molo 16. Aaron Woods 17. Michael Molo

Reserves: 18. Josh Kerr 19. Tautau Moga 20. Jayden Sullivan 21. Jaiyden Hunt 22. Billy Burns

Changes: Mikaele Ravalawa, Mathew Feagai in
Jonathon Reuben, Tautau Moga out

Winner: The Dragons got dusted by North Queensland last week, but Moses Suli ($461k / 82 pts / BE 47) put his hand up for a roughie selection in your round 17 team. He topped scored for the ‘red V’ on Friday. He’s been very up and down this year but does have a couple of decent games in him if you wanted to take a flyer.

Loser: Where do I start? I could realistically list half the squad in this section after last weekend but I think Zac Lomax ($582k / 43 pts / BE 61) was the real disappointment. He was being mentioned along with Mulitalo, Graham and Sivo as a round 17 option but he then had a shocker with just 43 points.

SuperCoach Talk: St. George will be eager to make up for their lacklustre showing in the opening game last round. They get Tariq Sims ($438k / BE 62) back from his post-Origin rest, as well as / but not too many other changes.

Mikaele Ravalawa ($280k / BE 22) returns from injury which ousts debutant Jonathon Reuben ($175k / 34 pts). I thought the man was very solid on debut and don’t think it’s the last time we see him. On the other wing, Tautau Moga ($205k / 31 pts / BE -6) makes way for Mathew Feagai ($378k / BE 56).

Jaydn Su’A ($477k / 62 pts / BE 49) was big on his return game which has seen him promoted to the starting side again. Josh McGuire ($389k / 8 pts / BE 115) goes out.

Michael Molo ($218k / 22 pts / BE 25) remains on the bench and is a round 17 front row option if desperate. We predicted on the SCReport that he’d be a 20-25 type scorer in his current role and he lived up to that so far. He’s far from a must but if you desperately need money and a potential warm body, he’s there. But I don’t love it.

South Sydney Rabbitohs

1. Kodi Nikorima 2. Alex Johnston 3. Taane Milne 4. Campbell Graham 5. Jaxson Paulo 6. Cody Walker 7. Lachlan Ilias 8. Tevita Tatola 9. Damien Cook 10. Thomas Burgess 11. Keaon Koloamatangi 12. Jai Arrow 13. Cameron Murray

Bench: 14. Blake Taaffe 15. Mark Nicholls 16. Siliva Havili 17. Hame Sele

Reserves: 18. Peter Mamouzelos 19. Isaiah Tass 20. Dean Hawkins 21. Jed Cartwright 22. Liam Knight

Changes: Blake Taaffe in
Peter Mamouzelos out

Winner: So many coaches were tempted by Campbell Graham ($628k / 95 pts / BE 4) heading into last weekend and he did not let anyone down. Except maybe those who didn’t buy into him. Part of his appeal was the great Bunnies draw coming up starting with the Dragons on Thursday. Graham had 74 when these teams met in round 5 this season. He and his partner Alex Johnston ($657k / 114 pts / BE 0) are big VC shots on Thursday night.

Loser: The Bunnies have such a high-powered offense on their day and they put 30 points on the Titans on Saturday afternoon, but Cody Walker ($587k / 59 pts / BE 42) still could contribute all that much. Are his days as a genuine 5/8 premium over?

SuperCoach Talk: Still no Latrell Mitchell ($631k / BE 132) who’s on the comeback from COVID. He’d been ruled out of this week and Origin 2 early in the week but he’ll surely be back in round 16.

Only one minor change for Souths seeing Blake Taaffe ($390k / BE 88) coming back in as a potential AE nightmare for Peter Mamouzelos ($271k / 4 pts).

Damien Cook ($659k / 79 pts / BE 78) proved his value for the SuperCoach home stretch. He was big in the win over Gold Coast. On the other hand, Cameron Murray ($628k / 37 pts / BE 117) played the perfect game for non-owners. He backed up but played limited minutes and scored very low. His BE shoots way up and a couple more of these kind of games will have him in prime buy range from round 19.

For those hunting for round 17 buys, Keaon Koloamatangi ($496k / 69 pts / BE 55) bounced back with a decent score after a couple of leaner weeks.

MANLY-WARRINGAH SEA EAGLES v Nth QUEENSLAND COWBOYS

Friday, 6.00pm, 4 Pines Park, Sydney

Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles

1. Reuben Garrick 2. Jason Saab 3. Morgan Harper 4. Tolutau Koula 5. Christian Tuipulotu 6. Kieran Foran 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Josh Aloiai 9. Lachlan Croker 10. Toafofoa Sipley 11. Haumole Olakau’atu 12. Andrew Davey 13. Jake Trbojevic

Bench: 14. Dylan Walker 15. Josh Schuster 16. Martin Taupau 17. Sean Keppie

Reserves: 18. Taniela Paseka 19. Ben Trbojevic 20. Ethan Bullemor 21. Kaeo Weekes 22. Kurt De Luis

Changes: Daly Cherry-Evans in
Ben Trbojevic out

Winner: It was a huge SuperCoach night for the Eagles, but arguably the most impressive of them was ‘Guac’ Haumole Olakau’atu ($632k / 112 pts / BE 22). He was a beast for his 14% ownership with a big ton. And in better news, he’s set to knock back a NSW call up in order to play for Tonga on rep weekend. That means he won’t play Origin 3 either and will be all good for the “back up” round 18 week.

And yes I’m aware of Josh Aloiai‘s ($423k / 121 pts / BE -11) double but at 0.7% owned, he’s not really SuperCoach relevant. But good on the 941 ghost teams and / or Manly tragics.

Loser: He was originally named to play last week too then pulled following Origin. Since then, we got news that Daly Cherry-Evans ($608k / BE 125) suffered a quad strain in game 1 so I’m sceptical on his inclusion here. He’s far too important to the Eagles late season hopes to risk in this period.

SuperCoach Talk: Since DCE is out, Kieran Foran ($380k / 46 pts / BE 51) and Josh Schuster ($389k / 41 pts / BE 53) remain the halves pairing. They are 2-0 as a combination this year (the past two weeks) but this week is their biggest test.

I mentioned the plans to rid your side of Christian Tuipulotu ($418k / 45 pts / BE 83) and Tolutau Koula ($330k / 75 pts / BE -2) from sides heading towards round 17. Hopefully you were unable to offload Koula, like me. He had his best game by far, scored his first NRL try and has a couple of price rises ahead of him now.

Nth Queensland Cowboys

1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 3. Valentine Holmes 4. Peta Hiku 5. Murray Taulagi 6. Tom Dearden 7. Chad Townsend 8. Jordan McLean 9. Reece Robson 10. Reuben Cotter 11. Connelly Lemuelu 12. Jeremiah Nanai 13. Jason Taumalolo

Bench: 14. Jake Granville 15. Coen Hess 16. Jamayne Taunoa-Brown 17. Griffin Neame

Reserves: 18. Ben Condon 19. Brendan Elliot 20. Kane Bradley 23. Ben Hampton 24. Robert Derby

Changes: Reuben Cotter, Jeremiah Nanai in
Heilum Luki, Tom Gilbert out

Winner: Queensland, and more importantly, SuperCoach hero Reuben Cotter ($599k / BE 76) is back.

Loser: Heilum Luki ($394k / 21 pts / BE 40) is done for 2022 with tests confirming he’s torn his ACL. Hopefully, he can come back better than he was already going. He’s a big loss for this pack.

SuperCoach Talk: A couple of notable changes for the Cowboys, and not for luxury. The Luki injury has forced a pack shuffle.

After initially looking like he was set for a leg amputation, it was a gutsy effort for Jeremiah Nanai ($542k / BE 22) to come back out on field for Queensland. He has somehow been named for this weeks game. Remarkable.

However, Tom Gilbert ($470k / 37 pts / BE 61) is out and coupled with the Luki injury, that brings Connelly Lemuelu ($305k / 82 pts / BE 12) in as the starting left edge.

Double shoutout here for Scott Drinkwater ($581k / 90 pts / BE -7) and Jason Taumalolo ($472k / 89 pts / BE -5). Both men were huge last Friday against the Dragons. Here’s hoping they can continue putting up big numbers.

If you took a punt on Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow ($278k / 20 pts / BE 10) for the bye round, he’s basically got one more week in your team, barring a Koula / Kiraz like bounce back game. But one more week is perfect for a downgrade to a new Melbourne rookie.

MELBOURNE STORM v BRISBANE BRONCOS

Friday, 7.55pm, AAMI Park, Melbourne

Melbourne Storm

1. Nick Meaney 2. Dean Ieremia 3. Marion Seve 4. Justin Olam 5. Grant Anderson 6. Cameron Munster 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Jesse Bromwich 9. Harry Grant 10. Nelson Asofa-Solomona 11. Felise Kaufusi 12. Kenny Bromwich 13. Josh King

Bench: 14. Brandon Smith 15. Tui Kamikamica 16. Trent Loiero 17. Chris Lewis

Reserves: 18. Jayden Nikorima 19. Alec MacDonald 20. Jordan Grant 21. Ryan Papenhuyzen 22. Tyran Wishart

Changes: No changes…..yet

Winner: How good was Grant Anderson ($175k / 84 pts) on debut? We’re all familiar with the “try on debut” club but this kid bagged a double and looked more than comfortable in his first taste of top grade football. He’s so new in fact, that when I went to check how he was scoring, he wasn’t even in the game yet. Now he’s looking like a much needed round 17 downgrade option.

Loser: On that note, if you’re still holding Xavier Coates ($398k / BE 86), now’s the time to move on. He became our first Origin casualty copping a dreaded syndesmosis injury. He’s getting surgery and will miss the next 6-8 weeks, effectively ending his SuperCoach season.

SuperCoach Talk: In a huge boost to the already flying Melbourne Storm, Ryan Papenhuyzen ($930k / BE 140) has been named to return from his leg injuries but only on the reserve list for the time being. If in, he instantly becomes a target for trade in even with the high break even. We know how easily he could hit that. He’s expensive AF though. I hope you’ve got a cash store.

The backline is currently unchanged, but I’m expecting a Papi call up. If so, Nick Meaney ($534k / 78 pts / BE 37) goes back to the wing which will see one of Anderson or Dean Ieremia ($253k / 38 pts / BE 29) making way.

Meanwhile, Felise Kaufusi ($471k / 106 pts / BE 21) was extremely lucky (in my opinion) to escape suspension for his wayward elbow on Sam Walker. He’s been given a fine but is still going to contest that. Give me a break.

Brisbane Broncos

1. Te Maire Martin 2. Corey Oates 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Brenko Lee 5. Selwyn Cobbo 6. Ezra Mam 7. Tyrone Roberts 8. Corey Jensen 9. Billy Walters 10. Payne Haas 11. Kurt Capewell 12. Jordan Riki 13. Patrick Carrigan

Bench: 14. Jake Turpin 15. Kobe Hetherington 16. Thomas Flegler 17. Keenan Palasia

Reserves: 18. Jordan Pereira 19. Rhys Kennedy 20. Delouise Hoeter 21. Xavier Willison 22. Ryan James

Changes: Selwyn Cobbo, Kotoni Staggs, Kurt Capewell, Tyrone Roberts, Jake Turpin in
Adam Reynolds, Herbie Farnworth, Jordan Pereira, Cory Paix, TC Robati out

Winner: No debate here; Ezra Mam ($312k / 79 pts / BE -51) is a huge winner. Some avoided due to the uncertainty around Tyson Gamble ($378k / BE 34) and his injury; some avoided because their halves and fullbacks were stacked. Those who jumped on saw another 70+ score (if ballsy enough to play) and a $137k price rise. Incredible.

Loser: It’s been an emotional rollercoaster for Payne Haas ($539k / 31 pts / BE 94) managers the past week. Nervousness as he was in doubt for Saturday. Joy when he was confirmed and we threw him in our SC teams. Horror and depression when he hurt his “healthy” shoulder early and got rested. Relief as he’s named again today. And now nervousness again because he’s not currently training. A call will be made on Haas’ availability following Friday’s captains run.

SuperCoach Talk: My feelings on the Broncos are no secret but I was watching this game in person and have to admit, this was one hell of a win. The team were already down numbers from Origin, then seemed to lose someone else on each possession but they held on. As good as the win was though, it was a horror night for Brisbane.

Joining Haas in the casualty ward:

• Herbie Farnworth ($557k / 65 pts / BE 24) ruptured his bicep, ruling him out long term.
• Adam Reynolds ($683k / 40 pts / BE 99) looked hurt on multiple occasions and eventually succumbed to injury. He’s out this week too.
• Cory Paix ($278k / 15 pts / BE 33) suffered an MCL injury and will roughly a month of football.
• Corey Oates ($555k / 33 pts / BE 105) and Te Maire Martin ($319k / 41 pts / BE 4) copped minor niggles but are ok to play through.
• Not to mention Tyson Gamble’s lower leg injury set to keep him out for “an extended period”.

On the brighter side, all of Kurt Capewell ($429k / BE 43), Kotoni Staggs ($486k / BE 41) and Selwyn Cobbo ($634k / BE 24) are set to play having been given last week off to recover.

Brenko Lee ($345k / 66 pts / BE 46) remains in the squad but shifts to left centre to cover Herbie. Tyrone Roberts ($283k) comes in for Reynolds.

CRONULLA-SUTHERLAND SHARKS v GOLD COAST TITANS

Saturday, 3.00pm, C.ex Coffs International Stadium, Coffs Harbour

Cronulla Sharks

1. Will Kennedy 2. Sione Katoa 3. Jesse Ramien 4. Siosifa Talakai 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo 6. Matt Moylan 7. Nicho Hynes 8. Toby Rudolf 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Royce Hunt 11. Briton Nikora 12. Wade Graham 13. Cameron McInnes

Bench: 14. Aiden Tolman 15. Braydon Trindall 16. Teig Wilton 17. Andrew Fifita

Reserves: 18. Connor Tracey 19. Dale Finucane 20. Lachlan Miller 21. Jesse Colquhoun 22. Kade Dykes

Changes: No changes

Winner: With an outstanding upcoming schedule, SuperCoaches were looking at either Ronaldo Mulitalo ($634k / 106 pts / BE 43) or Sione Katoa ($518k / 93 pts / BE 21) as options. The good news is both were the right answer.

Loser: News hit us late last week of Siosifa Talakai ($552k / 79 pts / BE 48) missing a court hearing that he apparently just forgot. That’s been postponed now but there are rumours he would cop a two-game suspension anyway. Against the Titans and Bulldogs too. That would be brutal. At least he’d come back for round 17. Silver linings.

SuperCoach Talk: Connor Tracey ($515k / BE 41) is on the extended reserves and if that suspension comes to fruition, would be the man to come in for Sifa. He’s a great player and can score well but likely loses his spot in two weeks time. Not worth the punt.

Wade Graham ($327k / 31 pts / BE 52) retains his starting spot and Teig Wilton ($447k / 39 pts / BE 80) is on bench. Dale Finucane ($363k / BE 47) is also in the reserves and will likely be called up if able to prove his fitness

If both Mulitalo and Katoa were the right answers, then the wrong answer was captaining Nicho Hynes ($730k / 61 pts / BE 142). He was ok with a 61 but could have been so much better if he’d worn his kicking boots.

Gold Coast Titans

1. AJ Brimson 2. Greg Marzhew 3. Brian Kelly 4. Patrick Herbert 5. Jamayne Isaako 6. Paul Turner 7. Toby Sexton 8. Jarrod Wallace 9. Erin Clark 10. Isaac Liu 11. Sam McIntyre 12. Beau Fermor 13. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui

Bench: 14. Tanah Boyd 15. Moeaki Fotuaika 16. Jaimin Jolliffe 17. Sam Lisone

Reserves: 18. Sosefo Fifita 19. Herman Ese’ese 20. Aaron Booth 21. Kevin Proctor 22. Esan Marsters

Changes: A.J. Brimson in
Esan Marsters out

Winner: Big Tino Fa’asuamaleaui ($589k / 123 pts / BE 10) backed up a big Origin performance with a two try afternoon for the Titans. He’s in fantastic form at the moment.

Loser: Titans fans are the losers as Kevin Proctor ($254k / BE 38) returns via the extended reserves, but could come on in a bench role.

SuperCoach Talk: A.J. Brimson ($492k / BE 28) comes back in following a COVID withdrawal. He’s named at fullback again so Jamayne Isaako ($360k / 42 pts / BE 52) goes to wing and Esan Marsters ($328k / 34 pts / BE 37) is once again out of the side.

Corey Thompson ($331k / BE 45) is also due back but hasn’t been able to unseat Greg Marzhew ($497k / 92 pts / BE 59) from the right wing after he played very well in a losing side.

THE WARRIORS v PENRITH PANTHERS

Saturday, 5.30pm, Moreton Daily Stadium, Redcliffe

The Warriors

1. Reece Walsh 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 3. Jesse Arthars 4. Adam Pompey 5. Marcelo Montoya 6. Ronald Volkman 7. Shaun Johnson 8. Bunty Afoa 9. Wayde Egan 10. Jazz Tevaga 11. Jack Murchie 12. Tohu Harris 13. Josh Curran

Bench: 14. Chanel Harris-Tavita 15. Aaron Pene 16. Dunamis Lui 17. Bayley Sironen

Reserves: 18. Freddy Lussick 20. Eliesa Katoa 21. Rocco Berry 22. Daejarn Asi 23. Addin Fonua-Blake

Changes: Ronald Volkman, Jesse Arthars, Aaron Pene in
Ben Murdoch-Masila, Euan Aitken, Rocco Berry out

Winner: Not much to be excited about here so I’m switching codes to congratulate our favourite Kiwi, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, on his imminent All Blacks debut. You’ve made it to the pinnacle of New Zealand sports. Now come home. We miss you.

Loser: I was making a decision between trading out Beau Fermor and Euan Aitken ($512k / 44 pts / BE 81) last week and considering the latter failed to finish the game and hasn’t been named this week, I made the wrong call.

SuperCoach Talk: Coming in for the Warriors is debutant Ronald Volkman ($175k). Stacey Jones has decided to go through a developmental route with the Warriors for the rest of the year so is giving the youngster a chance. However, it is against the Panthers. Maybe not the best game for his confidence.

Ben Murdoch-Masila ($226k / 13 pts / BE 39) dislocated his elbow and apparently had some difficulties in getting it back into the joint. He’s out through that injury (obviously) but in what would be a timely boost, Addin Fonua-Blake ($446k / BE 44) has been named in the extended reserves and could come back in to lead the team.

Josh Curran ($536k / 42 pts / BE 112) comes back to the starting lock spot, and Chanel Harris-Tavita ($224k / 13 pts / BE 45) is on the bench as the utility.

Penrith Panthers

1. Dylan Edwards 2. Taylan May 3. Izack Tago 4. Stephen Crichton 5. Brian To’o 6. Jarome Luai 7. Nathan Cleary 8. Moses Leota 9. Apisai Koroisau 10. James Fisher-Harris 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Liam Martin 13. Isaah Yeo

Bench: 14. Mitch Kenny 15. Scott Sorensen 16. Spencer Leniu 17. Jaeman Salmon

Reserves: 18. Robert Jennings 19.Matthew Eisenhuth 20. Chris Smith 21. Soni Luke 22. Thomas Jenkins

Changes: Isaah Yeo in
Matt Eisenhuth out

Winner: Nathan Cleary ($778k / 106 pts / BE 106) was very eager to put on a good game after “not being good enough” in Origin 1, his words. So just for fun, he destroyed my Knights. That’s one way to get the confidence back.

Loser: The Panthers back five scored five of their seven tries last week. I already said To’o scored a double so one of the others had to miss out: Dylan Edwards ($588k / 74 pts / BE 64). He still had a big game but man, what could have been?

SuperCoach Talk: The Panthers just keep getting stronger as Isaah Yeo ($595k / BE 56) is back to join the rest of his Origin teammates. Matt Eisenhuth ($403k / 41 pts / BE 34) drops out of the team.

And as I said, leave it to the Knights to play some of the Panthers back into form. Brian To’o ($564k / 116 pts / BE 9) had his price dropping nicely until scoring a double on Sunday afternoon. Now it will quickly head in the other direction.

Keep an eye on Viliami Kikau ($571k / 88 pts / BE 24) who may have sore feet after using Kalyn Ponga as a door mat.

PARRAMATTA EELS v SYDNEY ROOSTERS

Saturday, 7.35pm, CommBank Stadium, Sydney

Parramatta Eels

1. Clinton Gutherson 2. Maika Sivo 3. Viliami Penisini 4. Waqa Blake 5. Bailey Simonsson 6. Dylan Brown 7. Mitchell Moses 8. Reagan Campbell-Gillard 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Junior Paulo 11. Shaun Lane 12. Marata Niukore 13. Isaiah Papali’i

Bench: 14. Makahesi Makatoa 15. Ryan Matterson 16. Oregon Kaufusi 17. Nathan Brown

Reserves: 18. Tom Opacic 19. Jakob Arthur 20. Bryce Cartwright 21. Ky Rodwell 22. Sean Russell

Changes: No changes

Winner: I honestly don’t know where to go for a winner this week, except maybe to say it’s good news that Maika Sivo ($486k / 32 pts) got through his return game in one piece.

Loser: I mean… it’s Mitchell Moses ($574k / 80 pts / BE 53) right?

https://twitter.com/nrloracle1/status/1536253729065738241?s=20&t=N21ToZH4nowMc5pqJsXajw

SuperCoach Talk: No changes to the side despite arguably the worst loss of the NRL season. I don’t mean any disrespect to the Dogs here, but surely no one expected that score line. But no injuries means no changes.

There was talk over the weekend about the ankle injury Dylan Brown ($614k / 44 pts / BE 59) was carrying, but he played and didn’t appear too limited by it. His score was low which could be attributed but he wasn’t hesitant in taking on the line. I’d say his score was more reflective of the Bulldogs dominance than anything else but it is something to keep an eye on heading into round 15.

Sydney Roosters

1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Billy Smith 4. Joseph Manu 5. Joseph Suaalii 6. Sam Walker 7. Luke Keary 8. Lindsay Collins 9. Sam Verrills 10. Siosiua Taukeiaho 11. Angus Crichton 12. Sitili Tupouniua 13. Nat Butcher

Bench: 14. Connor Watson 15. Drew Hutchison 16. Egan Butcher 17. Fletcher Baker

Reserves: 18. Lachlan Lam 19. Daniel Suluka-Fifita 20. Paul Momirovski 21. Terrell May 22. Adam Keighran

Changes: Sam Verrills, Billy Smith, Egan Butcher in
Paul Momirovski, Terrell May, Daniel Suluka-Fifita out

Winner: Last week, Nat Butcher ($499k / 74 pts / BE 58) played less than half a game. This week, he played the full 80. I don’t get it.

Loser: It’s been a tough season already but then Luke Keary ($449k / 12 pts / BE 108) copped a bad head knock that ruled him out of the majority of last week and will likely keep him sidelined this week too.

SuperCoach Talk: Keary has been named for now but if he is out, and I expect he will be, Sam Walker ($487k / 56 pts / BE 58) would be the halfback and Joseph Manu ($672k / 65 pts / BE 38) 5/8. Billy Smith ($304k / BE 22) has been chosen to replace Paul Momirovski ($370k / 37 pts / BE 55) in the centres but Momi could come back in if Manu gets moved.

CANBERRA RAIDERS v NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS

Sunday, 2.00pm, GIO Stadium, Canberra

Canberra Raiders

1. Xavier Savage 2. Nick Cotric 3. Matthew Timoko 4. Sebastian Kris 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. Adam Elliott

Bench: 14. Tom Starling 15. Ryan Sutton 16. Corey Harawira-Naera 17. Corey Horsburgh

Reserves: 18. Brad Schneider 19. James Schiller 20. Trey Mooney 21. Semi Valemei 22. Adrian Trevilyan

Changes: Jordan Rapana in
James Schiller out

Winner: Joe Tapine ($597k / 95 pts / BE 35) is a beast. Enough said.

Loser: Xavier Savage ($367k / 66 pts / BE -35) had an absolute nightmare on Saturday. I mean, he scored well but it really was a bad game. It’s like everybody was playing football but he was playing with a bar of soap.

SuperCoach Talk: Jordan Rapana ($403k / BE 69) returns from suspension in the only change for the Raiders. They put up a solid fight at Suncorp but ultimately couldn’t get over the line so there’s no need to make drastic changes.

Josh Papalii ($589k / 42 pts / BE 88) played limited minutes in Origin and then was benched for the Raiders, but he’s back in the starting team this week.

Newcastle Knights

1. Kalyn Ponga 2. Edrick Lee 3. Dane Gagai 4. Enari Tuala 5. Dominic Young 6. Anthony Milford 7. Jake Clifford 8. David Klemmer 9. Chris Randall 10. Jacob Saifiti 11. Tyson Frizell 12. Mitchell Barnett 13. Kurt Mann

Bench: 14. Simi Sasagi 15. Leo Thompson 16. Mathew Croker 17. Pasami Saulo

Reserves: 18. Phoenix Crossland 19. Tex Hoy 20. Lachlan Fitzgibbon 21. Adam Clune 22. Hymel Hunt

Changes: Pasami Saulo in
Lachlan Fitzgibbon out

Winner: Leo Thompson ($253k / 57 pts / BE 16) was a burden on teams for months but then comes in and drops a 57? C’mon man.

Loser: Rumours are that Kalyn Ponga ($509k / 7 pts / BE 98) is still walking around with Kikau’s silhouette on his chest. He needs to pass concussion protocols in order to play on Sunday.

SuperCoach Talk: With Ponga named, the Knights are running out with the same 17 that acted as training cones against the Panthers.

Chris Randall ($406k / 63 pts / BE 31) scored decently for those that haven’t been able to get rid of him yet but surely he doesn’t hang around for much longer.

The only two men I’d seriously consider from this team are David Klemmer ($598k / 65 pts / BE 78) and Tyson Frizell ($551k / 50 pts / BE 70). They are the only two who put in 100% effort each week and the only two pumping out consistent scoring for SuperCoach.

CANTERBURY BULLDOGS v WESTS TIGERS

Sunday, 4.05pm, CommBank Stadium, Sydney

Canterbury Bulldogs

1. Jake Averillo 2. Jacob Kiraz 3. Aaron Schoupp 4. Corey Allan 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Matt Burton 7. Kyle Flanagan 8. Max King 9. Jeremy Marshall-King 10. Paul Vaughan 11. Josh Jackson 12. Raymond Faitala-Mariner 13. Tevita Pangai Junior

Bench: 14. Zach Dockar-Clay 15. Corey Waddell 16. Joe Stimson 17. Kurtis Morrin

Reserves: 19. Matt Dufty 20. Bailey Biondi-Odo 21. Jayden Tanner 22. Isaac Lumelume 24. Jackson Topine

Changes: Kurtis Morrin in
Chris Patolo out

Winner: How many traded out Jacob Kiraz ($336k / 98 pts / BE -11)? Hands up. I know plenty were doing it but the kid responded with a huge game. Game highs of 21 runs and 229 run metres, eight tackle breaks, a line break and a try. He also topped the SuperCoach scoring which in turn, kick starts his cash generation. Lovely.

Loser: Our former contributor and friend of the site Surgebuster got a new Dog over the weekend. His dogs usually get plenty of walks during Canterbury games, but not this time. Bad luck pup.

SuperCoach Talk: Queensland were said to have “ambushed” NSW on the Wednesday but if that’s the case then I’m not sure what you’d call Monday’s outcome. The Dogs were incredible. If I’d told any non-NRL watcher that one team was a top four side and the other had 2 wins on the year, they’d never have picked which was which based off that game. Mick Potter; take a bow.

Bulldogs Attack

Round 1-10: 96 points scored

*Mick Potter takes over*

Round 11-14: 98 points scored

— Jason Oliver (@JasonNRL) June 13, 2022

There’s just one change for the winning Doggies and it’s forced. Chris Patolo ($216k / 15 pts / BE 40) is out due to concussion. Kurtis Morrin ($175) will make his NRL debut from the bench.

Tevita Pangai Jnr. ($509k / 38 pts / BE 68) gets a start at lock and may be an enticing proposition if he’s capable of tempering his aggression. Max King ($430k / 72 pts / BE 22) moves to prop, Raymond Faitala-Mariner ($344k / 44 pts / BE 40) comes onto an edge and Corey Waddell ($384k / 55 pts / BE 31) goes to the bench.

Josh Addo-Carr ($524k / 94 pts / BE 18) continued his incredible run with a hat-trick and near ton. But he wasn’t the only one. So many players for the Dogs were sensational on Monday. For SuperCoach, it was nice to see solid bumps from King and Matt Burton ($612k / 82 pts / BE 33) again.

Wests Tigers

1. Daine Laurie 2. David Nofoaluma 3. Starford To’a 4. Asu Kepaoa 5. Ken Maumalo 6. Luke Brooks 7. Jackson Hastings 8. James Tamou 9. Jacob Liddle 10. Zane Musgrove 11. Luke Garner 12. Kelma Tuilagi 13. Joe Ofahengaue

Bench: 14. Fa’amanu Brown 15. Alex Twal 16. Adam Doueihi 17. Alex Seyfarth

Reserves: 18. Jake Simpkin 19. Fonua Pole 20. Austin Dias 21. Junior Tupou 22. Tyrone Peachey

Changes: Adam Doueihi, A.J. Kepaoa, Fa’amanu Brown in
Luciano Leilua, Brent Naden, Jock Madden out

Winner: Finally, Adam Doueihi ($676k) is back. Only as far as the bench, but it’s a start.

Loser: A shocker today with news that Luciano Leilua ($427k / 25 pts / BE 73) was granted an immediate release to join the Cowboys. How about going from this Tigers side to the finals bound Cowboys though? Not bad.

SuperCoach Talk: A fair few changes today for the Tigers but none more so then those two I just mentioned.

What it does is bring Kelma Tuilagi ($278k / 22 pts / BE 53) back into the starting side as well as A.J Kepaoa ($236k / BE -7). Not that either are overly relevant any more but maybe their still hanging around on someone’s bench.

Someone who does appear to be relevant though is Ken Maumalo ($491k / 65 pts / BE 27), who’s 90, 79 and 65 in his last three outings. Is he an option for round 17?

I should have taken my own advice and got on Joe Ofahengaue ($589k / 83 pts / BE 67) though. This man is on fire.