Lakey’s Teams Analysis – Round 20

I’ll say this for round 19: There’s never a dull moment in the National Rugby League. And nothing I will say in this article will be as entertaining as what has happened over the last few days.

Hopefully, round 20 can be spoken about for its’ incredible rugby league and we can leave all that other bullsh*t behind but sadly, I fear not considering the first game on the cards.

Let’s look at the teams.

MANLY-WARRINGAH SEA EAGLES v SYDNEY ROOSTERS

Thursday, 7.50pm, 4 Pines Park, Sydney

Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles

1. Reuben Garrick 2. Pio Seci 3. Morgan Harper 4. Dylan Walker 5. Alfred Smalley 6. Kieran Foran 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Taniela Paseka 9. Lachlan Croker 10. Kurt De Luis 11. Ethan Bullemor 12. Andrew Davey 13. Jake Trbojevic

Bench: 14. James Segeyaro 15. Sean Keppie 16. Martin Taupau 17. Morgan Boyle

Reserves: 18. Zac Fulton 19. Kaeo Weekes 20. James Roumanos

Changes: Jake Trbojevic, Andrew Davey, Lachlan Croker, Kurt De Luis, Ethan Bullemor, Morgan Boyle, James Segeyaro, Pio Seci, Alfred Smalley in
Ben Trbojevic, Josh Aloiai, Jason Saab, Christian Tuipulotu, Josh Schuster, Haumole Olakau’atu, Tolutau Koula, Toafofoa Sipley, Kaeo Weekes out

Winner: The jersey.

Loser(s): The players boycotting it.

SuperCoach Talk: Because of a few extra colours on their jersey, Manly have lost 7 seven players from last weekends side. I’m not going to go through the list again. They’re not worth the effort.

As such, it’s an almost entirely unrecognisable side that we’ll see run out on Thursday night compared to a week ago.

The Sea Eagles have named Jake Trbojevic ($435k / BE 73), Andrew Davey ($417k / BE 2) and Lachlan Croker ($574k / BE 99) to return after all three were withdrawn from round 19 with COVID. However, because of their late diagnosis’ and the six day turnaround between games, they’ll be pushing the limits of the isolation period to play.

Dylan Walker ($395k / 80 pts / BE -19) put in a solid SuperCoach performance last round, and because of the controv-jersey, he gets a start at right centre. Joining him in the backline are Pio Seci and Alfred Smalley (both aren’t in the game) on the wings.

On the bench is a name we haven’t seen for a while. James Segeyaro (he’s not in the game yet either) has been called up to make his first appearance in close to two years.

Ethan Bullemor ($259k / BE 17) and Kurt De Luis ($240k / BE 58) join the pack and Morgan Boyle ($205k) is on the bench.

Sydney Roosters

1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Paul Momirovski 4. Joseph Manu 5. Joseph Suaalii 6. Luke Keary 7. Sam Walker 8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves 9. Sam Verrills 10. Lindsay Collins 11. Angus Crichton 12. Nat Butcher 13. Victor Radley

Bench: 14. Connor Watson 15. Egan Butcher 16. Drew Hutchison 17. Matthew Lodge

Reserves: 18. Adam Keighran 19. Terrell May 20. Naufahu Whyte 21. Ben Thomas 22. Kevin Naiqama

Changes: Joseph Manu, Lindsay Collins in
Adam Keighran, Terrell May out

Winner: The writing was on the wall for James Tedesco ($734k / 152 pts / BE 6) as soon as Joey Manu ($800k / BE -21) was ruled out and then Kalyn Ponga got KO’d. It was all downhill running from there and Teddy capitalised with his highest score of the season by far. Can he keep it going?

Loser: Not many losers from last weeks game or this team. Not with SuperCoach relevance anyway.

SuperCoach Talk: The return of Manu is the only major change for the Roosters from last weeks training session but Lindsay Collins ($423k / BE 41) is also back from a concussion layoff dating back to the opening minutes of Origin 3. He’ll provide the Roosters with a much needed boost to the pig pen.

I know it was a bad game for my Knights, but it was still so good to see Luke Keary ($418k / 66 pts / BE 68) running around out there again.

THE WARRIORS v MELBOURNE STORM

Friday, 6.00pm, Mt Smart Stadium, Auckland

The Warriors

1. Reece Walsh 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 3. Marcelo Montoya 4. Adam Pompey 5. Edward Kosi 6. Chanel Harris-Tavita 7. Shaun Johnson 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Wayde Egan 10. Tohu Harris 11. Euan Aitken 12. Josh Curran 13. Jazz Tevaga

Bench: 14. Freddy Lussick 15. Bunty Afoa 16. Eliesa Katoa 17. Jackson Frei

Reserves: 18. Tom Ale 20. Daejarn Asi 21. Ronald Volkman 22. Viliami Vailea 23. Taniela Otukolo

Changes: Edward Kosi, Freddy Lussick, Jackson Frei in
Daejarn Asi, Jack Murchie, Jesse Arthars out

Winner: Reece Walsh ($454k / -1 pts / BE 130) played just 14 minutes last week in the Warriors loss but it took just one game for him to get his starting jersey back.

Loser: I’m still confused as to why Josh Curran ($466k / 24 pts / BE 90) started on the bench for the Raiders clash. In saying that, the Warriors did start very well but were run down in the second half. But Jack Murchie ($366k / 56 pts / BE 16) is out this week so Curran is starting again.

SuperCoach Talk: The Warriors have made three changes after the fade-out last weekend against the Raiders. Ironic, huh?

In the postgame presser, Stacey Jones said that he really liked what he saw from Chanel Harris-Tavita ($260k / 36 pts / BE 33) at fullback, but has moved him back into the halves to accommodate Walsh.

Murchie, Daejarn Asi ($396k / 45 pts / BE 45) and Jesse Arthars ($279k / 27 pts / BE 52) drop out. Edward Kosi ($260k / BE 19) is back on the wing with Jackson Frei ($175k) and Freddy Lussick ($232k / BE 57) joining the bench.

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. Tyran Wishart 15. Tui Kamikamica 16. Alec MacDonald 17. Jordan Grant

Reserves: 18. Chris Lewis 19. Cooper Johns 20. Young Tonumaipea 21. Tom Eisenhuth 22. Sualauvi Faalogo

Changes: Jordan Grant in
Tom Eisenhuth out

Winner: Grant Anderson ($220k / 54 pts / BE 6) was called up to start on Saturday night and ended up playing very well. It’s too late to capitalise on any price rises from the kid but if he can keep these scores up, he won’t be an AE problem.

Loser: Does anyone have an exact read on Harry Grant ($564k / 62 pts / BE 69) at the moment? He scored solidly against the Rabbits but still doesn’t look like himself. I wonder if the Origin period, COVID and injury he dealt with over that time are still weighing on him in some way.

SuperCoach Talk: Four in a row? That’s not Melbourne and has even had Craig Bellamy pondering whether the club can turn this thing around. Unfortunately for him, injuries have left him few options when it comes to team consideration so the Storm haven’t made any big changes to last weeks team for the time being.

But Jordan Grant ($185k / BE 41) does come onto the bench for Tom Eisenhuth ($335k / 19 pts).

PARRAMATTA EELS v PENRITH PANTHERS

Friday, 7.55pm, 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. Isaiah Papali’i 13. Ryan Matterson

Bench: 14. Makahesi Makatoa 15. Bryce Cartwright 16. Oregon Kaufusi 17. Marata Niukore

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

Changes: Bryce Cartwright in
Jakob Arthur out

Winner: The Eels have solidified their left edge attack in recent weeks with Shaun Lane ($591k / 91 pts / BE 56) leading the way. He’s constantly running great lines and creating attacking raids for the men around him. He was pivotal in two of the Eels three tries last weekend.

Loser: Mitchell Moses‘ ($611k / 41 pts / BE 108) time is just about up for SuperCoach. The Eels have a tough run ahead and Moses should be traded while he’s still over $600k. It’s just a small jump to a Cleary / Hynes / DCE type.

SuperCoach Talk: Parramatta haven’t hit the panic button after the Broncos round 19 ambush at CommBank Stadium. Their list is largely unaffected by injury so Brad Arthurs has the luxury of naming his team pretty much 1-17 each week and keeping the consistency that other franchises dream of.

The one change they have made is Bryce Cartwright ($250k / BE 58) who returns from injury in the place of Jakob Arthur ($200k / 2 pts / BE 62).

Penrith Panthers

1. Dylan Edwards 2. Taylan May 3. Izack Tago 4. Robert Jennings 5. Brian To’o 6. Sean O’Sullivan 7. Nathan Cleary 8. Matt Eisenhuth 9. Apisai Koroisau 10. James Fisher-Harris 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Liam Martin 13. Isaah Yeo

Bench: 14. Jaeman Salmon 15. Scott Sorensen 16. Spencer Leniu 17. Charlie Staines

Reserves: 18. Sunia Turuva 19. Lindsay Smith 20. Chris Smith 21. Thomas Jenkins 22. Moses Leota

Changes: Sean O’Sullivan, Robert Jennings, Charlie Staines in
Jarome Luai, Stephen Crichton, Mitch Kenny out

Winner: Nathan Cleary ($776k / 69 pts / BE 120) was kept very quiet throughout the game but still finished on a good score. In the SuperCoach world, he’s just a step ahead of the second option at halfback.

Loser: A knee injury is behind Jarome Luai‘s ($497k / 72 pts / BE 77) absence this week and likely for an extended period of time.

SuperCoach Talk: The Panthers have had one loss this season, which came at the hands of the Eels in round 9. So, they’ll be eager to make up for that hiccup this week.

Luai is a big loss but Sean O’Sullivan ($459k / BE 10) has proven his capability in this system already this year and won’t be out of his depth stepping into the #6.

And how gnarly was Stephen Crichton‘s ($505k / 40 pts / BE 105) ear? Don’t worry. I’m not going to post any images here. He’ll be out (unsurprisingly) for this week at least so Robert Jennings ($229k / BE 3) comes in at centre.

GOLD COAST TITANS v CANBERRA RAIDERS

Saturday, 3.00pm, Cbus Super Stadium, Gold Coast

Gold Coast Titans

1. AJ Brimson 2. Sosefo Fifita 3. Phillip Sami 4. Brian Kelly 5. Patrick Herbert 6. Tanah Boyd 7. Toby Sexton 8. Moeaki Fotuaika 9. Aaron Booth 10. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui 11. David Fifita 12. Beau Fermor 13. Erin Clark

Bench: 14. Jayden Campbell 15. Herman Ese’ese 16. Isaac Liu 17. Jaimin Jolliffe

Reserves: 18. Sam McIntyre 19. Corey Thompson 20. Greg Marzhew 21. Alofiana Khan-Pereira 22. Paul Turner

Changes: Brian Kelly in
Corey Thompson out

Winner: Sosefo “Jojo” Fifita ($175k / 57 pts / BE -45) scored a 57 to follow his 49 points on debut, so if you happened to have just come out of a two month coma and still have a bunch of trades, he’s pretty much your final downgrade opportunity.

Loser: Kevin Proctor ($254k / BE 39) has been “released” (i.e. sacked) because he filmed himself vaping at halftime of the Titans Sunday afternoon game, which begs the question: Is Proctor the dumbest man in rugby league?

SuperCoach Talk: The Titans have made a shuffle to their starting side with Tino Fa’asuamaleaui ($560k / 69 pts / BE 78) into prop and Erin Clark ($450k / 74 pts / BE -1) into lock. Clark has been killing it with an 84 and a 74 in his past two games.

Isaac Liu ($377k / 16 pts / BE 74) is moved to the bench but otherwise, the only change is a centre swap of Corey Thompson ($301k / 26 pts / BE 49) out for Brian Kelly ($364k / BE 47).

The Titans did lose to the Dogs but scored 26 points, their most since opening the season with 28 points against the Eels. Coupled with the narrow loss to the Broncos a week ago, it appears that some things are starting to click for the Coast.

Canberra Raiders

1. Xavier Savage 2. Nick Cotric 3. Matthew Timoko 4. Sebastian Kris 5. Albert Hopoate 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. Emre Guler 17. Corey Harawira-Naera

Reserves: 18. Matt Frawley 19. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 20. Ata Mariota 21. Semi Valemei 22. Peter Hola

Changes: No changes

Winner: Albert Hopoate ($189k / 64 pts / BE -4) took full advantage of his inclusion in last weeks team, scoring the Raiders first try in their comeback victory. He’s done enough to be retained.

Loser: Corey Harawira-Naera ($446k / 72 pts / BE 20) may have scored two tries, but what the hell is he doing after?

Death, taxes, @tehorinaera try celebrations! #WeAreRaiders pic.twitter.com/7i5PQ9ecOu

— Canberra Raiders (@RaidersCanberra) July 23, 2022

SuperCoach Talk: No changes for the Raiders this weekend. James Schiller ($214k / BE -10) was hoping to be able to return from his ankle sprain but has been given another week to get it right but by then, Jordan Rapana ($317k / BE 38) will be coming back from suspension.

Josh Papali’i ($493k / 93 pts / BE 37) is traditionally a strong season finisher, and just had a 93 point game without huge attacking stats. He did have two linebreak assists, getting the offload going off the back of some strong runs. Is he a pod option on the way home?

CRONULLA-SUTHERLAND SHARKS v SOUTH SYDNEY RABBITOHS

Saturday, 5.30pm, PointsBet Stadium, Sydney

Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks

1. Will Kennedy 2. Connor Tracey 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. Dale Finucane

Bench: 14. Teig Wilton 15. Cameron McInnes 16. Braden Hamlin-Uele 17. Andrew Fifita

Reserves: 18. Kade Dykes 19. Aiden Tolman 20. Braydon Trindall 21. Jesse Colquhoun 22. Matt Ikuvalu

Changes: No changes

Winner: It was a pretty dire afternoon for the Sharks SuperCoach prospects but hooker Blayke Brailey ($522k / 75 pts / BE 73) continued his impressive season with a 75 point outing.

Loser: Dale Finucane ($390k / 44 pts / BE 34) has been cited for “Grade 3 Dangerous Contact” after his tackle on Stephen Crichton. He’s plead “Not Guilty” and will fight the charge but faces a three game suspension if he fails to overturn it.

SuperCoach Talk: The Sharks have named the same 17 that just went down to the Panthers last weekend, but will be awaiting the results on tonight’s judiciary hearing for Finucane. If he’s ruled out, Cam McInnes ($523k / 53 pts / BE 76) would come into the starting 13 and we’ll probably see Aiden Tolman ($327k / BE 26) on the bench.

South Sydney Rabbitohs

1. Latrell Mitchell 2. Alex Johnston 3. Jed Cartwright 4. Isaiah Tass 5. Jaxson Paulo 6. Cody Walker 7. Lachlan Ilias 8. Tevita Tatola 9. Damien Cook 10. Daniel Suluka-Fifita 11. Keaon Koloamatangi 12. Jai Arrow 13. Cameron Murray

Bench: 14. Kodi Nikorima 15. Davvy Moale 16. Siliva Havili 17. Thomas Burgess

Reserves: 18. Blake Taaffe 19. Josh Mansour 20. Taane Milne 21. Zane Bijorac 22. Shaq Mitchell

Changes: Daniel Suluka-Fifita in
Mark Nicholls out

Winner: Jed Cartwright ($258k / 44 pts / BE -6) has been playing so well of late that he’s kept the starting centre spot ahead of Taane Milne ($361k / BE 73) who’s coming back from injury. It’s great news for owners as long as he stays away from a dreaded bench role.

Loser: Since trading Keaon Koloamatangi ($560k / 118 pts / BE 4) out two weeks ago, he’s gone on to score 74 and 118. So, it’s me. I’m the loser. Again.

SuperCoach Talk: The Bunnies were successful against the Storm but the Sharks will provide a sterner test for this resurgent Souths team. It’s shaping up as a very intriguing matchup.

They’ve made one minor change for the week with Daniel Suluka-Fifita ($199k / BE 2) replacing Mark Nicholls ($339k / 25 pts / BE 47) in the starting side.

Can Latrell Mitchell ($759k / 99 pts / BE 30) have another big game? He posted a near ton without scoring and while the Sharks don’t allow huge SuperCoach scores against them, fullbacks do average 54.6 PPG.

BRISBANE BRONCOS v WESTS TIGERS

Saturday, 7.35pm, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane

Brisbane Broncos

1. Tesi Niu 2. Corey Oates 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Deine Mariner 5. Delouise Hoeter 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. Kobe Hetherington 16. Corey Jensen 17. Keenan Palasia

Reserves: 18. Te Maire Martin 19. Zac Hosking 20. Jake Turpin 21. Brenko Lee 22. Xavier Willison

Changes: Delouise Hoeter, Deine Mariner, Billy Walters in
Brenko Lee, Jordan Pereira, Jake Turpin out

Winner: All those Payne Haas ($515k / 105 pts / BE 17) holders were in raptures last Thursday when the big man posted a ton on return from injury. He looked healthy and dangerous all game. A 75+ average on the way home is well within the realms of possibility.

Loser: Selwyn Cobbo ($622k / BE 96) still hasn’t recovered from that concussion suffered in Origin. Hopefully he gets well soon.

SuperCoach Talk: Two inclusions for the Broncos in the outside backs. Delouise Hoeter ($276k / BE -54) is recalled and young Deine Mariner ($175k) gets a debut on the wing. Brenko Lee ($347k / 34 pts / BE 53) and Jordan Pereira ($367k / 28 pts / BE 21) have been dropped.

The other inclusion is Billy Walters ($354k / BE 72) who starts at hooker. Jake Turpin ($219k / 16 pts / BE 39) is omitted.

I’ve seen a few Ezra Mam ($439k / 56 pts / BE 43) trade out scenarios bandied about in recent days. The man is scoring a good enough rate to be your 4th half for the run home, particularly with games against the Tigers, Dragons and Knights in there.

Wests Tigers

1. Daine Laurie 2. Brent Naden 3. Starford To’a 4. Asu Kepaoa 5. Ken Maumalo 6. Adam Doueihi 7. Luke Brooks 8. James Tamou 9. Fa’amanu Brown 10. Joe Ofahengaue 11. Alex Seyfarth 12. Kelma Tuilagi 13. Jackson Hastings

Bench: 14. Fonua Pole 15. Zane Musgrove 16. Austin Dias 17. Tyrone Peachey

Reserves: 18. Jock Madden 19. Junior Tupou 20. Brandon Tumeth 21. James Roberts 22. Thomas Freebairn

Changes: Austin Dias in
Luke Garner out

Winner: Danie Laurie ($446k / 102 pts / BE 10) just played his best game of football all season, and scored his first ton since midway through last year. He had a huge afternoon. The Tigers faithful will be looking for more of this from the young gun.

Loser: The NRL bunker. The less said about all this BS, the better.

SuperCoach Talk: Just one change for the Tigers on the bench which is of little SuperCoach significance.

Ken Maumalo ($410k / 20 pts / BE 66) was reported for a shoulder charge, and spent time in the bin, but has only received a fine. He’s free to play.

NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS v CANTERBURY BULLDOGS

Sunday, 2.00pm, McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle

Newcastle Knights

1. Tex Hoy 2. Edrick Lee 3. Dane Gagai 4. Enari Tuala 5. Hymel Hunt 6. Anthony Milford 7. Adam Clune 8. David Klemmer 9. Jayden Brailey 10. Daniel Saifiti 11. Tyson Frizell 12. Mitchell Barnett 13. Brodie Jones

Bench: 14. Phoenix Crossland 15. Jacob Saifiti 16. Pasami Saulo 17. Mathew Croker

Reserves: 18. Simi Sasagi 19. Jack Johns 20. Jake Clifford 21. Dominic Young 22. Kurt Mann

Changes: Tex Hoy, Mathew Croker in
Kalyn Ponga, Lachlan Fitzgibbon out

Winner: Edrick Lee ($634k / 89 pts / BE 93) continued his purple patch. He’s now averaged 82.3 PPG since the Knights bye, largely thanks to the 172 against the Titans.

Loser: Kalyn Ponga ($482k / 6 pts / BE 94) suffered his fifth concussion of the season and third in the past six weeks. The Knights have taken the cautious approach and shut him down for the year.

SuperCoach Talk: There’s a few changes for the Knights this week.

Brodie Jones ($292k / 10 pts / BE 75) is in the #13 jersey and Mitchell Barnett ($520k / 49 pts / BE 95) goes to the left edge because Lachlan Fitzgibbon ($420k / 11 pts / BE 77) hurt his shoulder last weekend.

And Tex Hoy ($453k / BE 76) is now the fullback until the end of the season, which can’t come soon enough.

Kurt Mann ($435k / BE 81) and Dominic Young ($495k / BE 68) have been named to the extended reserves and are strong chances to come into the side for kickoff.

Canterbury Bulldogs

1. Jake Averillo 2. Jacob Kiraz 3. Aaron Schoupp 4. Braidon Burns 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Matt Burton 7. Kyle Flanagan 8. Max King 9. Jeremy Marshall-King 10. Paul Vaughan 11. Jackson Topine 12. Corey Waddell 13. Josh Jackson

Bench: 14. Zach Dockar-Clay 15. Tevita Pangai Junior 16. Joe Stimson 17. Chris Patolo

Reserves: 19. Declan Casey 20. Kurtis Morrin 21. Bailey Biondi-Odo 22. Harrison Edwards 23. Tuipulotu Katoa

Changes: Jake Averillo, Jackson Topine in
Raymond Faitala-Mariner, Declan Casey out

Winner: I floated Matt Burton ($618k / 126 pts / BE 7) as a pod for the run home and he delivered against the Titans. Burton did everything on Sunday afternoon but also had Declan Casey ($209k / 20 pts / BE -35) fall across his leg and hurt his knee. Keep an eye on Stilesy’s late mail for the word on Burton.

Loser: Tevita Pangai Jnr ($405k / 19 pts / BE 83) started from the bench, was sent for a HIA (which he passed) and only played 30 minutes for the afternoon. He can be so dangerous but his usage at times is confusing.

SuperCoach Talk: The Dogs won and won well so they don’t have any pressing need to make changes.

The one they have to make is to replace Raymond Faitala-Mariner ($431k / 43 pts / BE 39) who fractured a rib cartilage. That means Josh Jackson ($489k / 48 pts / BE 65) will start at lock and Jackson Topine ($282k) gets a long overdue start on the edge.

Jake Averillo ($436k / BE 63) was a COVID out last week so is straight back in at fullback. Declan Casey is the one to make way. Punishment for the Burton incident?

And Corey Waddell ($427k / 31 pts / BE 51) is named but faces the judiciary tonight so could be ruled out.

St. GEORGE-ILLAWARRA DRAGONS v Nth QUEENSLAND COWBOYS

Sunday, 4.05pm, Netstrata Jubilee Stadium, Sydney

St George-Illawarra Dragons

1. Moses Mbye 2. Mathew Feagai 3. Jack Bird 4. Zac Lomax 5. Tautau Moga 6. Talatau Amone 7. Ben Hunt 8. Jack de Belin 9. Andrew McCullough 10. Blake Lawrie 11. Billy Burns 12. Jaydn Su’A 13. Tariq Sims

Bench: 14. Tyrell Sloan 15. Aaron Woods 16. Francis Molo 17. Josh Mcguire

Reserves: 18. Michael Molo 19. Mathew Feagai 20. Jaiyden Hunt 21. Tyrell Fuimaono 22. Jackson Ford

Changes: Tyrell Sloan, Aaron Woods in
Cody Ramsey, Jayden Sullivan out

Winner: Ben Hunt ($519k / 87 pts / BE 26) has had a huge couple of weeks. The game sealing try in Origin, the early try in the backup game and then a double in an upset win over Manly. What’s he got in store for this one?

Loser: Cody Ramsey ($446k / 3 pts / BE 79) has been pretty good in his fullback role this year but strained his MCL on Friday night so will miss a couple of weeks to get that right.

SuperCoach Talk: The Dragons had a backs depth issue last week so losing Ramsey has caused another reshuffle of the side.

Moses Mbye ($176k / 34 pts / BE 16) is in at fullback once again, so Jack Bird ($468k / 57 pts / BE 57) moves into the left centre position, Tariq Sims ($408k / 52 pts / BE 64) goes to an edge and Tyrell Sloan ($402k / BE 75) is finally recalled to the top side as a utility.

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. Coen Hess 9. Reece Robson 10. Luciano Leilua 11. Tom Gilbert 12. Jeremiah Nanai 13. Jason Taumalolo

Bench: 14. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 15. Jake Granville 16. Jamayne Taunoa-Brown 17. Griffin Neame

Reserves: 18. Connelly Lemuelu 19. Ben Hampton 20. Reuben Cotter 21. Brendan Elliot 22. Ben Condon

Changes: No changes

Winner: Reuben Cotter ($599k / BE 77).

Cotter has only been named on the extended reserves but is very likely to come into the side for this game.

Loser: I came up against Scott Drinkwater ($567k / 36 pts / BE 121) as a captain this past weekend and I was very nervous. But Drinky really failed to fire and then got hooked with 15 minutes left. It’s a situation to watch over the next few weeks.

SuperCoach Talk: The Cowboys “won”, so haven’t made any changes for now but as I said, expect Cotter to be called up.

Just like last week, Luciano Leilua ($398k / 33 pts / BE 24) has been named at prop and Jamayne Taunoa-Brown ($280k / 39 pts / BE 22) goes back onto the bench.