Lakey’s Teams Analysis – Round 22

Well that was a massive round of SuperCoach. We saw an incredible nine players crack triple figures, including four over 125. Then there were a further nine players to score over 90 points. And many of these top scorers are very popular in our world so scores were on the up across the board.

I had eight of these 18, which helped me to my best score of the season by over 200 points. So…yeh. That’s how my season is going.

Week 22 signals the final month of the regular season and NRL SuperCoach for the 2022 season. Now is the time to make your moves to solidify your rankings or take out your head-to-head finals.

Let’s look at the teams.

PENRITH PANTHERS v MELBOURNE STORM

Thursday, 7.50pm, BlueBet Stadium, Penrith

Penrith Panthers

1. Dylan Edwards 2. Taylan May 3. Izack Tago 4. Stephen Crichton 5. Brian To’o 6. Jaeman Salmon 7. Sean O’Sullivan 8. Moses Leota 9. Apisai Koroisau 10. Matt Eisenhuth 11. Chris Smith 12. Liam Martin 13. Isaah Yeo

Bench: 14. Mitch Kenny 15. Scott Sorensen 16. Spencer Leniu 17. Sunia Turuva

Reserves: 18. Charlie Staines 19. J’maine Hopgood 20. Robert Jennings 21. Kurt Falls 22. Viliame Kikau

Changes: Matthew Eisenhuth in
James Fisher-Harris out

Winner: For anyone who took a punt on Sean O’Sullivan ($535k / 71 pts / BE 46) when replacing Nathan Cleary ($691k / BE 168), he got things off on the right foot. He outscored almost every other popular SuperCoach option in round 21.

Loser: The Panthers are already short on troops and the two-game suspension for James Fisher-Harris ($484k / 51 pts / BE 77) is going to make things very difficult over the coming weeks. In many ways, he’s the leader of their forward pack.

SuperCoach Talk: On paper, this is one of the matchups of the year. Reigning premiers vs consistent contenders. However, the reality isn’t all we would hope.

With JFH missing, Matthew Eisenhuth ($414k / BE 54) has been given the huge task of filling that role.

Already missing Jarome Luai ($497k / BE 77), Cleary and JFH, Penrith will be nervously watching both Viliame Kikau ($603k / BE 104) and Dylan Edwards ($608k / 81 pts / BE 61) this week. Kikau was a late withdrawal last week with a hip complaint and Edwards injured his shoulder late in last weeks win.

If Edwards is out, Stephen Crichton ($476k / 64 pts / BE 62) would likely move to fullback and Robert Jennings ($235k / BE 20) come into the centres. Or maybe we see a Charlie Staines ($323k / BE 18) recall.

Chris Smith ($279k / 21 pts / BE 60) has been named as cover for Kikau like he did last week, but Kiks is lurking on the extended bench and could yet come in.

With so many of their top grade guys out, the Panthers are very fortunate to already be so close to wrapping up the minor premiership. In front by six premiership points, an insane points differential, and with only four games left, it’s only the Cowboys who could realistically over take them from this point.

Melbourne Storm

1. Nick Meaney 2. David Nofoaluma 3. Marion Seve 4. Justin Olam 5. Xavier Coates 6. Cameron Munster 7. Cooper Johns 8. Jesse Bromwich 9. Harry Grant 10. Nelson Asofa-Solomona 11. Tom Eisenhuth 12. Kenny Bromwich 13. Josh King

Bench: 14. Brandon Smith 15. Tui Kamikamica 16. Chris Lewis 17. Tyran Wishart

Reserves: 18. Alec MacDonald 19. Dean Ieremia 20. Young Tonumaipea 21. Jordan Grant 22. Jack Howarth

Changes: Justin Olam, Nick Meaney, Chris Lewis in
Jahrome Hughes, Felise Kaufusi, Young Tonumaipea out

Winner: Safe to say that moving Cameron Munster ($691k / 147 pts / BE 20) to fullback worked out pretty well. Jeez he’s so good.

Loser: It’s another tough break for the Storm seeing Jahrome Hughes ($532k / 33 pts / BE 75) leaving the field with a shoulder injury. Scans have cleared him of any major damage but he’ll be kept out for a week or two to ensure he’s healthy for the post-season.

SuperCoach Talk: The Storm just keep copping bad hits this year. But in some positive news, Justin Olam ($374k / BE 50) returns from his COVID rest, and Nick Meaney ($579k / BE 81) has been named after missing with his own shoulder issue.

That means Munster goes back into the halves alongside Cooper Johns ($205k / 96 pts / BE -39) who was very good against the Titans.

Felise Kaufusi ($509k / 54 pts / BE 27) is also out this week after his father lost his battle with cancer this weeks. Condolences to the whole Kaufusi family on the loss on their patriarch.

THE WARRIORS v CANTERBURY BULLDOGS

Friday, 6.00pm, Mt Smart Stadium, Auckland

The Warriors

1. Reece Walsh 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 3. Viliami Vailea 4. Marcelo Montoya 5. Edward Kosi 6. Daejarn Asi 7. Shaun Johnson 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Wayde Egan 10. Tohu Harris 11. Euan Aitken 12. Jack Murchie 13. Josh Curran

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

Reserves: 18. Bayley Sironen 20. Adam Pompey 21. Taniela Otukolo 22. Tom Ale 23. Rocco Berry

Changes: Viliami Vailea, Daejarn Asi, Eliesa Katoa in
Aaron Pene, Bayley Sironen, Taniela Otukolo out

Winner: I was watching this game with a Warriors fanatic who was bewildered that Josh Curran ($395k / 58 pts / BE 51) was coming off the bench. I’m glad it’s not just us SuperCoaches. That’s appears to have been rectified this weekend.

Loser: So the whole Wayde Egan ($395k / 29 pts / BE 66) at five-eighth experiment is already over. He’s been moved back to hooker where he was playing good footy anyway.

SuperCoach Talk: Things are not looking good for the Warriors. Early in the Bunnies game, I was getting vibes of the Storm’s 70 point game on them earlier in the season. Although the trip back home will help bolster the side.

Viliami Vailea ($281k / BE -17) is back, which moves Euan Aitken ($449k / 44 pts / BE 65) back to his second row spot. Bayley Sironen ($306k / 39 pts / BE 43) and Aaron Pene ($218k / 17 pts / BE 31) drop out of the side and Eliesa Katoa ($276k / BE 45) has been brought onto the bench.

For those that missed the news this week, Katoa has been granted a release from the rest of his Warriors contract (after this season) and signed with Melbourne from next season. He becomes an immediate 2023 watch.

Edward Kosi ($419k / 57 pts / BE -25) is a talent isn’t he. The kid has a nose for the try line. He’s scored five in the last three games and has a 79.7 PPG 3RA.

In other Warriors news, young gun Ronald Volkman ($175k / BE -7) has undergone surgery on his shoulder, essentially ending his year.

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. Josh Jackson 12. Jackson Topine 13. Raymond Faitala-Mariner

Bench: 14. Zach Dockar-Clay 15. Joe Stimson 16. Harrison Edwards 17. Chris Patolo

Reserves: 19. Declan Casey 20. Kurtis Morrin 21. Bailey Biondi-Odo 22. Jeral Skelton 23. Phillip Makatoa

Changes: Harrison Edwards in
Tevita Pangai Jnr out

Winner: For those new Matt Burton ($667k / 85 pts / BE 103) managers (JT), he bounced back with a solid 80+ game. That’s more what people were expecting when stumping up $600k+.

Loser: Jake Averillo‘s ($423k / 12 pts / BE 75) 12 points in 80 minutes was one for the ages.

SuperCoach Talk: The Bulldogs have been drastically improved this year but just ran into the Cowboys juggernaut last week. They still put up a decent fight for the majority of the game and can take solace in the fact that the team didn’t fold under the pressure.

They’ve made just one change to that side. Tevita Pangai Jnr ($343k / 50 pts / BE 41) drops off the bench for Harrison Edwards ($175k). I’m not sure if there’s more to this though.

Corey Allan ($264k / BE 26) had been scheduled to return this week but with the team playing as well as they are, it’s hard to see where he fits in at present.

PARRAMATTA EELS v SOUTH SYDNEY RABBITOHS

Friday, 7.55pm, CommBank Stadium, Sydney

Parramatta Eels

1. Clinton Gutherson 2. Maika Sivo 3. Viliami Penisini 4. Tom Opacic 5. Waqa Blake 6. Dylan Brown 7. Jakob Arthur 8. Reagan Campbell-Gillard 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Junior Paulo 11. Shaun Lane 12. Isaiah Papali’i 13. Ryan Matterson

Bench: 14. Ofahiki Ogden 15. Bryce Cartwright 16. Oregon Kaufusi 17. Marata Niukore

Reserves: 18. Makahesi Makatoa 19. Bailey Simonsson 20. Ky Rodwell 21. Sean Russell 22. Elie El Zakhem

Changes: Ofahiki Ogden in
Makahesi Makatoa out

Winner: Oh Dylan Brown ($608k / 98 pts / BE 34), how I love you. His first game this season without Mitch Moses ($587k / BE 88) and he nearly tonned up.

Loser: Ryan Matterson ($576k / 49 pts / BE 83) left round 21 due to a HIA. It was at the end of the game so there was no confirmation of passing or failing that but with his history, Matto will not be risked if not 100% healthy. Keep an eye on that one.

SuperCoach Talk: Parramatta has made one minor change to the 17 who beat up on Manly last weekend. Ofahiki Ogden ($307k / BE 36) is in for Makahesi Makatoa ($198k / 12 pts / BE 44).

Bailey Simonsson ($336k / BE 60) has been named on the extended bench though so could come back into the side for Tom Opacic ($303k / 61 pts / BE -1).

And credit where credit is due, Jakob Arthur ($186k / 42 pts / BE 21) was pivotal in the Eels win. Good on him.

South Sydney Rabbitohs

1. Latrell Mitchell 2. Alex Johnston 3. Jaxson Paulo 4. Isaiah Tass 5. Izaac Thompson 6. Cody Walker 7. Lachlan Ilias 8. Tevita Tatola 9. Damien Cook 10. Hame Sele 11. Keaon Koloamatangi 12. Jai Arrow 13. Cameron Murray

Bench: 14. Blake Taaffe 15. Mark Nicholls 16. Siliva Havili 17. Davvy Moale

Reserves: 18. Taane Milne 19. Dean Hawkins 20. Daniel Suluka-Fifita 21. Shaq Mitchell 22. Josh Mansour

Changes: Hame Sele in
Daniel Suluka-Fifita out

Winner: As good as Munster was (above), he was only the second highest score of the weekend behind Latrell Mitchell ($798k / 152 pts / BE 74). How good is it watching Latrell when he’s in this sort of mood? He’s so dominant. Craziest thing was that he got rested with 18 minutes left in the game. He could have been massive.

Loser: Site founder Wenin, who was deciding between Latrell and Cam Murray ($642k / 130 pts / BE 11). He didn’t choose wrong, but he didn’t exactly choose right either.

Round 21 #NRLSuperCoach trades…

Kikau to Murray ✅
Cleary to Doueihi ❓@NRLSCTalk

— Wenin Rome (@Wenin_Rome) August 6, 2022

SuperCoach Talk: No major changes for the Bunnies, nor should there be.

Murray was sent for a HIA late in the game but said himself that he was feeling fine post game. I know we need to take that with a grain of salt but it’s all we have to go on for now.

Tom Burgess ($436k / BE 62) is due back in from his suspension but has a groin issue so misses again this week. However, Hame Sele ($283k / BE 49) returns in a starting role so Daniel Suluka-Fifita ($236k / 34 pts / BE 15) gets dropped.

Campbell Graham ($613k / BE 132) is getting closer to a return game too. He’s one to keep an eye on in the next week or so.

SYDNEY ROOSTERS v Nth QUEENSLAND COWBOYS

Saturday, 3.00pm, Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney

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. Matthew Lodge 11. Angus Crichton 12. Nat Butcher 13. Victor Radley

Bench: 14. Connor Watson 15. Egan Butcher 16. Drew Hutchison 17. Terrell May

Reserves: 18. Adam Keighran 19. Fletcher Baker 20. Kevin Naiqama 21. Ben Thomas 22. Siua Wong

Changes: Egan Butcher in
Ben Thomas out

Winner: James Tedesco ($818k / 99 pts / BE 114) is putting up Teddy numbers once again. His 5RA is 97.6 PPG but the Chooks have had a relatively favourable run. It gets a bit tougher from here.

Loser: Finally, things didn’t go Joseph Manu‘s ($903k / 48 pts / BE 166) way last week. He tried, and every time he touched the ball I held my breath, but he was held in check.

SuperCoach Talk: I keep dismissing the Roosters premiership chances and they keep turning up. It wasn’t all that long ago that they were considered cast and the Broncos were heading for premiership contention. Now that narrative has flipped on its head, but this will be their biggest test of the last month.

Egan Butcher ($403k / BE 37) has served his one-game suspension so returns on the bench for Ben Thomas ($205k / 4 pts).

Sam Verrills ($427k / 46 pts / BE 49) is doubtful as well. He copped a head knock so needs to pass through protocols in order to play this week.

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

Bench: 14. Jordan McLean 15. Jamayne Taunoa-Brown 16. Luciano Leilua 17. Griffin Neame

Reserves: 18. Brendan Elliot 19. Ben Hampton 20. Jake Granville 21. Riley Price 22. Connelly Lemuelu

Changes: Jordan McLean in
Jake Granville out

Winner: Reuben Cotter ($540k / 55 pts / BE 99) looks back to full health. He played 53 minutes last week which is still slightly down from his pre-injury average (64.6 MPG) but well up from his return game. Now he’s back in the starting spot and becomes a real option once more.

Loser: Valentine Holmes ($707k / 37 pts / BE 121) really struggled against the Dogs. He wasn’t heavily involved and of his 37 points, 12 came via goal kicks (4 made, 2 missed).

SuperCoach Talk: A big in for the Cowboys already strong interchange with Jordan McLean ($372k / BE 44) named to return.

Jamayne Taunoa-Brown ($273k / 25 pts / BE 47) goes to the bench while Jake Granville ($200k / 7 pts / BE 29) drops to the extended reserves.

Meanwhile, things were looking dicey for Scott Drinkwater ($591k / 100 pts / BE 0) for most of the last game, but he finished with a double and another near ton. I tell you what. It’s better for the mental health watching Cowboys games when he’s in your team. He’s everywhere.

WESTS TIGERS v CRONULLA-SUTHERLAND SHARKS

Saturday, 5.30pm, Scully Park, Tamworth

Wests Tigers

1. Daine Laurie 2. Brent Naden 3. James Roberts 4. Asu Kepaoa 5. Starford To’a 6. Adam Doueihi 7. Jock Madden 8. James Tamou 9. Fa’amanu Brown 10. Zane Musgrove 11. Alex Seyfarth 12. Kelma Tuilagi 13. Joe Ofahengaue

Bench: 14. Fonua Pole 15. Austin Dias 16. Thomas Freebairn 17. Tyrone Peachey

Reserves: 18. Luke Garner 19. Jake Simpkin 20. Brandon Tumeth 21. Junior Tupou 22. Justin Matamua

Changes: James Roberts in
Ken Maumalo out

Winner: Kelma Tuilagi ($419k / 82 pts / BE 2) has finally found his feet. His 82 points last round is his season and career high. In fact, his past three scores have all been career highs and he has a 3RA of 68.3 PPG. Where was this at the start of the year?

Loser: Of all my so many massive scores last week, I decided to captain Adam Doueihi ($592k / 53 pts / BE 31). C’mon man.

SuperCoach Talk: Ken Maumalo ($380k / 21 pts / BE 48) has been carrying a knee concern through much of the year and he left round 21 early after hurting it again. He’s been sent for scans with fears he’s suffered a PCL injury.

Starford To’a ($369k / 24 pts / BE 42) moves onto the wing in his place and James Roberts ($285k / BE 55) comes in at centre.

Also, Fonua Pole ($260k / 37 pts / BE 18) has been replaced at lock by Joe Ofahengaue ($581k / 76 pts / BE 62) and Zane Musgrove ($366k / 50 pts / BE 12) is in at prop. It’s a minor shuffle really.

Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks

1. Kade Dykes 2. Lachlan Miller 3. Jesse Ramien 4. Siosifa Talakai 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo 6. Braydon Trindall 7. Nicho Hynes 8. Toby Rudolf 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Braden Hamlin-Uele 11. Briton Nikora 12. Wade Graham 13. Dale Finucane

Bench: 14. Teig Wilton 15. Cameron McInnes 16. Aiden Tolman 17. Andrew Fifita

Reserves: 18. Kayal Iro 19. Royce Hunt 20. Luke Metcalf 21. Jesse Colquhoun 22. Matt Ikuvalu

Changes: Dale Finucane in
Connor Tracey out

Winner: Nicho Hynes ($669k / 112 pts / BE 47) is THE guy at halfback this year and for the rest of season. It’s no longer a question.

Loser: Thoughts are with Connor Tracey ($419k / 1 pts / BE 86) after a sickening concussion ended his afternoon early.

SuperCoach Talk: A couple of key men are coming back for the Sharks in the coming weeks as they look to lock in a top four finish.

This week, Cameron McInnes ($532k / 50 pts / BE 51) goes back to the bench role he was playing previous to Dale Finucane ($390k / BE 34) being suspended, with the latter coming back into the starting 13.

Lachlan Miller ($205k / 28 pts / BE -38) is the man to replace Tracey on the wing and Royce Hunt ($251k / BE 43) has been named on the extended bench as he aims to return from a shoulder concern.

BRISBANE BRONCOS v NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS

Saturday, 7.35pm, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane

Brisbane Broncos

1. Te Maire Martin 2. Corey Oates 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Brenko Lee 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. Kobe Hetherington

Bench: 14. Jake Turpin 15. Rhys Kennedy 16. Corey Jensen 17. Keenan Palasia

Reserves: 18. Cory Paix 19. Ryan James 20. Jordan Pereira 21. Delouise Hoeter 22. Zac Hosking

Changes: Te Maire Martin, Brenko Lee in
Tesi Niu, Deine Mariner out

Winner: Payne Haas ($573k / 65 pts / BE 76) is cementing his gun status with another big week in a Broncos loss. He played 65 minutes at a rate of 1 PPM.

Loser: Tesi Niu ($534k / 18 pts / BE 93) has taken the fall for the Broncos recent run of poor form. He’s been dropped this week.

SuperCoach Talk: Te Maire Martin ($316k / BE 70) has been favoured at fullback now that he’s back to full health.

Otherwise, Brenko Lee ($347k / BE 53) is back in for Deine Mariner ($175k / 31 pts / BE -9) too.

Newcastle Knights

1. Tex Hoy 2. Enari Tuala 3. Dane Gagai 4. Bradman Best 5. Dominic Young 6. Anthony Milford 7. Adam Clune 8. David Klemmer 9. Jayden Brailey 10. Daniel Saifiti 11. Tyson Frizell 12. Brodie Jones 13. Mathew Croker

Bench: 14. Phoenix Crossland 15. Jacob Saifiti 16. Pasami Saulo 17. Simi Sasagi

Reserves: 18. Jack Johns 19. Sauaso Sue 20. Chris Randall 21. Edrick Lee 22. Hymel Hunt

Changes: David Klemmer, Adam Clune in
Mitch Barnett, Jake Clifford out

Winner: This news dropped well ahead of the actual teams lists, but David Klemmer ($534k / BE 75) is straight back into the side this week. That whole episode was a ridiculous and embarrassing but sadly shows where this club is at.

Loser: Jake Clifford ($303k / 69 pts / BE -8) has fought his way back into the starting side but unfortunately, looks to have broken his arm. It’s a year to forget for the halfback.

SuperCoach Talk: The Knights got a much needed win as they fight to stay off the bottom of the ladder. And it might be their last for the season, although there is a round 24 match up with the Titans that could go a long way to deciding that outcome. #Spoonbowl.

Along with Klem, Adam Clune ($426k / BE 80) earns a recall to cover Clifford.

Mitch Barnett ($368k / 51 pts / BE 65) is the other man out of last weeks side.

CANBERRA RAIDERS v St. GEORGE-ILLAWARRA DRAGONS

Sunday, 2.00pm, GIO Stadium, Canberra

Canberra Raiders

1. Xavier Savage 2. Albert Hopoate 3. Matthew Timoko 4. Sebastian Kris 5. Jordan Rapana 6. Jack Wighton 7. Jamal Fogarty 8. Josh Papali’i 9. Zac Woolford 10. Emre Guler 11. Hudson Young 12. Elliott Whitehead 13. Adam Elliott

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

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

Changes: Xavier Savage, Corey Horsburgh in
Joe Tapine, Nick Cotric out

Winner: I spruiked Josh Papali’i ($545k / 74 pts / BE 56) a couple of weeks ago and he performed once more. He scored a try on the way to his 74 points. He’s a proven late season gun.

Loser: The biggest watch for round 23 and beyond is Joe Tapine ($676k / 26 pts / BE 97). He left very early on last week clutching his ribs. He couldn’t play any further part in that game and is out for this one. But how long will his exclusion last?

SuperCoach Talk: Also in doubt for the Raiders is Ryan Sutton ($325k / 2 pts / BE 70) with a concussion and Nick Cotric ($359k / 28 pts / BE 2) has copped a one-game ban for a high tackle.

Xavier Savage ($437k / BE 43) is back at fullback so Albert Hopoate ($266k / 43 pts / BE 14) moves to the wing. Corey Horsburgh ($534k / BE 77) is also back in a boost to the pack, especially with Tapine having to miss the game.

Also, Ricky Stuart has been suspended for one game for his post-game comments last week.

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. Josh Mcguire 12. Jaydn Su’A 13. Michael Molo

Bench: 14. Tyrell Sloan 15. Aaron Woods 16. Tyrell Fuimaono 17. Billy Burns

Reserves: 18. Jayden Sullivan 19. Jackson Ford 20. Jaiyden Hunt 21. Cody Ramsey 22. Jack Gosiewski

Changes: Billy Burns, Tyrell Fuimaono in
Tariq Sims, Francis Molo out

Winner: I’ve decided to appreciate the way the Dragons are playing Tyrell Sloan ($299k / 10 pts / BE 91) at the moment. He’s going to be super cheap for 2023, as long as he can get somewhere that will actually play him in a full time role.

Loser: Tariq Sims ($373k / 31 pts / BE 65) Dragons tenure is over having been given a four-game ban for his hit on Connor Tracey. There concern was evident from Sims, but the incident was a bad one and subsequently ends his season.

SuperCoach Talk: For the Dragons, Josh McGuire ($k / pts / BE ) is in for Sims, Tyrell Fuimaono ($k / pts / BE ) on the bench along with Billy Burns ($k / pts / BE ) who missed last weeks game at the last minute.

Cody Ramsey ($446k / BE 79) has been named at #21 and should he return, it would cause a shuffle throughout the side.

GOLD COAST TITANS v MANLY-WARRINGAH SEA EAGLES

Sunday, 4.05pm, Cbus Super Stadium, Gold Coast

Gold Coast Titans

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

Bench: 14. Greg Marzhew 15. Herman Ese’ese 16. Jaimin Jolliffe 17. Sam McIntyre

Reserves: 18. Corey Thompson 19. Toby Sexton 20. Paul Turner 21. Klese Haas 22. Jarrod Wallace

Changes: Patrick Herbert in
Aaron Booth out

Winner: There’s not much to get excited by at the Glitter Strip at the moment. Mad Monday anyone?

Loser: Aaron Booth ($215k / 8 pts / BE 50) has suffered the worst looking knee injury I think I’ve ever seen. The footage was horrific. In that, he’s torn just about everything in his knee possible. Good luck with the recovery.

SuperCoach Talk: The injury to Booth means Erin Clark ($473k / 35 pts / BE 84) goes back to hooker and Isaac Liu ($335k / 29 pts / BE 40) starts at lock. Although, with Tino Fa’asuamaleaui ($577k / 54 pts / BE 59) at prop, the two could switch on game day.

Patrick Herbert ($325k / BE 22) officially replaces Booth in the side, coming into the backline and pushing Greg Marzhew ($533k / 44 pts / BE 82) to the bench.

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. Toafofoa Sipley 9. Lachlan Croker 10. Martin Taupau 11. Haumole Olakau’atu 12. Andrew Davey 13. Jake Trbojevic

Bench: 14. Dylan Walker 15. Ben Trbojevic 16. Ethan Bullemor 17. Josh Aloiai

Reserves: 18. Josh Schuster 19. Kurt De Luis 20. Brad Parker 21. Kaeo Weekes 22. Morgan Boyle

Changes: Josh Aloiai in
Taniela Paseka out

Winner: Reuben Garrick ($638k / 74 pts / BE 101) had his first great scoring game in four weeks. It’s been a lean patch for the Manly fullback with the whole pride controversy and a hip pointer injury but he’s back on the right path and after Munster’s efforts last weekend, he shapes as a genuine captaincy option this week.

Loser: Kieran Foran ($393k / 39 pts / BE 33) isn’t overly SuperCoach relevant but is in a favourable spot this week. Unless he misses this game against the Titans with a hamstring strain. Here’s what I said last week about left halves vs the Gold Coast.

the Titans allow 64.7 PPG to left halves this year, including a last five of:
Round 20 – Jack Wighton – 88 points
Round 19 – Matt Burton – 126 points
Round 18 – Ezra Mam – 55 points
Round 16 – Anthony Milford – 70 points
Round 15 – Matt Moylan – 90 points.

Then Cooper Johns went out and dropped his highest ever SuperCoach score on them. It’s just a shame that it’s Foran and not someone more relevant.

SuperCoach Talk: I’ve been nervous about this Foran injury for one reason: that it would ruin Josh Schuster‘s ($211k / BE 25) low average heading into next year. However, Foran has been named for now. It’s good news regarding Schuster’s 2023 starting price, but possibly a bad sign for his prospects as a starter.

Josh Aloiai ($492k / BE 37) is back for the Eagles to shore up their forward stocks.