Lakey’s Teams Analysis – Round 25

It’s round 25. The finality of the season. We’ve navigated injuries, byes, illness, COVID, coach shenanigans and everything else thrown our way this year. Not always successfully, but we’ve done it. Be proud of yourself for getting this far, regardless of your results.

For this final week though, we’re facing possibly our biggest adversity yet: pre-finals restings. I really hope you’re a head-to-head player and this doesn’t affect you as much. For the overalls, it’s about to get messy. But in all honesty, with a few games still to decide final positions, it could have been worse.

On a personal note, it’s been a big year again but I want to thank all who have read and / or commented on these posts this season. It’s always fun interacting with you lot and hopefully I’ve managed to make your SuperCoach year a little easier in some way. Thanks again.

But now, for the final time in 2022, let’s look at the teams.

PARRAMATTA EELS v MELBOURNE STORM

Thursday, 7.50pm, CommBank Stadium, Sydney

Parramatta Eels

1. Clinton Gutherson 2. Maika Sivo 3. Viliami Penisini 4. Tom Opacic 5. Waqa Blake 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. Jakob Arthur 16. Oregon Kaufusi 17. Marata Niukore

Reserves: 18. Ofahiki Ogden 19. Bailey Simonsson 20. Bryce Cartwright 21. Sean Russell 22. Ky Rodwell

Changes: No changes

Winner: If you owned him, Clint Gutherson ($673k / 159 pts / BE 33) became a league winner last weekend. Scoring two tries and setting up three more, Gutho was King again.

Loser: Ryan Matterson ($548k / 55 pts / BE 59) got benched for kickoff for the second week in a row, and for the second week in a row, the Eels won by A LOT. Named to start again here but I don’t see it staying that way.

SuperCoach Talk: We’re looking at a potential finals matchup here. The winner of this one will finish inside the top 4 so fortunately, we’ll get a proper preview with both sides playing relatively full strength sides.

The Eels are pretty fresh after the training run last week so haven’t made any changes as they still hope to steal that top 4 finish.

Melbourne Storm

1. Nick Meaney 2. David Nofoaluma 3. Marion Seve 4. Justin Olam 5. Xavier Coates 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. Young Tonumaipea 19. Cooper Johns 20. Alec MacDonald 21. Jordan Grant 22. Jack Howarth

Changes: Chris Lewis in
Tom Eisenhuth out

Winner: It was a bruising encounter between Sydney and Melbourne last Friday night, but Jahrome Hughes ($546k / 105 pts / BE 15) showed up. He made his fourth ton of the season. A huge night for the Kiwi international.

Loser: He’s been a monster all season but Cam Munster ($708k / 26 pts / BE 137) went missing when head-to-head focussed coaches needed him most. The 26 points was his worst score all year. Expect an angry / dialled-in Munster this week.

SuperCoach Talk: It’s the same situation for the Storm who currently sit in fourth, but will drop to fifth with a loss.

Melbourne has one forced change with Tom Eisenhuth ($291k / 23 pts / BE 36) suffering a syndesmosis injury, ending his year. Chris Lewis ($282k / BE 44) replaces him on the bench.

Otherwise, it’s more of the same from the Storm. This game should be a cracker.

CANTERBURY BULLDOGS v MANLY-WARRINGAH SEA EAGLES

Friday, 6.00pm, Accor Stadium, Sydney

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. Corey Waddell 12. Raymond Faitala-Mariner 13. Josh Jackson

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

Reserves: 19. Declan Casey 20. Bailey Biondi-Odo 21. Jackson Topine 22. Paul Alamoti 23. Luke Thompson

Changes: Corey Waddell, Tevita Pangai Jnr in
Harrison Edwards, Joshua Stuckey out

Winner: Don’t stress Matt Burton ($495k / 31 pts / BE 95) fans. He’s been in a bit of a lull lately, but Manly have allowed 81.4 PPG to left halves over the past fives games. Plus an 87 before that. He’s a VC option.

Loser: It looks very much like the Dogs are trying to run Tevita Pangai Jnr ($335k / BE 38) out of town. It’s not been his best year I’ll admit, but it’s still a shock to see him relegated to NSW Cup.

SuperCoach Talk: It’s a very “Friday 5pm” type game here and with nothing left to play for, there’s no point resting players in this one. Both sides have plenty of time to rest after Friday.

TPJ and Corey Waddell ($427k / BE 52) and the ins and that forces rookies Joshua Stuckey ($175k / 4 pts) and Harrison Edwards ($188k / 23 pts / BE 32) out of the 17.

Luke Thompson ($446k / BE 44) was withdrawn last week due to COVID but is back on the extended bench here as he tries to return for this one.

Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles

1. Kaeo Weekes 2. Ray Tuaimalo-Vaega 3. Brad Parker 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. Dylan Walker

Bench: 14. Ben Trbojevic 15. Josh Schuster 16. Ethan Bullemor 17. Kurt De Luis

Reserves: 18. James Roumanos 19. Zac Fulton 20. Jacob Sykes 21. Jamie Humphreys 22. Gordon Chan Kum Tong

Changes: Andrew Davey in
Ethan Bullemor out

Winner: It’s hard to pick a winner from this side, but I thought Raymond Tuaimalo-Vaega ($175k / 35 pts) was solid on debut. He’s been rewarded with a second shot this week.

Loser: It’s been tough to watch the fall of Manly and Daly Cherry-Evans ($460k / 34 pts / BE 42) at the back end of the season. Traditionally a safe halfback for the run home, DCE has been a victim of the Manly jersey-gate scandal.

SuperCoach Talk: The Sea Eagles have made a couple of shuffles for their final game.

Andrew Davey ($487k / BE 86) will see his first action since getting hurt in round 22. Ben Trbojevic ($175k / 32 pts / BE 24) goes back to a bench / AE role, with Ethan Bullemor ($292k / 58 pts / BE 16) dropping out.

SYDNEY ROOSTERS v SOUTH SYDNEY RABBITOHS

Friday, 7.55pm, Allianz Stadium, Sydney

Sydney Roosters

1. James Tedesco 2. Paul Momirovski 3. Drew Hutchison 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. Siosiua Taukeiaho

Bench: 14. Connor Watson 15. Egan Butcher 16. Fletcher Baker 17. Terrell May

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

Changes: Terrell May, Paul Momirovski, Fletcher Baker in
Daniel Tupou, Lindsay Collins, Victor Radley out

Winner: Joesph Manu ($681k / 85 pts / BE 96) bounced back with a solid game after three down weeks in a row. It was a much needed boost for so many coaches who will be looking for the star centre to finish strongly here.

Loser: As mentioned, it was a brutal encounter for the Chooks last week and they’ve copped a few outs because of it. The most SuperCoach relevant of those is Daniel Tupou ($522k / 40 pts / BE 39) who strained his groin and will miss at least this week.

SuperCoach Talk: This is also an important game for both sides. The winner will lock up a home final in week 1, whilst the loser must travel. And depending on the Thursday night result, this could be the same matchup we see next weekend in an elimination final.

Joining Tupou on the outs for the Chooks are Victor Radley ($497k / 39 pts / BE 59) and Lindsay Collins ($375k / 30 pts / BE 77).

Radley suffered an ugly looking concussion and will be given time to recover properly, bit Lindsay Collins year is over unless the Roosters can make the Grand Final.

Siosiua Taukeiaho ($540k / 62 pts / BE 114), Terrell May ($199k / BE 11) and Paul Momirovski ($397k / BE 56) have been called on to slot into those positions vacated and Fletcher Baker ($249k / BE 38) slots in to the final bench spot.

South Sydney Rabbitohs

1. Latrell Mitchell 2. Alex Johnston 3. Isaiah Tass 4. Jaxson Paulo 5. Taane Milne 6. Cody Walker 7. Lachlan Ilias 8. Tevita Tatola 9. Siliva Havili 10. Thomas Burgess 11. Keaon Koloamatangi 12. Jai Arrow 13. Cameron Murray

Bench: 14. Peter Mamouzelos 15. Mark Nicholls 16. Hame Sele 17. Michael Chee Kam

Reserves: 18. Blake Taaffe 19. Kodi Nikorima 20. Davvy Moale 21. Richard Kennar 22. Josh Mansour

Changes: Jaxson Paulo, Peter Mamouzelos in
Campbell Graham, Kodi Nikorima out

Winner: He couldn’t quite make it four tons in a row, but Latrell Mitchell ($874k / 76 pts / BE 126) scored well enough again to ensure his 100+ average over the past month stays in tact. It’s a battle of the two best (remaining) fullbacks in SuperCoach this week. Who comes out on top?

Loser: We lost Damien Cook ($693k / BE 92) to COVID before last weekend and again this week. He was diagnosed so late in the round and with an earlier scheduled game this week, he was almost a certainty to miss out. But PM Albanese offered a loophole, only for Coach Demetriou to decide it wasn’t worth the risk to his entire squad.

SuperCoach Talk: The Bunnies made a statement against the Cowboys last week however, the best they can finish now is fifth but that guarantees a home final so there’s plenty to play for.

Campbell Graham ($540k / 32 pts / BE 83) is also a big out for the Bunnies after that hit from Coen Hess. He’s being replaced at right centre by Jaxson Paulo ($329k / BE 56). And Peter Mamouzelous ($271k / BE 60) replaces Kodi Nikorima ($217k / 14 pts / BE 36) on the bench.

The other main concern for the Bunnies is Tevita Tatola ($530k / 47 pts / BE 89) who copped a head knock last week and will need to pass through protocols to take up his spot in the starting pack.

THE WARRIORS v GOLD COAST TITANS

Saturday, 3.00pm, Mt Smart Stadium, Auckland

The Warriors

1. Reece Walsh 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 3. Jesse Arthars 4. Rocco Berry 5. Marcelo Montoya 6. Chanel Harris-Tavita 7. Shaun Johnson 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Wayde Egan 10. Tohu Harris 11. Euan Aitken 12. Josh Curran 13. Bunty Afoa

Bench: 14. Freddy Lussick 15. Ben Murdoch-Masila 16. Eliesa Katoa 17. Tom Ale

Reserves: 18. Jack Murchie 20. Daejarn Asi 21. Adam Pompey 22. Edward Kosi 23. Jackson Frei

Changes: Euan Aitken, Wayde Egan, Marcelo Montoya, Rocco Berry, Jesse Arthars in
Dunamis Lui, Edward Kosi, Viliami Vailea, Adam Pompey, Taniela Otukolo out

Winner: After dropping out early last week for personal reasons, Euan Aitken ($432k / BE 50) returns to help anyone who’s held on this long.

Loser: Shaun Johnson ($423k / 3 pts / BE 136) suffered the dreaded “old man injury” (a strained calf). He’s been named but there’s a good chance he will finish his season on the sidelines.

SuperCoach Talk: A few changes afoot over the ditch.

Wayde Egan ($380k / BE 33) will finish the year as the starting hooker so Freddy Lussick ($203k / 39 pts / BE 14) goes to the bench.

Jesse Arthars ($279k / BE 53) was sick last game, but starts at centre here for Adam Pompey ($268k / 25 pts / BE 45). As does Rocco Berry ($292k / BE 24) and Marcelo Montoya ($341k / BE 55) who replace Edward Kosi ($473k / 40 pts / BE 99) and Viliami Vailea ($333k / 22 pts / BE 67).

And Jack Murchie ($425k / BE 71) is back, but only as far as the bench for now. Watch for some sort of swap with Josh Curran ($412k / 47 pts / BE 61) as has happened on more than one occasion this year. Eliesa Katoa ($325k / 73 pts / BE 20) drops out after upping his 2023 starting price last week. Jerk.

Daejarn Asi ($380k / BE 57) is on the extended bench as SJ cover.

Gold Coast Titans

1. Jayden Campbell 2. Greg Marzhew 3. Sosefo Fifita 4. Phillip Sami 5. Corey Thompson 6. AJ Brimson 7. Tanah Boyd 8. Moeaki Fotuaika 9. Sam McIntyre 10. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui 11. David Fifita 12. Beau Fermor 13. Isaac Liu

Bench: 14. Paul Turner 15. Herman Ese’ese 16. Jaimin Jolliffe 17. Klese Haas

Reserves: 18. Jarrod Wallace 19. Tony Francis 20. Toby Sexton 21. Jamayne Isaako 22. Sam Lisone

Changes: Phillip Sami in
Brian Kelly out

Winner: The Titans ran all over my Knights on Sunday to ensure they would not receive the wooden spoon this year. You know, barring a Tigers win and 80 points-differential turn around.

Loser: Another game with a try and another game barely cracking 60 for David Fifita ($600k / 61 pts / BE 60). To be fair, he wasn’t needed but looked well on his way to a monster score then only playing 48 minutes after dislocating a finger.

SuperCoach Talk: Brian Kelly ($432k / 23 pts / BE 54) buried Dom Young in the CBUS turf so has been granted an early holiday. Phillip Sami ($k / pts / BE ) returns from concussion to take his place in the centres.

Meanwhile, AJ Brimson ($682k / 139 pts / BE 19), Tino Fa’asuamaleaui ($629k / 109 pts / BE 22) and Beau Fermor ($647k / 84 pts / BE 38) were all huge again for the Titans. They could be smokeys in early 2023 drafts if you have any confidence in the Titans next season.

St. GEORGE-ILLAWARRA DRAGONS v BRISBANE BRONCOS

Saturday, 5.30pm, Netstrata Jubilee Stadium, Sydney

St George-Illawarra Dragons

1. Cody Ramsey 2. Tyrell Sloan 3. Mathew Feagai 4. Zac Lomax 5. Tautau Moga 6. Talatau Amone 7. Ben Hunt 8. Jack de Belin 9. Jayden Sullivan 10. Blake Lawrie 11. Josh Mcguire 12. Jaydn Su’A 13. Jack Bird

Bench: 14. Tyrell Fuimaono 15. Jaiyden Hunt 16. Jackson Ford 17. Aaron Woods

Reserves: 18. Jack Gosiewski 19. Andrew McCullough 20. Poasa Faamausili 21. Joshua Coric 22. Josh Kerr

Changes: No changes

Winner: The Dragons had no right to win that game on Sunday, but Zac Lomax ($477k / 91 pts / BE 10) seemed determined to drag the team across the line by himself. He scored two outstanding tries, one of which was disallowed for a subtle Tigers touch.

Loser: At one stage of last week, Jack Bird ($572k / 38 pts / BE 32) committed a penalty, got his team marched 10m for back chat, then got sin-binned for further dissent. And he has that rat’s tail.

SuperCoach Talk: The Dragons have been given the responsibility of ending the Broncos season. But there’s not a lot of note here as far as the team list goes.

Although, Hook played with the combinations throughout the game. Bird went from centre to lock and in at hooker as times. Jayden Sullivan ($295k / 20 pts / BE 14) started at hooker but played a floating role. And Tautau Amone ($517k / 21 pts / BE 92) has been the Dragons best of the past few weeks, but was benched after 67 minutes.

Brisbane Broncos

1. Te Maire Martin 2. Corey Oates 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Delouise Hoeter 5. Selwyn Cobbo 6. Tyson Gamble 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Thomas Flegler 9. Jake Turpin 10. Payne Haas 11. Kurt Capewell 12. Jordan Riki 13. Patrick Carrigan

Bench: 14. Billy Walters 15. Keenan Palasia 16. Corey Jensen 17. Zac Hosking

Reserves: 18. Tesi Niu 19. Jordan Pereira 20. Cory Paix 21. Ezra Mam 22. Rhys Kennedy

Changes: Selwyn Cobbo, Patrick Carrigan, Delouise Hoeter, Tyson Gamble in
Ezra Mam, Brenko Lee, Jordan Pereira, Kobe Hetherington out

Winner: Despite the Broncos woeful form, they’re still in the finals hunt. But they need a win here first, and then a Raiders loss to the Tigers on Sunday.

Loser: Adam Reynolds ($512k / 6 pts / BE 135) failed a HIA early last weekend, but Kevvie has decided that Ezra Mam ($404k / 46 pts / BE 84) was the problem and dropped the rookie for the Broncos most important game of the year.

SuperCoach Talk: I don’t know what has happened to the Broncos of late but if they want to play on past this weekend, they need to wake up.

I got up so early today, it was at. 5:07am, or as Parra fans like to call it, 53 to 6.

— Legends of Sport (@Legendsofsport8) August 25, 2022

They’ve played two finals teams the past fortnight for a combined score of 113-18. If it weren’t for those two losses, they’d have practically locked up a top 8 spot already (on points differential). But anyway….

Tyson Gamble ($365k / BE 43) has been recalled to replace Mam in the halves for now, although Reynolds has to get through concussion protocols so Mam may survive yet.

Kobe Hetherington ($289k / 14 pts / BE 46) is also in protocols, and Brenko Lee ($349k / 56 pts / BE 33) strained his hamstring so has been given the week off too.

Coming in though are Patrick Carrigan ($523k / BE 67), Selwyn Cobbo ($549k / BE 46) and Delouise Hoeter ($316k / BE 43).

Thomas Flegler ($370k / 24 pts / BE 69) is named despite the fact he was taken to hospital with fears he’d fractured his larynx. He obviously wasn’t but it’s still a surprise to see him here.

In another boost, Herbie Farnworth ($557k / BE 26) is close to a return, which could come as soon as next week if the Broncos manage to pull this off.

Nth QUEENSLAND COWBOYS v PENRITH PANTHERS

Saturday, 7.35pm, Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Townsville

Nth Queensland Cowboys

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

Bench: 14. Jake Granville 15. Tom Gilbert 16. Jamayne Taunoa-Brown 17. Griffin Neame

Reserves: 18. Brendan Elliot 19. Riley Price 20. Connelly Lemuelu 21. Tom Dearden 22. Ben Condon

Changes: Griffin Neame in
Coen Hess out

Winner: Reuben Cotter ($507k / 40 pts / BE 82) has been getting benched of late, but gets a start here due to the suspension to Coen Hess ($361k / 7 pts / BE 42).

Loser: Last week, in the loss to the Bunnies, only one Cowboy scored over 50 points, being Scott Drinkwater ($584k / 53 pts / BE 85).

SuperCoach Talk: With a good win, the Cowboys can finish in second place (although with the Sharks playing the Knights that doesn’t seem likely). With a loss, they could drop to fourth. The difference is playing the Sharks (either home or away), or playing the Panthers at full strength next week. I know which way I’d rather go.

As such, NQ haven’t made any changes other than the Hess suspension. Griffin Neame ($377k / BE 61) comes onto the bench.

In a switch, Drinky is back at fullback and the Cowboys have opted for Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow ($304k / 44 pts / BE 32) at #6.

Thomas Dearden ($525k / BE 43) is named on the extended bench but it’s not worth busting a nut to come back in before finals.

Penrith Panthers

1. Charlie Staines 2. Sunia Turuva 3. Robert Jennings 4. Thomas Jenkins 5. Christian Crichton 6. Kurt Falls 7. Sean O’Sullivan 8. Lindsay Smith 9. Mitch Kenny 10. Matt Eisenhuth 11. Chris Smith 12. Scott Sorensen 13. J’maine Hopgood

Bench: 14. Soni Luke 15. Eddie Blacker 16. Liam Henry 17. Jack Cole

Reserves: 18. Mavrik Geyer 19. Preston Riki 20. Ativalu Lisati 21. Liam Martin 22. Jaeman Salmon

Changes: Charlie Staines, Scott Sorensen, Robert Jennings, Kurt Falls, Soni Luke, Lindsay Smith, Thomas Jenkins, Sunia Turuva, Christian Crichton, Eddie Blacker, Liam Henry, Jack Cole in
Dylan Edwards, Taylan May, Izack Tago, Stephen Crichton, Brian To’o, Jarome Luai, Moses Leota, Api Koroisau, James Fisher-Harris, Viliame Kikau, Isaah Yeo, Spencer Leniu out

Winner: Taylan May ($457k / 113 pts / BE 0) came back in to the side late and absolutely dominated for those that were relying on him.

Loser: SuperCoaches. This is where it gets ugly.

SuperCoach Talk: Reports have been rife since the end of last weekend that the Panthers would be resting everyone. And they just about have. In fact, 13 regular first graders have been given the week off to prepare for the second premiership in as many years. Let’s not go through all of them. They’re listed above here for reference.

All you really need to know if that your SuperCoach Panthers are out. And the guys coming in aren’t relevant.

NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS v CRONULLA-SUTHERLAND SHARKS

Sunday, 2.00pm, McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle

Newcastle Knights

1. Tex Hoy 2. Edrick Lee 3. Dane Gagai 4. Krystian Mapapalangi 5. Dominic Young 6. Phoenix Crossland 7. Adam Clune 8. David Klemmer 9. Jayden Brailey 10. Daniel Saifiti 11. Tyson Frizell 12. Brodie Jones 13. Mathew Croker

Bench: 14. Chris Randall 15. Jacob Saifiti 16. Pasami Saulo 17. Jack Johns

Reserves: 18. Simi Sasagi 19. Ben Talty 20. Enari Tuala 21. Jirah Momoisea 22. Hymel Hunt

Changes: Chris Randall, Jack Johns in
Anthony Milford, Sauaso Sue out

Winner: How about Tyson Frizell’s ($495k / 114 pts / BE -3) upgrades? He finished the game on roughly 55 points and got upgraded to 114. I have no idea what for.

Loser: This makes the second time all year the Titans managed to score over 30 points. The Knights are a rabble.

SuperCoach Talk: He’s played his final game for the club; Anthony Milford ($361k / 30 pts / BE 37) is out. He’s replaced by Phoenix Crossland ($209k / 23 pts / BE 16) at five-eight.

And Chris Randall ($435k / BE 82) gets one last game for 2022 with Jack Johns ($205k / BE 18) in place of Sauaso Sue ($183k / 15 pts / BE 15).

Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks

1. Lachlan Miller 2. Matt Ikuvalu 3. Jesse Ramien 4. Siosifa Talakai 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo 6. Matt Moylan 7. Nicho Hynes 8. Braden Hamlin-Uele 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Royce Hunt 11. Briton Nikora 12. Wade Graham 13. Cameron McInnes

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

Reserves: 18. Luke Metcalf 19. Jesse Colquhoun 20. Mawene Hiroti 21. Kayal Iro 22. Dale Finucane

Changes: Matt Ikuvalu in
Kayal Iro out

Winner: We’ve said it all year but without Dale Finucane ($387k / BE 62), Cam McInnes ($553k / 70 pts / BE 69) is a beast. But watch out for Finucane on the bench there.

Loser: If the Sharks win, they lock up second spot on the ladder and that coveted home final. However, they’ll also secure second spot with a Cowboys loss on Saturday night, so should that occur even with those restings, the Sharks could follow suit. And that would suck this late in the piece.

SuperCoach Talk: So with that said, Cronulla haven’t made any major changes for the time being but we’ll all be on tenterhooks watching the Cows v Panthers.

The one move they have made is that Matt Ikuvalu ($588k / BE 46) returns on the wing for Kayal Iro ($175k / 42 pts).

WESTS TIGERS v CANBERRA RAIDERS

Sunday, 4.05pm, Leichhardt Oval, Sydney

Wests Tigers

1. Daine Laurie 2. Brent Naden 3. Starford To’a 4. Luke Garner 5. Ken Maumalo 6. Adam Doueihi 7. Jock Madden 8. James Tamou 9. Jake Simpkin 10. Joe Ofahengaue 11. Thomas Freebairn 12. Kelma Tuilagi 13. Fa’amanu Brown

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

Reserves: 18. Jacob Liddle 19. Junior Pauga 20. James Roberts 21. Henry O’Kane 22. Brandon Mansfield

Changes: James Tamou, Luke Garner, Ken Maumalo, Tyrone Peachey in
Jacob Liddle, AJ Kepaoa, Junior Pauga, Kitione Kautoga out

Winner: Adam Doueihi ($577k / 99 pts / BE 63) had a big game on Sunday. He looked great just a week after the backlash he received from Tigers fans.

Loser: Luke Brooks ($443k / BE 27) couldn’t get back from injury. Has he played his last game for the club?

SuperCoach Talk: The big return is that of James Tamou ($406k / BE 76) who controversially had his suspension downgraded at the judiciary last week. He’ll get his NRL send off, and good for him.

Luke Garner ($395k / BE 63) has returned to take up a centre spot and Ken Maumalo ($351k / BE 92) is on the wing. Tyrone Peachey ($262k / BE 49) is on the bench.

Jacob Liddle ($417k / 27 pts / BE 87), AJ Kepaoa ($359k / 25 pts / BE 78), Junior Pauga ($224k / 35 pts / BE 16), Kitione Kautoga ($175k / 2 pts) drop out.

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. Emre Guler 16. Corey Horsburgh 17. Corey Harawira-Naera

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

Changes: Nick Cotric in
Albert Hopoate out

Winner: Hudson Young ($611k / 111 pts / BE 42) has had a big season, with another ton this past weekend. It’s his breakout season.

Loser: 52 points in 55 minutes. I really hope Tom Starling ($302k / 52 pts / BE 5) gets a sole hooking role next year.

SuperCoach Talk: Like the Sharks, Canberra will know the importance of their game by Saturday. With a Broncos loss, they’re basically in.

For now, they’ve named a full strength side. Nick Cotric ($388k / BE 65) is in after missing last week with a groin issue. Albert Hopoate ($346k / 56 pts / BE 0) drops out.