Lakey’s Teams Analysis – Round 4

The official theme of round three was multicultural round, but in the SuperCoach world it was the week of the re-return. After two weeks with the tightened rules and scores struggling to hit four-figures like the old days, round three saw a return to some top end scores. A round where an 1,100 felt mediocre. Trust me.

A couple of key decisions separated the many. For me, it was the choice of the wrong King. It was a 50-50 reserve call and I landed on the wrong one, but thems the breaks.

Enough about last week. These teams lists are about the future. So let’s see what we have.

GOLD COAST TITANS v WESTS TIGERS

Thursday, 7.05pm, Cbus Super Stadium, Gold Coast

Titans: 1. Jamayne Isaako 2. Corey Thompson 3. Brian Kelly 4. Patrick Herbert 5. Greg Marzhew 6. AJ Brimson 7. Toby Sexton 8. Moeaki Fotuaika 9. Erin Clark 10. Isaac Liu 11. David Fifita 12. Beau Fermor 13. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui

Bench: 14. Will Smith 15. Sam Lisone 16. Jaimin Jolliffe 17. Kevin Proctor

Reserves: 18. Jarrod Wallace 19. Esan Marsters 20. Sam McIntyre 21. Paul Turner 22. Sosefo Fifita 23. Tony Francis 24. Jacob Allick

Lakey’s Take

Changes: Jayden Campbell, Philip Sami out
Jamayne Isaako, Corey Thompson in

Winner: Beau Fermor ($440k / 89 pts / BE -26) is the fourth highest averaging center-wing in SuperCoach, and the sixth best value as far as point-per-dollar. And as far as the Titans go, he’s the best second-rower they have at the moment. I don’t even think that’s a hot take any more.

Loser: Will Smith ($249k / 15 pts / BE 38). #RIP to his social media mentions, and to anyone else who of a similar name, after the Oscars this week.

SuperCoach Talk: Jayden Campbell ($472k / 23 pts / BE 74) is a big out for the Titans. He’s got a rib cartilage issue stemming from Saturday night’s game against the Raiders. It’s caused a shock debut for Jamayne Isaako ($494k) just a week after signing for the club for the rest of the year. It’s like they knew.

Phil Sami ($480k / 59 pts / BE 35) and Herman Ese’ese ($316k) will also be spending time on the sideline this week due to testing positive for COVID-19. Sami’s place in the side will be covered by the returning Corey Thompson ($508k), which buys Greg Marzhew ($521k / 38 pts / BE 26) one more week. Ese’ese hasn’t been playing anyway.

As much as he’s been struggling (by his lofty standards), David Fifita ($707k / 72 pts / BE 99) could be a VC play this week. The Tigers have given up 55, 80 and then 20 (in 30 mins to an injured Eliesa Katoa) on the right edge.

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Tigers: 1. Daine Laurie 2. David Nofoaluma 3. James Roberts 4. Oliver Gildart 5. Ken Maumalo 6. Jock Madden 7. Luke Brooks 8. James Tamou 9. Jacob Liddle 10. Zane Musgrove 11. Kelma Tuilagi 12. Luciano Leilua 13. Joe Ofahengaue

Bench: 14. Tyrone Peachey 15. Alex Twal 16. Luke Garner 17.Alex Seyfarth

Reserves: 18. Thomas Mikaele 19. Starford To’a 20. Jake Simpkin 21. Austin Dias 22. Tukimihia Simpkins 23. Junior Tupou 24. Ruatapu Ngatikaura

Lakey’s Take

Changes: Stefano Utoikamanu, Starford To’a, Jake Simpkin out
Kelma Tuilagi, James Roberts, Ken Maumalo in

Winner: SuperCoaches can breathe a sigh of relief as Kelma Tuilagi ($254k / BE 3) have been named to return to action on Thursday night. If you didn’t start with him, now’s your shot to grab a cheap 2RF who’s going to make some cash.

Loser: The big man, Stefano Utoikamanu ($426k / 30 pts / BE 77) was one of the highest rated FRF prospects coming into the season and has been one of the most disappointing. But that’s over now with a syndesmosis injury that could see him missing up to 10 weeks. If you hadn’t already, it’s time to cut your losses.

SuperCoach Talk: With Stefano out, Zane Musgrove ($k / pts / BE ) runs out with the starters this week. And the returns of Tuilagi, James Roberts ($272k / BE 28) and Ken Maumalo ($479k / BE 37) means Luke Garner ($421k / 35 pts / BE 90) and Alex Seyfarth ($310k / 56 pts / BE 8) move to the bench while Jake Simpkin and Starford To’a drop to the reserves.

Outside of Tuilagi and previously Stef, there isn’t much SuperCoach news here. Oliver Gildart ($304k / 60 pts / BE 12) should see some price rises following a strong showing against the Warriors but isn’t one I’d want to be relying on in my 17.

CRONULLA SHARKS v NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS

Friday, 5.00pm, PointsBet Stadium, Sydney

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. Braden Hamlin-Uele 11. Briton Nikora 12. Teig Wilton 13. Dale Finucane 

Bench: 14. Aiden Tolman 15. Cameron McInnes 16. Braydon Trindall 17. Andrew Fifita

Reserves: 18. Mawene Hiroti 19. Jack Williams 20. Luke Metcalf 21. Royce Hunt 22. Lachlan Miller 23. Jenson Taumoepeau 24. Franklin Pele

Lakey’s Take

Changes: Connor Tracey, Matt Ikuvalu out
Ronaldo Mulitalo, Teig Wilton in

Winner: Nicholas Hynes ($744k / 124 pts / BE 12) has been in Dally M form so far, and his best came on Thursday night. I spruiked the man as a VC option and he certainly delivered. It set the tone for the rest of the high scoring weekend. Same goes for this weekend.

Loser: Me, because I opted not to get him in even though I could have.

SuperCoach Talk: Connor Tracey has succumbed to a groin injury he suffered after taking a knock to the head that wasn’t reported. That incident later caused a crazy over-reaction but that’s not to worry about here.

Teig Wilton ($427k / BE -26) is back for the Sharks after serving a suspension, so you could grab a mid-range 2RF for a quick cash grab if that’s your MO. It also means Siosifa Talakai ($346k / 66 pts / BE -11) moves into the centers to cover Tracey. I feel bad for Dane Gagai and Dominic Young this week. I wouldn’t want to tackle that.

Ronaldo Mulitalo ($443k / BE 87) comes back in at the expense of Matt Ikuvalu.

Just quietly, Blayke Brailey ($481k / 65 pts / BE 17) has been killing it this year. The Sharks pack is putting their skilled men on the front foot and creating attacking opportunities. Brailey has a 3RA of 70 points playing off the back of that.

Aiden Tolman plays his 300th game in this one.

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Knights: 1. Kalyn Ponga 2. Dominic Young 3. Dane Gagai 4. Bradman Best 5. Enari Tuala 6. Jake Clifford 7. Adam Clune 8. Jacob Saifiti 9. Chris Randall 10. Daniel Saifiti 11. Tyson Frizell 12. Brodie Jones 13. Kurt Mann

Bench: 14. Phoenix Crossland 15. Jirah Momoisea 16. Leo Thompson 17. Sauaso Sue

Reserves: 18. Simi Sasagi 19. Tex Hoy 20. Edrick Lee 21. Mathew Croker 22. Pasami Saulo 23. Dylan Lucas 24. Brayden Musgrove

Lakey’s Take

Changes: Mitch Barnett, Tex Hoy, Mathew Croker out
Kalyn Ponga, Brodie Jones, Sauaso Sue in

Winner: Brodie Jones ($275k) comes straight into the starting side and is an interesting watch with the extended absence of Lachlan Fitzgibbon. He’s averaged 50.5 PPG in 76.8 MPG as a starter for the Knights (four games), but I’d just do exactly that for now: Watch. Who knows how bad COVID has knocked him around.

Loser: Mitch Barnett ($488k / -3 pts / BE 117) went full brain snap mode which cost him more than half a game, the Knights a man and any chance of winning that game. He’ll also cost himself a lot of games once the judiciary is done with him. There’s no place for that in the game. D*ckhead. *Barnett has been given a six game suspension tonight.

SuperCoach Talk: It wasn’t a good weekend to be a Knights fan. Yes there was the black mark that was Barnett’s elbow, and the subsequent loss of a game that Newcastle were very competitive in despite playing with just 12 men for 48 minutes. On top of that was the injury to gun backrower Tyson Frizell ($594k / 55 pts / BE 54). It didn’t look good at the time and would be a huge loss if it comes to missing time but they’ll give him every chance to prove his health. He’s that important.

Coming back in (again) is captain Kalyn Ponga ($600k), along with AOB favourite Brodie Jones. Ponga’s hoping to come back from his knee issue to replace Hoy at the back while Jones makes a return from injury and then COVID.

Meanwhile, Kurt Mann ($409k / 86 pts / BE 14) had a day out. He’d been struggling in the SuperCoach arena but his play was sure to turn a few heads. He was in everything the Knights did on Saturday afternoon, and tried to keep their heads above water despite the head-scratching decisions made by teammates and the bunker on occasion. It was nuts.

It’s probably your last chance to grab Leo Thompson ($206k / 37 pts / BE -16) if you want to. He’s going to make a bit of cash over the next couple of weeks but has Klemmer’s coming back at some stage. Although the Fitzy injury and Barnett suspension likely helps his cause, and that of Jirah Momoisea ($180k / 4 pts / BE 30) to a lesser extent. But I’m not sure of Momo hitting his BE. He started at $205k and has lost money.

PENRITH PANTHERS v SOUTH SYDNEY RABBITOHS

Friday, 7.05pm, BlueBet Stadium, Penrith

Panthers: 1. Dylan Edwards 2. Charlie Staines 3. Izack Tago 4. Stephen Crichton 5. Taylan May 6. Jarome Luai 7. Nathan Cleary 8. Matt Eisenhuth 9. Apisai Koroisau 10. Spencer Leniu 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Scott Sorensen 13. Isaah Yeo

Bench: 14. Mitch Kenny 15. J’maine Hopgood 16. Lindsay Smith 17. Jaeman Salmon

Reserves: 18. Robert Jennings 19. Liam Martin 20. Soni Luke 21. Eddie Blacker 22. Christian Crichton 23. Kurt Falls 24. James Fisher-Harris

Lakey’s Take

Changes: Sean O’Sullivan, Chris Smith out
Nathan Cleary, Lindsay Smith in

Winner: Taylan May ($252k / 106 pts) had an incredible game on season debut. Three tries, one set up, a ton, and 8,111 trades ins (and counting). We have one more game to feel him out, but that’s hard to turn your nose up at. And don’t forget Izack Tago ($384k / 94 pts / BE -28).

Loser: Sean O’Sullivan ($431k / 43 pts / BE 63) has been great filling in at halfback over the opening few weeks, but is the man to fall on his sword with the reining Dally M halfback of the year. Tough break kid.

SuperCoach Talk: So, yes. The man is back. Nathan Cleary ($950k) officially returns this week. He’s seen Nicho Hynes dominating for the Sharks and has gone “No! BS! I want my mantle back”. However, if you’re rushing to get him in, consider this. On his comeback from the injury last season, Cleary scored 82, 86, 100, and 89 to end the year, plus 60, 61, 37 and 67 across the finals series. He was averaging 114 before getting hurt. And yes, those were against some of the top sides in the NRL (at the time *ahem**Manly*), but it’s still worth mentioning.

The other change is Chris Smith out following the Mitch Barnett incident, replaced by Lindsay Smith. But it doesn’t do much to move the SuperCoach needle. James Fisher-Harris ($k / pts / BE ) has been named in the #24 and if he’s promoted on game day, you could assume it’s at the expense of Lindsay Smith with Spencer Leniu ($276k / 22 pts / BE 5) dropping to bench.

Matt Eisenhuth ($336k / 39 pts / BE 25) didn’t do anything spectacular (sorry JT), but he did outscore Viliame Kikau ($549k / 31 pts / BE 57) who’s new owners will be looking for the receipt of purchase. What’s the “lemon-law” on SuperCoach buys?

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Rabbitohs: 1. Latrell Mitchell 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. Mark Nicholls 11. Keaon Koloamatangi 12. Jai Arrow 13. Cameron Murray

Bench: 14. Jacob Host 15. Siliva Havili 16. Thomas Burgess 17. Liam Knight

Reserves: 18. Blake Taaffe 19. Davvy Moale 20. Josh Mansour 21. Richard Kennar 22. Dean Hawkins 23. Isaiah Tass 24. Peter Mamouzelos

Lakey’s Take

Changes: No changes

Winner: Cameron Murray ($662k / 129 pts / BE 6) went H.A.M on Friday night on his way to the biggest SuperCoach score of the season so far. The change in rules for this year seems to have helped him.

Loser: Cody Walker ($638k / 59 pts / BE 127) is not having a good start to the year. He just scored 59 points including a try, dropped almost $100k and still has a triple figure break even.

SuperCoach Talk: The Bunnies got off the mark in a big way on Friday night and have made no changes to that winning formula. And they’ll want to carry that impressive form into the Grand Final grudge match with the Panthers.

It’s not just Murray that has been killing it this year. I said in the Mega Guide that I wanted Jai Arrow ($482k / 61 pts / BE 37) to get back to his beastly best and he’s well on his way. He’s got a 59.3 average this year, super valuable in the front row the way things are going. The era of the workhorse second rower is back in fashion.

There’s not much in the way of money-makers in this side with only Lachlan Ilias ($213k / 31 pts / BE 20) and Jaxson Paulo ($413k / 41 pts / BE 9) having low-ish break evens.

THE WARRIORS v BRISBANE BRONCOS

Saturday, 2.00pm, Moreton Daily Stadium, Redcliffe

Warriors: 1. Reece Walsh 2. Adam Pompey 3. Jesse Arthars 4. Rocco Berry 5. Marcelo Montoya 6. Chanel Harris-Tavita 7. Kodi Nikorima 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Wayde Egan 10. Matt Lodge 11. Euan Aitken 12. Eliesa Katoa 13. Josh Curran

Bench: 14. Jazz Tevaga 15. Bunty Afoa 16. Aaron Pene 17. Jack Murchie

Reserves: 18. Taniela Otukolo 20. Ben Murdoch-Masila 21. Pride Petterson-Robati 22. Peesi Kepu 23. Junior Ratuva 24. Shaun Johnson 25. Edward Kosi

Lakey’s Take

Changes: Bayley Sironen out
Jack Murchie in

Winner: I see you buried on the extended bench, Shaun Johnson ($462k). If SJ is to be named come Saturday afternoon, it’s a big boost the Warriors chances.

Loser: I was all in on Addin Fonua-Blake ($500k / 41 pts / BE 56) this year but it hasn’t gone as planned. I don’t know if it’s the way the game is being played or the hand injury, but the Warriors new skipper just isn’t getting it done.

SuperCoach Talk: The same exact starting 16 that managed to hold on against the Tigers were named to back up in Redcliffe on Saturday, however Bayley Sironen is out of the #17 jersey with Jack Murchie ($303k) in. However, they may not run out way. Check Stilesy’s mail for any SJ news.

Eliesa Katoa ($374k / 20 pts / BE 55) was said to be having trouble seeing out of his eye on Friday night after he took a hit to it. He’s been named but is a worthwhile watch in the lead up to this one.

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Broncos: 1. Tesi Niu 2. Corey Oates 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Herbie Farnworth 5. Selwyn Cobbo 6. Albert Kelly 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Ryan James 9. Jake Turpin 10. Payne Haas 11. Keenan Palasia 12. Jordan Riki 13. Patrick Carrigan

Bench: 14. Thomas Flegler 15. Kobe Hetherington 16. TC Robati 17. Billy Walters

Reserves: 18. David Mead 19. Rhys Kennedy 20. Corey Jensen 21. Jordan Pereira 22. Cory Paix 23. Brenko Lee 24. Kurt Capewell

Lakey’s Take

Changes: Kurt Capewell, Corey Jensen out
TC Robati, Thomas Flegler in

Winner: Herbie Farnworth ($487k / 77 pts / BE -6) has been huge this year. In his three games he’s scored 30, 84 and 77 and increased his price by $35k.

Loser: On the other hand, popular starters Kotoni Staggs ($398k / 36 pts / BE 59) and Selwyn Cobbo ($308k / 22 pts / BE 56) are dropping cash. Not what was expected considering their starting points. It turns out that Herbie Farnworth was the Broncos CTW we wanted all along.

SuperCoach Talk: A couple of changes to this one. Kurt Capewell ($431k / 43 pts / BE 63) is out, with Keenan Palasia ($367k / 45 pts / BE 37) shifting to an edge, Ryan James ($329k / 33 pts / BE 49) coming into start at prop and Thomas Flegler ($379k) making his return.

But keep an eye on Capewell during the week. Pete Badel, of the Courier Mail, has reported that Capewell suffered a calf knock Sunday and is in the rehab group but could be OK to play on the weekend. He’s named in the #24 jersey for now.

Jordan Riki ($420k / 11 pts / BE 69) was also a chance to be out for the Broncos after copping rib cartilage damage, but has been named for the time being.

But perhaps the biggest hit to the Broncos this week was to their pride with that complete whooping they took at the hands of the Cowboys. There was no real reason for me to mention that though. Anyway….

Brendan Piakura ($189k) tore his hamstring at training last week which means he’ll miss the next month or so. He now becomes a potential mid-season downgrade or a NPR / loop option, depending on his status on your roster.

MANLY-WARRINGAH SEA EAGLES v CANBERRA RAIDERS

Saturday, 4.30pm, Glen Willow Oval, Mudgee

Sea Eagles: 1. Tom Trbojevic 2. Jason Saab 3. Brad Parker 4. Morgan Harper 5. Reuben Garrick 6. Kieran Foran 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Sean Keppie 9. Lachlan Croker 10. Martin Taupau 11. Haumole Olakau’atu 12. Andrew Davey 13. Jake Trbojevic

Bench: 14. Dylan Walker 15. Karl Lawton 16. Ethan Bullemor 17. Taniela Paseka

Reserves: 18. Toafofoa Sipley 19. Josh Aloiai 20. Tolutau Koula 21. Jorge Taufua 22. Kurt De Luis 23. Christian Tuipulotu 24. Alec Tuitavake

Lakey’s Take

Changes: No changes

Winner: Aaron Davey ($267k / 25 pts / BE 38) is back in the starting 13, replacing Bullemor as the teams ran out on Sunday afternoon. He didn’t score all that well but we know what he can do. Should get a few games here before Schuster returns. Probably not worth a trade in though.

Loser: I promise. This is the last week I mention Ethan Bullemor ($284k / 12 pts / BE 58) in the loser section. He was dumped to the bench in favour of Aaron Davey heading into the Dogs game, so the experiment is well and truly over. Move him on now.

SuperCoach Talk: Just that one change to last weeks named side. Otherwise it’s the same 17 that won against the Bulldogs. Oshay Olay ($386k) is there on the extended bench after serving his suspension. Maybe he’s the kick this team needs.

The games biggest loser so far is Tom Trbojevic ($1.083m / 66 pts / BE 240). He dropped $173k and still has a ridiculous break even. The Bulldogs game wasn’t what owners were hoping for despite the man getting over for a try. Yuck!

The ‘Guac’ Haumole Olakau’atu ($512k / 35 pts / BE 51) was a popular buy heading into round three as well, off the back of his 77 points in a drubbing against Sydney but he only played 66 minutes. I didn’t see the game so am not sure if that’s for injury or a HIA or what? Let me know in the comments because I’m a fan.

That’s about the extent of it here, with anyone else of SuperCoach nous also dropping heaps of cash. This spot will become a whole lot more interesting if Manly can get their form back at some point. Everyone should be nice and cheap.

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Raiders: 1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 2. Nick Cotric 3. Matthew Timoko 4. Semi Valemei 5. Jordan Rapana 6. Jack Wighton 7. Brad Schneider 8. Josh Papali’i 9. Tom Starling 10. Joseph Tapine 11. Hudson Young 12. Corey Harawira-Naera 13. Elliott Whitehead

Bench: 14. Matt Frawley 15. Emre Guler 16. Adam Elliott 17. Corey Horsburgh

Reserves: 18. Xavier Savage 19. Ryan Sutton 20. Adrian Trevilyan 21. James Schiller 22. Sam Williams 23. Trey Mooney 24. Peter Hola

Lakey’s Take

Changes: Sebastian Kris out
Nick Cotric in

Winner: Tom Starling ($378k / 70 pts / BE 11) was replaced in the starting side by Matt Frawley for the start of this game, and look what happened. Starling though was pivotal for the Raiders in the win, but I still wouldn’t be surprised to see this change again. If it ain’t broke…

Loser: Sebastian Kris ($344k / 58 pts / BE 15) was out of the Raiders round three squad, then got called back to play and is now out again. He’s got COVID, which seems to be getting passed around Canberra on a weekly basis.

SuperCoach Talk: What a comeback. I know I had a skin-full on Saturday but even if I didn’t, I wouldn’t have believed what I was seeing. Down 22-0 heading towards halftime, the Titans capitulated and lost 24-22. Wow!

With Kris out, Nick Cotric ($376k) has been named to return for now. As he was last week. And the week before that. He’s had a quad injury so the Raiders have been playing it safe, but he should be there this weekend.

Take a bow Bradley Schneider ($189k / 79 pts / BE -64). Just a rookie, but all the composure of a veteran as he stepped to the tee and guided home the conversion to seal the game. What a gun! He’s not going anywhere soon, but his price is.

Corey Harawira-Naera ($532k / 31 pts / BE 69) saw the full 80 minutes for the first time this year, but his score went way down and he ended up losing points even with the strong start on the season. Not much, but still.

Jordan Rapana ($555k / 88 pts) put in a huge second half to help in the comeback. He didn’t score but set two up and had a handful of offloads and tackle breaks to push his score up. He’s got one more week before prices change for him but he is one to put in the black book.

Nth QUEENSLAND COWBOYS v SYDNEY ROOSTERS

Saturday, 6.35pm, Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Townsville

Cowboys: 1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 2. Kyle Feldt 3. Valentine Holmes 4. Peta Hiku 5. Murray Taulagi 6. Tom Dearden 7. Chad Townsend 8. Jordan McLean 9. Reece Robson 10. Coen Hess 11. Tom Gilbert 12. Jeremiah Nanai 13. Jason Taumalolo

Bench: 14. Jake Granville 15. Heilum Luki 16. Reuben Cotter 17. Griffin Neame

Reserves: 18. Jamayne Taunoa-Brown 19. Scott Drinkwater 20. Connelly Lemuelu 21. Brendan Elliot 22. Ben Condon 23. Emry Pere 24. Daejarn Asi

Lakey’s Take

Changes: No changes

Winner: Jeremiah Nanai ($404k / 100 pts / BE -6) is a raw talent so he’ll have his ups and downs. And this was one incredible up. Three tries, two off kicks and a ton in just his fourth game.

Loser: And then there was the most-popular buy of last week Peta Hiku ($398k / 28 pts / BE 23). It turns out that Herbie Farnworth can not only score tries, but he’s more than capable on the defensive side too. Hiku couldn’t do anything all arvo and will become one of the most-popular sales as early as next week.

SuperCoach Talk: No changes to the 17 men that destroyed Brisbane on their home turf a few days ago. In saying that, Coen Hess ($346k / 8 pts / BE 51) was sent for scans on his shoulder after an awkward landing early in the game which could affect the final teams lists.

It was that injury that saw increased game time for Griffin Neame ($250k / 65 pts / BE -19) and he punched out a big score with it. He’s cheap and will make cash just by stepping onto the field this week but as a bench prop his upside is limited.

However, with so many Bronco fans associated with this website, I’ve always heard so much about the upside of Tom Dearden ($453k / 109 pts / BE -24) and he’s finally showing that. It must have been a great feeling to have that sort of game against your old club.

And it looks like Jason Taumalolo ($496k / 59 pts / BE 43) is just going to be a middling type of forward these days.

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Roosters: 1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Paul Momirovski 4. Joseph Manu 5. Billy Smith 6. Sam Walker 7. Luke Keary 8. Lindsay Collins 9. Connor Watson 10. Siosiua Taukeiaho 11. Nat Butcher 12. Sitili Tupouniua 13. Victor Radley

Bench: 14. Drew Hutchison 15. Daniel Suluka-Fifita 16. Angus Crichton 17. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves

Reserves: 18. Naufahu Whyte 19. Renouf Atoni 20. Lachlan Lam 21. Freddy Lussick 22. Kevin Naiqama 23. Adam Keighran 24. Tukupa Hau Tapuha

Lakey’s Take

Changes: Fletcher Baker, Trent Robinson out
Daniel Suluka-Fifita in

Winner: Nat Butcher ($480k / 59 pts / BE -20) was once again solid in a losing side and has kept the starting jersey at team drops. He’ll be close to $600k before too long.

Loser: It might be best to cut and run on Angus Crichton ($606k / 34 pts / BE 114). He’s been named to the bench role again where he only saw 36 minutes last weekend. If he can get his starting spot back from Butcher, he’ll be at a very tasty price but Nat isn’t doing anything to warrant a benching.

SuperCoach Talk: Just one change with Fletcher Baker making way for Daniel Suluka-Fifita. Plus Coach Robinson won’t be making the trip north this weekend as he’s the latest to contract COVID.

Speaking of the coach though, he made that same game day switch that saw Connor Watson ($520k / 43 pts / BE 46) revert to the bench for kick off. He comes on after about 20 minutes and plays out the match but it didn’t do anything for him or the Chooks on Friday. We’ll see if it continues.

Sam Walker ($509k / 41 pts / BE 62) and Luke Keary ($492k / 19 pts / BE 75) both struggled mightily against the Bunnies. Walker looked great to start but hit a brick wall before half and did very little after. These boys have a awesome upcoming schedule (on paper) though so hold the faith and you could be rewarded.

Same for James Tedesco ($714k / 64 pts / BE 79) although the way things are going there’s not too much to trade him too anyway.

MELBOURNE STORM v CANTERBURY BULLDOGS

Sunday, 4.05pm, AAMI Park, Melbourne

Storm: 1. Ryan Papenhuyzen 2. Dean Ieremia 3. Reimis Smith 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. Alec MacDonald 16. Trent Loiero 17. Tepai Moeroa

Reserves: 18. Chris Lewis 19. Nick Meaney 20. Jayden Nikorima 21. William Warbrick 22. Marion Seve 23. Tyran Wishart 24. Sualauvi Faalogo

Lakey’s Take

Changes: Nick Meaney, Chris Lewis out
Harry Grant, Xavier Coates in

Winner: Josh King ($327k / 85 pts / BE -32) retains his place in the starting #13 jersey for the time being. But before you get too excited, the plan has always been for the Cheese to play there, so maybe this is a short term win while giving Smith more chance to recover. But I’m not Bellamy.

Loser: Tyran Wishart. He was withdrawn from last week’s match due to being a close contact with Harry Grant which gave Smith a chance to return and steal the bench spot. Tough break there.

SuperCoach Talk: Harry Grant ($645k) is back after missing the week with COVID. Part of me thinks the naming of Josh King to start and Brandon Smith ($597k / 102 pts / BE 87) on bench is a safety thing since COVID can have some lingering effects, but that’s just conjecture.

Smith though has a relatively high break even because of that one point game in round one. If you’re interested in the Cheese for SuperCoach, his price won’t move too much this week and he’ll potentially have a much smaller BE next week.

Apart from having his ankle’s broken by Ray Stone, Ryan Papenhuyzen ($701k / 107 pts / BE 65) had a great game. He bounced back to what we were hoping from him this year: just casual tons. And it was games like this against the Dogs that you’d have been looking forward to the most but the Dogs have kept Turbo to 66, the Hammer to 34 and Tesi Niu to 50 points. They’re anything but the easy beats they have been recently.

Cam Munster ($650k / 121 pts / BE 12) has been huge in his two games. He’s showed me exactly why I wanted to start the year with him. Unfortunately, I didn’t but I’ll be looking to rectify that as soon as possible. On the other hand, his brilliance seems to have hindered Jahrome Hughes ($631k / 44 pts / BE 113). Hughes posted a ton in round one, but back-to-back scores of 44 since, in two straight extra time games. Worrying signs.

Xavier Coates ($358k / BE 9) managers will be hoping he gets up for this one after being a late withdrawal with hammy tightness last week. He’s on the bubble this week.

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Bulldogs: 1. Matt Dufty 2. Braidon Burns 3. Aaron Schoupp 4. Brent Naden 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Matt Burton 7. Brandon Wakeham 8. Luke Thompson 9. Jeremy Marshall-King 10. Paul Vaughan 11. Corey Waddell 12. Tevita Pangai Junior 13. Josh Jackson  

Bench: 14. Bailey Biondi-Odo 15. Chris Patolo 16. Max King 17. Ava Seumanufagai

Reserves: 19. Reece Hoffman 20. Jake Averillo 21. Joe Stimson 22. Kyle Flanagan 23. Jayden Okunbor 24. Josh Cook 25. Jackson Topine

Lakey’s Take

Changes: Jack Hetherington out
Nick Cotric, Jordan Rapana, Brad Schneider in

Winner: It’s me this time. Jack Hetherington’s season is all but over after suffering “significant damage” to his shoulder in Sunday nights loss to the Sea Eagles. It’s not SuperCoach relevant but it’s very steak bet relevant. So, now we play the waiting game.

Loser: Luke Thompson ($541k / 33 pts / BE 106) keeps getting named in the starting side, but switches out to a bench role in the final teams drops. It’s not a great way to develop a rhythm.

SuperCoach Talk: After three weeks in the doldrums of NRL scheduling, the Bulldogs have earned promotion to the Sunday prime-time slot.

The changes to last weeks team are Jack Hetherington, Jake Averillo and Jayden Okunbour out for Corey Waddell ($429k / 49 pts / BE 27), Brandon Wakeham ($385k / 42 pts) and Aaron Schoupp ($386k / 30 pts / BE 83). The two backline changes happened pre-game in round three, however, Waddell’s promotion to the starting side is due to the Hetherington injury and gives Chris Patolo ($270k / 14 pts / BE 51) a chance on the bench.

Max King ($251k / 38 pts / BE -9) had reduced game time against Manly and Gus Gould later confirmed that he carried an injury into the game. He also later said they ope to have him right for this week. As someone who played him this week it was disappointing but really, 38 points in 26 minutes? The kid is a machine.

He carried an injury into the game and got another knock on it early. Best to rest him rather than risk it further. With Hetherington and King injured, the other forwards did a great job. Limited interchange. https://t.co/hKHo1lwUww

— Phil Gould (@PhilGould15) March 28, 2022

Tevita Pangai Jr ($570k / 30 pts / BE 83) needs to be moved this week before he starts losing cash. He’s being moved around in different positions, playing just over 40 minutes a game and has a very tough run.

PARRAMATTA EELS v ST GEORGE-ILLAWARRA DRAGONS

Sunday, 6.15pm, CommBank Stadium, Sydney

Eels: 1. Clinton Gutherson 2. Waqa Blake 3. Will Penisini 4. Tom Opacic 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. Nathan Brown

Bench: 14. Makahesi Makatoa 15. Ryan Matterson 16. Bryce Cartwright 17. Oregon Kaufusi

Reserves: 18. Mitch Rein 19. Wiremu Greig 20. Hayze Perham 21. Ky Rodwell 22. Solomone Naiduki 23. Samuel Loizou 24. Elie El Zakhem

Lakey’s Take

Changes: Ray Stone, Wiremu Greig out
Ryan Matterson, Bryce Cartwright in

Winner: Ray Stone. I know he did his ACL on the final play of the game, but what a way to go out. Get well soon.

Loser: Reed Mahoney’s ($554k / 39 pts / BE 78) stocks have plummeted of late. He was supposed to be one of the top players in the position with a fantastic schedule, but has provided scores of 37, 59 and 39. Perhaps that’s the problem though. It’s too easy. He scored 58.8 PPG against fellow top eight sides in 2021, compared to his 75.9 PPG on bottom eight sides.

SuperCoach Talk: Ryan Matterson ($569k) and Bryce Cartwright ($371k) have been named on the bench replacing Stone and Wiremu Greig, the latter of whom never saw the field last week.

Isaiah Papali’i ($687k / 94 pts / BE 60) had a huge outing on the Storm, and he did it with 84 points in base+power stats. If he can manage to jag an attacking stat he’ll go banana’s.

Kind of like Dylan Brown ($510k / 100 pts / BE -5) did. The biggest knock on Dylbags has always been his inability to rack up attacking stats in such a strong attacking side. Well, how does two try assists, a contribution, 12 tackle breaks, two linebreaks and a line break assist sounds to you. Over the past two weeks, that’s what Brown has produced to go along with his 41 base points per game. Did somebody say breakout?

And for Mitchell Moses ($526k / 53 pts / BE 74) managers, Nicho Hynes is a goal-kicking, right-side halfback who just put 124 points on the Dragons. Just sayin’

Will Penisini ($282k / 21 pts / BE 20) had his worst game at the wrong time of the season but we’ll hopefully get him back on track before too long.

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Dragons: 1. Tyrell Sloan 2. Mathew Feagai 3. Moses Suli 4. Zac Lomax 5. Mikaele Ravalawa 6. Talatau Amone 7. Ben Hunt 8. Francis Molo 9. Moses Mbye 10. Blake Lawrie 11. Jack Bird 12. Jack Gosiewski 13. Tariq Sims

Bench: 14. Jack de Belin 15. Josh Kerr 16. Jackson Ford 17. Aaron Woods

Reserves: 18. Tautau Moga 19. Poasa Faamausili 20. Daniel Alvaro 21. Andrew McCullough 22. Jaiyden Hunt 23. Jonathon Reuben 24. George Burgess

Lakey’s Take

Changes: Jaydn Su’A, Cody Ramsey out
Mathew Feagai, Aaron Woods in

Winner: Mathew Feagai ($460k) earns his first chance for the year. He’s a little bit too expensive to be a downgrade option thanks to eight games last year at a 52.5 average.

Loser: You’d be forgiven for thinking that Hook has finally had enough of Cody Ramsey’s ($246k / 9 pts / BE 45) poor play this season. In reality, it’s a hamstring strain that has ruled out the winger from the side this week.

SuperCoach Talk: Jaydn Su’A ($422k / 29 pts / BE 46) has also been ruled out of this weeks clash thanks to a suspension, which means the referees will have to look for someone else to target this round.

Andrew McCullough ($451k / BE 96) finds his name amongst the extended squad so he could be a late inclusion. That would see Moses Mbye ($335k / 32 pts / BE 46) back to the bench replacing one of the big boppers there.

For SuperCoach, Zac Lomax ($517k / 65 pts / BE 50) and Jack Bird ($510k / 66 pts / BE 57) continue to score well in a badly beaten side the past couple of weeks, and Tyrell Sloan ($438k / 26 pts / BE 88) is going to be very cheap once the Dragons draw opens up a bit in a few weeks time.

And hold strong with Talatau Amone ($283k / 17 pts / BE 24) for now. Sure, his scoring is awful but he can put on a big score if given the opportunity and his breakeven is still low enough that he won’t drop too much cash. Not ideal that he dropped any at all though.