Lakey’s Teams Analysis – Round 9

The ANZAC day games provided a few hiccups and headaches as key players were injured. But as a positive, it was great to watch two very competitive games on the day, especially the Warriors who infamously lost 70-10 in this corresponding game last season.

A bit of a condensed one this week due to later round finish and work, but round 9 goes as follows.

This Weeks Bye Team/s

Melbourne Storm

Eliesa Katoa got knocked TF out in a Dylan Walker head slam tackle. Fortunately, he’s on the by this weekend and Melbourne’s next game is exactly 11 days away and he should be ok to play in Magic Round.

CRONULLA-SUTHERLAND SHARKS vs NORTH QUEENSLAND COWBOYS

Thursday, 7.50pm, PointsBet Stadium, Sydney

Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks

1. William Kennedy 2. Sione Katoa 3. Jesse Ramien 4. Siosifa Talakai 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo 6. Matt Moylan 7. Nicho Hynes 8. Oregon Kaufusi 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Braden Hamlin-Uele 11. Briton Nikora 12. Teig Wilton 13. Cameron McInnes 

Bench: 14. Wade Graham 15. Jack Williams 16. Royce Hunt 17. Thomas Hazelton 

Reserves: 18. Braydon Trindall 19. Connor Tracey 20. Jesse Colquhoun 21. Mawene Hiroti 22. Jayden Berrell

Teams Analysis:

Stock standard again for the Sharks with the only missing piece being skipper Dale Finucane. He’s still out suspended until next week.

For the second week in a row, Nicho Hynes ($977k – HFB – BE 107) did next to nothing in the first half but finished strong to get close to almost 100 points. This man is unstoppable right now. He scored 80 points on the Cows last year when they were a top four side. Imagine what he’ll do this week.

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. Jordan McLean 9. Reece Robson 10. Coen Hess 11. Jack Gosiewski 12. Jeremiah Nanai 13. Reuben Cotter 

Bench: 14. Tomas Chester 15. Jake Granville 16. Jamayne Taunoa-Brown 17. Mitchell Dunn 

Reserves: 18. Riley Price 19. Ben Hampton 20. Brendan Elliot 21. Taniela Sadrugu 22. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki

Teams Analysis:

The Cowboys got the win against Newcastle but it came at a price. Jeremiah Nanai ($562.6k – 2RF – BE 97) was the recipient of what can only be described as a reverse crusher. He was the tackler but got caught under the attacking player in an awkward position and took a hit to his neck, head and ribs. He played on but will be watched heading towards Thursday night.

And while the 17 remains the same as the one named last week, Jake Granville ($297.2k – HOK – BE -4) was brought into the starting side at lock for Reuben Cotter ($590.2k – FRF – BE 21) an hour out. The week before, he played prop. Who knows what Payten has in store for him this round.

PARRAMATTA EELS vs NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS

Friday, 6.00pm, CommBank Stadium, Sydney

Parramatta Eels

1. Clinton Gutherson 2. Maika Sivo 3. Viliami Penisini 4. Sean Russell 5. Haze Dunster 6. Dylan Brown 7. Mitchell Moses 8. Wiremu Greig 9. Josh Hodgson 10. Junior Paulo 11. Shaun Lane 12. Ryan Matterson 13. J’maine Hopgood 

Bench: 14. Bryce Cartwright 15. Brendan Hands 16. Matt Doorey 17. Makahesi Makatoa 

Reserves: 18. Jakob Arthur 19. Jack Murchie 20. Ofahiki Ogden 21. Daejarn Asi 22. Isaac Lumelume

Teams Analysis:

No mucking around at the Eels this week as J’Maine Hopgood ($529.6k – 2RF – BE 55) has been named in the #13 jersey, Ryan Matterson ($723– 2RF – BE 69) on the right edge and Bryce Cartwright ($447.8– 2RF – BE 65) benched. Although there have been game day shenanigans and swaps so owners will have a nervous watch until the ball is actually kicked.

Reagan Campbell-Gillard was lucky to escape with just a groin injury after being the victim of a hip drop tackle last week, but he’ll still be out for an extended period and is now in danger of missing some, if not all, of the Origin series. Wiremu Greig ($233.9k – FRF – BE 11) is the man called up to replace the rep prop as he did earlier in the year for the Eels.

For those who grabbed the supposed “cheapie of the week” in round 8, Haze Dunster ($234.8k – CTW – BE 36) is back in this week with Bailey Simonsson suffering a head knock and is out through the league’s 11 day concussion policy.

Newcastle Knights

1. Lachlan Miller 2. Dominic Young 3. Dane Gagai 4. Bradman Best 5. Greg Marzhew 6. Kalyn Ponga 7. Jackson Hastings 8. Daniel Saifiti 9. Phoenix Crossland 10. Leo Thompson 11. Tyson Frizell 12. Lachlan Fitzgibbon 13. Kurt Mann 

Bench: 14. Tyson Gamble 15. Jacob Saifiti 16. Mathew Croker 17. Jack Hetherington 

Reserves: 18. Simi Sasagi 19. Hymel Hunt 20. Jack Johns 21. Dylan Lucas 22. Adam Clune

Teams Analysis:

Not much in the way of change in the Hunter. O’Brien has kept the same 17 who ran out last week for this clash with a couple minor shuffles. The main one being Kalyn Ponga ($506.3k – 5-8/FLB – BE 93) back into the starting side, although that’s where he was named last Tuesday before a game day shift to the bench. Follow Stilesy so you don’t get caught out here.

And the watch is on for popular preseason option Adam Elliott ($564.5k – 2RF) as he nears a return from a groin injury. Elliott’s been designated a round 11 return so should be back after the Knights bye next weekend.

BRISBANE BRONCOS vs SOUTH SYDNEY RABBITOHS

Friday, 8.00pm, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane

Brisbane Broncos

1. Reece Walsh 2. Jesse Arthars 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Herbie Farnworth 5. Selwyn Cobbo 6. Jock Madden 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Thomas Flegler 9. Billy Walters 10. Keenan Palasia 11. Kurt Capewell 12. Jordan Riki 13. Patrick Carrigan 

Bench: 14. Cory Paix 15. Corey Jensen 16. Kobe Hetherington 17. Martin Taupau 

Reserves: 18. Deine Mariner 19. Brendan Piakura 20. Xavier Willison 21. Delouise Hoeter 22. Jordan Pereira

Teams Analysis:

It was a very ugly win for the Broncos last weekend which has resulted in key suspensions and some huge ramifications for the club and SuperCoaches alike. Ezra Mam will miss this match do to a hip drop charge. And also, some bloke by the name of Payne Haas.

Kevvie has opted to go with Jock Madden ($314.9k – 5-8/HFB) in the halves, while Keenan Palasia ($243.6k – FRF/2RF – BE 9) starts in the front row.

Corey Oates is out after suffering a PCL injury in his comeback from a broken jaw. Poor guy. His replacement on the wing is Jesse Arthars ($418.6k – CTW – BE 20).

South Sydney Rabbitohs

1. Latrell Mitchell 2. Alex Johnston 3. Isaiah Tass 4. Campbell Graham 5. Taane Milne 6. Cody Walker 7. Lachlan Ilias 8. Tevita Tatola 9. Damien Cook 10. Jai Arrow 11. Michael Chee Kam 12. Jacob Host 13. Cameron Murray 

Bench: 14. Jed Cartwright 15. Davvy Moale 16. Hame Sele 17. Thomas Burgess 

Reserves: 18. Daniel Suluka-Fifita 19. Blake Taaffe 20. Josiah Karapani 21. Ben Lovett 22. Dean Hawkins

Teams Analysis:

Tevita Tatola ($464.8 – FRF – BE 56) is back from a knee injury, getting the starting spot over Hame Sele ($365.1k – 2RF/FRF – BE 16) and Daniel Suluka-Fifita the man to drop off the bench.

CANBERRA RAIDERS vs THE DOLPHINS

Saturday, 3:00pm, McDonalds Park, Wagga Wagga

Canberra Raiders

1. Sebastian Kris 2. Albert Hopoate 3. Jarrod Croker 4. Matthew Timoko 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. Corey Horsburgh 

Bench: 14. Tom Starling 15. Emre Guler 16. Pasami Saulo 17. Corey Harawira-Naera 

Reserves: 18. James Schiller 19. Brad Schneider 20. Xavier Savage 21. Trey Mooney 22. Peter Hola

Teams Analysis:

Just one change for the Raiders which proves the value of a bye week to get over niggling injuries.

Jordan Rapana ($511.9k – CTW – BE 23) is back in on the wing, replacing Nick Cotric who pinged a hammy and was sin-binned all in the same play. It doesn’t get much worse than that.

The name to watch is Xavier Savage on the extended reserves. He successfully made it through ressies last weekend coming back from his broken jaw and could be called in.

The Dolphins

1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Euan Aitken 4. Brenko Lee 5. Robert Jennings 6. Kodi Nikorima 7. Isaiya Katoa 8. Jesse Bromwich 9. Jeremy Marshall-King 10. Kenny Bromwich 11. Felise Kaufusi 12. Connelly Lemuelu 13. Tom Gilbert 

Bench: 14. Jarrod Wallace 15. Mark Nicholls 16. Ray Stone 17. Herman Ese’ese 

Reserves: 18. Kurt Donoghoe 19. Poasa Faamausili 20. Edrick Lee 21. Mason Teague 22. Anthony Milford

Teams Analysis:

For all those worried about Connelly Lemuelu ($447.2k – 2RF/CTW – BE 34) when the troops returned, good news. Kenny Bromwich ($491.4k – 2RF – BE 47) returns from suspension at prop, forcing Herman Ese’ese ($352.6k – 2RF/FRF – BE 47) to bench and Lemuelu remains on the left edge.

The team is otherwise unchanged.

MANLY-WARRINGAH SEA EAGLES vs GOLD COAST TITANS

Saturday, 5:30pm, 4 Pines Park, Sydney

Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles

1. Tom Trbojevic 2. Jason Saab 3. Reuben Garrick 4. Morgan Harper 5. Christian Tuipulotu 6. Cooper Johns 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Taniela Paseka 9. Lachlan Croker 10. Jake Trbojevic 11. Haumole Olakau’atu 12. Kelma Tuilagi 13. Josh Aloiai 

Bench: 

Reserves: 14. Karl Lawton 15. Ethan Bullemor 16. Sean Keppie 17. Toafofoa Sipley 

Teams Analysis: 18. Aaron Woods 19. Kaeo Weekes 20. Samuela Fainu 21. Morgan Boyle 22. Ben Condon

Tom Trbojevic ($594.7k – FLB – BE 84) managers breathed a collective sigh of relief as the star fullback was cleared of serious injury after leaving the field late on Sunday with a groin issue. He’s been named for now but will be given until captains run to prove he’s actually able to take the field. And we truly hope he does with his history on them. He met them twice in 2021 for 116 and 208. Fingers crossed.

In other SuperCoach news, Reuben Garrick ($634.8– CTW/FLB – BE 138) moves to centre this week. It was a proposed move in the preseason but has ultimately been caused by an injury to Brad Parker and the return of winger Christian Tuipolotu ($402.8– CTW – BE 43. This sucks for Garrick’s weekly output because most of his upside was based on him being the winger on the end of Turbo attacking raids.

Furthering the disappointment, Josh Schuster is the odds-on favourite to land the Pavali Medal at this year NRL SuperCoach Talk Awards. This dude needs to go.

Meanwhile, Kelma Tuilagi ($455.7– 2RF- BE 84) is on the left edge from a head knock and will start in place of Ethan Bullemor ($358.6– 2RF/FRF – BE 23).

Gold Coast Titans

1. AJ Brimson 2. Alofiana Khan-Pereira 3. Brian Kelly 4. Jojo Fifita 5. Phillip Sami 6. Kieran Foran 7. Tanah Boyd 8. Moeaki Fotuaika 9. Chris Randall 10. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui 11. David Fifita 12. Joe Stimson 13. Isaac Liu 

Bench: 14. Jayden Campbell 15. Erin Clark 16. Klese Haas 17. Jo Vuna 

Reserves: 18. Kruise Leeming 19. Aaron Schoupp 20. Thomas Weaver 21. Thomas Mikaele 22. Sam McIntyre

Teams Analysis:

Nothing major at the Titans despite one of the worst collapses I’ve ever seen from an NRL side. Just two bench swaps not really worth mentioning. And a swap of Phillip Sami ($590.7 – CTW – BE 75) and Jojo Fifita ($447.2– CTW – BE 50) from centre to wing and vice versa.

PENRITH PANTHERS vs WESTS TIGERS

Saturday 7.35pm, Carrington Park, Bathurst

Penrith Panthers

1. Dylan Edwards 2. Sunia Turuva 3. Tyrone Peachey 4. Stephen Crichton 5. Brian To’o 6. Jarome Luai 7. Nathan Cleary 8. Moses Leota 9. Mitch Kenny 10. Matt Eisenhuth 11. Scott Sorensen 12. Zac Hosking 13. Isaah Yeo 

Bench: 14. Soni Luke 15. Lindsay Smith 16. Spencer Leniu 17. Jaeman Salmon 

Reserves: 18. Luke Garner 19. Thomas Jenkins 20. Chris Smith 21. Jack Cogger 22. Liam Henry

Teams Analysis:

A huge change for the Panthers here with Izack Tago suffering a pec injury and is said to be out for the next six weeks or so. Now, Sunia Turuva ($406– CTW/FLB – BE 50) managers might be getting excited that he’ll finally see some ball however, he hurt his ankle last weekend and is no certainty to play at this stage, even though he’s been named. And also, Tago’s replacement is Tyrone Peachey ($289– 2RF). I’m not sure he’s known for his elite passing game.

Luke Garner is once again on the extended reserves and I know as a Zac Hosking ($581.3– 2RF – BE 63) owner, I’m worried. Hosking was pulled during the middle stages of the Panthers loss to the Bunnies last weekend, which may signal his upcoming demise.

Wests Tigers

1. Jahream Bula 2. David Nofoaluma 3. Starford To’a 4. Brent Naden 5. Junior Tupou 6. Brandon Wakeham 7. Luke Brooks 8. Stefano Utoikamanu 9. Apisai Koroisau 10. David Klemmer 11. Isaiah Papali’i 12. John Bateman 13. Fonua Pole 

Bench: 14. Jake Simpkin 15. Joe Ofahengaue 16. Alex Twal 17. Tommy Talau 

Reserves: 18. Justin Matamua 19. Alex Seyfarth 20. Shawn Blore 21. Daine Laurie 22. Triston Reilly

Teams Analysis:

David Nofoaluma ($547.4– CTW – BE 95) sees his first action since the opening rounds comes at the expense of Charlie Staines who has been ruled out indefinitely with a “stomach” injury. Brent Naden ($446.4– CTW – BE 63) also returns for his SuperCoach owners (only JT).

THE WARRIORS vs SYDNEY ROOSTERS

Sunday, 2.00pm, Mt Smart Stadium, Auckland

The Warriors

1. Taine Tuaupiki 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 3. Marcelo Montoya 4. Adam Pompey 5. Edward Kosi 6. Dylan Walker 7. Shaun Johnson 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Wayde Egan 10. Bunty Afoa 11. Jackson Ford 12. Marata Niukore 13. Josh Curran 

Bench: 14. Freddy Lussick 15. Bayley Sironen 16. Tom Ale 17. Viliami Vailea 

Reserves: 18. Demitric Sifakula 20. Ronald Volkman 21. Ali Leiataua 22. Kalani Going 23. Zyon Maiu’u

Teams Analysis:

The ANZAC day game was brutal for the Warriors in the end. The lost the game and also lost Tohu Harris, Charnze Nicholl-Klokstad and Jazz Tevaga from various injuries. And they could also be without Dylan Walker ($414.2– 2RF/CTW- BE 46) who’s facing a suspension from that head slam I mentioned earlier.

Josh Curran ($512.8– 2RF – BE 62) gets the start at lock, Bunty Afoa ($302.8– 2RF/FRF – BE 1) at prop, and Taine Tuaupiki ($200.8– FLB – BE 16) starts at fullback for at least the next two weeks (due to the 11 day stand down and next two Warriors games falling in that window).

Wayde Egan ($593.4– HOK – BE 91) returns from his own concussion worries to take his spot at hooker.

Sydney Roosters

1. James Tedesco 2. Corey Allan 3. Joseph Suaalii 4. Paul Momirovski 5. Jaxson Paulo 6. Joseph Manu 7. Luke Keary 8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves 9. Brandon Smith 10. Lindsay Collins 11. Egan Butcher 12. Nat Butcher 13. Victor Radley 

Bench: 14. Drew Hutchison 15. Angus Crichton 16. Sitili Tupouniua 17. Matthew Lodge 

Reserves: 18. Fletcher Baker 19. Sam Walker 20. Naufahu Whyte 21. Jake Turpin 22. Nathan Brown

Teams Analysis:

Here’s one I didn’t see coming. Nat Butcher ($548.7– 2RF – BE 85) comes back from suspension and forces Angus Crichton ($697.1– 2RF) to a bench role. It’s possibly just easing Angus back in as he was relatively quiet against the Dragons but I still expect he’ll be an eventual starter.

Daniel Tupou is gone for a while with a hamstring injury so Corey Allan ($258.1 – CTW/FLB – BE 32) comes onto the left wing.

Also, Sam Walker remains on the outer, being named in the #19. He could still come in but Robinson has decided his halves did well enough on Tuesday in beating the Dragons by 1-point.

St. GEORGE-ILLAWARRA DRAGONS vs CANTERBURY-BANKSTOWN BULLDOGS

Sunday 4:05pm, WIN Stadium, Wollongong

St George-Illawarra Dragons

1. Tyrell Sloan 2. Mathew Feagai 3. Moses Suli 4. Zac Lomax 5. Max Feagai 6. Talatau Amone 7. Ben Hunt 8. Michael Molo 9. Moses Mbye 10. Blake Lawrie 11. Ben Murdoch-Masila 12. Jack Bird 13. Jack de Belin 

Bench: 14. Jacob Liddle 15. Jaiyden Hunt 16. Toby Couchman 17. Josh Kerr 

Reserves: 18. Zane Musgrove 19. Jayden Sullivan 20. Billy Burns 21. Viliami Fifita 22. Sione Finau

Teams Analysis:

The Dragons showed some grit on Tuesday that I didn’t know they had. They fought back from a big deficit to even things up late and eventually fell by just one point. Really, they should have won the game but for Tyrell Sloan ($463.9 – CTW/FLB – BE -36) kicking the ball dead instead of falling on it for a late try.

Three try hero Tautau Moga is out with a shoulder issue seeing Max Feagai ($234.8 – CTW) joining his brother as twin wingers.

Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs

1. Hayze Perham 2. Declan Casey 3. Jake Averillo 4. Paul Alamoti 5. Braidon Burns 6. Josh Reynolds 7. Matt Burton 8. Max King 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Tevita Pangai Junior 11. Corey Waddell 12. Jacob Preston 13. Raymond Faitala-Mariner 

Bench: 14. Kurtis Morrin 15. Jayden Okunbor 16. Samuel Hughes 17. Ryan Sutton 

Reserves: 19. Fa’amanu Brown 20. Karl Oloapu 21. Reece Hoffman 22. Jeral Skelton 23. Kyle Flanagan

Teams Analysis:

Kyle Flanagan has been made the scapegoat for the Dogs recent struggles and has been dropped to the extended reserves. Club favourite Josh Reynolds ($237.2 – 5-8/HFB – BE 54) gets his first start since re-joining the Dogs.

The rest of the squad is largely unchanged but for a couple bench shifts. Unfortunately, still no Jeral Skelton.