Stilesy’s Late Mail – Magic Round

“It was a magic magic magic magic magic magic magic magic magic magic magic magic magic magic…magic round.” – Art vs Science (probably).

The best weekend of the year is finally here and damn do we need it after the absolute shit show that was last week’s late mail. I will be fronting up for the whole three days so if you see me wandering around Suncorp or Caxton Street definitely come over and say hi!

I’ll still be Tweeting all the updates across the round @AStilesAuthor, though the usual “I’m out for a big weekend” disclaimer is in full effect. Thoughts and prayers.

BULLDOGS V RAIDERS, FRIDAY 6:00PM

BULLDOGS: I was surprised to see Max King surface so soon after his rib fracture given he was meant to be out for weeks (which seems to be the theme for this week’s mail) and Harrison Edwards remains in the squad as cover. Despite being also named early, Gus originally ruled Jacob Kiraz out early on Thursday but slammed things into reverse Thursday night and said he’ll be given up until the game. Blake Wilson remains in the squad after first cuts as cover. Jeral Skelton was suspended in NSW Cup and therefore unable to be called up.

24 HOURS CUTS: Morrin, Topine, Flanagan

RAIDERS: No changes expected at this stage for the side that has held firm on game day recently.

24 HOUR CUTS: Schneider, Harawira-Naera, Hola

SEA EAGLES V BRONCOS, FRIDAY 8:05PM

SEA EAGLES: Tom Trbojevic has reappeared after several “will-he-won’t-he” moments last weekend that ultimately resulted in him being rested. I want to see him in the final team on game day but there is nothing outside the usual placing him in doubt at the moment.

24 HOUR CUTS:

BRONCOS: Kobe Hetherington passed his fitness test today and will replace Keenan Palasia, from Ted Roker. The boys should be primed for a massive “away” game in front of a hostile crowd.

24 HOUR CUTS:

WARRIORS V PANTHERS, SATURDAY 3PM

WARRIORS: Tohu is back? That definitely seems ahead of schedule but at this stage he looks good to go. Massive swaps all around the park last week that, among other things, saw Addin Fonua-Blake line up at lock but with Tohu back it hopefully makes for a calmer game day update this week. Speaking of back ahead of schedule, I am confused about this 11-day HIA policy since Charnze Nicholl-Klokstad has been named been named but here we are.

PANTHERS: Spencer Leniu is apparently good to go and will come into the side on the bench in what should be the only change at this stage.

SHARKS V DOLPHINS, SATURDAY 5:30PM

SHARKS: Should be 1-17.

DOLPHINS: The drums were beating pre-TLT for a Valynce Te Whare debut so it was a surprise to see him on the extended bench, however Brenko Lee has seemingly failed his fitness test on Wednesday which means Te Whare will make his debut. Can’t wait to see what he can do in person.

STORM V RABBITOHS, SATURDAY 7:45PM

STORM: Like CNK, I was surprised (particularly as a seller last round) that Eliesa Katoa is back. Who knows what to expect these days. Should be unchanged.

RABBITOHS: Outside the usual prop-swap I’m expecting no changes. Davvy Moale will also be out for 4 weeks according to Tim Williams.

TIGERS V DRAGONS, SUNDAY 1:50PM

TIGERS: Let the good times roll. No changed expected at this stage.

DRAGONS: Ben Hunt will switch to hooker after training exclusively at the position during the week, with Jayden Sullivan to partner Talatau Amone in the halves. They also love swapping forwards on game day so the team could look quite different again after the already large shakeup on TLT.

ROOSTERS V COWBOYS, SUNDAY 4:00PM

ROOSTERS: Brandon Smith ended up in hospital after the last match so it was surprising to see him named, but at this stage it seems like he’ll play through his neck issue.

COWBOYS: Jake Granville has been a late callup in place of Reuben Cotter the last couple of weeks so I’ll expect the same here again until I see otherwise. Chad Townsend is also in some doubt.

TITANS V EELS, SUNDAY 6:25PM

TITANS: Keano Kini looks like he may make his debut at fullback, which would see Jayden Campbell back to the bench or even into the halves if Keiran Foran is ruled with his multiple leg issues.

EELS: Ryan Matterson had a chance to pull of a Jordan-esque flu game last week but was ruled out, sending SCers into chaos. He will be back this round and it will be interesting to see if they hold firm to the pack as named or if we see another full-scale shuffle on game day.