Stilesy’s Late Mail – Round 5

Just a short and sharp intro as I’m on the road for a mid-week wedding, but have found enough time to sneak in all the mail for the upcoming round from a motel in Coffs Harbour. As always, you can follow me on Twitter @AStilesAuthor for all the 24 hour and game day updates across the weekend.

Good luck for Round 5 and keep an eye out for those 18th men kicking around if you’re planning to loop!

WARRIORS V SEA EAGLES, FRIDAY 6:00PM

Warriors: New Zealand has become notorious for game day pack switches but I think this round they’ve been named accordingly an should run out 1-17. Jackson Frei and Taniela Otukolo were the first players omitted.

Sea Eagles: Cade Cust has called in sick and has thus been replaced on the bench by Tevita Funa. It also seems that Christian Tuipulotu could replace Jason Saab on the wing, giving us another cheap-ish option in a couple of weeks if it eventuates and he holds the position. Josh Schuster appeared to hurt his hand late in last week’s game but I haven’t seen anything to suggest he won’t play. Ben Trbojevic was the other player to drop out Thursday night.

PANTHERS V RAIDERS, FRIDAY 7:55PM

Panthers: No problems heading into this one, should be 1-17. Robert Jennings and J’maine Hopgood were the first players omitted.

Raiders: Also appear they’ll be 1-17. Semi Valemei and Dunamis Lui were dropped Thursday night. CHN is in prime 18th man territory.

TITANS V KNIGHTS, SATURDAY 3:00PM

Titans: Jamal Fogarty dropped an injury-affected 0 for owners last round but should suit up this week for those of us who aren’t selling him to Sam Walker. There is a chance however that he could relinquish goal kicking to Patrick Herbert depending on how he feels. Ash Taylor is lurking on the extended bench and captain’s run will give us a better idea as to whether he’ll be a late inclusion but Coach Holbrook himself has indicated it’s unlikely.

Knights: Should run out 1-17 despite the mounting injury toll. Barry Toohey has confirmed that Kalyn Ponga will wrest the kicking duties back from Mitch Barnett.

BULLDOGS V STORM, SATURDAY 5:30PM

Bulldogs: Should run out 1-17 unless Jake Averillo suffers any setbacks in his return from an ankle injury.

Storm: Harry Grant could be a massive inclusion for the Storm, though it appears he’ll be eased back from the interchange (which hopefully means he sheds some cash for us!). Tui Kamikamica has swapped to lock with Nelson Asofa-Solomona dropping to the bench for weeks now so I assume it will happen again.

ROOSTERS V SHARKS, SATURDAY 7:35PM

Roosters: Sitili Tupouniua must pass HIA protocols to play but at this stage it seems unlikely. Nat Butcher would replace him on the edge and looking at the extended bench, Daniel Suluka-Fifita would make his way back onto the interchange after his suspension.

Sharks: At this stage Josh Dugan looks like he’ll play but needs to clear concussion protocols, and Ronaldo Mulitalo should also line up after copping a knee injury.

TIGERS V COWBOYS, SUNDAY 4:05PM

Tigers: No changes expected here, should be 1-17.

Cowboys: Jason Taumalolo just needs to get through captain’s run but should return from his broken hand, with Coach Peyton confirming he will continue to keep his minutes lower. Murray Taulagi needs to pass concussion protocols to play but the longer turnaround from last week helps.

EELS V DRAGONS, SUNDAY 6:15PM

Eels: Last week was a dagger for the Ryan Matterson owners who held on. He should be OK this week but I need to see him in that final side before believing it with his history with concussions. No other changes expected.

Dragons: Should run out 1-17.