Stilesy’s Late Mail – Round 7

Round 7 feels way too early to have threadbare teams yet here we are. After many of us were pillaged by injury and suspension it seems two trades just won’t cut it, even before factoring in the ‘green light yet questionable’ players such and TKO. At least we know Papenhuyzen’s availability because sweating on the final game of the round would have been torture.

As usual you can follow me on Twitter @AStilesAuthor for all the updates across the weekend.

Good luck for round 7 and don’t forget the round has only two Saturday games and three on Sunday!

TITANS V RABBITOHS, FRIDAY 6:00PM

Titans: Phillip Sami has progressed through concussion protocols and is apparently ready to go for Souths but whether he’s a late inclusion for Anthony Don remains to be seen. No other changes are expected. Jonus Pearson and Herman Ese’Ese were the first payers omitted.

Rabbitohs: There has been a lot of talk about Cody Walker shifting to fullback this round after training there during the week. This would trigger a big shuffle including AJ to the wing, Gagai to centre and Benji into the halves but I’ll wait to see the final team before getting too excited as Wayne may opt to just stay the course. Dean Hawkins and Hame Sele were cut 24 hours out.

EELS V BRONCOS, FRIDAY 7:55PM

Eels: Ryan Matterson has been named on the edge in the Eel’s NSW Cup side which is a good sign he’s building up some fitness for a return, but it won’t be this week as he did not travel with the team and was omitted 24 hours out along with Jordan Rankin. The Eels should run out 1-17.

Broncos: No changes expected, should be 1-17. John Asiata and Jesse Arthars were the first dropped.

SHARKS V BULLDOGS, SATURDAY 5:30PM

Sharks: Will Chambers is lurking on the extended bench but he seems destined to begin his tenure with the Sharks in reserve grade to reacclimatise to the NRL. It also seems Shaun Johnson will stay on the interchange to build up some match fitness so the squad it likely 1-17.

Bulldogs: Seem 1-17 at this stage.

COWBOYS V RAIDERS, SATURDAY 7:35PM

Cowboys: Should run out 1-17.

Raiders: Should also be 1-17 unless Josh Papali’i gets a last minute promotion to the starting side.

TIGERS V SEA EAGLES, SUNDAY 1:45PM

Tigers: Joey Leilua could be a late inclusion at centre in place of Michael Chee Kam in what should be the only potential change to the side.

Sea Eagles: Marty Taupau and Haumole Olakau’tau both dropped to the bench last week for Josh Aloiai and Sean Keppie so that change is probably on the cards again with no other movements expected.

ROOSTERS V DRAGONS, SUNDAY 4:05PM

Roosters: Siosiua Taukeiaho and Jared Waerea-Hargreaves are both in doubt with rib and shoulder complains respectively. I was surprised to see TKO named given the initial estimate was 1-3 weeks and could still drop out of the side. If he starts, he could also have reduced minutes/impact as he manages the issue. Victor Radley had his charge downgraded at the judiciary and is fine to play. Brett Morris owners will also want to see him named in that final 17 before breathing easy after he was a late scratching for Matt Ikuvalu last week due to calf tightness.

Dragons: Ben Hunt rates himself as a coin toss to return from injury this round and would slot in at halfback at the expense of Adam Clune if cleared. Corey Norman copped a shoulder injury last week but looks likely to play.

STORM V WARRIORS, SUNDAY 6:15PM

Storm: As those who follow me on Twitter know, my phone can now predictively type “Kamikamica lock, NAS bench” when I type “K” so yeah, that’s where that’s at. The rest of the team should run out as is. It has now bee confirmed that Papenhuyzen is confirmed to miss two weeks for those still deciding on his future in your team.

Warriors: As usual the Warriors love a good pack shuffle on game day so I expect a similar shakeup despite them being named closer to what I’d expect. Bayley Sironen is a watch for potential Josh Curran owners but that latter seems to have won the spot on merit for now. I’ve seen some people talking about Tohu Harris being out but haven’t been able to substantiate it yet.