Wenins Teams Analysis – Lockdown update

With all teams back to training this week and the May 28 start date looking more and more likely as the days pass by, we thought that it would be worthwhile to provide an update on all the player news floating around in preparedness for the round three team announcements.

Broncos

Matt Lodge, Alex Glenn, Corey Oates & Brodie Croft are all looking likely to be ready for round three. The return of Lodge and Glenn creates some doubt in the roles of Patrick Carrigan and Thomas Fleger. However, the big news is that David Fifita could miss a few rounds and with the increase of trades per game that we have now after yesterdays announcement, it’s difficult to hold him.

Raiders

Jordan Rapana is back from Japan rugby, which could signal the end to Bailey Simonsson’s SuperCoach relevance. John Bateman is also likely to be fit, which may have an impact on Joe Tapine and Corey Horsburgh. Further, Joe Tapine has currently opted against a flu vaccination and it’s unclear at the moment whether such players will be available for selection.

Paging @SydneyEditor, just letting you know Jordan Rapana has been added to KFC @SuperCoachNRL. That is all.

FULL STORY: https://t.co/GxQY21vWUZ pic.twitter.com/75f9gIN49w

— Tom Sangster (@TomSangsterSC) May 4, 2020

Bulldogs

Joe Stimson is out for six months with a shoulder injury (CHN would have been handy here!), while Kieran Foran is possibly going to be fit for round three. Little SuperCoach relevance here.

Sharks

Much like the Broncos, COVID-19 has proved to be a bit of a silver lining for the Sharks with Josh Dugan, Bronson Xerri, and Braidon Nikora all likely fit and ready for round three. This would possibly have a negative impact on Jack Williams. Matt Moylan is not expected back until June so William Kennedy should see a few more games. 

Titans

Kallum Watkins has left for the English Super League, leaving a hole in the centres that is expected to be filled by Dale Copley. However, the Titans have recently signed ex-Storm back Young Tonumaipea following the completion of his two-year Mormon mission and he will push Copley for that vacated centre spot. AJ Brimson is now available for selection but may struggle to push Phillip Sami to the bench given his strong performances across the opening two rounds. 

Sea Eagles

No injury or suspension issues for Manly outside of Manase Fainu who remains stood down following his off-field indiscretion during the pre-season.

Storm

Harry Grant has left for the Tigers in a confirmed switch for Paul Momirovski, while Brandon Smith should be almost fully fit from the injury that he suffered during the pre-season.

Knights

Jayden Brailey is set to miss the rest of the season with an ACL injury and could be replaced at hooker by Connor Watson. This would elevate Watson’s SuperCoach outlook given that he averaged 73 points across seven games at hooker last year. Mitch Barnett is also out indefinitely but has limited SuperCoach impact. However, the availability of both Phoenix Crossland and Bradman Best could be where the real interest lies as both have the potential to be very solid money earners if they can snag a starting team spot. Kalyn Ponga will miss round three through suspension and should be a considered a trade out given the trade per game situation.

Cowboys

No news or interest, ever.

Eels

Reed Mahoney is out injured but is not expected to miss too many games, while Nathan Brown is out suspended until round five and is no longer SuperCoach relevant. 

Panthers

Kurt Capewell is fit and should make his Penrith debut in round three which may impact on Isaah Yeo and his minutes. Nathan Cleary seems to be in the clear for now after his iso-fail, while Dylan Edwards should be fit to take the starting fullback role back from Caleb Aitken.

BREAKING: The NRL is investigating two videos which have emerged of Penrith Panthers star Nathan Cleary dancing with a group of women at his house while breaching strict COVID-19 lockdown laws. Story: @MCarayannis @AdamMobbs https://t.co/V2IbyGib8I pic.twitter.com/y16BWgzerv

— Telegraph Sport (@telegraph_sport) April 29, 2020

Rabbitohs

No news to note about from the Latrell Mitchell lockdown fiasco last week that resulted in zero suspension and therefore very little SuperCoach impact.

Dragons

Cameron McInnes is likely to be fit again and is a viable option for round three given his DPP status this year. Euan Aitken and Korbin Sims are also both available for selection and this may have SuperCoach ramifications with Brayden Wiliame popular and Josh Kerr viewed as a possible cheapie option before the lockdown.

Roosters

Boyd Cordner is likely to be named for his 2020 debut, which could see Angus Crichton dropped to the bench and therefore become SuperCoach irrelevant once again. Josh Morris has made the move from Cronulla beach to the Eastern suburbs and will play in the centres alongside Joey Manu in the spot vacated by Latrell Mitchell.

Warriors

David Fusitu’a may miss round three as he is currently on leave for compassionate grounds, while Nathaniel Roache also missed the team flight due to COVID-19 symptoms being present but has since produced a negative test and could be on his way over to Australia to join the squad.

Tigers

Moses Mbye and Luke Brooks are expected to be fit for round three, while there are rumours that Josh Reynolds could be off to the Bulldogs. Harry Grants makes the switch from the Storm and this will likely impact Billy Walters SuperCoach output as Grant should take over as the starting hooker with Walters relegated to the bench of second grade.