Wenin’s Teams Analysis – Round 11

The Wenin’s are coming in hot tonight after a 1432 last round. However, that still sees me in the nosebleeds, but we carry on.

There are some massive changes with plenty of those SuperCoach relevant.

• Blake Ferguson, Mitch Moses and Ryan Matterson are back for the Eels.
• Addin Fonua-Blake returns from suspension.
• The Broncos have made a stack of changes again, ditto the Warriors.
• Angus Crichton is out injured.
• John Bateman has been named in the reserves.
• Ethan Lowe and James Roberts are both likely out for the rest of the season.
• Jake Averillo returns for the Bulldogs.
• Apisai Koroisau is out with an elbow injury.

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EELS v TIGERS

Thursday, 6pm, Bankwest Stadium, Sydney

Eels: 1. Clint Gutherson 2. Maika Sivo 3. Michael Jennings 4. Waqa Blake 5. Blake Ferguson 6. Dylan Brown 7. Mitchell Moses 8. Reagan Campbell-Gillard 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Junior Paulo 11. Shaun Lane 12. Ryan Matterson 13. Nathan Brown

Bench: 14. Andrew Davey 15. Marata Niukore 16. Stefano Utoikamanu 17. Brad Takairangi

Reserves: 18. David Gower 19. George Jennings 20. Daniel Alvaro 21. Jai Field

Injuries/outs:

• Oregon Kaufusi (broken hand, round 13-14)
• Nathan Brown (hip, TBC)
• Ray Stone (broken hand, round 14-15)
• Kane Evans (calf, indefinite)
• Peni Terepo (indefinite)

There are some massive ins this week for the Eels with Blake Ferguson, Mitch Moses and Ryan Matterson all back into the starting side. George Jennings, Jai Field and Davod Gower drop out, with Brad Takairangi reverting to the bench.

The return of Moses should work out well for Matterson owners with ball likely to head back down that right edge again. However, with a BE of 99 this week, I will be waiting until Round 12 before bringing him into my side with some lovely match-ups this week that need to be capitalised on.

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Tigers: 1. Adam Doueihi 2. David Nofoaluma 3. Chris Lawrence 4. Moses Mbye 5. Tommy Talau 6. Billy Walters 7. Benji Marshall 8. Josh Aloiai 9. Harry Grant 10. Russell Packer 11. Michael Chee-Kam 12. Luciano Leilua 13. Matt Eisenhuth

Bench: 14. Sam McIntyre 15. Thomas Mikaele 16. Luke Brooks 17. Chris McQueen

Reserves: 18. Oliver Clark 19. Elijah Taylor 20. Shawn Blore 21. Alex Seyfarth

Injuries/outs:

• Alex Twal (knee, round 11)
• Robert Jennings (hamstring, round 11-12)
• Josh Reynolds (suspended, round 12)
• Joey Leilua (suspended, round 13)
• Jacob Liddle (knee, round 14-15)
• Zane Musgrove (foot, round 16-18)

Luke Garner is out, seeing Michael Chee Kam start in the back row.

About time, Lucy! Following the 135 performance against the Broncos, he now has a BE of -19 and the upgrade to Matterson in the coming week or two just got a hell of a lot easier.

This week or next is the time to jump on David Nofoaluma if you want him and with match-ups against the Warriors and Bulldogs ahead, don’t miss out.

Still no Alex Twal.

COWBOYS v SEA EAGLES

Friday, 6pm, QCB Stadium, Townsville

Cowboys: 1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 2. Kyle Feldt 3. Connelly Lemuelu 4. Esan Marsters 5. Justin O’Neill 6. Daejarn Asi 7. Jake Clifford 8. Josh McGuire 9. Reece Robson 10. Francis Molo 11. Shane Wright 12. Coen Hess 13. Jason Taumalolo

Bench: 14. Mitchell Dunn 15. Tom Gilbert 16. Gavin Cooper 17. Reuben Cotter

Reserves: 18. Murray Taulagi 19. Ben Hampton 20. Jordan McLean 21. Emry Pere

Injuries/outs:

• Peter Hola (wrist, TBC)
• Scott Drinkwater (knee, TBC)
• Tom Opacic (MCL, TBC)
• Jordan McLean (calf, round 11)
• Valentine Holmes (ankle, round 18-20)
• John Asiata (knee, indefinite)
• Michael Morgan (shoulder, indefinite)

No changes for the Cowgirls and not much really to report on SuperCoach wise.

Best of luck to Josh Hannay.

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Sea Eagles: 1. Brendan Elliot 2. Jorge Taufua 3. Brad Parker 4. Moses Suli 5. Reuben Garrick 6. Cade Cust 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Danny Levi 10. Martin Taupau 11. Joel Thompson 12. Curtis Sironen 13. Jake Trbojevic 

Bench: 14. Lachlan Croker 15. Jack Gosiewski 16. Sean Keppie 17. Taniela Paseka

Reserves: 18. Corey Waddell 19. Tevita Funa 20. Abbas Miski 21. Haumole Olakau’atu 

Injuries/outs:

• Moses Suli (sternum, TBC)
• Morgan Boyle (groin, round 11-12)
• Dylan Walker (ankle, round 13)
• Tom Trbojevic (hamstring, round 14-16)
• Manase Fainu (stood down/shoulder)

One change for the Sea Eagles with Addin Fonua-Blake returning from suspension at prop, which sees Taniela Paseka drop back to the bench and Corey Waddell omitted.

Marty Taupau has had a tremendous run without Fonua-Blake in the side but his minutes haven’t really seen that much of a spike. Perhaps it’s more a case of him returning to a bit of form. With scores of 61, 69 and 90 (try induced), he’s a definite starter for your 17.

Another huge score from DCE. That buy just made so much sense a few weeks ago and is a great example (in addition to Taupau) of why you should be playing this game like the share market, particularly when it comes to under priced guns.

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BRONCOS v STORM

Friday, 7.55pm, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane

Broncos: 1. Anthony Milford 2. Herbie Farnworth 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Darius Boyd 5. Xavier Coates 6. Brodie Croft 7. Tom Dearden 8. Tom Flegler 9. Corey Paix 10. Payne Haas 11. Joe Ofahengaue 12. Tevita Pangai Jnr 13. Pat Carrigan

Bench: 14. Tyson Gamble 15. Rhys Kennedy 16. Jamil Hopoate 17. Ben Te’o

Reserves: 18. Richard Kennar 19. Ethan Bullemor 20. Pride Petterson-Robati 21. Kobe Hetherington

Injuries/outs:

• Corey Oates (leg, TBC)
• Tesi Nui (wrist, TBC)
• Jake Turpin (leg, round 11-12)
• Matt Lodge (knee, round 11-12)
• Jesse Arthars (knee, round 12-13)
• David Fifita (knee, round 12)
• Alex Glenn (knee, round 15-17)
• Jordan Kahu (shoulder, indefinite)
• Sean O’Sullivan (knee, indefinite)
• Keenan Palasia (knee, indefinite)
• Jack Bird (ACL, season)

With Tesi Niu out injured, Anthony Milford swaps back to fullback and Tom Dearden will start at halfback. Brodie Croft shifts to five-eighth. Kotoni Staggs and Herbie Farnworth return from injury at centre and wing respectively with Richie Kennar and Jamayne Isaako dropping out. Corey Oates suffered a horrific leg injury last weekend and this sees Joe Ofehengaue and Tevita Pangai jnr start on the edge, while Tom Flegler starts at prop. Cory Paix starts at hooker for the suspended Issac Luke with Tyson Gamble and Rhys Kennedy joining the bench.

JT asked me if I wanted to attend this game. HAHAH.

Their performances have been horrific, but gee that injury list is mounting up. Thankfully for them they welcome back Staggs and he may take on the goal kicking duties with Isaako out, but so good Farnworth.

The shift back to the edge for Pangai may hurt his output with the enforcer on absolute fire in a SuperCoach sense from the prop position. Patrick Carrigan is pretty close to be considered a season-long keeper, while Niu can probably be sold depending on the severity of his injury.

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Storm: 1. Ryan Papenhuyzen 2. Paul Momirovski 3. Justin Olam 4. Brenko Lee 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Cameron Munster 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Brandon Smith 9. Cameron Smith 10. Christian Welch 11. Felise Kaufusi 12. Kenneath Bromwich 13. Dale Finucane 

Bench: 14. Marion Seve 15. Tino Faasuamaleaui 16. Albert Vete 17. Nelson Asofa-Solomona

Reserves: 18. Chris Lewis 19. Suliasi Vunivalu 20. Ryley Jacks 21. Darryn Schonig

Injuries/outs:

• Suliasi Vunivalu (hamstring, round 11)
• Tom Eisenhuth (hamstring, round 12-13)
• Max King (achilles, round 13-14)
• Jesse Bromwich (knee, round 13-14)
• Tui Kamikamica (lower back, indefinite)

No changes for the Storm.

Here is our first of the mouth-watering match-ups of the round. The Storm vs. a depleted and utterly rudderless Broncos.

With Apisai Koroisau suprisingly missing for the Panthers (refer below), this has brought Cameron Smith right into contention. It is a trade that we were likely to be making at some stage so why not this week against a side that he averages 80 points against. I vividly remember that Round 20 game last year, for all the wrong reasons, and the Broncos were actually half decent then. He put on 108 that night and should go close to it this Friday. With a BE of 39, it’s time to add Smith to your squad.

If it’s not Smith, then Cameron Munster needs to be brought in this week. Since the return in Round 3, he has four scores over 80 and one under 50. He also likes playing the Broncos having scored 105 and 94 against them last year.

Rounding out the Storm options are Josh Addo-Carr at $385k for the thrill-seekers. It’s rocks and diamonds with him but for the price, he is probably worth the punt and offers more upside for me than Brenko Lee. Ryan Papenhuzen is the other genuine option, but some may a bit gun shy after his underwhelming performance last weekend.

WARRIORS v ROOSTERS

Saturday, 3pm, Central Coast Stadium

Warriors: 1. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 2. David Fusitu’a 3. Adam Pompeye 4. Peta Hiku 5. Ken Maumalo 6. Kodi Nikorima 7. Blake Green 8. Jamayne Taunoa-Brown 9. Wayde Egan 10. Jack Hethrington 11. Eliesa Katoa 12. Tohu Harris 13. Jazz Tevaga

Bench: 14. Chanel Harris-Tavita 15. Adam Blair 16. Isaiah Papali’i 17. Lachlan Burr

Reserves: 18. Jack Murchie 19. Josh Curran 20. Adam Keighran 21. Patrick Herbert

Injuries/outs:

• Adam Keighran (knee, round 11-13)
• Nathaniel Roache (knee, round 12-14)
• Leeson Ah Mau (pectoral, indefinite)
• Patrick Herbert (HIA, TBD)
• Rocco Berry (back, indefinite)
• Taane Milne (knee, season)
• Jackson Frei (knee, season)
• Bunty Afoa (knee, season)
• Selestino Ravutaumada (season)

Adam Pompey replaces the injured Patrick Herbert at centre. Jazz Tevaga starts at lock and Jack Hetherington moves to prop with Adam Blair dropped to the bench. Eliesa Katoa starts in the back row with Karl Lawton out of the side, while Chanel Harris-Tavita and Lachlan Burr return on the bench with Agnatius Paasi dropping out.

The return of Tevaga and now the naming at lock is scary for Harris owners. He produced just 52 points last weekend in 79 minutes with his base significantly down on past rounds. A big watch.

Katoa is probably a sell given his BE of 80 but has been named to start on the edge this weekend.

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Roosters: 1. James Tedesco 2. Matt Ikuvala 3. Josh Morris 4. Joseph Manu 5. Brett Morris 6. Luke Keary 7. Kyle Flanagan 8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves 9. Jake Friend 10. Siosiua Taukeiaho 11. Boyd Cordner 12. Mitchell Aubusson 13. Isaac Liu

Bench: 14. Lachlan Lam 15. Sitili Tupouniua 16. Nat Butcher 17. Lindsay Collins

Reserves: 18. Poasa Faamausili 19. Ryan Hall 20. Daniel Fifita 21. Drew Hutchinson

Injuries/outs:

• Angus Crichton (knee, round 14-15)
• Daniel Tupou (ankle, round 15)
• Victor Radley (knee, season)
• Sam Verrills (knee, season)
• Billy Smith (knee, season)

Mitch Aubusson replaces the injured Angus Crichton in the back row with Nat Butcher returning on the bench after being a late withdrawal for Round 10. Isaac Liu starts at lock with Siosiua Taukeiaho shifting to prop and Lindsay Collins drops to the bench.

Our second big match-up of the week.

Unfortunately, we will not have Crichton for it with the forward set to miss the next few weeks with a knee injury and needs to be sold.

If you don’t have James Tedesco by now then you must bring him in this week. If you don’t, just delete your team.

Brett Morris is absolutely an option, despite the high price tag. Heck, he may even be under priced given the Roosters face the Warriors, Titans and the Dragons over the next three weeks.

You could add any number of the Roosters backline as trade in options over this period.

SHARKS v DRAGONS

Saturday, 5.30pm, Jubilee Stadium, Sydney

Sharks: 1. Will Kennedy 2. Sione Katoa 3. Josh Dugan 4. Jesse Ramien 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo 6. Shaun Johnson 7. Chad Townsend 8. Braden Hamlin-Uele 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Aaron Woods 11. Siosifa Talakai 12. Wade Graham 13. Toby Rudolf

Bench: 14. Connor Tracey 15. Jack Williams 16. Teig Wilton 17. Royce Hunt

Reserves: 18. Billy Magoulias 19. Bryson Goodwin 20. Daniel Vasquez 21. Braydon Trindall

Injuries/outs:

• Scott Sorensen (knee, round 11-12)
• Matt Moylan (hamstring, round 13)
• Andrew Fifita (hamstring, round 13)
• Bronson Xerri (stood down)
• Cameron King (ACL, season)

Toby Rudolf starts at lock for Scott Sorensen, who is out with a knee injury. Siosifa Talakai starts in the back row for the suspended Briton Nikora. Jack Williams and Teig Wilton (debut) join the bench.

Rudolf didn’t manage to get the start at lock that we had hope for in Round 10 but still was able to produce 59 points in 61 minutes with 49 in base. I am cautious this weekend too given that Williams has been added to the bench.

Sione Katoa played on the right wing, which is brilliant for SuperCoach and he has some more big scores to come with some easy opponents ahead. I will be considering him as a trade in target after a hopeful price drop.

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Dragons: 1. Matt Dufty 2. Jason Saab 3. Euan Aitken 4. Zac Lomax 5. Mikaele Ravalawa 6. Corey Norman 7. Adam Clune 8. Blake Lawrie 9. Ben Hunt 10. Paul Vaughan 11. Tyson Frizell 12. Tyrell Fuimaono 13. Cameron McInnes

Bench: 14. Trent Merrin 15. Josh Kerr 16. Jacob Host 17. Jackson Ford

Reserves: 18. Eddie Blacker 19. Tristan Sailor 20. Billy Brittain 21. Korbin Sims

Injuries/outs:

• Brayden Wiliame (calf, round 11)
• Jack de Belin (stood down)

Tyrell Fuimaono starts for Tariq Sims, who is out suspended. Jacob Host joins the interchange.

Cameron McInnes is not longer a trade in target. That hot early season form has dried up and he joins the pack now. Ben Hunt on the other hand is definitely a option. He has played back to back 80 minutes games at hooker for scores of 70 and 58. Unfortunately, with other priorities this round, we may miss out on the value.

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RAIDERS v RABBITOHS

Saturday, 7.35pm, GIO Stadium, Canberra

Raiders: 1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 2. Nick Cotric 3. Jarrod Croker 4. Jordan Rapana 5. Semi Valemi 6. Jack Wighton 7. George Williams 8. Josh Papalii 9. Siliva Havili 10. Dunamis Lui 11. Hudson Young 12. Elliott Whitehead 13. Kai O’Donnell

Bench: 14. Tom Starling 15. Joseph Tapine 16. Ryan Sutton 17. Harley Smith-Shields

Reserves: 18. Sam Williams 19. Darby Medlyn 20. Matt Frawley 21. John Bateman

Injuries/outs:

• Curtis Scott (infection, round 11)
• Michael Oldfield (hamstring, round 13-14)
• Emre Guler (ankle, round 17-19)
• Corey Horsburgh (foot, round 20)
• Sia Soliola (facial fracture, finals)
• John Bateman (shoulder, indefinite)
• Sebastian Kris (extended sick leave)
• Andre Niko (knee, season)
• Josh Hodgson (knee, season)
• Bailey Simonsson (shoulder, season)

Jordan Rapana replaces Michael Oldfield on the wing with Semi Valemei starting on the wing. Harley Smith-Shields joins the bench, while John Bateman has been named in the reserves.

At $201k, it’s worth keeping an eye of Tom Starling following his 56 points in 47 minutes off the bench. However, he is only available at hooker.

Josh Papalii just keeps smashing out the scores and is definitely one that I wish that I jumped on when he was below $600k.

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abbitohs: 1. Alex Johnston 2. Jaxson Paulo 3. Campbell Graham 4. Dane Gagai 5. Corey Allan 6. Cody Walker 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Tevita Tatola 9. Damien Cook 10. Thomas Burgess 11. Jaydn Su’A 12. Bayley Sironen 13. Cam Murray

Bench: 14. Mark Nicholls 15. Hame Sele 16. Patrick Mago 17. Jack Johns

Reserves: 18. Kurt Dillon 19. Keaon Koloamatangi 20. Troy Dargan 21. Steven Marsters

Injuries/outs:

• Latrell Mitchell (suspended, round 12)
• Campbell Graham (facial fracture, round 12-13)
• Liam Knight (ankle, round 13-15)
• James Roberts (pectoral, finals)
• Ethan Lowe (neck, season)
• Tom Amone (knee, season)
• Braidon Burns (knee, season)

James Roberts and Ethan Lowe both suffered significant injuries and will be missing long-term. Campbell Graham returns in the centres, while Bailey Sironen starts on the edge with Jack Johns joining the interchange.

Damien Cook has definitely hit his straps with a 5RA of 96. He is, however, now priced over $700k after a $60k increase in price following a score of 138 last round.

Sironen at $273k is worth keeping tabs on, while Jaydn Su’A may have peaked in price.

KNIGHTS v BULLDOGS

Sunday, 2pm, McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle

Knights: 1. Kalyn Ponga 2. Enari Tuala 3. Tautau Moga 4. Bradman Best 5. Hymel Hunt 6. Kurt Mann 7. Mitchell Pearce 8. David Klemmer 9. Andrew McCullough 10. Jacob Saifiti 11. Lachlan Fitzgibbon 12. Aidan Guerra 13. Herman Ese’ese

Bench: 14. Connor Watson 15. Mitchell Barnett 16. Pasami Saulo 17. Sione Mata’utia

Reserves: 18. Tex Hoy 19. Josh King 20. Phoenix Crossland 21. Gehamat Shibaski

Injuries/outs:

• Daniel Saifiti (knee, round 16)
• Edrick Lee (arm, indefinite)
• Tim Glasby (concussion, indefinite)
• Jayden Brailey (knee, season)

No changes.

Kalyn Ponga was back to his best last weekend and available at just over $500k, he is simply too good of value to pass up. That is before mentioning that he faces the Bulldogs this weekend, a side that has conceded over 60 PPG to fullbacks over the past three weeks, including Matt Dufty’s 89 last round.

Bradman Best is a definite play in your 17’s this round given the match-up and the fact that Ponga was back to feeding him meat pies on the left edge.

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Bulldogs: 1. Nick Meaney 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 3. Kerrod Holland 4. Jake Averillo 5. Marcelo Montoya 6. Kieran Foran 7. Lachlan Lewis 8. Aiden Tolman 9. Jeremy Marshall-King 10. Dylan Napa 11. Josh Jackson 12. Raymond Faitala-Mariner 13. Luke Thompson

Bench: 14. Brandon Wakeham 15. Sione Katoa 16. Renouf To’omaga 17. Ofahiki Ogden

Reserves: 19. Dean Britt 20. Reimis Smith 21. Chris Smith 22. Jack Cogger

Injuries/outs:

• Will Hopoate (ankle, round 15-16)
• Joe Stimson (shoulder, season)
• Adam Elliott (shoulder, season)

Jake Averillo returns at centre with Marcelo Montoya shifting to wing and Christian Crichton omitted. Brandon Wakeham replaces Sauaso Sue on the bench in the only other change.

Averillo is a welcomed return, while Raymond Faitala-Mariner has increased in price close to $115k this year.

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TITANS v PANTHERS

Sunday, 4.05pm, Cbus Super Stadium, Gold Coast

Titans: 1. Corey Thompson 2. Anthony Don 3. Brian Kelly 4. Dale Copley 5. Phillip Sami 6. Ash Taylor 7. Jamal Fogarty 8. Moeaki Fotuaika 9. Erin Clark 10. Jaimin Jolliffe 11. Kevin Proctor 12. Keegan Hipgrave 13. Jai Arrow 

Bench: 14. Tanah Boyd 15. Sam Lisone 16. Tyrone Peachey 17. Jarrod Wallace

Reserves: 18. Sam Stone 19. Nathan Peats 20. Treymain Spry 21. Jai Whitbread

Injuries/outs:

• Kevin Proctor (biceps, round 11)
• Phillip Sami (dislocated shoulder, round 13)
• Mitch Rein (knee, round 13)
• AJ Brimson (back, indefinite)
• Young Tonumaipea (knee, indefinite)
• Ryan James (knee, season)
• Jonus Pearson (pectoral, season)

Dale Copley returns from injury, seeing Phillip Sami switch to wing and Treymain Spry omitted. Kevin Proctor replaces Beau Fermor on an edge.

Fermor’s omission is a dagger for new owners. There is nothing really too much more to add.

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Panthers: 1. Caleb Aekins 2. Josh Mansour 3. Brent Naden 4. Stephen Crichton 5. Malakai Watene-Zelezniak 6. Jarome Luai 7. Nathan Cleary 8. James Tamou 9. Mitch Kenny 10. James Fisher-Harris 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Liam Martin 13. Isaah Yeo

Bench: 14. Tyrone May 15. Spencer Leniu 16. Moses Leota 17. Billy Burns

Reserves: 18. Matt Burton 19. Daine Laurie 20. Lindsay Smith 21. Pat Hollis

Injuries/outs:

• Dylan Edwards (hamstring, TBC)
• Dean Whare (leg, TBC)
• Zane Tetevano (lower back, round 12)
• Pat Hollis (abdominal, round 12)
• Jed Cartwright (shoulder, round 13-14)
• Brian To’o (ankle, round 17)
• Kurt Capewell (knee, round 17)

Api Koroisau is injured with Mitch Kenny replacing him at hooker, while Caleb Aekins replaces Dylan Edwards at fullback. Brent Naden shifts to centre for Dean Whare with Malakai Watene-Zelezniak called up to the wing.

Api Koroisau (elbow), Dylan Edwards (hamstring) & Dean Whare (adductor) all out for the Panthers this week. No word from the club on likely recovery times, more specifics expected later in the week

— NRL PHYSIO (@nrlphysio) July 21, 2020

The Koroisau injury hit us all by surprise and there are no updates at present. I will be likely taking the opportunity to move him on this week with Smith and Cook both flying. Koroisau has been an incredible asset for us this year and if he is only out for the week then you can definitely hold.

The Titans provide us with an excellent opportunity to captain Nathan Cleary in another Sunday afternoon teaser. Josh Mansour is priced very well, while James Fisher-Harris has a 3RA of 74 and is a great option given his DPP status.