Wenin’s Teams Analysis – Round 18

The final bye has come and gone, so it’s full steam ahead for the run home.

In round 17, the Wenin’s scored an 845, which while solid was a little bit disappointing mainly due to some horrendous scores in the Sharks vs. Warriors game.

The game plan was to use just the one trade, being Bailey Simonsson to Daniel Tupou; however, after missing out on Turbo last weekend, I wanted to make up some points and therefore a last-minute trade of Matt Burton to Kodi Nikorima was made. And we know how that worked out…

However, the current rank has crept back up to within the top 4k and with 5 trades left, it’s going to be a nervous run to the top 1k. The squad has plenty of depth, so we will see how we go!

Embed from Getty Images

TITANS V EELS

Friday 16 July, Cbus Super Stadium, Gold Coast, 6pm

Titans: 1. Alexander Brimson, 2. Phillip Sami, 3. Brian Kelly, 4. Patrick Herbert, 5. Corey Thompson, 6. Ash Taylor, 7. Jamal Fogarty, 8. Jarrod Wallace, 9. Erin Clark, 10. Moeaki Fotuaika, 11. Kevin Proctor, 12. David Fifita, 13. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui

Bench: 14. Tyrone Peachey, 15. Sam Lisone, 16.Jaimin Jolliffe, 17. Beau Fermor

Reserves: 18.Sam McIntyre, 19.Sam Stone, 20. Herman Ese’ese, 21. Jayden Campbell 22. Mitch Rein

Ins

  • Herman Ese’ese
  • Jayden Campbell
  • Mitch Rein
  • Sam McIntyre

Outs

  • Nil

Teams Analysis

All of the Origin players have been named to back up and I will be sweating on Tino Fa’asuamaleaui given that I will have to start Spencer Leniu if he can’t back up. All of the Titans Origin players are at a massive risk of not playing given the two-day turnaround.

One player who is not at risk is David Fifita as his suspension included the third Origin game. At $668k, he’s close to the buy of the round. Thankfully I picked him up two weeks ago.

Eels: 1. Clint Gutherson, 2. Maika Sivo, 3. Tom Opacic, 4. Waqa Blake, 5. Haze Dunster, 6. Dylan Brown, 7. Mitchell Moses, 8. Reagan Campbell-Gillard, 9. Reed Mahoney, 10. Junior Paulo, 11. Isaiah Papali’i, 12. Ryan Matterson, 13. Nathan Brown

Bench: 14. Marata Niukore, 15. Shaun Lane, 16. Oregon Kaufusi, 17. Bryce Cartwright

Reserves: 18. Will Penisini, 19. Will Smith, 20. Joey Lussick 21. Jake Arthur 22. Keegan Hipgrave

Ins

  • Jake Arthur
  • Keegan Hipgrave
  • Reed Mahoney
  • William Penisini

Outs

Nil

Teams Analysis

Reed Mahoney returns from injury after missing since round 13. Isaiah Papali’i has been named despite suffering a head knock in the game before the bye. Ryan Matterson’s minutes may be managed once again given the makeup of the Eels bench.

Mahoney at $466k is definitely a player to monitor over the coming weeks. If he can get back to his early-season form then he will be a steal.

I still own Clint Gutherson and he shapes as a great VC option given the match-up.

SEA EAGLES V DRAGONS

Friday 16 July, venue TBC, 7.55pm

Sea Eagles: 1. Tom Trbojevic, 2. Jason Saab, 3. Brad Parker, 4. Morgan Harper, 5. Reuben Garrick, 6. Kieran Foran, 7. Daly Cherry-Evans, 8. Taniela Paseka, 9. Lachlan Croker, 10. Martin Taupau, 11. Haumole Olakau’atu, 12. Josh Schuster, 13. Sean Keppie

Bench: 14. Dylan Walker, 15. Karl Lawton, 16. Kurt De Luis, 17. Toaofoa Sipley

Reserves: 18. Moses Suli , 19. Tevita Funa, 20. Jack Gosiewski , 21. Cade Cust

Ins

  • Daly Cherry-Evans
  • Josh Schuster
  • Tevita Funa
  • Tom Trbojevic

Outs

  • Ben Trbojevic

Teams Analysis

No doubt that the big question mark here is whetherTom Trbojevic can back up. With all games now in Queensland, it certainly helps – but it’s questionable that they will risk him against an undermanned Dragons lineup. DCE likewise may get a rest. Should they play then Reuben Garrick will shift to the centres and Dylan Walker to the bench. Josh Schuster is back and comes straight into the straight starting 13 – just a week late…

Turbo is a must as soon as he is named in the side and it’s honestly “break your team” time.

Jason Saab is an option to start this weekend if Turbo does backup but otherwise, I would bench him and look to sell next week.

Dragons: 1. Tyrell Sloan, 2. Cody Ramsey, 3. Brayden Williame, 4. Jack Bird, 5. Gerard Beale, 6. Corey Norman, 7. Ben Hunt, 8. Blake Lawrie, 9. Andrew McCullough, 10. Jack de Belin, 11. Josh Kerr, 12. Tariq Sims, 13. Jackson Ford

Bench: 14. Poasa Faamausili, 15.Jamayne Taunoa-Brown, 16. Josh McGuire, 17. Billy Burns

Reserves: 18. Adam Clune, 19. Jaiyden Hunt 20. Talatau Amone, 21. Jayden Sullivan

Ins

  • Adam Clune
  • Jaiyden Hunt
  • Jamayne Taunoa-Brown
  • Jayden Sullivan
  • Poasa Faamausili
  • Talatau Amone
  • Tyrell Sloan

Outs

  • Daniel Alvaro
  • Matthew Dufty
  • Paul Vaughan
  • Tyrell Fuimaono

Teams Analysis

There are plenty of changes for the Dragons but none of any real SuperCoach relevance apart from making the Sea Eagles players more attractive this Friday night.

RAIDERS V SHARKS

Saturday 17 July, venue TBC, 3pm

Raiders: 1. Xavier Savage, 2. Semi Valemei, 3. Jarrod Croker, 4. Sebastian Kris, 5. Jordan Rapana, 6. Jack Wighton, 7. Sam Williams, 8. Josh Papalii, 9. Josh Hodgson, 10. Emre Guler, 11. Corey Harawira-Naera, 12. Hudson Young, 13. Ryan Sutton

Bench: 14. Tom Starling, 15. Joseph Tapine 16. Iosia Soliola 17. Ryan James

Reserves: 18. Matthew Timoko, 19. Trey Mooney, 20. Matt Frawley 21. Harley Smith-Shields

Ins

  • Harley Smith-Shields
  • Jack Wighton
  • Josh Papalii
  • Trey Mooney

Outs

  • Dunamis Lui

Teams Analysis

All Origin stars have been named to backup. Dunamis Lui is out injured.

Josh Papalii has a 3RA of 77 and could be an option to bring into the FRF position at $553k.

Sharks: 1. Will Kennedy, 2. Sione Katoa, 3. Connor Tracey, 4. Jesse Ramien, 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo, 6. Braydon Trindall, 7. Shaun Johnson, 8. Aiden Tolman, 9. Blayke Brailey, 10. Aaron Woods, 11. Briton Nikora, 12. Teig Wilton, 13. Toby Rudolf

Bench: 14. Mawene Hiroti, 15. Siosifa Talakai, 16. Jack Williams, 17. Braden Hamlin-Uele

Reserves: 18. Billy Magoulias, 19. Royce Hunt, 20. Andrew Fifita, 21. Luke Metcalf

Ins

  • Andrew Fifita
  • Billy Magoulias
  • Royce Hunt

Outs

Nil

Teams Analysis

No changes.

All the relevant SuperCoach Sharks players largely disappointed last weekend despite the win, therefore, failing fire during the important bye round. However, they face the Bulldogs next weekend and so it’s worth sticking with them for that clash.

Shaun Johnson didn’t goal-kick on the weekend and I am unsure why – has anyone heard the reason for this?

Embed from Getty Images

COWBOYS V ROOSTERS

Saturday 17 July, Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Townsville, 5.30pm

Cowboys: 1. Val Holmes, 2. Kyle Feldt, 3. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, 4. Connelly Lemuelu, 5. Murray Taulagi, 6. Scott Drinkwater, 7. Tom Dearden, 8. Francis Molo, 9. Reece Robson, 10. Jordan McLean, 11. Shane Wright, 12. Mitchell Dunn, 13. Jason Taumalolo

Bench: 14. Jake Granville, 15. Tom Gilbert, 16. Coen Hess, 17. Peter Hola

Reserves: 18. Lachlan Burr, 19. Javid Bowen, 20. Ben Condon, 21. Kane Bradley

Ins

  • Ben Condon
  • Francis Molo
  • Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow
  • Kane Bradley
  • Valentine Holmes

Outs

  • Heilum Luki

Teams Analysis

All three Origin stars have been named to backup.

Valentine Holmes is a great option but I would be waiting until the Broncos clash in round 20 as they face the Roosters and Storm over the next two weeks.

Jason Taumalolo fired with an 87 in 57 minutes against the Rabbitohs. However, this did include a try assist and a line break. With that said, he appears to offer tremendous value at under $500k.

Roosters: 1. James Tedesco, 2. Daniel Tupou, 3. Josh Morris, 4. Joey Manu, 5. Matt Ikuvalu, 6. Drew Hutchison, 7. Sam Walker, 8. Jared Waerea-Hargreave, 9. Sam Verrills, 10. Isaac Liu, 11. Angus Crichton, 12. Sitili Tupouniua, 13. Victor Radley

Bench: 14. Lachlan Lam, 15. Nat Butcher, 16. Egan Butcher, 17. Fletcher Baker

Reserves: 18. Ben Thomas, 19. Billy Smith 20. Adam Keighran, 21. Tuku Hau Tapuha

Ins

  • Angus Crichton
  • Fletcher Baker
  • James Tedesco
  • Tuku Hau Tapuha

Outs

  • Siosiua Taukeiaho

Teams Analysis

Similar to the Cowboys, the Roosters have named all of their Origin stars to backup. This also means that there is still no room in the 17 for Joseph Suaalii with Matt Ikuvalu the preferred option on the wing. Siosiua Taukeiaho is the one to make way for Angus Crichton with Isaac Liu dropping to the bench.

Victor Radley performed well with 58 points in 71 minutes, including 40 tackles. I completely overlooked the fact that he is also available at hooker last week and this definitely increases his SuperCoach value.

STORM V KNIGHTS

Saturday 17 July, venue TBC, 7.35pm

Storm: 1. Nicho Hynes, 2. George Jennings, 3. Reimis Smith, 4. Justin Olam, 5. Josh Addo-Carr, 6. Cameron Munster, 7. Jahrome Hughes, 8. Jesse Bromwich, 9. Brandon Smith, 10. Christian Welch, 11. Felise Kaufusi, 12. Kenny Bromwich 13. Dale Finucane

Bench: 14. Aaron Booth, 15. Tui Kamikamica 16. Chris Lewis, 17. Aaron Pene

Reserves: 18. Isaac Lumelume, 19. Dean Ieremia, 20. Cooper Johns, 21. Trent Loiero, 22. Jordan Grant, 23. Tepai Moeroa

Ins

  • Cooper Johns
  • Dean Ieremia
  • Isaac Lumelume
  • Jordan Grant
  • Tepai Moeroa

Outs

Nil

Teams Analysis

There is still no Ryan Papenhuyzen, with Nicho Hynes the fullback once again. He has a manageable BE of 107, so he should be held until Pappy returns.

Brandon Smith is the standout option at hooker right now, but Harry Grant will return soon. Regardless, he’s probably still a buy given Grant’s injury issues this year.

Knights: 1. Kalyn Ponga, 2. Dominic Young, 3. Kurt Mann, 4. Enari Tuala, 5. Hymel Hunt, 6. Jake Clifford, 7. Mitchell Pearce, 8. Jacob Saifiti, 9. Jayden Brailey, 10. Daniel Saifiti, 11. Tyson Frizell, 12. Lachlan Fitzgibbon, 13. Mitchell Barnett

Bench: 14. Connor Watson, 15. David Klemmer, 16. Josh King, 17. Brodie Jones

Reserves: 18. Jack Johns, 19. Simi Sasagi, 20. Tex Hoy 21. Jirah Momoisea

Ins

  • Jirah Momoisea
  • Simi Sasagi
  • Tex Hoy
  • Tyson Frizell

Outs

  • Sauaso Sue

Teams Analysis

There are some interesting things happening here. With Tyson Frizell back this sees Mitchell Barnett shift to lock, where he is likely to share the position with Connor Watson. Bennett can’t be started with any trust for now. Sauaso Sue drops out for Frizell. Daniel Saifiti also returns after missing Origin through injury.

Kalyn Ponga is a huge target for the run home given his current price. However, I would be waiting until round 20 as the Knights draw gets incredibly soft from then on. They face the Broncos twice, the Bulldogs, Sharks, Raiders and Titans. Yeah, wow – top-scoring fullback to finish the season? I will wait until he gets through the Storms/Roosters fortnight and then shift Gutherson to him in hopefully a sideways trade.

Embed from Getty Images

WARRIORS V PANTHERS

Sunday 18 July, venue TBC, 2pm

Warriors: 1. Reece Walsh, 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, 3. Rocco Berry, 4. Marcelo Montoya, 5. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, 6. Kodi Nikorima, 7. Sean O’Sullivan, 8. Addin Fonua-Blake, 9. Wayde Egan, 10. Matt Lodge, 11. Eliesa Katoa, 12. Bayley Sironen, 13. Jazz Tevaga

Bench: 14. Josh Curran 15. Leeson Ah Mau, 16. Bunty Afoa, 17. Kane Evans

Reserves: 18. Adam Pompey, Pompey 19. Euan Aitken 20. Chad Townsend 21. Tohu Harris

Ins

  • Chad Townsend
  • Euan Aitken
  • Josh Curran
  • Kane Evans
  • Tohu Harris

Outs

  • Ben Murdoch-Masila
  • Jack Murchie

Teams Analysis

There is some massively unexpected news here with Tohu Harris a chance to return through the reserves. It’s almost three weeks ahead of schedule and would be a huge win for those who held him. Josh Curran also returns but he will start from the bench with Eliesa Katoa the preferred option on the edge. Euan Aitken has been unavailable to break back into the starting side with Rocco Berry and Marcelo Montoya the preferred options in the centres.

I took a punt on Kodi Nikorima and it backfired spectacularly. However, he could still prove to be a solid purchase given the Warriors draw from round 20 onwards. Hopefully, the loss of goal kicking was purely down to his injury and he regains that in the coming weeks…

Panthers: 1. Dylan Edwards, 2. Charlie Staines, 3. Stephen Crichton, 4. Brent Naden, 5. Brian To’o, 6. Matt Burton, 7. Tyrone May, 8. Moses Leota, 9. Apisai Koroisau, 10. James Fisher-Harris, 11. Viliame Kikau, 12. Kurt Capewell, 13. Isaah Yeo

Bench: 14. Mitch Kenny, 15. Scott Sorensen, 16. Spencer Leniu, 17. Liam Martin

Reserves: 18. Izack Tago, 19. Matthew Eisenhuth, 20. Paul Momirovski, 21. Robert Jennings, 22. Jaeman Salmon, 23. J’maine Hopgood

Ins

  • Dylan Edwards
  • Jaeman Salmon
  • J’maine Hopgood
  • Matthew Eisenhuth
  • Paul Momirovski
  • Robert Jennings

Outs

  • Jarome Luai

Teams Analysis

All the Panthers Origin stars have been named to return from injury but we have seen that Ivan Cleary is keen to rest these guys so far this year. Matt Burton will take Jarome Luai’s spot in the halves, partnering up with Tyrone May. Dylan Edwards also returns from injury, seeing Charlie Staines shift to the wing.

Apisai Koroisau has scores of 70, 73, 26 (54 minutes) and 97 over the past month. At $479k, he is certainly an option at hooker and currently in under 5% of teams.

BRONCOS V TIGERS

Sunday 18 July, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane, 4.05pm

Broncos: 1. Tesi Niu, 2. Corey Oates, 3. Kotoni Staggs, 4. Herbie Farnworth, 5. Xavier Coates, 6. Tyson Gamble, 7. Brodie Croft, 8. Rhys Kennedy, 9. Jake Turpin, 10. Payne Haas, 11. Alex Glenn, 12. TC Robati, 13. Kobe Hetherington

Bench: 14. Cory Paix, 15. Thomas Flegler, 16. Keenan Palasia, 17. Jordan Riki

Reserves: 18. Ethan Bullemor, 19. Jesse Arthars, 20. Xavier Willison, 21. Jamayne Isaako

Ins

  • Thomas Flegler
  • Xavier Coates
  • Xavier Willison

Outs

Nil

Teams Analysis

All of the Broncos Origin contingent have been named to back up, which means that Jesse Arthars, Ethan Bullemor and Jamayne Isaako have been relegated to the reserves.

Payne Haas is priced at under $500k, which is ridiculous given his pedigree, much like Taumalolo. However, he’s priced there for a reason (poor form this year) and his latest score of 90 did include a try and a line break assist. With the said, the Broncos have lost Lodge, so he may pick up some extra minutes and work. I personally would wait a week despite the BE of 34 with trades at a premium right now and fullbacks, halves and high ceiling CTW’s the priority.

Tigers: 1. Daine Laurie, 2. David Nofoaluma, 3. Junior Pauga, 4. James Roberts, 5. Ken Maumalo, 6. Adam Doueihi, 7. Luke Brooks, 8. Stefano Utoikamanu, 9. Jacob Liddle, 10. James Tamou, 11. Luke Garner, 12. Luciano Leilua, 13. Thomas Mikaele

Bench: 14. Joe Ofahengaue, 15. Alex Twal, 16. Tukimihia Simpkins, 17. Moses Mbye

Reserves: 18. Michael Chee Kam, 19. Tommy Talau, 20. Alex Seyfarth, 21. Shawn Blore

Ins

  • Junior Pauga
  • Tommy Talau
  • Tukimihia Simpkins

Outs

  • Nil

Teams Analysis

Madge has finally bitten the bullet and shifted Adam Doueihi back to the halves with Moses Mbye dropped to the bench. Only a month late for me.

The Tigers have a nice draw ahead, so at just over $500k, Doueihi is an option should he stay at 5/8.

Tuki Simpkins and Junior Pauga have been named to make their debuts, while Thomas Mikaele will start at lock with Alex Twal dumped to the bench.

RABBITOHS V BULLDOGS

Sunday 18 July, venue TBC, 6.15pm

Rabbitohs: 1. Latrell Mitchell, 2. Alex Johnston, 3. Dane Gagai, 4. Campbell Graham, 5. Taane Milne 6. Cody Walker, 7. Adam Reynolds, 8. Mark Nicholls, 9. Damien Cook, 10. Thomas Burgess, 11. Keaon Koloamatangi, 12. Jaydn Su’A, 13. Cameron Murray

Bench: 14. Benji Marshall, 15. Liam Knight, 16. Patrick Mago, 17. Jacob Host

Reserves: 18. Braidon Burns, 19. Jed Cartwright, 20. Blake Taaffe, 21. Peter Mamouzelos, 22. Jaxson Paulo, 23. Josh Mansour

Ins

  • Cameron Murray
  • Damien Cook
  • Dane Gagai
  • Jaxson Paulo
  • Jed Cartwright
  • Latrell Mitchell

Outs

  • Hame Sele

Teams Analysis

All four Origin stars are back and this could get very messy.

Cody Walker has been on fire and he shapes as the obvious captain option for the week, while Alex Johnston is also in some rare form and is another option for the captain’s armband – but perhaps for the more adventurous…

Dane Gagai has two tons in his past three games and he could make that three out of four here.

I could go on but it’s the Bulldogs, so you know the drill.

Bulldogs: 1. Nick Meaney, 2. Corey Allan, 3. Will Hopoate, 4. Aaron Schoupp, 5. Falakiko Manu, 6. Lachlan Lewis, 7. Jake Averillo, 8. Jack Hetherington, 9. Sione Katoa, 10. Luke Thompson, 11. Corey Waddell, 12. Josh Jackson, 13. Renouf Atoni

Bench: 14. Bailey Biondi-Oro, 15. Dylan Napa, 16. Ava Seumanufagai, 17. Joe Stimson

Reserves: 19. Kyle Flanagan, 20. Ofahiki Ogden, 21. Matt Doorey, 23. Jayden Okunbor

Ins

  • Ava Seumanufagai
  • Jayden Okunbor
  • Kyle Flanagan
  • Matt Doorey

Outs

  • Jackson Topine

Teams Analysis

Nil interest.

WeninRome

Wenin is one of the founding fathers of the NRLSCTalk website who's Tuesday Teams Analysis has been a feature post on the site for close to a decade. He also loves a good steak bet!

Subscribe
Notify of
6 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments

Ferret

Thanks Wenin, Panthers #6 should read Burton?

Ferret

Thought it was just a typo, thanks for all your work Wenin. Cheers

Trade-a-holic

Thanks for the great analysis as always Wenin. I suspect that Stilesy’s Late Mail is going to be busy again this weekend with lots of late outs as Origin players get rested. Be surprised if the likes of Turbo and Teddy play which will leave me without a fullback again.

Sharky Pete

What do you think of JWH as a POD FRF?

kylo klokstad

Thanks Wenin great read, you never let us down.
I too have found no explanation for SJ losing the kicking boots.
Suaalli has been ruled out for the rest of the season Ankle surgery.

Channard

Thanks Wenin! More than a little horrified to see James and Savage named this week, I was hoping to see a few of them disappear for good. Any insight into whether they’re likely to be pushed out in the coming weeks?