Wenin’s Teams Analysis – Round 2

In these unprecedented, troubled and at times unexplainable times, weird shit does happen.

However, onto the Round 2 Teams Analysis.

These teams are remarkably normal and there are minimal changes to talk through apart from a couple of handy inclusions amongst the reserves.

Josh McGuire returns for the Cowboys (Photo by /Getty Images)

BULLDOGS VS COWBOYS

Thursday, March 19th, 8:05pm, ANZ Stadium

Bulldogs: 1. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, 2. Nick Meaney, 3. Reimis Smith, 4. Will Hopoate, 5. Christian Crichton, 6. Brandon Wakeham, 7. Lachlan Lewis, 8. Aiden Tolman, 9. Jeremy Marshall-King, 10. Dylan Napa, 11. Josh Jackson, 12. Joe Stimson, 13. Adam Elliott

Interchange: 14. Dean Britt, 15. Renouf To’omaga, 16. Raymond Faitala-Mariner, 17. Jake Averillo

Reserves: 19. Ofahiki Ogden, 20. Morgan Harper, 21. Sione Katoa, 22. Jack Cogger

Cheapie, Jake Averillo comes into the 17 at the expense of Kerrod Holland (knee, round three); however, the position on the bench won’t do any good for his money-making prospects and he will be an AE nightmare for now.

Cowboys: 1. Valentine Holmes, 2. Kyle Feldt, 3. Justin O’Neill, 4. Esan Marsters, 5. Ben Hampton, 6. Scott Drinkwater, 7. Michael Morgan, 8. Josh McGuire, 9. Jake Granville, 10. Jordan McLean, 11. Gavin Cooper, 12. Coen Hess, 13. Jason Taumalolo

Interchange: 14. Reece Robson, 15. John Asiata, 16. Mitchell Dunn, 17. Francis Molo

Reserves: 18. Corey Jensen, 19. Shane Wright, 20. Tom Opacic, 21. Jake Clifford

Josh McGuire returns from suspension, seeing John Asiata dropped to the bench and Corey Jensen is omitted. Valentine Holmes looked rusty early on in his return to the NRL, while Jason Taumalolo played a whopping 73 minutes but this could have been impacted due to Justin O’Neills HIA from the 8th minute. Coen Hess played the full 80 minutes for just 38 points in a disappointing return.

DRAGONS VS PANTHERS

Friday, March 20th, 6:00pm, Netstrata Jubilee Stadium

Dragons: 1. Matt Dufty, 2. Jordan Pereira, 3. Brayden Williame, 4. Tim Lafai, 5. Zac Lomax, 6. Corey Norman, 7. Ben Hunt, 8. James Graham, 9. Issac Luke, 10. Paul Vaughan, 11. Tyson Frizell, 12. Tyrell Fuimaono, 13. Blake Lawrie

Interchange: 14. Trent Merrin, 15. Josh Kerr, 16. Billy Brittain, 17. Jacob Host

Reserves: 18. Jackson Ford, 19. Adam Clune, 20. Euan Aitken, 21. Tristan Sailor

Zac Lomax lasted just one week as the sides starting fullback as he shifts to the wing as cover for Mikaele Ravalawa (quad, round three). Assuming Lomax is kicking goals, he is a hold for now in the hope that when Ravalawa returns Lomax will shift back to fullback. Matt Dufty returns to replace Lomax at fullback, while Tariq Sims will miss one round through suspension and has been replaced by Tyrell Fuimaono in the starting side. Josh Kerr was a late inclusion last week and has held his place in the 17.

Panthers: 1. Caleb Aekins, 2. Josh Mansour, 3. Dean Whare, 4. Brent Naden, 5. Brian To’o, 6. Jarome Luai, 7. Nathan Cleary, 8. James Tamou, 9. Apisai Koroisau, 10. Zane Tetevano, 11.Viliame Kikau, 12. Isaah Yeo, 13. James Fisher-Harris

Interchange: 14. Stephen Crichton, 15. Billy Burns, 16. Moses Leota, 17. Liam Martin

Reserves: 18. Matt Burton, 19. Jed Cartwright, 20. Kaide Ellis, 21. Mitch Kenny

Viliame Kikau has been named to start this week after playing just 40 minutes in round 1 and has replaced Liam Martin, who shifts back to the bench. Kikau’s 48 was aided by a try, with just 19 points in base in the reduced minutes. Isaah Yeo was one of the big talking points of this game, scoring 95 points in 80 minutes on the edge with 57 coming from base. Before you hit the trade button just yet remember that Kurt Capewell is due back in round 3 and Yeo has averaged 51, 54, 57 and 44 ppg across the past four seasons. Apisai Koroisau, on the other hand, looks close to a must at hooker with 97 points in 80 minutes, including 69 from base.

Tevita Pangai faces another lengthy suspension (Photo by Albert Perez/Getty Images)

BRONCOS VS RABBITOHS

Friday, March 20th, 8:05pm, Suncorp Stadium

Broncos: 1. Jamayne Isaako, 2. Corey Oates, 3. Kotoni Staggs, 4. Darius Boyd, 5. Jesse Arthars, 6. Anthony Milford, 7. Brodie Croft (c), 8. Tom Flegler, 9. Jake Turpin, 10. Payne Haas, 11. David Fifita, 12. Jamil Hopoate, 13. Pat Carrigan (c)

Interchange: 14. Herbie Farnworth, 15. Andrew McCullough, 16. Rhys Kennedy, 17. Ethan Bullemor

Reserves: 18. Xavier Coates, 19. Tesi Niu, 20. Tom Dearden, 21. Pride Petterson-Robati

Tevita Pangai is out through suspension and his brain fade will see him miss the coming month. Cheapie, Jamil Hopoate comes into the starting side as Alex Glenn remains on the sideline injured with a hamstring injury. Ethan “BUELLER!” Bullemore (sorry had to do it) comes into the 17 for his debut. Corey Oates is batling through some gastro but has been named. Everyone is talking about the likes of David Fifita and Pat Carrigan, but Thomas Flegler looks to be a great cheapie option this year, particuarly given the injuries and suspensions facing the Broncos pack. He played 57 minutes for 52 points from the starting prop position in round 1. Despite scoring a try, the loss of goal-kicking duties makes Kotoni Staggs null and void for me at the moment. He produced 53 (with a try), of which just 18 came from base. Jessie Arthars, on the other hand, could be one to get in before the initial price rise with 62 points in his Broncos debut, including 32 in base. In these troubling and uncertain times, lock-in Payne Haas as your every week captain.

Rabbitohs: 1. Latrell Mitchell, 2. Dane Gagai, 3. James Roberts, 4. Braidon Burns, 5. Campbell Graham, 6. Cody Walker, 7. Adam Reynolds, 8. Tevita Tatola, 9. Damien Cook, 10. Thomas Burgess, 11. Jaydn Su’A, 12. Cameron Murray, 13. Liam Knight

Interchange: 14. Mark Nicholls, 15. Ethan Lowe, 16. Hame Sele, 17. Alex Johnston

Reserves: 18. Bryson Goodwin, 19. Bayley Sironen, 20. Troy Dragan, 21. Keaon Koloamatangi

No changes for the Bunnies this weekend. Latrell Mitchell underperformed (and was undercooked, playing just 56 minutes), which was tipped to happen, while Damian Cook owners will be starting to get nervous particularly those without Koroisau. But, you never trade a gun after round 1.

WARRIORS VS RAIDERS

Saturday, March 21st, 3:00pm, CBUS Super Stadium

Warriors: 1. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (c), 2. Adam Pompey, 3. David Fusitu’a, 4. Adam Keighran, 5. Ken Maumalo, 6. Chanel Haris-Tavita, 7. Blake Green, 8. Leeson Ah Mau, 9.Wayde Egan, 10. Lachlan Burr, 11. Elisea Katoa, 12. Tohu Harris, 13. Adam Blair

Interchange: 14. Kodi Nikorima, 15. Jamayne Taunoa-Brown, 16. Isaiah Papali’i, 17. King Vuniyayawa

Reserves: 18. Karl Lawton, 20. Hayze Perham, 21. Leivaha Pulu, 22. Adam Tuimavave-Gerrard

Who knows what is going to happen to this side over the coming weeks as they are trapped in Australia for now. For now, Patrick Herbert and Peta Hiku have returned home for family reasons and have been replaced in the starting side by Adam Pompey and Adam Keighran on the wing and in the centres respectively. Elisea Katoa has been promoted to the starting pack after impressing last week with 51 points in 51 minutes. Hopefully, we will know more about the future of the Warriors and their short-term plans before round 3 price rises as Katoa may be one that you need to get on before then.

Raiders: 1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, 2. Bailey Simonsson, 3. Jarrod Croker, 4. Curtis Scott, 5. Nick Cotric, 6. Jack Wighton, 7. George Williams, 8. Josh Papalii, 9. Josh Hodgson, 10. Dunamis Lui, 11. Corey Horsburgh, 12. Joe Tapine, 13. Corey Horsburgh

Interchange: 14. Siliva Havili, 15. Emre Guler, 16. Iosia Soliola 17. Michael Oldfield

Reserves: 18. Sam Williams, 19. Ryan Sutton, 20. Harley Smith-Shields, 21. Tom Starling

Joe Tapine and Corey Horsburgh have switched between lock and the edge in the only change to the Raiders 17, but this was their unofficial positions last Friday night. Both produced enough to warrant holds for now, with Horsburgh, in particular, impressing with 60 points in 63 minutes, 50 of which from base. However, Ryan Sutton has been named in the reserves this week and John Bateman announced today that he was finally out of his sling….

Jarrod Croker and Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad have both been named despite failing to finish the game due to HIA’s.

Angus Crichton returns to the backrow (Photo by Getty Images)

ROOSTERS VS SEA EAGLES

Saturday, March 21st, 5:30pm, Leichhardt Oval

Roosters: 1. James Tedesco, 2. Daniel Tupou, 3. Brett Morris, 4. Joseph Manu, 5Matt Ikuvalu, 6. Luke Keary, 7. Kyle Flanagan, 8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, 9. Jake Friend, 10. Siosiua Taukeiaho, 11. Angus Crichton, 12. Mitchell Aubusson, 13. Victor Radley

Interchange: 14. Sam Verrills, 15. Isaac Liu, 16. Nat Butcher, 17. Lindsay Collins

Reserves: 18. Daniel Fifita, 19. Poasa Faamausili, 20. Lachlan Lam, 21. Asu Kepaoa

Angus Crichton is back in the starting pack after being a late withdrawal due to a pneumonia scare. He has replaced Sitili Tupouniua (knee, indefinite), who is out injured.

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

Interchange: 14. Lachlan Croker 15. Sean Keppie 16. Morgan Boyle 17. Haumole Olakau’atu

Reserves: 18. Toafofoa Sipley 19. Brendan Elliot 20. Tevita Funa 21. Zac Saddler

No changes for the Sea Eagles from round 1, which is great news for owners of the three bench cheapies. However, Haumole Olakau’atu could be a straight swap to Katoa next week before the initial price rises given he played just 17 minutes for 6 points in round 1.

SHARKS VS STORM

Saturday, March 21st, 7:30pm, Netstrata Jubilee Stadium

Sharks: 1. William Kennedy, 2.Sione Katoa, 3. Josh Morris, 4. Jesse Ramien, 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo, 6. Shaun Johnson, 7. Chad Townsend, 8. Andrew Fifita, 9. Blayke Brailey, 10. Aaron Woods, 11. Briton Nikora, 12. Wade Graham, 13. Jack Williams

Interchange: 14. Connor Tracey, 15. Braden Hamlin-Uele, 16. Toby Rudolf, 17. Scott Sorensen

Reserves: 18. Billy Magoulias, 19. Braydon Trindall, 20. Royce Hunt, 21. Josh Dugan

No changes for Sharks from their round 1 team; however, Josh Dugan has been named amongst the reserves. His potential return could see the omission of William Kennedy. Bronson Xerri (shoulder, round three) remains out of the squad, while Ronaldo Mulitalo has been named despite suffering a HIA that saw him play just 27 minutes in week one.

Storm: 1. Ryan Papenhuyzen 2. Suliasi Vunivalu 3. Marion Seve 4. Justin Olam 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Cameron Munster 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Jesse Bromwich 9. Cameron Smith 10. Tui Kamikamica 11. Felise Kaufusi 12. Kenny Bromwich 13. Dale Finucane

Interchange: 14. Tino Faasuamaleaui 15. Max King 16. Nelson Asofa-Solomona 17. Tom Eisenhuth

Reserves: 18. Harry Grant 19. Brenko Lee 20. Ryley Jacks 21. Darryn Schonig

No changes for the Storm either. The potential Harry Grant move to the Tigers appeared to be gathering momentum but has not happened yet and Paul Momirovski has been named for the Tigers this week. Jahrome Hughes shone for Melbourne in week 1 and it will be interesting to see what the prolonged impact is, if any, on Cameron Munster.

TIGERS VS KNIGHTS

Sunday, March 22nd, 4:05pm, Leichhardt Oval

Tigers: 1. Corey Thompson, 2. David Nofoaluma, 3. Joseph Leilua, 4. Adam Doueihi, 5. Robert Jennings, 6. Benji Marshall, 7. Josh Reynolds, 8. Josh Aloiai, 9. Billy Walters, 10. Alex Twal, 11. Luke Garner, 12. Luciano Leilua, 13. Elijah Taylor

Interchange: 14. Thomas Mikaele, 15. Paul Momirovski, 16. Zane Musgrove, 17. Chris Lawrence

Reserves: 18. Michael Chee Kam, 19. Oliver Clark, 20. Matthew Eisenhuth, 21. Tommy Talau

Paul Momirovski has been named on the bench, replacing Michael Chee Kam who has been dropped to the reserves. Luke Brooks will miss the next four weeks after being a late withdrawal in round 1 due to a calf injury. This could be great news for Billy Walters owners, with the kid playing the full 80 minutes but Moses Mbye is due to return next week, which could see Josh Reynolds shift to the bench and Mbye to start in the 17.

Knights: 1. Kalyn Ponga, 2. Edrick Lee, 3. Enari Tuala, 4. Gehamat Shibasaki, 5. Hymel Hunt, 6. Kurt Mann, 7. Mitchell Pearce, 8. David Klemmer, 9. Jayden Brailey, 10. Daniel Saifiti, 11. Lachlan Fitzgibbon, 12. Mitchell Barnett, 13. Herman Ese’ese

Interchange: 14. Connor Watson, 15. Jacob Saifiti, 16. Tim Glasby, 17. Aidan Guerra

Reserves: 18. Pasami Saulo, 19. Starford To’a, 20. Mason Lino, 21. Sione Mata’utia

No changes for the Knights following their strong win over the Warriors in New Zealand. Another year, another classic Lachlan Fitzgibbon performance with 42 points in 80 minutes on the edge. On the other hand, Kaylan Ponga made it look easy and his score of 81 included 36 points from base.

Tyrone Peachey has been dropped to the bench (Photo by Getty Images)

TITANS VS EELS

Sunday, March 22nd, 6:05pm, CBUS Super Stadium

Titans: 1. Phillip Sami, 2. Anthony Don, 3. Kallum Watkins, 4. Brian Kelly, 5. Dale Copley, 6. Tyrone Roberts, 7. Ash Taylor, 8. Jarrod Wallace, 9. Mitch Rein, 10. Sam Lisone, 11.Kevin Proctor, 12. Bryce Cartwright, 13. Jai Arrow

Interchange: 14.Nathan Peats, 15. Jai Whitbread, 16. Tyrone Peachey, 17. Moeaki Fotuaika

Reserves: 18. Jaimin Jolliffe, 19. Sam Stone, 20. Shannon Boyd, 21 AJ Brimson

I was a bees dick away from picking Tyrone Peachey last weekend. Thankfully for me though, I didn’t. He’s been dropped for Brian Kelly. Moeaki Fotuaika comes onto the bench for Jaimin “Jammin”
Jolliffe, who has been omitted. AJ Brimson is getting close to a return to the starting side having been named in the reserves again, while Shannon Boyd has also been included in the reserves. Late changes a possibility, you would think. Kallum Watkins looks a SuperCoach prospect with 47 points in 80 minutes, of which 35 come from base, while Jai Arrow’s disappointing return (minutes of just 53) could have been due to a COVID-19 test earlier on in the week.

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

Interchange: 14. Brad Takairangi, 15. Marata Niukore, 16. Kane Evans 17. Peni Terepo

Reserves: 18. David Gower, 19. Ray Stone, 20. Oregon Kaufusi, 21. George Jennings

No changes for the Eels. Mitchell Moses, Waqa Blake and Blake Fergusson all need to lift this weekend. However, the Bulldogs could really be the new SuperCoach killers.

Cheers. Catch me on twitter @wenin_rome

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!

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ItalianRaiders

Thanks for the write up! Do you think Fuimaono could be a play in the CTW this week given that he is starting in the second row?

BunnyAllStars

Why? He has always been a second rower and filled in occasionally in the centres as lots of backrowers do

jordyseels

Think ItalianRaiders means play him in your line up rather then Mary playing tricks! Which I would definitely consider!

BunnyAllStars

Oops … yeah an option

ItalianRaiders

Yeah just wondering if anyone who has Fui on their CTW bench would considering playing him in their 17 this week given he is starting in the 2nd row. Sorry if the question wasn’t worded well!

Jed's Juggernaut

i’ve got him but I currently have a bench of Tapine, Knight, J.Williams and Papenhuyzen. Who would you leave out for Fuimaono or potentially Billy Walters?

ItalianRaiders

Nice bench. I have D Fifita, Paps and then two of Su’a, Katoa, Walters, Luai or Fuimaono. Will probably run Su’a and Walters.

Jblack

Just wondering is any1 aware of K Watkins, or J Arthers job security.

Jimmy McNulty

I would say high, especially Watkins.

Arthur’s looked great last week and should keep his position for the foreseeable future. Definitely long enough to make some coin anyway.

cookingeggs

Tetevano in starting prop? Miraculous recovery not mentioned above?.What am I missing?

Jblack

Once again Wenin great write up best place to source info

Was wondering what your thoughts are on J Arthers and K Watkins, I’m leaning towards Arthers but not sure on job security

Also I’d be moving latrell on which to free up some cash which I feel is almost a must knowing his reduced minutes etc

perrin_07

Thanks wenin