The Late Mail: Rabbitohs v Bulldogs
56 mins ago | LeagueUnlimited Media
Sam Bourke is back with an analysis of all the team list news from Round 23 of the NRL. Keep your finger on the pulse with his list of all the ins and outs, and Supercoach studs and duds.
North Queensland Cowboys v South Sydney Rabbitohs
1300SMILES Stadium - Thursday 7:45pm
1. Lachlan Coote 2. Matthew Wright 3. Justin O'Neill 4. Kane Linnett 5. Antonio Winterstein 6. Michael Morgan 7. Johnathan Thurston 8. Matthew Scott 9. Jake Granville 10. James Tamou 11. Gavin Cooper 12. Ethan Lowe 13. Jason Taumalolo
Interchange: 14. Rory Kostjasyn 15. John Asiata 16. Scott Bolton 17. Ben Hannant
Changes from Last Round
In - Scott
Out - Hoare
Analysis - The Cowboys golden run came to an end last week against the in- form Sharks and they will need to bounce back quickly if they are going to be the Minor Premiers in 2015. Australian and Queensland prop Matt Scott returns after being rested last week.
Supercoach Semi Final Studs - Jonathan Thurston (93) despite having a ‘bad game' by his standards he still racked up a great score and very nearly guided his side to a late victory. He has been the best this year and is an absolute must for the finals.
Supercoach Semi Final Sneaky - Gavin Cooper (71) is a very sneaky point of difference and scores plenty of points in tackle busts and tries running of JT, has averaged over 60 points this season.
1. Greg Inglis 2. Alex Johnston 3. Dylan Walker 4. Bryson Goodwin 5. Aaron Gray 6. Luke Keary 7. Adam Reynolds 8. George Burgess 9. Issac Luke 10. Tim Grant 11. Kyle Turner 12. John Sutton 13. Chris McQueen
Interchange: 14. Jason Clark 15. Nathan Brown 16. David Tyrrell 17. Thomas Burgess 18. Kirisome Auva'a 19. Paul Carter 20. Joel Reddy
Changes from Last Round
In - Turner, Brown, Auva'a, Carter, Reddy (extended bench)
Out - Stewart, Grevsmuhl,
Analysis - Souths were given a touch up at Brookvale by the giant killing Sea Eagles. The defending premiers have the toughest run home of all the semi final contenders and they really need to stand up against one of this year's favourites. Glenn Stewart has been suspended for this match and is replaced by Kyle Turner. Chris Grevsmuhl has payed the price for Souths poor performance, replaced on the bench by Nathan Brown.
Supercoach Semi Final Studs - Greg Inglis (62) has shown throughout his career, the bigger the game the bigger his performance. As captain of the club expect him to be a major player in the closing rounds. George Burgess (54) has been rock solid in recent weeks and has the capacity to go big.
Supercoach Semi Final Sneaky - John Sutton (40) has averaged 67 points in the past 3 weeks and is available as a dual position player in the backrow and five-eighth. He has been a Supercoach keeper in the past and a proven big game performer.
Brisbane Broncos v St. George Illawarra Dragons
Suncorp Stadium - Friday 7:45pm
1. Darius Boyd 2. Lachlan Maranta 3. Jack Reed 4. Dale Copley 5. Jordan Kahu 6. Anthony Milford 7. Ben Hunt 8. Sam Thaiday 9. Andrew McCullough 10. Adam Blair 11. Alex Glenn 12. Matt Gillett 13. Corey Parker
Interchange: 14. Jarrod Wallace 15. Mitchell Dodds 16. Jo Ofanhengaue 17. Kodi Nikorima
Changes from Last Round
In - Maranta, Copley, Blair
Out - Oates, Hodges
Analysis - The Broncos have now lost 2 in a row after going down to Canterbury at Suncorp Stadium. After scoring the first 2 tries of the game last week, Corey Oates drops out with a knee injury and in a further blow captain Justin Hodges will miss the game through suspension. The Broncos will be desperate to shake off the jitters against the Dragons.
Supercoach Semi Final Studs - Corey Parker (105) is the Messiah of Supercoach and it is sacrilege not to have him starting in the backrow. Parker scored a try last week and looms as a rock solid captain choice this week. Anthony Milford (71) has been dominant for Brisbane this season and is a great buy, who can go big.
Supercoach Semi Final Sneaky - Matt Gillett (43) was quiet last week, with his second lowest score of the year. He is traditionally a consistent performer, plays big minutes and often gets attacking stats.
1. Josh Dugan 2. Nathan Green 3. Euan Aitken 4. Peter Mata'utia 5. Justin Hunt 6. Gareth Widdop 7. Benji Marshall 8. Leeson Ah Mau 9. Mitch Rein 10. Ben Creagh 11. Tyson Frizell 12. Joel Thompson 13. Mike Cooper
Interchange: 14. Craig Garvey 15. Trent Merrin 16. Jake Marketo 17. Jack de Belin 20. Mark Ioane 24. Eto Nabuli
Changes from Last Round
In - Green, Nabuli, Ioane (extended bench)
Out - Matthews
Analysis - The Dragons have made it two in a row, defeating the Warriors in windy Wellington last Saturday. St George will be desperate to keep this streak going and maintain their spot in the Top 8. Benji Marshall has been named but is in doubt with a hamstring injury. Will Matthews is out with a dislocated shoulder which sees Nathan Green move onto the wing, with Peter Mata'tuia named at centre.
Supercoach Semi Final Studs - Josh Dugan (41) amazingly didn't get involved in the mountain of tries in New Zealand but has stated he does feel a bit tired after a big representative season. Expect him to be up for a return to Suncorp to exercise some demons from Origin III.
Supercoach Semi Final Sneaky - Trent Merrin (81) returned from his suspension with a great score. Has been named on the bench but I would expect him to play plenty of minutes against the Broncos pack despite being named on the bench, which in the past has been a good thing for his output.
Wests Tigers v Newcastle Knights
Campbelltown Stadium - Saturday 3:00pm
1. James Tedesco 2. David Nofoaluma 3. Kevin Naiqama 4. Tim Simona 5. Pat Richards 6. Mitchell Moses 7. Luke Brooks 8. Aaron Woods 9. Robbie Farah 10. Keith Galloway 11. Curtis Sironen 12. Dene Halatau 13. Sauaso Sue
Interchange: 14. Kyle Lovett 15. Jack Buchanan 16. Ava Seumanufagai 17. Brenden Santi 18. Manaia Cherrington
Changes from Last Round
In - Santi (extended bench)
Out - Nil
Analysis - The Wests Tigers made it back to back wins with an upset victory over the Raiders in Canberra and have now leapt off the bottom of the ladder and into 13th position. They play their final game of the season at Campbelltown Stadium and will be looking to finish the year strongly.
Supercoach Semi Final Studs - James Tedesco (105) is on fire and if you haven't got him then good luck this weekend cause he could go huge again against the battling Knights.
Supercoach Semi Final Sneaky - Aaron Woods (76) put up his highest score of 2015 and can be a straight swap for those looking to offload Ben Matulino this week.
1. Jake Mamo 2. Nathan Ross 3. Sione Mata'utia 4. Dane Gagai 5. Akuila Uate 6. Kurt Gidley 7. Tyrone Roberts 8. Kade Snowden 9. Adam Clydsdale 10. Korbin Sims 11. Beau Scott 12. Tariq Sims 13. Jeremy Smith
Interchange: 14. Tyler Randell 15. Joseph Tapine 16. Chris Houston 17. Clint Newton 18. Sam Mataora
Changes from last round
In - Mamo, Snowden, Houston
Out - Levi
Analysis - Newcastle were blown away by the Roosters last week but did make a very encouraging comeback in the second half. Kurt Gidley moves from fullback to five-eighth and speedster Jake Mamo comes in to play fullback. Kade Snowden returns to the front row in a huge boost for the forward pack. Expect the Knights to come out firing as this will be seen as their big opportunity to avoid the dreaded wooden spoon.
Supercoach Semi Final Studs - Kade Snowden (DNP) been a consistent performer and is still only owned by 5% of teams. Has a huge breakeven this week due to his low score where he left the field with concussion and is a keeper.
Supercoach Semi Final Sneaky - Dane Gagai (45) has averaged close to 60 points per game and gets great base stats. Expect plenty of tries in this game for mine so Gagai is a certain hold this week at the very least.
Penrith Panthers v New Zealand Warriors
Pepper Stadium - Saturday 5:30pm
1. William Smith 2. Josh Mansour 3. Lewis Brown 4. Isaah Yeo 5. David Simmons 6. Isaac John 7. Jamie Soward 8. Sam McKendry 9. James Segeyaro 10. Regan Campbell-Gillard 11. Bryce Cartwright 12. Tyrone Peachey 13. Elijah Taylor
Interchange: 14. Tupou Sopoaga 15. Jeremy Latimore 16. Leilani Latu 17. Sika Manu 18. Apisai Koroisau
Changes from Last Round
In - Simmons, Koroisau (extended bench)
Out - Blake
Analysis - Penrith were simply awful against the Eels up in Darwin on Saturday night and will be looking to turn things around in front of their home fans. Dave Simmons returns for youngster Waqa Blake. Bryce Cartwright has again been named to start but whether that changes again remains to be seen.
Supercoach Semi Final Studs - James Segeyaro (75) is the best hooker in Supercoach when he plays 80 minutes, yet again Api Koroisau (DNP) has been named on the extended bench.
Supercoach Semi Final Sneaky - Bryce Cartwright (25) was rushed into a lot of sides last week after another 100+ score from the week before. He was underwhelming to say the least! Named to start this week, if he plays well he is a huge bonus, certain hold but risky buy at this point.
1. Sam Tomkins 2. Ken Maumalo 3. Dominique Peyroux 4. Solomone Kata 5. Jonathan Wright 6. Chad Townsend 7. Tuimoala Lolohea 8. Jacob Lillyman 9. Nathan Friend 10. Sam Rapira 11. Raymond Faitala-Mariner 12. Ryan Hoffman 13. Simon Mannering
Interchange: 14. Konrad Hurrell 15. Albert Vete 16. Sam Lisone 17. Charlie Gubb
Changes from Last Round
In - Hoffman, Hurrell, Peyroux, Rapira
Out - Matulino, Vatuvei, Ikahihifo, Havali
Analysis - Things can't get any lower for the Warriors you wouldn't think after they were humiliated in Wellington last week. The team have clearly lost confidence now that Shaun Johnson is out for the season and it is hard to see how they can turn it around now after losing fellow big guns in Manu Vatuvei and Ben Matulino. Ryan Hoffman returns is a major boost, while Konrad Hurrell has surprisingly been named to return off the bench.
Supercoach Semi Final Studs - Simon Mannering (46) had his worst score of the season but returns to lock now that Ryan Hoffman (DNP) has returned to the side. A must have in the backrow this season.
Supercoach Semi Final Sneaky - The only point of difference players in the Warriors outfit are now injured in Ben Matulino (55) who has been suspended and Manu Vatuvei (25) who has injured his shoulder. Konrad Hurrell (DNP) is a no go at this point.
Sydney Roosters v Parramatta Eels
Allianz Stadium - Saturday 7:30pm
1. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Michael Jennings 4. Blake Ferguson 5. Brendan Elliott 6. James Maloney 7. Mitchell Pearce 8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves 9. Jake Friend 10. Dylan Napa 11. Boyd Cordner 12. Aidan Guerra 13. Siosiua Taukeiaho
Interchange: 14. Jackson Hastings 15. Isaac Liu 16. Kane Evans 17. Mitchell Aubusson 18. Suaia Matagi 19. Matt McIlwrick
Changes from Last Round
In - Pearce
Out - Mutagi
Analysis - The Roosters brushed aside the Knights early on Sunday afternoon but alarmingly let a big lead slip in the second half for the second week in a row. The Roosters welcome back Mitchell Pearce, who was rested last week. The Roosters will be looking to put in a full 80 minute performance against Parramatta this week.
Supercoach Semi Final Studs - James Maloney (140) is on fire and could be a wise captain choice again this week for those looking to pull off an upset. He has averaged over 108 points in the past 3 games. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (119) scored 3 tries for his highest score of the year and needs to be in your 17.
Supercoach Semi Final Sneaky - Blake Ferguson (33) and Michael Jennings (64) are both high risk high reward players and could go big against the Eels. For those in a sudden death final this could be a cheeky play.
1. Reece Robinson 2. Semi Radradra 3. Ryan Morgan 4. Brad Takairangi 5. Bureta Faraimo 6. Corey Norman 7. Luke Kelly 8. Junior Paulo 9. Nathan Peats 10. Tim Mannah 11. Manu Ma'u 12. Tepai Moeroa 13. David Gower
Interchange: 14. Pauli Pauli 15. Darcy Lussick 16. Peni Terepo 17. Isaac De Gois
Changes from Last Round
In - Morgan
Out - Hopoate
Analysis - Parramatta did well to close out the game last week against the Panthers and will still cling to the mathematical possibility that they could yet still make a run to the finals. Beating the Roosters would be a tremendous achievement. NSW winger Will Hopoate is out, replaced by Ryan Morgan.
Supercoach Semi Final Studs - Semi Radradra (95) has been phenomenal and averages over 80 points for the season. He is currently dropping in price but if cash is no issue then he is worth considering.
Supercoach Semi Final Sneaky - Nathan Peats (63) is a solid performer for those looking for a point of difference at hooker and has averaged over 67 points in the past 3 rounds.
Canberra Raiders v Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles
GIO Stadium - Sunday 2:00pm
1. Jack Wighton 2. Edrick Lee 3. Jarrod Croker 4. Sisa Waqa 5. Jordan Rapana 6. Blake Austin 7. Sam Williams 8. Frank Paul Nuuausala 9. Josh Hodgson 10. David Shillington 11. Josh Papalii 12. Mitchell Barnett 13. Shaun Fensom
Interchange: 14. Kurt Baptiste 15. Jarrad Kennedy 16. Paul Vaughan 17. Shannon Boyd
Changes from Last Round
In - Lee
Out - Leilua
Analysis - Canberra have blown a tremendous opportunity to make the Top 8 this season, by again failing to close out a tight match at home. Edrick Lee returns from suspension for Joseph Leilua who misses the match through his own suspension. The Raiders must win nearly all their matches and have struggled at GIO Stadium in 2015.
Supercoach Semi Final Studs - Shaun Fensom (79) will be a popular buy this week as it looks as though that he may have returned to 80 minutes after Sia Soliola was ruled out for the season. Fensom is Supercoach royalty and if he is playing a full game is guaranteed to post consistent scores.
Supercoach Semi Final Sneaky - Jarrod Croker (63) is a great buy for the run home being as a goalkicker as a bonus you would imagine he should post some big scores with Canberra's soft draw.
1. Brett Stewart 2. Jorge Taufua 3. Jamie Lyon 4. Steve Matai 5. Peta Hiku 6. Kieran Foran 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Jake Trbojevic 9. Matt Ballin 10. Josh Starling 11. Feleti Mateo 12. Justin Horo 13. Blake Leary
Interchange: 14. Jesse Sene-Lefao 15. Michael Chee-Kam 16. James Hasson 17. Ligi Sao 18. Brenton Lawrence
Changes from Last Round
In - Sao
Out - Mason
Analysis - Manly are the real deal and have put the competition on notice after flogging the defending premiers last Friday. The Sea Eagles are aiming for 4 in a row and will be full of confidence as they head down the Hume Highway.
Supercoach Semi Final Studs - Daly Cherry-Evans (40) is due for a big game but Kieran Foran (71) has been stealing a lot of his attacking stats. Manly have a pretty good run home so if you don't have the trades there are worst players than Cherry-Evans to worry about.
Supercoach Semi Final Sneaky - Jamie Lyon (53) has been a keeper in the backline year after year but has had an injury interrupted season. Has averaged almost 80 points in the last 3 rounds and has flown under the radar.
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs v Gold Coast Titans
Central Coast Stadium - Sunday 4:00pm
1. Brett Morris 2. Curtis Rona 3. Josh Morris 4. Timoteo Lafai 5. Sam Perrett 6. Moses Mbye 7. Trent Hodkinson 8. Aiden Tolman 9. Michael Lichaa 10. James Graham 11. Josh Jackson 12. Frank Pritchard 13. Greg Eastwood
Interchange: 14. Sam Kasiano 15. Shaun Lane 16. David Klemmer 17. Tim Browne 19. Lloyd Perrett 22. Danny Fualalo
Changes from Last Round
In - Eastwood
Out - Nil
Analysis - Canterbury take their home game to the sunny Central Coast and finally displayed their potential knocking off the ladder leading Broncos. Des Hasler will again demand another 80 minute performance against the Titans, as they have had a habit of slipping over against the lower ranked sides. Greg Eastwood returns to the side from suspension in the only change.
Supercoach Semi Final Studs - Brett Morris (55) has been a consistent performer this season despite having missed a bit of the season through injury. He offers dual position status and is one of the best finishers in the business.
Supercoach Semi Final Sneaky - Josh Jackson (91) is another who offers key dual position status. He generally plays 80 minutes and gets through a fair bit of work to boot. Throw in a try or a try assist and he can go big, only owned by 12% of sides and very well priced this week. Josh Morris (63) has hit form and keeps finding the tryline, has been a keeper in past years.
1. Josh Hoffman 2. David Mead 3. James Roberts 4. Nene Macdonald 5. Kalifa Faifai Loa 6. Aidan Sezer 7. Kane Elgey 8. Luke Douglas 9. Beau Falloon 10. Eddy Pettybourne 11. Ryan James 12. Agnatius Paasi 13. Greg Bird
Interchange: 14. Dave Taylor 15. David Hala 16. Matt White 17. Daniel Mortimer 18. Lachlan Burr 20. Kierran Moseley
Changes from Last Round
In - Falloon, Pettybourne
Out - Nil
Analysis - The Titans head to Gosford after a patchy performance against Melbourne. Neil Henry will be aware that if they don't put up a better defensive display the big Bulldogs pack could run riot. Beau Falloon and Eddie Pettybourne return to the side which should stiffen up this area.
Supercoach Semi Final Studs - There are no players in the Titans squad that need to be in your side this weekend.
Supercoach Semi Final Sneaky - Greg Bird (42) could be a pick up for a left field selection. Plays solid minutes and does contribute to the Gold Coast attack. Brave call though.
Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks v Melbourne Storm
Remondis Stadium - Monday 7:00pm
1. Michael Gordon 2. Sosaia Feki 3. Gerard Beale 4. Ricky Leutele 5. Valentine Holmes 6. Jack Bird 7. Jeff Robson 8. Chris Heighington 9. Michael Ennis 10. Matt Prior 11. Luke Lewis 12. Wade Graham 13. Paul Gallen
Interchange: 14. Ben Barba 15. Anthony Tupou 16. Tinirau Arona 17. Jayson Bukuya
Changes from Last Round
In - Prior, Lewis
Out - Tagataese
Analysis - The Sharks are along with Manly the form team of the competition after upsetting the Cowboys at Remondis Stadium and have a huge chance to book themselves a Top 4 spot with a win over the Storm. The Sharks have a great mix of youth and experience in their squad and have been the surprise packets at this point in the season.
Supercoach Semi Final Studs - Paul Gallen (81) is the man and will never turn down a hit up or a tackle. Will be the most popular captain choice this weekend as he also doesn't play until Monday, bringing the VC loophole into play. Wade Graham (94) just keeps getting better, scoring a try on his way to his highest score of the season.
Supercoach Semi Final Sneaky - Luke Lewis (DNP) is injury prone but is also being held by a number of sides. Has been solid this year and dual status is a big plus. Jack Bird (62) can be held for those with few trades, solid 18th man at the very least.
1. Cameron Munster 2. Marika Koroibete 3. Will Chambers 4. Kurt Mann 5. Matt Duffie 6. Blake Green 7. Cooper Cronk 8. Jesse Bromwich 9. Cameron Smith 10. Tim Glasby 11. Kevin Proctor 12. Kenneath Bromwich 13. Dale Finucane
Interchange: 14. Ryan Hinchcliffe 16. Felise Kaufusi 17. Christian Welch
Changes from Last Round
In - Kaufusi
Out - Asofa-Solomona
Analysis - Melbourne hit back last start against the Gold Coast and will be looking to keep their form rolling against the giant killing Sharks. Coach Bellamy will be well aware of where his side are at and the enormity of defeating a resurgent Sharks side on a Monday night at Remondis Stadium.
Supercoach Semi Final Studs - Cameron Smith (79) is the best hooker option in Supercoach and is a must.
Supercoach Semi Final Sneaky - Marika Koroibete (72) just keeps making busts and scoring tries, a very solid purchase for the run home. Will Chambers (61) has great base stats generally and can find the line.