Panthers v Broncos preview
3 hours ago | Rhys Sullivan
Sam's weekly look at all the NRL teamlists is in for Round 20 - Men of League round. Take a peek at the ins, outs and supercoach recommendations for this week!
1. Lachlan Coote 2. Javid Bowen 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
In - Jonathan Thurston, Gavin Cooper, Michael Morgan, James Tamou, Matt Scott, Javid Bowen, Justin O'Neil
Out - Ben Spina, Coen Hess, Josh Chudleigh, Kyle Feldt, Patrick Kaufusi, Ray Thompson, Tautau Moga
Analysis - The Cowboys welcome back all their Origin stars from Origin III, as well as Michael Morgan who returns from injury for their blockbuster Top 4 clash with Canterbury. Winger Kyle Feldt has accepted a 3 week suspension for a shoulder charge and has been replaced by Javid Bowen. A win at home against the Bulldogs on Thursday night will go a long way to securing a Top 4 position come semi final time.
Supercoach Studs - Jonathan Thurston (114) is one of the buys' of the week and is simply a must for the run home, has a breakeven of -10pts this week so won't get any cheaper. It's sell or stick time for Jason Taumalolo's (43) owners. Taumalolo is capable of going big and could be a handy back up in your 17 but is not the ultimate in consistency if you want to use him each week.
Supercoach Duds - Javid Bowen (DNP) was named but did not play against the Raiders last start and has now been named on the wing to replace Kyle Feldt for the next 3 matches, amazing result!
1. William Hopoate 2. Brett Morris 3. Josh Morris 4. Curtis Rona 5. Sam Perrett 6. Josh Reynolds 7. Moses Mbye 8. Aiden Tolman 9. Michael Lichaa 10. James Graham 11. Josh Jackson 12. Greg Eastwood 13. David Klemmer
Interchange: 14. Sam Kasiano 16. Tim Browne 17. Raymond Faitala-Mariner 19. Danny Fualalo
In - Greg Eastwood, David Klemmer, Josh Jackson
Out - Asipeli Fine
Analysis - Canterbury welcome back the timely returns of Greg Eastwood, David Klemmer and Josh Jackson in their strongest line up this season for their huge clash with the Cowboys in Townsville. The Bulldogs are aiming to make it 5 wins on the trot, however will go into the match as outsiders, which makes Des Hasler's side an even more dangerous proposition for the home side. A win here would give their Top 4 changes a huge shot in the arm with 6 rounds remaining.
Supercoach Studs - Brett Morris has scored a remarkable seven tries in three matches and is a screamer of a point of difference. Even if he misses out on the tries, he will make some good coin and there is also still a chance that he moves back to the #1 once he gets some games under his belt. James Graham (74) continues to punch out the consistent scores and is a keeper until the end. Moses Mbye (56) is flying under the radar and now has the goalkicking duties, he has averaged 63pts for the year and over 72pts in his last three matches.
Supercoach Duds - Aiden Tolman (75) was a cheeky buy over the representative period playing big minutes. Time to cash out with the pack back at full strength from this week.
1. Darius Boyd 2. Corey Oates 11. Alex Glenn 4. James Roberts 5. Lachlan Maranta 6. Anthony Milford 7. Ben Hunt 8. Josh McGuire 9. Andrew McCullough 14. Jarrod Wallace 10. Adam Blair 12. Sam Thaiday 13. Corey Parker
Interchange: 14. Tom Opacic 15. Tevita Pangai Junior 16. Jai Arrow 18. Jo Ofanhengaue
In - Corey Parker, Tom Opacic
Out - Jordan Kahu
Analysis - The Broncos bounced back against the Rabbitohs and will be hoping that the win will help them step up a gear, as they host a very dangerous Panthers side at Suncorp Stadium. Lock Corey Parker returns after his first ever suspension. Youngster Tom Opacic replaces Jordan Kahu at centre, Kahu has reinjured a pectoral muscle and may not return until the finals. Queensland backrower Matt Gillett has not been named and will unlikely be rushed back with the finals around the corner. Gillett's injury sees youngster Jai Arrow hold his spot in the 17.
Supercoach Studs - James Roberts (89) was electric against his former club and looks to be hitting some form at the right time of the year. Corey Oates (76) is such a good finisher and could also return to form should the Broncos start to lift on the run home.
Supercoach Duds - Anthony Milford (48) owners are very itchy but must just hang in there now, with the Broncos getting a softer draw coming up. He looked likely a few times against Souths, and as we all know he is well overdue for a big score. Tevita Pangai (29) must be sold if you haven't done some yet before he leaks too much cash, with the Broncos pack almost close to full strength he will only be used for impact from here on out.
1. Matt Moylan 2. Josh Mansour 3. Waqa Blake 4. Tyrone Peachey 5. Dallin Watene Zelezniak 6. Bryce Cartwright 7. Nathan Cleary 8. Leilani Latu 9. Peter Wallace 14. Suaia Matagi 11. Isaah Yeo 12. James Fisher-Harris 13. Trent Merrin
Interchange: 15. Sitaleki Akauola 16. Chris Grevsmuhl 17. Zak Hardaker 17. Moses Leota
In - Nil
Out - Nil
Analysis - Penrith have made no changes to the side that just got home against local rivals Parramatta on Sunday afternoon. The Panthers currently sit just on the edge of the Top 8 and it is very hard to get a read on their form. A win away at Suncorp Stadium would give them an enormous confidence boost and you can bet coach Anthony Griffin will be primed to get one over his former club.
Supercoach Studs - Josh Mansour (108) backed up his 123pts against the Tigers prior to Origin III with another five star performance, he is back to his best and a keeper for the run home. Bryce Cartwright (69) is killing it this year and it really doesn't seem to matter whether he is a five-eighth or in the pack, although owners would prefer to see Te Maire Martin return to the halves soon. Nathan Cleary (48) has been sensational for the Panthers but has peaked and can be cashed in for a keeper like Jonathan Thurston this week
Supercoach Duds - Matt Moylan (45) hasn't kept up with the likes of Tedesco, Munster or Morris who are available at fullback.
1. Jack Wighton 2. Edrick Lee 3. Jarrod Croker 4. Joseph Leilua 5. Jordan Rapana 6. Blake Austin 7. Aidan Sezer 14. Iosia Soliola 9. Josh Hodgson 10. Shannon Boyd 11. Josh Papalii 12. Elliot Whitehead 13. Shaun Fensom
Interchange: 8. Junior Paulo 15. Luke Bateman 18. Adam Clydsdale 17. Joseph Tapine
In - Josh Papalii, Luke Bateman
Out - Clay Priest, Kurt Baptiste
Analysis - Canberra host the Warriors at Canberra Stadium on Saturday afternoon in a match which could push them into the Top 4 if results go their way. Josh Papalii returns for the Green Machine and he will be vital addition against the big Warriors pack. Luke Bateman replaces Clay Priest after serving a one week suspension against the Cowboys last start.
Supercoach Studs - Jarrod Croker (59) has hit form in his last 3 matches, averaging over 91pts. Jack Wighton (98) backed up his 101 against the Knights with another superb performance against North Queensland.
Supercoach Duds - Joseph Leilua (40) has gone completely off the boil recently with an average of just 42pts in his last 3 matches. Can he get back to his tackle busting best?
1. David Fusitua 2. Ken Maumalo 3. Blake Ayshford 4. Solomone Kata 5. Manu Vatuvei 6. Thomas Leuluai 7. Shaun Johnson 8. Jacob Lillyman 9. Issac Luke 10. James Gavet 11. Bunty Afoa 12. Ryan Hoffman 13. Simon Mannering
Interchange: 14. Tuimoala Lolohea 15. Sam Lisone 16. Ben Matulino 17. Jazz Tevaga
In - Jacob Lilyman
Out - Charlie Gubb
Analysis - The Warriors lost their second match in a row in Golden Point, this time against the Sea Eagles and will be desperate to get their season back on track against the Raiders. Jacob Lilyman returns to the side and replaces Charlie Gubb, who is facing a massive seven week suspension for a shoulder charges. Form second rower Bodene Thompson has again not been named but has been ably replaced by the in-form Bunty Afoa who scored a brace last weekend..
Supercoach Studs - Bunty Afoa (103) is without doubt the cheapie of the week for those with trades and is predicted to rise by $72k if he can produce again. Shaun Johnson (77) has been fantastic this season and holds the key in this match. Simon Mannering (70) returning to lock has ensured consistent scores.
Supercoach Duds - Tuimoala Lolohea (5) comes on in Golden Point. Yep good idea!
1. David Mead 2. Anthony Don 3. Josh Hoffman 4. Konrad Hurrell 5. Nene Macdonald 6. Tyrone Roberts 7. Ashley Taylor 8. Luke Douglas 9. Nathan Peats 10. Ryan James 11. Zeb Taia 12. Chris McQueen 13. Agnatius Paasi
Interchange: 14. Eddy Pettybourne 15. Leivaha Pulu 16. Nathaniel Peteru 17. Nathan Friend
In - Nathaniel Peteru
Out - Greg Bird
Analysis - The Titans bounced back in style against the Dragons, thrashing the Red V 32-12 at Kogarah Oval on Friday night. Greg Bird has been suspended for a high shot from that match on Dragons five-eighth Gareth Widdop and has been replaced by Nathaniel Peteru. Gold Coast have a huge opportunity to consolidate their spot in the 8 with a win over the Eels at home.
Supercoach Studs - Konrad Hurrell (57) finally hit his straps and now looms as decent cover in the centres. Hurrell at his tackle busting best is a keeper all day and at $178k he is superb value this late in the season.
Supercoach Duds - Ryan James (45) is another player who has had a dramatic slide, even though he is the 3rd highest scorer in Supercoach he is already testing owner's loyalty, with a projected fall of over $50k forecast.
1. Michael Gordon 2. Bureta Faraimo 3. Manu Ma'u 4. Brad Takairangi 5. Bevan French 6. Clinton Gutherson 7. Jeff Robson 8. Danny Wicks 9. Isaac De Gois 10. Tim Mannah 11. Ken Edwards 12. Tepai Moeroa 13. Beau Scott
Interchange: 14. Rory O'Brien 15. Peni Terepo 16. David Gower 17. Daniel Alvaro
In - Brad Takairangi
Out - Michael Jennings
Analysis - Parramatta have certainly shown some heart on the field this season and were very unlucky not to get the two points against Penrith last week. NSW centre Michael Jennings is out with a hamstring injury and has been replaced by Brad Takarangi. Clint Gutherson has been named in the #6 after an outstanding game last week, with Kenny Edwards moving to the backrow and Peni Terepo on the bench.
Supercoach Studs - As mentioned Clint Gutherson (110) was fantastic at five-eighth but not worth getting him in or anything. With the Eels byes now over it's a fire sale.
Supercoach Duds - Manu M'au (51) has been again named in the centres and can be upgraded to Andrew Fifita or Paul Gallen this week. Bevan French (54) has peaked and is just as likely to get 7pts than 57pts.
1. Cameron Munster 2. Suliasi Vunivalu 3. Will Chambers 4. Cheyse Blair 5. Marika Koroibete 6. Blake Green 7. Cooper Cronk 8. Jesse Bromwich 9. Cameron Smith 16. Matt White 11. Kevin Proctor 12. Tohu Harris 13. Dale Finucane
Interchange: 14. Kenneath Bromwich 15. Christian Welch 10. Felise Kaufusi 17. Young Tonumaipea
In - Nil
Out - Nil
Analysis - Melbourne were certainly tested against the Knights at Hunter Stadium and now return to AAMI Park where they host the Roosters who have also shown some fight despite their standing on the ladder. Despite coach Craig Bellemy suggesting that he would like to rest skipper Cameron Smith and Cooper Cronk at some stage, both have been named.
Supercoach Studs - Tohu Harris (85) is a keeper in the backline and is a must. Cameron Munster (65) finally returned after so many false dawns, remember he destroyed the Roosters in Round 14 with a mammoth 183pts. Suliasi Vunivalu (58) has been unreal and despite his never ending try tally, he can be cashed in now.
Supercoach Duds - Cameron Smith (42) stunned everyone by producing his lowest score of the season against the Knights. If you don't have him he could be around the $400k mark in the next few weeks.
5. Blake Ferguson 2. Daniel Tupou 12. Mitchell Aubusson 4. Shaun Kenny-Dowall 1. Latrell Mitchell 6. Connor Watson 7. Mitchell Pearce 8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves 9. Jake Friend 10. Dylan Napa 11. Boyd Cordner 13. Sio Siua Taukeiaho 16. Isaac Liu
Interchange: 14. Sam Moa 15. Aidan Guerra 17. Ryan Matterson 18. Kane Evans
In - Nil
Out - Nil
Analysis - The Roosters have made no changes to the side that lost to the Sharks on Monday night. The Tricolours went toe to toe with the league leaders but just didn't quite have the composure at crucial moments to snatch the win. Rookie five-eighth Connor Watson's was a highlight and he has managed to hold his spot at starting five-eighth this week.
Supercoach Studs - Mitch Pearce (71) has averaged over 70pts since he has returned from injury. Although with the Roosters season gone it would be a brave selection.
Supercoach Duds - Boyd Cordner (35) produced his lowest score of the season but has been in superb form. Like the Eels, the Roosters were very handy over the latter part of the bye period and the time has come to move on Jake Friend (43) Latrell Mitchell (27) and Shaun Kenny-Dowall (24).
1. Ben Barba 2. Sosaia Feki 3. Jack Bird 4. Gerard Beale 5. Valentine Holmes 18. Fa'amanu Brown 7. Chad Townsend 8. Andrew Fifita 9. Michael Ennis 16. Matt Prior 11. Luke Lewis 12. Wade Graham 13. Paul Gallen
Interchange: 14. Joseph Paulo 15. Chris Heighington 10. Sam Tagataese 17. Jayson Bukuya
In - Andrew Fifita
Out - Fa'amanu Brown
Analysis - Cronulla made it 14 wins on the trot and are now being hyped to possibly breaking the Roosters all time record of 19 consecutive wins in a season. Looking at their run home they are a pretty good chance if they can stay healthy. Cronulla will go in raging favourites against the last placed but improving Newcastle Knights at Shark Park on Sunday afternoon. NSW prop Andrew Fifita returns after serving a week's suspension which sees Jaysen Bukuya move to the bench replacing Fa'amanu Brown.
Supercoach Studs - Ben Barba (88) is absolutely killing it and has averaged close to 93ptsin his last three matches. Jack Bird (60) and Wade Graham (64) are also good point of differences for the run home.
Supercoach Duds - Andrew Fifita (DNP) let everyone down with his suspension from Origin III but could potentially do some damage this week. Paul Gallen (53) seemed a bit flat following Origin but can be forgiven. James Maloney (27) now has a five round average of 38pts in a real worry for owners.
1. Dane Gagai 2. Nathan Ross 3. Pat Mata'utia 4. Peter Mata'utia 5. Brendan Elliott 6. Jarrod Mullen 7. Trent Hodkinson 8. Sam Mataora 9. Danny Levi 10. Korbin Sims 11. Pauli Pauli 12. Mitchell Barnett 13. Jeremy Smith
Interchange: 14. Chris Adams 15. Jacob Saifiti 16. Josh King 17. Mickey Paea
In - Dane Gagai, Jacob Saifiti, Pauli Pauli, Mickey Paea
Out - Sione Mata'utia, Robbie Rochow, Jake Mamo, Daniel Saifiti
Analysis - Newcastle put in arguably their best performance of the season against the Storm despite losing. The Knights look a much more balanced side with intended halves Trent Hodkinson and Jarrod Mullen controlling their attack. Unfortunately for the Novocastrians forwards Sione Mata'utia and Robbie Rochow are now out long term. Jake Mamo is also facing a week's suspension in another blow to their chances against the ladder leaders.
Supercoach Studs - Mitch Barnett (55) has been an amazing late season bloomer making over $52k last week and projected for another $17k this week.
Supercoach Duds - Sione Mata'utia (67) has been a find in the backrow and should be penciled in for next season. Robbie Rochow (45) is out for the season with a pectoral injury and may have played his last game in the red and blue with rival clubs circling the off contract backrower for 2017.
1. Adam Quinlan 2. Kurt Mann 3. Euan Aitken 4. Taane Milne 5. Jason Nightingale 6. Gareth Widdop 7. Benji Marshall 8. Russell Packer 9. Mitch Rein 10. Tariq Sims 11. Tyson Frizell 12. Joel Thompson 13. Jack de Belin
Interchange: 14. Michael Cooper 15. Leeson Ah Mau 19. Tyrone McCarthy 17. Jake Marketo
In - Benji Marshall, Taane Milne, Adam Quinlan
Out - Josh McCrone, Tim Lafai, Kalifa Fai Fai Loa
Analysis - Benji Marshall plays NRL game 250, appropriately against his former club the Tigers at ANZ Stadium on Sunday. After the Dragons worst performance of the season, coach Paul McGregor has made a few changes with Tim Lafai and Josh McCrone dropped and Kalifa Fai Fai Loa out with a fractured cheekbone. Marshall returns to halfback, with Adam Quinlan coming into the side at fullback, which sees Jason Nightingale move back to the wing. Yongster Taane Milne replaces Lafai at centre. There will be plenty of pressure on Paul McGregor to turn the Dragons form around after being hammered in the media this week.
Supercoach Studs - Euan Aitken (66) continues to produce and provides great cover in the backs.
Supercoach Duds - Tyson Frizell (41) moves back to the second row this week, which may see an increase in minutes after a stint at prop in the last few matches.
1. James Tedesco 2. David Nofoaluma 3. Tim Simona 4. Kevin Naiqama 5. Jordan Rankin 6. Mitchell Moses 7. Luke Brooks 8. Aaron Woods 9. Dene Halatau 10. Sauaso Sue 11. Josh Aloiai 12. Chris Lawrence 13. Elijah Taylor
Interchange: 14. Tim Grant 15. Ava Seumanufagai 16. Joel Edwards 17. Kyle Lovett
In - Robbie Farah, James Tedesco, Aaron Woods
Out - Jacob Liddle, JJ Felise, Josh Addo-Carr
Analysis - The Tigers welcome back their Origin stars in Robbie Farah, James Tedesco and captain Aaron Woods in a huge boost to the side. The Tigers currently sit on the edge of the Top 8 and this match is a must win if they are to be any threat in 2016. If the Dragons play anywhere near like they did last week then the Tigers could do some damage.
Supercoach Studs - James Tedesco (80) is a must for the run home and one of the best attacking threats in the comp. With a breakeven of 63pts he must be drafted in as soon as possible.
Supercoach Duds - Neither Robbie Farah (49) or Aaron Woods (52) is an option this year.
1. Cody Walker 2. Alex Johnston 3. Bryson Goodwin 4. Aaron Gray 5. Joe Burgess 6. Luke Keary 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Thomas Burgess 9. Cameron McInnes 10. David Tyrrell 11. John Sutton 12. Kyle Turner 13. Sam Burgess
Interchange: 14. Jason Clark 15. Nathan Brown 16. Angus Crichton 17. George Burgess
In - Adam Reynolds, Bryson Goodwin
Out - Ed Murphy
Analysis - South Sydney has now lost their last 6 matches and their season is all over barring a late season miracle. NSW half Adam Reynolds returns from a shoulder injury, likewise Bryson Goodwin who returns from a broken arm, with Ed Murphy making way.
Supercoach Studs - Cody Walker (79) continues to produce, while Sam Burgess (64) looms as a solid captain choice given Souths play on a Monday.
Supercoach Duds - John Sutton (44) moves back to the second row after filling in for Adam Reynolds in the halves.
1. Tom Trbojevic 2. Jorge Taufua 3. Lewis Brown 4. Brayden Wiliame 5. Matthew Wright 6. Jamie Lyon 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Darcy Lussick 9. Apisai Koroisau 10. Martin Taupau 11. Nathan Green 12. Jamie Buhrer 13. Jake Trbojevic
Interchange: 14. Blake Leary 15. Josh Starling 16. Nate Myles 17. Siosaia Vave
In - Brayden Williame, Nate Myles
Out - Bradley Walker
Analysis - Manly scraped home in Golden Point against the Warriors in Perth thanks to a Daly Cherry-Evans field goal in a great performance. QLD prop Nate Myles returns to the 17 named on the bench, with Brayden Williame returning from suspension at the expense of debutant Brad Walker. The Sea Eagles led by the Trbojevic brothers have had a resurgence winning their last two matches on the trot.
Supercoach Studs - Tom Trbojevic (86) justified his tag as the No.1 most popular trade last week with a try and try assist and was heavily involved from the back. He is a keeper for sure!
Supercoach Duds - Daly Cherry-Evans (31) didn't get much going in attack but did score when it counted kicking the winning field goal. Brad Parker (14) played his role of the non-playing reserve well and has not being included this week.