Storm vs Panthers – Thursday 8:00PM (AEDT) at AAMI Park
Storm
Will Warbrick has been replaced on the wing by Grant Anderson, marking the only change to Melbourne’s Round 1 team. Nelson Asofa-Solomona returns from suspension and is listed amongst the reserves. With Burton going down, plenty of Supercoaches will be trading across to Cameron Munster. As one of the premiere big game players in the NRL, I would have no issues bringing him in this week considering Melbourne’s great record at AAMI Park.
Panthers
Dylan Edwards has been ruled out with a groin injury, which will keep him sidelined for a few weeks. Daine Laurie has been named at fullback as has been the case whenever Edwards misses game of late. Isaiah Papali’i is back on the bench after recovering from a minor hip injury. Brad Schneider comes onto the bench, with Blaize Talagi named in the #18 jersey. Despite rumours to the contrary, Casey McLean has kept his spot on the wing.
Warriors vs Roosters – Friday 6:00PM (AEDT) at Go Media Stadium
Warriors
The Warriors have named an unchanged 17 from the side that dismantled Manly in New Zealand. Popular mid-ranger Luke Metcalf responded to critics with a dominant 117, which earns him a few more weeks in teams at a minimum.
Roosters
Spencer Leniu, Lindsay Collins & Victor Radley all return for the Roosters. Zach Dockar-Clay continues to rotate through hooker with Watson moving to the middle, which is fantastic for Watson’s output. Mark Nawaqanitawase is well and truly passing the eye test and has looked great in the opening few rounds. Siua Wong has again been named on the edge and scored well (70) there last week.
Broncos vs Cowboys – Friday 8:00PM (AEDT) at Suncorp Stadium
Broncos
Kotoni Staggs could be a late inclusion this week as he has been listed amongst the reserves. This would potentially spell bad news for popular cheapie Shibasaki, who most likely would be the man to make way. Despite rumours of Piakura starting, Gosiewski has retained his starting spot on the left edge. Reece Walsh put in a performance to forget last week vs the Raiders and should be desperate to make amends this week. Jesse Arthars has a BE of -82 and is expected to make 180k over the next 2 rounds. He is also a viable play option over the next 5 weeks as the Broncos have a reasonably soft draw.
Cowboys
Jason Taumololo has been named to make his return from injury, starting in the forwards along side Jordan McLean. Jeremiah Nanai has been recalled from QCup, however has been named on the bench with Todd Payten opting to start Kai O’Donnell again. Mass owned cheapie option Tom Duffy has been axed, with Jake Clifford coming into the side in the #7 jersey. Robert Derby has been named on the wing to replace the injured Braidon Burns. Scott Drinkwater keeps finding a way to pour on late points which will be delighting owners, however you would want to see plenty more involvement before considering him as a buy option.
Sharks vs Cowboys – Saturday 3:00PM (AEDT) at Sharks Stadium
Sharks
Again, no changes for the Sharks.
Rabbitohs
Jack Wighton returns from suspension which pushes Fletcher Myers to the wing. Tallis Duncan has been named to start at lock, however he is under an injury cloud due to a hamstring injury picked up against the Dragons. Lachlan Hubner is serving a 2 game suspension, which keeps his price stagnant for another 2 weeks at least. Peter Mamouzelas has a BE of -35 thanks to a 94 in Round 2 and will make some cash for anyone needing a hooker option.
Dolphins vs West Tigers – Saturday 5:30PM (AEDT) at Kayo Stadium
Dolphins
Jack Bostock and Kulikefu Finefeuiaki have been named amongst the reserves and could be late inclusions on Saturday. Herbie Farnworth had another strong showing albeit with a lack of attacking stats. If he can find the line soon there could be mammoth scores for owners on the horizon.
Wests Tigers
Jahream Bula has been named despite being pictured in a moon boot following their resounding victory over Parramatta last weekend. If he is ruled out, expect Heath Mason to again cover at fullback. Terrell May is a genuine freak of nature and you should be doing whatever you can to force him into your side this week if you don’t already own him. He racked up 69 in pure base, along with a further 18 in offloads and tackle busts in only 65 minutes last week. Gun! Jeral Skelton & Lachie Galvin also hold Supercoach appeal and are worth consideration.
Titans vs Knights – Saturday 7:30PM (AEDT) at Cbus Super Stadium
Titans
Alofiana Khan-Pereira is out with a calf injury, with Tony Francis named to replace him on the wing. Brother of Tino, Iszac Fa’asuamaleaui, has been named on the bench in place of Jaimin Jolliffe. David Fifta has again been named on the bench so I would consider a sale before he loses bulk cash next week if you do happen to own him.
Knights
Leo Thompson and Kai Pearce-Paul are both missing from the Knights lineup due to injury and suspension respectively. Brodie Jones & Adam Elliott come into the starting side. Fletcher Sharpe & Dylan Lucas are absolute Supercoach weapons and should come into consideration for teams – however they do have the bye next week so are more likely Round 5 Buys.
Eels vs Bulldogs – 4:05PM (AEDT) at CommBank Stadium
Eels
Jason Ryles has only made one change from the side that was outclassed last week by the Tigers, with Dean Hawkins named to make his Eels debut in the place of Ronald Volkman. There are some big names sitting in the reserves, so I would not be shocked to see a few come in on Sunday. Ryan Matterson, Joash Papali’i & new recruit Josh Addo-Carr have all been listed and are a chance at being late inclusions.
Bulldogs
Ciraldo has been forced into a few changes, with both Viliame Kikau & Matt Burton sustaining knee injuries in last weeks win over the Titans. Bailey Hayward has been named in the #6 jumper, while Sitili Tupouniua starts on the edge. While the Dogs don’t have as much Supercoach relevance as other teams, this fixture does look absolutely ideal to target if you want to play matchups.
Sea Eagles vs Raiders – Sunday 6:15pm (AEDT) at 4 Pines Park
Sea Eagles
Huge potential Supercoach ramifications here with Manly naming both Daly Cherry-Evans & Tom Trbojevic despite sustaining injuries in last weeks lost against the Warriors. It is understood that Cherry-Evans is the more likely of the two to back up. Tolutau Koula returns from injury and has been named at centre. Sio Siua Taukeiaho returns to the starting side, with Josh Aloiai moving to the bench. With Manly being the last game of the round, it would be wise to come up with a plan should either DCE or Trbojevic end up as late exclusions. Jason Saab (BE -54) is on fire, with 9 line breaks, 3 try assits and 2 tries in his first two games of the season. With a game against Parramatta looming next round, he could be a nice POD who will generate some cash in the coming weeks.
Raiders
Xavier Savage returns from suspension, replacing Albert Hopoate on the wing. This is very welcome news for Supercoaches as Savelio Tamale (BE -59) retains his starting spot and can be locked into teams if you do not already own him. Zac Hosking will miss the coming weeks with a hand injury, which sees Morgan Smithies come into the starting side. Matthew Nicholson is on the watchlist after a strong showing against the Broncos as he plays his second game for the Raiders. Tom Starling (BE -58) can also be considered as a mid range Hooker option.
