Tom's Teams Wrap Up - Round 23

Canterbury V North Queensland
Bulldogs
In – Morrin
Out – Hannant

Cowboys
In – Burns, Graham, O’Donnell
Out – Malone

Some big name ins for the Cowboys this week. Added to the fact that the bulldogs have lost Ben Hannant for at least one week, the Cowboys may be in with a chance up at Dairy Farmers. Expect the Nth Qld forward pack to dominate. DT’ers look for Bulldogs forwards Ryan, Hodgson and Hickey to lift their workload in the absence of Hannant.




South Sydney V Gold Coast
Rabbitohs
In – Simpson, Tyrell
Out – Asotasi, McQueen

Titans
In – Henderson
Out – Cannings

Can the Bunnies continue to charge to the finals without skipper Roy Asotasi? Stand in skipper Luke Stuart believes so… Expect him to lead from the front with relentless hitups and some big tackles. Meanwhile, the Titans strengthen their pack with the addition of Henderson. Is that enough to see the GC’s pick up 2 road wins on the trot? I think not.

Manly V Sydney City
Roosters – No Changes

Sea-Eagles
In – Forran, Hall
Out – T. Williams

For the first time this season, the Roosters have found some continuity in their 17 and go into the match with an unchanged line-up.
The Eagles have omitted big Tony Williams, who makes room for Forran to push into 5/8 and move Jamie Lyon back into the Centres. Prop Glen Hall comes onto an extended bench.
The Roosters have found some form in recent weeks; however this will be no match for the hungry Eagles who must win this one to stay in the top 8.

Canberra V St George
Dragons
In – Nightingale, Green, Stanley
Out – Prior, Scott*
*Beau Scott suspended today for one match for a dangerous throw on Penrith’s Shane Elford, and Prior with the early guilty plea will miss this one also.

Raiders
In - Learoyd-Lahrs, Picker
Out – Turner

The Green Machine came close against the 2nd ranked Bulldogs last week, and I’m expecting another spirited effort from them again this week. Tommy Learoyd-Lahrs is back to add some much needed muscle. Forced changes for the Dragons this week thanks to suspensions; if they were to lose a game in these glory bound rounds it could well be at Canberra Stadium. I would tell a punter would have a flutter on this matchup.

Parramatta V New Zealand
Eels
In – Latimore
Out – Cayless

Warriors
In – Ropati, McKinnon
Out – Ah Van, Matulino

The Eels continue their charge to the finals. Just 2 weeks ago they were $121 to win the premiership. They sit at $15 to 1 odds now, maybe just still worth it, especially with their run home, and if they get up this week. DT favourite Jeremy Latimore makes a well deserved comeback thanks to an injury to the old Nathan Cayless. Some names return for the Warriors, but given their recent lack of spirit on the park, away from home and at the cauldron, one expects another Parramatta victory.

Cronulla V Wests
Sharks – No Changes
Tigers
In – Moltzen, Lawrence
Out – Gallant

No changes to the Cronulla lineup, although sources tell me Anthony Tupou is nearing a much anticipated return. Injured Tigers fullback Shannon Gallant is out, to be replaced by Tim Moltzen at the back. Chris Lawrence is set to squeeze into the centres also. Expect the Tigers to win this one comfortably.

Brisbane
Broncos – No Changes
Panthers
In – Tia Kifili, Woolnough, Grant
Out – Elford

Another important fixture for both clubs trying to make it to September action. The Broncos have regained some confidence after beating a disappointing Sharks outfit, but will have to go one step further if they are to beat the Panthers.

Newcastle V Melbourne
Knights
In – Lulia
Out – McDonnell

Storm
In – Neilson, Tandy
Out – Inglis, Lima

A must win game for both clubs really. Newcastle need to turn around their rubbish form of the last month, while the Storm need to bounce back from the Greg Inglis controversy during the week. The Knights have a good record at home over the Storm, but I can’t see them winning this one. Jeff Lima is rested this week, with Tandy replacing him.


Be sure to check out the late mail for any updates to the teams for this week.


Team lists can be found at http://www.nrlteamlists.com.au/


Remember to post any comments or suggestions to me at the bottom of this page.


Happy Dt'ing!