Tom's Teams Wrap Up - Round 24

8 Games again this week. Week Two of the finals in the Dream Team. Looking out for a Nathan Merritt one-man show, as well as the Tigers to upset the Eels and keep the bookies smiling. Without further ado, I present the teams for round 24.

St George V Brisbane
Dragons
In - Scott, Cooper, Prior, Nightingale
Out - Stanley, Emmett

Broncos - No Changes

The Dragons get back centre pairing Beau Scott and Matt Cooper, meanwhile the Broncos remain unchanged for the must win clash after their big display of form against the Panthers last week. Big showing from Bennett’s boys this week, the Broncos can kiss the finals goodbye.

Wests V Parramatta
Wests
In - Schirnack
Out – Skandalis

Eels
In - Cayless
Out – Wright

The Tigers lose big boy veteran John Skandalis, while the Eels see Cayless back in the team after missing one week’s action. The Eels are hot favourites for this ‘match of the round’ blockbuster clash, with the Tiger’s worth a punt in my mind.

Newcastle V Nth Queensland
Knights
In - Wicks, Simpson
Out – Tovo

Cowboys
In - Burns, Kaufusi, Harris
Out – Tamou

Fresh off a big form reversal, the Knights confidence will be further boosted with the return of Danny Wicks and Steve Simpson. The man that would turn me onto thighs if he was a Nandos Chicken, Sione Tovo, has been dropped. The Cows name an extended bench with Travis Burns and Kaufusi in a must win game for them. Expect the Knights to continue their good form.

Penrith V South Sydney
Panthers
In - Sammut, Woolnough

Rabbitohs
In - Vatuvei, McQueen, Fallon, Lowe
Out - Talanoa, Wing, Champion, Crocker

Jarod Sammut is back after a nasty flu last week, and Tia-Kifili has reportedly been training the house down in Penrith. The Rabbitohs lose four big names to injury which is sure to demoralise them, and hinder their top 8 aspirations. They are going to need to heroics from the likes of Sandow, Sutton and Merritt to keep their chances alive.

New Zealand V Canberra
Warriors
In – Price

Raiders
In - Monaghan
Out – Logan

Flip a coin with this battle of two unpredictable form sides. The Raiders come off a massive upset, while the Warriors just keep getting worse. Steve Price back this week for the home side, should be enough to see them over the line.

Gold Coast V Cronulla
Titans
In - Henderson, O'Dwyer
Out – Berdie

Sharks
In - Ferguson, Weyman
Out – Taulapapa

Cronulla, who are playing for the Jersey, are to upset the top 4 Titans.

Melbourne V Manly
Storm
In - Tandy
Out – Cross

Sea Eagles
In – Hall

The Storm lose Cross to injury. Expect them to bounce back hard after an embarrassing effort last week. Slater to star with a double.

Canterbury V Sydney City
Bulldogs
In - Patten
Out – Millard

Roosters
In - Myles
Out – Paea

Bulldogs by 50.

That’s it for another round of Tom’s Teams Wrap up. Look out for Nick’s Captains this week, it’s going to be epic. Peace.

Full team lists at http://www.nrlteamlists.com.au/

p.s. good luck to the Yung Legends this week, they are going to need it! Paintrain for PREMS!!!

Late Mail

THE Bulldogs have suffered a significant blow before tonight's clash with North Queensland with fullback Luke Patten ruled out with an ankle injury. Patten will be replaced at the back by Hazem El Masri. (WOAH!!!! BIG WEEK FOR EL MAGIC?)

Daryl Millard is expected to take El Masri's wing spot.

The Cowboys, on the other hand, have players coming back. Winger Michael Bani is a chance of playing tonight after training yesterday morning, while Luke O'Donnell and Ashley Graham are both expected to play.

Gold Coast are expected to be as named.

Souths coach Jason Taylor said the Rabbitohs would be ''1-17''.

Manly forward Glenn Hall is still in the frame to play against the Roosters at the SFS tomorrow night despite being named at the tail of a five-man bench. The Roosters are expected to be 1-17.

Eels coach Daniel Anderson maintained Feleti Mateo, Weller Hauraki and Kris Keating would not play against the Warriors tomorrow night. The Warriors are expected to be as named.

Canberra centre Joel Monaghan is in doubt to face the Dragons tomorrow night with bone bruising to his leg. If he is ruled out, Joel Thompson is expected to switch to the centres, with Trevor Thurling promoted to the squad.

Dragons remain undecided about who will replace suspended centre Beau Scott, although Chase Stanley would be the most likely man to do so, with Jason Nightingale also named on an extended bench. Nick Emmett has been added to the squad.

Cronulla have lost fullback Bronx Goodwin for the season with a broken shoulder. He will be replaced against Wests Tigers on Sunday by Nathan Stapleton. Interchange hooker Terence Seu Seu has also been ruled out with a hamstring injury, with Lancen Joudo set to debut off the bench. There is some possibility, though, that Anthony Tupou (Yeah Mayne!!) will return from a hamstring injury.

Wests Tigers centre Chris Lawrence remains in doubt with a hamstring problem. Dean Collis ready to replace him if needed.

Brisbane halfback Peter Wallace (hamstring) and prop Nick Kenny (knee) are still mysteries for their clash with Penrith. Adam Woolnough has been lopped off the extended Penrith bench, with Tim Grant 18th man.

Newcastle second-rower Steve Simpson is in doubt to face Melbourne on Monday night after suffering headaches this week, the after-effects of a concussion. Danny Wicks also has a sternum injury. If either is ruled out, Cory Paterson is expected to play.

The Storm are expected to be as named.

Best of luck!

Bring on Crunching Tackle!!!

Player of the Week: Round 22

Ok ok, dragging the chain with the post this week, distracted by sunny Cairns and the friendly female backpackers floating around... Another lull week in DT without the explosions of scores we saw last week, nonetheless entertaining viewing as always.

I think this week it's only noteworthy to put the spotlight on one great player of the game and everyones favourite DT player. I'd like to welcome to his inaugural Player of the Week on nrldttalk....

1. Paul Gallen
Yes you read that right. This DT'er has been carrying Gallen on the bench through his latest injury and he came back with a bang last week but blew up even more this week showing me just why I have kept him around (albeit unfortunately not quite enough to get me the win)...

Consistently putting out massive DT scores, Gallen although expensive is without a doubt one of the best captain options around, I'll be deploying him in the opening qualifier so "Nicks Boyz for Prems" is a bit of a defunct statement, he doesnt stand a chance against Gallen...
Try Assists - 1
Tackles - 41
Offloads - 4
Line Break Assists - 2
Runs - 17
Total Points - 110

Short and sweet this week, good luck in Round 1 everyone, expect to see Gallen featuring in Players of the Week again next week after dropping 100+ on Nicks Boyz, Leotards for Prems!

Nick's Captains - Round 23

Sorry for the lateness of Nick's Captains this week - with work and my burgeoning DIY career DT has taken a bit of a backseat this week. This doesn't mean I dont have a BLOCKBUSTER or 2 up my sleeve for the first round of finals this week though!

Ok last week our boys did well:
Watmough - 77
Gallen - 110
Hindmarsh - 65
Fitzgibbon - 74
Hannant - 59 (injured)

Also note Hayne with an 80!!!

This week the captains are just based on hunches - no time for research sorry. Top 5 + roughies for this week are:

1 - Hayne - playing the Warriors he will carve them up - 100+ game lock it in!
2 - Farah - playing the Sharks - he will put on tries (note the new #7 for the Tigers, thus Farah will take control more often) - big game
3 - Gallen - nuff' said
4 - Hindmarsh - also, nuff' said
5 - Stagg - 97 last week and look for him to have a big one this week also

Expect big scores from Zeb Taia, Tronc, Laffranchi and co. this week. Also look out for Heighington - he's back in the run-on this week and should score well. I think it will be a high scoring week - there will be some 1200+ scores this week!!

No poll this week either - just comment on who you're making your captain and why!!

Cheers
PS: NICKS BOYS FOR PREMS!!!

Potential Trades

Ins

Shane Tronc

- Perfect replacement for Ben Hannant

- Great value considering his averages
- Has scored at least 70 points since round 15, with the exception of round 21 – 68 points
- Consistent performer expect to get around 70 points per game
- Only 6.69% DT’ers own him

- Value $306,200

- 3 Game Average 70.67

The Verdict

- Shane Tronc has had a mid-season surge and has had a great run, his average since round 15 is in excess of 70 points per game, need I say more? With the injury to Ben Hannant, Shane Tronc would make for an ideal replacement, arguably a better replacement given his current form. Additionally only a small 6.69% of DT’ers own him, so he would be a great boost to your squad since your opponent in the first round of the finals most probably wont have him.

Jarryd Hayne

- Arguably the most inform player in the league

- No matter what the situation is, his performance is never compromised
- In his last 6 games he has averaged more than 2 linebreaks and of 18 all runs
- Consistent performer

- Value $311,300

- 3 Game Average 81

The Verdict

- Jarryd Hayne’s stats do all the talking , need I say more? In his last 6 games he has averaged more than 2 linebreaks and 18 all runs. That equates to 52 points on its own. He is an absolute gun, it would be a grave mistake not having him in your team now that we are in the business side of things.

Outs

Greg Inglis

- Is the best Centre in the game

- His 3 game average has been considerably lower than his season average (10 point variance)
- Beat up his Girl

- Value $240,500

- Last 3 game average 46.67

The Verdict

- So why are we selling the best centre in the game? Well the answer is simple because he will no longer be wearing the Storm stripes for the remainder of the season. His was a busy boy during the weekend which included assaulting his gal, consequently he has been suspended by the club. Controversial well to come to think of it probably not, these incidents are no longer a surprise, it is what us rugby league loving fans have come to expect. Unfortunately for 42% of DTers who own Greg Inglis it is now time to sell. Refer to INS for a potential replacement

Ben Hannant

- Has just recently come back from injury

- Unfortunately has re-injured himself
- Out for the next 4 weeks
- Value $324,100

- Last 3 game average 65

The Verdict

- With the recent decline in his value of $40k even I was thinking of making a blockbuster trade for Ben Hannant, was about to sell my Cap Space Booster to buy him. Unfortunately he will no longer be taking a part in NRL DT anymore as he will miss the remaining DT season. Good news is if you have him in your team you will still get a $324k boost in your salary cap and can buy any FRF you want, refer to INS

Cap Space Booster

So you after a Cap Space Booster ay? Well to bad, no more Cap Space Boosters its finals time man ! Now is the time to sell your cap space boosters and make your blockbuster trades. So if you are genuinely after a boost in your cap space, too bad cos you about to be booted out !

That’s a wrap for this weeks trade talk, tune in next Friday morning at 1.am
Until then peace out !One.

PS: Babe of the week is super hot. Her Booty got Swag

Don’t forget to post your comments or any trade related questions!

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!