Late Mail Round 2: Concerns for pair of Bunnies cheapies

Round one was one of the toughest openings to a SuperCoach season I can recall, partly due to guns failing to fire and not helped by some game day changes such as the Palasia benching and Munster omission.

Well onwards and upwards after some SuperCoach relevant TLT revelations, however there are a few question marks floating around popular trade in targets. 

As usual, all the updates across the round will come via @scplaybook1 on X/Twitter and Instagram, as well as myself @AStilesAuthor. 

Best of luck for our last round before price changes!

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BRONCOS

Both Brendan Piakura and Adam Reynolds were in doubt earlier in the week due to HIA and knee soreness respectively. However, both are on track to play with the 24 hour cuts favourable for 1-17.

24 hour cuts: Oates, Madden, Hunt

RABBITOHS

Jacob Gagai trained with the reserves and Taane Milne on the wing during the week – with Milne still on the extended bench after the 24 hour team cuts – which does not bode well for Gagai as a cheapie prospect despite a strong showing in his first match. Definitely hold fire if you’re planning to bring him in.

Tallis Duncan has also apparently been carrying a calf injury but played through it in reserve grade last week, so he is a big watch if you’re thinking of going early.

Jai Arrow is also expected to return this season and will be undergoing a rehab process for the next 3-4 weeks to strengthen his shoulder, from the mouth of Jason Demetriou.

24 hour mail: Gray, Mamouzelos, Hawkins

SHARKS

The Sharks appear likely to run out as named, 1-17 on the cards.

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BULLDOGS

I was shocked to see Josh Addo-Carr named on the extended bench after the shoulder injury he picked up in round one, despite it not being as bad as it looked. He has now been officially ruled out of the game.

1-17 could be on here also, despite that on paper a Jacob Kiraz and Connor Tracey centre/wing swap makes sense to me.

PANTHERS

Scott Sorensen appears set to return, so it should be 1-17 for the Panthers.

EELS

Mitch Moses was looking very touch and go last week with a groin injury but he should be right to play. 

Clint Gutherson took over the goal-kicking duties in round 1 due to said Moses injury, so it would be interesting to see if that continues in the short term.

RAIDERS

There were no game day changes in the forward pack last round so while I’m always expecting it, I’ll err on the side of 1-17 for now. Danny Levi is good to go after sustaining a leg injury last week.

TIGERS

First match for the Tigers and there were a couple of surprises on TLT, however I’ll assume no changes for them until proven otherwise.

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COWBOYS

Heilum Luki and Griffin Neame both copped head knocks last week but passed their HIAs so are not in doubt. 1-17 likely.

KNIGHTS

Named according to their injuries so not expecting any game day changes here either.

STORM

I was on Joe Chan watch last week with Shawn Blore floating on the extended bench. No changes eventuated, though the cloud of Blore still looms. However, I’ll assume Coach Bellamy continues to back the youngster for now until I see otherwise.

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WARRIORS

Geez Wayde Egan can find an injury. I was surprised to see him named on TLT after he copped what looked at the time like a pretty bad elbow injury so you would have to assume he’s in doubt. Kurt Capewell has been cleared after copping a knock to the ribs.

Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad is apparently progressing well through his rehab and has returned to running at training, putting the timer on cheapie Taine Tuaupiki.

SEA EAGLES

Another club named according to its injuries so not expecting any game day changes. 

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ROOSTERS

Sitili Tupouniua and Siua Wong both scared owners with groin and ankle injuries respectively, but both have been named and at this stage are expected to play. Ditto regarding Dom Young, who has battled back from an ugly neck injury from the trials.

Not SuperCoach relevant per se but Joey Manu has signed a two year deal with Japanese Rugby Union, which would mean this could be his last NRL season until at least 2026.

DOLPHINS

A few changes on TLT due to both injuries and form. Expecting Wayne to hold firm on his form-based decisions so 1-17 wouldn’t surprise.

DRAGONS

A few returning cattle this week after Blake Lawrie was a late out last round and Luciano Leilua returning from suspension.

Lawrie’s out forced a whole host of changes last week so assuming he’s in the clear we should have a far more settled game day update this week.

However, I also wouldn’t be surprised for Leilua to be elevated to the starting side which of course would trigger a shuffle.

Additionally, Hame Sele has surfaced on the extended bench but I’m not sure he finds a place in the 17 this week as he battles back from a hamstring injury.