We’re starting to get into the tricky part of the season and with not a lot of cash cows about it’s time to start thinking about your final team while conserving trades.
Eels vs Panthers
Brad Takarangi and Daniel Alvaro are back to the bench while Blake Ferguson moves to the centres where he will partner Josh Hoffman, who was impressive in his first game back last week.
More changes for the Panthers. Josh Mansour is back on the wing, DWZ is out and looking for a new club, James Maloney is suspended (but only for one week) and RCG returns to the starting lineup. James Fisher-Harris is back at lock and still a decent option in the back row assuming he keeps up his current form in a team that has been very disappointing thus far. James Tamou is playing well and is a good option as cover for the Round 12 Bye.
Sea Eagles vs Titans
Manly are unchanged. Dylan Walker showed good signs in his return last week although is probably a trap buy. Jake Trbojevic and Martin Taupau are still gun forwards and should be trade targets.
AJ Brimson retains his spot at fullback with Michael Gordon still out. Huge news that just broke today is Jai Arrow leaving Titans training early with a rumoured ankle injury. There is no updates out yet, but it’s a huge blow to a lot of us who have him as well as for the Titans and Queensland.
Knights vs Roosters
No changes. Kalyn Ponga and Mitchell Pearce should probably be in your team already.
Boyd Cordner is back from concussion, and Daniel Tupou returns. This pushes Ryan Hall out of the 17 and puts Mitch Aubusson back to the bench. Angus Crichton is still a bit inconsistent but could be a good POD coming into the back end of the season.
Raiders vs Cowboys
No changes for the Raiders except for Joseph Tapine returning from injury to start from the bench.
Ben Hampton is out long term and replaced by speedster Gideon Gela-Mosby. Jason Taumalolo played 80 last week but with Josh McGuire on the extended bench he’s a possibility of returning this week and that will affect JTs minutes.
Warriors vs Broncos
Roger Tuivasa-Sheck is another must have at fullback. Ideally you will have RTS, Tedesco and Ponga as your back three if you are playing the official comp, although there is some leeway with Ponga being available as a HLF too. Adam Blair returns to the bench for the Warriors.
No changes for the Broncos. Tevita Pangai-Junior is at lock again, although is a big risk. Payne Haas looks like a keeper although has been training lightly due fasting for Ramadan.
Rabbitohs vs Tigers
No changes for the top of the table Souths. Ethan Lowe is at centre again. Adam Reynolds and Cameron Murray remain good round 12 options although they both may play for NSW.
No big changes for the Tigers, with just Mahe Fonua out and replaced by Robert Jennings.
Bulldogs vs Storm
Christian Chrichton replaces Jayden Okunbor in the only change for the Bulldogs.
Jahrome Hughes is back at full back and Ryan Papenhuyzen moves back to his spot on the bench. His break even is insanely low but really isn’t worth bringing in unless you have trades to burn. That changes if he starts at fullback, so keep an eye on team lists for any late changes. Cam Smith had a quiet game in their win over the Tigers but will surely bounce back.
Dragons vs Sharks
Changes for the Dragons with Matt Dufty and Mikaela Ravalawa dropped and replaced by Zac Lomax at fullback and Jonus Pearson on the wing. Euan Aitken returns at centre. Korbin Sims joins the bench and Reece Robson will play a bench utility role.
Matt Moylan is on the extended bench and a good chance to return this week. It’s unknown what will happen if he returns, with a possibility of Bronson Xerri moving out of the 17 if Moylan comes straight back into fullback and pushes Josh Dugan back to the centres. No changes to Cronulla apart from that, so keep an eye on final team lists.
Good luck this weekend!
