Late Mail Updated Friday March 11
THE LONG SEASON AHEAD...Welcome to Season 2011... after an off-season that often feels longer (or shorter - depends if you like cricket or not) than it is - the footy is back. Here on www.wdnicolson.com we've got all the Tuesday Team News, Wednesday Previews and Friday Late Mail that will keep your Tipping and Fantasy habit well fed. This preview integrates our NRL Injured List - which if you haven't bookmarked by now - I suggest you do so.
This year not only do you get The NRL Tweet's Tips each week but the whole NOT The Footy Show team will have their picks listed by Thursday so you can back a smoky or a favourite by seeing who we all picked (or didn't pick).
A word of caution for all tipsters - Round 1 is the hardest week to pick of the season - do you go with 2010 form, trial form or what's on paper?
Truthfully there is no perfect formula but here's a vital tip to help you cope with the copious amounts of NRL Tipping Comp's you are already in - PICK ON TUESDAY and enter your tips into all the sites no later than Wednesday. The reason for this is you can A. There is nothing worse than trying to cram your picks in late on a Friday afternoon and B. If you pick on Tuesday you can always change your mind and you would have given the Round some thought before Friday 7:29pm.
NOT The Footy Show's Round 1 Podcast is NOW LIVE.
Latest Podcast 09/03/2011: Episode 51 NRL 2011 - Round 1 Preview

NOT The Footy Show returns for our Round 1 edition on Thursday March 10 - subscribe now on iTunes so you don't miss out.
ROUND 1 MATCHUPS
(Click Here for Rd1 Line-ups in Printable A4 PDF)
10/3 Odds are courtesy of Sportingbet Australia
(Click Here for Rd1 Line-ups in Printable A4 PDF)
10/3 Odds are courtesy of Sportingbet Australia
ROOSTERS (1st) - RECORD 0-0 for 0 Points, 0.0ppg, 0.0apg, +0.
RABBITOHS (1st) - RECORD 0-0 for 0 Points, 0.0ppg, 0.0apg, +0.
Head to Head Last 10...
Roosters 7 Rabbitohs 3 - Roosters have won last 2 games (both in 2010).
Tuesday Team News...
Roosters 7 Rabbitohs 3 - Roosters have won last 2 games (both in 2010).
Tuesday Team News...
ROOSTERS: Todd Carney was not named after pulling up sore from a fitness test on his troublesome groin. He remains an outside chance to play but the club is not expected to risk him given it is only Round 1 and is a Friday Night game. Phil Graham remains unavailable due to a pectoral injury suffered late last season with Joseph Leilua getting first crack at his wing spot. Braith Anasta moves to five-eighth from the second row to cover Carney with Frank-Paul Nu'uausala in for Anasta. Martin Kennedy starts and Mark Riddell has made the bench in his first game back from overseas. Tom Symonds and rookie prop Tinirau Arona will fight it out for the final bench spot.
Tuesday's Starters: Minichiello, Perrett, Kenny-Dowall, Linnett, Leilua, Anasta (c), Pearce, Ryles, Friend, Kennedy, Nu'uausala, Aubusson, Myles. Bench: Waerea-Hargreaves, Masoe, Riddell, Symonds, Arona.
RABBITOHS: Greg Inglis will play his first game for the Rabbitohs after passing a fitness test and he is joined by big guns Sam Burgess and Issac Luke for their 2011 débuts. Ben Lowe locks the scrum after making the position his own midway through 2010 and Dylan Farrell has won the centre spot ahead of Junior Vaivai. Dave Tyrrell looks the likely 18th man with Scott Geddes, comeback kid Ben Ross, Eddy Pettybourne and Shannan McPherson expected to be preferred.
Tuesday's Starters: Wesser, Merritt, Farrell, Inglis, Talanoa, Sutton, Sandow, Stuart, Luke, Asotasi (c), Burgess, Taylor, Lowe. Bench: Geddes, Ross, Pettybourne, McPherson, Tyrrell.
Tuesday's Starters: Minichiello, Perrett, Kenny-Dowall, Linnett, Leilua, Anasta (c), Pearce, Ryles, Friend, Kennedy, Nu'uausala, Aubusson, Myles. Bench: Waerea-Hargreaves, Masoe, Riddell, Symonds, Arona.
Tuesday's Starters: Wesser, Merritt, Farrell, Inglis, Talanoa, Sutton, Sandow, Stuart, Luke, Asotasi (c), Burgess, Taylor, Lowe. Bench: Geddes, Ross, Pettybourne, McPherson, Tyrrell.
Wednesday Game Preview...
When you look at the two teams on paper (yes the game is played on grass) and you notice that there's no Todd Carney and Souths are practically full strength... why is it you still feel like you should pick the Roosters?
Based on what we saw from South Sydney in 2010 - we just don't know what they'll put out on the field regardless of how impressive their line-up may look. But this is Round 1. And the key to Round 1 of any new season is that motivation levels for some teams who missed the playoffs will be higher than those teams who did something in September last year.
Given the only player Souths are missing who would be in their Top 17 is Michael Crocker and the Roosters don't have Todd Carney (and to a lesser extent Phil Graham) - I'm going with South Sydney in a tight one to kick-off the season.
Based on what we saw from South Sydney in 2010 - we just don't know what they'll put out on the field regardless of how impressive their line-up may look. But this is Round 1. And the key to Round 1 of any new season is that motivation levels for some teams who missed the playoffs will be higher than those teams who did something in September last year.
Given the only player Souths are missing who would be in their Top 17 is Michael Crocker and the Roosters don't have Todd Carney (and to a lesser extent Phil Graham) - I'm going with South Sydney in a tight one to kick-off the season.
Tipping & Fantasy Late Mail...
[Injury Alert] Wed 9/3 Sportsnewsfirst.com.au is reporting that Rhys Wesser is out of the game with a leg injury and will be replaced by rookie Kane Morgan - a claim denied by Souths. If this eventuates expect Morgan to move to the wing and Nathan Merritt to fullback. Source 9/3 Thur 10/3 South Sydney have flatly refuted this report and say Wesser will definitely play.
[SMH Late Mail] The SMH is reporting that Rhys Wesser's injury is related to his Achilles and he couldn't train Wednesday because it flared up. Coach John Lang expects him to play. Todd Carney has been touted as a possible starter by everyone but his Coach Brian Smith. Don't invest a Fantasy slot on Carney until Round 2 at the earliest. Source Fri 11/3
[Injury Alert] Wed 9/3 Sportsnewsfirst.com.au is reporting that Rhys Wesser is out of the game with a leg injury and will be replaced by rookie Kane Morgan - a claim denied by Souths. If this eventuates expect Morgan to move to the wing and Nathan Merritt to fullback. Source 9/3 Thur 10/3 South Sydney have flatly refuted this report and say Wesser will definitely play.
[SMH Late Mail] The SMH is reporting that Rhys Wesser's injury is related to his Achilles and he couldn't train Wednesday because it flared up. Coach John Lang expects him to play. Todd Carney has been touted as a possible starter by everyone but his Coach Brian Smith. Don't invest a Fantasy slot on Carney until Round 2 at the earliest. Source Fri 11/3
7:45pm (Local) 11 March @ Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane.
Coming In... BRONCOS (1st) - RECORD 0-0 for 0 Points, 0.0ppg, 0.0apg, +0.
COWBOYS (1st) - RECORD 0-0 for 0 Points, 0.0ppg, 0.0apg, +0.
Head to Head Last 10...
Broncos 7 Cowboys 3 - Brisbane have won the last 7 games since Round 18, 2007.
BRONCOS: Two huge omissions for the Broncos with Ben Hannant (calf) and Justin Hodges (Hammy) ruled out of the clash on Friday Night. Hodges was close but will be given another week or two recovery while Hannant is a surprise omission. Scott Anderson beat out Shane Tronc and Josh McGuire (both on bench) for Hannant's starting front row spot alongside the shifted Sam Thaiday. Alex Glenn and Matt Gillett will start in the second row with Ben Te'o relegated to the bench. Jack Reed gets his chance for Hodges alongside Gerard Beale, while Dane Gagai joins Jharal Yow Yeh on the wing. There was no room for Nick Kenny, Denan Kemp or Mitchell Dodds.
Starters: Hoffman, Gagai, Beale, Reed, Yow Yeh, Lockyer (c), Wallace, Thaiday, McCullough, Anderson, Glenn, Gillett, Parker. Bench: Hunt, Te'o, McGuire, Tronc.
COWBOYS: Neil Henry has kept a similar backline to last season with Michael Bani and Ashley Graham flanking Will Tupou and Willie Tonga. Ray Thompson beat out Ben Jones for the five-eighth spot, but Jones is on the bench. Glenn Hall is in the second row ahead of Gavin Cooper, Leeson Ah Mau Ashton and Tariq Sims who are all named on an extended bench. Dallas Johnson will play.
Starters: Bowen, Graham, Tupou, Tonga, Bani, Thompson, Thurston (c), Scott (c), Payne, Tamou, Bolton, Hall, Johnson. Bench: Jones, L Ah Mau, Cooper, A Sims, T Sims.
Wednesday Game Preview...
Starters: Hoffman, Gagai, Beale, Reed, Yow Yeh, Lockyer (c), Wallace, Thaiday, McCullough, Anderson, Glenn, Gillett, Parker. Bench: Hunt, Te'o, McGuire, Tronc.
COWBOYS: Neil Henry has kept a similar backline to last season with Michael Bani and Ashley Graham flanking Will Tupou and Willie Tonga. Ray Thompson beat out Ben Jones for the five-eighth spot, but Jones is on the bench. Glenn Hall is in the second row ahead of Gavin Cooper, Leeson Ah Mau Ashton and Tariq Sims who are all named on an extended bench. Dallas Johnson will play.
Starters: Bowen, Graham, Tupou, Tonga, Bani, Thompson, Thurston (c), Scott (c), Payne, Tamou, Bolton, Hall, Johnson. Bench: Jones, L Ah Mau, Cooper, A Sims, T Sims.
Wednesday Game Preview...
As for the Cowboys - they've recycled a three quarter line that was woeful in 2010 and although their pack has been bolstered with an influx of new faces - they'll still live and die by what Johnathan Thurston and Matthew Bowen can produce.
Can't touch the Cowboys yet as I'm still not convinced they've addressed their issues from last year so it is the Broncos in a close one for me.
Tipping & Fantasy Late Mail...
[Selection Quandary] Neil Henry still needs to make a decision on who to leave off his bench from Ashton Sims, Leeson Ah Mau, Gavin Cooper and Tariq Sims. Cooper could yet miss the game anyway with a knee injury. Thu 10/3[SMH Late Mail] The SMH is reporting Tariq Sims remains a very good chance at playing despite being named in the #18 jumper. Justin Hodges will not be back until Round 2 at the earliest. Source Fri 11/3
[Injury Update] Ben Hannant told ONEHD's The Game Plan he is not back til Round 2 or probably Round 3 with a calf injury. Fri 11/3
The NRL Tweet's Tip...
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7:35pm (Local) 12 March @ Eden Park, Auckland.
Coming In... WARRIORS (1st) - RECORD 0-0 for 0 Points, 0.0ppg, 0.0apg, +0.
EELS (1st) - RECORD 0-0 for 0 Points, 0.0ppg, 0.0apg, +0.
Head to Head Last 10...
Warriors 6 Eels 4 - Warriors have won 5 of the last 6 since 2008.
WARRIORS: Glen Fishiiai is the bolter for Round 1 - beating out Krisnan Inu, Bill Tupou and Kevin Locke for a wing spot. Feleti Mateo starts in the second row with Lewis Brown and Ben Matulino relegated to the bench. Sam Rapira, Manu Vatuvei and Micheal Luck will all play despite picking up injuries in the trials. Brett Seymour and James Maloney will be the starting halves and Joel Moon won the right centre spot.
Starters: Hohaia, Fisiiahi, Moon, Ropati, Vatuvei, Maloney, Seymour, Sam Rapira, Heremaia, Packer, Mannering (c), Mateo, Luck. Bench: Berrigan, Lillyman, Matulino, Brown, Steve Rapira.
EELS: Stephen Kearney keeps faith with the rookie pair of Ryan Morgan and Etu Uaisele after trialling them in the pre-season. There is no Joel Reddy, Chris Hicks, Paul Whatuira or Jacob Loko. Tim Mannah starts for the injured Justin Poore and Mitchell Allgood is the bolter up front for the injured FuiFui MoiMoi. Taniela Lasalo starts alongside Nathan Hindmarsh and Justin Horo in the backrow. Carl Webb, Ben Smith, Shane Shackleton and Matt Keating will be the bench and Billy Rogers is 18th man.
Starters: Hayne, Burt, Walker, Morgan, Uaisele, Mortimer, Robson, Mannah, McGuire, Allgood, Hindmarsh (c), Lasalo, Horo. Bench: Keating, Shackleton, Smith, Webb, Rogers.Wednesday Game Preview...
Feleti Mateo gets a very early chance to show the Parramatta heirachy that letting him go was a massive mistake, although the same cannot be said for Krisnan Inu who failed to beat rookie Glen Fisiiahi for the open wing spot. Really like the Warriors in this one but there is always a game in Round 1 that utterly surprises you and the Eels have Jarryd Hayne so it might be this one.
Still stick with the Warriors by a dozen and you should feel confident.
Tipping & Fantasy Late Mail...
[Late Change Alert] FuiFui MoiMoi has travelled with the team and could replace rookie Mitchell Allgood or Carl Webb in the 17. Source Sportsnewsfirst Thu 10/3
[SMH Late Mail] The SMH is reporting FuiFui MoiMoi travelled to Auckland. Source Fri 11/3
[SMH Late Mail] The SMH is reporting FuiFui MoiMoi travelled to Auckland. Source Fri 11/3
The NRL Tweet's Tip...
6:35pm (Local) 12 March @ Skilled Park, Gold Coast.
Coming In...
TITANS (1st) - RECORD 0-0 for 0 Points, 0.0ppg, 0.0apg, +0.
DRAGONS (1st) - RECORD 0-0 for 0 Points, 0.0ppg, 0.0apg, +0.
Head to Head Last 10...
Titans 2 Dragons 6 - St.George-Illawarra won first 5 games but the Titans have taken 2 of the last 3.
Tuesday Team News...
TITANS: William Zillman has been given the fullback spot he was promised when he signed with the team a few years ago as Preston Campbell moves to the bench. Steven Michaels and Clinton Toopi hold off Joseph Tomane for the starting centre spots, while Luke Capewell gets first crack at five-eighth alongside Scott Prince. Riley Brown deputises for Nathan Friend at hooker, while Greg Bird and Bodene Thompson replace Anthony Laffranchi (not named) and Mark Minichiello (18th man) as the starting second rowers. Ryan James and Sam Tagataese have secured bench spots for Round 1.
Starters: Zillman, Gordon, Michaels, Toopi, Mead, Capewell, Prince (c), Bailey, Brown, White, Bird, Thompson, Harrison. Bench: Henderson, Tagataese, James, Campbell.
Starters: Zillman, Gordon, Michaels, Toopi, Mead, Capewell, Prince (c), Bailey, Brown, White, Bird, Thompson, Harrison. Bench: Henderson, Tagataese, James, Campbell.
DRAGONS: Dean Young is not yet ready to return from an ongoing knee injury so Nathan Fien retains the starting hooking role with Kyle Stanley getting the utility role on the bench. There is no room for Nick Emmett as Michael Greenfield and Jon Green join Trent Merrin on the bench. The starting team is the same as the one that defeated Wigan in the World Club Challenge.
Starters: Boyd, Morris, Gasnier, Cooper, Nightingale, Soward, Hornby (c), Hunt, Fien, Weyman, Scott, Creagh, Prior. Bench: Greenfield, Green, Merrin, Stanley.Wednesday Game Preview...
Tipping & Fantasy Late Mail...
[Injury Update] Mark Minichiello remains a chance to play but given he is coming back from groin surgery he may not be risked in Round 1. Thu 10/3 Minichiello will not play the Gold Coast Bulletin Reports Fri 11/3
[SMH Late Mail] The SMH is reporting Mark Minichiello needs to pass a fitness test to play and Brett Morris is still bothered by a hip injury but should play. Source Fri 11/3
[SMH Late Mail] The SMH is reporting Mark Minichiello needs to pass a fitness test to play and Brett Morris is still bothered by a hip injury but should play. Source Fri 11/3
The NRL Tweet's Tip...
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7:35pm (Local) 12 March @ AAMI Park, Melbourne.
Coming In...
STORM (1st) - RECORD 0-0 for 0 Points, 0.0ppg, 0.0apg, +0.
SEA EAGLES (1st) - RECORD 0-0 for 0 Points, 0.0ppg, 0.0apg, +0.
Head to Head Last 10...
Storm 5 Sea Eagles 5 - despite splitting the last 10 games equally, Manly have won 3 of the last 4.
Tuesday Team News...
STORM: Billy Slater will play after recovering from his off-season shoulder injury. There is no room for Justin O'Neill as Matt Duffie and Anthony Quinn take the wing spots, and Dane Neilsen joins Chase Stanley in the centres. Beau Champion is struggling with a calf problem and has been named as 18th man. Sika Manu is the surprising pick given his knee injury was supposed to keep him out of Round 1, while Jaiman Lowe and Bryan Norrie are the starting props. Todd Lowrie was beaten to the lock spot by Ryan Hinchcliffe and Troy Thompson, Kevin Proctor and Jesse Bromwich round out the bench.
Starters: Slater, Duffie, Nielsen, Stanley, Quinn, Widdop, Cronk, Norrie, Smith (c), Lowe, Blair, Manu, Hinchcliffe. Bench: Lowrie, Proctor, Thompson, Bromwich, Champion.SEA EAGLES: Manly have lost David Williams to a hamstring injury while Steven Matai is still suspended. Tony Williams starts in the centres and William Hopoate finds himself on the wing. Daly Cherry-Evans will partner Kieran Foran in the halves, while reserve hooker Terence Seu Seu on on the bench with Jamie Buhrer, George Rose, Vic Mauro and Tim Robinson. Joe Galuvao will start in the second row.
Starters: B Stewart, Robertson, Lyon (c), T Williams, Hopoate, K Foran, Cherry-Evans, King (c), Ballin, Kite, Watmough, Galuvao, G Stewart. Bench: Seu Seu, Buhrer, Rose, Mauro, Robinson.
Starters: B Stewart, Robertson, Lyon (c), T Williams, Hopoate, K Foran, Cherry-Evans, King (c), Ballin, Kite, Watmough, Galuvao, G Stewart. Bench: Seu Seu, Buhrer, Rose, Mauro, Robinson.
Wednesday Game Preview...
Manly on the road is never a poor option and in Round 1 against a new look Storm outfit I like their chances to get away with a win.
Tipping & Fantasy Late Mail...
[Injury Update] Beau Champion, Sika Manu and Chase Stanley have all yet to be fully cleared to play but do not be shocked if one or two can't make it Saturday Night. Thu 10/3 - Fri 11/3 Update Peter Sterling said on NRL.com that Dane Nielsen may have picked up an injury at training thus Champion might be a late starter.
[SMH Late Mail] The SMH is reporting Sika Manu and Chase Stanley have passed fitness tests and will play, which leaves Beau Champion on the outer even if he had overcome his own calf injury. Manly are fighting fit with Tim Robinson the man most likely to miss out. Source Fri 11/3
[SMH Late Mail] The SMH is reporting Sika Manu and Chase Stanley have passed fitness tests and will play, which leaves Beau Champion on the outer even if he had overcome his own calf injury. Manly are fighting fit with Tim Robinson the man most likely to miss out. Source Fri 11/3
The NRL Tweet's Tip...
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2:35pm (Local) 13 March @ Canberra Stadium, Canberra.
Coming In...
RAIDERS (1st) - RECORD 0-0 for 0 Points, 0.0ppg, 0.0apg, +0.
SHARKS (1st) - RECORD 0-0 for 0 Points, 0.0ppg, 0.0apg, +0.
Head to Head Last 10...
Raiders 3 Sharks 7 - Cronulla had the wood on the Raiders in the mid-2000s but Canberra have won 2 of the last 3 since 2009.
Tuesday Team News...
RAIDERS: Canberra have given Matt Orford until Sunday morning to prove his fitness after naming him at halfback v Cronulla. Joel Thompson and Blake Ferguson have also been named after passing fitness tests. Brett White, Dane Tilse and Trevor Thurling look like getting first crack off the bench ahead of Josh Miller and Danny Galea, while Glenn Buttriss backs up Alan Tongue at hooker. There was no room for Travis Waddell. Joe Picker and Josh Dugan have also proved their fitness.
Starters: Dugan, Ferguson, Croker, Thompson, Vidot, McCrone, Orford, Learoyd-Lahrs, Tongue (c), Shillington, Picker, Harrison, Fensom. Bench: White, Tilse, Thurling, Buttriss, Miller, Galea.
Starters: Dugan, Ferguson, Croker, Thompson, Vidot, McCrone, Orford, Learoyd-Lahrs, Tongue (c), Shillington, Picker, Harrison, Fensom. Bench: White, Tilse, Thurling, Buttriss, Miller, Galea.
SHARKS: Coach Shane Flanagan has named young Matthew Wright on the flank ahead of Isaac Gordon and Ben Pomeroy for their clash with the Raiders. Pomeroy was relegated to the bench and Gordon is out of the squad altogether. Albert Kelly and Wade Graham are the new look halves with Tim Smith in the NSW Cup, while Colin Best partners Dean Collis in the centres. The starting forward pack looks great with Jeremy Smith joining the holdovers. Josh Cordoba, Broderick Wright, Paul Aiton, Jason Bukuya and John Mannah round oout the bench.
Starters: Gardner, M Wright, Collis, Best, Williams, Kelly, Graham, Snowden, Morris, Douglas, Smith, Tupou, Gallen (c). Bench: Cordoba, B Wright, Aiton, Bukuya, Mannah, Pomeroy.
Starters: Gardner, M Wright, Collis, Best, Williams, Kelly, Graham, Snowden, Morris, Douglas, Smith, Tupou, Gallen (c). Bench: Cordoba, B Wright, Aiton, Bukuya, Mannah, Pomeroy.
Wednesday Game Preview...
Cronulla had added some fresh faces in the halves but I'll reserve tipping them on the road in Round 1 for another season... or four.
Canberra to get the biscuits and maybe by a few more than 10 if Orford is healthier than we're being told.Tipping & Fantasy Late Mail...
[Injury Update] Matt Orford made it through a training session on Thursday and will be evaluated as late as Sunday Morning. Joe Picker and Josh Dugan passed fitness tests and will play. The Sharks may see Ben Pomeroy come in for Dean Collis who has a leg injury that is limiting him in training. Thu 10/3
[SMH Late Mail] The SMH is reporting Matt Orford is still in 'extreme doubt' with David Furner considering either Alan Tongue or rookies Sam Williams or Michael Picker. Sharks could have Dean Collis available after all. Source Fri 11/3The NRL Tweet's Tip...
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3:05pm (Local) 13 March @ Centrebet Stadium, Penrith.
Coming In...
PANTHERS (1st) - RECORD 0-0 for 0 Points, 0.0ppg, 0.0apg, +0.
KNIGHTS (1st) - RECORD 0-0 for 0 Points, 0.0ppg, 0.0apg, +0.
Head to Head Last 10...
Panthers 5 Knights 5 - Penrith won both games in 2010.
Tuesday Team News...
PANTHERS: Firstly - where is Michael Jennings? Seems that hammy strain was worse than they let on during the trials and he has not been named to take on the Knights. Trent Waterhouse is another shock for Round 1, as he returns from a pectoral injury that was expected to keep him out for at least the first few weeks of 2011. Nigel Plum joins him in the backrow with Nathan Smith out with a groin complaint. David Simmons and Brad Tighe are the starting centres. There was no room for Yileen Gordon, Brendon Gibb or Joseph Paulo in the backrow with Adrian Purtell now the full time backrower on the bench. Masada Iosefa will back up Kevin Kingston at hooker.
Starters: Coote, M Gordon, Simmons, Tighe, Earl, Burns, Walsh, Grant, Kingston, Civoniceva (c), Waterhouse, Plum, Lewis. Bench: McKendry, Bell, Purtell, Iosefa.
KNIGHTS: Kurt Gidley has been kept at fullback with Newcastle Coach Rick Stone opting for rookie five-eighth Beau Henry to partner Jarrod Mullen in the halves. Adam MacDougall is out after a death in the family and Wes Naiqama moved past Siuatonga Likiliki for the right centre spot. Antonio Kaufusi and Evarn Tuimavave are the starting props with Richie Fa'aoso, Dan Tolar and Joel Edwards battling for two bench spots. Neville Costigan joins Zeb Taia and Chris Houston in the backrow with Matt Hilder and Cory Paterson on the bench. Steven Southern and Ben Rogers were not picked.
Starters: K Gidley (c), McManus, Sa'u, W Naiqama, Uate, Henry, Mullen, Kaufusi, De Gois, Tuimavave, Taia, Costigan, Houston. Bench: Hilder, Paterson, Fa'aoso, Tolar, Edwards.
Wednesday Game Preview...
Penrith will miss the spark that Jennings offers them but their forward pack was boosted with the inclusion of Trent Waterhouse and that gives them the advantage in the game as up front is where the Knights look shaky.
Take the Panthers to open their account at Centrebet Stadium Penrith.Tipping & Fantasy Late Mail...
[Game Notes] Thu 10/3 - Jennings won't play, so replace him in your Fantasy Team for Round 1 and draft him in when he's shown he's fit (hamstring injuries are always risky) and it wouldn't be a shock to see Richie Fa'aoso start for Antonio Kaufusi at prop for the Knights. Joel Edwards is the man likely to miss out for Newcastle.
[SMH Late Mail] The SMH is reporting that both sides should be 1-17. Source Fri 11/3
[SMH Late Mail] The SMH is reporting that both sides should be 1-17. Source Fri 11/3
The NRL Tweet's Tip...
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7:05pm (Local) 14 March @ ANZ Stadium, Sydney.
Coming In...
BULLDOGS (1st) - RECORD 0-0 for 0 Points, 0.0ppg, 0.0apg, +0.
TIGERS (1st) - RECORD 0-0 for 0 Points, 0.0ppg, 0.0apg, +0.
Head to Head Last 10...
Bulldogs 5 Tigers 5 - No team has won two on the trot since the Bulldogs in 2006.
Tuesday Team News...
BULLDOGS: Canterbury still have some players to return from injury but the blooding of Sam Kasiano at prop is the huge selection news. He beats out Michael Hodgson for a spot in the squad and relegates Mickey Paea to the bench. Jake Foster is another youngster to get a chance to start with Frank Pritchard to come off the bench in his Canterbury debut. Kris Keating has won the five-eighth battle, sending Ben Roberts to the bench. Corey Payne gets the final bench spot, while David Stagg and Andrew Ryan are fit to play.
Starters: Barba, Turner, Morris, Idris, Goodwin, Keating, Hodkinson, Tolman, Ennis, Kasiano, Foster, Ryan (c), Stagg. Bench: Paea, Pritchard, Payne, Roberts.
Starters: Barba, Turner, Morris, Idris, Goodwin, Keating, Hodkinson, Tolman, Ennis, Kasiano, Foster, Ryan (c), Stagg. Bench: Paea, Pritchard, Payne, Roberts.
TIGERS: Beau Ryan didn't play any trial games and will miss Round 1 through injury, as a result Matt Utai gets his chance after impressing Tim Sheens in the trials. Bryce Gibbs beat out Todd Payten for a starting front row spot alongside Keith Galloway while Tim Moltzen will begin his comeback on the bench after Robert Lui was given the halfback role alongside Benji Marshall (who is playing despite being charged with assault on the weekend). Second Rower Gareth Ellis will play after a groin injury plagued his pre-season.
Starters: McKinnon, Tuqiri, Lawrence, Ayshford, Utai, Marshall, Lui, Gibbs, Farah (c), Galloway, Fulton, Ellis, Heighington. Bench: Moltzen, Dwyer, Fifita, Payten.
Wednesday Game Preview...
Tipping & Fantasy Late Mail...
[Game Notes] Thu 10/3 - The Tigers should be as per program, while the Bulldogs might start Frank Pritchard ahead of Jake Foster in the second row.
[SMH Late Mail] The SMH is reporting both Bryce Gibbs (Knee) and Todd Payten (calf) are in doubt - which could have massive implication on the game. Junior Moors and Aaron Woods could come in as shadow players on Monday. The Dogs report no injury concerns. Source Fri 11/3]-[ [-] ]-[
TOTAL AFTER 0 ROUNDS - n/a @ 0.0%
The NRL Tweet finished with 125 correct tips from 192 Games in 2010 at a strike rate of 65%.
The NRL Tweet finished with 125 correct tips from 192 Games in 2010 at a strike rate of 65%.
ROUND 1 SELECTIONS
Warrick Nicolson, The NRL Tweet + NTFS Host
Rabbitohs
Broncos
Warriors
Dragons
Sea Eagles
Sea Eagles
Raiders
Panthers
Tigers
Roosters
Broncos
Warriors
Dragons
Sea Eagles
Raiders
Panthers
Tigers
Maria Tsialis, Big League MagazineBroncos
Warriors
Dragons
Sea Eagles
Raiders
Panthers
Tigers
Rabbitohs
Broncos
Warriors
Titans
Storm
Raiders
Raiders
Panthers
Bulldogs
Andy Raymond, Fox Sports CommentatorRoosters
Cowboys
Eels
Dragons
Sea Eagles
Sea Eagles
Raiders
Panthers
Tigers
NOT THE FOOTY SHOW LEAGUE LEADERS
To be added from Round 2.
]-[ It's not too late to join our Tipping Competition as long as you're already signed up for Tipping on the Daily Telegraph Website. We use that site because their overall prize is pretty good and you'll be on there for Super Coach anyway. Our League Code is 446386 and you can invite as many people as you want to take on the boys & girls from NOT The Footy Show.
1st Prize is an Official Steeden Match ball.
And if you miss the Round 1 Deadline for our Fantasy League - don't worry the 2nd phase begins in Round 10.
As an added bonus - here is a Fantasy League BYE Week Cheat Sheet. Especially for the NRL Dream Team, Super Coach or Fantasy NRL minded crew.
SO GO OUT AND ENJOY THE FOOTY!
To be added from Round 2.
]-[ It's not too late to join our Tipping Competition as long as you're already signed up for Tipping on the Daily Telegraph Website. We use that site because their overall prize is pretty good and you'll be on there for Super Coach anyway. Our League Code is 446386 and you can invite as many people as you want to take on the boys & girls from NOT The Footy Show.
1st Prize is an Official Steeden Match ball.
And if you miss the Round 1 Deadline for our Fantasy League - don't worry the 2nd phase begins in Round 10.
As an added bonus - here is a Fantasy League BYE Week Cheat Sheet. Especially for the NRL Dream Team, Super Coach or Fantasy NRL minded crew.
SO GO OUT AND ENJOY THE FOOTY!