Wednesday 6 March 2013

NRL 2013: Round 1 Team Analysis | #NRLDT #Supercoach Tips

ROUND 1 TEAM ANALYSIS
Plus NRL Dream Team/NRL Super Coach Specials

2013 NRL Premiership

By W D Nicolson - March 5, 2013


Team List Tuesday for Round 1 - the day of days has arrived for NRL Fantasy tragics.

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The key is stay abreast of what's going on, and www.wdnicolson.com helps you do that by collating all the info you need to know (especially Late Mail) and putting it in our weekly Tipping Preview Articles.

Below you'll find the Official Teams named for Round 1 with a very important element you can't get anywhere else - analysis that has no reason to let bias or agenda get in the way of reality.

We'll have a full preview with predictions on Thursday, but for the time being - here is our analysis of each team for Round 1, with our NRL Dream Team and NRL Super Coach tips for players you need to consider/ignore from each side.

NRL TEAM ANALYSIS ROUND 1 2013

 Thursday 8:00pm at Allianz Stadium
V
SYDNEY ROOSTERS:
A Minichiello (c), D Tupou, M Jennings, S Kenny-Dowall, R Tuivasa-Sheck, J Maloney, M Pearce, J Waerea-Hargreaves, J Friend, S Moa, A Guerra, M Aubusson, FP Nuuausala.
Bench: D Mortimer, M Kennedy, SB Williams, L O'Donnell, B Cordner, M Oldfield, T Arona.
[Team Changes: Sonny Bill Williams is on the bench... and although he may not play Thursday - the Roosters would be foolish to rule him out because he's another 5-10k through the gates at the SFS come kick-off. Boyd Cordner looks to be on standby for him after being named as 18th man. James Maloney is the new half and kicker, while Sam Moa has a starting spot ahead of Martin Kennedy in the front row. Mitch Aubusson and Aidan Guerra start in the second row. ]
The Postman's DT/SC TIP: Don't touch SBW yet, even if he plays he might take a few weeks to be at his best - and then his price might be down.
SOUTH SYDNEY RABBITOHS:
G Inglis, N Merritt, D Farrell, B Champion, A Everingham, J Sutton, A Reynolds, S Burgess, I Luke, R Asotasi, C McQueen, B Te'o, B Lowe.
Bench: N Peats, M Crocker (c), J Lima, G Burgess, D Tyrrell, J Clark, B Goodwin.
[Team Changes: South Sydney have named a very strong side for Round 1 - missing just Luke Burgess and Matt King from their best 17. Jeff Lima is picked on the bench alongside George Burgess for the prop rotation, while Michael Crocker will come off the bench 'as captain' with Chris McQueen, Ben Te'o and Ben Lowe preferred to start. Dylan Farrell and Beau Champion are the first choice centres and with Nathan Merritt's alarm clock working - he's relegated Bryson Goodwin to an extended bench. Jason Clark is the man most likely to force his way into the last four reserves from the named extended bench. ]
The Postman's DT/SC TIP: Greg Inglis and Sam Burgess will be worth every cent people.

 Friday 8:00pm at Suncorp Stadium (7pm QLD time)
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BRISBANE BRONCOS:
C Norman, J Hoffman, J Reed, J Hodges, L Maranta, S Prince, P Wallace, J McGuire, A McCullough, S Thaiday (c), A Glenn, M Gillett, C Parker.
Bench: B Hunt, B Hannant, M Dodds, D Stagg.
[Team Changes: Brisbane's Round 1 Team was named early, with coach Anthony Griffin springing at least one major surprise and that's not Scott Prince at five-eighth... it's the guy he replaces in the #6 in the #1. Corey Norman is once again in the fullback job, pushing Josh Hoffman to the wing. Lachlan Maranta has won the other wing spot, suggesting that none of the other young Broncos impressed enough in the trials to keep Hoffman safe in the #1. Ben Hannant will come off the bench, though Josh McGuire might find himself there come game time. Mitchell Dodds is the young prop on the bench, while David Stagg makes his return to the Broncos in the top grade. ]
The Postman's DT/SC TIP: Avoid Scott Prince - you'll only be disappointed and Corey Parker won't be a dud without the goalkicking, he'll still be a weapon fantasy wise.
MANLY SEA EAGLES:
B Stewart, J Taufua, J Lyon (c), S Matai, D Williams, K Foran, D Cherry-Evans, B Lawrence, M Ballin, B Kite, A Watmough, J Horo, J Buhrer.
Bench: R Fa'aoso, J Galuvao, D Gower, J Sene-Lefao, P Hiku, G Rose.
[Team Changes: Manly welcome back David Williams very quickly from a major knee injury, though Peta Hiku's presence on an extended bench suggests there's still some doubts over the bearded one. Jamie Buhrer is the new lock, with Justin Horo lining up alongside the already dinged Anthony Watmough in the second row. Brenton Lawrence starts for the injured Jason King at prop, with Richie Fa'aoso and Jesse Sene-Lefao the new faces on the bench. George Rose is 19th man. ]
The Postman's DT/SC TIP: Jamie Buhrer and Justin Horo look tasty mid to low priced backrowers here.
 Saturday 5:30pm at Parramatta Stadium
V
PARRAMATTA EELS:
J Hayne, K Sio, R Morgan, J Loko, C Blair, L Kelly, C Sandow, D Lussick, M Keating, T Mannah, R Maitua, B Smith, J Paulo.
Bench: B Roberts, FF MoiMoi, M Allgood, M Ryan.
[Team Changes: Parramatta left Willie Tonga out through injury - though that's the first we'd heard of him being hurt. Ryan Morgan and Jacob Loko are the centres, with Joseph Paulo winning a spot in the backrow ahead of Matthew Ryan. the rest of the team is predictable with Luke Kelly preferred to Ben Roberts at five-eighth. ]
The Postman's DT/SC TIP: Jacob Loko might be tempting here, while Darcy Lussick seems to be a popular upside pick in the front row.
WARRIORS:
K Locke, G Fisiiahi, D Nielsen, K Hurrell, M Vatuvei, T Leuluai, S Johnson, Sam Rapira, E Taylor, B Matulino, F Mateo, S Mannering (c), T Lowrie.
Bench: B Henry, J Lillyman, S Ikahihifo, P Godinet, Steve Rapira, C Grubb.
[Team Changes: The Warriors have named Shaun Johnson despite ruling him out for a month with an arm injury... a week ago. He teams with new buy Thomas Leuluai in the halves, and Pita Godinet is on the bench as cover. Glen Fisiiahi's trial form beats out incumbent Bill Tupou, while Jerome Ropati isn't ready to return - meaning Dane Nielsen and Konrad Hurrell start in the centres. Sam Rapira is starting at prop with Jacob Lillyman on the bench, while Sebastine Ikahihifo should get a chance on the final bench. Steve Rapira and Charlie Grubb are the extra men. ]
The Postman's DT/SC TIP: Glen Fisiiahi just became relevant given his price and Shaun Johnson playing makes him a serious consideration as your halfback once again.

 Saturday 7:30pm at Bluetongue Stadium
V
CANTERBURY BULLDOGS:
S Turner, D Low, J Morris, K Inu, S Perrett, J Reynolds, K Keating, A Tolman, M Ennis (c), M Taupau, T Williams, J Jackson, G Eastwood.
Bench: D Halatau, D Finucane, T Browne, D Klemmer, M Brown.
[Team Changes: Canterbury's first team minus Ben Barba features Drury Low on the wing and Steve Turner now at fullback - though expect them to interchange during the game. Martin Taupau starts at prop with Sam Kasiano hurt and James Graham suspended. Tony Williams joins Josh Jackson in the second row, with Dene Hatalau on the bench. Tim Browne and David Klemmer will now feature in a heap of fantasy teams after being named on the bench. Mitch Brown is 18th man. ]
The Postman's DT/SC TIP: Drury Low come on down - he's dirt cheap and will see time at fullback. Martin Taupau, Dale Finucane, Tim Browne and David Klemmer are all worth considering for your cheap seats. And if you like what you saw from Josh Jackson late last year - pick him, he's starting after all.
NORTH QUEENSLAND COWBOYS:
M Bowen, A Graham, B Tate, K Linnett, A Winterstein, J Thurston (c), R Thompson, M Scott (c), S Moore, J Tamou, G Cooper, G Hall, D Johnson.
Bench: R Kostjasyn, A Sims, T Sims, J Taumalolo, S Bolton, R Lui.
[Team Changes: North Queensland sprung a surprise at the seleciton table - going with Ray Thompson over Robert Lui at halfback with Michael Morgan injured. Kane Linnett and Antonio Winterstein also feature in the backline with Kalifa Fai-Fai Loa's impressive pre-season not enough to get a start. Scott Moore is the starting hooker with Rory Kostjasyn the backup - meaning the Cowboys have an entirely new look at dummy half this season. Scott Bolton and Lui have been named on the bench as 18th and 19th man. Tariq Sims is BACK. ]
The Postman's DT/SC TIP: Tariq Sims is a popular pick but you have to ask yourself - how many minutes does he get in Round 1? Ditto for Jason Taumalolo.

Need an update on injuries heading into Round 1?
Make sure you take a look at our dedicated NRL Injured List
 Sunday 2:00pm at Centrebet Stadium
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PENRITH PANTHERS:
D Whare, J Mansour, W Naiqama, B Tighe, D Simmons, L Coote, L Walsh, S McKendry, K Kingston, T Grant, S Manu, L Brown, N Smith.
Bench: J Segeyaro, N Plum, C Newton, J Latimore, A Docker.
[Team Changes: Penrith have named no less than six new players in their squad for Round 1. Dean Whare wins the fullback job with Wes Naiqama in the centres. Lewis Brown and Sika Manu are the new second row, with Nathan Smith back from a long layoff with injury at lock. James Segeyaro backs up Kevin Kingston, while Jeremy Latimore is on a five man bench with Adam Docker set to miss out. ]
The Postman's DT/SC TIP: Get on Lewis Brown and/or Nathan Smith. Thank me later.
CANBERRA RAIDERS:
R Robinson, S Earl, J Wighton, B Ferguson, E Lee, J McCrone (c), S Williams, D Shillington (c), S Berrigan, D Tilse, J Papalii, J Thompson, S Fensom
Bench: M McIlwrick, J Edwards, M Nicholls, T Learoyd-Lahrs, B White.
[Team Changes: Canberra's campaign starts with a long injury list - Josh Dugan and Jarrod Croker are not named but could still play, with Reece Robinson to fullback (he'll also kick goals), Jack Wighton into the centres and Edrick Lee onto the wing. Shaun Berrigan and Matt McIlwrick will share the hooking duties, with Brett White 18th man behind Mark Nicholls. ]
The Postman's DT/SC TIP: Don't get carried away with Jack Wighton or Edrick Lee - once Jarrod Croker and Josh Dugan are back they won't be in the starting team. Matt McIlwrick will be the backup #9 for the first month - will you take the punt on him?
 Sunday 3:00pm at AAMI Park
V
MELBOURNE STORM:
B Slater, M Duffie, W Chambers, J O'Neill, M Fonua, G Widdop, C Cronk, J Bromwich, C Smith, B Norrie, T Harris, R Hoffman, R Hinchcliffe.
Bench: J Ryles, L Setu, S Vave, J Moors, B Finch.
[Team Changes: Melbourne get Matt Duffie back from a hamstring strain and he joins Mahe Fonua on the wing with Sisa Waqa out. Tohu Harris is starting in the backrow, with Brett Finch the only addition to the World Club Challenge team as 18th man. ]
The Postman's DT/SC TIP: Mahe Fonua will get an extended run on the wing now and Tohu Harris is a must in the second row.
ST GEORGE ILLAWARRA DRAGONS:
G Beale, B Morris, C Stanley, M Cooper, J Nightingale, J Soward, N Fien, D Hunt, M Rein, M Weyman, T Frizell, B Creagh (c), T Merrin.
Bench: B Harrison, L Ah Mau, M Prior, C King, J Stockwell.
[Team Changes: St.George-Illawarra have given Chase Stanley first shot at centre with Daniel Vidot relegated to NSW Cup. Nathan Fien remains the halfback with both Mitch Rein and Cameron King in the side as dummy halves. The final bench spot looks to be down to Leeson Ah Mau v Jack Stockwell, with Bronson Harrison and Matt Prior almost certainly in the squad. ]
The Postman's DT/SC TIP: Gerard Beale is value if he plays even half decently at fullback, while the absence of Josh Drinkwater shouldn't necessarily rule him out of your squad entirely. Trent Merrin at lock is taaaaasty.
 Sunday 6:30pm at Sharks Stadium
V
CRONULLA SHARKS:
M Gordon, J Wright, R Leutele, M Wright, B Ryan, T Carney, J Robson, A Fifita, I De Gois, B Ross, L Lewis, W Graham, P Gallen.
Bench: C Heighington, J Green, J Morris, A Tupou, J Bukuya, M Taufua, C Townsend.
[Team Changes: Cronulla have shown they'll keep Paul Gallen at lock despite losing Bryce Gibbs to a long term injury, but Todd Carney is named to play (with Chad Townsend on the bench as cover). Ben Pomeroy isn't fit, so Matthew Wright and Ricky Leutele are the centes, Jonathon Wright goes to the wing with Beau Ryan. Luke Lewis and Wade Graham are the starting second rowers, while Ben Ross subs in for Bryce Gibbs. Jayson Bukuya and Mark Taufua are 1th and 19th man - though either could play ahead of Jon Green. ]
The Postman's DT/SC TIP: Andrew Fifita looks a very handy play given he's starting at prop and there's no Bryce Gibbs, while the backrow logjam looks like its cost Anthony Tupou and Jayson Bukuya big time.
GOLD COAST TITANS:
W Zillman, K Gordon, B Takairangi, J Idris, D Mead, A Sezer, A Kelly, L Douglas, M Srama, N Myles (c), G Bird (c), B Ridge, A Harrison.
Bench: D Taylor, L Bailey, R James, B Falloon, L O'Dwyer.
[Team Changes: Gold Coast have left Mark Minichiello out of the squad, preferring youngster Ben Ridge in the backrow and naming David Taylor on the bench. Luke Bailey also makes way for Luke Douglas in what might be a permanent move in 2013. Brad Takairangi gets the vacant centre spot ahead of Steve Michaels, meaning Anthony Don is a no show in Round 1. Albert Kelly wins the halfback job and will get a few weeks to prove it should be his for the rest of the season. Luke O'Dwyer is 18th man. ]
The Postman's DT/SC TIP: Brad Takairangi isn't the cheapest option but he'll get a game or two early... Albert Kelly is worth a punt, but you need to sacrifice Jacob Miller or Josh Drinkwater to do so.
 Monday 7:00pm at Hunter Stadium
V
NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS:
D Boyd, J McManus, D Gagai, A Quinn, A Uate, J Mullen, K Gidley (c), K Snowden, T Waddell, W Mason, B Scott, C Houston, J Smith.
Bench: T Roberts, N Costigan, R Rochow, A McKinnon, D Fa'alogo.
[Team Changes: No Timana Tahu due to a foot injury, so Anthony Quinn gets an early shot at first grade since rejoining the Knights in the centres. Adam Cuthbertson is the big name casualty on the bench, dropped in favour of Robert Rochow. New signing David Fa'alogo is on an extended bench that also sees Tyrone Roberts in as the utility  backing up Travis Waddell at hooker - with Matt Hilder injured for the next month. ]
The Postman's DT/SC TIP: Steer clear of Travis Waddell - just not enough upside to waste a hooking spot on him. Kurt Gidley should already be in your team.
WESTS TIGERS:
T Moltzen, M Koroibete, B Ayshford, C Lawrence, M Utai, B Marshall, J Miller, J Buchanan, R Farah (c), K Galloway, B Anasta, L Fulton, A Blair.
Bench: M Bell, B Murdoch-Masila, B Thompson, E Pettybourne, J Reddy, A Woods.
[Team Changes: The Wests Tigers have gone with a predictable starting lineup for Round 1 - with only the presence of Aaron Woods on an extended bench any sort of surprise. Jack Buchanan starts at prop for Woods who is considered unlikely at this stage, with Braith Anasta in a new look backrow. Bodene Thompson, Ben Murdoch-Masila and Eddy Pettybourne form a tearaway bench with Matt Bell, while Joel Reddy is 18th man. Tim Moltzen beat out James Tedesco at fullback according to coach Mick Potter. ]
The Postman's DT/SC TIP: Jack Buchanan come on down! Bodene Thompson is also cheap as, and will play up front as well as in the backrow.

 What is your take on the Round 1 teams?

The NRL Injury List is updated regularly during each week of the season, making it an invaluable Fantasy and Tipping Tool alongside our Weekly NRL Previews once again.

Remember if you want game-specific Late Mail every week, then check out our Round Previews Every Wednesday and they are updated with all the very latest Late Mail on Friday.

If we are missing any players on this list - please comment below, reply on Twitter or email this address.
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By Warrick D. Nicolson