We’ve reached the penultimate multi-bye round of 2013, and with plenty of Origin players missing from their sides this week, there are cheap rookies named across the board. Head-to-head action is on a two week break, but this could be when the overall players make their big move with three trades available for the next fortnight.
Each Wednesday, we’ll take a look at the teams named and give you the rundown on what this means for the wonderful world of Dream Team.
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Broncos v Sharks - Suncorp Stadium 7:45pm 12/7/13
The Broncos have made plenty of changes for their return home against the Sharks, with Origin stars Justin Hodges ($303,400), Sam Thaiday ($351,200), Matt Gillett ($372,900) and Corey Parker ($491,200) missing, while Jack Reed ($226,400) is missing with a collarbone injury. Ben Hannant ($387,200) is the big-name return, starting in the front row for Thaiday, while David Stagg ($182,500) and Mitchell Dodds ($178,500) are in the back-row for Gillett and Parker. Jordan Kahu ($137,200) comes onto the wing, pushing Josh Hoffman ($308,900) into the centres with Corey Oates ($101,600), who made his debut next week. Lama Tasi ($TBA), Jarrod Wallace ($116,600), Nick Slyney ($132,800) and Sam Anderson ($161,300) have all been added to an extended bench.
Once again, the Sharks have named Michael Gordon ($265,900) despite the fullback being a late withdrawal from the clash with the Tigers last Friday. Luke Lewis ($334,700) and Andrew Fifita ($479,100) are off on Origin duty, with Stewart Mills ($139,300) starting in the centres and Bryce Gibbs ($283,600) starting at prop. Jayson Bukuya ($280,200) will again start in the second row, while Ben Ross ($202,600), Mark Taufua ($167,400) and Ben Pomeroy ($228,000) are on an extended bench. Anthony Tupou ($303,400) and Beau Ryan ($213,000) have not been named.
Eels v Panthers - Parramatta Stadium 5:30pm 13/7/13
The Eels have dropped a selection bombshell, dropping halfback Chris Sandow ($264,500) to NSW Cup, along with Joseph Paulo ($224,700). Luke Kelly ($162,200) will start at halfback, with Ben Roberts ($147,200) at five eighth, while Jake Mullaney ($196,900) is at fullback with Jarryd Hayne ($298,200) still missing with a hamstring injury. Jacob Loko ($272,300) will miss up to eight weeks with a dislocated patella, replaced by Willie Tonga ($127,700), and Kaysa Pritchard ($101,600), Matt Ryan ($275,200) and Junior Paulo ($101,600) are all on the bench, with Mitch Allgood ($223,600) suspended and Pat O’Hanlon ($167,400) dropped.
The Panthers have made just one change to the side that defeated the Titans in Darwin last week, with Lewis Brown ($230,700) returning to the side in the second row. His return pushes Clint Newton ($184,000) back to the bench, alongside Ryan Simpkins ($250,400), while Adam Docker ($203,500) starts at lock after being a late inclusion on Saturday night. James Roberts ($174,500) starts on the wing again after scoring 64 and jumping $46,800 last week.
Bulldogs v Storm - ANZ Stadium 3:00pm 14/7/13
Josh Morris ($189,900) and Josh Reynolds ($352,500) are again missing for the Bulldogs with Origin duties, replaced by Tim Lafai ($244,900) and Joel Romelo ($141,000). Sam Kasiano ($210,400) and Greg Eastwood ($221,500) both return to the starting lineup, with James Graham ($366,800) back on the bench alongside Tim Browne ($105,900) and Martin Taupau ($181,700).
The Storm have a raft of changes as their Origin contingent of Cameron Smith ($573,700), Billy Slater ($252,700), Cooper Cronk ($370,600) and Ryan Hoffman ($342,400) are unavailable. Justin O’Neill ($163,100) moves to fullback, with Mahe Fonua ($163,600) starting on the wing, while Ben Hampton ($101,600) returns to the side at halfback. Ryan Hinchcliffe ($352,300) will start at hooker, meaning Slade Griffin ($156,400) starts at lock and Tohu Harris ($300,100) replaces Hoffman in the second row. The bench now includes Junior Moors ($178,400), Mitch Garbutt ($116,100), Junior Sa’u ($175,300) and Tim Glasby ($101,600), so there are plenty of cheap options available.
Cowboys v Sea Eagles - 1300SMILES Stadium 7:00pm 6/7/13
An Origin reshuffle has been forced at the Cowboys, with Johnathan Thurston ($358,900), Brent Tate ($210,300), Matt Scott ($287,300) and James Tamou ($289,900) all missing, and Dallas Johnson ($284,200) dropped. Kalifa Faifai Loa ($144,500) takes Tate’s spot on the wing, while Ray Thompson ($207,600) moves to five-eighth and Anthony Mitchell ($201,900) comes in at hooker in a completely new forward pack. Tariq Sims ($238,400) and Gavin Cooper ($265,700) have been dropped to the bench, with Ricky Thorby ($148,400), Glenn Hall ($236,400), Ethan Lowe ($101,600), Jason Taumalolo ($201,600) and Joel Reithmuller ($196,400) into the starting side. Michael Morgan ($211,600) has also been named as 18th man.
The Sea Eagles have made a number of changes, with Daly Cherry-Evans ($409,400) and Anthony Watmough ($369,900) missing with Origin duties, and Tom Symonds ($171,000) injured. Peta Hiku ($180,300) will start at halfback in DCE’s place, while Jamie Buhrer ($255,300) takes Watmough’s spot on the bench. Richie Fa’aoso ($149,300) returns from suspension on the bench, while Ligi Sao ($101,600) is set to make his NRL debut replacing Symonds.
