Each Wednesday, we take a look at the teams named and analyse how any changes could impact your Dream Team for the weekend ahead. Here is The Postman’s look at Round 21.
Play Holden NRL Dream Team for your chance to win $30,000 in cash and prizes. Click here to play now!
Knights v Broncos - Hunter Stadium 7:45pm Friday
For the Knights - Adam Cuthbertson ($287,700) and Korbin Sims ($136,100) return to the squad with Willie Mason ($195,200) out for up to a month. Zane Tetevano ($139,400) and David Fa’alogo ($247,700) is the new front row pairing with Kade Snowden ($312,900) not due back from suspension until Round 22. Kurt Gidley ($299,900) is hopefully back next week.
For the Broncos - David Stagg ($199,600) is the new left centre with Alex Glenn ($327,400) now injured. Still no Ben Hannant ($387,200), so Mitchell Dodds ($194,500) starts and Nick Slyney ($132,800) comes onto the bench.
Panthers v Roosters - Centrebet Stadium 7:45pm Friday
For the Panthers - Josh Mansour ($236,300) and Mose Masoe ($165,200) come in on the bench, with Sam Anderson ($101,600) omitted. Mansour could move into the centres with Lewis Brown ($211,200) shifting to the forwards.
For the Roosters - Bye Bye Sonny Bill Williams ($336,200) for two weeks after he took an early guilty plea for a high shot in Round 20. Mitchell Aubusson ($261,300) starts in the second row, while Aidan Guerra ($245,200) is brought back onto the bench. Isaac Liu ($177,500) continues to impress in limited minutes.
Warriors v Sharks - Mt Smart Stadium 5:00pm Saturday
For the Warriors - Same squad as last week with Ngani Laumape ($186,100) holding his spot despite getting yanked early against the Storm. Will we see the long awaited return of Jerome Ropati ($150,500) as a late inclusion?
For the Sharks - Paul Gallen ($413,100) is back... let’s hope he actually plays. Chris Heighington ($292,300) goes to the bench and Tyrone Peachey ($210,900) is named as 18th man, though he may get the call ahead of Ben Ross ($205,400) for the final bench spot.
Eels v Sea Eagles - Parramatta Stadium 7:30pm Saturday
For the Eels - Api Pewhairangi ($121,400) comes in for Luke Kelly ($198,100) who is hurt. Ben Roberts ($241,300) goes to halfback. No Chris Sandow ($264,500) or indeed Jarryd Hayne ($298,200)... yet.
For the Sea Eagles - Daly Cherry-Evans ($380,500) and Steve Matai ($217,000) picked up injuries (ankle and hip respectively) in the win over the Wests Tigers, so Peta Hiku ($205,600) and James Hasson ($111,300) have been added to the bench as cover.
Cowboys v Rabbitohs - Mt Smart Stadium 7:30pm Saturday
For the Cowboys - Kyle Feldt ($101,600) is the new el cheapo on the block, coming in on the wing for Kalifa Fai-Fai Loa ($145,200) with Ashley Graham ($120,300) still injured. Joel Riethmuller ($214,200) is the new lock with Dallas Johnson ($262,700) done for the year with knee injury (and sadly his career ends as well). Onto the bench come Jason Taumalolo ($192,500), Tariq Sims ($239,700) and Scott Moore ($176,500)... yep the same guy who was going to be the permanent #9 at the start of the season.
For the Rabbitohs - All the late changes from last week are carried over. That means George Burgess ($383,300) and Sam Burgess ($378,300) are the starting props, Dylan Farrell ($160,000) and Matt King ($215,300) are the wingers and Nathan Merritt ($176,100) is the fullback. Luke Keary ($115,500) scored 44pts off the bench last week and is in the team once again.
Raiders v Storm - Canberra Stadium 2:00pm Sunday
For the Raiders - No changes from last week with Sandor Earl ($211,900) holding his spot ahead of Sami Sauiluma ($157,900). Jack Wighton ($196,200) and Tom Learoyd-Lahrs ($188,900) are said to be more likely to play next week.
For the Storm - Jason Ryles ($190,400) was a late addition last week and he is in jersey #14 this weekend. Otherwise this is the same squad as last week.
Titans v Tigers - Skilled Park 3:00pm Sunday
For the Titans - Albert Kelly ($319,200), Luke Bailey ($301,100) and Matt Srama ($262,800) are all casualties and Jordan Rankin ($193,500) has been dropped. David Mead ($172,) is the new fullback and Anthony Don ($140,300) comes back onto the wing. Ashley Harrison ($313,900) moves to five-eighth but will probably play backrow with Greg Bird ($269,600) more likely to play on the edge. Beau Falloon ($192,400) is the new starting hooker and Sam Irwin ($105,500) is his backup on the bench. Luke O’Dwyer ($143,900) and Ryan James ($185,900) also return to the first grade team.
For the Tigers - Aaron Woods ($370,800) is not named but may return next week, with Jack Buchanan ($225,800) continuing to start at prop. Keith Galloway ($271,700) is once again on the bench after being a late addition on Monday, while Curtis Sironen ($182,000) starts at halfback and Braith Anasta ($146,400) moves back to the bench. Shaun Spence ($101,600) is the extra man.
Dragons v Bulldogs - WIN Jubilee Oval 7:00pm Monday
For the Dragons - Josh Dugan ($410,700) is the only concern with a mild concussion picked up against Canberra. Otherwise this is the same 17 as last week. Adam Quinlan ($105,400) remains a very cheap option, and enticing if Dugan is ruled out as he may go to fullback.
For the Bulldogs - Sam Perrett ($190,200) has been named at fullback for the injured Ben Barba ($292,300) but Des Hasler is known for naming a replacement and going with someone completely different. Thus Krisnan Inu ($261,700) could play there after being named on the wing, or it could see Drury Low ($114,700) get a recall. Recalled Tim Lafai ($267,900) will almost certainly play in the centres.
