It’s now time for Dream Team coaches to put pedal to the metal after round four teams were announced on Tuesday. If you were smart and made some cash last week, it’s time to trade out and upgrade to some returning superstars, but which to pick?
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.
Sea Eagles v Tigers - Bluetongue Stadium 8:05pm 28/3/13
The Sea Eagles make just one change from the side that fell to the Titans, with Richie Fa’aoso ($181,000) suspended pending his judiciary hearing on Wednesday night. Jesse Sene-Lefao ($101,600) comes in on the bench, but the remainder of the side is unchanged. Tom Symonds ($157,000) becomes a very valuable player with a price rise coming after this week and Jorge Taufua’s ($270,500) form saw him jump by $31,500 this week. Daly Cherry Evans ($484,300) remains the competition’s highest scorer after three rounds, and will be a reliable player this week.
The Tigers are forced into a couple of changes again, with Marika Koroibete ($254,700) forced out with a foot injury, replaced by Matt Utai ($277,300). Aaron Woods ($392,000) and Jack Buchanan ($136,600) will again shoulder much of the forward work, but skipper Robbie Farah ($470,600) is the one to pick up with a brilliant start to the season.
Bulldogs v Rabbitohs - ANZ Stadium 4:00pm 29/3/13
At the Bulldogs, the biggest news of the week is the return of Ben Barba ($398,900) at fullback, with Drury Low ($126,500) out of the side. Frank Pritchard ($242,900) also returns on an extended bench with Tim Browne ($113,700) and Tim Lafai ($242,900). Most of the Bulldogs squad dropped in price, but not as much as Tony Williams ($337,600), who will drop further so should probably be avoided for a couple of weeks.
The Rabbitohs are unchanged from last week’s final 17, with Sam Burgess ($378,900) starting in the front row with Jeff Lima ($195,800). Captain Michael Crocker ($275,100) will start at lock, and might be one to jump on if he plays more minutes. Ben Te’o ($303,900) has a low break-even score, and could be a good cash grab this week.
Broncos v Storm - Suncorp Stadium 7:05pm 29/3/13
The Broncos have made a couple of changes, including the return of Justin Hodges ($339,700) from a hamstring injury. Matt Gillett ($288,700) has been the standout so far and should rise in price again after this week with another big score. Scott Anderson ($143,200) will play his third game after being the best of the bench last week, but Mitchell Dodds ($151,100) has been dropped and David Stagg ($266,500) is back on the bench.
The Storm have named an unchanged side, with Siosaia Vave ($207,000) added to an extended bench. Tohu Harris ($156,300) has become one of the best cash cows so far this year, and will be heavily involved again. Amazingly Cameron Smith ($534,500) and Cooper Cronk ($446,900) both increased in price after big games, and see Suncorp Stadium as a second home for them.
Sharks v Dragons - Sharks Stadium 7:30pm 30/3/13
The Sharks welcome back Ben Pomeroy ($265,000) and Isaac De Gois ($228,200) to their side for this derby match. John Morris ($209,500) is still starting at hooker, and has a negative break-even score, so is a good cash grab this week. Jayson Bukuya ($279,800) takes Jon Green’s ($153,400) spot on the bench, but don’t count out Michael Gordon ($315,700), who has made a very good start.
The still winless St George Illawarra have made just one change, with Daniel Vidot ($210,800) in the centres and Chase Stanley ($214,600) back to the extended bench. Trent Merrin ($403,400) is still the main man for the Red V, with an average of 55 Dream Team points per game. Jack Stockwell ($131,100) and will probably fight for a spot in the final 17 with Leeson Ah Mau ($217,700).
Panthers v Titans - Centrebet Stadium 2:00pm 31/3/13
For the Panthers, Cameron Ciraldo ($299,000) starts his first game of the season, replacing Nathan Smith ($156,100) at lock. Tom Humble ($132,200) is again at five-eighth, while Brad Tighe ($226,700) is named after being a late inclusion last week. James Segeyaro ($294,200) has been the Dream Team star for Penrith, using the dual hooking role with Kevin Kingston ($382,200) to dominate from the bench.
The Titans are again unchanged, although Ashley Harrison ($327,400) is in some doubt after being concussed in his 200th first grade game last weekend. Halves Albert Kelly ($212,200) and Aidan Sezer ($321,500) are the two money makers, who along with Ryan James ($198,200) all have very achievable break even scores. Luke O’Dwyer ($204,200) and Steve Michaels ($139,800) are both added on an extended bench.
Knights v Raiders - Hunter Stadium 6:30pm 31/3/13
There were a number of changes at the Knights again, with Kurt Gidley ($231,300) and Willie Mason ($224,500) both out with injury. Timana Tahu ($267,500) returns on the bench after pulling out late last week, while David Fa’alogo ($171,900) and Robbie Rochow ($229,500) are both in the starting pack. Matt Hilder ($217,100) has been dropped, with Adam Cuthbertson ($266,400) and Korbin Sims ($101,600) both on the bench for their second games.
The Raiders are unchanged this week after getting off the mark at home last Sunday. Blake Ferguson ($280,100) returned to the side in that game replacing Edrick Lee ($157,800) but Reece Robinson ($272,900) was the star at fullback. Josh McCrone ($306,200) has been impressive in the absence of Terry Campese ($262,000) and will be a key player again this week.
Warriors v Cowboys - Mt Smart Stadium 6:00pm 1/4/13
The Warriors are still without a win as well this year and have a couple of additions. Ngani Laumape ($101,600) returns to the side after making his debut last week, but Sam Rapira ($142,800) and Glen Fisiiahi ($127,700) are back in the starting side. Jacob Lillyman ($239,100) and Todd Lowrie ($287,000) are the two best performers so far, and will provide good value.
The Cowboys have named the same 17 that fell to the Knights last Monday night, with Michael Morgan ($232,100) continuing his return from a broken jaw at halfback, and Anthony Mitchell ($201,900) again on the bench. Dallas Johnson ($316,900) got through a mountain of work last week (62 tackles in 57 Dream Team points) and will again need to work hard in the middle of the park.
Roosters v Eels - Allianz Stadium 7:00pm 1/4/13
The Roosters have named the same starting 13 that defeated the Broncos last Saturday, with Luke O’Donnell ($263,800) dropped from the bench. Michael Jennings ($367,200) has been a very good Dream Team player for the Tricolours, Sonny Bill Williams ($338,100) continues to impress after finding a starting spot, getting through plenty of defensive work. Kane Evans ($101,600) could also make his debut after being named in jersey 18.
The Eels welcome back Ken Sio ($206,200) and Luke Kelly ($248,000) to the starting side, with Cheyse Blair ($179,700) and Matt Ryan ($290,500) out. Ben Roberts ($241,000) moves back to the bench while Joseph Paulo ($273,200) moves to lock. Jacob Loko ($165,800) and Vai Toutai ($101,600) have created a very dangerous combination on the left edge and will continue to jump in price.
