Lone Scout's Fantasy team list analysis: Round 11

Magic abounds in the NRL Telstra Premiership as Suncorp Stadium plays host to the jam-packed Magic Round weekend featuring all eight matches at the famous ground.  

Time to look in on the initial slated line-ups that is Team List Tuesday through a Fantasy lens.

Sharks v Bulldogs, Friday 15 May, 6.00pm

Sharks: Bad news for Blayke Brailey owners as he is missing due to HIA protocols with NSW Cup star Jayden Berrell deputising in the 9. Better reports for those with Jesse Colquhoun as he will start with Cameron McInnes also out injured. In better fortunes for Cronulla both Jesse Ramien and Ronaldo Mulitalo return from long term injuries with Siosifa Talakai and Mawene Hiroti shifting to the interchange. 

Bulldogs: Three Origin quality players return for the Bulldogs in Matt Burton at five-eighth, Max King at prop and Kurt Mann on the pine. Samuel Hughes joins Mann on the bench while Josh Curran and Sean O’Sullivan shift to the reserves. 

Rabbitohs v Dolphins, Friday 15 May, 8.05pm

Rabbitohs: Latrell Mitchell returns to the starting side after being a late withdrawal last week. His namesake Latrell Siegwalt reverts to the interchange. Alex Johnston is being rested after a leg injury sustained in the win over the Sharks so Bailey Bentley-Hape comes in on the wing while Jayden Sullivan joins the bench. 

Dolphins: No changes to the run on team from the victory over the Bulldogs with Kodi Nikorima named at six and Jeremy Marshall-King still on the bench but expected to play big minutes at hooker with Max Plath likely to move into the 13 role midway through the first half. 

Wests Tigers v Sea Eagles, Saturday 16 May, 3.00pm

Wests Tigers: Making way following two losses on the trot, Latu Fainu takes charge at hooker with Tristan Hope the man to make way to the pine. Front man juggernaut Terrell May also marked back to the fold in hopes of gaining Origin selection that is set to be announce at the conclusion of Magic Round.  

Sea Eagles: Déjà vu strikes with Jamal Fogarty named again in the halves despite a late scratching for two weeks running due to a consistent groin complaint. Tolu Koula is referred back to his CTR post after he played there last week despite wearing the No.1. It is a straight swap with Clayton Faulalo aligning with how the pair took on Brisbane in the contest at 4 Pines last week. With Brandon Wakeham suspended, Jake Simpkin is recalled to dummy half and Zach Dockar-Clay joins the interchange. Also on the bench is Kobe Hetherington with Ethan Bullemor retaining his No. 10 jersey after his impressive performance last week.  

Roosters v Cowboys, Saturday 16 May, 5.30pm

Roosters: Victor Radley is out suspended so Connor Watson will start at lock and likely play big minutes. Lindsay Collins returns from HIA protocols with Spencer Leniu taking Watson’s place on the pine.

Cowboys: With Tom Dearden out for over a month, coach Todd Payten has opted for young half Lima Sutton to come in at No.6 with Jake Clifford sliding into No.7. Matt Lodge is starting with Jason Taumalolo hurt while Xavier Kerrisk is again a shout to make his NRL debut after being a late exclusion last week, this time there will be no Soni Luke so the chances are higher. 

Eels v Storm, Saturday 16 May, 7.45pm

Eels: The injury stricken Parramatta finally offered the luxury, coach Jason Ryles announces a straight back up to his full 19-man roster sheet after the courageous and successful golden point shoot-out left the home crowd disappointed at Qld Country Bank Stadium last week. Junior Paulo has been named to start after he reverted to the interchange last week but this could change again come gameday with Jack Williams shifting to a more fantasy-relevant middle and Charlie Guymer a shot at the back row. 

Storm: Thankful Fantasy coaches Australia-wide cheered as dynamite fullback Sua Fa’alogo received the all-clear after a suspected fractured eye socket was suffered in Round 10. Moses Leo is found back amongst the starting ranks, this time on the wing due to Hugo Peel facing a lengthy recovery back from a knee injury, Leo has been impressing in NSW Cup and could be worth watching with his upside well known. 

Titans v Knights, Sunday 17 May, 2.00pm

Titans: Despite the loss to the Roosters coach Josh Hannay is sticking with the new look side that he named last week that includes Oliver Pascoe at starting hooker and Zane Harrison at starting half-back. Both are great cheapies worth owning if you didn’t take the plunge last week. 

Knights: No need for changes to a Newcastle side humming with all their stars now back on the field. Keep an eye on 24 hour team list cutdowns if you own Dylan Brown as he exited the game early last week with a twinge. 

Warriors v Broncos, Sunday 17 May, 4.05pm

Warriors: HIA impacted Ali Leiataua reprises his place at centre with Roger Tuivasa-Sheck carrying a shoulder issue and missing this encounter. With Origin around the corner, one forward seeking a recall is Mitch Barnett who returns to his starter status. This pushes out the 2026 Fantasy top enforcer Jackson Ford, who will need to work from the bench this week with one game to hold out ahead of first of our major bye rounds next week.  

Broncos: With Ben Talty found unsuccessful in his bid to earn back his starting gig, coaches should temper expectations and look to sell, or at least loop the out of favour prop forward. This sees dual position Xavier Willison now set to play front row in front of the Magic Round fans. Debutant Phil Coates sees his name in lights for the first time as he is casted to play from the wing after Antonio Verhoeven joined the casualty ward listings. 

Panthers v Dragons, Sunday 17 May, 6.25pm

Panthers: Jack Cogger is back from suspension so he is the only change to the high performing Panthers. The only worry for this game is if players like Nathan Cleary and Isaah Yeo will earn an early mark. 

Dragons: Kade Reed is out with an injured finger so Kyle Flanagan makes his return at halfback with Daniel Atkinson also back in the No.6 jersey. Fantasy darling Ryan Couchman will start at 13 and could potentially play the full 80. Hamish Stewart is officially named on the edge and with Luciano Leilua on the interchange, Stewart is not an essential hold. Clint Gutherson shifts back to fullback with Moses Suli returning in the centres while Loko Pasifiki-Tonga gets the start over Emre Guler and Christian Tuipulotu replaces the injured Mat Feagai. 

 

My Q&A will still be posted this Thursday so make sure to get those questions in ASAP to thelonescout@nrl.com.au to get your questions and name shouted in my weekly Thursday write-up.

Also stick close to NRL.com as I will be featuring my analysis of each clubs schedule during the first set of our two major bye rounds fast approaching. This should assist coaches with the initial stages of the competition-defining Origin period, amongst all the other red hot NRL Fantasy news, updates and info.