The penultimate Super Saturday for 2022, which sees a decent slate of games across the three matches. First up, the Raiders will have a decent idea of where their season sits before running out for their match against the Sea Eagles at GIO Stadium. The results of the Broncos vs Eels and Storm vs Roosters matchups will be massive, and the way the Raiders play could depend on these results. Meanwhile, the Sea Eagles’ form is horrendous, and they are desperate for the season to end, giving the Raiders a great chance at a big win.

Next up, the Sharks are still pushing for that 2nd place on the ladder, whilst their opponents the Bulldogs are ready for the off season. Despite a mid-season turnaround in form, the Bulldogs are coming off the back of three heavy defeats and have clearly given up on the season. The Sharks should win this by 30+.

Finally, in the match of the day, the Rabbitohs host the Cowboys in a crucial match for both clubs. Whilst a top 4 birth is almost out of reach for the Rabbitohs, if they can get the win this week it’ll put them in a far better position for a 5th or 6th placed finish, ensuring a first-round home game. The Cowboys, meanwhile, must continue to win, lest they risk dropping to 3rd or 4th on the table and losing their home semi final in week 1 of the finals. Huge game.

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Team News

The Raiders have made zero changes to their last up win over the Knights. Last week, Ricky Stuart experimented with a change in starting hooker, however given how poor they were early, I’d expect him to revert to Zac Woolford starting and Tom Starling coming off the bench.

Two changes for the Sea Eagles, with Alfred Smalley and Ethan Bullemor out, replaced by debutant Ray Tuaimalo-Vaega and Andrew Davey. Not much to talk about here, with the Sea Eagles being horrible in the past month.

The Sharks welcome back Siosifa Talakai to the centres, with Connor Tracey (concussion) out. Teig Wilton also returns on the bench, shifting Braydon Trindall to the reserves.

The Bulldogs have dropped Tevita Pangai Junior, replaced in the starting back row by Luke Thompson. Chris Patolo joins the bench in place of Thompson.

The Rabbitohs have dropped Jaxson Paulo after his mediocre performance last week, replaced on the wing by Izaac Thompson. Hame Sele is promoted to the starting side, with Daniel Suluka-Fifita out. Kodi Nikorima and Thomas Burgess return on the bench, whilst Taane Milne drops to the reserves.

Finally, the Cowboys lose Origin five eighth Tom Dearden to a ruptured testicle, replaced at five eighth by Scott Drinkwater. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow is promoted from the bench to start at fullback. Tom Gilbert has been added to the bench, with no other changes.


Betting Odds

Raiders $1.25 vs Sea Eagles $4.00

Sharks $1.07 vs Bulldogs $9.00

Rabbitohs $1.50 vs Cowboys $2.60

Bet now at Ladbrokes!
 

Overview

Two vastly different teams from the sides that met in round 4 at Mudgee greet us at GIO Stadium, with the rudderless Sea Eagles a long way removed from the 25-6 winner over the Raiders almost five months ago. The Raiders should win and win well, however their motivation levels could differ greatly depending on results of games earlier in the weekend. Tread with caution when selecting players from either side, although 50+ points is almost a given in this one.

The Sharks snuck by the Bulldogs 18-6 in round 16 less than two months ago, however the motivation for each side is vastly different. The Sharks should win this game comfortably, and with the best player in fantasy as their halfback, there are certainly several Sharks you should consider this week.

Souths will be looking to rebound after a closely fought loss to the Panthers last week, whilst the Cowboys need to win here to keep 2nd place on the ladder, and a home semi final in week 1 of finals. The loss of Tom Dearden will be big for the Cowboys, and I lean Rabbitohs, and this clash should give a solid sign to where both sides are heading into the finals.

 

Love It – Nicho Hynes - $25,840

Hynes is almost priced out of Fantasy, however if you can manage the cap to get him in without sacrificing elsewhere, you simply must bring him in. Has 7 scores in a row over 70, with two scores of 90 in that period. He simply doesn’t have an off week and is as close to an automatic 70+ as there is. In a game where the Sharks could score 50, Hynes will be close to cracking 100 this week in my opinion.

 

Love It – Lachlan Miller - $12,330

Miller is still relatively cheap, and in games where he has started at fullback for the Sharks this year, has scores of 69.4 and 55.5. Gets heavily involved and can bust tackles, giving him a solid base. As stated above, the Sharks should win this by plenty, and Miller is surely a chance at a try or two. If this happens, lock him in for 60+, with a ceiling in the 80s.

 

Love It – Luciano Leilua - $14,200

Leilua has taken on a far bigger role at the Cowboys in over the past month, and it has shown. His minutes have increased, as has his influence over the Cowboys attack. Isn’t the biggest worker, however, gets through enough of the tough stuff to not let you down. However, it’s in the attacking stats where he sets himself apart. In the past 3 weeks, Leilua has 2 tries, 2 try assists, 2-line breaks and 2-line break assists. He always looks dangerous and is still under-priced in my opinion.

 

Hate It – Hudson Young - $19,920

Young has been great all season for the Raiders, however his price is set now based on his try scoring form. If you believe he can keep up the momentum (3 tries in last 4 matches), he may be worth a look, however without the attacking stats he is not worth this outlay, particularly with the assortment of high-end FWD options this week.

 

Hate It – Ronaldo Mulitalo - $12,350

Despite what I’ve said above about the Sharks this weekend, Mulitalo has been in horrendous form since the Origin period, and cannot seem to score a try to save himself. He isn’t the biggest worker, and as a result relies on the attacking stats that aren’t there right now. I wanted to write about Mulitalo to differentiate him from the rest of the Sharks backs, as I don’t believe he is worth the price of admission.

 

Who Knows – Matt Burton - $20,320

Burton has been sensational this season, proving himself in the top tier of five eighths in the competition. However, like the Bulldogs in general, Burton’s form has waned at the backend of the season. It’s entirely understandable, after coming off winning a competition last year with the Panthers and playing in his first Origin series, Burton has earned the right to be tired. Despite this, there’s no doubt he’s capable of a massive score this weekend, with eight scores over 60 this year.


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