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NSW Cup Team List

Round 15, 1:00PM Saturday, Kellyville Park

With the NRL enjoying a bye heading into game two for State of Origin, the double header at Kellyville Park on Saturday becomes the feature event for all things Blue & Gold. By ladder positions, both games shape up to be doozies against the New Zealand Warriors – in particular this one in the NSW Cup – but the Eels are unfortunately looking stretched on resources in reserve grade this week.

Perhaps Jason Ryles has put a few of his premium depth options in cotton wool this week because the alternative is that the Eels have been ravaged by injuries. Joash Papalii, Jake Tago, Richard Penisini, Dean Hawkins, Will Latu and Charlie Guymer are all Cup regulars that immediately stand out as missing. Presumably Papalii and Hawkins are set to feature in Round 16 against the Titans so Ryles is taking no risks but that is a hefty list of missing players. So too are Wiremu Greig and Toni Mataele also not featured but I figure that are serving the second leg of suspensions dating back to the win against Manly.

Apa Twidle will operate from the back while Matthew Hunter steps up to partner Ronald Volkman. Samuel Loizou, in the midst of a resurgent year for the young back, kicks inside to centre as Beau Newlands comes into the team on the wing. Dan Keir, as tipped by Sixties yesterday, proves to be well ahead of the recovery clock as he makes his return in the back row. Saxon Pryke is bumped up to starting lock in the wake of all the missing players.

Amidst all the carnage it is good to see Damascus Neemia and Will Lewis called into the team. I believe Will actually played a little bit of NSW Cup last year but this should be Neemia’s debut in the senior grade and both are worthy selections after great runs in the Jersey Flegg.

Jersey Flegg Cup Team List

Round 15, 11:00AM Saturday, Kellyville Park

Lots of changes in the Under 21s as well starting at fullback at Jayden Ambichi is recalled into the squad. He takes over from Cameron Bamblett who actually steps into the halves to partner Lorenzo Talataina in all SG Ball combination. Tuvaku Palu was a late withdrawal last week and is absent again as Dakota Kakoi holds down left centre in his absence.

Tyrese Lokeni again shifts into the front-row to help cover all the changes as Ieti Samuelu gets a crack at starting lock. We are missing a player currently on the edges so keep an eye on an updated team sheet that reveals the mystery #12.

After biding his time as 18th man for a couple of weeks, Ryda Talagi finally gets the call in another important milestone for a talented Eel. Likewise, it is now the turn of Lachlan Coinakis to fulfill the same role as he becomes the 18th man and makes a significant step towards making his Flegg debut.

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