Tim Williams
SC Playbook founder, 2nd NRL 2020, 43rd BBL 21/22'
Squad Breakdown: Round 5 team insights
We analyse all the key SuperCoach ins and outs following the release of Round 5 teams.
Squad Breakdown
June 9, 2020
- DRAFT PICK UPS: Waiver-wire options for Round 5
- WEEKLY WRAP: Round 4 highs, lows and shocks
The teams have dropped for Round 5, with plenty of changes scattered throughout.
The resumption of the NRL season with new changes in place had a dramatic influence on SuperCoach scoring with huge numbers posted across the game.
Here’s our breakdown of the Round 5 teams.
*Scroll down to the bottom of the page for a key on all SuperCoach relevant abbreviations.
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Embed from Getty ImagesSEA EAGLES v BRONCOS
Thursday, 7.50pm, Central Coast Stadium
Sea Eagles: 1. Tom Trbojevic 2. Jorge Taufua 3. Brad Parker 4. Moses Suli 5. Reuben Garrick 6. Dylan Walker 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Danny Levi 10. Martin Taupau 11. Joel Thompson 12. Curtis Sironen 13. Jake Trbojevic
Bench: 14. Lachlan Croker 15. Corey Waddell 16. Sean Keppie 17. Taniela Paseka
Reserves: 18. Morgan Boyle 19. Jack Gosiewski 20. Tevita Funa 21. Brendan Elliot
Analysis: The fullback battle has been thrown wide open following Kalyn Ponga’s 159, he now averages 107PPG. I’m still of the opinion Teddy and Turbo will finish as the top two fullbacks, but that gap is fast closing.
Turbo has the friendly match up with the rank Broncos outfit and could easily ton up again. With a wealth of trades available, I think that rotating between the three based on fixtures will be the go. But it’s essential to lock in a strong 17 before opting for this tactic.
Marty Taupau may be done as an elite FRF, while Addin Fonua-Blake will bottom out in price in a week or two and can be considered then.
Jake Trbojevic’s status as a SuperCoach gun is clinging on for life, he’s ticking over okay and will need to prove himself in coming weeks. At the moment, he’s not in the same class as some of his fellow 2RF options.
Broncos: 1. Jamayne Isaako 2. Xavier Coates 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Darius Boyd 5. Herbie Farnworth 6. Anthony Milford 7. Brodie Croft 8. Matt Lodge 9. Corey Paix 10. Payne Haas 11. Corey Oates 12. Joe Ofahengaue 13. Pat Carrigan
Bench: 14. Tesi Niu 15. Ben Te’o 16. Rhys Kennedy 17. Thomas Flegler
Reserves: 18. Jamil Hopoate 19. Richard Kennar 20. Tom Dearden 21. Ethan Bullemor
Analysis: Jamayne Isaako has hit the skids in recent weeks, however the Broncos have the likes of TPJ and David Fifita returning in coming rounds, so he’s a hold for mine.
Once the pack starts to gain momentum, and it will, the entire backline should find some SuperCoach form. Ditto for Kotoni Staggs. Anthony Milford is a sell for Cam Munster asap.
Corey Paix is a serious option at halfback. He played 63 minutes at hooker for 49 points at basement price. However there’s probably more pressing trades this week, and it’d be good to reassess his job security with another week of viewing, so wait.
Tom Flegler has peaked in price and can be sold either this week or next. Corey Oates is an extremely interesting watch with the move to the back-row if he can excel and hold a spot when players return.
Embed from Getty ImagesWARRIORS v COWBOYS
Friday, 6pm, Central Coast
Warriors: 1. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 2. Patrick Herbert 3. Hayze Perham 4. Gerard Beale 5. Adam Pompeye 6. Kodi Nikorima 7. Blake Green 8. Jamayne Taunoa-Brown 9. Wayde Egan 10. Lachlan Burr 11. Eliesa Katoa 12. Tohu Harris 13. Adam Blair
Bench: 14. Karl Lawton 15. Poasa Faamausili 16. King Vuniyayawa 17. Jack Murchie
Reserves: 18. Agnatius Paasi 20. Peter Hiku 21. Isaiah Papali’i 22. Chanel Harris-Tavita
Analysis: Eliesa Katoa came back to earth with just 34 points against Penrith, however he still played 73 minutes which is promising. I still believe he’s a fairly safe play in 17s as long as the minutes are maintained.
Jamayne Taunoa-Brown punched out 60 points in 36 minutes including 41 tackles, beast. Tohu Harris has come roaring back to life under the new rules, scoring 79 and 87 in the past two weeks without an attacking stat.
At 1% ownership, while playing 80 minutes he is a serious POD option, with 100+ scores a real likelihood when attacking stats fall his way.
Cowboys: 1. Valentine Holmes 2. Kyle Feldt 3. Justin O’Neill 4. Esan Marsters 5. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 6. Scott Drinkwater 7. Jake Clifford 8. Francis Molo 9. Reece Robson 10. Jordan McLean 11. Mitchell Dunn 12. Coen Hess 13. Josh McGuire
Bench: 14. Reuben Cotter 15. Tom Gilbert 16. Shane Wright 17. Gavin Cooper
Reserves: 18. Corey Jensen 19. Peter Hola 20. Jason Taumalolo 21. Tom Opacic
Analysis: Val Holmes had his first below par game of the season with just 32 points. He has a breakeven of 72 and should be traded to any of the big three fullbacks this week, but Tedesco is the favoured option with his upcoming draw.
Scott Drinkwater has peaked after making just $77k and can be moved on to a gun five-eighth, probably Munster, asap. But it can wait a week if there’s more pressing issues as he may score well against the Warriors.
Ben Hampton drops out of the squad completely. Let’s see if Reece Robson can win the starting hooker role in Jake Granville’s absence.
Esan Marsters has a 3RA of just 44PPG and may not be in the top five CTWs by end of year. I wouldn’t be trading out if I owned, but he’s far from a priority trade in that some had assumed a few weeks ago.
Jason Taumalolo has been named in the extended squad, please, please let him play…
Embed from Getty ImagesEELS v PANTHERS
Friday, 7.55pm, Bankwest Stadium, Sydney
Eels: 1. Clint Gutherson 2. Maika Sivo 3. Michael Jennings 4. Waqa Blake 5. Blake Ferguson 6. Dylan Brown 7. Mitchell Moses 8. Reagan Campbell-Gillard 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Junior Paulo 11. Shaun Lane 12. Ryan Matterson 13. Nathan Brown
Bench: 14. Ray Stone 15. Marata Niukore 16. Kane Evans 17. Peni Terepo
Reserves: 18. Brad Takairangi 19. Oregan Kaufusi 20. George Jennings 21. Will Smith
Analysis: Maika Sivo has hit form with a 3RA of 77PPG, he’s a brilliant POD at 15% ownership, but there’s probably higher priority trades this week. Dylan Brown has a 3RA of 85PPG and is outshining halves partner Mitch Moses who is ticking along reasonably well.
Brown will continue to see an increased share of the ball which is a huge concern for Moses owners. Ryan Matterson seemed to score 65 without doing anything, get him in.
Panthers: 1. Caleb Aekins 2. Josh Mansour 3. Dean Whare 4. Stephen Crichton 5. Brian To’o 6. Jarome Luai 7. Nathan Cleary 8. James Tamou 9. Apisai Koroisau 10. James Fisher-Harris 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Kurt Capewell 13. Isaah Yeo
Bench: 14. Matt Burton 15. Zane Tetevano 16. Moses Leota 17. Liam Martin
Reserves: 18. Mitch Kenny 19. Billy Burns 20. Jack Hethrington 21. Dylan Edwards
Analysis: Josh Mansour finally crossed for a try to record 76 points. His runs regressed a touch to 16, however 15 of them were over 8m. On top of his monster base stats, he’s had nine offloads to prop up his scores and is a great trade in option. However, you’re now nearing premium price for him.
Kurt Capewell and Isaah Yeo played 80 and 59 minutes respectably and are pretty well must-haves at CTW. The drop in minutes were interesting and somewhat concerning for Yeo, but it may have just been the quick back up from his 90 minute performance against the Knights. James Fisher-Harris went big with 90 points in 69 minutes.
I’m struggling to get a gauge on his regular minutes, but he’s obviously one to watch in coming weeks. Nathan Cleary started like a house on fire with an 87PPG average. Obviously you should be making plans to get him in, but with priority trades this week, and Penrith facing the Eels and Storm in coming weeks it can wait if needed.
RABBITOHS v TITANS
Saturday, 3pm, Bankwest Stadium, Sydney
Rabbitohs: 1. Latrell Mitchell 2. Dane Gagai 3. Campbell Graham 4. James Roberts 5. Alex Johnston 6. Cody Walker 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Tevita Tatola 9. Damien Cook 10. Thomas Burgess 11. Jaydn Su’A 12. Ethan Lowe 13. Cam Murray
Bench: 14. Liam Knight 15. Patrick Mago 16. Tom Amone 17. Bayley Sironen
Reserves: 18. Mark Nicholls 19. Bryson Goodwin 20. Braidon Burns 21. Keaon Koloamatangi
Analysis: Latrell Mitchell has scores of 51 and 70 in the past two weeks and has bottomed out in price at a $130k discount. He’s developing the fitness and ball playing required to succeed at fullback with each game.
I’ll be targeting him as a POD CTW in coming weeks, although he could go big against the Titans. Cam Murray will hopefully jag some attacking stats with upcoming clashes with the Titans and Warriors and is a strong 2RF option.
The move to the middle saw him drop to 62 minutes which is a bit of a worry, but he still managed 62 points. Damien Cook has bottomed out at $100k discount and should enter buy discussions.
James Roberts returns in place of Braidon Burns, with Alex Johnston remaining on the wing.
Titans: 1. Phillip Sami 2. Anthony Don 3. Dale Copley 4. Young Tonumaipea 5. Brian Kelly 6. Ash Taylor 7. Jamal Fogarty 8. Moeaki Fotuaika 9. Erin Clark 10. Sam Lisone 11. Kevin Proctor 12. Bryce Cartwright 13. Jai Arrow
Bench: 14. Tanah Boyd 15. Keegan Hipgrave 16. Jaimin Jolliffe 17. Tyrone Peachey
Reserves: 18. Jarrod Wallace 19. Jai Whitbread 20. Beau Fermor 21. Tyrone Roberts
Analysis: It was concerning to see Jai Arrow play just 52 minutes against the Tigers. Fortunately he’s a weapon and knocked out a respectable 65 points. I wouldn’t be buying unless we see a definite 60+ minutes each week, but owners can hold on for a touch longer without too much panic.
Mo Fotuaika has scored 87 and 67 points in 57MPG the past two rounds and is hitting his straps as a starter. With a breakeven of 9 he will surge in price this week.
KNIGHTS v STORM
Saturday, 5.30pm, Central Coast Stadium
Knights: 1. Kalyn Ponga 2. Edrick Lee 3. Enari Tuala 4. Bradman Best 5. Hymel Hunt 6. Kurt Mann 7. Mitchell Pearce 8. David Klemmer 9. Andrew McCullough 10. Daniel Saifiti 11. Aidan Guerra 12. Sione Mata’utia 13. Herman Ese’ese
Bench: 14. Tex Hoy 15. Jacob Saifiti 16. Tim Glasby 17. Brodie Jones
Reserves: 18. Tautau Moga 19. Josh King 20. Phoenix Crossland 21. Lachlan Fitzgibbon
Analysis: Ponga v Teddy v Turbo… Good luck settling on the best two of the three. Once teams are established with a strong 17, it may well be a case of chopping and changing them based on fixtures.
As it stands, Teddy has the best draw of the three. But for Ponga to put 159 points on the defensive powerhouse of Canberra has put everyone on notice.
Kurt Mann has flown under the radar, quietly going about his business with a 51.5PPG average. He should peak in a week or two before being moved on. Bradman Best is averaging a ridiculous 111.5PPG and will make anywhere between 100-200k in this week alone and may well turn into a keeper.
Playing on Ponga’s preferred left edge will do wonders for his scoring. David Klemmer again saw poor game time with just 52 minutes on ground, but it mattered little as he knocked out 73 points.
It’s safe to say the sample size is large enough now that we know he’s output goes up enormously with lesser time on ground.
Storm: 1. Ryan Papenhuyzen 2. Suliasi Vunivalu 3. Justin Olam 4. Brenko Lee 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Cameron Munster 7. Ryley Jacks 8. Jesse Bromwich 9. Cameron Smith 10. Christian Welch 11. Felise Kaufusi 12. Kenneath Bromwich 13. Dale Finucane
Bench: 14. Brandon Smith 15. Tino Faasuamaleaui 16. Max King 17. Nelson Asofa-Solomona
Reserves: 18. Tom Eisenhuth 19. Marion Seve 20. Cooper Johns 21. Nicho Hynes
Analysis: It hurts to say this, but I think Ryan Papenhuyzen is a sell. It’s a certainty that he goes large at some point in the next few weeks, and he’s over $200k cheaper than the big three fullbacks, but the scores just aren’t coming and it’s proving costly.
Cameron Munster has scored 90 and 86 in the past two weeks and has absolutely thrived with a quicker ruck. It’s hard to see him not finishing as the top averaging five-eighth by season’s end. Cameron Smith hasn’t scored under 70 this season, weapon.
Embed from Getty ImagesTIGERS v RAIDERS
Saturday, 7.35pm, Campbelltown Stadium, Sydney
Tigers: 1. Adam Doueihi 2. David Nofoaluma 3. Joseph Leilua 4. Moses Mbye 5. Tommy Talau 6. Josh Reynolds 7. Luke Brooks 8. Josh Aloiai 9. Harry Grant 10. Zane Musgrove 11. Luciano Leilua 12. Chris Lawrence 13. Alex Twal
Bench: 14. Thomas Mikaele 15. Russell Packer 16. Michael Chee-Kam 17. Alex Seyfarth
Reserves: 18. Josh Reynolds 19. Matt Eisenhuth 20. Corey Thompson 21. Michael Chee-Kam
Analysis: David Nofoaluma is the gift that keeps on giving with a season average of 88PPG. Alex Twal is showing that with increased minutes his output drops fairly significantly, but it’s not a major concern. He played 76 minutes for 64 points, great signs for owners.
The attacking stats have dried up for Luciano Leilua, but he’s still scoring well and had three offloads against the Titans. Hold strong on him for a little while longer.
Harry Grant is averaging 76PPG and is an obvious must this week. He has a -88 breakeven and should make over $100k and is a safe play in 17s.
Bill Walters has been dropped, all but assuring 80 minutes for Grant, massive!
Benji Marshall has been dropped in favour of Josh Reynolds, I’m stunned…
Raiders: 1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 2. Bailey Simonsson 3. Jarrod Croker 4. Curtis Scott 5. Nick Cotric 6. Jack Wighton 7. George Williams 8. Josh Papalii 9. Josh Hodgson 10. Dunamis Lui 11. Joseph Tapine 12. Elliott Whitehead 13. Corey Horsburgh
Bench: 14. Siliva Havili 15. Emre Guler 16. Iosia Soliola 17. Jordan Rapana
Reserves: 18. Tom Starling 19. Matt Frawley 20. Ryan Sutton 21. Michael Oldfield
Analysis: Joe Tapine and Corey Horsburgh are both averaging 59PPG and have justified their early season buys. They’ll keep scoring well in 17s and can be moved on over the next fortnight to a genuine gun once peaking in value.
The Raiders were belted by the Knights, yet George Williams had his highest score of the season with 79 points. He has maintained a negative breakeven and can be held for another few weeks at the very least.
Nick Cotric hit the skids with 41 points despite scoring a try.
Josh Papalii ended four careers in one run with a barnstorming try to boost his score to 94 points. Most impressively for SuperCoaches, he upped his minutes to 59. That’s the territory we need him in to warrant trading in.
Embed from Getty ImagesBULLDOGS v ROOSTERS
Sunday, 4.05pm, Bankwest Stadium, Sydney
Bulldogs: 1. Will Hopoate 2. Nick Meaney 3. Reimis Smith 4. Jake Averillo 5. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 6. Kieran Foran 7. Lachlan Lewis 8. Aiden Tolman 9. Jeremy Marshall-King 10. Dylan Napa 11. Josh Jackson 12. Raymond Faitala-Mariner 13. Adam Elliott
Bench: 14. Christian Crichton 15. Renouf To’omaga 16. Dean Britt 17. Sauaso Sue
Reserves: 19. Ofahiki Ogden 20. Brandon Wakeham 21. Morgan Harper 22. Jack Cogger
Analysis: Finally, the Dogs moved Will Hopoate to fullback in place of DWZ. They’re both in their correct positions now and they looked a new side. Hoppa had 25 runs and looked terrific, and he’s also about to bottom out in price at $476k.
He’s one to seriously consider next week as a huge POD following what will be a savage clash with the reigning premiers. There’s little happening elsewhere.
Roosters: 1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Josh Morris 4. Joseph Manu 5. Brett Morris 6. Luke Keary 7. Kyle Flanagan 8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves 9. Jake Friend 10. Siosiua Taukeiaho 11. Boyd Cordner 12. Angus Crichton 13. Victor Radley
Bench: 14. Sam Verrills 15. Isaac Liu 16. Nat Butcher 17. Lindsay Collins
Reserves: 18. Sitili Tupouniua 19. Mitchell Aubusson 20. Ryan Hall 21. Lachlan Lam
Analysis: James Tedesco burnt owners last week after missing the game with a high temperature. I’ll be moving mountains to get him in this week and he will be my skipper.
Luke Keary tonned up in the demolition of Brisbane and now has a 3RA of 77PPG and is a great POD with the Roosters friendly draw over the next three weeks. Angus Crichton went huge with 125 points and is owned by just 2% of coaches.
Mitch Aubusson’s presence is keeping coaches away, and it’s proving costly for POD hunters. What happens to Crichton’s minutes with Aubo’s return?
Daniel Tupou has a 3RA of 74PPG and needs to come into serious consideration at 5% ownership. He is scoring 33BPG to go along with his attacking stats, so he’s a safe purchase with big upside.
DRAGONS v SHARKS
Sunday, 6.30pm, Campbelltown Stadium, Sydney
Dragons: 1. Corey Norman 2. Jordan Pereira 3. Euan Aitken 4. Zac Lomax 5. Mikaele Ravalawa 6. Ben Hunt 7. Adam Clune 8. Josh Kerr 9. Cameron McInnes 10. Paul Vaughan 11. Tyson Frizell 12. Tyrell Fuimaono 13. James Graham
Bench: 14. Trent Merrin 15. Blake Lawrie 16. Issac Luke 17. Matt Dufty
Reserves: 18. Jacob Host 19. Jackson Ford 20. Jason Saab 21. Korbin Sims
Analysis: Brayden Wiliame and Zac Lomax are about to start leaking cash and can be sold. Although neither are a priority, with Wiliame having earned very little, and Lomax scoring reasonably well. Wiliame is out and at least won’t lose cash for the time being.
Cameron McInnes has consecutive scores of 89 and 82 without an attacking stat to his name. He’s basically a must-have at 2RF.
Sharks: 1. Matt Moylan 2. Sione Katoa 3. Josh Dugan 4. Jesse Ramien 5. Mawene Hiroti 6. Shaun Johnson 7. Chad Townsend 8. Andrew Fifita 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Aaron Woods 11. Briton Nikora 12. Wade Graham 13. Jack Williams
Bench: 14. Connor Tracey 15. Braden Hamlin-Uele 16. Toby Rudolf 17. Scott Sorensen
Reserves: 18. Billy Magoulias 19. Braydon Trindall 20. Royce Hunt 21. Teig Wilton
Analysis: Jesse Ramien finally found some attacking stats to punch out 99 points. His workload is impressive with 33BPG and could score well in coming weeks with a soft draw.
SJ looked better with 61 points and he can be held due to the upcoming fixtures against the Dragons, Bulldogs, Sea Eagles and Titans. Reassess whether or not he’s a keeper after that run of games.
Toby Rudolf played a season high 46 minutes for 51 points and is ticking along nicely. He moves to the bench with Andrew Fifita back, but shouldn’t lose too many minutes.
Blayke Brailey has more money to make, but he has to be moved on to Harry Grant this week.
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SUPERCOACH TERMINOLOGY KEY
MPG = Minutes per game
PPG = Points per game
PPM= Points per minute
BPG = Base per game (point accrued in tackles + runs + missed tackles)
POD = Point of difference
3RA = Three round average
5RA = Five round average
BREAKEVEN (B/E) = The score a player must record to earn a price rise.
*Please note all our stats are taken from the geniuses at nrlsupercoachstats.com
I realise most people will go Best and Grant this week. But I feel I need a gun fullback. Currently running Papy and Drinkwater. Looking to bring in either Teddy or Ponga. Thoughts?