Squad Breakdown: Team insights, Round 8

2020 NRL SuperCoach runner-up Tim Williams analyses all the key SuperCoach ins and outs following the release of Round 8 teams.

Squad Breakdown

I mentioned last week how quickly SuperCoach can turn on its head, and we’ve seen it two weeks in a row with the fullback position.

James Tedesco’s head knock, and further news that Ryan Papenhuyzen faces another two or three weeks out, has left us with some big decisions to be made.

The Cooma Stallions had a tough week scoring 1,169 to drop to 7k overall, although it didn’t feel bad as most of my players were strong.

I captained Teddy, so his 17 as skipper was a cruel bow, and I wasn’t a David Fifita owner for his huge score. Silly, silly.

The latter issue has finally been resolved, at a huge cost.

As for Teddy’s HIA, that’s SuperCoach, it’s out of our control so it’s just about enjoying when things fall your way!

Elsewhere, things are still looking promising, the tide will turn! Hopefully…

Let’s take a look at the Round 8 teams.

Sign up to SC Playbook for hundreds of extra premium articles across the NRL season, including access to our subscriber special question and answer podcast.

Embed from Getty Images

RAIDERS v RABBITOHS

Thursday, 7.50pm, GIO Stadium, Canberra

Raiders: 1. Caleb Aekins 2. Bailey Simonsson 3. Sebastian Kris 4. Curtis Scott 5. Jordan Rapana 6. Jack Wighton 7. George Williams 8. Ryan James 9. Tom Starling 10. Emre Guler 11. Corey Harawira-Naera 12. Elliott Whitehead 13. Ryan Sutton

Bench: 14. Siliva Havili 15. Joe Tapine 16. Corey Horsburgh 17. Hudson Young

Reserves: 18. Matt Timoko 19. Sia Soliola 20. Matt Frawley 21. Dunamis Lui

Analysis: The Raiders are battling and so are their SuperCoach contingent.

Jordan Rapana has been the shining light with a 68PPG average, including a ton in Round 7.

He’s busted 43 tackles this season, including nine in three different games. He’s also had 18+ runs the past three weeks.

While looking great and ticking plenty of boxes, the way Canberra are playing I’m not keen to invest as I think they’re extremely clunky in their backline. I’m amazed Rapa has scored so well considering, look out if they hit form!

Tom Starling hit 90 in his first start of the season, but with plenty of strong hooking options and Josh Hodgson due back soon he can’t really be considered.

Embed from Getty Images

Rabbitohs: 1. Cody Walker 2. Alex Johnston 3. Dane Gagai 4. Campbell Graham 5. Jaxson Paulo 6. Benji Marshall 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Thomas Burgess 9. Damien Cook 10. Tevita Tatola 11. Keaon Koloamatangi 12. Jaydn Su’A 13. Cameron Murray

Bench: 14. Mark Nicholls 15. Liam Knight 16. Jacob Host 17. Jai Arrow

Reserves: 18. Steven Marsters 19. Hame Sele 20. Patrick Mago 21. Dean Hawkins

Analysis: I loved what I saw from Cody Walker against the Titans. With Latrell out, he’s so much more likely to jag try-assists as the main sweeper out the back.

The Rabbitohs face the Raiders, Storm, Sharks, Panthers and Eels before missing Round 13, so I wouldn’t be considering, but owners can be very optimistic.

Dane Gagai is an indefinite hold due to his base, but I’d look to move on Alex Johnston in the next few weeks for someone with Round 13 coverage.

He has plenty of low scores in him during the upcoming run.

Cam Murray is back! He backed up his ton with a fairly effortless 86 points in 76 minutes! 

I actually like the tough draw for him as it’s more likely he’ll play that 65+ minutes during the run.

At 13% ownership he’s a serious POD with upside. Although, the four forward bench name is a concern.

Wayne Bennett traditionally runs with a utility there, so hopefully it changes come game day.

With Origin looming and potentially rests at times, I think Damien Cook is a sell before Round 13. It’s not urgent, but he has a breakeven of 93 and has a 3RA of 51.7PPG.

Embed from Getty Images

STORM v SHARKS

Friday, 6pm, AAMI Park, Melbourne

Storm: 1. Nicho Hynes 2. Reimis Smith 3. Tom Eisenhuth 4. Justin Olam 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Cameron Munster 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Jesse Bromwich 9. Brandon Smith 10. Christian Welch 11. Felise Kaufusi 12. Kenneath Bromwich 13. Tui Kamikamica

Bench: 14. Harry Grant 15. Dale Finucane 16. Chris Lewis 17. Ryley Jacks

Reserves: 18. Aaron Pene 19. Dean Ieremia 20. Trent Loiero 21. Isaac Lumelume

Analysis: With Craig Bellamy stating this week Ryan Papenhuyzen is still two or three weeks away minimum, leading into a probable Origin berth, I’ll likely be selling this week to Tommy Turbo.

He’s fine to hold, it’s just a lot of money sitting on the bench. That trade will bank you almost $300k which is absurd.

Beware though, not owning Papy could come at a serious price! That’s the gamble of the fullback position this year.

Nicho Hynes is interesting at $296k with a -5 breakeven and more importantly CTW availability. He’ll also likely play fullback in Round 13 where they face the Broncos.

But is it a trap if Papy comes back early sending Hynes to the bench? You’d almost prefer Hynes to be dropped entirely on Papy’s return from a financial gain perspective. I’ll avoid, but it could reap big rewards.

GET ONBOARD WITH TOPSPORT! Back your knowledge, and follow our NRL market previews throughout the season using their exclusive markets. Use the code SCPLAYBOOK when signing up. Check them out here ahead of the upcoming round of NRL.

Jahrome Hughes scored huge with 141 points, his second consecutive ton. He’s now the second highest scoring halfback this season.

While he’s a POD for sure, I don’t really see how you can’t be running a Cleary/S.Walker halfback combo.

Harry Grant only scored 33 in 53 minutes. Surely he starts soon and plays 80? There’s too much competition with great bye round availability at hooker to consider while he’s playing sub 60 minutes.

Christian Welch has peaked at $562k and a breakeven of 78. With Origin looming I think he can be moved on at any point. But with more pressing trades it’s a bit of a luxury move.

He won’t do any harm sitting there a while longer if you have other problems to deal with.

Embed from Getty Images

Sharks: 1. Will Kennedy 2. Mawene Hiroti 3. Will Chambers 4. Jesse Ramien 5. Connor Tracey 6. Shaun Johnson 7. Chad Townsend 8. Aiden Tolman 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Aaron Woods 11. Briton Nikora 12. Wade Graham 13. Toby Rudolf

Bench: 14. Teig Wilton 15. Braydon Trindall 16. Jack Williams 17. Braden Hamlin-Uele

Reserves: 18. Matt Moylan 19. Billy Magoulias 20. Franklin Pele 21. Josh Dugan

Analysis: Matt Moylan has been dropped/injured (TBC), as has Josh Dugan who has been replaced by club debutant Will Chambers.

Teig Wilton has done an excellent job for owners, making $156k to sit with a breakeven of 24. More importantly, he’s been an excellent play in 17s each week.

Now on the bench, he can be moved on either this week or next for a tidy profit.

Jesse Ramien has looked damaging of late and is worth keeping an eye on, but with no Round 13 coverage for Cronulla there are better options. 

Shaun Johnson looked excellent on return from a lengthy lay off and should be nice and cheap to poach come Round 14 if he returns to pre-injury form.

Embed from Getty Images

BRONCOS v TITANS

Friday, 7.55pm, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane

Broncos: 1. Jamayne Isaako 2. Xavier Coates 3. Jesse Arthurs 4. Herbie Farnworth 5. Corey Oates 6. Anthony Milford 7. Tyson Gamble 8. Matt Lodge 9. Jake Turpin 10. Payne Haas 11. Jordan Riki 12. Tevita Pangai Junior 13. Pat Carrigan

Bench: 14. Danny Levi 15. Thomas Flegler 16. Ethan Bullemor 17. Rhys Kennedy

Reserves: 18. Tesi Niu 19. John Asiata 20. David Mead 21. Brodie Croft

Analysis: Both halves have been dropped, with Anthony Milford and Tyson Gamble earning a call up.

I had a very late backflip going Tevita Pangai Jnr over Payne Haas last week which paid off.

Both remain great trade ins. My logic was that TPJ has huge upside, playing 80, at $100k cheaper and most importantly plays Round 13.

So far so good, but injury/suspension/benching are all such huge risks with TPJ.

In a well beaten side, he had a try, linebreak, 30 tackles, four offloads and four tacklebreaks.

Haas played just 57 minutes which was a concern, but he still knocked out 78 points including a linebreak.

He had eight tacklebreaks which is an excellent sign going forward.

Matt Lodge scored an okay 50 points, but it was in 47 minutes which is encouraging. Regardless, he’ll be a hold until he plays Round 13.

Embed from Getty Images

Titans: 1. AJ Brimson 2. Anthony Don 3. Brian Kelly 4. Phillip Sami 5. Corey Thompson 6. Ash Taylor 7. Jamal Fogarty 8. Jarrod Wallace 9. Mitch Rein 10. Moeaki Fotuaika 11. Kevin Proctor 12. David Fifita 13. Tyrone Peachey

Bench: 14. Erin Clark 15. Jaimin Jolliffe 16. Herman Ese’ese 17. Sam McIntyre

Reserves: 18. Beau Fermor 19. Tanah Boyd 20. Jai Whitbread 21. Darius Farmer

Analysis: David Fifita has smoked me for the last time. I’ll be shifting him into my side finally for a ridiculous $850k, ouch! What a freak…

Corey Thompson is on fire, scoring 110 without a try!!!

He had 15 tacklebreaks against the Rabbitohs, who said there’s no place for the little man in the current game? The quicker game is playing into the hands of these little blokes and it’s great to see.

He’s had double figure points from tacklebusts in his last four games and he has great base.

He hasn’t scored under 50 this season and plays Round 13 and looks a terrific trade in target.

Tyrone Peachey is too much of a rollercoaster for me to entertain. 

Brian Kelly scored 64 and was okay. He’s not tacklebusting too often and his base has been down, so you’d want to see a little more before grabbing.

He’s cheap at $475k and has a breakeven of 77, so keep a close eye on him in coming weeks.

Embed from Getty Images

PANTHERS v SEA EAGLES

Saturday, 3pm, Carrington Park, Bathurst

Panthers: 1. Dylan Edwards 2. Charlie Staines 3. Stephen Crichton 4. Matt Burton 5. Brian To’o 6. Jarome Luai 7. Nathan Cleary 8. Moses Leota 9. Api Koroisau 10. James Fisher-Harris 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Kurt Capewell 13. Isaah Yeo

Bench: 14. Tyrone May 15. Spencer Leniu 16. Matthew Eisenhuth 17. Liam Martin

Reserves: 18. Scott Sorensen 19. Mitch Kenny 20. Robert Jennings 21. Brent Naden

Analysis: Charlie Staines has a breakeven of 87 having made an underwhelming $52k for his masses of owners. He’s worth upgrading to a fallen gun sooner rather than later.

It is an enticing day game against a rejuvenated Manly side this weekend, but we’ve been down this path before with Charlie…

While he’s been ordinary this year by SuperCoach standards, Stephen Crichton looks much better back at centre and is just $382k with early bye coverage.

It’s probably too early to be eyeing a fifth CTW, but at the price he could be a great buy to play based solely on match up. Definitely a luxury trade.

Jarome Luai and Nathan Cleary are excellent captaincy picks this week.

As usual, Brian To’o remains a must. He has a low score of 55 this season. He had 27 runs against the Knights, and incredibly it was the first time all season he didn’t register double digit tacklebreak points (with 8).

I think Kurt Capewell is a trade before Round 13. He’ll play Origin, and with Penrith’s back-row depth including Liam Martin and Viliame Kikau who won’t play Origin, he’s a prime candidate for early rests.

I won’t be trading anytime soon as he’s hardly a concern, but a move to someone like Nofa or Thompson just before that bye round looks a decent play.

Spencer Leniu is plodding away and has peaked for the time being having made just $58k. He has a breakeven of 53 that he probably won’t reach.

I’m thinking of just holding till Round 13 as an extra number, but if he punches out 25 points it’ll hardly be worth it.

If you can move him onto a gun FRF just go for it, otherwise it’ll be a patient wait for money that’s far from guaranteed.

Api Koroisau returns from injury.

Embed from Getty Images

Sea Eagles: 1. Tom Trbojevic 2. Jason Saab 3. Brad Parker 4. Morgan Harper 5. Reuben Garrick 6. Kieran Foran 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Taniela Paseka 9. Lachlan Croker 10. Martin Taupau 11. Haumole Olakau’atu 12. Josh Schuster 13. Jake Trbojevic

Bench: 14. Cade Cust 15. Josh Aloiai 16. Sean Keppie 17. Toafofoa Sipley

Reserves: 18. Zac Saddler 19. Tevita Funa 20. Christian Tuipulotu 21. Ben Trbojevic

Analysis: Tommy Turbo, gee it’s good to see the legend back in full flight.

My goodness he tore apart the Tigers. Back-to-back tons in his first two games back from injury make him so hard to ignore at a bargain discount of just $593k.

There’s lots to consider though. Firstly, there remains the terrifying injury risk. Secondly, you’re bringing him in for a brutal clash against Penrith, so a sub 60 odd score is very possible, so don’t expect the world this week.

As good as he’s looked, the defence of the Tigers and Titans was dismal, he won’t get that every week.

With a breakeven of -5 and a potential bank of $300k to be made from a Papy trade it looks enticing.

After this clash, the Sea Eagles face the Warriors and Broncos, yes please!

Alternatively, Teddy is obviously in huge doubt this week, but should at very least be back next week.

BREAK AWAY FROM THE PACK with Quantium, Australia’s premier data science and artificial intelligence company. Create your own career power play and join the team today. Visit our website for more information. CEO Adam Druissi is a contributor to SC Playbook.

Teddy has lost so much value so I’m tempted to trade Papy to Turbo.

Jason Saab has finally started to turn a corner, not surprisingly coinciding with the return of Turbo.

He has four tries in his last three games, but still only has a 3RA of 42PPG, yuck!

He’s now made $35k for the season with a breakeven of 9. A sub 20 score v Penrith is likely, so the cash generation might be short lived. Let’s hope he jags a try to continue with a few more rises before moving on.

Don’t let him anywhere near your top 17! With Turbo back, Reuben Garrick has back-to-back tons and is kicking goals, but with no Round 13 coverage and the possibility of Manly regressing badly at any point there’s better options.

Josh Schuster is on fire with a 5RA of 73PPG. He’s made $265k and has a breakeven of just 3. Surprisingly he only had six runs on the weekend.

Those who avoided him will be rueing the decision.

Hold for another few weeks, then decide whether to turn into a gun 5/8 with a higher ceiling.

Embed from Getty Images

BULLDOGS v EELS

Saturday, 5.30pm, Stadium Australia, Sydney

Bulldogs: 1. Nick Meaney 2. Nick Cotric 3. Will Hopoate 4. Corey Allan 5. Tuipulotu Katoa 6. Jake Averillo 7. Kyle Flanagan 8. Dylan Napa 9. Sione Katoa 10. Luke Thompson 11. Adam Elliott 12. Chris Smith 13. Corey Waddell

Bench: 14. Brad Deitz 15. Renouf Atoni 16. Ava Seumanufagai 17. Matt Doorey

Reserves: 19. Brandon Wakeham 20. Joe Stimson 21. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 23. Ofahiki Ogden

Analysis: It was so pleasing to see the Dogs get their first win of the year.

SuperCoach relevance remains minimal though, and they don’t play Round 13.

Luke Thompson has a 3RA of 71PPG and is looking solid. He also played a season high 64 minutes on the weekend which is encouraging.

While he appears a solid play in the FRF position, there is absolutely no ceiling with him so I’d avoid for someone like TPJ or Haas.

Embed from Getty Images

Eels: 1. Clint Gutherson 2. Maika Sivo 3. Tom Opacic 4. Marata Niukore 5. Blake Ferguson 6. Dylan Brown 7. Mitchell Moses 8. Reagan Campbell-Gillard 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Junior Paulo 11. Shaun Lane 12. Isaiah Papali’i 13. Nathan Brown

Bench: 14. Oregon Kaufusi 15. Ryan Matterson 16. Haze Dunster 17. Bryce Cartwright

Reserves: 18. Joey Lussick 19. Keegan Hipgrave 20. Wiremu Greig 21. Jordan Rankin

Analysis: King Gutho is firing with a season average of 82.3PPG. Apologies for not giving him more credit in this write up, it just appeared that Teddy/Papy was the season long fullback option for the first stage of the season that he was definitely overlooked!

He scored 124 against the Broncos, and Parra’s upcoming draw against the Dogs, Roosters, Warriors and Sea Eagles is very enticing.

I’m still happy to have Turbo and Ponga ahead of him in the fullback trade pecking order, but with just one score under 74 this season he’s impossible to knock.

Maika Sivo always has a monster score in him, that was on the weekend with 157 points. He’s priced at just $477k with a breakeven of -37 with Round 13 coverage.

He has three scores under 35 this season, so he’s extremely reliant on tries. With that nice draw he’s a massive POD for anyone convinced Parra will continue on a tear.

Blake Ferguson scored 75 without a try or assist on the weekend. He had 21 runs, seven tacklebreaks and a pair of offloads.

With his excellent base, I think he’s a comfortable hold before being moved on after the Round 13 bye week.

Isaiah Papali’I has five tries in four games, my word. At $700k and a breakeven of 42 with Ryan Matterson looming on the bench I definitely think the ship has sailed now.

The tries have to dry up (I think), so let’s target him when we get a bit of a price drop as he’ll be a huge play for Round 13. I also really want to see his minutes with Matto back on deck.

Bryce Cartwright, 120, mmmm….. I won’t go there…

Embed from Getty Images

KNIGHTS v ROOSTERS

Saturday, 7.35pm, McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle

Knights: 1. Kalyn Ponga 2. Starford To’a 3. Enari Tuala 4. Bradman Best 5. Brayden Musgrove 6. Kurt Mann 7. Blake Green 8. David Klemmer 9. Jayden Brailey 10. Daniel Saifiti 11. Tyson Frizell 12. Mitchell Barnett 13. Connor Watson

Bench: 14. Sauaso Sue 15. Jacob Saifiti 16. Josh King 17. Brodie Jones

Reserves: 18. Pasami Saulo 19. Phoenix Crossland 20. Lachlan Fitzgibbon 21. Tex Hoy

Analysis: Kalyn Ponga is a great option for anyone looking to move on Tedesco or Papenhuyzen. The upcoming draw against the Roosters and Raiders isn’t great, but both are either depleted or battling so it’s not as bad as it appears.

He’ll cost you $120k more than Tommy Turbo, but perhaps that peace of mind around injury concern is worth the extra cash!

Both are great options in my opinion, each with their own cons.

I sold Connor Watson last week and so far so good with the decision. It was a move to get Jake Simpkin into my side who plays Round 13 and looks a decent bench option for 17s each week.

That being said, there’s no reason why you can’t hold Watson long-term, at least through till Round 13.

It’s just with the tough upcoming draw and a concern over minutes with Lachlan Fitzgibbon returning soon having now been named on the extended bench, I wanted to bank the safety of Jayden Brailey who I’ve held.

Bradman Best scored 65 without any real attacking stats aside from a linebreak. He had 19 runs, 16 tackles and two offloads. With a breakeven of 94 and two tough match ups to come, he should be significantly discounted in a fortnight in prep for Round 13.

Mitch Barnett was solid again in a well beaten side and remains a hold through till Round 13.

David Klemmer has plummeted this season, more so in recent weeks with a 3RA of just 46.7PPG.

He’s played just 42 and 50 minutes the past two weeks. With a poor ceiling for an elite FRF option, he needs to be playing 60+ minutes to warrant buying despite the tempting price of just $489k.

Embed from Getty Images

Roosters: 1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Josh Morris 4. Joseph Manu 5. Brett Morris 6. Drew Hutchinson 7. Sam Walker 8. Isaac Liu 9. Sam Verrills 10. Lindsay Collins 11. Angus Crichton 12. Sitili Tupouniua 13. Victor Radley

Bench: 14. Ben Marschke 15. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves 16. Nat Butcher 17. Siosiua Taukeiaho

Reserves: 18. Fletcher Baker 19. Matt Ikuvalu 20. Egan Butcher 21. Joseph Suaalii

Analysis: I can’t justify selling Teddy at under $600k, despite the 157 breakeven there’s such little value.

The Roosters face the Cowboys and Broncos just before Origin, I’ll be holding and hopefully cashing in on those games.

However, with question marks over his availability this week I do understand a move to Turbo at the same price.

At $480k, Daniel Tupou has just about bottomed out in price. With a breakeven of 70 though there’s no rush. 

Sam Walker’s sensational long passing game is magic for Tupou’s try-scoring prospects going forward.

Walker is phenomenal, what a star. Lock him into your 17s most weeks.

Sitili Tupouniua is ripe for picking at $367k with a breakeven of 2. If I didn’t have to prioritise David Fifita this week he’d be coming into my team.

I don’t mind the idea of cashing in Brett Morris for a $200k+ profit for a fallen gun at CTW.

Taukeiaho has been named on the bench but remains in doubt due to injury.

Embed from Getty Images

WARRIORS v COWBOYS

Sunday, 2pm, Central Coast Stadium, Gosford

Warriors: 1. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 2. David Fusitu’a 3. Adam Pompey 4. Rocco Berry 5. Ken Maumalo 6. Reece Walsh 7. Kodi Nikorima 8. Jamayne Taunoa-Brown 9. Wayde Egan 10. Kane Evans 11. Josh Curran 12. Ben Murdoch-Masila 13. Tohu Harris

Bench: 14. Jazz Tevaga 15. Leeson Ah Mau 16. Bunty Afoa 17. Bayley Sironen

Reserves: 18. Jack Murchie 20. Sean O’Sullivan 21. Tom Ale 22. Taniela Otukolo

Analysis: Josh Curran has been named but has a trip to the judiciary tonight to decide his fate.

I’m hoping he misses a week so I can buy next week at $203k with a breakeven of -58.

Minus the sin-bin, he’s played max minutes the past two weeks and should make great cash and will also act as a decent play in 17s.

Reece Walsh is only available at fullback which is disappointing. If he goes well this week we will have some big decisions to be made in the key position next week.

Embed from Getty Images

Cowboys: 1. Valentine Holmes 2. Kyle Feldt 3. Justin O’Neill 4. Connelly Lemuelu 5. Murray Taulagi 6. Scott Drinkwater 7. Ben Hampton 8. Coen Hess 9. Reece Robson 10. Jordan McLean 11. Shane Wright 12. Ben Condon 13. Jason Taumalolo

Bench: 14. Jake Granville 15. Lachlan Burr 16. Francis Molo 17. Corey Jensen

Reserves: 18. Peter Hola 19. Javid Bowen 20. Tom Gilbert 21. Jake Clifford

Analysis: Val Holmes has a 5RA of 76PPG and hasn’t scored below 50 since Round 1.

With upcoming games against the Warriors and Broncos he is a huge POD play at CTW.

Ben Condon is ticking along nicely having made owners $141k in two weeks, and he still has a breakeven of -8.

He has tries in three consecutive games and has a high score of just 71, so I’d avoid playing him in 17s with a pretty ordinary base.

With Jason Taumalolo back there’s a decent chance Condon won’t play 80.

Embed from Getty Images

DRAGONS v TIGERS

Sunday, 4.05pm, WIN Stadium, Wollongong

Dragons: 1. Matthew Dufty 2. Cody Ramsey 3. Jack Bird 4. Zac Lomax 5. Max Feagai 6. Corey Norman 7. Ben Hunt 8. Blake Lawrie 9. Andrew McCullough 10. Paul Vaughan 11. Josh Kerr 12. Tariq Sims 13. Tyrell Fuimaono

Bench: 14. Adam Clune 15. Josh McGuire 16. Daniel Alvaro 17. Billy Burns

Reserves: 18. Kaide Ellis 19. Jackson Ford 20. Poasa Faamausili 21. BJunior Amone

Analysis: There’s very little doing at the Dragons SuperCoach wise.

Jack Bird (32) and Zac Lomax (25) flopped against the Roosters.

Lomax is now $508k with a breakeven of 98, crazy! There’s talk around that he’s in strong contention for an Origin call up, so it’s worth waiting on him.

The upcoming games against the Tigers and Bulldogs are very intriguing though.

Embed from Getty Images

Tigers: 1. Daine Laurie 2. David Nofoaluma 3. Joey Leilua 4. James Roberts 5. Tommy Talau 6. Adam Doueihi 7. Luke Brooks 8. James Tamou 9. Jake Simpkin 10. Alex Twal 11. Luke Garner 12. Luciano Leilua 13. Joe Ofahengaue

Bench: 14. Moses Mbye 15. Stefano Utoikamanu 16. Alex Seyfarth 17. Thomas Mikaele

Reserves: 18. Michael Chee-Kam 19. Zane Musgrove 20. Tom Amone 21. Jacob Liddle

Analysis: David Nofoaluma has dropped to just $556k and has a breakeven of 81.

While it’s probably worth waiting, he is a serious trade target this week. He has a hefty ceiling and could be the man to help you jump rankings significantly.

He has three tries in six games and is averaging a tick under 60PPG.

Now benched, Stefano Utoikamanu has peaked at a $166k profit and a breakeven of 60.

Yes the Round 13 bye coverage is tempting, but if you can turn him into a gun FRF I’d make the move.

I’ll look to make him Payne Haas in coming weeks.

Luciano Leilua has a 65.7PPG average and remains enticing as a big score appears around the corner. 

But when the Tigers are dishing up rubbish performances like the weekend it limits his scoring potential so significantly.

If they can find more consistency as a club I’d be far more intrigued by them.

Jake Simpkin looks a great buy this week at $173k and a breakeven of -38.

He played 82 minutes on debut, then 70 minutes on the weekend. With Round 13 coverage he’s extremely hard to pass up.

The obvious issue is job security with Billy Walters and Jacob Liddle both looming. With the obvious price gains I think it’s worth making the move despite the risk.

Sign up to SC Playbook for hundreds of extra premium articles across the NRL season, including access to our subscriber special question and answer podcast.

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

Leave a Reply