Squad Breakdown: Team insights, Round 21

2020 NRL SuperCoach runner-up Tim Williams analyses all the key SuperCoach ins and outs following the release of Round 21 teams.

Squad Breakdown

Hopefully SuperCoaches got through what was a brutal round of action in Round 20.

The final nail in the coffin for some was the late withdrawal of the heavily owned Jesse Ramien.

Those who gambled against Tom Trbojevic by looping Cody Walker’s 151 points were made to pay big time as Turbo broke the SuperCoach record with 226 points.

The Cooma Stallions had a solid week of 1,576 points to move into 967th overall.

PRICE DROP!!! Sign up to SC Playbook for just $20 for extra premium articles every round, including access to our subscriber special question and answer podcast.

Embed from Getty Images

I tossed and turned whether to save trades and play Spencer Leniu and Siosifa Talakai, or burn two of my final four trades to get in Payne Haas and Kotoni Staggs.

It looked like a masterstroke as Staggs punched out 90 points with a pair of tries, only to later be ruled out for the season, poor bugger.

It was a bit of a dagger, but the points difference was nice.

Back into the top 1,000, hopefully the charge up the overall board can continue.

With five weeks to go and trades running very thin, I’ll begin to look at a few more captaincy questions and sit v start issues we might be having in the below analysis.

Let’s take a look at the Round 21 squads, noting that references to overall player stats come from Adam Driussi’s weekly article leading into the prior round.

Embed from Getty Images

KNIGHTS v BRONCOS

Thursday, 7.50pm, Sunshine Coast Stadium, Sunshine Coast

Knights: 1. Kalyn Ponga 2. Enari Tuala 3. Kurt Mann 4. Bradman Best 5. Hymel Hunt 6. Jake Clifford 7. Mitchell Pearce 8. Jacob Saifiti 9. Chris Randall 10. Daniel Saifiti 11. Tyson Frizell 12. Mitchell Barnett 13. Connor Watson

Bench: 14. Sauaso Sue 15. David Klemmer 16. Josh King 17. Brodie Jones

Reserves: 18. Phoenix Crossland 19. Lachlan Fitzgibbon 20. Starford To’a 21. Jack Johns

Analysis: The Knights have one of the best runs home with games against the Broncos, Sharks, Bulldogs, Titans and Broncos.

Kalyn Ponga sizzled into SuperCoach form and trade contention despite playing 68 minutes following an early rest.

He knocked out 98 points and looked exceptional in the process. 

If you’re a Clint Gutherson owner with a few trades in hand I like the move, however it’s fairly sidewise to move on most of the other gun fullbacks to Ponga unless you have 4+ trades in the bank.

Leading into Round 20, KP was owned by just 5% of the top 100 ranked overall SuperCoaches, and 4% of the top 1,000.

Bradman Best dazzled in his first game back with 107 points including two try-assists and a try.

Best has one of the strongest bases in SuperCoach for a CTW with 31BPG, and he also broke five tackles on return in a promising sign.

A word of warning…

Trades are extremely scare, many SuperCoaches have none left, and the injury toll isn’t getting any better.

If you do opt for Best, be aware he’s played just 21 out of a possible 41 games the past two seasons.

If he goes down injured, consider how your CTW will be looking.

Connor Watson was again moved to the bench before kick off and played just 44 minutes, I get that they won the game, but seriously?

He scored just 24 points, and once again, as it’s been all season, he becomes a tough play in 17s with those minutes.

Hopefully it’s a one-off and he returns to 60+ minutes for the run home.

He’s been named to start again, but following the strong win over the Raiders you’d think he switches to the bench come kick off.

Jayden Brailey has been rested after a copping a HIA on the weekend that he returned from and finished the game.

There’s no reason to suggest he won’t return next week.

Embed from Getty Images

Broncos: 1. Tesi Niu 2. Corey Oates 3. Jesse Arthars 4. Herbie Farnworth 5. Jamayne Isaako 6. Tyson Gamble 7. Brodie Croft 8. Keenan Palasia 9. Danny Levi 10. Payne Haas 11. Alex Glenn 12. Jordan Riki 13. Kobe Hetherington

Bench: 14. Xavier Willison 15. Rhys Kennedy 16. Ethan Bullemor 17. TC Robati

Reserves: 18. David Mead 19. Albert Kelly 20. Anthony Milford 21. Xavier Coates

Analysis: Kotoni Staggs burned me twice in two seasons after trading him in as a POD CTW.

The moved looked a good one as he scored two tries and 90 points against the Cowboys, but unfortunately for him he suffered a late season-ending injury.

While sounding hypocritical from the above in trading in a player with a tough injury history, I have the trades/depth to cover it so it’s not the end of the world, but boy it hurt.

Brisbane have a great run home, but they’re fairly unconvincing, so I’d avoid any attack reliant players.

Payne Haas remains a great buy, but he’s not a must if you have cover in the FRF position.

He played 65 minutes, scoring 73 points basically all in base stats, with 20 runs included.

Embed from Getty Images

RAIDERS v DRAGONS

Friday, 6pm, Cbus Super Stadium, Gold Coast

Raiders: 1. Jordan Rapana 2. Semi Valemei 3. Jarrod Croker 4. Matt Timoko 5. Harley Smith-Shields 6. Jack Wighton 7. Sam Williams 8. Josh Papalii 9. Josh Hodgson 10. Joe Tapine 11. Hudson Young 12. Elliott Whitehead 13. Ryan Sutton

Bench: 14. Tom Starling 15. Corey Harawira-Naera 16. Emre Guler 17. Elijah Anderson

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

Analysis: After this week’s game the Raiders have a fairly tough run, so for me there’s not much to expand on here. 

Corey Harawira-Naera is the only major player of interest who had a down week and as such has been demoted to the bench, that makes him very difficult to play in 17s this week.

Jordan Rapana isn’t an option in my books due to the tougher upcoming run, but he has been excellent of late.

Embed from Getty Images

Dragons: 1. Jack Bird 2. Mat Feagai 3. Cody Ramsey 4. Zac Lomax 5. Mikaele Ravalawa 6. Corey Norman 7. Adam Clune 8. Blake Lawrie 9. Andrew McCullough 10. Josh McGuire 11. Billy Burns 12. Tariq Sims 13. Jack de Belin

Bench: 14. Talatau Amone 15. Jackson Ford 16. Jaiyden Hunt 17. Kaide Ellis

Reserves: 18. Matt Dufty 19. Poasa Faamausili 20. Jayden Sullivan 21. Daniel Alvaro

Analysis: Ditto the Dragons who have next to no SuperCoach interest with a horrific run home and basically their only relevant player Ben Hunt set to miss the next month with injury.

Jack Bird switches to fullback which is an interesting watch for owners. He put up some strong numbers early last season at fullback for Brisbane.

Embed from Getty Images

EELS v RABBITOHS

Friday, 8.05pm, Cbus Super Stadium, Gold Coast

Eels: 1. Clint Gutherson 2. Maika Sivo 3. Tom Opacic 4. Waqa Blake 5. Blake Ferguson 6. Dylan Brown 7. Mitch Moses 8. Oregan Kaufusi 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Junior Paulo 11. Isaiah Papali’i 12. Ryan Matterson 13. Nathan Brown

Bench: 14. Bryce Cartwright 15. Shaun Lane 16. Marata Niukore 17. Will Smith

Reserves: 18. Haze Dunster 19. Ray Stone 20. Jakob Arthur 21. Makahesi Makatoa

Analysis: Following a bashing at the hands of the Roosters, Parramatta’s run doesn’t get any easier against the Rabbitohs, Sea Eagles, Cowboys, Storm and Panthers.

For that reason I still wouldn’t be going near any of their players as buys, aside from Isaiah Papali’i who most already own anyway.

Even then, if you didn’t own you’re better off going with the anti-POD play on him, unless you’re very highly ranked and are looking to consolidate.

If you have a decent amount of trades in hand I’d be going Clint Gutherson to a gun fullback with a softer draw.

If you’re running low and squad depth is poor, I’d just hold onto him. The likes of Ryan Matterson and Reed Mahoney remain safe holds and plays each week despite down weeks.

As the Eels cling onto a top four spot Matterson should continue to play big minutes, he knocked out 69 on the weekend.

Embed from Getty Images

Rabbitohs: 1. Latrell Mitchell 2. Josh Mansour 3. Dane Gagai 4. Taane Milne 5. Jaxson Paulo 6. Cody Walker 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Mark Nicholls 9. Damien Cook 10. Thomas Burgess 11. Keaon Koloamatangi 12. Jai Arrow 13. Cam Murray

Bench: 14. Benji Marshall 15. Jacob Host 16. Tevita Tatola 17. Jaydn Su’A

Reserves: 18. Braidon Burns 19. Patrick Mago 20. Blake Taaffe 21. Davvy Moale

Analysis: The Rabbitohs are heating up at the right time of the year.

They finish the year with a toughish draw against the Eels, Titans, Panthers, Roosters and Dragons.

It’s not hard enough to steer me away from going against any of their players with this form.

Latrell Mitchell is emerging as a stunning late season super POD, owned by under 5% of all top ranked SuperCoach teams.

He has back-to-back tons including 123 points against the Dragons at his latest outing.

There’s going to be a day soon where he smells blood and goes 200+, hopefully this season, what a force!

I doubt many will be in a position to recruit him at this stage of the season, but Gutherson owners with a few trades in hand are a chance.

Dane Gagai has been very unlucky not to bang out a ton in recent weeks.

For him it’s been a case of too many strike weapons at the Bunnies and the major attacking stats have eluded him as a result. 

He runs the decoy for a lot of Rabbitohs tries.

He’s somehow managed to go four matches without a try, yet still has a rock solid 3RA of 70PPG.

He remains a terrific buy and is very surprisingly still in POD range at 13% ownership in the top 100 ranked teams and 7% of the top 1,000.

That was leading into last round though, so I expect it to have risen following Brian To’o’s injury.

FOLLOW OUR TIPS USING EXCLUSIVE TOPSPORT MARKETS! TopSport are home of the only true same-game multi, where the market odds ACTUALLY add up. Use the code ‘SCPLAYBOOK’ when signing up.

Cameron Murray returns from suspension and is a great play for the run home.

To copy word-for-word (with slight updates) my analysis from a fortnight back:

He’s owned by just 4-5% of basically the entire top 20,000 ranked SuperCoach teams.

He’s relatively affordable at $621k and is running a 3RA of 97PPG.

He played the full 80 against the Bulldogs two games back, although this was inflated having moved to centre due to injuries in the backline.

I suspect Wayne Bennett will give Murray big minutes (maybe 65-70) in the backend of the year as the Rabbitohs fight to keep their spot in the top four which is looking more and more likely.

The forced freshen up due to suspension will be great for his minutes going forward.

With huge attacking upside he has a decent ceiling, and his actual NRL form is sublime, expect some big scores to come.

Further, his base has been exceptional of late, racking up over 60 in pure base in four of his last six games that weren’t impacted by injury.

He’s based under 48 just once this season discarding his injury affected game.

Not unexpectedly, Harry Grant has comfortably surpassed Damien Cook as a priority buy at hooker for the run home, despite the Bunnies’ rake’s appeal.

Interestingly, Campbell Graham misses a third straight week following concussion, keeping Taane Milne in the side.

Embed from Getty Images

WARRIORS v SHARKS

Saturday, 3pm, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane 

Warriors: 1. Reece Walsh 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 3. Peta Hiku 4. Viliami Vailea 5. Marcelo Montoya 6. Chanel Harris-Tavita 7. Sean O’Sullivan 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Jazz Tevaga 10. Matt Lodge 11. Euan Aitken 12. Josh Curran 13. Bayley Sironen

Bench: 14. Kodi Nikorima 15. Bunty Afoa 16. Kane Evans 17. Eliesa Katoa

Reserves: 18. Jamayne Taunoa-Brown 20. Edward Kosi 21. Jack Murchie 22. Adam Pompey

Analysis: Warriors fans can be so proud of what their side has thrown up the past two seasons.

Massacred by injury, they pulled off a gallant come-from-behind win over the Tigers last round, awesome to see.

Despite a soft draw home, I can’t go near any of their players due to the disrupted roster.

A sign of the damage was the shifting of Euan Aitken to the second-row for the first time in his career (to my knowledge?).

What a shining light he was, scoring two tries in an 80 minute stint.

He had eight tacklebreaks, 42 tackles and 14 runs, huge!

Kodi Nikorima remains on the bench with Chanel Harris-Tavita returning from injury in the halves.

Embed from Getty Images

Sharks: 1. Will Kennedy 2. Sione Katoa 3. Will Chambers 4. Jesse Ramien 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo 6. Connor Tracey 7. Braydon Trindall 8. Toby Rudolf 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Aaron Woods 11. Briton Nikora 12. Siosifa Talakai 13. Jack Williams

Bench: 14. Braden Hamlin-Uele 15. Royce Hunt 16. Aiden Tolman 17. Andrew Fifita

Reserves: 18. Jonaiah Lualua 19. Luke Metcalf 20. Billy Magoulias 21. Matt Moylan

Analysis: Another side with not too much to report.

Siosifa Talakai owners will be hoping he maintains his 80 minute role for the Sharks.

He played centre against Manly due to Jesse Ramien’s late withdrawal.

Back in the second-row with Teig Wilton still out of action he looks a pretty decent play in 17s this week.

The four forward bench is interesting, although with Matt Moylan on the extended bench it’s a big chance of changing.

Embed from Getty Images

ROOSTERS v PANTHERS

Saturday, 5.30pm, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane

Roosters: 1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Adam Keighran 4. Joseph Manu 5. Dale Copley 6. Drew Hutchinson 7. Sam Walker 8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves 9. Sam Verrills 10. Isaac Liu 11. Angus Crichton 12. Sitili Tupouniua 13. Victor Radley

Bench: 14. Lachlan Lam 15. Nat Butcher 16. Egan Butcher 17. Siosiua Taukeiaho

Reserves: 18. Ben Marschke 19. Fletcher Baker 20. Moala Graham-Taufa 21. Naufahu Whyte

Analysis: The Roosters made a statement with a bruising win over the Eels.

They get a depleted Penrith outfit this week which should assure they won’t be belted as per their previous meeting.

The softer then expected opposition also brings the Roosters players into SuperCoach contention, although I’d still be hesitant to invest this week.

After this week the Roosters finish with games against the Broncos, Dragons, Rabbitohs and Raiders.

That’s a terrific draw for head-to-head finals.

Two men I’ve analysed heavily in recent months, James Tedesco and Daniel Tupou, remain great buys for the run home, but more so from next week.

Those who jumped on Joey Manu for his two-game fullback stint have lucked out big time.

He’s not a relevant SuperCoach player in his regular centre position and never has been.

The injuries to their wingers saw him shift out to the flank against the Eels where he amassed 24 runs! Pray that despite the injury to Josh Morris he stays on the wing come game day.

As it stands though, he returns to centre with Dale Copley coming onto the wing.

He scored for the fourth consecutive game, had six tackle breaks and three effective offloads.

At centre I don’t like him as a buy, but on the wing he’s such a serious option, but it doesn’t look like panning out that way.

Following a down week, Angus Crichton is cheapening up and non-owners should be ready to poach.

With the Roosters in the hunt for a top four spot it’s hard to see any players getting rested barring concerning injury niggles.

Perhaps Round 25 if they can’t move positions on the ladder.

With a few forwards back on deck, Victor Radley played just 53 minutes for 34 points in a big blow to anyone who jumped on.

Embed from Getty Images

Panthers: 1. Dylan Edwards 2. Charlie Staines 3. Paul Momirovski 4. Kurt Capewell 5. Brent Naden 6. Matt Burton 7. Jarome Luai 8. Moses Leota 9. Api Koroisau 10. Liam Martin 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Scott Sorensen 13. Isaah Yeo

Bench: 14. Mitch Kenny 15. Tevita Pangai Jnr 16. Spencer Leniu 17. Matt Eisenhuth

Reserves: 18. Izack Tago 19. Taylan May 20. J’maine Hopgood 21. Nathan Cleary

Analysis: With games against the Roosters, Dragons, Bunnies, Tigers and Eels coming up it’s a little hard to go near any Panthers players at the moment.

Once Nathan Cleary headlines a list of returning players they’ll come back into contention, but it’s hard to invest at the moment.

He’s been named on the extended bench but is unlikely to play at this stage. Regardless, he has a breakeven of 216, a tough match up, and you’ll want to see how he returns before considering buying.

Tevita Pangai Jnr plays his first game for the club and is still owned by a big chunk of SuperCoaches. He’s been named on the bench, but with the forward pack named there’s every chance he plays 40-50 minutes which is fine provided it’s in the middle and increases his PPM.

Check out my player profile on TPJ and how he may be deployed at Penrith here.

Pending squad depth, I’d again be hesitant to play the likes of Matt Burton, Jarome Luai and Viliame Kikau in my 17.

However I don’t think many SuperCoaches will be afforded that luxury at the moment.

SEA EAGLES v STORM

Saturday, 7.30pm, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane

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. Marty Taupau 11. Haumole Olakau’atu 12. Josh Schuster 13. Jake Trbojevic

Bench: 14. Dylan Walker 15. Karl Lawton 16. Josh Aloiai 17. Toafofoa Sipley

Reserves: 18. Moses Suli 19. Cade Cust 20. Curtis Sironen 21. Kurt De Luis

Analysis: We’re running out of superlatives for the great Tommy Trbojevic who now averages 135PPG following his SuperCoach record of 226 points against the Sharks.

He left the field with around 12 minutes to play, but with minor updates he was able to eclipse Nathan Cleary’s previous mark of 225 points.

However, he faces the might of the Melbourne Storm this week so it’ll be tough to captain him.

If Manly get up for the clash he can of course go 100+ again, but I’m pretty likely to look elsewhere as a POD move.

The only issue is that most SuperCoach guns have tough match ups this week.

Reuben Garrick knocked out another ton and has been a revelation this season.

He has a breakeven of 121 and following this week’s game he should be available at a more affordable price of around $670k next week for anyone who doesn’t own.

Jason Saab started on fire with an early double against the Sharks, then scored about 2 points in the final 60 minutes.

If you can avoid it, do not play him in your 17 this week.

Daly Cherry-Evans and Josh Schuster continue to pump out good scores, however DCE is the only one of the pair I’d be buying as we chase those huge ceilings in the halves.

Embed from Getty Images

Storm: 1. Nicho Hynes 2. Dean Ieremia 3. Reimis Smith 4. Justin Olam 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Cameron Munster 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Jesse Bromwich 9. Brandon Smith 10. Christian Welch 11. Chris Lewis 12. Kenny Bromwich 13. Dale Finucane

Bench: 14. Harry Grant 15. Tom Eisenhuth 16. Jordan Grant 17. Ryan Papenhuyzen

Reserves: 18. Trent Loiero 19. Tepai Moeroa 20. Isaac Lumelume 21. Cooper Johns

Analysis: The current demise of Penrith, tough run of Parramatta and questions around just about every other club aside from the Rabbitohs, makes Melbourne the hottest of property at the moment.

The issue, a lack of trades of course.

Another thing to note when considering many Storm stars is the very high likelihood of players being rested late in the season.

Even if they haven’t locked up the minor premiership early I don’t think Bellyache will hesitate to give players a spell.

It’s an interesting team named as many thought Jahrome Hughes would be out due to a lingering calf injury.

Leading into Round 20 he was owned by 72% of the top 100 ranked SuperCoaches and 58% of the top 1,000.

It doesn’t sound like a serious injury, but the Storm aren’t in a position to risk him. Owners will be praying he does play this week, but I suspect he’s every chance at a rest, which would have a big SuperCoach impact.

Named at fullback at the moment, Nicho Hynes would likely start in the halves which would see Ryan Papenhuyzen return to the starting fullback role. I’m backing this in.

Hynes had almost run his race this season after playing just 48 minutes against the Panthers for 44 points.

But if he maintains the starting spot he’s obviously a hold, and he probably will be for the rest of the season no matter what happens to his role later on.

With trades at a minimum he’s probably worth just sticking with and playing him in your 17 unless he’s moved to the bench.

Papenhuyzen will be under $500k after the tough clash this week and will be among the all-time super PODs for the run home.

However, it’s probably a play only for those wanting a Hail Mary or with enough trades to trade him out in the event he cops another knock to the head, otherwise there’s lots of risk involved.

People seem to have forgotten he was averaging well in excess of 100PPG prior to injury, and that he’s playing in the most dominant team in the competition.

Does four tries in 15 minutes jog your memory?

If he gets through this week’s game unscathed he’s a huge play.

Josh Addo-Carr flopped for new owners with just 20 points, however against Penrith he was a potential sit anyway.

For anyone who does have depth at CTW, he’s a potential sit option this week too, although you’d probably play regardless as the Storm could give Manly a wake-up call.

He remains a solid trade in option and he may have some big tons in him as the opposition gets weaker.

Available at around $600k, Cam Munster is a serious option at just 10% ownership among the top 100-1,000 ranked SuperCoach teams.

Harry Grant, welcome back young son…

After a frustrating period of injury he paid back owners immediately with 88 points in  59 minutes.

Barring a flare up in injury, Bellamy will want to get minutes into him on the run home.

He’s an out and out star and he should be on the radar of everyone this week.

What will make it tough is that injuries are killing squads, but the popular hooking options are fit and well.

So while moving on the likes of Mahoney/Brailey/Cook etc to Grant is a great option, how does it leave the rest of your squad looking in regards to depth?

Tough call, but anyone slim for numbers and trades probably won’t be in a position to recruit him.

He could finish the season with a 100PPG+ average on the run home, and he’s owned by just 4% of the top 100-1,000 ranked SuperCoach teams.

Embed from Getty Images

BULLDOGS v TIGERS

Sunday, 2pm, Moreton Daily Stadium, Redcliffe

Bulldogs: 1. Nick Meaney 2. Corey Allan 3. Will Hopoate 4. Aaron Schoupp 5. Falakiko Manu 6. Bailey Biondi-Odo 7. Jake Averillo 8. Ava Seumanufagai 9. Jeremy Marshall-King 10. Jack Hetherington 11. Corey Waddell 12. Adam Elliott 13. Josh Jackson

Bench: 14. Sione Katoa 15. Dylan Napa 16. Chris Patolo 17. Matt Doorey

Reserves: 19. Tui Katoa 20. Joe Stimson 21. Kyle Flanagan 22. Jackson Topine

Analysis: Nothing to add here.

Embed from Getty Images

Tigers: 1. Moses Mbye 2. David Nofoaluma 3. Michael Chee-Kam 4. Tommy Talau 5. Ken Maumalo 6. Adam Doueihi 7. Luke Brooks 8. Stefano Utoikamanu 9. Jacob Liddle 10. James Tamou 11. Shawn Blore 12. Luciano Leilua 13. Thomas Mikaele

Bench: 14. Alex Twal 15. Zac Cini 16. Joe Ofahengaue 17. Kelma Tuilagi

Reserves: 18. Tui Simpkins 19. Tom Amone 20. Jock Madden 21. Jake Simpkin

Analysis: For anyone who thought I’d been harsh on the Tigers, look no further than their inability to down a Warriors side who couldn’t name a full squad after leading 10-0 at halftime.

It’s hard to invest knowing that shake-ups to the squad are likely on the run home, making everyone’s job security pretty weak.

The last thing we need at this stage of the season is to recruit a player who gets dropped the following week.

The only thing on their side at the moment is the draw against the Bulldogs, Cowboys, Sharks, Panthers and Bulldogs.

Daine Laurie unfortunately broke his leg in another blow to many owners.

David Nofoaluma continues to churn out strong scores and remains a safe play every week.

Adam Doueihi is on an absolute tear with 97 points in the loss. That leaves him with scores of 97, 80, 154 and 97 in his past four games.

Those who jumped on at bottom dollar will be cheering, at $700k though he’ll be hard to attain for anyone interested. He’s one of the very few players with strong job security.

Luciano Leilua knocked out 83 in the loss, but with seven scores of 50 or below, the Tigers form, and job security issues I can’t see reason to invest one of your final trades.

Shawn Blore, you gem… After looking like being an absolute dud purchase, those who were forced to hold due to his lack of value look to have been rewarded.

He played the full 80 in the back-row for 52 points, consisting of 30 tackles, three tacklebreaks, an offload and eight runs.

He’s not exactly someone you want to rely on too much in your 17, but as far as bolstering depth goes he may prove invaluable if he can maintain decent minutes.

Stefano Utoikamanu is another who has dished out the SuperCoach goods for those who held onto him and has gotten plenty of patient owners out of trouble at stages this season.

Early season cheapie has been named on the bench and could be an auto-emergency nightmare.

Embed from Getty Images

TITANS v COWBOYS

Sunday, 4.05pm, Cbus Super Stadium, Gold Coast

Titans: 1. AJ Brimson 2. Greg Marzhew 3. Brian Kelly 4. Patrick Herbert 5. Corey Thompson 6. Ash Taylor 7. Toby Sexton 8. Jarrod Wallace 9. Mitch Rein 10. Moeaki Fotuaika 11. Kevin Proctor 12. David Fifita 13. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui

Bench: 14. Erin Clark 15. Sam Lisone 16. Beau Fermor 17. Jaimin Jolliffe

Reserves: 18. Esan Marsters 19. Sam McIntyre 20. Anthony Don 21. Jamal Fogarty

Analysis: Not too much to add here.

David Fifita is owned by just about everyone, while Tino Fa’asuamaleaui is a sneaky POD at FRF-2RF for anyone in need.

I wouldn’t be trading an active gun to get him, but he’s playing around the 60 minute mark and is looking pretty damaging.

At tiny ownership he could finish the year with a bang and be a real differential.

Corey Thompson has a big score around the corner. He scored 62 against the Bulldogs without a try or try-assist.

If you’re after a CTW with minimal funds he’s a good option at $428k.

Embed from Getty Images

Cowboys: 1. Val Holmes 2. Kyle Feldt 3. Connelly Lemuelu 4. Ben Hampton 5. Murray Taulagi 6. Scott Drinkwater 7. Tom Dearden 8. Tom Gilbert 9. Reece Robson 10. Jordan McLean 11. Jason Taumalolo 12. Heilum Luki 13. Coen Hess

Bench: 14. Mitch Dunn 15. Ben Condon 16. Lachlan Burr 17. Jake Granville

Reserves: 18. Francis Molo 19. Daejarn Asi 20. Peter Hola 21. Shane Wright

Analysis: Jason Taumalolo remains a fair buy at the surprising ownership of just 11% of the top 100 ranked teams and 9% of the top 1,000.

Todd Payten has shaken up his pack big time, shift Taumalolo to the edge where he very well play 80 minutes, I like this for his SuperCoach credentials big time.

I thought he’d be a lot higher ownership, and with games against the Titans, Tigers, Eels, Dragons and Sea Eagles to come he could jag some attacking stats to turn his 60s into 90s.

His 64 against Brisbane was almost entirely in base with 30 tackles and 18 runs.

Val Holmes returns which will be a huge relief to owners who held through his injury.

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