How injury returns will impact SuperCoach stars

Sione Mata&#8217;utia worth a mention? Sounds like he&#8217;ll come right back on to an edge.

<ul><li>PLAYMAKER’S INSIGHT:&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="http://13.210.220.211/2020/03/27/playmakers-insight-preparing-for-an-uncertain-nrl-future/" target="_blank">Preparing for an uncertain NRL future</a></li><li>SQUAD BREAKDOWN: <a href="http://13.210.220.211/squad_analysis/squad-breakdown-rampaging-broncos-hit-expectations/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Every Broncos player analysed post Round 2 (opens in a new tab)">Every Broncos player analysed post Round 2</a></li></ul>



When the NRL resumes several teams will have a very different line-up to Rounds 1 and 2, mainly due to a number of injured players returning to the field. 



There is a silver lining to the NRL being suspended after Round
2, that is we get a look at these new line-ups before price changes. 



Below are key players returning from injury and the affect they will have on the team line-ups and their SuperCoach scores.



*Scroll down to the bottom of the page for a key on all SuperCoach relevant abbreviations.



<a href="http://13.210.220.211/subscribe/">Sign up to SC Playbook</a> for detailed SuperCoach analysis from hundreds of additional articles throughout the 2020 NRL season.



<a id="VhGLC6zQTxtGLpTjQGgTiQ" class="gie-single" href="http://www.gettyimages.com.au/detail/1212143373" target="_blank" style="color:#a7a7a7;text-decoration:none;font-weight:normal !important;border:none;display:inline-block;" rel="noopener noreferrer">Embed from Getty Images</a><script>window.gie=window.gie||function(c){(gie.q=gie.q||[]).push(c)};gie(function(){gie.widgets.load({id:'VhGLC6zQTxtGLpTjQGgTiQ',sig:'ehZcCU3z7QQi3kvFhdXQLjuW0bCIe8V809vUtq3C_AU=',w:'406px',h:'594px',items:'1212143373',caption: true ,tld:'com.au',is360: false })});</script><script src="//embed-cdn.gettyimages.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8" async=""></script>



John Bateman (shoulder)



Bateman will slot back onto the right edge for the Raiders,
pushing Joe Tapine ($362,400, 50PPG, B/E 11) into the middle rotation. 



As a result, Tapine and Corey Horsburgh ($375,700, 57PPG, B/E
1) will have to share minutes in the middle rotation and it is likely they both
have reduced SuperCoach output, although Tapine’s output will suffer the most.



Guler ($220,700, 69PPG, B/E -70) has had a cracking start to
the year looking good on the field with great minutes and SuperCoach scores. 



There’s a chance Bateman’s return may force Guler out of the side, but it’s more likely he plays reduced minutes.



<a id="Svbh2Ej1RfhxSerccPEGnw" class="gie-single" href="http://www.gettyimages.com.au/detail/1174603000" target="_blank" style="color:#a7a7a7;text-decoration:none;font-weight:normal !important;border:none;display:inline-block;" rel="noopener noreferrer">Embed from Getty Images</a><script>window.gie=window.gie||function(c){(gie.q=gie.q||[]).push(c)};gie(function(){gie.widgets.load({id:'Svbh2Ej1RfhxSerccPEGnw',sig:'wUgT6BfYS8Hg4QvyKLsM4qIl0MlSm9rz2zXcJP2wq0Q=',w:'594px',h:'396px',items:'1174603000',caption: true ,tld:'com.au',is360: false })});</script><script src="//embed-cdn.gettyimages.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8" async=""></script>



Matt Moylan (calf/hamstring), Bronson Xerri (shoulder) and
Josh Dugan (knee)



Xerri will come in for the outgoing Josh Morris who has left
for the Roosters. 



Matt Moylan looks likely to replace Will Kennedy ($242,600,
45PPM, B/E -16) at fullback. Although there is a chance Dugan will go to
fullback if Moylan continues his injury nightmares.



If Moylan is fit, Dugan will likely come in for popular buy Sione
Katoa ($368,000, 52PPG, B/E -43) or Ronaldo Mulitalo ($467,000, 15PPG, B/E 113).




Brandon Smith (eye) and Christian Welch (ACL)



Brandon Smith and Christian Welch will both be healthy once
the NRL resumes.



Both players were highly regarded at the Storm and will slot
back into the middle rotation. 



This will likely push one or both of Tui Kamikamica ($295,800,
63PPM, B/E -35) and Tino Faasuamaleaui ($217,500, 37PPG, B/E -7) out of the
side, or at the very least reduce their minutes. 



Looking at the minutes, Kamikamica is probably more likely to keep his spot out of the two.



<a id="EoAQC6M_TTZD5QnNwT71zw" class="gie-single" href="http://www.gettyimages.com.au/detail/1209586260" target="_blank" style="color:#a7a7a7;text-decoration:none;font-weight:normal !important;border:none;display:inline-block;" rel="noopener noreferrer">Embed from Getty Images</a><script>window.gie=window.gie||function(c){(gie.q=gie.q||[]).push(c)};gie(function(){gie.widgets.load({id:'EoAQC6M_TTZD5QnNwT71zw',sig:'xptvmFWj6_3C7E565SZfqS8fY167VE0ik4qhKQxaVeU=',w:'594px',h:'396px',items:'1209586260',caption: true ,tld:'com.au',is360: false })});</script><script src="//embed-cdn.gettyimages.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8" async=""></script>



Jazz Tevaga (ankle) and Agnatius Paasi (ankle)



Tevaga, and Paasi will all be available for selection once
the NRL resumes.



It is hard to say if Paasi makes the side, but it would be a
safe bet that Tevaga walks back into the lock position.



The selection of one or two of these players could
potentially impact on Jamayne Taunoa-Brown ($171,900, 41 PPG, B/E -29) and Eliesa
Katoa ($171,900, 51 PPG, B/E -49) 



Given Stephen Kearney’s track record with regular team
changes, I wouldn’t be surprised if Katoa and JTB get moved around.



AJ Brimson (back)



Brimson’s return will see Phillip Sami ($415,100, 47PPG, B/E 33) move back to the wing in place of Dale Copley ($391,600, 28PPG, B/E 64).



<a id="ZVUtzuLsRLZaaCrfGT-zAA" class="gie-single" href="http://www.gettyimages.com.au/detail/1165988188" target="_blank" style="color:#a7a7a7;text-decoration:none;font-weight:normal !important;border:none;display:inline-block;" rel="noopener noreferrer">Embed from Getty Images</a><script>window.gie=window.gie||function(c){(gie.q=gie.q||[]).push(c)};gie(function(){gie.widgets.load({id:'ZVUtzuLsRLZaaCrfGT-zAA',sig:'TGxDAtQOTGpUUSttqqqR7L9dgrmwIlRRWCcUu82UqlQ=',w:'594px',h:'396px',items:'1165988188',caption: true ,tld:'com.au',is360: false })});</script><script src="//embed-cdn.gettyimages.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8" async=""></script>



Cameron McInnes (knee)



It’s hard to say who will be impacted by McInnes’ return,
but he will likely spend most of his time at hooker and a small amount of time
at lock. 



The biggest risk of losing minutes would be the current lock
Blake Lawrie ($442,100, 56 PPG, BE 23). 



Pending the delay, Jack de Belin may also re-enter the frame
if allowed to return to play.



The likes of Jacob Host, Tyrell Fuimaono, Josh Kerr and
Trent Merrin would all struggle to see minutes with one or both men returning.



Kurt Capewell (quad) and Dylan Edwards (ankle)



Capewell will likely come onto the bench as a utility for Will
Burns ($231,400, 15PPG, B/E 41) or Stephen Crichton ($252,800, 40PPG, B/E -3). 



Capewell could also potentially affect the role Isaah Yeo ($404,800,
78PPG, B/E -32) plays in the team and his minutes.



Capewell’s return will create a back-row logjam with Yeo, James
Fisher-Harris, Viliame Kikau and Liam Martin.



Edwards will be available for selection, but it will be interesting to see what Cleary does with Crichton as he seemed to be considering Crichton for a starting role, in the Round 2 press conference



<a id="wgTe--fvS_ZTHr7k1vhq2A" class="gie-single" href="http://www.gettyimages.com.au/detail/1211253277" target="_blank" style="color:#a7a7a7;text-decoration:none;font-weight:normal !important;border:none;display:inline-block;" rel="noopener noreferrer">Embed from Getty Images</a><script>window.gie=window.gie||function(c){(gie.q=gie.q||[]).push(c)};gie(function(){gie.widgets.load({id:'wgTe--fvS_ZTHr7k1vhq2A',sig:'dceh1WV4QQZrJINRuCz4HjuftaonYSqqkj5DM2PgOyM=',w:'594px',h:'389px',items:'1211253277',caption: true ,tld:'com.au',is360: false })});</script><script src="//embed-cdn.gettyimages.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8" async=""></script>



Alex Glenn (hamstring) and Matt Lodge (Knee) and Joe
Ofahengaue (suspension)



Glenn will slot into an edge position, pushing cheapie Jamil
Hopoate ($171,900, 33PPG, BE -13) back to the bench or even out of the team
with Joe Ofahengaue coming back into the team after a suspension.



It’s hard to say if Lodge will recover from a partial ACL
tear. If he does that will definitely mean Hopoate will be out of the side and
may see Thomas Flegler ($294,900, 63PPG, BE -36) reduced minutes.



Ofahengaue’s return will have big implications on the prized
Broncos forward pack in SuperCoach.



It’s unsure whether or not Anthony Seibold will start Ofa at
lock, pushing Pat Carrigan ($326,300, 59PPG, B/E -19) to the bench, allowing Flegler
to remain at prop.



This would be a huge blow to the credentials of Carrigan.
Such is the regard for Carrigan at Red Hill you’d think they’ll do their best
to keep him in a starting role.



He may also opt to play Ofa at prop, shifting Flegler to the
bench and allowing Carrigan to remain at lock.



This shouldn’t impact Flegler’s minute too significantly (perhaps 5-10 less minutes) and would allow Carrigan to play increased game time.



With close to a full pack available, Payne Haas may also see a reduction in his 80-minutes played in the opening two rounds.



<a id="0KQkJ_d6Qgt6O0p2k4KTtA" class="gie-single" href="http://www.gettyimages.com.au/detail/1213999312" target="_blank" style="color:#a7a7a7;text-decoration:none;font-weight:normal !important;border:none;display:inline-block;" rel="noopener noreferrer">Embed from Getty Images</a><script>window.gie=window.gie||function(c){(gie.q=gie.q||[]).push(c)};gie(function(){gie.widgets.load({id:'0KQkJ_d6Qgt6O0p2k4KTtA',sig:'ixRl2yjzYjtFUXgTZnLb5gCNNz263ZPIB6dP0AfXNdE=',w:'594px',h:'396px',items:'1213999312',caption: true ,tld:'com.au',is360: false })});</script><script src="//embed-cdn.gettyimages.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8" async=""></script>



Phoenix Crossland (groin) and Bradman Best (foot)



The word out of Newcastle in early pre-season was that
Crossland had a good grip on the 5/8 role and Best had locked down the left
centre spot.



Kurt Mann ($287,100, 54PPG, B/E -20), Enari Tuala ($285,400,
36PPG, B/E 15) and Gehamat Shibasaki ($286,400, 39PPG, BE 10) are at risk if
Crossland and Best came into the starting line-up.



Coach O’Brien will be less likely to change the team up
after winning two straight games, although I do think Best will start over
Tuala. 



Boyd Cordner (rested)



If Cordner is adequately rested when the NRL resumes he will
come in for Angus Crichton ($530,100, 67PPG, B/E 28) or Mitch Aubusson
($410,100, 50PPG, B/E 26), pushing one of them back to the bench.



Crichton was playing in Cordner’s left edge position in Round
2. It will be interesting to see which way Robinson goes, with the more
dangerous Crichton or Mr reliable Aubusson.



Aubusson was the preferred option throughout 2019.



<a id="IuNpG5XDRpdo0I3Tcc6bow" class="gie-single" href="http://www.gettyimages.com.au/detail/1173102149" target="_blank" style="color:#a7a7a7;text-decoration:none;font-weight:normal !important;border:none;display:inline-block;" rel="noopener noreferrer">Embed from Getty Images</a><script>window.gie=window.gie||function(c){(gie.q=gie.q||[]).push(c)};gie(function(){gie.widgets.load({id:'IuNpG5XDRpdo0I3Tcc6bow',sig:'vu0_HCd0Ugv8VKkYGF028vwFOUceP-IIiQtwPBA9fyI=',w:'594px',h:'396px',items:'1173102149',caption: true ,tld:'com.au',is360: false })});</script><script src="//embed-cdn.gettyimages.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8" async=""></script>



Luke Brooks (calf), Moses Mbye (knee) and Jacob Liddle
(knee)



Mbye looks likely to slot into left centre and push Adam Douehi
($343,100, 31PPG, B/E 43) into fullback.



Even if Douehi keeps the centre spot, he will be getting
more opportunities with Brooks back on the left side.



New recruit Harry Grant is expected to start at hooker when
the competition resumes.



There’s a chance Jacob Liddle will be available for
selection and potentially jag the bench spot over Walters ($201,000, 49PPG, B/E
-36). 



I believe Madge will stick with Walters over Liddle given his versatility to play a number of different positions.



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



BREAKEVEN (B/E) = The score a player must record to earn a price rise.

How injury returns will impact SuperCoach stars

Discussion (1)

Draft rankings: FLB, 5/8 positional analysis

Draft rankings: CTW positional analysis

Supercoach Draft: 2023 positional ranks

Supercoach Draft strategy: Tips and tricks for the big day