NRL Supercoach | POD hunting and H2H Finals preview


<p><strong>By Jay Schubert | Insta @supercoachdata | X @jay85s</strong></p>



<p>Have I saved enough trades? Have I got enough cash to do one last upgrade? </p>



<p>Who is the best to target in this position? Which POD has the best run home?</p>



<p>This is what we’ll try to find out below, looking at the top 10% of Supercoaches. </p>



<p>It’s time to sift through the injuries and potential restings to find those diamonds in the rough.</p>



<p>Firstly, looking at the teams to target. Be aware of the upcoming byes and how this affects the Supercoach draw. </p>



<p>Also, please note to check your finals settings, as some setups may differ from the standard setup.</p>



<a id='iPq6fCoPQRFgHBNAOuNCow' class='gie-single' href='https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/2286711508' target='_blank' style='color:#a7a7a7;text-decoration:none;font-weight:normal !important;border:none;display:inline-block;' rel="noopener">Embed from Getty Images</a><script>window.gie=window.gie||function(c){(gie.q=gie.q||[]).push(c)};gie(function(){gie.widgets.load({id:'iPq6fCoPQRFgHBNAOuNCow',sig:'2MwtUqoMN8dbGfZ9evp-ResIdf_GDBJKlNeossRGQ-g=',w:'594px',h:'382px',items:'2286711508',caption: true ,tld:'com',is360: false })});</script><script src='//embed-cdn.gettyimages.com/widgets.js' charset='utf-8' async></script>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Teams to target round-by-round</strong></h2>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Round 22: The last round before the finals kick off</strong></h3>



<p><strong>BYE Team: Sea Eagles</strong></p>



<p><strong>Dolphins v </strong>Dragons</p>



<p>Dolphins looking at top 4, should pile on the points.</p>



<p><strong>Broncos v </strong>Knights</p>



<p>Knights decimated through injuries across the park, Broncos season hanging by a thread.</p>



<p><strong>Warriors v Titans</strong></p>



<p>Gold Coast afternoon footy means fast-paced and lots of points.</p>



<a id='Ic_lvGsBSEJWuzUA0jeDHg' class='gie-single' href='https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/2287687113' target='_blank' style='color:#a7a7a7;text-decoration:none;font-weight:normal !important;border:none;display:inline-block;' rel="noopener">Embed from Getty Images</a><script>window.gie=window.gie||function(c){(gie.q=gie.q||[]).push(c)};gie(function(){gie.widgets.load({id:'Ic_lvGsBSEJWuzUA0jeDHg',sig:'Y6k0ns29me5WK_ZFxGh9yy_7Fbg2lu0D2dS2TAnYWdQ=',w:'594px',h:'396px',items:'2287687113',caption: true ,tld:'com',is360: false })});</script><script src='//embed-cdn.gettyimages.com/widgets.js' charset='utf-8' async></script>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Round 23: First round of Finals</strong></h3>



<p><strong>BYE Team: Tigers</strong></p>



<p><strong>Sharks v </strong>Dragons</p>



<p>Sharks eyeing off top 2, coming home hot.</p>



<p><strong>Cowboys v Titans</strong></p>



<p>Qld Derby, both only know how to score points, expect a shootout.</p>



<p><strong>Rabbitohs v </strong>Eels</p>



<p>Bunnies needing a big win, aiming for a home final.</p>



<a id='k5icUcAGRTlijkH-G2QaGw' class='gie-single' href='https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/2287424723' target='_blank' style='color:#a7a7a7;text-decoration:none;font-weight:normal !important;border:none;display:inline-block;' rel="noopener">Embed from Getty Images</a><script>window.gie=window.gie||function(c){(gie.q=gie.q||[]).push(c)};gie(function(){gie.widgets.load({id:'k5icUcAGRTlijkH-G2QaGw',sig:'htkWICcvZXYD6kaoV1wK9kE1ygxSEUYu1NjyETYxlKk=',w:'594px',h:'396px',items:'2287424723',caption: true ,tld:'com',is360: false })});</script><script src='//embed-cdn.gettyimages.com/widgets.js' charset='utf-8' async></script>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Round 24: Second round of Finals</strong></h3>



<p><strong>BYE Team: Storm</strong></p>



<p><strong>Panthers v Roosters</strong></p>



<p>Grand Final Preview?</p>



<p><strong>Tigers v Dragons</strong></p>



<p>2 Teams with no defence, expect lots of points.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Round 25: Semi-Finals</strong></h3>



<p><strong>BYE Team: Cowboys</strong></p>



<p>Titans <strong>v Sharks</strong></p>



<p><strong></strong>Sunday afternoon footy with Sharks as flat-track bullies</p>



<p><strong>Roosters v </strong>Tigers</p>



<p>Roosters wanting to tie up top 2 against a helpless Tigers outfit.</p>



<a id='v5YP22LFSvBOOHzGUO00cQ' class='gie-single' href='https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/2287572697' target='_blank' style='color:#a7a7a7;text-decoration:none;font-weight:normal !important;border:none;display:inline-block;' rel="noopener">Embed from Getty Images</a><script>window.gie=window.gie||function(c){(gie.q=gie.q||[]).push(c)};gie(function(){gie.widgets.load({id:'v5YP22LFSvBOOHzGUO00cQ',sig:'fKTeVwF8dKQmp4d6vdbVTLUTEIvcI6yPErQxASqk62c=',w:'594px',h:'423px',items:'2287572697',caption: true ,tld:'com',is360: false })});</script><script src='//embed-cdn.gettyimages.com/widgets.js' charset='utf-8' async></script>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Round 26 &#8211; H2H Grand Final</strong></h3>



<p><strong>BYE Team: Raiders</strong></p>



<p><strong>Cowboys v </strong>Tigers</p>



<p>Rested Cowboys at home, ready to make a statement pre-finals.</p>



<p>Eels <strong>v Sharks</strong></p>



<p>Sharks&#8217; easy run continues, building momentum pre-finals.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Round 27 &#8211; Final Supercoach round of 2026 (beware of mass restings!!!)</strong></h3>



<p><strong>BYE Team: Knights</strong></p>



<p><strong>Rabbitohs v Roosters</strong></p>



<p>Always a grudge match, brings out the best in both.</p>



<p>Panthers <strong>v Tigers</strong></p>



<p>Expecting mass restings from the Panthers</p>



<p><a href="https://scplaybook.com.au/subscribe"><strong><em>Become a member of the SC Playbook community by subscribing for less than $2 per week! Gain access to additional premium articles on site every week, our Discord community, prize money and plenty more. Check it out here.</em></strong></a></p>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" src="https://blog.scplaybook.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Email-Gareth.w@cecal.org_.au-Phone-9559-4013-1-1-1024x576.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2404006" srcset="https://blog.scplaybook.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Email-Gareth.w@cecal.org_.au-Phone-9559-4013-1-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://blog.scplaybook.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Email-Gareth.w@cecal.org_.au-Phone-9559-4013-1-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://blog.scplaybook.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Email-Gareth.w@cecal.org_.au-Phone-9559-4013-1-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://blog.scplaybook.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Email-Gareth.w@cecal.org_.au-Phone-9559-4013-1-1-640x360.jpg 640w, https://blog.scplaybook.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Email-Gareth.w@cecal.org_.au-Phone-9559-4013-1-1-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https://blog.scplaybook.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Email-Gareth.w@cecal.org_.au-Phone-9559-4013-1-1-800x450.jpg 800w, https://blog.scplaybook.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Email-Gareth.w@cecal.org_.au-Phone-9559-4013-1-1.jpg 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 98vw, (max-width: 1199px) 64vw, 770px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>In Form POD’s</strong></h2>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>HOK</strong></h3>



<p><strong>Oliver Pascoe</strong> $611,100 &#8211; 31.5% &#8211; 3Rd Avg 87.3</p>



<p>Seems to have finally won the hooking role at the Titans, huge motor with attacking upside and no more byes. </p>



<p>Higher ownership than the rest on this list but so few top-level hookers available.</p>



<p><strong>Sandon Smith</strong> $443,700 &#8211; 0.3% &#8211; 3Rd Avg 51.7</p>



<p>With the injury to Brown, it&#8217;s likely going to be Smith to step in full-time. </p>



<p>Averaging 60 this year when playing 80 minutes. Beware the round 27 bye.</p>



<a id='fyMtJ66BTzdH0FQ-G3bIWg' class='gie-single' href='https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/2287669315' target='_blank' style='color:#a7a7a7;text-decoration:none;font-weight:normal !important;border:none;display:inline-block;' rel="noopener">Embed from Getty Images</a><script>window.gie=window.gie||function(c){(gie.q=gie.q||[]).push(c)};gie(function(){gie.widgets.load({id:'fyMtJ66BTzdH0FQ-G3bIWg',sig:'n1cZbPLiBJheGnE6wcgVhaD7cWKvquyHnQoMfDdwavQ=',w:'594px',h:'396px',items:'2287669315',caption: true ,tld:'com',is360: false })});</script><script src='//embed-cdn.gettyimages.com/widgets.js' charset='utf-8' async></script>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>FRF</strong></h3>



<p><strong>Tino Fa’asuamaleaui</strong> $653,300 7.0% &#8211; 3Rd Avg 79.3</p>



<p>With all the byes done for the Titans, Tino is putting out a Captain&#8217;s knock each week. </p>



<p>Dual FRF/2RF is a handy bonus. Tough run for the Titans but that just means more work for the forwards.</p>



<p><strong>Jack Williams</strong> $649,400 3.4% &#8211; 3Rd Avg 94</p>



<p>Has had 2 tonnes in a row, dual flexibility, and only 1 score under 50 all season. Under the radar barely cuts it. </p>



<p>Playing for a Kangaroos jersey later this year, personally he has it all to play for.</p>



<p><strong>Stefano Utoikamanu</strong> $628,600 7.0% &#8211; 3Rd Avg 84.7</p>



<p>Second only to Toby Couchman in Base+Power stats and the Storm needing a big man to stand up. </p>



<p>He’s delivered, running great lines and breaking through defences.</p>



<a id='M9DGDbGiRWNZT2faj5BpbA' class='gie-single' href='https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/2286600329' target='_blank' style='color:#a7a7a7;text-decoration:none;font-weight:normal !important;border:none;display:inline-block;' rel="noopener">Embed from Getty Images</a><script>window.gie=window.gie||function(c){(gie.q=gie.q||[]).push(c)};gie(function(){gie.widgets.load({id:'M9DGDbGiRWNZT2faj5BpbA',sig:'-a6kx5im0fQOKCldOSYKmij0EC6FpjIeZy50N94X1s0=',w:'594px',h:'396px',items:'2286600329',caption: true ,tld:'com',is360: false })});</script><script src='//embed-cdn.gettyimages.com/widgets.js' charset='utf-8' async></script>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>2RF</strong></h3>



<p><strong>Hamish Stewart</strong> $721,500 8.4% &#8211; 3Rd Avg 88.7</p>



<p>Since playing 70+ minutes, he’s averaging 80. Since then, the Dragons defence has also improved, so more time in play. </p>



<p>Stewart showed glimpses of this last year prior to his injury but is now delivering in spades.</p>



<p><strong>Beau Fermor</strong> $618,900 1.6% &#8211; 3Rd Avg 77</p>



<p>If you&#8217;re needing someone to shore up a solid score each week. Fermor won&#8217;t let you down. </p>



<p>A representative level player with some attack, 5 scores over 74 and a season low of 48. Set and forget.</p>



<p><strong>Jacob Preston</strong> $536,400 7.6% &#8211; 3Rd Avg 74.7</p>



<p>An attacking forward that is a POD &amp; under-priced &#8211; CHECK.</p>



<p>Looking to lift the Bulldogs into the finals, with no byes he’s a play every week.</p>



<a id='xfr6rAMpTJZ80jL4HweBhg' class='gie-single' href='https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/2286505510' target='_blank' style='color:#a7a7a7;text-decoration:none;font-weight:normal !important;border:none;display:inline-block;' rel="noopener">Embed from Getty Images</a><script>window.gie=window.gie||function(c){(gie.q=gie.q||[]).push(c)};gie(function(){gie.widgets.load({id:'xfr6rAMpTJZ80jL4HweBhg',sig:'sY4D8qbMb9K4PuNEuCd9YdUI2gF9N8069nvaR-V171s=',w:'594px',h:'396px',items:'2286505510',caption: true ,tld:'com',is360: false })});</script><script src='//embed-cdn.gettyimages.com/widgets.js' charset='utf-8' async></script>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>HFB</strong></h3>



<p><strong>Sam Walker</strong> $666,000 1.7% &#8211; 3Rd Avg 78.3</p>



<p>Has the ceiling, playing for a top 4 side, and goal-kicks. </p>



<p>A great option for those running the HFB Flex option.</p>



<p><strong>Ethan Sanders</strong> $634,700 1.5% &#8211; 3Rd Avg 112</p>



<p>Although enticing, beware the Raiders draw, 4 sides in the top 8, and a BYE. </p>



<p>Don’t get caught chasing last week&#8217;s points.</p>



<a id='g1kGDYrlTrlCb3G5IM2HdA' class='gie-single' href='https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/2286492274' target='_blank' style='color:#a7a7a7;text-decoration:none;font-weight:normal !important;border:none;display:inline-block;' rel="noopener">Embed from Getty Images</a><script>window.gie=window.gie||function(c){(gie.q=gie.q||[]).push(c)};gie(function(){gie.widgets.load({id:'g1kGDYrlTrlCb3G5IM2HdA',sig:'zAF4n8geBWogetvA4fjMAm2C3EQR4rXnpJr_2gwYSok=',w:'594px',h:'396px',items:'2286492274',caption: true ,tld:'com',is360: false })});</script><script src='//embed-cdn.gettyimages.com/widgets.js' charset='utf-8' async></script>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>5/8&nbsp;</strong></h3>



<p><strong>Tyran Wishart</strong> $445,300 6.9% &#8211; 3Rd Avg 76</p>



<p>With Grant &amp; Munster out, his job security improves greatly. </p>



<p>Will be a solid option for a backup 5/8 in teams. Has shown he can attack and create opportunities at will.</p>



<p><strong>Braydon Trindall</strong> $539,100 3.2% &#8211; 3Rd Avg 61.7</p>



<p>Sometimes plays second fiddle to Nicho, but can also steal the show. With the Sharks&#8217; great run home, he will finish strongly.</p>



<a id='XeCSt10cSRZSZuY7tQNVHw' class='gie-single' href='https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/2286505557' target='_blank' style='color:#a7a7a7;text-decoration:none;font-weight:normal !important;border:none;display:inline-block;' rel="noopener">Embed from Getty Images</a><script>window.gie=window.gie||function(c){(gie.q=gie.q||[]).push(c)};gie(function(){gie.widgets.load({id:'XeCSt10cSRZSZuY7tQNVHw',sig:'rODsHiaWAPL72SpEv-BmN-JIU_D6bzotIuFBuZ_d7Js=',w:'594px',h:'396px',items:'2286505557',caption: true ,tld:'com',is360: false })});</script><script src='//embed-cdn.gettyimages.com/widgets.js' charset='utf-8' async></script>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>CTW</strong></h3>



<p><strong>Billy Smith</strong> $708,100 1.1% &#8211; 3Rd Avg 81.3</p>



<p>Yes, the same Billy Smith that burned a lot of us last year. </p>



<p>Has had a fantastic year under the radar. Since starting consistently in Round 13, he has averaged 78.6.&nbsp;</p>



<p><strong>Sione Katoa</strong> $657,500 1.4% &#8211; 3Rd Avg 81</p>



<p>Sharks are on fire, and Katoa has scored 8 tries in 5 games, with a softer draw coming up. Is there any reason why this won&#8217;t continue? </p>



<p>While the other backs are up and down, everything is coming up for Katoa.</p>



<p><strong>Campbell Graham</strong> $543,500 0.1% &#8211; 3Rd Avg 73.7</p>



<p>Bunnies need to keep winning, and Graham has been the beneficiary of this. </p>



<p>With a floor of 40, elite for CTW, won’t let you down and could be the POD to get the win.</p>



<a id='4LLtjvjTS0B8jn4gGKH8Wg' class='gie-single' href='https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/2287663551' target='_blank' style='color:#a7a7a7;text-decoration:none;font-weight:normal !important;border:none;display:inline-block;' rel="noopener">Embed from Getty Images</a><script>window.gie=window.gie||function(c){(gie.q=gie.q||[]).push(c)};gie(function(){gie.widgets.load({id:'4LLtjvjTS0B8jn4gGKH8Wg',sig:'WmhOG4995qKOmbX5rBZ7vsa8bV3pSii8XWsbRcdxwXg=',w:'594px',h:'396px',items:'2287663551',caption: true ,tld:'com',is360: false })});</script><script src='//embed-cdn.gettyimages.com/widgets.js' charset='utf-8' async></script>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>FLB</strong></h3>



<p><strong>Keano Kini</strong> $754,300 3.3% &#8211; 3Rd Avg 88.3</p>



<p>With only 3 tries all season and Titans playing 5 of their last 6 at Cbus, Kini could go off again before the season is done. Could go 150+ any week.</p>



<p><strong>Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow</strong> $614,400 0.2% &#8211; 3Rd Avg 78.7</p>



<p>With games coming up against the Dragons, Eels, and Titans. </p>



<p>Add in the Dolphins vying for a top 4 finals position. They really could put the Hammer through teams. </p>



<p>Good luck for the final run home!</p>


NRL Supercoach | POD hunting and H2H Finals preview

Discussion (0)