Tim Williams
SC Playbook founder, 2nd NRL 2020, 43rd BBL 21/22'
Squad Breakdown: Round 8 team insights
We analyse all the key SuperCoach ins and outs following the release of Round 8 teams.
Squad Breakdown
June 30, 2020
- STAT ANALYSIS: Vital numbers to beat the best
- SUBSCRIBER SPECIAL: Dez Creek answers your questions
The teams have dropped for Round 8, with plenty of changes scattered throughout.
Once again, the previous round saw a plethora of injuries to major SuperCoach players, leading to a host of changes across each squad.
With a strong week, I’ve lifted the Cooma Stallions into 98th place overall.
Here’s our breakdown of the Round 8 teams.
*Scroll down to the bottom of the page for a key on all SuperCoach relevant abbreviations.
Help support the future of the site by signing up to SC Playbook for detailed SuperCoach analysis from hundreds of additional articles throughout the 2020 NRL season.
Embed from Getty ImagesSTORM v ROOSTERS
Thursday, 7.50pm, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Storm: 1. Ryan Papenhuyzen 2. Suliasi Vunivalu 3. Justin Olam 4. Paul Momirovski 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Ryley Jacks 7. Jahrome Hughes 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. Tom Eisenhuth 17. Nelson Asofa-Solomona
Reserves: 18. Cooper Johns 19. Marion Seve 20. Albert Vete 21. Chris Lewis
Analysis: Little Papy finally produced the game we all knew he was capable of with 126 points. It’s hard to be too frustrated if you sold, it had to happen eventually. With a breakeven of 14 he’s a hold until he peaks in line with Ponga/Tedesco bottoming out, although I wouldn’t bank on a big score this week. Cameron Munster’s injury will have a detrimental effect on Papy while he’s out. Thankfully he produced a respectable 54 points on one leg, although it could’ve been enormous for the many coaches who gave him the VC if he went uninjured. Cleary is the obvious target for Munster if you have the duals.
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. Nat Butcher
Bench: 14. Poasa Faamausili 15. Sitili Tupouniua 16. Mitchell Aubusson 17. Lindsay Collins
Reserves: 18. David Fifita 19. Ryan Hall 20. Freddy Lussick 21. Lachlan Lam
Analysis: James Tedesco returns and will be fresh from a week off. While I’ve never been one to captain backs against Melbourne, Teddy is the exception, particularly under the new rules. The move to the fast dry track at Suncorp is huge for scoring in this one and eases concerns. Luke Keary notched 80 and is a very viable alternative to Cleary/SJ in the halves at just 9% ownership. Following this tough match, the Roosters face the Cowboys, Raiders, Warriors, Titans and Dragons. This very friendly match up also brings the likes of Daniel Tupou and Kyle Flanagan into play. I particularly like Tupou as a POD pick up for next week. 33-year-old Brett Morris is averaging a ridiculous 77PPG, but is well overvalued at over $724k. If you’re in a position to recruit him this week your side is sitting pretty. SST played 80 minutes due to the injuries to Victor Radley and Sam Verrills and went big. Keep an eye on his game time this week as well as Nat Butcher as they may be the two big winners from Radley’s injury. Wait a week though before going the early trade.
RAIDERS v DRAGONS
Friday, 6pm, GIO Stadium, Canberra
Raiders: 1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 2. Bailey Simonsson 3. Jarrod Croker 4. Michael Oldfield 5. Nick Cotric 6. Jack Wighton 7. George Williams 8. Josh Papalii 9. Josh Hodgson 10. Iosia Soliola 11. Hudson Young 12. Elliott Whitehead 13. Joseph Tapine
Bench: 14. Curtis Scott 15. Emre Guler 16. Ryan Sutton 17. Siliva Havili
Reserves: 18. Tom Starling 19. Dunamis Lui 20 Matt Frawley 21. Kai O’Donnell
Analysis: Josh Papalii went huge with 100 points aided by a try. He had 24 runs and 33 tackles, but I’m still concerned he played just 63 minutes with extra time. George Williams was okay with 60 points. He broke his nose in the clash which may limit his running this week. While still solid, he’s an upgrade in the unlikely event your team has no further pressing issues. Horsburgh managed 38 in just 33 minutes before leaving the field injured. It’s a real blow for owners as he was doing a superb job in the front-row, but is now a sell with news he’s expected out for 12 weeks. As if it wasn’t tough enough fielding a full squad, Joe Tapine was a late withdrawal to add to the extra brutality of Round 7. Hudson Young starts in the second-row with Tapine shifting to lock. Keep Young firmly on your radar at $367k, but wait until next week to assess minutes as he won’t rise dramatically with a breakeven of 35.
Dragons: 1. Matt Dufty 2. Jason Saab 3. Euan Aitken 4. Zac Lomax 5. Mikaele Ravalawa 6. Corey Norman 7. Adam Clune 8. Blake Lawrie 9. Cameron McInnes 10. Paul Vaughan 11. Tyson Frizell 12. Tyrell Fuimaono 13. Trent Merrin
Bench: 14. Ben Hunt 15. Josh Kerr 16. Korbin Sims 17. Jackson Ford
Reserves: 18. Eddie Blacker 19. Tristan Sailor 20. Billy Brittain 21. Tim Lafai
Analysis: Zac Lomax crossed again to produce another solid score of 71. His breakeven is just 6 and is an indefinite hold. Cameron McInnes was a little underwhelming with 64 points, but that’s the impact of taking on a ruthless Roosters outfit. He looked extremely busy and remains a must-have in my opinion and will be a little more affordable in a week or two.
Embed from Getty ImagesEELS v COWBOYS
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. Jai Field 8. Reagan Campbell-Gillard 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Junior Paulo 11. Shaun Lane 12. Ryan Matterson 13. Marata Niukore
Bench: 14. Ray Stone 15. David Gower 16. Oregon Kaufusi 17. Brad Takairangi
Reserves: 18. Stefano Utoikamanu 19. Daniel Alvaro 20. George Jennings 21. Will Smith
Analysis: While he was probably a trade to Cleary regardless, Mitch Moses’ injury was a cruel blow for his 38% of owners. Unfortunately he’s well under $500k for the first time this season, so the upgrade won’t come easy. SJ is a very good alternative for those that can’t raise the funds this week. King Gutho tonned up and took on the goal-kicking in Moses’ absence. If he continues to kick goals in this raging hot Eels side he enters the frame as a SuperCoach buy. However, I still can’t see him displacing Kalyn Ponga as the number two (fit) fullback option behind Teddy, so it’s a no from me. I haven’t been able to put Dylan Brown among the elite tier of halfbacks just yet, and I’m still sceptical, but he should be seriously considered now with Moses out. He’ll see a stack of ball and will be relied upon in the opposition red zone. This also bodes well for Maika Sivo who is hitting his straps and must be considered. Ryan Matterson is a serious captaincy option every week having belted out 96 points, but he will be impacted with his right edge partner Moses out. It’s a relief to see Matterson not shifted to 5/8, but keep an eye on final teams regarding your captaincy choice.
Cowboys: 1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 2. Kyle Feldt 3. Tom Opacic 4. Esan Marsters 5. Justin O’Neill 6. Scott Drinkwater 7. Jake Clifford 8. Josh McGuire 9. Reece Robson 10. Jordan McLean 11. Shane Wright 12. Coen Hess 13. Jason Taumalolo
Bench: 14. Ben Hampton 15. Gavin Cooper 16. Peter Hola 17. Francis Molo
Reserves: 18. Reuben Cotter 19. Valentine Holmes 20. Corey Jensen 21. Jake Granville
Analysis: Jason Taumalolo played 70 minutes for 85 points and to state the obvious is a strong captaincy option each and every week. He had 24 runs and made 30 tackles against the Knights. The Cowboys face the Eels, Roosters, Panthers, Sea Eagles and Raiders in the next five rounds. As a result, Scott Drinkwater is a sell and is a huge risk to play in 17s. The Hammer knocked out 58 for relieved owners who were forced to play him, but if he returns to the wing should Val Holmes enter the 17, he should be avoided in 17s.
Embed from Getty ImagesTITANS v SHARKS
Saturday, 3pm, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Titans: 1. Corey Thompson 2. Anthony Don 3. Brian Kelly 4. Tyrone Peachey 5. Phillip Sami 6. Ash Taylor 7. Jamal Fogarty 8. Moeaki Fotuaika 9. Mitch Rein 10. Jaimin Jolliffe 11. Kevin Proctor 12. Keegan Hipgrave 13. Jai Arrow
Bench: 14. Tanah Boyd 15. Sam Lisone 16. Bryce Cartwright 17. Jarrod Wallace
Reserves: 18. Bryce Cartwright 19. Erin Clark 20. Beau Fermor 21. Tyrone Roberts
Analysis: Jai Arrow scored just 43 points in 52 minutes. He is a sell, but not urgent assuming you have other issues to resolve first. Mo Fotuaika scored 52 points in 52 minutes despite a trip to the sin-bin, solid.
Sharks: 1. Matt Moylan 2. Sione Katoa 3. Josh Dugan 4. Jesse Ramien 5. Bryson Goodwin 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. Toby Rudolf 15. Braden Hamlin-Uele 16. Siosifa Talakai 17. Royce Hunt
Reserves: 18. Scott Sorensen 19. Connor Tracey 20. Will Kennedy 21. Nene Macdonald
Analysis: The Sharks have hit their straps and face the Titans, Panthers, Warriors, Dragons, Broncos, Eels and Titans over the next 7 rounds. Shaun Johnson is a prime target with a 3RA of 78PPG and is still available at an affordable $547k. SJ’s form brings Sione Katoa right into contention with an average of 68PPG while at just 9% ownership. Yes you could argue he’s a little too rocks and diamonds, but there are plenty more diamonds than rocks being dug up on Cronulla’s right wing at the moment. Jesse Ramien scored 63 and is proving a nervous watch for owners. His base of 32BPG is strong, but SJ finds Katoa every time, and rightly so based on the results. Ramien is a definite hold with the upcoming draw, but I’d be hesitant to buy. Toby Rudolf has peaked with over $150k in price rises and can be sold before he begins to leak cash. Blayke Brailey played his best game of the year and looked very good. His running game is gaining momentum while the sneaky grubber in behind the line is an enormous addition for his SuperCoach game. He’ll see another handy round of rises for those who held.
WARRIORS v BRONCOS
Saturday, 5.30pm, Central Coast Stadium
Warriors: 1. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 2. David Fusitu’a 3. Peta Hiku 4. Patrick Herbert 5. Ken Maumalo 6. Kodi Nikorima 7. Blake Green 8. Jamayne Taunoa-Brown 9. Wayde Egan 10. Agnatius Paasi 11. Jack Murchie 12. Tohu Harris 13. Adam Blair
Bench: 14. Chanel Harris-Tavita 15. Jack Hethrington 16. Karl Lawton 17. Josh Curran
Reserves: 18. King Vuniyayawa 20. Isaiah Papali’i 21 Adam Pompey 22. Gerard Beale
Analysis: Tohu Harris scored 86 with 49 tackles and 14 runs. He’s averaging 80PPG since returning from the break and is owned by just 2% of coaches. The instability at the Warriors is a serious concern, but he’s punching out some serious numbers. JTB has peaked in price with over $200k in rises. Job done son, but it’s time to move on for a gun or nuff at FRF.
Broncos: 1. Tesi Niu 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Herbie Farnworth 4. Darius Boyd 5. Xavier Coates 6. Anthony Milford 7. Brodie Croft 8. Matt Lodge 9. Issac Luke 10. Payne Haas 11. Alex Glenn 12. Tevita Pangai Jnr 13. Pat Carrigan
Bench: 14. Tom Dearden 15. Tom Flegler 16. Rhys Kennedy 17. Ben Te’o
Reserves: 18. Corey Oates 19. Cory Paix 20. Richard Kennar 21. Jamil Hopoate
Analysis: What a shambles it is a Red Hill. Payne Haas isn’t the dead safe captaincy option at the moment, things can change so quickly! There’s way too much instability (and lack of potency) in the backline to consider buying anyone. Tesi Niu (30) and Xavier Coates (9) were popular cheapies and flopped big time. Thankfully Niu has retained his fullback role and should definitely play 80 with Jamayne Isaako starting on the wing and Tom Dearden named at 14. Both men are reasonable plays this week with the friendly match up. TPJ was solid with 69 points in 80 minutes. There’s still too much uncertainty up front with poor results and players returning at Brisbane for mine. Still no Kotoni Staggs. Pat Carrigan’s return is yet another relief for those struggling to field a strong 17.
TIGERS v PANTHERS
Saturday, 7.35pm, Bankwest 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. Oliver Clark 11. Luke Garner 12. Luciano Leilua 13. Matt Eisenhuth
Bench: 14. Elijah Taylor 15. Thomas Mikaele 16. Sam McIntyre 17. Michael Chee-Kam
Reserves: 18. Benji Marshall 19. Chris Lawrence 20. Billy Walters 21. Russell Packer
Analysis: The Tigers are turning on the points in 2020 and it’s having a serious impact on their SuperCoach output. Adam Doueihi has thrived since shifting to fullback and was an inch away from scoring 140 with two tries being very narrowly disallowed. He finished with 82 points and has an average of 72PPG over the past month. David Nofoaluma is rescuing his 12% of owners with yet another century. He now averages a whopping 85PPG. Good luck to you if you can afford him at $658k with all the injuries around at the moment. Harry Grant tonned up and is averaging 77PPG with $256k in rises and a -28 breakeven. At this rate he’s a keeper and is putting his hand up as the best cheapie of all-time. Tommy Talau is a strong buy having bagged a double on his way to 72 points and has a breakeven of -27 at just $208k. Luciano Leilua is forming a lovely combination with Luke Brooks and isn’t far off another try. While he’s likely a sell, he’s a pretty comfortable hold and play in 17s if your side has bigger issues.
Panthers: 1. Dylan Edwards 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. Liam Martin 13. Isaah Yeo
Bench: 14. Matt Burton 15. Zane Tetevano 16. Moses Leota 17. Billy Burns
Reserves: 18. Mitch Kenny 19. Brent Naden 20. Spencer Leniu 21. Tyrone May
Analysis: Josh Mansour was a late withdrawal for owners, ouch. The fixture proof Nathan Cleary is a must-have with an average of 77PPG and is still relatively affordable at $611k. He has some enormous scores coming his way as Penrith tackle some easier opposition over the next month. Jarome Luai would normally be a sell having peaked, but with injuries plaguing the halves he’s a very valuable asset to have in the halves with dual positioning. Isaah Yeo hasn’t scored under 61 this season, not bad for a CTW.
Embed from Getty ImagesSEA EAGLES v KNIGHTS
Sunday, 4.05pm, Brookvale Oval, Manly
Sea Eagles: 1. Reuben Garrick 2. Jorge Taufua 3. Brad Parker 4. Moses Suli 5. Tevita Funa 6. Lachlan Croker 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. Cade Cust 15. Jack Gosiewski 16. Sean Keppie 17. Taniela Paseka
Reserves: 18. Morgan Boyle 19. Brendan Elliot 20. Abbas Miski 21. Haumole Olakau’atu
Analysis: There’s not heaps going on at Manly with Turbo floored, however AFB finally hit the heights we’ve been waiting for, and then some… He scored a double on his way to 142 points. Most pleasing though was the fact he played 60 minutes. He had a ridiculous 11 tackle breaks, 20 runs and 27 tackles. He now has a breakeven of just 5, so this is the week to pick up if interested. Moses Suli is a key inclusion at CTW and is an option for POD hunters.
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. Lachlan Fitzgibbon 12. Sione Mata’utia 13. Herman Ese’ese
Bench: 14. Tex Hoy 15. Jacob Saifiti 16. Aidan Guerra 17. Pasami Saulo
Reserves: 18. Tautau Moga 19. Brodie Jones 20. Phoenix Crossland 21. Josh King
Analysis: Of concern, Kalyn Ponga still favoured his less preferred right edge, but not as heavily as last week. There’d be a decision to make if Tommy Turbo was fit, but he’s not, so the clear top two fullbacks remain KP and Teddy. Kurt Mann has been an exceptional under-the-radar buy this season. He scored 74 points to push his average to 60PPG. He’ll likely exceed $500k next week. It’ll then be decision time as to whether or not you hold or upgrade to Nofoaluma for non-owners. Daniel Saifiti scored just 59 points which included a linebreak. He did maintain 55 minutes however which is promising for the masses that jumped on last week. David Klemmer is starting to provide a bit more appeal with back-to-back scores of 75, he’s offloaded seven times in the past fortnight. Popular last week, Mitch Pearce managed just 44 points for new owners.
Embed from Getty ImagesBULLDOGS v RABBITOHS
Sunday, 6.30pm, Bankwest Stadium, Parramatta
Bulldogs: 1. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 2. Nick Meaney 3. Reimis Smith 4. Marcelo Montoya 5. Christian Crichton 6. Kieran Foran 7. Brandon Wakeham 8. Aiden Tolman 9. Jeremy Marshall-King 10. Dylan Napa 11. Josh Jackson 12. Raymond Faitala-Mariner 13. Adam Elliott
Bench: 14. Kerrod Holland 15. Dean Britt 16. Renouf To’omaga 17. Sauaso Sue
Reserves: 19. Ofahiki Ogden 20. Jack Cogger 21. Luke Thompson 22. Sione Katoa
Analysis: The only real enticing buy at the Bulldogs was Will Hopoate who went down injured in the opening minutes. Jake Averillo played 57 minutes for just 17 points after failing his HIA test and won’t return this week. Adam Elliott has played 80 minutes the past two weeks and is averaging 73PPG in the past month. He’s also showing some attacking nous which gives him additional upside. He’s the best forward in their pack at the moment so there’s no reason why he shouldn’t maintain big minutes. Star English import Luke Thompson has been named on the extended bench. Even if included though it’s likely he will see very few minutes.
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. Bayley Sironen 16. Hame Sele 17. Braidon Burns
Reserves: 18. Mark Nicholls 19. Patrick Mago 20. Troy Dargan 21. Corey Allan
Analysis: Latrell Mitchell had a shocking night with just 9 points. He now has a breakeven of 127 and will be affordable in a couple of weeks. I’ll reassess when he bottoms out, but would definitely be holding if I owned. Cam Murray scored 49 points in just 57 minutes. Full disclosure, I’m a Murray owner, but I’m not sure why Wayne Bennett doesn’t play his best forward for 70+ minutes each week, surely he has the motor? Anyway, your team will have bigger issues than Murray, but he’s not keeper material at the moment and may not be unless he’s given a few extra minutes. Damien Cook scored 61 and is struggling to rediscover his sensational SuperCoach form from the past two seasons. I still like him as a buy, but at the moment he’s a downgrade from Grant and sidewise from Api so it’s getting a bit hard to make a case.
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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
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