Squad Breakdown: Round 1 team insights

• POSITIONAL ANALYSIS: Seven key questions to start the year
• SPY TALK: Answering the big questions ahead of SuperCoach Round 1

The teams have finally dropped for the first team list Tuesday of the season!

It’s the most important day of the year for NRL SuperCoaches, and as usual, it didn’t fail to deliver.

There were plenty of major changes to sides that’ll shake up our Round 1 squads, while the bench make up of every club is also vital.

Cheapies emerged, as did traps, hopefully we can filter through the good and the bad without too much difficulty.

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

Embed from Getty Images

While the below isn’t short on detail, head over to my squad breakdown articles, previewing every player at every club in far greater depth.

Note when reading the breakdowns that they were based on predicted Round 1 teams, and some were written close to a month ago, although I did try and update as the pre-season unfolded as often as possible.

The Round 1 buy ratings will by the main factor impacted by certain team changes, so take them with a grain of salt. Largely the bios of each player will remain relevant though.

Anyway, let’s get stuck into the first squad analysis piece of the season.

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

Embed from Getty Images

STORM v RABBITOHS

Thursday, 8.05pm, AAMI Park, Melbourne

Storm: 1. Ryan Papenhuyzen 2. George Jennings 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. Felise Kaufusi 12. Kenneath Bromwich 13. Nelson Asofa-Solomona

Bench: 14. Chris Lewis 15. Tui Kamikamica 16. Tom Eisenhuth 17. Nicho Hynes

Reserves: 18. Darryn Schonig 19. Cooper Johns 20. Trent Loiero 21. Tyson Smoothy

Analysis: Brenko Lee is out injured, but is only likely to miss a game or two. As a result, George Jennings is definitely an avoid, while I’m a touch worried about Reimis Smith as a buy, although I do expect him to retain his place as a winger once Brenko returns.

With Harry Grant out for 3-4 rounds, and Dale Finucane out fairly long-term, Brandon Smith looks like a fairly bulletproof buy.

He started at hooker in five games last season, producing scores of: 66 (75 mins), 52 (67), 73 (63), 54 (79), 79 (62).

He averaged 54MPG last season, so you’d think he’ll play anywhere from 65-80 over the next month, potentially until Finucane is out.

The three forward bench is great for Christian Welch. None of NAS, Lewis or Kamikamica will command big minutes in the middle, while Eisenhuth is more of an edge forward anyway.

It should see Welch improve on his 43MPG quite a bit. From Round 9 onwards in 2020 he averaged 59.6PPG which came across a 10 game sample.

NAS has some appeal, but I’ll be avoiding as I think Welch and Smith are better buys, more so Smith.

Rabbitohs: 1. Latrell Mitchell 2. Alex Johnston 3. Dane Gagai 4. Campbell Graham 5. Josh Mansour 6. Cody Walker 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Thomas Burgess 9. Damien Cook 10. Tevita Tatola 11. Jacob Host 12. Jaydn Su’A 13. Cameron Murray

Bench: 14. Benji Marshall 15. Mark Nicholls 16. Keaon Koloamatangi 17. Jai Arrow

Reserves: 18. Patrick Mago 19. Jaxson Paulo 20. Tautau Moga 21. Troy Dargan

Analysis: The backline is named as expected, while there’s plenty of SuperCoach relevance in the pack.

Jacob Host beats out Jai Arrow and Keaon Koloamatangi for a starting edge role, but for how long?

I can’t help but feel Arrow will start in his place once fit and firing. Host only averaged 43MPG last season, scoring at 0.82PPM.

The year prior he averaged 57MPG and his output dropped to just 0.67PPM, pretty ordinary reading.

Obviously if he played a consistent 80 minute role he’d be a huge option, I’m just not convinced he will.

Benji Marshall wins the utility role, what does this mean for Cook?

If the Bunnies do get out to strong leads it may tempt Wayne Bennett to rest his star hooker throughout the year, possibly bringing Benji on for a stint at hooker.

Look, I wouldn’t be too worried as a Cook owner, but certainly worth some thought with so many decent hooking options.

I’ve stated previously my concern with Cook that he may reduce his running game big time in a bid to get the flying Walker and Latrell early ball.

There’s not big minutes between Tom Burgess and Tevita Tatola as starters, so I like that for Cam Murray’s potential game time when you consider Benji is also on the bench.

Embed from Getty Images

KNIGHTS v BULLDOGS

Friday, 6pm, McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle

Knights: 1. Tex Hoy 2. Starford To’a 3. Enari Tuala 4. Bradman Best 5. Gehamat Shibasaki 6. Kurt Mann 7. Mitchell Pearce 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. Hymel Hunt 19. Pasami Saulo 20. Jack Johns 21. Simi Sasagi

Analysis: Tex Hoy is an interesting one, he has upside with the Knights early season draw at just $240k. Further news on Wednesday confirmed Mitch Barnett will kick goals in Kalyn Ponga’s absence.

I just fear Ponga will be back far earlier than that six week time frame we keep seeing.

If he does, Hoy may even become the side’s number 14 which would make any early cash generation useless.

I’ll be holding off, and if he fires in the opening rounds and we get word KP is out longer, he’ll be an easy trade in at the price. I don’t think he’s an option without the goal-kicking though.

Provided it stays the same come game day, the four forward bench will have massive SuperCoach ramifications.

Klemmer, Saifiti, Frizell, Barnett and Watson all make strong cases as Round 1 buys, but with four big men on the bench it puts a question mark on the entire pack’s minutes.

As such, I’ll be avoiding all except Watson who I think is a must-have.

No reserve hooker suggests Jayden Brailey will play 80, although Watson or Mann are both capable of deputising if he needs a spell on return from injury.

News of Barnett goal-kicking is massive and brings him right into consideration. I think he’s a peg off the top tier back-row options, but with Ponga out he should score very well and increase value.

Bulldogs: 1. Corey Allan 2. Nick Meaney 3. Will Hopoate 4. Nick Cotric 5. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 6. Jake Averillo 7. Kyle Flanagan 8. Ofahiki Ogden 9. Sione Katoa 10. Jack Hetherington 11. Adam Elliott 12. Corey Waddell 13. Josh Jackson

Bench: 14. Bradley Deitz 15. Renouf Atoni 16. Raymond Faitala-Mariner 17. Dylan Napa

Reserves: 19. Tuipulotu Katoa 20. Chris Smith 21. Brandon Wakeham 22. Ava Seumanufagai

Analysis: Not a lot to chat about here in terms of SuperCoach relevance.

Jake Averillo is slightly tempting as a dual CTW-5/8, but how many points do the Dogs attack have in them?

I’d need him goal-kicking to consider, this won’t happen unless Kyle Flanagan goes down injured.

Corey Waddell has been named to start on an edge over Raymond Faitala-Mariner which was a big surprise.

Adam Elliott averaged just 58MPG last season, if he plays 80 on the edge he has huge upside, but you’d need to see him get the time before buying.

Jack Hetherington has tempted some at a tick under $300k as a starting prop.

I’m not a fan, he averaged 33PPG in 45MPG at an output of 0.73PPM last season, so I don’t see him increasing on this too significantly.

Josh Jackson starts at lock as expected, he averaged 77MPG last season. He didn’t really have any attacking stats on the edge, so with an improved base in the middle he’d be an option only if he played 80.

I feel as though he’ll play anywhere from 60-65 as a middle, which wouldn’t make him an option.

I’ll reassess after Round 1 if he plays 80.

Embed from Getty Images

BRONCOS v EELS

Friday, 8.05pm, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane

Broncos: 1. Jamayne Isaako 2. Xavier Coates 3. Herbie Farnworth 4. Tesi Niu 5. David Mead 6. Anthony Milford 7. Brodie Croft 8. Tevita Pangai Junior 9. Jake Turpin 10. Matthew Lodge 11. Alex Glenn 12. Jordan Riki 13. Patrick Carrigan

Bench: 14. John Asiata 15. Thomas Flegler 16. Ethan Bullemor 17. Ben Te’o

Reserves: 18. Tom Dearden 19. Rhys Kennedy 20. Richard Kennar 21. Cory Paix

Analysis: A four forward bench is massive for the SuperCoach credentials of plenty of players at Brisbane.

Lodge, TPJ, Riki and Carrigan are all far less appealing as a result. Hopefully come game day we get a utility back or hooker Cory Paix coming onto the pine.

Riki starts which is brilliant news, he’s pretty close to a must-have despite the bench.

I still like Lodge at the price, but he’s less appealing now.

TPJ starts at prop, and with Haas returning in Round 4 it’s hard to see him increasing on his 69MPG in 2020 with the bench.

That’s not to say he can’t produce big scores if playing 60-65 minutes.

I’m not sold on Tesi Niu as a cheapie having listened to Walson Carlos on the podcast, but regardless he’s hard to ignore at the price.

He started four games last season at fullback, averaging an okay 40PPG, but will he be any better at centre?

GET ONBOARD WITH TOPSPORT! Back your knowledge, and follow our NRL market previews throughout the season. Use the code SCPLAYBOOK when signing up. Check them out here ahead of season kick off.

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

Bench: 14. Oregon Kaufusi 15. Isaiah Papali’i 16. Keegan Hipgrave 17. Will Smith

Reserves: 18. Haze Dunster 19. Joey Lussick 20. Jordan Rankin 21. David Hollis

Analysis: Tom Opacic beats out Haze Dunster for the vacant centre spot, but we saw that coming.

I think Dylan Brown’s switch to the right edge will do wonders for Blake Ferguson’s try-scoring opportunities.

Brad Arthur’s comments last week about wanting Junior Paulo to play bigger minutes look justified by his team selection.

Will Smith is a utility back, Keegan Hipgrave is primarily an edge back-rower, while Oregan Kaufusi and Isaiah Papali’I will spend time in the middle.

With that side I see Paulo increasing significantly on his 54MPG last season, probably somewhere from 60-65 minimum, massive!

With a low score of 60 last season (one injury impacted game), Ryan Matterson is a must-have in my opinion.

Embed from Getty Images

WARRIORS v TITANS

Saturday, 3pm, Central Coast Stadium

Warriors: 1. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 2. David Fusitu’a 3. Euan Aitken 4. Peta Hiku 5. Ken Maumalo 6. Kodi Nikorima 7. Chanel Harris-Tavita 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Wade Egan 10. Jamayne Taunoa-Brown 11. Eliesa Katoa 12. Bayley Sironen 13. Tohu Harris

Bench: 14. Jazz Tevaga 15. Ben Murdoch-Masila 16. Leeson Ah Mau 17. Bunty Afoa

Reserves: 18. Adam Pompey 20. Sean O’Sullivan 21. Tom Ale 22. Josh Curran

Analysis: Another four forward bench, huge! Not only are there four forwards, but they’re all middles!!!

Ben Murdoch-Masila, who plays on the edge also, was beaten to a starting spot by Bayley Sironen.

I think people have avoided a trap there…

Sironen averaged just 52MPG last season, scoring at a pretty ordinary 0.75PPM.

He’d need to play 80 to warrant selection which looks unlikely with the bench named.

I quite liked Tohu Harris and Addin Fonua-Blake, but I’m not going near either with that bench.

Wade Egan makes an early return from injury, putting a line through Jazz Tevaga who was named at 14.

Chanel Harris-Tavita was handed the 7 jersey for seven of the last eight rounds in 2020, playing the full 80 minutes and goal-kicking.

He scored his points in a variety of ways to finish those seven games with an average of 65.4PPG. 

We’re desperate for a backup halfback, could he be the man? I’ll likely avoid, but he looks a decent option.

Titans: 1. AJ Brimson 2. Corey Thompson 3. Brian Kelly 4. Patrick Herbert 5. Anthony Don 6. Ashley Taylor 7. Jamal Fogarty 8. Jarrod Wallace 9. Mitch Rein 10. Moeaki Fotuaika 11. Kevin Proctor 12. David Fifita 13. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui

Bench: 14. Tyrone Peachey 15. Sam Lisone 16. Jaimin Jolliffe 17. Erin Clark

Reserves: 18. Phillip Sami 19. Beau Fermor 20. Herman Ese’ese 21. Sam McIntyre

Analysis: If this bench stays the same come game day, Tino Fa’asuamaleaui looks the big winner.

Justin Holbrook has named a utility in Tyrone Peachey (likely to come on as a middle), a reserve hooker/half in Erin Clark, then the two big men in Sam Lisone and Jaimin Jolliffe who won’t command many minutes.

As such, I see Tino playing 60-65 minutes minimum. Considering he averaged just 46MPG last season I see him as almost impossible to avoid now I’ve seen the bench.

Furthermore, he spent a decent chunk of time on the edge last year, so his base should go up as a middle.

David Fifita will play his 80MPG and is a strong buy.

Plenty are raving about Jamal Fogarty as a reserve halfback option, and while the goal-kicking duties make him enticing, I’m not convinced.

Brian Kelly is a solid option at CTW, I’m very comfortable going a Teddy-Papy combo over Brimson.

Embed from Getty Images

ROOSTERS v SEA EAGLES

Saturday, 5.30pm, SCG, Sydney

Roosters: 1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Josh Morris 4. Joseph Manu 5. Brett Morris 6. Lachlan Lam 7. Luke Keary 8. Lindsay Collins 9. Jake Friend 10. Siosiua Taukeiaho 11. Angus Crichton 12. Sitili Tupouniua 13. Isaac Liu

Bench: 14. Adam Keighran 15. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves 16. Nat Butcher 17. Daniel Suluka-Fifita

Reserves: 18. Matt Ikuvalu 19. Fletcher Baker 20. Freddy Lussick 21. Sam Walker

Analysis: Lock Teddy into your side and give him the captaincy against a pretty depleted looking Manly outfit.

Lachlan Lam looks a solid buy at either 5/8 or hooker. They’re both very competitive positions in SuperCoach to start the season though.

His base in limited opportunity last season was exceptional for a playmaker.

The bench also has significant SuperCoach implications. Adam Keighran is a playmaker, while JWH and Suluka-Fifita are middles, along with Butcher who can play middle or edge.

It suggests to me that Sitili Tupouniua will play 80 which makes him tempting, although not without risk.

In 11 games of 74+ minutes (nine were 80) last season, he averaged just 53.2PPG, that included a 124 point game against the Broncos where he scored a double, with two linebreaks and a line-assist.

I’m torn, but I’ll likely avoid at a slightly awkward $410k.

Keep in mind Sam Verrills will become the 14 when fit, likely a week or two away, while Victor Radley will return in a similar time frame.

It makes me question Siosiua Taukeiaho’s minutes a bit, but with the goal-kicking duties in this red-hot Roosters outfit he looks pretty hard to ignore.

Like Matterson, Angus Crichton is locked into my side, gun.

I’m still tempted to run Sam Walker as a bottom dollar non-playing reserve at halfback.

I don’t particularly like anyone else in the position, and it gives me $300-400k to spend elsewhere.

Yes, I understand the risk if Nathan Cleary goes down for a game or two and it could burn a trade or two, but I think it’s one I’m willing to take.

Sea Eagles: 1. Dylan Walker 2. Jason Saab 3. Brad Parker 4. Moses Suli 5. Reuben Garrick 6. Kieran Foran 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Josh Aloiai 9. Lachlan Croker 10. Martin Taupau 11. Jack Gosiewski 12. Curtis Sironen 13. Jake Trbojevic

Bench: 14. Tevita Funa 15. Andrew Davey 16. Morgan Boyle 17. Taniela Paseka

Reserves: 18. Josh Schuster 19. Sean Keppie 20. Toafofoa Sipley 21. Morgan Harper

Analysis: Dylan Walker beats Morgan Harper to the vacant fullback role of Tom Trbojevic and is slightly tempting at $303k.

In five 80 minute games prior to injury last season (one was 69), he averaged 48.2PPG, all at centre.

That included a 16 point stinker against Melbourne in the rain in Round 1. One to watch early on at this stage.

Jason Saab beats Christian Tuipulotu to the wing spot, he’s a decent cheapie, but without Turbo feeding him ball I won’t be playing in my 17.

If DCE was kicking goals I’d be very tempted at halfback alongside Cleary, but I expect Reuben Garrick to take the tee which reduces the appeal substantially.

I got a little excited about Taniela Paseka before today, he’ll play off the bench though and isn’t an option.

He was beaten to AFB’s vacant prop role by recruit Josh Aloiai who is a strong watch on minutes early on.

Jack Gosiewski beat Andrew Davey to the starting edge role in a blow to SuperCoach.

The Goz has a terrible PPM and may not play 80, not interested.

Lachlan Croker, who was set to miss the opening rounds with injury, has been named as the side’s sole hooker.

I’m not buying it Dezzy…

Cade Cust is out injured, while Josh Schuster missed the 17 completely.

I don’t see how winger Tevita Funa plays as the side’s utility in Round 1.

Let’s wait and see how that team list drops on Saturday.

Embed from Getty Images

PANTHERS v COWBOYS

Saturday, 7.30pm, Panthers Stadium, Penrith

Panthers: 1. Dylan Edwards 2. Charlie Staines 3. Paul Momirovski 4. Stephen Crichton 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. J’maine Hopgood 19. Matt Burton 20. Robert Jennings 21. Mitch Kenny

Analysis: With games to open against the Cowboys and Bulldogs,you can makea case for the majority of Penrith’s side.

Charlie Staines is a near must, Paul Momirovski is a tempting POD (Naden’s Round 5 return a concern), Stephen Crichton is a gun, while Brian To’o is my pick of the elite CTWs in the competition for Round 1.

If you don’t own Nathan Cleary, get him, he’s basically the only good option at halfback in my eyes.

He’s also a big captaincy option in Round 1.

Kurt Capewell is the big winner here, named to start in the back-row, while available as a CTW-2RF in SuperCoach.

He’s made his way into my CTW, Isaah Yeo of 2020 anyone?

He’s not locked into an 80 minute role, but with two middle forwards and Liam Martin (edge) on the bench he looks good.

Martin spent time in the middle during the trial win over the Eels which suggests he may play 20-25 on the edge for Kikau, then additional time in the middle rotation.

I don’t think Moses Leota will get the minutes to warrant consideration, likewise James Fisher-Harris.

Will Spencer Leniu improve significantly enough on his 20MPG last season to be a big improver?

Potentially, but I’m likely to watch his game time early on with so much competition for minutes in the pack.

Cowboys: 1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Kyle Feldt 3. Esan Marsters 4. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 5. Valentine Holmes 6. Michael Morgan 7. Jake Clifford 8. Francis Molo 9. Reece Robson 10. Jordan McLean 11. Mitchell Dunn 12. Coen Hess 13. Jason Taumalolo

Bench: 14. Jake Granville 15. Josh McGuire 16. Corey Jensen 17. Lachlan Burr

Reserves: 18. Shane Wright 19. Reuben Cotter 20. Murray Taulagi 21. Ben Hampton

Analysis: I’ve been very keen on Val Holmes all pre-season as a CTW option.

Scott Drinkwater won the race to fullback, although I think it was more of a case of Todd Payten not being able to play him as a frontline defender that forced the decision.

This mean Val starts on the wing, and he won’t goal-kick with Jake Clifford in the halves, meaning he’s a no-go.

Jake Granville has been named on the bench, meaning Reece Robson likely only plays 60 minutes.

Todd Payten’s earlier call to focus on quality over quantity for Jason Taumalolo has been justified by the team selection.

With three middle forwards on the bench you’d think Lolo will play 55-60 minutes.

It doesn’t by any means make him a no-go as his PPM will increase, but it does put Matterson and Crichton firmly ahead in my books.

Embed from Getty Images

RAIDERS v TIGERS

Sunday, 4.05pm, GIO Stadium, Canberra

Raiders: 1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 2. Bailey Simonsson 3. Sebastian Kris 4. Curtis Scott 5. Jordan Rapana 6. Jack Wighton 7. George Williams 8. Josh Papalii 9. Josh Hodgson 10. Dunamis Lui 11. Hudson Young 12. Elliott Whitehead 13. Joseph Tapine

Bench: 14. Siliva Havili 15. Ryan Sutton 16. Sia Soliola 17. Ryan James

Reserves: 18. Sam Williams 19. Tom Starling 20. Emre Guler 21. Harley Smith-Shields

Analysis: Another four forward bench that will have big SuperCoach ramifications.

It means several things, firstly that Josh Hodgson becomes a serious buy option.

No Tom Starling suggests to me that Hodgo will try to play 80 on return from injury, and Siliva Havili will deputise for 15-20 if required.

The bench has four middle forwards, meaning Joe Tapine’s minutes are a huge question mark, I’d avoid.

Ditto Josh Papalii who may be eased into the year after a big 2020 season.

Hudson Young however should play 8o on the edge.

With Corey Horsburgh (Round 2) and Corey Harawira-Naera (Round 3) returning soon, I think Ryan James is a trap as a cheapie.

Bailey Simonsson looks one of the safer cheapies in terms of job security to start the year.

Tigers: 1. Daine Laurie 2. David Nofoaluma 3. James Roberts 4. Joseph Leilua 5. AJ Kepaoa 6. Moses Mbye 7. Luke Brooks 8. James Tamou 9. Jacob Liddle 10. Joe Ofahengaue 11. Luke Garner 12. Luciano Leilua 13. Alex Twal

Bench: 14. Tommy Talau 15. Thomas Mikaele 16. Stefano Utoikamanu 17. Russell Packer

Reserves: 18. Jock Madden 19. Michael Chee Kam 20. Tuki Simpkins 21. Alex Seyfarth

Analysis: Daine Laurie wins the starting fullback role, hallelujah! Get him in. He’s also a pretty safe play as a cheapie CTW with his strong base.

James Roberts is a decent cheapie, but with games against the Raiders and Roosters to start the year I would avoid playing in my 17.

As the sole hooker named, Jacob Liddle looks almost a must-have, but I think there’s plenty more to read into it following an in-depth chat on the podcast.

In brief, I expect Moses Mbye to spell him at some point in the game.

Come Round 2, Adam Doueihi returns at 5/8, I suspect Mbye becomes the 14 and again spells Liddle.

I’m not certain of his minutes, but I’d guess at 50-60 on return from so many serious injuries.

Tommy Talau at 14 is such an odd selection, is Jock Madden a game day switch to 5/8 with Mbye to the bench?

Who knows, but there’s plenty to ponder.

I see myself starting with Watson and Lam/Hodgo at hooker, and if Liddle does fire as a big minute hooker it’s an easy downgrade before initial price rises after Round 3.

Three middle forwards on the bench is a worry for Alex Twal owners, but at just over $500k he looks pretty decent value anyway, so I wouldn’t be too concerned.

Embed from Getty Images

DRAGONS v SHARKS

Sunday, 6.15pm, Jubilee Stadium, Sydney

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

Bench: 14. Poasa Faamausili 15. Trent Merrin 16. Daniel Alvaro 17. Brayden Wiliame

Reserves: 18. Jackson Ford 19. Kaide Ellis 20. Jordan Pereira 21. Max Feagai

Analysis: There’s not a lot of SuperCoach relevance in this fixture, thankfully being the last of the round.

Jack Bird will be a close watch early on, but I wouldn’t risk in Round 1 with his injury history.

Corey Norman will replace Adam Clune on return from suspension next week, so don’t be tricked into him as a cheap backup half.

Cheapie Poasa Faamausili missed a starting spot and shouldn’t be considered.

I’ll have a very close watch on the minutes and output of Blake Lawrie and Josh Kerr in the opening rounds.

Sharks: 1. Will Kennedy 2. Sione Katoa 3. Josh Dugan 4. Jesse Ramien 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo 6. Matt Moylan 7. Chad Townsend 8. Braden Hamlin-Uele 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Aaron Woods 11. Briton Nikora 12. Wade Graham 13. Toby Rudolf

Bench: 14. Connor Tracey 15. Aiden Tolman 16. Jack Williams 17. Billy Magoulias

Reserves: 18. Mawene Hiroti 19. Teig Wilton 20. Andrew Fifita 21. Braydon Trindall

Analysis: Andrew Fifita was touted as a Round 1 buy following a strong performance in the Indigenous All Stars side, he missed the 17 entirely, so we avoided a huge trap there.

While I’ve owned Matt Moylan all pre-season, I’m wavering. I feel as though Will Kennedy will steal plenty of his try-assists as the sweep runner out the back of play, who the assist is always awarded to.

With three middle forwards on the bench I’m not enticed by anyone in the pack.

Sign up to SC Playbook for hundreds of extra premium articles across the NRL pre-season and regular 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