Squad Breakdown: Team insights, Round 2

• WEEKLY WRAP: Round 1 highs, lows and shocks
• DRAFT BREAKDOWN: Waiver-wire, trade targets

The first round of the season is in the bag, meaning our NRL SuperCoach squads are locked in.

Now it’s all about utilising our two weekly trades, while making money, while monitoring the bye period, and accruing as many points as possible, easy right?

I think it’s vital we use the four trades at our disposal over the next two rounds as we get a free look at players before initial price changes occur.

That being said, I saved both mine at this stage last season as I was happy with my squad, so some people may be lucky enough to hold off.

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It’s important also not to make hasty trades. Don’t go chasing last week’s points based on a one game sample size, likewise, don’t go trading players you were high on all pre-season unless they’ve had a clear role change you didn’t expect (e.g. Api Koroisau’s 48 minutes).

You may be forced to go early on a couple of players who went okay in order to utilise the four trades, but ultimately, have some faith in your choices.

There’s also a stack of rain predicted for Sydney over the weekend which will host the majority of games, so scores may not be as high as expected if it comes.

This may mean playing a solid 45-50 point forward on your bench rather than a back who could go very low in the wet, anyway, monitor the weather throughout the week.

Let’s get stuck into the Round 2 teams.

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EELS v STORM

Thursday, 8.05pm, Bankwest Stadium, Parramatta

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. Will Smith 17. Marata Niukore

Reserves: 18. Keegan Hipgrave 19. Haze Dunster 19. Ray Stone 20. Joey Lussick

Analysis: After making a case for him the entire pre-season, I was very relieved to see Blake Ferguson deliver in Round 1 with 92 points.

He remains a great buy at great value, however with a very tough game against Melbourne in what is likely to be wet conditions in Sydney, it could be worth waiting a week to jump on in case he’s nullified by their defence.

It’s fine to go early and grab this week, just don’t expect big points, it be more of a move to keep options open for next week’s trades.

The shift of Dylan Brown from the left to right edge will do Fergy Ferg wonders this season.

While Brown struggled score-wise, he had a ridiculous 39 in base!

Anyone who went Clint Gutherson should be jumping ship to whoever they don’t own out of Teddy and Papy.

Reed Mahoney went bonkers with 134 points to his name thanks to 51 tackles, a try and try-assist.

However, he’s fairly expensive at $478k and could easily go sub 50 against the Storm.

If this happens, the big score will be out of his rolling average very quickly and that breakeven will rise quickly.

Plus, there’s plenty of decent options at hooker, so don’t jump the gun this week if you are interested.

Junior Paulo, animal! His 60 minutes was perhaps a little less than we’d hoped, but it’s still strong.

His 100 point effort was inflated by a late try and linebreak, but he also had five offloads and looked very capable despite the quicker game speed.

He looms as a very high upside buy this week.

There’s a big watch on Isaiah Papali’i this week who was sensational off the bench in 56 minutes.

He scored 64 points, but he’s a little awkwardly priced at $408k, so I definitely would not be jumping the gun on him.

Barring injuries, it’s hard to see him starting, so I’d be more inclined to go with Jai Arrow for a bit more coin.

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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. Tyson Smoothy 15. Tui Kamikamica 16. Tom Eisenhuth 17. Tyson Smoothy

Reserves: 18. Nicho Hynes 19. Darryn Schonig 20. Cooper Johns 21. Dean Ieremia

Analysis: Papenhuyzen is a gun and has the potential to average 100+ this season now that he’s kicking, get him in.

Reimis Smith underwhelmed as a POD CTW with just 32 points, very concerningly he only had eight runs.

I’d give him another chance this week, then move on next week if he flops again.

Cam Munster was solid with 71 points, Cody Walker took the early points in their 5/8 dual (SuperCoach points, obviously). 

Not that he set the world alight, but I’ll be looking to get him in alongside Cody as soon as possible with an eye to his huge ceiling.

Christian Welch played 50 minutes for 52 points, not what we were hoping for, but hardly a disaster.

He only offloaded once, but again, in Round 1 it’s not a huge concern. Your team is likely to have far bigger issues than him.

That being said, if your team is looking good across the board I don’t mind the idea of trading him this week to again keep options open next week.

Brandon Smith was okay at best in an encouraging 70 minutes, scoring just 45 points.

Attacking stats are just around the corner, but will they come in time before Harry Grant and Dale Finucane return?

Definitely worth another week, but I wouldn’t be buying.

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WARRIORS v KNIGHTS

Friday, 6pm, Central Coast Stadium

Warriors: 1. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 2. David Fusitu’a 3. Adam Pompey 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. Marcelo Montoya 20. Sean O’Sullivan 21. Tom Ale 22. Jack Murchie

Analysis: Kodi Nikorima had a strong start with 74 points and is a POD halfback option, just ask Walson Carlos!

I won’t be going near him as he’ll likely lose the goal-kicking duties in coming weeks when Chanel Harris-Tavita overcomes a quad niggle.

Addin Fonua-Blake started well at his new club with 65 points in a promising 57 minutes.

He had 51 in base, including 19 runs. He also had three offloads which is encouraging.

I’d lean towards Junior Paulo more at this stage, but AFB is a decent option at a reduced wait.

Tohu Harris played 80 minutes across the middle and edge despite the stacked bench, scoring 66 points with 60 in base.

I still prefer guys like Crichton, Matterson and Murray, but provided he maintains the minutes he appears a rock solid option again.

Bayley Sironen scored a try to push his score to 74, but with only 48 minutes I’m not convinced yet despite the tempting $348k price tag.

If he plays 65+ minutes this week I’ll have a better look for Round 3.

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Knights: 1. Tex Hoy 2. Starford To’a 3. Enari Tuala 4. Bradman Best 5. Hymel Hunt 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. Phoenix Crossland 19. Pasami Saulo 20. Dominic Young 21. Gehamat Shibasaki

Analysis: Mitch Pearce delivered as a very sneaky POD halfback option with 80 points despite the heavy rain.

The Knights face the Warriors, Tigers and Dragons in the next three weeks, so he’s worth a thought, although not for me.

If he goes big again this week he could be a cash grab play.

The minutes of the entire pack were inflated due to injuries to Bradman Best and Kurt Mann, so I wouldn’t read too much into any.

Minutes: Jayden Brailey (80), Daniel Saifiti (60), David Klemmer (74), Mitch Barnett (80), Connor Watson (53).

Brailey went big in 80 minutes with 86 points and is priced at just $356k. A downgrade of Cook/Api to him is a major play this week.

I’d be tempted to wait one more week, but as mentioned it’s crucial to utilise the four trades over the next two weeks before prices rise and fall.

Klemmer and D.Saifiti went huge in big minutes, but I’ll certainly be monitoring this week after the inflated game time.

Congrats to those who jumped on Mitch Barnett who hit 105 with the goal-kicking duties in hand.

He remains a great buy this week, with owners praying Kalyn Ponga remains on the sidelines a while longer. 

I don’t see him quite being a season-long keeper if he loses the kicking.

Incredibly Mann has been named despite his injury last week, if unavailable, it’s unknown whether Watson or Phoenix Crossland would start at 6.

Let’s hope Watson starts either way after being benched before kick off.

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TITANS v BRONCOS

Friday, 8.05pm, Cbus Super Stadium, Gold Coast

Titans: 1. AJ Brimson 2. Anthony Don 3. Phillip Sami 4. Patrick Herbert 5. Corey Thompson 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. Beau Fermor 19. Herman Ese’ese 20. Sam McIntyre 21. Tanah Boyd

Analysis: Brian Kelly struggled with just 47 points, however his owners would have been thrilled to see him smash out 37 in base!

Unfortunately he was injured in the loss and is expected to miss three weeks.

A trade to Brian To’o looks a strong play this week.

Jamal Fogarty wasn’t great with 40 points, but he looked promising enough and is definitely worth another week.

David Fifita scored 60 points in 70 minutes despite being ill in the week leading into the game, that’s very encouraging. He’ll be an 80 minute player from this week.

Tino Fa’asuamaleaui owners would have been thrilled to see him punch out 64 minutes on his Titans debut for 60 points.

Playing in the middle, with his attacking upside, that’s big game time.

He had 52 points in base, look out…

A late try-assist saved AJ Brimson’s score (64), however I’d be going to either of Teddy or Papy if I owned.

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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. Thomas Flegler 11. Alex Glenn 12. Jordan Riki 13. Patrick Carrigan

Bench: 14. John Asiata 15. Rhys Kennedy 16. Ethan Bullemor 17. Ben Te’o

Reserves: 18. Tom Dearden 19. Richard Kennar 21. Cory Paix 22. Corey Oates

Analysis: David Mead scored 77 points on return to Brisbane and will generate interest at just $230k.

He based very well with 33 in Round 1, I’m not convinced he’ll maintain this as he’s traditionally had low output in the past. When he doesn’t accrue attacking stats he could go very low. If he can maintain it, look out!

I’ll definitely be waiting a week on him, then buying if he goes big again.

Anthony Milford looked decent, scoring 69 points with two try-assists.

At $304k he’s another to monitor this week, but definitely do not go early.

The minutes of the pack were inflated significantly due to the injuries to Matt Lodge and Xavier Coates.

I’d be tempted to hold Lodge as his hamstring strain isn’t as bad as expected, meaning he’ll likely miss 2-4 weeks, but I’ll struggle to as he was a starting FRF for me.

If you already have two guns FRF’s I can see a case, but he’s probably a sell.

Another concern is that Payne Haas will likely be available around about when he returns and will eat into his minutes.

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Despite the inflated minutes across the pack, Tevita Pangai Junior played only 38 minutes!!!

Very very odd, despite this, he scored 79 points with seven offloads.

He popped the arm free in his first 4/5 runs of the game.

My word, imagine what he’ll do if playing 60 minutes at full fitness.

I don’t understand why he didn’t play more, unless they were cautious of his dodgy hamstrings early in the season?

Anyway, he’s a HUGE watch this week.

Jordan Riki played 80 minutes which is excellent news for the masses who own him. 

While he didn’t set the world alight in SuperCoach scoring, he’s a safe play in 17s as long as he’s starting.

Jake Turpin is yet another monitor having played 80 minutes for 61 points at just $393k.

Brailey and Liddle look like better options based on Round 1, but that could change very quickly in Round 2.

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BULLDOGS v PANTHERS

Saturday, 3pm, Bankwest Stadium, Sydney

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. Raymond Faitala-Mariner 13. Josh Jackson

Bench: 14. Jeremy Marshall-King 15. Renouf Atoni 16. Corey Waddell 17. Dylan Napa

Reserves: 19. Tuipulotu Katoa 20. Chris Smith 21. Lachlan Lewis 22. Joe Stimson

Analysis: Jake Averillo flopped with 18, and while there’s every chance he can come good, he may have to be moved on this week if your side is looking okay elsewhere.

It was in wet conditions in Newcastle, so it’s not the worst move to hold if you have faith he’ll come good.

Adam Elliott played 80 minutes on his move to the edge, knocking out 74 points, but that included a try and linebreak.

Josh Jackson played an impressive 74 minutes in the middle for 57 points.

Worth monitoring again this week as he’s a potential stepping stone to a 2RF gun at just $439k.

Ofahiki Ogden jagged a very encouraging 51 minutes, although his 39 points wasn’t quite what we’d hoped.

At $243k he’ll be a pretty safe cash cow if he gets similar time next week with a slightly improved output.

Raymond Faitala-Mariner starts in the back-row in place of Corey Waddell (bench).

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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. Scott Sorensen 19. Matt Burton 20. Robert Jennings 21. Mitch Kenny

Analysis: Charlie Staines flopped with 18 points, delivering a garbage 13 in base! The points and price rises will come, but it may take time.

He’s shown already he’s far from a safe play in 17s, although I’ll be locking him in against the Dogs and praying for tries.

I’ll be very hesitant to do so against stronger opposition.

Brian To’o is a beast, I’m desperate to get him in my side.

He scored a try, had one disallowed, busted 10 tackles and had 16 runs, gun!

Jarome Luai delivered for those who took a punt on him, scoring 79 points, which could have been just shy of a ton had his try-assist for To’o’s disallowed try not been taken off him.

He has another excellent match up with the Dogs this week and could score well.

New year, same unicorns for Nathan Cleary. The Panthers half justified the pre-season hype with 103 points and is a serious skipper option this week.

Very interesting minutes for the Penrith pack, all were around about what we tipped throughout the pre-season, except for Api Koroisau who played just 48 minutes.

James Fisher-Harris (61), Api Koroisau (48), Moses Leota (34), Viliame Kikau (43), Kurt Capewell (66), Isaah Yeo (69), Spencer Leniu (38) and Liam Martin (51).

Absolute madness for Api, and a savage blow for owners.

I’d be tempted to hold as an owner to see if it changes, but with so many quality cheap/mid-range options at hooker I think you have to sell as it’s probably an inevitable trade next week anyway.

Then he’ll probably come out and ton up against the Dogs in 80 minutes, SuperCoach…

Moses Leota is a sell for anyone who took the gamble on him with the hope of getting more minutes.

Kurt Capewell didn’t get 80, and needed a try to get him to 68 points, but I’m not overly concerned.

Even if playing 65-70 I see him making great coin before being upgraded to a CTW keeper.

If he does play 70-80 I think he’s a season long keeper at CTW.

Isaah Yeo was given big minutes and will be rock solid again this year, however I think there’s better options a 2RF with greater upside and safer minutes.

Spencer Leniu scored 46 points in 38 minutes in a very promising sign for his owners. Will he maintain the minutes? 

I may wait one more week before buying, but with so many looming trades next week I might just bite the bullet and go Lodge to him this week to free up cash which seems logical.

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SEA EAGLES v RABBITOHS

Saturday, 5.30pm, Lottoland, Manly

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. Andrew Davey 12. Curtis Sironen 13. Jake Trbojevic

Bench: 14. Cade Cust 15. Jack Gosiewski 16. Sean Keppie 17. Taniela Paseka

Reserves: 18. Josh Schuster 19. Tevita Funa 20. Toafofoa Sipley 21. Morgan Harper

Analysis: Dylan Walker(18) and Jason Saab (11) failed as cheapies, but they weren’t alone.

Dylan Walker is probably a sell, but if you want in for the long haul he should see price rises eventually, but how long?

Saab is a hold despite the rubbish output, tries will come eventually, and at $233k he’s not taking up much cap space.

As warned all last week, he’s not a play in your 17!

DCE scored just 28, I’m hoping he struggles with Manly’s brutal early season draw and can be picked up in that tough reserve halfback spot for under $500k down the track, hopefully with goal-kicking duties.

I was stunned to see Lachlan Croker play 80 minutes, but despite the game time he scored just 35 points. Expect Cade Cust to spell him at hooker after bagging a hat-trick in reserves last week.

Marty Taupau didn’t get the additional time we’d hoped for in Addin Fonua-Blake’s absence, playing just 47 minutes for 47 points.

Jake Trbojevic played 80 minutes for a solid 61 points, but I still much prefer any of Matterson/Crichton/Murray/Fifita due to their higher ceiling.

Andrew Davey only played 35 minutes for 34 points, he’s been named to start in the back-row this week, which is frustrating it wasn’t a week earlier!

There’s a massive watch on his output and minutes this week as he could be anything, but it’s fairly risky going early despite the obvious tempation.

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

Bench: 14. Benji Marshall 15. Mark Nicholls 16. Patrick Mago 17. Jai Arrow

Reserves: 18. Liam Knight 19. Tautau Moga 20. Josh Mansour 21. Jacob Host

Analysis: At halftime against Melbourne, those who picked Latrell Mitchell over Papenhuyzen would’ve been ready to throw in the towel for SuperCoach 2021.

By fulltime, they’d have been strutting around with their chest out.

Well played, he went huge in the second half to score 117 points against the best defence in the NRL, imagine what he could do against weaker opposition, and if Adam Reynolds were to go down injured giving him the kicking duties.

Singly-handedly the most impressive thing for owners was his 15 runs, it’s exactly what we wanted to see.

As a result, the attacking stats unsurprisingly came in the form of nine tacklebreaks, four offloads, one try, one assist and two linebreaks.

For the record, I’m still firmly in the corner of a Teddy/Papy fullback combo, but so far so good from Latrell.

Alex Johnston is a serious POD on that lethal edge, notching 75 points with two tries to his name.

The base isn’t great at all, so he’ll have some low weeks, but there could be some monster scores in between. 

As a Cody Walker owner, I’d have taken 50 points in Round 1 in Melbourne.

He belted that expectation, knocking out 82 points in a strong performance.

He could go big this week against the Sea Eagles, but he then faces the Roosters the following week (although he put 200 on them last year).

The Bunnies have a tremendous draw from Round 4 onwards, so make plans to get him in by then latest.

Campbell Graham may struggle to match his average last year while playing on the ‘weaker’ right edge of South Sydney.

Josh Mansour has been dropped in favour of young gun Jaxson Paulo.

As suspected, Damien Cook’s scoring suffered due to the form of the blokes outside him.

I think he’ll dish plenty of early ball to Latrell and Cody which will hurt his running game significantly. 

His 36 point shocker was against Melbourne, so don’t be too disheartened. 

There’s no harm in giving him another week, but I’d be tempted to downgrade to one of the cheaper hooking options that appeal to free up cash elsewhere.

Cam Murray may have only scored 53, but like Cody, I’m definitely taking that against Melbourne.

In great news, he played 73 minutes! He had 52 in base, with 45 tackles and just eight runs, not great.

He’ll bounce back with attacking stats against far inferior sides.

Jacob Host failed to deliver on his expectation, getting a solid 64 minutes, but scoring just 33 points. He’s been dropped in a huge blow to anyone who jumped on.

Koloamatangi starts in his place, but I wouldn’t be shocked to see Jai Arrow start come game day. If not this week, then surely next week once back to full fitness.

He may also start for Tom Burgess if he isn’t cleared for a return.

Arrow was immense and changed the game when coming onto the field last week.

He scored 70 points in just 45 minutes, with 24 tackles, 19 runs and five tackle breaks, beast!

He looks back to his best and will again be a SuperCoach force with bigger minutes if he stays fit.

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COWBOYS v DRAGONS

Saturday, 7.35pm, QCB Stadium, Townsville

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. Reuben Cotter

Reserves: 18. Lachlan Burr 19. Shane Wright 20. Murray Taulagi 21. Ben Hampton

Analysis: Not a lot to note here.

Jason Taumalolo scored just 36 points in 51 minutes, spending some time on the edge.

Don’t be one bit surprised to see him bounce back with a big score this week, however I still think I’d be trading to a 2RF gun playing 70-80 minutes.

Michael Morgan was solid in a well beaten side, scoring 45 points with 26 tackles, but he’ll be hard to have even in that weak halfback position unless the Cowboys show some form.

There’s zero SuperCoach interest elsewhere unless Val Holmes moves to fullback and kicks goals.

My tip is we’ll get this by round 6 and he’ll be dirt cheap.

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Dragons: 1. Matthew Dufty 2. Cody Ramsey 3. Jack Bird 4. Zac Lomax 5. Mikaele Ravalawa 6. Corey Norman 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. Adam Clune 19. Kaide Ellis 20. Jackson Ford 21. Jordan Pereira

Analysis: Ben Hunt looms as a sneaky reserve halfback option, setting up three tries on his way to 74 points.

I’m just not sure how many points the Red V will have in them, particularly when they come up against strong sides.

Tyrell Fuimaono played a very encouraging 59 minutes, primarily in the middle, but he did spend some time on the edge.

They may have been slightly inflated due to Josh Kerr’s HIA, but not too significantly.

He scored 56 points, making him enticing at $259k, I just worry whether or not he’ll maintain this.

While I jumped on last week, I’d play it safe and see his minutes this week before buying as he’s an avoid if he moves to the bench in Round 2 or 3.

Andrew McCullough scored 64 points with 59 tackles to his name.

He would be an option most years, but I think the likes of Liddle, Watson, Brailey and Mahoney present better value.

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TIGERS v ROOSTERS

Sunday, 4.05pm, Campbelltown Stadium

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

Bench: 14. Moses Mbye 15. Thomas Mikaele 16. Stefano Utoikamanu 17. Tommy Talau

Reserves: 18. Russell Packer 19. Alex Seyfarth 20. Michael Chee Kam 21. Jock Madden

Analysis: Daine Laurie made a decent start, scoring 47 points with a decent 27 in base.

I can see that output increasing with every game in the top grade.

I think he’s a fairly safe CTW play early on in the season, although the Roosters in potentially wet conditions may be the exception.

Despite a stunning try-assist, James Roberts scored just 34 points with 18 in base.

At an awkward $277k I’m not convinced. Owners can hold at the price, non-owners can wait until he jags a big score or two to drop his breakeven.

Luke Brooks scored okay with 56 points, and although he had a nice try-assist for Liddle, I didn’t rate what I saw.

If Adam Doueihi regains the goal-kicking duties this week I’d put a line through Brooks.

If Brooks retains the goal-kicking and manages a respectable score against the Roosters he may warrant some more consideration next week at a slightly enticing $393k.

Luciano Leilua scored 63 with 53 in base and looms as a strong POD option and likely will all season.

Jacob Liddle played 80 minutes and looked okay, with a try and linebreak inflating his score to 71.

He’s obviously a big play at just $247k, but I still have my worries and won’t be considering until next week.

Does Mbye play 20 at hooker off the bench this week? If they get thrashed by the Roosters does Simpkin come into the side?

I’ll watch closely this week, and downgrade Josh Hodgson or Lachlan Lam to him next week if he maintains his appeal.

Surely Mbye and Talau don’t both play from the bench? I fully expect this to change come game day, but if for some reason Madge is playing it straight, it’d be great news for all the Tigers middles, namely Utoikamanu.

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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. Freddy Lussick 10. Siosiua Taukeiaho 11. Nat Butcher 12. Sitili Tupouniua 13. Isaac Liu

Bench: 14. Drew Hutchinson 15. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves 16. Fletcher Baker 17. Daniel Suluka-Fifita

Reserves: 18. Matt Ikuvalu 19. Egan Butcher 20. Sam Walker 21. Tukupa-Ke Hau Tapuha

Analysis: For the 62% who don’t own Teddy, hear’s hoping you’ve learned your lesson.

You’ll now find it difficult to get him in at a huge price, but just make it happen or risk falling behind very quickly.

Daniel Tupou and Brett Morris remain huge POD options at CTW, Josh Morris and Joey Manu will entice some, but I’d just pay the extra for one of the wingers.

Lachlan Lam couldn’t get in on the scoring action, producing just 26 points, 22 of which came in base.

I’ll give him one more week due to the nice match up with the Tigers, then cut if he doesn’t deliver.

Minutes in the pack were inflated a touch due to injuries to Jake Friend and Adam Keighran.

Minutes: Lindsay Collins (63), Sio Siua Taukehiaho (43), Angus Crichton (80) and Sitili Tupouniua (80).

Crichton cops a week out due to suspension which is a blow for owners, but I think he’s already shown he’s a must-have with 98 in the season opener.

I don’t see why anyone is actually considering selling him…

Collins had 61 in base and is an option next week at just $411k, but let’s see his game time in Round 2.

Big concern for Taukehiaho owners, with the hyped prop playing just 43 minutes. 

Fortunately he had a try-assist, line-assist and four goals to bolster his score to 76.

It’s not panic stations by any means, but with these big leads he is a prime candidate for early spells (even if it means Teddy has to kick goals).

I wouldn’t be buying this week, with Paulo now a more enticing option. But again, that could change in no time if SST plays larger minutes in Round 2.

Despite his decent score of 75 in 80 minutes, Tupouniua’s low output showed itself with just 38 in base.

His attack will get him out of jail some weeks, but when he doesn’t score I can see him going low.

If he does go big this week against Manly, he’ll be a quick cash grab with upside ahead of Round 3.

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SHARKS v RAIDERS

Sunday, 6.15pm, Jubilee Stadium, Sydney

Sharks: 1. Will Kennedy 2. Sione Katoa 3. Josh Dugan 4. Mawene Hiroti 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. Nene Macdonald 19. Teig Wilton 20. Andrew Fifita 21. Braydon Trindall

Analysis: Very little SuperCoach relevance at Cronulla at the moment.

Matty Moylan looked pretty sharp, scoring 52 points with a huge 33 in base.

I still think he’ll lose plenty of try-assists at 5/8 rather than fullback as he won’t be the sweeper in backline movements as often.

Let’s see what he can deliver against a resilient Canberra defence, if he goes well he’ll be a strong option at $253k.

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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: Bailey Simonsson scored 40 and will make some gradual money with his strong job security, but with 15 in base I’d avoid playing in 17s when possible.

Jordan Rapana needed a pair of tries to kick his score to 67 points.

His 11 in base was horrendous, but it will improve.

Even so, at $370k he doesn’t appeal to me much.

If he goes big this week he’d be a possible cash grab next week with Canberra’s nice early draw.

Josh Hodgson scored a horrid 30 with 34 in base despite playing 80 minutes!

Bad signs, but I’m not deterred just yet. I’ll be giving him one more week to prove himself, if he struggles there’s plenty of hooking options to flip him to next week.

Joe Tapine scored 100 in just 42 minutes! His 2.38PPM wasn’t bad at all…

He also had 52 in base in that time which is pretty crazy.

Regardless, with Canberra’s depth in the pack I’m too scared to go near him.

While his minutes will surely increase with his ability, I’m not sure 50 is enough to warrant buying, but I may be wrong. I’ll have a close eye on him this week.

Hudson Young played 80 minutes, scoring 79 points with a try to his name and 50 in base.

He looks very strong out there and is a POD 2RF option at $474k.

Ryan James didn’t look one bit out of place in his first NRL game in years.

He crashed over for a try, scoring 69 points in 41 minutes. He had 34 in base which is only okay.

You’d think he’s done enough to keep that bench spot, but how many minutes will he play, especially when you consider Tapine only played 42 and Dunamis Lui started and played 17.

I think he’s a good buy at $237k, but that 69 will drop out of his rolling average after one week, so I’m waiting to see what he dishes out this week before buying.

No Corey Horsburgh in the squad at all is good news for the likes of Tapine and James, the four forward bench remains a concern though.

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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