SC Spy
SuperCoach expert
The SC Spy assesses the Origin opener, looking at player scores, and the likelihood of players backing up for NRL Round 14.
Spy TalkGo the Blues! What a win. But as we know Queensland are tough and one game is still needed to clinch the series.
From a Supercoach perspective, all eyes will be on who backs up. This will be all-important for our teams over the weekend with some teams potentially being caught short.
More on that below as well as a look at who starred from a SuperCoach viewpoint in Origin 1.
I was unable to find detailed stats from Fox Sports, so scoring is from nrl.com with try-assists judged by myself based on interpretations from this year 😊
While the systems differ slightly, it’s just a guide to give you an idea of how players performed SuperCoach wise.
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Embed from Getty ImagesTom Trbojevic
Was a standout playing in the centres having been given a complete licence to roam.
The bloke is on another planet right now and for all Rugby League fan please stay healthy for as long as possible.
Supercoach wise he knocked out an estimated 120, but it is noted that he did a lot of work. Whether this keeps him out of Friday’s game is yet to be known. The fact it is Bob Fulton’s Memorial match would have to give him a chance, but Manly won’t take an risks that they don’t have to.
James Tedesco
Worked his bum off as usual. He did a lot of hard stuff that set the Blues up nicely.
He rarely puts a foot wrong, especially in defence both tackling and positioning, he’s just so damn consistent.
A Supercoach score of 78 (I’m giving Teddy & Cleary the last TA for Turbo because they were both class) mostly in workrate.
With a Saturday game coming I think he is fit enough to play, but given The Chooks play the Titans and they have Manu as a fullback and Suaalii available to move to centre my money is on him resting.
That is purely a guess though so prepare as though he is out, but if he plays slot him straight in!
Nathan Cleary
A blinder. It’s so, so hard to beat any team with Cleary in it when the forwards are on top like Wednesday night.
Supercoach wise I have him down for 124. He continues to absolutely dominate! He did cop a nasty gash in the first half, but I don’t see this being a factor in his playing Friday or not.
I think it depends on the remainder of the body and what coach Cleary is thinking player management wise. It’s anyone’s guess which of the Penrith blokes back up.
Jarome Luai
My man Jarome! What a debut.
Excellent service to Latrell, gutsy in defence and ran the ball well a couple of times.
He had a Supercoach score of roughly 63 mainly due to a couple of bits of magic. Again it was a slightly scary watch for owners moving forward given Cleary’s ball dominance, but he could also roar back to life on the back of this performance.
Again it’s an unknown if he backs up on Friday. He did cop an accidental knee to the back late which if he wakes up sore I imagine means he rests Friday. Perhaps this helps Cleary’s chances of playing?
Brian To’o
Club form taken straight into Origin! Great to see. A Few nervous moments as Xavier flew high above him which was expected, but otherwise amazing. A first half double led to a Supercoach score of approximately 112 with 26 runs which is magic! As a Penrith player again I’m not sure about him backing up. We will see Friday at 6:50pm.
Latrell Mitchell
What a game and what a gem he is. Just so talented and athletic as hell. I feel so good when he is in a team I’m supporting. I have him down for 116 points including 10 TBs. GUN! I think he plays on Saturday being a young bloke who had a huge freshen up in the month prior. Just my guess.
Embed from Getty ImagesCameron Munster
On report for a kick, but it appears he’ll escape with a fine. Bellamy may opt to play Cooper Johns in the halves regardless.
Tricky for owners as you may not know until Sunday unless there is early news. Overall he looks healthy again and is always dangerous. A Supercoach score of 60 odd in a badly beaten side is classic Munster.
Valentine Holmes
Worked hard but is no Kalyn Ponga at the back in terms of creativity. A Supercoach score of roughly 44 is okay, especially as it was almost all in work rate.
The Cowboys play Friday and quite frankly would love him to play to try and keep some recent momentum. Will likely come down to how he pulls up, but he has to be every chance.
Kurt Capewell
Out of position he actually went okay again. He scored a great try, got burned once by Turbo but was always asking a question. Maybe in the back-row for Game 2? I gave him a Supercoach score of 58.
It was an 80 minute effort, so with Penrith’s depth and Liam Martin only playing 30 or so minutes you would expect a rest or limited minutes on Friday.
Embed from Getty ImagesDavid Fifita
Well controlled by the legend that is Cam Murray, but he tried hard with 53 points in 67 minutes.
Young, fit and needed for the Titans, I think he plays even if it’s on reduced minutes provided he pulls up healthy. It’ll help having missed two weeks just prior to Origin. I’m happy to buy back next week as a non-owner and hope he plays 60 or less this weekend.
Harry Grant
Looked good again behind a beaten pack. Not a heap of opportunity but worked hard and tried to create. 70 minutes for a score of 52 shows NSW’s dominance. He did miss 8 tackles.
Maybe he backs up and plays a small role or maybe he rests, but he is a wait and see for now and a great buy soon or even post Origin for Round 14!
Tino Fa’asuamaleaui
Like Fifita he will be needed for the Titans even if it’s not his normal workload. 67 minutes in Game 1 for a score of roughly 45.
Embed from Getty ImagesDaly Cherry-Evans & Dane Gagai
Both not a lot to write home about. Both played 80. Cherry I think will play for Manly whilst Gagai hasn’t even been named in the squad by Wayne Bennett.
Christian Welch
Copped a HIA after 13 minutes. With the short turnaround he probably can’t pass protocols by then can he? See you in a week and a half big fella. Keep well!
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Jai Arrow
41 minutes but not named to play for the Bunnies. He did score roughly 44, workrate!
AJ Brimson
16 minutes at hooker for some unknown reason. If fit he plays!
Embed from Getty ImagesOutside of the above I think Jake Trbojevic backs up (barring a minor injury) given he only played 31 minutes, Cam Murray copped a head knock so would be in doubt, Yeo played the full 80 so a rest has to be a huge chance, Cook 72 minutes is tricky to tell but he is a fit bugger.
Paulo with 34 minutes likely plays, Haas 57 I’m not sure but is every chance because Brisbane need him. Possibly limited minutes however.
Su’a 35 minutes could easily back up for mine and Ofahengaue played 42 and could well backup if fit and required, although he is facing suspension.
Embed from Getty ImagesEssentially I think you need to plan as though all your Origin stars won’t play, but hope for the best!
Penrith and Manly we will know by Friday night which is handy and the Titans/Chooks Saturday arvo.
Be very flexible with your trades and don’t lock them in until the last possible minute as waiting on final teams and news to drop out of clubs will be vitally important this weekend.
All the best navigating a potentially tricky round!
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