Squad Breakdown: Team insights, Round 18

• WEEKLY WRAP: Highs, lows and shocks from Round 17
• SUBSCRIBER SPECIAL: Round 18 question and answer podcast

Thankfully, the bye period has come to an end.

Unsurprisingly, it was brutal as it tends to be despite the usual optimism leading in.

Many will have gone hard for numbers in Round 13 and 17 and will be sitting okay in the rankings, but their trades will be in jeopardy. 

Only time will tell whether it was the right move to go hard for numbers or conserve trades for the run home.

My gut tells me it’s the latter, barring teams who went hard but have set themselves up with quality depth.

Fortunately, I can stop focusing on the bye coverage players now. Every team and player will be available for each game, meaning our options have exploded, exciting times! If you have enough trades to play with that is…

PRICE DROP!!! Sign up to SC Playbook for just $20 for extra premium articles every round, including access to our subscriber special question and answer podcast.

Embed from Getty Images

The Cooma Stallions had a strong week of 788 points to move into 904th overall.

We are well positioned depth wise and are hopefully in a position to make a charge towards the top 100 by season’s end. While a crack at the top gong may just be out of reach, I’ll never say never, it’s a crazy year.

Round 18 looms as one of the more difficult of the season with the first games of the round being played just two days after Origin three.

Many reps and SuperCoach relevant players have been named to back up, but like Round 14 I’m sure many won’t take the field.

The competition moving to Queensland is significant as the warm, dry weather leads to venues being very conducive to SuperCoach scoring.

I’m backing we’ll see larger scores as a result of the move, making those players with large ceilings even more important. Namely, Nathan Cleary on return…

Let’s take a look at the Round 18 teams.

Embed from Getty Images

TITANS v EELS

Friday, 6pm, Cbus Super Stadium, Gold Coast

Titans: 1. AJ Brimson 2. Phillip Sami 3. Brian Kelly 4. Patrick Herbert 5. Corey Thompson 6. Ash Taylor 7. Jamal Fogarty 8. Jarrod Wallace 9. Erin Clark 10. Moeaki Fotuaika 11. Kevin Proctor 12. David Fifita 13. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui

Bench: 14. Tyrone Peachey 15. Sam Lisone 16. Jaimin Jolliffe 17. Beau Fermor

Reserves: 18. Sam McIntyre 19. Sam Stone 20. Herman Ese’ese 21. Jayden Campbell 22. Mitch Rein

Analysis: The Titans don’t excite me very much at all outside of the obvious one in David Fifita who in my opinion is a must-have this week.

His Queensland suspension was excellent for SuperCoach as it means he’ll be fit and firing in a full 80 minute performance this round.

At $668k with a breakeven of 80 he’s bottomed out at the perfect time for us.

Disregarding Round 14 post Origin where he played just 34 minutes for an excellent 47 points against the Roosters, he hasn’t scored under 60 this season.

I won’t get into detail, just get him in immediately or live to regret it. It doesn’t matter how many trades you have left, just do it.

Corey Thompson is a very close watch and could be a stunning POD for the run home.

Disregarding his injury affected game, he’s averaging around 70PPG with a solid base of 28BPG.

The Titans were basically full strength for the first time in a while against the Raiders and they looked excellent.

Thompson is $541k with a breakeven of 141, and with most sides fairly stacked at CTW with trades running out there won’t be many afforded the luxury of jumping on.

Tino Fa’asuamaleaui is a sneaky POD to monitor for the run home, but let’s see what he dishes up the next few rounds as he’ll play limited minutes on the two day backup from Origin.

I’m still waiting on the breakout 100+ SuperCoach game.

Embed from Getty Images

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

Bench: 14. Marata Niukore 15. Shaun Lane 16. Oregan Kaufusi 17. Bryce Cartwright

Reserves: 18. Will Penisini 19. Will Smith 20. Joey Lussick 21. Jakob Arthur 22. Keegan Hipgrave

Analysis: Clint Gutherson is still fairly heavily owned, I’m expecting him to be traded by the masses within the next week.

He has a great match up against the Titans this week where he could score very well.

At $693k with a breakeven of 134 he’ll likely drop a bit of value before being sold off next week to the likes of Tom Trbojevic, James Tedesco, Ryan Papenhuyzen, Kalyn Ponga etc.

For the record, he’s not a must sell by any means following a terrific season.

For the few non-owners of Isaiah Papali’i, suck it up and pay up. He’s the best FRF this season and his dual FRF-2RF is so crucial.

Ryan Matterson has been hard to catch this season for many different reasons.

It appears that Brad Arthur is happy to play him big minutes against strong opposition, but is given reduced minutes in blow out scorelines, presumably in an attempt to protect his star back-rower from a potential season-ending head knock.

Last game against Penrith he played 70 minutes for 75 points including 62 in base, the games prior against the Dogs and Tigers he played sub 60 minutes.

I wouldn’t rush to buy, but if I owned I’d happily hold strong and happily play him in my 17 if required, although he’s not a must play unless his minutes become consistently large.

Reed Mahoney returns and is one to monitor in coming weeks.

Embed from Getty Images

SEA EAGLES v DRAGONS

Friday, 7.55pm, TBC

Sea Eagles: 1. Tom Trbojevic 2. Jason Saab 3. Brad Parker 4. Morgan Harper 5. Reuben Garrick 6. Kieran Foran 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Taniela Paseka 9. Lachlan Croker 10. Marty Taupau 11. Haumole Olakau’atu 12. Josh Schuster 13. Sean Keppie

Bench: 14. Dylan Walker 15. Karl Lawton 16. Kurt De Luis 17. Toafofoa Sipley

Reserves: 18. Moses Suli 19. Tevita Funa 20. Jack Gosiewski 21. Cade Cust

Analysis: UPDATE: Tom Trbojevic is expected to be ruled out, with Reuben Garrick to play fullback.

Tom Trbojevic has been named but I’d imagine he’d be highly unlikely to take the field with a two day turnaround. 

The fact the Dragons have a stack of players missing gives Dez Hasler even less reason to risk playing him.

For anyone who sold off over Origin, getting Tommy back in next round should be your number one priority.

Reuben Garrick came back to earth without Turbo and DCE around him, however owners would be pleased to see him knock out 51 largely in base stats against the Raiders.

Provided Turbo is out, he’ll play fullback again and should score well against the depleted Dragons.

Non-owners will be hoping he goes relatively low again which would lead to massive price drops over the next few weeks where he can hopefully be picked up at a significant discount for the run home.

It’ll be hugely beneficial to him if Daly Cherry-Evans manages to back up from Origin which is a decent chance if he gets through okay.

DCE is another POD for the run home in the difficult halfback position.

He has four tons this year and boasts a 3RA of 117PPG.

He’s owned by just 7% of the top 100 ranked SuperCoach teams and 5% of the top 1,000.

Brett Oaten Solicitors provides legal advice to startups and creative businesses in media, entertainment, technology and sport. Whether you need advice to get your business started or to help it grow, Brett’s team has advised leading entrepreneurs and creatives for more than 20 years. 

Do note though that he has eight scores in 15 games under 50 points.

Three of those did come prior to Turbo’s first game of the season though.

With a nice run home against the Dragons, Tigers, Sharks, Storm, Eels, Raiders, Dogs and Cowboys he could finish with a bang.

Unsurprisingly, Jason Saab flopped without Manly’s key playmakers on deck.

He scored just 12 points for owners. He has a breakeven of just 19 still, so hold this week at a minimum, but only play if Turbo somehow takes the field.

When he maxes out in price next round we’ll have a decision to make whether to hold or sell, either will be solid options.

I’m pretty happy to hold for the run home and occasionally play when the match up suits which will be fairly often.

Marty Taupau punched out his standard solid 60 in 53 minutes which appears to be his expected game time going forward.

He failed to offload for his fourth consecutive game, granted it was a wet night at Brookvale.

The time to buy was last week for bye coverage, non-owners should now be eyeing Payne Haas as a far better target.

Josh Schuster returns a week too late for owners, but promisingly he is starting. I’d avoid playing this week as he is likely to be eased back into an 80 minute role, even more so considering the quality form of Karl Lawton.

Embed from Getty Images

Dragons: 1. Tyrell Sloan 2. Cody Ramsey 3. Jack Bird 4. Brayden Wiliame 5. Gerard Beale 6. Corey Norman 7. Ben Hunt 8. Blake Lawrie 9. Andrew McCullough 10. Jack de Belin 11. Josh Kerr 12. Tariq Sims 13. Jackson Ford

Bench: 14. Poasa Faamausili 15. Jamayne Taunoa-Brown 16. Josh McGuire 17. Billy Burns

Reserves: 18. Adam Clune 19. Jaiyden Hunt 20. Talatau Amone 21. Jayden Sullivan

Analysis: No interest at all here with the Dragons to be missing players due to suspension over the next few weeks.

Ben Hunt would’ve been an option, but with so many out around him he’s not worth a look for the time being.

Embed from Getty Images

RAIDERS v SHARKS

Saturday, 3pm, TBC

Raiders: 1. Xavier Savage 2. Semi Valemei 3. Jarrod Croker 4. Sebastian Kris 5. Jordan Rapana 6. Jack Wighton 7. Sam Williams 8. Josh Papalii 9. Josh Hodgson 10. Emre Guler 11. Corey Harawira-Naera 12. Hudson Young 13. Ryan Sutton

Bench: 14. Tom Starling 15. Joe Tapine 16. Sia Soliola 17. Ryan James

Reserves: 18. Matt Timoko 19. Trey Mooney 20. Matt Frawley 21. Harley Smith-Shields

Analysis: Not much interest at the Raiders who have a relatively tough run home.

Corey Harawira-Naera is the only relevant player here who is likely a hold until the end of season.

He’s been solid with a 5RA of 66PG without setting the world on fire.

I wouldn’t be buying anymore, the time to do so was before last week’s bye round.

Owners can happily play when required, but he’s hardly a lock into a strong 17 on the run home.

I wouldn’t sell, but if he’s your only ticket to David Fifita I’d pull the trigger.

Josh Papalii is a sneaky POD to eye off for the run home where he traditionally build towards bigger minutes after Origin, but not yet.

A shout out to Sammy Williams for tonning up against the Sea Eagles!

Embed from Getty Images

Sharks: 1. Will Kennedy 2. Sione Katoa 3. Connor Tracey 4. Jesse Ramien 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo 6. Braydon Trindall 7. Shaun Johnson 8. Aiden Tolman 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Aaron Woods 11. Briton Nikora 12. Teig Wilton 13. Toby Rudolf

Bench: 14. Mawene Hiroti 15. Siosifa Talakai 16. Jack Williams 17. Braden Hamlin-Uele

Reserves: 18. Billy Magoulias 19. Royce Hunt 20. Andrew Fifita 21. Luke Metcalf

Analysis: Now that their major appeal of playing the bye round is over I don’t see much interest in buying any Sharks players.

Shaun Johnson and Jesse Ramien are both very solid holds that can be played confidently most weeks, while some rounds they can be sat outside 17s.

However, I wouldn’t rush to buy either if I didn’t already own.

Even though he started the game against the Warriors, Siosifa Talakai played just 53 minutes for 31 points.

Aidan Tolman bashed out 66 in base on the weekend, the man!

Embed from Getty Images

COWBOYS v ROOSTERS

Saturday, 5.30pm, QCB Stadium, Townsville

Cowboys: 1. Valentine Holmes 2. Kyle Feldt 3. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 4. Connelly Lemuelu 5. Murray Taulagi 6. Scott Drinkwater 7. Tom Dearden 8. Francis Molo 9. Reece Robson 10. Jordan McLean 11. Shane Wright 12. Mitch Dunn 13. Jason Taumalolo

Bench: 14. Jake Granville 15. Tom Gilbert 16. Coen Hess 17. Peter Hola

Reserves: 18. Lachlan Burr 19. Javid Bowen 20. Ben Condon 21. Daejarn Asi 22. Kane Bradley

Analysis: Val Holmes is the major SuperCoach relevant player here, but now isn’t quite the time to buy with a potential rest looming after Origin and a breakeven of 110 against the Roosters. He then goes on to play the Storm next week.

I’ll be waiting a few weeks before a potential buy. We’ll have a better look into him in a week or two but he’s a massive option for the run home and remains in under 20% of teams.

Jason Taumalolo returned to SuperCoach form when we needed him with 87 last weekend.

He looked back to better form with an excellent try-assist, five tacklebreaks, two offloads and 18 runs, huge from Lolo!

Obviously last week was the time to buy, but at just $484k with a breakeven of 30 he’s dirt cheap and can be at worst case a back up 2RF option for the run home.

He remains a terrific purchase and is still at relatively low ownership.

No interest elsewhere.

Embed from Getty Images

Roosters: 1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Josh Morris 4. Joseph Manu 5. Matt Ikuvalu 6. Drew Hutchinson 7. Sam Walker 8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves 9. Sam Verrills 10. Isaac Liu 11. Angus Crichton 12. Sitili Tupouniua 13. Victor Radley

Bench: 14. Lachlan Lam 15. Nat Butcher 16. Egan Butcher 17. Fletcher Baker

Reserves: 18. Ben Thomas 19. Billy Smith 20. Adam Keighran 21. Tuku Hau Tapuha

Analysis: The Roosters have an okay run home with games against the Cowboys, Knights, Eels, Panthers, Broncos, Dragons, Rabbitohs and Raiders.

It makes players such as Daniel Tupou and Sam Walker still appealing in my eyes as they can likely be sat outside 17s in the particularly tough games.

James Tedesco owners will be hoping he backs up from Origin on the three day turnaround which will be tight.

I’m expecting a big finish from him to the season with the Roosters fighting for a top four spot, it also significantly reduces the chances of him being rested late in the season.

If they were top two I’d give him next to no chance of playing this week.

Last week was the time to buy Tupou, but I still think he’s a very strong option.

He scored 50 against the Dogs and seemingly did nothing of note, with an exceptional 34 in base.

The Roosters are getting players back – namely Victor Radley who is a huge inclusion for the side’s attacking structure – I expect them to have some comprehensive wins on the run home and Tupou should be in the thick of it.

At $441k you’re getting an elite CTW option in a quality team.

While Walker has appeal too, I think he is a greater chance at being rested if copping any knocks, meaning last week was probably the time to jump on.

I do think he has several tons left in him this season though and he’s very cheap at $443k.

20-30% of top ranked SuperCoaches still don’t own Angus Crichton, while it’s a pretty boring move, I think he’s worth investing in from next week.

He may play reduced minutes following Origin, and he should drop some coin with a breakeven of 100.

If he does back up and the Roosters get away to a decent lead he won’t play a lot of time.

Siosiua Taukeiaho smashed out 57 points with 57 base against the Bulldogs, but it was in just 49 minutes which may have been negatively impacted by Radley’s return. He’s out this week anyway.

Another shout out to Jared Waerea-Hargreaves who had 73 in base on the weekend, animal!

Embed from Getty Images

STORM v KNIGHTS

Saturday, 7.35pm, TBC

Storm: 1. Nicho Hynes 2. George Jennings 3. Reimis Smith 4. Justin Olam 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Cam Munster 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Jesse Bromwich 9. Brandon Smith 10. Christian Welch 11. Felise Kaufusi 12. Kenny Bromwich 13. Dale Finucane

Bench: 14. Aaron Booth 15. Tui Kamikamica 16. Chris Lewis 17. Aaron Pene

Reserves: 18. Isaac Lumelume 19. Dean Ieremia 20. Cooper Johns 21. Trent Loiero 22. Jordan Grant 23. Tepai Moeroa

Analysis: The Storm have a decent run home with games against the Knights, Cowboys, Panthers, Sea Eagles, Raiders, Titans, Eels and Sharks.

It’ll be a big watch on who backs up for the Storm following Origin off a three day turnaround.

Ryan Papenhuyzen has not been named to return this week, meaning Nicho Hynes will again start at fullback and kick goals. Cam Munster has been named but may well be rested if knocked about in Origin three.

Among all the talk of halfbacks since Nathan Cleary’s injury, I think Jahrome Hughes is the front-running option.

He’s $645k with a season average of 73PPG. His lowest score since round 3 is 49 points, and he’s had four tons in that period.

Owned by just 6% of the top 100 ranked SuperCoach teams and 5% of the top 1,000, Cameron Munster is a HUGE POD for the run home.

While failing to really go big this season, he has just one score under 50 and will be fired up following Origin as Melbourne inevitably continue to dominate leading into finals.

It looks likely that Brandon Smith and Harry Grant will probably be the go-to hookers for the run home.

With so many guns to get back, Brandon Smith may be a little tough to get at $654k, but it’s definitely achievable.

Harry Grant will be the best hooker at low-ownership if he can return to decent minutes in coming weeks.

Embed from Getty Images

Knights: 1. Kalyn Ponga 2. Dom Young 3. Kurt Mann 4. Enari Tuala 5. Hymel Hunt 6. Jake Clifford 7. Mitchell Pearce 8. Jacob Saifiti 9. Jayden Brailey 10. Daniel Saifiti 11. Tyson Frizell 12. Lachlan Fitzgibbon 13. Mitchell Barnett

Bench: 14. Connor Watson 15. David Klemmer 16. Josh King 17. Brodie Jones

Reserves: 18. Jack Johns 19. Simi Sasagi 20. Tex Hoy 21. Jirah Momoisea

Analysis: With questions over the best fullback to partner Tom Trbojevic for the run home, Kalyn Ponga comes right into the mix, but I’d give it a fortnight.

The Knights play the Storm this week, then the Roosters next, before their draw really opens up.

Afterwards, they face the Raiders, Broncos, Sharks, Dogs, Titans and Broncos, wow!

Ponga has played just six games this season for an average of 88PPG.

Hopefully a lowish fortnight will see him priced from $600-650k in two weeks time where we can consider him.

His durability this season has been a huge issue, so I’m keen to see him get through unscathed before really considering.

Unfortunately Jake Clifford’s arrival means he likely won’t be kicking any goals, but he’s still a major play.

Plenty still own Jayden Brailey, myself included, he’s hardly a concern in my opinion with trades at a premium.

While he has had his last six scores under 60 points, none have been overly concerning aside from his 32 against the Warriors.

In ten games prior to that his lowest score was 57.

He’s ideally not a play in 17s the next fortnight, however he should get through plenty of work.

After that, hopefully the Knights deliver against weak opposition where he can pick up some attacking stats.

I have no issue with selling him, but I’d be just as happy to have him sitting as a reserve hooker for the remainder of the season to save a valuable trade.

Mitchell Barnett has looked the goods as an 80 minute edge player in recent weeks for a 59PPG average with 54BPG in that period.

Unfortunately Tyson Frizell’s return sends him back to lock where I expect him to return to that awkward 50 minutes of game time. As such, I wouldn’t be buying and he’s a tough play this week in 17s.

Despite tonning up last round, Connor Watson has played just 47 minutes the past fortnight.

It’s tough to see those minutes increasing too much with Barnett shifting back to the middle.

Like Brailey, I think he’s more than fine to hold for the run home to save a trade, however I’d be happy to trade if I owned.

I wouldn’t be playing him in my 17 the next two rounds.

Tyson Frizell is a genuine back-row POD for the run home.

Embed from Getty Images

WARRIORS v PANTHERS

Sunday, 2pm, TBC

Warriors: 1. Reece Walsh 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 3. Rocco Berry 4. Marcelo Montoya 5. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 6. Kodi Nikorima 7. Sean O’Sullivan 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Wade Egan 10. Matt Lodge 11. Eliesa Katoa 12. Bayley Sironen 13. Jazz Tevaga

Bench: 14. Josh Curran 15. Leeson Ah Mau 16. Bunty Afoa 17. Kane Evans

Reserves: 18. Adam Pompey 20. Euan Aitken 21. Chad Townsend 22. Tohu Harris

Analysis: It was a huge blow for new owners to see Kodi Nikorima flunk out in Round 17 with just 7 points!

Outstanding consistency this season allayed some fears surrounding his ability to go very low at times, but unfortunately they’re still in his system.

It didn’t help that he lost the goal-kicking to Reece Walsh.

I’ve seen plenty selling this week, I don’t like it. He’s been outstanding up until this point.

He’s a perfect reserve halfback to play based on opposition, and the Warriors have a great run home after the next two weeks so he’ll be a play more often than not. Although I’d probably sit him for the next two rounds.

After they face the Panthers and Rabbitohs, the Warriors draw opens up with games against the Tigers, Sharks, Dogs, Broncos, Raiders and Titans.

Reece Walsh would be tempting now goal-kicking, but Nikorima may regain the duty once fully fit, while Chad Townsend will return soon and may take up the role.

I just don’t see Walsh being the number two pick to Tom Trbojevic, plus there’s the niggling hamstring issue to worry about.

Addin Fonua-Blake has been strong in recent weeks with a 3RA of 64PPG with 56BPG in that time.

While last week was the best time buy, he’s still incredibly cheap at $453k with a breakeven of 31. I like him as a buy, but it’s hardly a necessary trade unless you’re stuck at front-row.

In massive news, Tohu Harris has been named on the extended bench in what would be an early return from injury.

That’s significant for those who held to move to Fifita this week and can now save trading out. genuine SuperCoach gun, big!

Embed from Getty Images

Panthers: 1. Dylan Edwards 2. Charlie Staines 3. Stephen Crichton 4. Brent Naden 5. Brian To’o 6. Matt Burton 7. Tyrone May 8. Moses Leota 9. Api Koroisau 10. James Fisher-Harris 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Kurt Capewell 13. Isaah Yeo 

Bench: 14. Mitch Kenny 15. Scott Sorensen 16. Spencer Leniu 17. Liam Martin

Reserves: 18. Izack Tago 19. Matthew Eisenhuth 20. Paul Momirovski 21. Robert Jennings 22. Jaeman Salmon 23. Ja’maine Hopgood

Analysis: After having nearly their entire side SuperCoach relevant prior to Origin, all of a sudden the Panthers don’t have too many options for the time being.

Losing their star halves has had an obvious impact on this.

Matt Burton is the third most sold player this week which surprises me.

He’s been excellent in the halves, putting up a ton in his last outing against the Sharks as a playmaker.

I couldn’t believe he played centre against Parramatta with Tyrone May preferred in the halves.

However, with Luai and Cleary both out he’ll be back there.

He should score well this week then plays the Broncos next week, I’m more than happy to hold.

No one else overly excites me until the star halves return to action.

Embed from Getty Images

BRONCOS v TIGERS

Sunday, 4.05pm, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane

Broncos: 1. Tesi Niu 2. Corey Oates 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Herbie Farnworth 5. Xavier Coates 6. Tyson Gamble 7. Brodie Croft 8. Rhys Kennedy 9. Jake Turpin 10. Payne Haas 11. Alex Glenn 12. TC Robati 13. Kobe Hetherington

Bench: 14. Cory Paix 15. Thomas Flegler 16. Keenan Palasia 17. Jordan Riki

Reserves: 18. Ethan Bullemor 19. Jesse Arthars 20. Xavier Willison 21. Jamayne Isaako

Analysis: Kotoni Staggs returned in stunning fashion from an ACL injury with 64 points in 60 minutes.

Most pleasingly, he looked superb in action. There appeared to be very little hesitation in returning at full speed.

He averaged 59PPG last season in 73MPG with two decent sized tons.

At minuscule ownership he’s a huge POD play for the run home.

While he could score very well this week, Brisbane play the Panthers next round, so my advice would be to wait until after that round to jump on if interested.

FOLLOW OUR TIPS USING EXCLUSIVE TOPSPORT MARKETS! TopSport are home of the only true same-game multi, where the market odds ACTUALLY add up. Use the code ‘SCPLAYBOOK’ when signing up.

See how he comes back over the next few weeks and make sure he gets through unscathed before being targeted in Round 20 for a clash with the Cowboys.

My other issue is that Brisbane are ordinary, so if they’re not performing it’ll give Staggs very minimal opportunity to produce any attacking stats.

Payne Haas is the only other real player of interest at Brisbane until TPJ returns.

A SuperCoach star of recent years, he’s struggled this year by his lofty standards averaging 64PPG.

However, he has just one score under 50 all season which was against Melbourne.

He also had no major attacking stats all season up until last round where he bashed out 90 points in 64 minutes which included a try-assist.

Matt Lodge’s departure should open up a bit of extra game time for him, and hopefully that 64 minute mark becomes his regular minutes.

At the bargain price of $492k he’s a great target this week for anyone needing a front-rower, but he’s hardly a must.

Embed from Getty Images

Tigers: 1. Daine Laurie 2. David Nofoaluma 3. Junior Pauga 4. James Roberts 5. Ken Maumalo 6. Adam Doueihi 7. Luke Brooks 8. Stefano Utoikamanu 9. Jacob Liddle 10. James Tamou 11. Luke Garner 12. Luciano Leilua 13. Thomas Mikaele

Bench: 14. Joe Ofahengaue 15. Alex Twal 16. Tui Simpkins 17. Moses Mbye

Reserves: 18. Michael Chee-Kam 19. Tommy Talau 20. Alex Seyfarth 21. Shawn Blore

Analysis: Following a savage month of games, the Tigers draw finally opens up with a dream run against the Broncos, Sea Eagles, Warriors, Bulldogs, Cowboys, Sharks, Panthers and Bulldogs.

While I’m hesitant to recruit any players as I don’t rate the team, it’s hard to ignore David Nofoaluma at $380k which is a ridiculous price.

He averaged 76PPG last season and was going along rock solid this year before that tough month of games where he averaged just 35PPG against the Panthers, Storm, Rabbitohs and Eels.

Prior to that he was averaging 63PPG!

Ken Maumalo’s arrival also pushes him back to his preferred right wing which I like for him from a SuperCoach perspective.

The fact you can bring him in effectively as a reserve CTW to be played on match ups (most weeks), looks a great option to me.

I’m tempted to bring him in to free up cash to get David Fifita.

He’s a huge POD play being owned by just 9% of the top 100 ranked SuperCoach teams and 10% of the top 1,000.

Back to five-eighth, Adam Doueihi also must be considered with that run with an average of 71PPG.

Doueihi is owned by just 1% of the top 100 through to the top 10,000 ranked SuperCoaches.

Prior to that tough run of games he averaged 76PPG, then he managed to put 97 on the Rabbitohs, massive play!

If you held Daine Laurie this long I’d probable just stick strong as an extra CTW option for the run home.

Embed from Getty Images

RABBITOHS v BULLDOGS

Sunday, 6.15pm, Stadium Australia, Sydney

Rabbitohs: 1. Latrell Mitchell 2. Alex Johnston 3. Dane Gagai 4. Campbell Graham 5. Taane Milne 6. Cody Walker 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Mark Nicholls 9. Damien Cook 10. Thomas Burgess 11. Keaon Koloamatangi 12. Jaydn Su’A 13. Cam Murray

Bench: 14. Benji Marshall 15. Liam Knight 16. Patrick Mago 17. Jacob Host

Reserves: 18. Braidon Burns 19. Jed Cartwright 20. Blake Taaffe 21. Peter Mamouzelos 22. Jaxson Paulo 23. Josh Mansour

Analysis: The Rabbitohs are sizzling and have upcoming games against the Bulldogs, Warriors and Dragons.

With an average of 77PPG, Latrell Mitchell is another enormous POD option being owned by 0% of the top 100 ranked SuperCoach teams and just 2% of the top 1,000.

He’s absolutely overloading with confidence following a stunning Origin series to date and looks set for a big finish to the season.

Alex Johnston is $752k thanks to four pretty large tonnes in his past five games.

With that draw coming up, the tries aren’t stopping anytime soon, get him in!

Dane Gagai is another super POD at 8% ownership of the top 100 ranked SuperCoach teams and 7% of the top 1,000.

He’s now $647k with an average of 67PPG with a huge output of 33BPG.

He’s playing on the Bunnies lethal left edge and is a great buy.

An in-form Cody Walker is a must have and is a huge captaincy option this week.

I wish I followed my own advice and bit the bullet on Taane Milne a month ago having delivered when needed with 131 points last round!

Congrats to those who got on.

He’s a very popular buy this week and unless you’re short on cash generation – which you shouldn’t be by this point – I’m not a huge fan of it.

With their full side on deck the Rabbitohs will favour the left edge pretty heavily away from Milne.

Yes he’ll make decent cash with a -58 breakeven, but he also scored a 14 just a month back. His output of 21BPG is pretty ordinary.

At $380k I think he’s very awkwardly priced.

For the same price you can get a SuperCoach gun in David Nofoaluma who would look far better sitting on your bench and is a far safer play in 17s each and every week.

Cam Murray, and to a lesser degree Damien Cook, are big watches over the next week or two as run home PODs.

Embed from Getty Images

Bulldogs: 1. Nick Meaney 2. Corey Allan 3. Will Hopoate 4. Aaron Schoupp 5. Falakiko Manu 6. Lachlan Lewis 7. Jake Averillo 8. Jack Hetherington 9. Sione Katoa 10. Luke Thompson 11. Corey Waddell 12. Josh Jackson 13. Renouf Atoni

Bench: 14. Bailey Biondi-Odo 15. Dylan Napa 16. Ava Seumanufagai 17. Joe Stimson

Reserves: 19. Kyle Flanagan 20. Ofahiki Ogden 21. Matt Doorey 22. Jayden Okunbor

Analysis: While producing a seriously gutsy display against the Roosters last weekend, I have no SuperCoach interest at the Bulldogs.

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