Squad Breakdown: Team insights, Round 22

• WEEKLY WRAP: Highs, lows and shocks of Round 21
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We’ve reached the end of the NRL SuperCoach regular season, with final eights now set in stone.

The head-to-head finals kick into gear this week, and those players with the patience to save trades throughout the season will be duly rewarded.

Those trigger happy customers who couldn’t help themselves will find themselves struggling for a decent squad this week.

The injury/suspension crisis continued with Angus Crichton copping a three week ban for a crusher tackle, Matt Lodge two weeks and Reed Mahoney going down injured and will miss the rest of the season.

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Ah dear…

The Sydney Roosters take the early guilty plea for Angus Crichton, meaning he'll miss the next three rounds!

Owned by 85% of the top 1,000 ranked SuperCoach teams, this is going to cause plenty of headaches to already decimated squads. pic.twitter.com/b4Bjs1R165

— SC Playbook (@scplaybook1) August 9, 2021

The Cooma Stallions had a decent week and stayed fairly steady, notching 1,245 points to rise slightly into 942nd overall.

With four weeks to go and trades running very thin, I’ll begin to look at a few more captaincy questions and sit v start issues we might be having in the below analysis.

Let’s take a look at the Round 22 squads, noting that references to overall player stats come from Adam Driussi’s weekly article leading into the prior round.

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STORM v RAIDERS

Thursday, 7.50pm, Sunshine Coast Stadium

Storm: 1. Nicho Hynes 2. Dean Ieremia 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. Kenny Bromwich 13. Dale Finucane

Bench: 14. Harry Grant 15. Chris Lewis 16. Nelson Asofa-Solomona 17. Ryan Papenhuyzen

Reserves: 18. Tom Eisenhuth 19. Tepai Moeroa 20. Jordan Grant 21. Isaac Lumelume

Analysis: Melbourne remain as one of the most prevalent SuperCoach sides for the rest of the season, and the upcoming draw against the Raiders, Titans, Eels and Sharks is appealing.

However, proceed with caution as there’s a numbers of players likely to get a rest in the final month.

While it should be okay to cover for a lone week, squads with minimal or no trades and poor depth may think otherwise as a resting could see less than 17 players fielded as the season draws to a close.

The chain reaction still hasn’t happened, with Ryan Papenhuyzen still benched and Nicho Hynes starting at fullback again.

If named to start come game day, Papenhuyzen becomes a huge play at a staggeringly cheap $472k. If he remains on the bench, he’s obviously a no go and will probably play around 45-50 minutes.

We know what he’s capable of having averaged 117PPG in his first five games prior to injury early this season.

That included games against the Eels, Rabbitohs and Roosters.

At next to no ownership he’s a tremendous POD for the run home.

Jahrome Hughes has been named but on the five day turnaround with his lingering calf issue he must be a chance at a rest.

The doubt makes Nicho Hynes’ prospects tough to assess also.

If Hughes sits out, Hynes likely starts in the halves alongside Cam Munster.

In that case he’d play 80 and would be a definite hold.

If he comes off the bench he’s a serious anti-POD option for those wanting to sell.

At a tick under $700k with a breakeven of 172 there’s still plenty of value in him for anyone in a position to trade.

But if he’s starting and playing 80 you’ll want to hold firm.

Owned by 7% of the top 100 ranked SuperCoach teams overall and 10% of the top 1,000, Cam Munster is a great option at five-eighth.

He has a 5RA of 78PPG and has a big score or two in him in the final month, although he’s likely to be one player rested at some stage.

His 31BPG is excellent for a playmaker and we know what he can do in attack.

Despite only scoring 61 on the weekend, Harry Grant is pretty well a must-have in my opinion.

He could absolutely carve up some of his opposition on the run home and record 100+ scores.

He’s still in POD range and is unlikely to get rested this season due to the minimal amount of games he’s played.

I hate to say it as a Raiders fan, but any of the above mentioned players look like great vice-captain options this week or even POD skippers for anyone game to avoid Tommy Turbo.

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Raiders: 1. Jordan Rapana 2. Bailey Simonsson 3. Jarrod Croker 4. Matt Timoko 5. Harley Smith-Shields 6. Jack Wighton 7. Sam Williams 8. Josh Papalii 9. Josh Hodgson 10. Joe Tapine 11. Hudson Young 12. Elliott Whitehead 13. Ryan Sutton

Bench: 14. Tom Starling 15. Emre Guler 16. Corey Harawira-Naera 17. Sia Soliola

Reserves: 18. Seb Kris 19. Matt Frawley 20. Dunamis Lui 21. Siliva Havili

Analysis: Not a heap to report here.

Corey Harawira-Naera only played 23 minutes on the weekend and again starts off the bench.

At $552k he’s an option to sell for owners, although with Crichton going down for three games I’d imagine that may take up the final trade of many.

He’s definitely not a play in 17s unless named to start come game day.

If you can cover him in your 17 with a quality replacement there’s no harm in holding in the hope he returns to the starting side before season’s end.

A shout out to Raiders skipper and SC Playbook contributor Jarrod Croker who is knocking conversions over at 93% this season!

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DRAGONS v PANTHERS

Friday, 6pm, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane

Dragons: 1. Jack Bird 2. Mat Feagai 3. Gerard Beale 4. Zac Lomax 5. Mikaele Ravalawa 6. Corey Norman 7. Adam Clune 8. Blake Lawrie 9. Andrew McCullough 10. Josh McGuire 11. Billy Burns 12. Tyrell Fuimaono 13. Jack de Belin

Bench: 14. Talatau Amone 15. Jackson Ford 16. Josh Kerr 17. Kaide Ellis

Reserves: 18. Matt Dufty 19. Poasa Faamausili 20. Jayden Sullivan 21. Jaiyden Hunt

Analysis: Next to nothing to report here.

Anyone desperate for a cheap centre could consider last year’s star Zac Lomax at just $381k.

Injury aside he’s based at just over 30BPG this season which is excellent.

However, with games against the Panthers, Roosters, Cowboys and Rabbitohs to finish the year I’d definitely avoid.

While the loss of Ben Hunt just thwarts the entire attacking dynamic of the side.

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Panthers: 1. Dylan Edwards 2. Charlie Staines 3. Stephen Crichton 4. Paul Momirovski 5. Brent Naden 6. Matt Burton 7. Jarome Luai 8. Moses Leota 9. Api Koroisau 10. Matt Eisenhuth 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Liam Martin 13. Isaah Yeo

Bench: 14. Mitch Kenny 15. Scott Sorensen 16. J’maine Hopgood 17. Izack Tago

Reserves: 18. Tevita Pangai Jnr 19. Jaeman Salmon 20. Taylan May 21. Nathan Cleary

Analysis: Nathan Cleary has again been named on an extended bench and may come into the team.

As per last week though, you’d be brave to get him in at over $1m with a breakeven of 199.

NRL Physio stated on the podcast a fortnight back the real possibility of aggravating his injury, so surely you just wait and see how he returns.

I suspect he’ll focus heavily on directing the side while giving his running game a few weeks to return to full gear leading into the finals.

That being said, for those who did hold I’d definitely be gambling and playing him in my 17 this week.

Despite the reasons mentioned above, the Panthers should belt the Dragons and at worst case you’d hope he kicks a bag of goals and even set up a few tries off the boot.

If he does return where he left off he could score anything…

Jarome Luai’s downfall has been staggering this season in SuperCoach.

His highest score in his last eight games is just 44!

Several were without Nathan Cleary, but there were a few with his star halves partner on deck too.

While he’s been a brutal hold for owners, I think you have to play him this week.

Matt Burton was sensational last week, it was slightly frustrating for those who held knowing we could’ve had more of it this season had Ivan Cleary not opted to play Tyrone May over him in the halves at times.

His owners will hope Cleary doesn’t return this week which would see him run out in the halves again. Regardless, he’s a play even at centre.

Spencer Leniu is out injured which is good news for auto-emergency purposes, however there will be teams out there who needed his 25 points!

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BRONCOS v ROOSTERS

Friday, 7.55pm, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane

Broncos: 1. Tesi Niu 2. Corey Oates 3. Selwyn Cobbo 4. Herbie Farnworth 5. Xavier Coates 6. Tyson Gamble 7. Albert Kelly 8. Tom Flegler 9. Danny Levi 10. Payne Haas 11. Alex Glenn 12. Jordan Riki 13. Kobe Hetherington

Bench: 14. Xavier Willison 15. Rhys Kennedy 16. Ethan Bullemor 17. TC Robati

Reserves: 18. Cory Paix 19. Anthony Milford 20. Brendan Piakura 21. David Mead

Analysis: Payne Haas remains the only buy here, but he’s far from a must-have at huge ownership.

I actually think that by this stage if you don’t own him you’re almost better off going with the anti-POD and avoiding him.

As mentioned previously, while he’s a gun FRF target, he doesn’t have the monster ceiling that will hurt you as such if you don’t own, and he may well just knock out 60s over the next month.

Don’t be deterred though, if you don’t own him and want him he’s still rock solid.

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Roosters: 1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Adam Keighran 4. Joseph Manu 5. Dale Copley 6. Drew Hutchinson 7. Sam Walker 8. Isaac Liu 9. Sam Verrills 10. Siosiua Taukeiaho 11. Nat Butcher 12. Sitili Tupouniua 13. Victor Radley

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

Reserves: 18. Ben Marschke 19. Tuku Hau Tapuha 20. Brad Abbey 21. Ben Thomas

Analysis: The Roosters have rocketed to the top list of priority buys for the rest of the season.

A dream head-to-head finals draw consisting of the Broncos, Dragons, Rabbitohs and Raiders gives them plenty of appeal.

Furthermore, that battle for the top four may well go down to Round 25 so it’s hard to see many players getting rested barring any concerning injury niggles.

James Tedesco has a 3RA of 102PPG, including games against the Eels and Panthers.

He has five tonnes this season and I’m backing him to finish the season with an average of 100+PPG in the final month.

He’s looking exceptional and the Roosters are building nicely despite the horror injury toll.

He’s owned by just 17% of the top 100 ranked SuperCoach teams and 21% of the top 1,000 ranked teams.

Teddy is also a serious straight captaincy option this week.

For all the same reasons above, Daniel Tupou is a terrific buy.

His 32BPG is brilliant for a CTW, including 37BPG across his past five games.

He’s scored in his past three games which is no doubt a result of James Tedesco’s full-time return after missing games in and around Origin.

He’s owned by 56% of the top 100 ranked teams and 47% of the top 1,000, so while he’s not a POD he’ll still serve you very well in the rankings should he fire.

Joey Manu needs to be on the wing ideally, which may be a late switch as per game day… It’s so good for his SuperCoach game on the wing where he has based 42 and 45 per game the past fortnight on the wing.

With games thrown in at fullback, he’s based at over 40BPG the past five rounds.

Add in the substantially heightened chance of accruing attacking stats on the wing with Teddy and Walker feeding him and he’s such a great play.

He’s owned by 21% of the top 100 ranked teams and 11% of the top 1,000.

If he’s at centre I’m nowhere near as keen.

Angus Crichton took the early guilty plea and will miss three games, wow! He’s owned by almost 90% of top ranked SuperCoaches.

He’s probably a sell, but if you have depth to cover him you can hold for his final game of the season against the Raiders if needed.

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RABBITOHS v TITANS

Saturday, 3pm, Cbus Super Stadium, Gold Coast

Rabbitohs: 1. Latrell Mitchell 2. Josh Mansour 3. Dane Gagai 4. Taane Milne 5. Jaxson Paulo 6. Cody Walker 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Mark Nicholls 9. Damien Cook 10. Thomas Burgess 11. Keaon Koloamatangi 12. Jai Arrow 13. Cam Murray

Bench: 14. Benji Marshall 15. Jacob Host 16. Tevita Tatola 17. Jaydn Su’A

Reserves: 18. Braidon Burns 19. Patrick Mago 20. Hame Sele 21. Blake Taaffe

Analysis: The Rabbitohs are another with appeal despite a mixed run of games against the Titans, Panthers, Rabbitohs and Dragons.

Still at tiny ownership that will likely remain, Latrell Mitchell has a 3RA of 98PPG and is a serious option. However I’d prefer Teddy with a better run home.

Josh Mansour found himself on the golden left wing at the Bunnies and has dished out a 3RA of 110PPG!

He’s even regained his base of old with returns of 41 and 31 the past fortnight.

Alex Johnston is again missing, meaning he retains that spot. But with AJ likely back next week Mansour is a decent chance of dropping out of the 17 entirely so don’t buy.

Dane Gagai remains a great option and is owned by just 14% of the top 100 and 13% of the top 1,000. He’s scored from 65-77 his past four games with just one try to his name which came off a kick.

While it’d take balls to take the C off Turbo, Cody Walker is a serious option in this game.

While the Titans are scoring okay of late, it’s been against poor opposition and their defence is still trash.

Cody could go bonkers, so anyone looking for left field play I don’t mind it one bit.

If you don’t own David Fifita, Cam Murray is the best replacement in my eyes.

The fact he was suspended last week means he should play the rest of the season without a rest.

He’s played just six NRL games since Round 8.

He’s owned by 5% of the top 100 and 6% of the top 1,000. He has a 3RA of 99PPG and a 5RA of 95PPG.

Discarding two injury affected games, he’s based 48+ in 11 of 12 games so far and his attacking upside is as good as any in the back-row. I love him as a buy.

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Titans: 1. AJ Brimson 2. Greg Marzhew 3. Brian Kelly 4. Patrick Herbert 5. Corey Thompson 6. Ash Taylor 7. Toby Sexton 8. Jarrod Wallace 9. Mitch Rein 10. Moeaki Fotuaika 11. Kevin Proctor 17. Beau Fermor 13. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui

Bench: 12. David Fifita 14. Tyrone Peachey 15. Sam Lisone 16. Jaimin Jolliffe

Reserves: 18. Erin Clark 19. Sam McIntyre 20. Esan Marsters 21. Jamal Fogarty

Analysis: With upcoming games against the Rabbitohs and Storm, before facing the Knights and Warriors you may be a little hesitant to invest in any Titans… Fifita aside for anyone who doesn’t own.

The likes of AJ Brimson, Brian Kelly and Corey Thompson all offer some appeal, but with low scores very possible in the next two weeks I’m not interested.

Don’t ask me why David Fifita is named in 12 on the bench, it’s coming from NRL.com, not that it matters.

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COWBOYS v TIGERS

Saturday, 5.30pm, QCB Stadium, Townsville

Cowboys: 1. Val Holmes 2. Kyle Feldt 3. Daejarn Asi 4. Jake Granville 5. Ben Hampton 6. Scott Drinkwater 7. Tom Dearden 8. Francis Molo 9. Reece Robson 10. Jordan McLean 11. Ben Condon 12. Heilum Luki 13. Coen Hess

Bench: 14. Tom Gilbert 15. Jeremiah Nanai 16. Mitch Dunn 17. Griffin Naeme

Reserves: 18. Peter Hola 19. Connelly Lemuelu 20. Shane Wright 21. Laitia Moceidreke

Analysis: Val Holmes returned in style, although it did take some serious junk time efforts to push his score to 87.

Owners and potential buyers would just have been happy to see him return looking barely hampered by injury.

It’s not a bad run of games coming up against the Tigers, Eels, Dragons and Sea Eagles.

If I was buying I’d make it this week as the Tigers match up is the one you really want him for.

At $559k and availability at CTW he’s a very decent buy.

I did have an extensive write up planned for Jason Taumalolo following his shift to the edge, but as per the theme of 2021, he’s been ruled out for at least a week with another broken hand, sigh…

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Tigers: 1. Moses Mbye 2. David Nofoaluma 3. Tommy Talau 4. Michael Chee-Kam 5. Ken Maumalo 6. Adam Doueihi 7. Luke Brooks 8. Stefano Utoikamanu 9. Jacob Liddle 10. James Tamou 11. Shawn Blore 12. Luciano Leilua 13. Thomas Mikaele

Bench: 14. Joe Ofahengaue 15. Kelma Tuilagi 16. Alex Twal 17. Zac Cini

Reserves: 18. Jake Simpkin 19. Tui Simpkins 20. Jock Madden 21. James Roberts

Analysis: Barring maybe Melbourne and Penrith, Adam Doueihi appears simply match up proof and has been tremendous for those who jumped on.

The Tigers have a nice draw to end the season meaning he could finish in style as the Tigers continue their never-ending pursuit of 9th place.

David Nofoaluma caught a cold on the right wing on the weekend, however I’ll still be playing him in my 17 against the flimsy Cowboys defence this week.

Shawn Blore has two consecutive 80 minute games in the back-row, and while attacking stats haven’t dropped for him as yet, his base output of 44 and 47 is very encouraging. He looks a pretty solid play in 17s.

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SEA EAGLES v EELS

Saturday, 7.35pm, Sunshine Coast Stadium

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. Josh Aloiai 9. Lachlan Croker 10. Marty Taupau 11. Haumole Olakau’atu 12. Josh Schuster 13. Jake Trbojevic

Bench: 14. Dylan Walker 15. Karl Lawton 16. Curtis Sironen 17. Kurt De Luis

Reserves: 18. Moses Suli 19. Cade Cust 20. Jack Gosiewski 21. Ben Trbojevic

Analysis: I won’t go into detail on Tommy Turbo as I won’t be adding anything you don’t know.

While there’s some really nice match ups this week, he will be hard to go past as skipper despite a potentially tough clash with the Eels.

If the Eels do regain any sign of form and win this Tommy may be kept to 80-100 again, but if they deliver the same form of recent games he could go 200+…. again.

I’d still avoid playing Jason Saab as he could go anywhere from 10-180 points, while Reuben Garrick is proving himself to be fairly fixture proof which is impressive for a winger.

Between his goal-kicking, tackle busting and work ethic, along with a certain gun fullback feeding him ball, he just scores well every week.

110 points against Melbourne is an effort worth applauding.

With upcoming games against the Eels, Raiders, Bulldogs and Cowboys, the Sea Eagles could finish with a bang.

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Eels: 1. Clint Gutherson 2. Maika Sivo 3. Tom Opacic 4. Waqa Blake 5. Michael Oldfield 6. Dylan Brown 7. Mitch Moses 8. Isaiah Papali’i 9. Joey Lussick 10. Junior Paulo 11. Shaun Lane 12. Ryan Matterson 13. Nathan Brown

Bench: 14. Will Smith 15. Bryce Cartwright 16. Marata Niukore 17. Makahesi Makatoa

Reserves: 18. Ray Stone 19. Will Penisini 20. Haze Dunster 21. Jakob Arthur

Analysis: Once again it’s hard to invest in any Eels based firstly on their form and secondly on the upcoming games against the Sea Eagles, Cowboys, Storm and Panthers.

King Gutho remains a sell for anyone who still owns, but if it’s your final trade you may be best served holding him and utilising elsewhere.

70 minutes looks the regular game time for Ryan Matterson which is more than enough to play him comfortably in 17s. 

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WARRIORS v BULLDOGS

Sunday, 1.50pm, Moreton Daily Stadium, Redcliffe

Warriors: 1. Reece Walsh 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 3. Peta Hiku 4. Adam Pompey 5. Marcelo Montoya 6. Chanel Harris-Tavita 7. Sean O’Sullivan 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Jazz Tevaga 10. Jackson Frei 11. Josh Curran 12. Euan Aitken 13. Bayley Sironen

Bench: 14. Kodi Nikorima 15. Bunty Afoa 16. Jamayne Taunoa-Brown 17. Eliesa Katoa

Reserves: 18. Edward Kosi 20. Jack Murchie 21. Chad Townsend 22. Wayde Egan

Analysis: Matt Lodge will miss two games due to suspension. Between all his time spent out and also playing both major bye rounds he’s been a real enigma this season.

Owners may as well hold for the final two games of the year.

Hopefully it’s good news for Addin Fonua-Blake who may sneak a few extra minutes in with all the issues in the Warriors pack.

Reece Walsh went large against the Sharks, and despite the nice run home for the Warriors I prefer other fullbacks.

While it’s only a two game sample size, Euan Aitken may be a revelation in SuperCoach at second-row.

He has two 80 minute games for score of 128 and 89 with a base of 58 and 44.

He had eight tacklebusts from 14 runs last week and four from 10 runs this week.

At $481k he’s a serious POD for the final rounds, although the risk of him returning to centre and potential injury due to his history should be noted for anyone short on depth and trades.

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Bulldogs: 1. Nick Meaney 2. Corey Allan 3. Will Hopoate 4. Aaron Schoupp 5. Falakiko Manu 6. Bailey Biondi-Odo 7. Jake Averillo 8. Ava Seumanufagai 9. Jeremy Marshall-King 10. Ryan James 11. Adam Elliott 12. Matt Doorey 13. Josh Jackson

Bench: 14. Sione Katoa 15. Chris Patolo 16. Corey Horsburgh 17. Joe Stimson

Reserves: 19. Kyle Flanagan 20. Jayden Okunbor 21. Jackson Topine 22. Lachlan Lewis

Analysis: Nothing of SuperCoach note, however interesting to see Raiders pair Ryan James and Corey Horsburgh on loan to the Bulldogs.

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SHARKS v KNIGHTS

Sunday, 4.05pm, Moreton Daily Stadium, Redcliffe

Sharks: 1. Will Kennedy 2. Sione Katoa 3. Siosifa Talakai 4. Jesse Ramien 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo 6. Connor Tracey 7. Braydon Trindall 8. Braden Hamlin-Uele 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Aaron Woods 11. Briton Nikora 12. Jack Williams 13. Toby Rudolf

Bench: 14. Luke Metcalf 15. Aiden Tolman 16. Andrew Fifita 17. Billy Magoulias

Reserves: 18. Jonaiah Lualua 19. Will Chambers 20. Kai O’Donnell 21. Mawene Hiroti

Analysis: Not heaps going on at the Sharkies.

Jesse Ramien is scoring solid without many attacking stats. He had a huge 42 in base on the weekend.

Siosifa Talakai has averaged 78MPG the past three rounds with Teig Wilton out who is missing again due to a hamstring injury.

While he’s averaged an okay 56PPG, he’s been denied tries the past two weeks which would have shot that right up.

He’s probably worth keeping out of 17s if you can, but he’s a pretty solid play with genuine upside if required.

He’s been named to play at centre this week, while it wouldn’t surprise me to see him revert to the back-row come game day.

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

Bench: 14. Sauaso Sue 15. David Klemmer 16. Simi Sasagi 17. Brodie Jones

Reserves: 18. Josh King 19. Jirah Momoisea 20. Phoenix Crossland 21. Starford To’a

Analysis: It was a terrifying watch as a non Kalyn Ponga owner last weekend.

He only scored 70 points but boy he looked threatening.

With upcoming games against the Sharks, Bulldogs, Titans and Broncos he remains a terrific buy.

It’s hard to split he and Teddy as options, they’re both in POD range, have solid bases and have 180+ upsides.

I’d probably lean towards Teddy due to the Roosters being a better side who lay a better platform for their number one, but it’s hard to argue going either way.

While not good for owners, I was a little pleased to see Bradman Best go so low last week with just 27 points.

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Despite averaging just over 50PPG this season, he was earmarked by plenty as a must-have at CTW?

He then sent a big shudder down the spines of owners after heading to hospital after the game.

Fortunately he’s been cleared of injury and is set to play this week, but his injury history is super hard to ignore.

He may very well finish the season on a high, the man can play! But there’s plenty of red flags, particularly for those who will struggle to cover him if he’s injured again.

Connor Watson has played just 45 and 51 minutes the past two weeks for scores of 24 and 36.

It’s been a frustrating watch from SuperCoach eyes. While I’d advise sitting him out of 17s this week, there’s every chance Adam O’Brien flicks a switch and plays him 80 minutes for 120 points.

I have no idea what his plans are each week but I’m happy not to own because it’s such a hard sit v start decision each week due to the uncertainty over his role.

Mitch Barnett moved to lock on the weekend where he played just 55 minutes which is a huge concern for his scoring. Thankfully he scored a try to save his score.

Lachlan Fitzgibbon is out injured which means he returns to the edge where he should play 80 and again makes him a strong play in 17s with decent upside.

Tyson Frizell has been terrific on return from injury with a 3RA of 61PPG.

It’s not huge, but it’s almost all been in workrate with a 3RA of 50BPG.

At a very cheap rate of $480k he’s a genuine replacement option for Crichton. 

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