Back-row: Top five picks to replace Crichton/Fifita

• SQUAD BREAKDOWN: Round 3 SuperCoach teams analysis
• DRAFT BREAKDOWN: Round 3, waiver-wire targets

With lots of Supercoaches looking to trade out either David Fifita or Angus Crichton this week due to high breakevens and general underperformance, I thought I’d  compile a list of my top five best 2RF candidates to replace them based on what we’ve seen over the opening two rounds.

Here’s how I see it as we look to make our Round 3 trades.

1. Josh Curran ($586,800)

I really wanted to start the season with Curran despite a shift from an edge to the middle over the off-season.

Curran has shown his ball playing ability over the first two games which is becoming a crucial component to the modern day lock role.

He seems to have his hands on the ball a lot in attacking positions, coupled with an ability to get the arms free for offloads – and with Reece Walsh lurking around the ruck you can expect to see Curran get some cheeky assists through the middle. 

The Warriors next three games are the Tigers, Broncos and Cowboys – get him in!

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2. Cameron Murray ($614,800)

With ARey having left the bunnies all eyes are on whether Murray can step up as captain and lead Souths back to another grand final. 

Expect his minutes to remain high (65-70) with the odd 80 minute game thrown in.

If Souths are going to continue their momentum from late last season then they’ll be relying on Murray to sure up the middle with lots of tackling alongside Damien Cook.

Murray owners know that he doesn’t take as many runs as he could, however whenever he does go for a gallop he always looks threatening, especially with Cooky feeding him that short ball close to the line.

The Rabbitohs next three games are the Roosters, Panthers and Dragons which should ensure high intensity and big minutes for Muz.

3. Haumole Olakau’atu ($512,400)

Big Ola has undoubtedly been Manly’s shining light after a dismal opening two rounds (I’m looking at you Tommy).

Haumole has racked up a staggering 18 tacklebusts in just 27 runs and looks to be effortlessly dragging multiple defenders along with him on each carry.

Expect the attacking stats to fall his way sooner rather than later with the class and experience of DCE inside him.

Manly’s next three games are the Bulldogs, Raiders and Knights which could see the side notch up some scores.

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4. Tyson Frizell ($571,400)

The Friz is looking the goods as per. Newcastle seem to have started the season playing at a higher level than we’ve come to previously expect, which simply means more attacking opportunities for their edge backrowers.

Tyson is running the ball as hard as ever which all but ensures 8+ metre hit ups most carries – an absolute goldmine for forwards in Supercoach.

Newcastle’s next three games are the Panthers, Sharks and Sea Eagles, but this shouldn’t deter you from grabbing the Friz as the Knights will very much compete in every single one of these fixtures.

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5. Isaah Yeo ($503,500)

Yeo has been playing exceptional footy for the past few seasons, but the lack of consistent minutes has always made his Supercoach relevance dubious.

Yeo only played four 80 minute games last season which has him severely underpriced at a flat $500k this season (provided he continues to play 80mins).

Note he may have played inflated minutes due to injuries in the pack, but regardless, it’s a promising sign.

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Much like Curran and Murray, Yeo has the ability to ball play close to the line,  including late offloads and spinning out of tackles.

Attacking stats will surely fall his way if he continues playing big minutes in such a formidable Penrith side.

Penrith’s next three games are the Knights, Rabbits and Bulldogs – expect to see Yeo’s stocks rise considerably if he can jag a try or assist in one or more of these fixtures.