Squad Breakdown: Analysing the Round 23 teams

It’s the penultimate week of the head-to-head SuperCoach season, with those still alive battling it out for a spot in the grand final.

There will be some leagues set up for the grand final to finish in Round 25.

The overall race has three weeks left to play, with the leader boasting a decent gap to second.

As we continue to see though, players are dropping like flies, and a stack of SuperCoaches are already out of trades.

Incredibly, 17 of the top 50 ranked teams were already out last week!

That leads me to think we will see huge movement in the rankings across the final three weeks, with those who held trades or planned for serious depth to be rewarded in spades.

That being said, with basically every position from 2-8 on the NRL ladder up for grabs, I would be surprised to see many players voluntarily rested, which hasn’t been the case in previous years.

This provides huge relief for those worried about copping auto-emergencies in the final three rounds.

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The Cooma Stallions continued our slide down the ranks with another underwhelming week of 1,111 points to drop down to 900^th overall.

The back end of the season hasn’t gone as well as anticipated, but we’re still sitting solid and can hopefully make a charge to the top 300/400 pending team outs which would be beneficial.

To be fair, I just want to stay top 1,000 and bank that KFC voucher.

One thing that’s been nice is that it certainly hasn’t been too stressful viewing over the course of the weekend as opposed to those sitting around the top 100.

A shout out to Dezzy Creek who is flying up in 231^st overall, while SC Playbook unsung heroes Fish and Stevie Heavener are also right amongst the pointy end of the rankings, get em lads!

Let’s take a look at the Round 23 teams, with squads courtesy of Fox Sports.

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RABBITOHS v PANTHERS

Thursday, 7.50pm, Accor Stadium, Sydney

Rabbitohs: 1. Latrell Mitchell 2. Alex Johnston 3. Isaiah Tass 4. Campbell Graham 5. Jaxson Paulo 6. Cody Walker 7. Lachlan Ilias 8. Tevita Tatola 9. Damien Cook 10. Daniel Suluka-Fifita 11. Keaon Koloamatangi 12. Jai Arrow 13. Cameron Murray

Bench: 14. Taane Milne 15. Mark Nicholls 16. Siliva Havili 17. Hame Sele

Reserves: 18. Blake Taaffe 19. Dean Hawkins 20. Davvy Moale 21. Shaq Mitchell 22. Izaac Thompson

Analysis: Latrell Mitchell is has been named but remains in doubt after suffering a minor groin injury at training.

Cameron Murray continued his stunning form and remains a great buy with a three-round average of 101, averaging mid 50s in base over the past month.

He’s now owned by 38% of the top 100 ranked overall SuperCoaches and 46% of the top 1,000.

Despite Penrith losing convincingly last weekend, I’d be fairly reluctant to play the likes of Alex Johnston, Isaiah Tass and Cody Walker this week against what will be a fired-up Panthers outfit, particularly if Latrell does miss out.

Cheapie Izaac Thompson drops out to accomodate the return of Campbell Graham.

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Panthers: 1. Dylan Edwards 2. Sunia Turuva 3. Izack Tago 4. Stephen Crichton 5. Brian To’o 6. Jaeman Salmon 7. Sean O’Sullivan 8. Moses Leota 9. Apisai Koroisau 10. Matt Eisenhuth 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Liam Martin 13. Isaah Yeo

Bench: 14. Mitch Kenny 15. Scott Sorensen 16. Spencer Leniu 17. Charlie Staines

Reserves: 18. Robert Jennings 19. J’maine Hopgood 20. Taylan May 21. Chris Smith 22. Kurt Falls

Analysis: It’s a little hard to invest in any Penrith players at the moment due to the semi uncertain nature of their play with so many key figures out.

While the Rabbitohs this week, and Cowboys in Round 25 look tough, the Warriors matchup is very enticing next week.

For that reason, Izack Tago and Brian To’o are tempting holds despite the obvious urge to trade.

Both of these men are decent sit options outside 17s for anyone with the depth to do so.

You’d want to have several trades in the bank if in a position to do this, however Taylan May looks a reasonable trade out.

Although the fact he’s on the extended bench, it suggests he should be okay for the Warriors clash next week, so I’d be tempted to hold.

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COWBOYS v WARRIORS

Friday, 6pm, QCB Stadium, Townsville

Cowboys: 1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Kyle Feldt 3. Valentine Holmes 4. Peta Hiku 5. Murray Taulagi 6. Tom Dearden 7. Chad Townsend 8. Jordan McLean 9. Reece Robson 10. Reuben Cotter 11. Tom Gilbert 12. Jeremiah Nanai 13. Jason Taumalolo

Bench: 14. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 15. Luciano Leilua 16. Coen Hess 17. Griffin Neame

Reserves: 18. Jamayne Taunoa-Brown 19. Ben Hampton 20. Jake Granville 21. Brendan Elliot 22. Connelly Lemuelu

Analysis: This looks a wonderful match-up for the Cowboys who could put a big score on the Warriors, despite coming off a win at home against the Bulldogs.

It bodes very well for the likes of Scotty Drinkwater, Val Holmes and Jeremiah Nanai who are all great vice-captain options, with the first two being decent POD skipper plays.

With Reuben Cotter back in the starting team, Jason Taumalolo has played just 51 and 50 minutes the past two weeks, down significantly on what he’d played with Cotter out.

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While he shouldn’t see any fewer game time as the Cowboys look to cement a place up the ladder, it is a concern, and it does make him a genuine sit option for anyone running three gun FRFs, with Joe Tapine potentially out and playing in the final game of the round, I’d imagine there aren’t many in a position to do this.

Regardless, he’s hardly a concern and should still knock out 50 odd on a bad day (or 45 in last week’s case).

But he’ll have far more success against the Warriors pack rather than the relentless Roosters last week.

Cotter becomes a POD option at 9% ownership in the top 100 ranked teams and just 5% of the top 1,000. He’s getting back to substantial game time as a starter.

I’d look to use my final trades on higher upside players, while the fact he had a lengthy stint out due to a hamstring injury is always a concern too.

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Warriors: 1. Reece Walsh 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 3. Viliami Vailea 4. Marcelo Montoya 5. Edward Kosi 6. Daejarn Asi 7. Shaun Johnson 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Wayde Egan 10. Tohu Harris 11. Euan Aitken 12. Jack Murchie 13. Bunty Afoa

Bench: 14. Freddy Lussick 15. Tom Ale 16. Eliesa Katoa 17. Josh Curran

Reserves: 18. Chanel Harris-Tavita 20. Dunamis Lui 21. Jackson Frei 22. Adam Pompey 23. Rocco Berry

Analysis: No interest here.

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BRONCOS v STORM

Friday, 7.55pm, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane

Broncos: 1. Te Maire Martin 2. Corey Oates 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Delouise Hoeter 5. Selwyn Cobbo 6. Ezra Mam 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Thomas Flegler 9. Billy Walters 10. Payne Haas 11. Kurt Capewell 12. Jordan Riki 13. Kobe Hetherington

Bench: 14. Jake Turpin 15. Rhys Kennedy 16. Corey Jensen 17. Ryan James

Reserves: 18. Jordan Pereira 19. Cory Paix 20. Tyson Gamble 21. Xavier Willison 22. Zac Hosking

Analysis: With games against the Storm, Eels, then Dragons, I’m not overly interested in Brisbane’s SuperCoach contingent.

Despite being a hype buy a month back off the back of one good score, Payne Haas has a three-round average of just 63 points despite averaging 68 minutes per game in that time.

Hardly poor at all, but he’s a long way from the must-have FRF he’s been in the past.

While not for me, if you are after a super POD for the run home than Selwyn Cobbo could be your man.

We know he can go big, evidenced by his 119 last weekend, but it was at home against the Knights.

The week prior he scored just 18 against the Roosters. One for the exotic SuperCoaches…

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Storm: 1. Nick Meaney 2. David Nofoaluma 3. Young Tonumaipea 4. Justin Olam 5. Xavier Coates 6. Cameron Munster 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Jesse Bromwich 9. Harry Grant 10. Nelson Asofa-Solomona 11. Tom Eisenhuth 12. Kenny Bromwich 13. Josh King

Bench: 14. Brandon Smith 15. Tui Kamikamica 16. Chris Lewis 17. Tyran Wishart

Reserves: 18. Alec MacDonald 19. Jayden Nikorima 20. Grant Anderson 21. Jordan Grant 22. Trent Loiero

Analysis: As the Storm tend to do, they’ve burst back into SuperCoach relevance with a win against a vastly undermanned Panthers outfit in Penrith.

While it’s only one good win, it’s hard not to get a little excited.

Cam Munster at fullback is close to a must-have, but the rest of the contingent aren’t so much with a tough finish to the season against the Broncos, Roosters and Eels.

Munster has been named in the halves, but expect him to play at the back again, with Nick Meaney at five-eighth.

In the halves I’d look to anti-POD Munster, but he’s such an animal at fullback I’d be scared not to own.

With the draw, I’d be a little worried about their attacking players, however Harry Grant remains a solid investment despite his high ownership.

Brandon Smith owners would have been pleased to see him start and knock out 89 points last weekend with a try.

I’m still hesitant to start him in my side as he only played 55 minutes, but as long as he’s in the run-on side he looks a solid enough play.

He’s been named on the bench again, but there’s every chance he starts come game day.

Jahrome Hughes has been named to play, but remains in some doubt to take his place in the clash.

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EELS v BULLDOGS

Saturday, 3pm, CommBank Stadium, Sydney

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

Bench: 14. Ofahiki Ogden 15. Bryce Cartwright 16. Oregon Kaufusi 17. Marata Niukore

Reserves: 18. Makahesi Makatoa 19. Bailey Simonsson 20. Jakob Arthur 21. Sean Russell 22. Elie El Zakhem

Analysis: The Bulldogs matchup looks nice, but the Dogs always get up against the Eels as we saw earlier in the season when they belted them off the park.

I do expect them to bounce back after the humiliating defeat to the Rabbitohs, but with games against the Broncos at Suncorp and Melbourne to come, their inconsistency is enough to steer me away from buying any players.

Shaun Lane has been exceptional with a five-round average of 85, at 40% ownership in the top 100 and 20% in the top 10,000, he’s low enough ownership still to warrant a buy.

Mitch Moses returns in a huge boost to the side. including all SuperCoach relevant players.

All their players look like plays in the 17 this week.

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Bulldogs: 1. Jake Averillo 2. Jacob Kiraz 3. Aaron Schoupp 4. Braidon Burns 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Matt Burton 7. Kyle Flanagan 8. Max King 9. Jeremy Marshall-King 10. Paul Vaughan 11. Harrison Edwards 12. Raymond Faitala-Mariner 13. Josh Jackson

Bench: 14. Zach Dockar-Clay 15. Joe Stimson 16. Jackson Topine 17. Chris Patolo

Reserves: 19. Declan Casey 20. Bailey Biondi-Odo 21. Brandon Wakeham 22. Luke Thompson 23. Tevita Pangai Junior

Analysis: With games against the Eels, Sharks and Sea Eagles to come, I’d ideally look to move on the likes of Jacob Kiraz and Max King if you have the trades to do so.

They’re solid holds though for anyone running low, and while I’d sit them outside my 17, they both fairly reliable plays each week for anyone needing to give them a run.

Tevita Pangai Jnr and Luke Thompson have been named which may be an issue for King’s minutes.

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Matty Burton was extremely disappointing with 23 points against the Warriors, it just wasn’t his night, or the Dogs’ night for that matter.

While I wouldn’t look to buy him, I do think owners can play him safely each week, he should bounce back with some decent scores.

All that being said, if Parra don’t show up again, there could be plenty of points on offer for the Doggies SuperCoach contingent.

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SEA EAGLES v SHARKS

Saturday, 5.30pm, 4 Pines Park, Sydney

Sea Eagles: 1. Reuben Garrick 2. Tolutau Koula 3. Brad Parker 4. Morgan Harper 5. Christian Tuipulotu 6. Kieran Foran 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Josh Aloiai 9. Lachlan Croker 10. Martin Taupau 11. Haumole Olakau’atu 12. Andrew Davey 13. Dylan Walker

Bench: 14. Ben Trbojevic 15. Josh Schuster 16. Ethan Bullemor 17. Toafofoa Sipley

Reserves: 18. Kurt De Luis 19. Kaeo Weekes 20. Zac Fulton 21. James Roumanos 22. Jacob Sykes

Analysis: Manly’s SuperCoach credentials have flipped on their head following a dismal outing against the Titans last weekend.

While Cronulla were always going to pose a tough match up, games against the Raiders and Bulldogs to finish were appetising enough to see plenty invest in their stars.

All of a sudden, they’re an avoid for at least this week, unless they can turn their form against the Sharks.

Daly Cherry-Evans is battling and is almost a reluctant play this week, although I’ll be plugging him into my side in the hope he delivers something for frustrated owners.

Reuben Garrick is proving pretty well fixture proof, what a gun.

Avoid for now, reassess next week if they find some form.

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Sharks: 1. Kade Dykes 2. Lachlan Miller 3. Jesse Ramien 4. Connor Tracey 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo 6. Matt Moylan 7. Nicho Hynes 8. Braden Hamlin-Uele 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Royce Hunt 11. Briton Nikora 12. Wade Graham 13. Dale Finucane

Bench: 14. Teig Wilton 15. Cameron McInnes 16. Aiden Tolman 17. Andrew Fifita

Reserves: 18. Braydon Trindall 19. Jesse Colquhoun 20. Matt Ikuvalu 21. Kayal Iro 22. Luke Metcalf

Analysis: Cronulla become even more relevant now that they face what appears a deflated Manly outfit, before games against the Bulldogs and Knights to finish.

Siosifa Talakai’s season was summed up by the fact he was a late scratching for the dream matchup with the Tigers, it just hasn’t happened for the big fella! He’s not been named again this week.

Jesse Ramien delivered as a super POD last weekend with 86 points, he remains a great buy, while Ronaldo Mulitalo should see some better ball with Matt Moylan back on deck on the left edge which will help his attacking potential immensely.

He managed a respectable 57 points last weekend without a try or try-assist.

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ROOSTERS v TIGERS

Saturday, 7.35pm, SCG, Sydney

Roosters: 1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Paul Momirovski 4. Joseph Manu 5. Joseph Suaalii 6. Luke Keary 7. Sam Walker 8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves 9. Sam Verrills 10. Matthew Lodge 11. Angus Crichton 12. Nat Butcher 13. Victor Radley

Bench: 14. Connor Watson 15. Egan Butcher 16. Drew Hutchison 17. Terrell May

Reserves: 18. Kevin Naiqama 19. Fletcher Baker 20. Oliver Gildart 21. Ben Thomas 22. Siua Wong

Analysis: This is the match up of the weekend for SuperCoaches who own Roosters players.

As a non-Joey Manu owner, I’m petrified…

Manu and James Tedesco look like great captaincy options, Teddy is the obvious choice, Manu is the POD play.

With games against Melbourne and South Sydney coming up I’d be a little reluctant to invest in their players in overall, but head-to-head SuperCoaches still alive in finals will be seriously tempted to invest in the two aforementioned players, along with the likes of Daniel Tupou and Sam Walker (for anyone still needing a Cleary replacement).

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There could be some big scores in this one, H2H players still alive who don’t own Teddy/Manu should try to find a way to get them, if not, it may well cost you your season.

Another this week, probably more so for H2H players needing a leg up this week in particular, is Sammy Walker who could have an absolute field day in this game. He does become a tougher play next week against Melbourne for grand finals, so consider that, but he could also be your ticket to the decider.

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Tigers: 1. Daine Laurie 2. Brent Naden 3. Starford To’a 4. Asu Kepaoa 5. Ken Maumalo 6. Adam Doueihi 7. Jock Madden 8. James Tamou 9. Fa’amanu Brown 10. Zane Musgrove 11. Luke Garner 12. Kelma Tuilagi 13. Joe Ofahengaue

Bench: 14. Fonua Pole 15. Austin Dias 16. Thomas Freebairn 17. Alex Seyfarth

Reserves: 18. Jake Simpkin 19. Kitione Kautoga 20. Brandon Tumeth 21. Junior Pauga 22. Tyrone Peachey

Analysis: I have a horrible feeling this could be a very ugly one for the Tigers.

They aren’t overly SuperCoach relevant anyway, but I’d be semi tempted to sit Adam Doueihi this week for anyone with enough depth to do so.

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DRAGONS v TITANS

Sunday, 2pm, WIN Stadium, Wollongong

Dragons: 1. Cody Ramsey 2. Mathew Feagai 3. Moses Mbye 4. Zac Lomax 5. Tautau Moga 6. Talatau Amone 7. Ben Hunt 8. Jack de Belin 9. Andrew McCullough 10. Blake Lawrie 11. Josh Mcguire 12. Jaydn Su’A 13. Jack Bird

Bench: 14. Tyrell Fuimaono 15. Aaron Woods 16. Michael Molo 17. Billy Burns

Reserves: 18. Jaiyden Hunt 19. Jayden Sullivan 20. Francis Molo 21. Tyrell Sloan 22. Jackson Ford

Analysis: No interest here.

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Titans: 1. Jayden Campbell 2. Sosefo Fifita 3. Phillip Sami 4. Brian Kelly 5. Patrick Herbert 6. AJ Brimson 7. Tanah Boyd 8. Jaimin Jolliffe 9. Erin Clark 10. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui 11. David Fifita 12. Beau Fermor 13. Isaac Liu

Bench: 14. Greg Marzhew 15. Herman Ese’ese 16. Moeaki Fotuaika 17. Sam McIntyre

Reserves: 18. Corey Thompson 19. Jarrod Wallace 20. Toby Sexton 21. Paul Turner 22. Klese Haas

Analysis: David Fifita is the only point of interest here, he produced a freakish try that owners have been waiting for against Manly to record 85 points.

Outside of that, he based just 30 points, embarrassing, pass… He almost had as many offloads as he did tackles!

If he ever returns to the days of 18+ runs per game he’d nearly be a lock in skipper every week.

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KNIGHTS v RAIDERS

Sunday, 4.05pm, McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle

Knights: 1. Tex Hoy 2. Edrick Lee 3. Dane Gagai 4. Krystian Mapapalangi 5. Dominic Young 6. Anthony Milford 7. Adam Clune 8. David Klemmer 9. Jayden Brailey 10. Daniel Saifiti 11. Tyson Frizell 12. Brodie Jones 13. Jacob Saifiti

Bench: 14. Phoenix Crossland 15. Pasami Saulo 16. Simi Sasagi 17. Mathew Croker

Reserves: 18. Sauaso Sue 19. Chris Randall 20. Jack Johns 21. Oryn Keeley 22. Hymel Hunt

Analysis: No interest here.

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Raiders: 1. Xavier Savage 2. Nick Cotric 3. Matthew Timoko 4. Sebastian Kris 5. Jordan Rapana 6. Jack Wighton 7. Jamal Fogarty 8. Josh Papali’i 9. Zac Woolford 10. Joseph Tapine 11. Hudson Young 12. Elliott Whitehead 13. Adam Elliott

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

Reserves: 18. Albert Hopoate 19. Ata Mariota 20. Matt Frawley 21. Ryan Sutton 22. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad

Analysis: Joe Tapine has been named to play but will be closely monitored throughout the week as he deals with a rib cartilage issue.

Owners will be desperate for him to line-up this week, if he does, hopefully he gets through unscathed with pain tolerance a major concern with the nature of his injury.

Surprisingly Adam Elliott played just 49 minutes against the Dragons despite Tapine’s absence, owners will be hoping his game time lifts to 60+ again this week.