Round 14: Ranking the best 2RF buy options

Its been a hot minute since I’ve done a rankings article, but I feel like this is the perfect week to do it given the numerous juicy and seemingly inseparable options to choose from at 2RF heading into round 14.

1.     Keaon Koloamatangi – Priced at just 622k, well down from his very warranted 700k+ starting price and matchups against the Titans and Dragons over the next 2 weeks is making me salivate. Should average close to 70 for the rest of the season which is up there in the elite tier of 2RF and has huge upside aswell if he can crash over the line for a few tries. 

I’d expect that the bunnies hit him up with that short ball regularly over the coming weeks to see if they can’t kickstart the big man back into the tryscoring form he had in 2022 and at the start of this year. My second trade in this week 100% – granted he may get picked for Origin 2 however just have to risk it. 

Sign up to SC Playbook in 2023! Gain access to stacks of additional premium articles every week during the season, our major subscriber prize, our Whatsapp community featuring Qnas with our team of contributors, and plenty of other exclusive features. SUBSCRIBE HERE!

Embed from Getty Images

2.     John Bateman – Sitting at 586k bategun is very much back on the SuperCoach radar. Not only does he cover some crucial bye rounds, but he also plays in a team that is potentially about to go on a winning run after finding some serious form against the Cowboys at Leichardt a fortnight ago. 

If the Tigers can continue their form and grow in confidence then Bateman will be a huge beneficiary in that he’ll be able to play his natural game where he runs across the field poking at the line and fending off defenders at will whilst looking for the chance to offload. 

If the Tigers play well, expect Bateman to slap up some keeper level numbers in the coming weeks. Jump on before the crowd.

Embed from Getty Images

3.     Isaiah Papali’i – Very much in the same boat as Bateman, if the Tigers get going then IPap will start crashing over for tries like we’ve seen from him in years gone by. 

He’s the same beast of a player, however they just haven’t found a way to truly unlock his full power yet and turn him into Super Saiyan iPap. The spirit bombs will reign down soon enough, and you’ll be pulverised if you don’t own him when they do, so heed this warning while you still can. Oh yeah and he’s 561k…

Over the next 12 months an estimated 60% of all fixed rate mortgages are going to expire. Patty and George from Mortgage Choice SCW can get you the best rate possible. It’s a super easy process, so flick them a message. Save $129 by mentioning SC Playbook for a FREE CONSULT!

4.     Corey Horsburgh – Now this is a man I regret not buying when my fellow SCPlaybook contributors did. 

Frankly, I didn’t see much upside to him even with the increased minutes. Oh how he’s proved me wrong with a 99 against Souths last week in the crucial bye round. 

Big red delivers the business, and at 612k coupled with dual FRF/2RF he will continue to put up keeper level numbers provided the minutes remain high, which it looks like they absolutely will. 

Embed from Getty Images

5.     Eliesa Katoa – I snapped up Katoa instantly after round 2 when he was looking like rampaging through the line every second run off some crafty Jarome Hughes short balls. However, the tries just never really came, and he eventually had to be moved on. 

Nonetheless, in the two weeks before his round 12 injury he looked back to his best and was on track for a 120+ score against the dolphins before succumbing to injury in the 53^rd minute. 

For me it’s a wait and see how he returns from injury, but if I like what I see I’m happy to pay upwards of 600k for him given that he plays the next 5 rounds before the round 19 bye where he can be sold again. 

Embed from Getty Images

6.     Briton Nikora – Nikora is priced at a whopping 709k which might be out of some peoples price range for a 2RF who only averages 10-11 runs a game. 

However, what he lacks in run numbers he makes up for in attacking stats. 4 tries, 4 try assists and 9 linebreaks!

At the end of the day he’s running off Nicho Hynes which means he can basically score a hattrick on any given game day if the chips fall his way. Definitely not one to overlook if you have the money to spare.  

Embed from Getty Images

Trades

Jacob Kiraz – Sitting at 486k and averaging 60+ in the CTW including an injury affected single figure score – straight back into my team this week.

He has it all, everything you want to see from a Supercoach player – high workrate, insane offload ability, willingness to offload in his own half coming out of trouble, tacklebusting hitups, and potential for those huge 130+ scores you’re looking for as a SuperCoacher. 

There’s news circulating that Kiraz may be injured, in which case trades would change dramatically. We’ll keep an ear out for more news.

Keaon Koloamatangi – reasons outlined above.

Do you ever feel uneasy with how much you’re gambling with? You’re not alone, footy fans love a punt, but sometimes it can get a bit out of control. There’s help available with Gareth Wyatt and the team at CECAL. It’s nothing to be ashamed of, so make the call and get in contact here: https://bit.ly/3L2yG1W

Leaving my side will be Jarrod Croker and Payne Haas.

Croker has done a terrific job to date but has peaked in price and is ready to be moved on after being rested for the clash with the Tigers.

Haas is somewhat controversial, but I see him playing reduced minutes and potentially resting from games over the Origin period so I’m willing to cash in on his big price tag.

Embed from Getty Images

Captains

VC – Koloamatangi 

C – Cleary