NRL Supercoach Analysis: Round 4 Team Lists

It’s been a bit of a whirlwind start to the NRL Supercoach season.

Typically high-scoring spine players have struggled, volatile CTW players are going large and concussions are causing chaos to teams.

In fact, 15 CTWs are averaging 70+ so far this season, while in the halves department, only Nathan Cleary averages over 67 (Isaiya Katoa aside in his one game).

That man Nathan Cleary is now set to miss around a month with a hamstring injury and is already owned by almost half of Supercoaches.

With Cleary a likely sell candidate, it’s not a bad result for Supercoach in general as it could diversify teams substantially with that amount of cash to splash across teams.

Further to that, there are a tonne of great buys that have emerged in round 4, with more to follow in round 5.

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While there have certainly been a few hurdles for the Cooma Stallions in the early stages, I’m happy with how my team is shaping up.

I’ve used just the three trades so far and will look to use my first boost of the season in round 4 in what looks to be a big trading week with the Cleary news.

Rank-wise, we need to get on our bike.

I scored an okay 1,004 points last week to move to 57,000 overall.

The week largely went alright, I did have to cop an auto-emergency when Joe Chan was ruled out late in the weekend, with my entire side having played and Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and Jack Bostock on the bye.

Work to do for sure, but the signs are good so I’m happy enough with where things are at.

One big week can send the rank soaring, so let’s hope it’s an Easter miracle for the Stallions.

Let’s take a look at the NRL Supercoach Round 4 team analysis, with squad lists courtesy of Fox Sports.

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ROOSTERS v PANTHERS

Thursday, 8pm, Allianz Stadium, Sydney

Roosters: 1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii 4. Joseph Manu 5. Dominic Young 6. Luke Keary 7. Sam Walker 8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves 9. Brandon Smith 10. Terrell May 11. Nat Butcher 12. Sitili Tupouniua 13. Victor Radley

Bench: 14. Connor Watson 15. Naufahu Whyte 16. Egan Butcher 17. Angus Crichton

Reserves: 18. Michael Jennings 19. Siua Wong 20. Fetalaiga Pauga 21. Zach Dockar-Clay 22. Dylan Napa

Analysis: It’s a slightly awkward week for the Roosters Supercoach contingent as they have a few nice buys, but a match-up with the best defensive team in the NRL in Penrith.

That being said, they are without Cleary, Sorensen and Fisher-Harris so they’re down plenty of troops.

While scoring may be tough going this week, it’s hard to ignore Dom Young as a buy following his 150 against the Rabbitohs.

Penrith will be tough, but the Roosters then face the Bulldogs and Knights in much better fixtures.

Young had an obscene 14 tackle breaks among his 18 runs for the game.

With a breakeven of -5 on the end of a firing Roosters backline, Young at best case will be a keeper, worst case he’ll make a tonne of cash before being sold at top dollar.

Ditto James Tedesco who is looking back to his best with an average of 103 to begin the season.

He has a breakeven of 4 and is set to comfortably eclipse the $800k mark this week.

He’s averaging 6.3 tackle breaks per game this season and 15.6 runs per game.

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Panthers: 1. Dylan Edwards 2. Sunia Turuva 3. Izack Tago 4. Taylan May 5. Brian To’o 6. Jarome Luai 7. Brad Schneider 8. Moses Leota 9. Mitch Kenny 10. Lindsay Smith 11. Luke Garner 12. Liam Martin 13. Isaah Yeo

Bench: 14. Daine Laurie 15. Matt Eisenhuth 16. Liam Henry 17. Mavrik Geyer

Reserves: 18. Soni Luke 19. Jack Cole 20. Ativalu Lisati 21. Paul Alamoti 22. Tyrone Peachey

Analysis: I’m not overly keen on anyone from Penrith for now for a few reasons.

The first, obviously, is the injury to Nathan Cleary and the unknown of how it’ll affect the team.

Secondly, they face a rampant Roosters outfit this week then Manly next week, both away, followed with a bye in round 6.

So is Cleary a must-sell?

He’s set to miss four weeks and there aren’t a lot of quality halfback replacements at the moment, with Nicho Hynes struggling and Mitchell Moses now injured.

The bye was coming anyway, so there’s every chance he’ll be missed for two games, before returning after the bye.

For me though, he’s a sell.

At this early part of the season where we are flushed with trades, it’s time to make cash across your squad.

$883k is a lot of money to be sitting unused on your bench, while there’s also no guarantee he returns within four weeks.

If it stretches out any longer it’d be detrimental to hold him.

For me, it’s sell, sell, sell…

With Cleary out, Jarome Luai should get more ball on the left edge which hopefully bolsters Taylan’s May’s attacking output.

Liam Henry is the under-the-radar FRF cheapie that has eluded most, but realistically it’s probably now or never to buy him.

He scored 55 in 42 minutes with an outstanding 55 in base in that time! 

Among that, he had 36 tackles and 11 runs.

He’s $287k with a -2 breakeven and looks a solid buy.

While I wouldn’t go near him for the reasons mentioned above, Brian To’o had 15 tackle breaks against the Broncos!

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RABBITOHS v BULLDOGS

Friday, 4:05pm, Accor Stadium, Sydney

Rabbitohs: 1. Latrell Mitchell 2. Alex Johnston 3. Jack Wighton 4. Isaiah Tass 5. Taane Milne 6. Cody Walker 7. Dean Hawkins 8. Tevita Tatola 9. Damien Cook 10. Thomas Burgess 11. Keaon Koloamatangi 12. Jacob Host 13. Cameron Murray

Bench: 14. Michael Chee Kam 15. Tallis Duncan 16. Shaquai Mitchell 17. Davvy Moale

Reserves: 18. Siliva Havili 19. Lachlan Ilias 20. Sean Keppie 21. Peter Mamouzelos 22. Izaac Tu’itupou Thompson

Analysis: It’s very hard to go anywhere near the Rabbitohs in their current form.

Some jumped on Davvy Moale last week, he scored 10 points in 22 minutes with three runs, all under 8m for just 1 point.

Latrell Mitchell scored just 36 and sits with a breakeven of 112, I’d hold him through this Bulldogs match-up then reassess.

Early season mid-range option Sean Keppie is averaging just 33 and can be sold after being dropped.

The Rabbitohs will be very relevant if they can bounce back to form with significantly reduced prices.

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Bulldogs: 1. Blake Taaffe 2. Blake Wilson 3. Jacob Kiraz 4. Stephen Crichton 5. Connor Tracey 6. Matt Burton 7. Drew Hutchison 8. Max King 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Liam Knight 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Jacob Preston 13. Jaeman Salmon

Bench: 14. Kurt Mann 15. Samuel Hughes 16. Josh Curran 17. Kurtis Morrin

Reserves: 19. Bronson Xerri 20. Toby Sexton 21. Jake Turpin 22. Kitione Kautoga 23. Josh Addo-Carr

Analysis: The Bulldogs showed what they’re capable of with a big win against the Titans.

But with key players out and an early injury to Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, I wouldn’t get ahead of myself with their Supercoach contingent.

Jacob Kiraz may be the exception after belting out 115 in a vintage performance.

Vintage? I mean it was only 12 months ago pre-injuries he was doing this.

Essentially, it’s the reason we were so keen on him in the pre-season.

I mentioned last week he was averaging below his best so far this season, but it was entirely in base and power stats.

Well, he elevated those stats to a new level against the Titans and added some attack.

He scored a try, had 17 tackles, 14 runs, 9 tackle breaks, a forced dropout, four offloads, a linebreak, and a line break assist.

With a breakeven of 31 and a few tough match-ups to come I’ll avoid him as I’m fairly happy with my CTWs and will focus on bigger cash-generation trades this week, but if he replicates it against the Rabbitohs he’ll be hard to ignore.

Drew Hutchison scored 64 with an excellent 38 in base, sitting with a breakeven of 19 he’s a hold for at least another week.

I’d still be very wary of playing him in 17s, although South Sydney isn’t exactly the daunting prospect we thought they’d be.

Jaeman Salmon is averaging 33 points in 59 minutes this season and is a sell.

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BRONCOS v COWBOYS

Friday, 8pm, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane

Broncos: 1. Tristan Sailor 2. Jesse Arthars 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Selwyn Cobbo 5. Deine Mariner 6. Ezra Mam 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Corey Jensen 9. Billy Walters 10. Fletcher Baker 11. Jaiyden Hunt 12. Jordan Riki 13. Patrick Carrigan

Bench: 14. Tyson Smoothy 15. Xavier Willison 16. Kobe Hetherington 17. Corey Oates

Reserves: 18. Benjamin Te Kura 19. Jock Madden 20. Delouise Hoeter 21. Martin Taupau 22. Jordan Pereira

Analysis: With lengthy injuries to Reece Walsh and Payne Haas, concerns remaining around Adam Reynolds, and games upcoming against the unbeaten Cowboys into the Storm in Melbourne, I’m not too interested in the Broncos at the moment.

The one area may be the forward pack with Haas out, but it’s a little hard to know where the minutes will land each week.

Especially as injuries impacted the rotations again last week.

Fletcher Baker played 70 minutes for 49 points against the Panthers, while Xavier Willison played 42 minutes for 51 points.

Corey Jensen still played just 46.

Watch how this plays out for another week, but aside from potentially Willison – I suspect they’ll all be avoids.

Brendan Piakura was injured at training, wait for news on severity before determining whether he’s a hold or sell.

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

Bench: 14. Jake Granville 15. Griffin Neame 16. Sam McIntyre 17. Jack Gosiewski

Reserves: 18. Tomas Chester 19. Thomas Mikaele 20. Semi Valemei 21. Marly Bitungane 22. Jake Clifford

Analysis: Valentine Holmes went bonkers against the Dragons with 144 points made up of a stacked stat sheet.

A try, a try-assist, 7 goals, 7 tacklebreaks, two linebreaks, a line-assist, and 19 runs…

Elite Supercoaching that.

At $815k he’ll be very hard to reach, but the injury to Nathan Cleary may open up funds for people to get him in.

Despite being undermanned the Broncos will be a lot tougher match-up, but the Titans the following week is mouthwatering.

As we mentioned last week, Jason Taumalolo will get early showers when the Cows put scores on, that happened again last week.

Abort!

With his knee condition, sadly we’ve seen the end of Taumalolo as a Supercoach player and probably anything near his best as an NRL player.

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Reece Robson is absolutely flying with an average of 74 points and a breakeven of 28.

I’m a very happy owner, and with most flocking to Api Koroisau this week he’ll likely stay in POD range for a long while to come.

He’s playing 80 minutes each week and is starting to find plenty of attacking stats behind this gun-forward pack.

Kulikefu Finefeuiaki has me a little torn, he’s $322k with a breakeven of 3 and is a beast, but his Supercoach scoring isn’t great.

He played 57 minutes for 57 points on the weekend which included a try and linebreak.

He had just six runs in that time, one tackle break and no offloads.

On any other week, he’d still be a decent buy with upside and cash incoming, but I think there are far higher priority buys this week.

Zac Laybutt returns after missing last week.

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DRAGONS v SEA EAGLES

Saturday, 5:30pm, WIN Stadium, Wollongong

Dragons: 1. Tyrell Sloan 2. Zac Lomax 3. Moses Suli 4. Jack Bird 5. Mikaele Ravalawa 6. Kyle Flanagan 7. Ben Hunt 8. Francis Molo 9. Jacob Liddle 10. Blake Lawrie 11. Luciano Leilua 12. Jaydn Su’A 13. Tom Eisenhuth

Bench: 14. Jesse Marschke 15. Jack de Belin 16. Hame Sele 17. Raymond Faitala-Mariner

Reserves: 18. Christian Tuipulotu 19. Michael Molo 20. Viliami Fifita 21. Connor Muhleisen 22. Mathew Feagai

Analysis: After an enterprising start to the season, the Dragons have gone downhill rapidly.

Zac Lomax remains about the only area of interest for me with an average of 83 points this season.

He’s basing 34 per game which is great, and at least the Dragons did put points on against the Cowboys to give him goal-kicking opportunities.

I won’t be going near him in this side, coupled with uncertainty around his future at the club, but on numbers alone, he’s on fire and warrants consideration.

For anyone considering Ben Hunt with an average of 63 as a Cleary replacement, just a warning that the play rarely ends well.

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Sea Eagles: 1. Tom Trbojevic 2. Raymond Tuiamalo Vaega 3. Tolutau Koula 4. Reuben Garrick 5. Jaxson Paulo 6. Luke Brooks 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Taniela Paseka 9. Lachlan Croker 10. Josh Aloiai 11. Haumole Olakau’atu 12. Ben Trbojevic 13. Jake Trbojevic

Bench: 14. Karl Lawton 15. Corey Waddell 16. Ethan Bullemor 17. Nathan Brown

Reserves: 18. Jakob Arthur 19. Tommy Talau 20. Aaron Woods 21. Brad Parker 22. Toafofoa Sipley

Analysis: Tom Trbojevic is nearing a very big score having been just shy of a few extra major attacking stats early this season.

He was denied a linebreak and try-assist last week in a controversial obstruction ruling that would have seen him score around 110.

He’s a massive captaincy play this week.

The same obstruction ruling cost Luke Brooks a further 12 points which would have made his 53 look a little more appealing.

I think he’s looking tremendous and is a quality Cleary replacement.

Manly do face Penrith next week though which isn’t ideal.

As a current owner, I plan to flip Brooks to Cleary on return from injury.

Ben Trbojevic made $37k last week, but a horrendous score of 19 means he sits with a breakeven of 39 so he could potentially lose cash!

The output wouldn’t concern me that much, except for the fact he played just 61 minutes against the Eels, and Josh Schuster’s return is looming.

I’ll stick strong for a little longer, certainly for this match-up against the Dragons where he’s every chance to find some attacking stats.

No Schuster in the squad is a big boost. Tommy Talau has again been named on the extended bench and could come into the team on the wing if cleared to return from injury.

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TITANS v DOLPHINS

Saturday, 7:35pm, Cbus Super Stadium, Gold Coast

Titans: 1. Jayden Campbell 2. Alofiana Khan-Pereira 3. Brian Kelly 4. AJ Brimson 5. Phillip Sami 6. Kieran Foran 7. Tanah Boyd 8. Moeaki Fotuaika 9. Chris Randall 10. Keenan Palasia 11. Klese Haas 12. Beau Fermor 13. Jaimin Jolliffe

Bench: 14. Sam Verrills 15. Isaac Liu 16. Erin Clark 17. Joe Stimson

Reserves: 18. David Fifita 19. Jojo Fifita 20. Harley Smith-Shields 21. Thomas Weaver 22. Josiah Pahulu

Analysis: It’s impossible to get excited about the Titans at the moment with the injury to Tino Fa’asuamaleaui and their start to the season.

Tino is comfortably a 60+ minute forward so it opens up big game time through the middle, but let’s just wait and see where those minutes land and whether anyone becomes relevant as a result.

A popular pre-season purchase prior to injury, Jayden Campbell returns and may be relevant at just $456k with dual 5/8-FLB positioning.

But we’ll need to see the Titans produce something before even thinking about picking up the electric fullback.

David Fifita has been named on the extended bench.

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Dolphins: 1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Jake Averillo 4. Herbie Farnworth 5. Jack Bostock 6. Kodi Nikorima 7. Isaiya Katoa 8. Jesse Bromwich 9. Jeremy Marshall-King 10. Thomas Flegler 11. Felise Kaufusi 12. Euan Aitken 13. Max Plath

Bench: 14. Josh Kerr 15. Kurt Donoghoe 16. Mark Nicholls 17. Ray Stone

Reserves: 18. Kenny Bromwich 19. Sean O’Sullivan 20. Oryn Keeley 21. Tesi Niu 22. Mason Teague

Analysis: Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow has started strong with an 87-point average across two games.

With a breakeven of 10 and a game against the Titans, this bodes well for the lethal fullback.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, I think there will be some low scores in the Hammer but they should be offset by some larger numbers.

I started the season with him, and ideally, I’d love to be able to cash him in at a huge price rise for a more consistent scorer.

With games against the Titans and Tigers to come that’s every chance of unfolding.

Jack Bostock is $314k with a breakeven of -19, with a last start of 77 in his rolling average.

With tougher match-ups to come, I’d be wary of investing, but with the Titans this week followed by the Tigers he only needs an attacking stat to see some big price rises.

Josh Kerr will see his first price rise after this week which should be substantial with a breakeven of -18.

He’s averaging 43 minutes per game with 43 in base and he does have some attacking upside for a prop.

Do note though that his 76 in round 1 (try and linebreak) drops out of his three-round average after this week so that breakeven will look far less appealing if he scores in the 40s.

Max Plath retains his starting lock role despite the return of Ray Stone from a concussion via the bench.

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WARRIORS v KNIGHTS

Sunday, 4:05pm, Go Media Stadium, Auckland

Warriors: 1. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 3. Rocco Berry 4. Adam Pompey 5. Marcelo Montoya 6. Luke Metcalf 7. Shaun Johnson 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Wayde Egan 10. Mitchell Barnett 11. Jackson Ford 12. Kurt Capewell 13. Tohu Harris

Bench: 14. Freddy Lussick 15. Marata Niukore 16. Bunty Afoa 17. Dylan Walker

Reserves: 18. Tom Ale 20. Jazz Tevaga 21. Chanel Harris-Tavita 22. Te Maire Martin 23. Ali Leiataua

Analysis: With Taine Tuaupiki out due to concussion, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck starts at fullback which is frightening.

Some are selling Tuaupiki this week, and with the return of Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad looming I understand it.

The timing of his failed HIA was very unfortunate as we only needed another game or two for some significant rises.

Having played just 47 minutes for a very respectable 35 points, his breakeven sits at 13.

If you can hold I’d recommend doing so, but I also understand that with so many good buys around this week and next, you have to make way somewhere.

RTS at fullback, look out…

He becomes a POD captaincy option this week.

Addin Fonua-Blake scored yet again for 77 points, he looms as a logical Tino replacement for anyone wanting to pay up at FRF.

Perhaps he can keep scoring tries? What a gun!

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Knights: 1. Kalyn Ponga 2. Thomas Jenkins 3. Dane Gagai 4. Bradman Best 5. Enari Tuala 6. Tyson Gamble 7. Jack Cogger 8. Jacob Saifiti 9. Phoenix Crossland 10. Daniel Saifiti 11. Tyson Frizell 12. Kai Pearce-Paul 13. Adam Elliott

Bench: 14. Jayden Brailey 15. Mathew Croker 16. Jack Hetherington 17. Brodie Jones

Reserves: 18. Dylan Lucas 19. Jed Cartwright 20. Thomas Cant 21. Will Pryce 22. Jackson Hastings

Analysis: Kalyn Ponga bounced back to form with 86 points against the Storm.

He dropped $66k and now has a breakeven of 108, if he can back up his score that price fall should flatline quickly which would be huge for those who held last week.

Kai Pearce-Paul held his starting spot with Dylan Lucas back on the bench, and more importantly, still played 80 minutes.

This week, Lucas has been named 18th man which all but locks in 80 minutes for KPP.

He scored 67 points in 80 minutes with a strong 49 in base.

He hasn’t had any major attacking stats yet, but they’re likely to fall soon enough.

He’s $390k with a breakeven of 9 and is yet another good buy, but this week there are so many!

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SHARKS v RAIDERS

Sunday, 6:15pm, PointsBet Stadium, Sydney

Sharks: 1. William Kennedy 2. Sione Katoa 3. Jesse Ramien 4. Kayal Iro 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo 6. Braydon Trindall 7. Nicho Hynes 8. Thomas Hazelton 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Oregon Kaufusi 11. Siosifa Talakai 12. Teig Wilton 13. Cameron McInnes

Bench: 14. Daniel Atkinson 15. Jack Williams 16. Billy Burns 17. Tuku Hau Tapuha

Reserves: 18. Jayden Berrell 19. Blake Hosking 20. Samuel Stonestreet 21. Niwhai Puru 22. Max Bradbury

Analysis: Yet another week where we ask ourselves what to do with Nicho Hynes?

Originally he loomed as a sell, and he still might be, but with plenty carrying a Hynes-Cleary HFB combination, it’ll leave them short.

With Cleary out, along with Mitch Moses, and Jahrome Hughes on the bye, Hynes is clearly the best HFB option.

But with a breakeven of 134, there could be another huge price fall if he goes low again.

With cash generating nicely elsewhere, I think I’ll grit my teeth and hold firm.

While those who bought Ronaldo Mulitalo wouldn’t have been thrilled with his 56 points, they would have been by his 34 in base which is significantly up on recent years.

He had 21 runs in the heavy loss to the Tigers, and when he runs, tacklebreaks tend to follow.

With a breakeven of 39 and a bye next week, he will likely be a sell for only a $70k profit or thereabouts if he doesn’t score well against the Raiders.

Cheapie Kayal Iro starts at centre with Sifa Talakai shifting to back-row due to a tonne of forward injuries, and Briton Nikora’s suspension.

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Raiders: 1. Jordan Rapana 2. James Schiller 3. Matthew Timoko 4. Sebastian Kris 5. Xavier Savage 6. Ethan Strange 7. Jamal Fogarty 8. Josh Papali’i 9. Danny Levi 10. Joseph Tapine 11. Hudson Young 12. Elliott Whitehead 13. Morgan Smithies

Bench: 14. Tom Starling 15. Ata Mariota 16. Zac Hosking 17. Pasami Saulo

Reserves: 18. Trey Mooney 19. Corey Horsburgh 20. Kaeo Weekes 21. Zac Woolford 22. Nick Cotric

Analysis: Popular purchase last week Zac Hosking scored 52 points in 59 minutes off the bench, rising $90k in value.

With a breakeven of 13, owners will be crossing their fingers he can go 70+ this week with some attacking stats to keep the price rises coming, otherwise, he’ll likely loom as a sell next week if only playing 60 minutes of time.

Danny Levi scored 29 points in 52 minutes against the Warriors, hardly surprising without any attacking stats to boot.

With a breakeven of 12, you’d normally be holding him for a few weeks, but if you can get him up to Api Koroisau I think it’s a great move.

You’ll earn far more cash and potentially land a keeper in a tough hooking spot.

The Cleary injury should free that money up for most wanting to do so.

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EELS v TIGERS

Monday, 4pm, CommBank Stadium, Sydney

Eels: 1. Clinton Gutherson 2. Maika Sivo 3. Viliami Penisini 4. Morgan Harper 5. Sean Russell 6. Blaize Talagi 7. Dylan Brown 8. Reagan Campbell-Gillard 9. Joey Lussick 10. Junior Paulo 11. Shaun Lane 12. Bryce Cartwright 13. J’maine Hopgood

Bench: 14. Luca Moretti 15. Ryan Matterson 16. Joe Ofahengaue 17. Kelma Tuilagi

Reserves: 18. Ofahiki Ogden 19. Wiremu Greig 20. Brendan Hands 21. Makahesi Makatoa 22. Bailey Simonsson

Analysis: Bryce Cartwright is reportedly out for an extended period, making Kelma Tuilagi an interesting prospect at $356k with a breakeven of 41.

That being said, Carty has been named? Watch this space…

He’ll likely be a very popular trade next week if he comes out and plays 80 minutes on the edge for the Eels.

Dylan Brown lost $44k last week with an okay average of 58 in a tough 5/8 position. 

He’ll likely earn a few admirers this week with Cleary cash to spend and no Mitchell Moses who is out for around 6-8 weeks.

In three games last season without Moses, Brown averaged 74 points against the Raiders, Roosters and Panthers.

In 2022, he averaged 77 in two games without Moses.

While the numbers from the small sample size are solid, it’s hard to see him not upping his input without his regular halves partner.

The only good thing about Shaun Lane at the moment is the fact he’s playing 80 minutes this week.

His 46 average is underwhelming, but with Brown becoming the dominant half now on his left edge Lane should be seeing plenty more ball. I’ll be sticking strong.

If he does in fact start at five-eighth, Blaize Talagi becomes a bottom-dollar cheapie prospect, but don’t go early.

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Tigers: 1. Jahream Bula 2. Charlie Staines 3. Solomona Faataape 4. Justin Olam 5. Junior Tupou 6. Lachlan Galvin 7. Aidan Sezer 8. Stefano Utoikamanu 9. Apisai Koroisau 10. David Klemmer 11. Isaiah Papali’i 12. John Bateman 13. Fonua Pole

Bench: 14. Jayden Sullivan 15. Alex Seyfarth 16. Asu Kepaoa 17. Samuela Fainu

Reserves: 18. Justin Matamua 19. Latu Fainu 20. Alexander Lobb 21. Brent Naden 22. Tallyn Da Silva

Analysis: In the words of 2019 runner-up Wals Carlos, Api Koroisau has been handed the key to the Tigers kingdom by Benji Marshall.

All the attack is running through the crafty number nine, he’s playing big minutes, and goal-kicking at just $572k.

With a breakeven of -13, he looks like an excellent pickup and may become a keeper at hooker, although it’s early days and this is the Tigers we’re talking about so let’s not get overexcited early.

Lachy Galvin, basement price, -62 breakeven, lock and load and watch the cash roll in.