Round 22 NRL Team Lists: Supercoach Analysis

We’ve arrived at the penultimate round of the head-to-head regular season for 2024.

As always, check your league settings to confirm when your finals start, but for most it’ll be round 23.

This means it’s the final week for many to scrape into the top eight to keep their season alive, if this is you, trade hard, go all out attack and do everything you can to get a win.

For others, you’ll be firmly entrenched in the top four or top eight with no movement to come, in which case it’s an opportune time to save trades in preparation for finals.

Put your boys on ice, rest your stars and have them primed for week one of finals.

For those more focused on overall glory, we’re really beginning to see some one-sided contests emerging as we tend to at this stage every season.

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Injury lists are stacking up, teams without finals aspirations are throwing in the towel, and those that are playing for their season will be in for the fight every week.

It presents great opportunities to target the lop-sided fixtures for our Supercoach benefit, particularly for those with trades that can look to cash in on their patience and have some fun.

For the Stallions, we had a decent bounce back week, and after a very grim stretch of rounds it feels good to say.

We scored 1,455 points to rise 1,700 spots to 12k overall. Still a heck of a long way to go for respectability in 2024, but after a lean spell I’m going to enjoy the green while it’s here!

Let’s take a look at the NRL Supercoach Round 22 analysis, with team lists courtesy of Fox Sports.

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TIGERS v COWBOYS

Thursday, 7:50pm, Leichhardt Oval, Sydney

Tigers: 1. Jahream Bula 2. Solomon Alaimalo 3. Solomona Faataape 4. Justin Olam 5. Charlie Staines 6. Lachlan Galvin 7. Latu Fainu 8. Stefano Utoikamanu 9. Apisai Koroisau 10. David Klemmer 11. Reuben Porter 12. Samuela Fainu 13. Isaiah Papali’i

Bench: 14. Tallyn Da Silva 15. Alex Seyfarth 16. Sione Fainu 17. Alex Twal

Reserves: 18. Heath Mason 19. Justin Matamua 20. Josh Feledy 21. Declan Casey 22. Tim Johannssen

Analysis: Lachlan Galvin has been named and is expected to play after completing training today.

Api Koroisau is a season hold, Samuela Fainu plugs a hole at FRF-2RF and is fine to hold unless you’re wanting to turn him into Payne Haas.

Other than that there’s no real interest at the Tigers.

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Cowboys: 1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Kyle Feldt 3. Valentine Holmes 4. Viliami Vailea 5. Murray Taulagi 6. Tom Dearden 7. Chad Townsend 8. Jordan McLean 9. Reece Robson 10. Sam McIntyre 11. Heilum Luki 12. Jeremiah Nanai 13. Thomas Mikaele

Bench: 14. Harrison Edwards 15. Jake Granville 16. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki 17. Griffin Neame

Reserves: 18. Jaxon Purdue 19. Jamal Shibasaki 20. Jake Clifford 21. Tomas Chester 22. Thomas Duffy

Analysis: The Cowboys do look solid short-term plays with games against the Tigers, Broncos and Raiders, however the final stretch is tough with a bye, Storm and Bulldogs.

The late bye will also ensure that barring injury niggles there shouldn’t be any restings in the final round if the Cowboys did find themselves in a position where they couldn’t move up or down.

Valentine Holmes bounced back to form with a tonne against the Sharks.

In what feels like an only okay year by his standards he’s averaging an outstanding 75 points per game.

At $615k he’s extremely cheap and looks a decent buy with upside.

Wals Carlos flagged Jeremiah Nanai on the weekly wrap podcast as a potential buy.

He’s high-risk, high-reward, but with a three round average of 85 and scintillating form with ball in hand he could be a little late season Hail Mary, but not for me.

Reuben Cotter is one of the most sold players this week after playing just 20 minutes for 10 points due to a head knock against the Sharks that will see him miss this round.

He’s playing big minutes with huge base, and has recent scores of 63, 103, 67, 51 and 65 to his name so I think ideally you’d hold onto him.

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WARRIORS v EELS

Friday, 6pm, Go Media Stadium, Auckland

Warriors: 1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 3. Ali Leiataua 4. Moala Graham-Taufa 5. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 6. Chanel Harris-Tavita 7. Shaun Johnson 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Wayde Egan 10. Mitchell Barnett 11. Marata Niukore 12. Kurt Capewell 13. Dylan Walker

Bench: 14. Freddy Lussick 15. Tom Ale 16. Jazz Tevaga 17. Leka Halasima

Reserves: 18. Demitric Sifakula 20. Taine Tuaupiki 21. Te Maire Martin 22. Edward Kosi 23. Bunty Afoa

Analysis: The Warriors run home is decent and they’re showing some okay form, but their week to week volatility and round 27 bye are concerns.

Rinse and repeat Addin Fonua-Blake who scored 95 and could be bought, other than that I don’t love any other options.

You could make a move on Ali Leiataua at $313k to free up cash and with a breakeven of -1, but it’s a slightly award price following his first rise.

Te Maire Martin has been dropped which stuns me, with Shaun Johnson returning alongside Chanel Harris-Tavita in the halves.

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Eels: 1. Clinton Gutherson 2. Jake Tago 3. Viliami Penisini 4. Blaize Talagi 5. Sean Russell 6. Dylan Brown 7. Daejarn Asi 8. Reagan Campbell-Gillard 9. Brendan Hands 10. Wiremu Greig 11. Shaun Lane 12. Bryce Cartwright 13. Ryan Matterson

Bench: 14. Joey Lussick 15. Joe Ofahengaue 16. Luca Moretti 17. Dan Keir

Reserves: 18. Ethan Sanders 19. Matthew Arthur 20. Matt Doorey 21. Morgan Harper 22. Makahesi Makatoa

Analysis: Parramatta’s tough run home and lack of form makes them no-go zones.

Shaun Lane finally did something with 95 against the Storm, a little too late mate!

While I can’t believe I still own him, a few price rises should make a nice trade to Angus Crichton after the Roosters bye.

Mr Consistent Dylan Brown scored 69 in another solid performance.

Blaize Talagi is a sell at $550k with a breakeven of 100 before he plummets in value.

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DOLPHINS v ROOSTERS

Friday, 8pm, HBF Park, Perth

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. Max Plath 10. Tevita Pangai Junior 11. Felise Kaufusi 12. Connelly Lemuelu 13. Kenny Bromwich

Bench: 14. Josh Kerr 15. Mark Nicholls 16. Ray Stone 17. Sean O’Sullivan

Reserves: 18. Oryn Keeley 19. Tesi Niu 20. Anthony Milford 21. Mason Teague 22. Trai Fuller

Analysis: The Titans have a brutal run home against the Roosters, Warriors, Bulldogs, Storm, Broncos and Knights.

For that reason I think there’s a good chance to anti-POD any of their higher owned players.

Jamayne Isaako is the first to come to mind at $573k owned by 42% of top ranked teams.

His edge had a great match-up against the Titans leakier edge last week and he saw very little quality ball as has been the theme of recent months as they favour the left edge with Katoa and Bostock.

While his floor is solid due to his goal-kicking, I wouldn’t comfortably play him over the next month and I don’t see any big scores incoming.

Players like Max Plath and Tevita Pangai Jnr are decent holds, but I wouldn’t look to invest in any Dolphins.

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Roosters: 1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii 4. Joseph Manu 5. Dominic Young 6. Luke Keary 7. Sam Walker 8. Spencer Leniu 9. Brandon Smith 10. Lindsay Collins 11. Angus Crichton 12. Victor Radley 13. Connor Watson

Bench: 14. Sitili Tupouniua 15. Naufahu Whyte 16. Nat Butcher 17. Terrell May

Reserves: 18. Sandon Smith 19. Siua Wong 20. Ethan King 21. Zach Dockar-Clay 22. Robert Toia

Analysis: There’s not a lot more to be said about the Roosters who get an extensive write-up every week.

We know James Tedesco is a must, as is Angus Crichton, while they’re littered with high-upside POD plays in the backline.

Joey Manu returns and I believe is near enough a must-have for the run home after the bye, there’s no harm in going early on him but there’s also no rush with a breakeven of 94.

They have the bye next week so let’s reassess their stocks again after that.

With a breakeven of 117 I think you can wait on Angus Crichton until after the bye, while Connor Watson is likely to be sub $600k and could be a steal.

Watson did however play just 55 minutes against the Sea Eagles which is a concern for owners, his minutes will be a big watch this week.

I fortunately flipped Terrell May to Payne Haas last week which paid big dividends, that’s one of the most popular trades this week and I can’t knock it.

With the Roosters running a four forward bench he played just 33 minutes for 39 points which may be his regular time on the run home.

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TITANS v BRONCOS

Saturday, 3pm, Cbus Super Stadium, Gold Coast

Titans: 1. Keano Kini 2. Alofiana Khan-Pereira 3. Brian Kelly 4. Phillip Sami 5. Jojo Fifita 6. Jayden Campbell 7. Kieran Foran 8. Moeaki Fotuaika 9. Sam Verrills 10. Erin Clark 11. David Fifita 12. Beau Fermor 13. Chris Randall

Bench: 14. Isaac Liu 15. Klese Haas 16. Keenan Palasia 17. Josiah Pahulu

Reserves: 18. Jaimin Jolliffe 19. AJ Brimson 20. Joe Stimson 21. Tanah Boyd 22. Tony Francis

Analysis: Jayden Campbell was very surprisingly the most sold player last week, he made those people pay with 100 points against the Dolphins setting up three tries.

Unless of course it was a move to Nathan Cleary…

He now has three tonnes in his last four games and remains a hold for at least the next three weeks with this Broncos match-up all of a sudden not looking overly daunting.

With games to end the season against the Roosters, Knights (A) and Panthers (A) I wouldn’t look to invest in any players outside of David Fifita if you’re among the few that don’t own.

Reassess the longevity of players like Campbell, Brian Kelly, Keano Kini and Beau Fermor after the Dragons clash in round 24.

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Broncos: 1. Reece Walsh 2. Corey Oates 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Deine Mariner 5. Jesse Arthars 6. Ezra Mam 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Corey Jensen 9. Billy Walters 10. Payne Haas 11. Brendan Piakura 12. Jordan Riki 13. Patrick Carrigan

Bench: 14. Blake Mozer 15. Kobe Hetherington 16. Xavier Willison 17. Martin Taupau

Reserves: 18. Josiah Karapani 19. Joshua Rogers 20. Tyson Smoothy 21. Vaa Semu 22. Tristan Sailor

Analysis: My word have the Broncos Supercoach credentials taken a hit in the space of one week.

With everything to play for they were blown off the park last week against the Bulldogs and were simply outclassed in all facets of the game.

Despite the drubbing, Payne Haas still belted out 80 points made up of 32 tackles, six tackle breaks, three offloads and 16 runs.

He looks a great pick-up as he looks to salvage their season.

Reece Walsh has a five-round average of 92 points and is ticking along well, hold for two more weeks then sell for their round 24 bye if he and the Broncos don’t show improvement.

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STORM v DRAGONS

Saturday, 5:30pm, AAMI Park, Melbourne

Storm: 1. Ryan Papenhuyzen 2. William Warbrick 3. Jack Howarth 4. Nick Meaney 5. Grant Anderson 6. Cameron Munster 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Tui Kamikamica 9. Harry Grant 10. Josh King 11. Shawn Blore 12. Eliesa Katoa 13. Trent Loiero

Bench: 14. Tyran Wishart 15. Lazarus Vaalepu 16. Nelson Asofa-Solomona 17. Alec MacDonald

Reserves: 18. Tristan Powell 19. Chris Lewis 20. Sualauvi Faalogo 21. Reimis Smith 22. Tepai Moeroa

Analysis: With a soft run home outside of an away game to Penrith, Melbourne attract plenty of interest while in scintillating form.

Ryan Papenhuyzen bounced back against the Eels with 94 points and has attracted some interest this week, but even as an owner I’m not convinced.

He looks good, but not great.

He’s getting injections in his foot to play and doesn’t look as explosive as normal, so I think there are better options at fullback.

Owners can watch him this week and look to move him to someone like Kalyn Ponga as soon as round 23 if he doesn’t pass the eye test.

Cameron Munster made a successful return from injury playing 49 minutes and has been named to start this week, with Tyran Wishart dropping to the bench.

He’s a popular buy at a mouth-watering price of $603k, but as enticing as this Dragons match-up is I think it’s worth waiting to see how well he returns in full game time.

He’s returning from a groin injury which is always a major concern, and he has a breakeven of 149 so he’s only going to get far cheaper.

I have one eye on him, but I’m more than happy to wait and watch for the time being.

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Jahrome Hughes is one of the more sold players after having two down weeks with scores of 25 and 60.

Obviously plenty are selling to Cleary, which is okay, but do your absolute best to find another path to the Penrith No.7.

Hughes is averaging 75 points per game and has upcoming clashes against the Dragons and Rabbitohs.

He has a breakeven of 150, but that’s genuinely attainable this week if the Dragons don’t show up.

Jack Howarth is the one that got away over the past month which I feared may happen.

With job security concerns you couldn’t go near him, but he’s seemingly won the centre spot where he has a five round average of 62 points to rise $212k for the season with a breakeven of 3.

It’s too late now, but if anyone did jump on it’s a great get with some potential bigger scores incoming.

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Dragons: 1. Tyrell Sloan 2. Zac Lomax 3. Moses Suli 4. Max Feagai 5. Christian Tuipulotu 6. Kyle Flanagan 7. Ben Hunt 8. Francis Molo 9. Jacob Liddle 10. Jack de Belin 11. Luciano Leilua 12. Jaydn Su’A 13. Tom Eisenhuth

Bench: 14. Hame Sele 15. Raymond Faitala-Mariner 16. Ryan Couchman 17. Blake Lawrie

Reserves: 18. Lyhkan King-Togia 19. Michael Molo 20. Jack Bird 21. Mikaele Ravalawa 22. Connor Muhleisen

Analysis: Zac Lomax will be sub $700k come round 24 against the Titans and will be of interest, outside of that it’s a pass all round at the Red V.

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SHARKS v RABBITOHS

Saturday, 7:35pm, PointsBet Stadium, Sydney

Sharks: 1. William Kennedy 2. Sione Katoa 3. Jesse Ramien 4. Kayal Iro 5. Samuel Stonestreet 6. Daniel Atkinson 7. Braydon Trindall 8. Royce Hunt 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Oregon Kaufusi 11. Briton Nikora 12. Teig Wilton 13. Cameron McInnes

Bench: 14. Siosifa Talakai 15. Jack Williams 16. Toby Rudolf 17. Braden Hamlin-Uele

Reserves: 18. Jayden Berrell 19. Billy Burns 20. Niwhai Puru 21. Tom Rodwell 22. Liam Ison

Analysis: Cronulla have a soft run home and remain a decent team to target.

Ronaldo Mulitalo is out for a month in a huge blow to owners with a number of enticing fixtures incoming.

Owned by over 40% of top ranked coaches that’s a dagger, especially to those low on trades.

If you have trades up the sleeve he’s an easy trade out at $553k, those very low on trades may struggle to get rid of him.

If he misses a month he may get the final two games, possibly three, I think you have to sell unless you’re sitting with only a couple of trades left.

Bottom dollar rookie Samuel Stonestreet starts on the wing in his place.

Braydon Trindall and Kayal Iro scored 80s and are holds, as is Briton Nikora who had his first sub 79 score since round 14, don’t panic!

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Rabbitohs: 1. Jye Gray 2. Fletcher Myers 3. Taane Milne 4. Richard Kennar 5. Jacob Gagai 6. Jack Wighton 7. Cody Walker 8. Davvy Moale 9. Damien Cook 10. Sean Keppie 11. Cameron Murray 12. Jacob Host 13. Keaon Koloamatangi

Bench: 14. Michael Chee Kam 15. Siliva Havili 16. Thomas Burgess 17. Tallis Duncan

Reserves: 18. Dion Teaupa 19. Peter Mamouzelos 20. Shaquai Mitchell 21. Liam Le Blanc 22. Izaac Tu’itupou Thompson

Analysis: Despite some attacking upside, with games to come against the Sharks, Storm, Panthers and Roosters I’m not keen on investing in any Rabbitohs.

With their season over they’ll struggle to find much to play for.

Unless his minutes reduce, which is actually quite possible, Keaon Koloamatangi is a season hold.

Jye Gray has made owners strong cash with a three round average of 58 and a breakeven of 32.

He’s done a nice job, but becomes a far riskier play in 17s against the Sharks and Storm in coming weeks.

Find a way to move him on to a keeper or a cheapie to free up cash over the next fortnight.

Jacob Gagai has well and truly peaked at $534k, but with a breakeven of 125 must be moved on this week before all the hard work is undone.

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PANTHERS v KNIGHTS

Sunday, 2pm, BlueBet Stadium, Penrith

Panthers: 1. Isaiah Iongi 2. Sunia Turuva 3. Izack Tago 4. Casey McLean 5. Brian To’o 6. Jarome Luai 7. Nathan Cleary 8. Moses Leota 9. Mitch Kenny 10. Lindsay Smith 11. Scott Sorensen 12. Liam Martin 13. Isaah Yeo

Bench: 14. Trent Toelau 15. Matt Eisenhuth 16. Liam Henry 17. Mavrik Geyer

Reserves: 18. Luron Patea 19. Jack Cole 20. Brad Schneider 21. Asu Kepaoa 22. Luke Sommerton

Analysis: Nathan Cleary put in a masterclass with 175 points against the Dragons, to state the bleedingly obvious, get him in or wave your season goodbye.

As expected, Brian To’o suffered with the return of Nathan Cleary scoring just 44 points in the big win.

It’s not all doom and gloom though as Penrith are utilising their left edge more than earlier in the season when he struggled for attacking opportunity.

Jarome Luai is playing wide more frequently, while Nathan Cleary is also sweeping to that edge which is a major boost.

At $824k with a breakeven of 141 he may become more attainable in a few weeks, but there’s also the risk of a late season rest which wouldn’t be ideal.

Daine Laurie was on track for a big score for new owners, but a head knock saw him score 50 points in just 20 minutes, oh what could have been!

He misses out this week.

Casey McLean scored a nice try for his 54 points, and despite the initial price rise to $270k I think he’s still a very viable cheapie option to free up cash.

His base dropped significantly from week’s prior to just 23, but with points flowing there was less opportunity for work.

Despite Cleary’s domination, Izack Tago still could only manage 33 points!

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Knights: 1. Kalyn Ponga 2. Fletcher Sharpe 3. Dane Gagai 4. Dylan Lucas 5. Greg Marzhew 6. Tyson Gamble 7. Phoenix Crossland 8. Daniel Saifiti 9. Jayden Brailey 10. Leo Thompson 11. Tyson Frizell 12. Kai Pearce-Paul 13. Adam Elliott

Bench: 14. Jack Cogger 15. Jacob Saifiti 16. Jack Hetherington 17. Mathew Croker

Reserves: 18. Thomas Cant 19. Brodie Jones 20. Jackson Hastings 21. Will Pryce 22. Krystian Mapapalangi

Analysis: There’s no real interest in the Knights this week due to the match-up against Penrith.

We’ll get a great gauge of where they’re at this weekend and whether or not they can stake any sort of claim for a finals spot over the final five weeks.

Plenty are going early on Kalyn Ponga, I wouldn’t.

At $686k with a breakeven of 106 he could easily belt out a 50 and drop significant cash this week, while he’s also an injury concern at all times.

If you’re running Tom Trbojevic at fullback with a non-active player at fullback this week, say Reuben Garrick, you may have to go early on him which I understand.

I like Ponga as a buy, but next week is the time to grab.

With Phoenix Crossland starting in the halves, Jayden Brailey starts at hooker and becomes a viable back-up option in the slot for the time being, but don’t play him as he likely still shares minutes with Jack Cogger.

Fletcher Sharpe will play on the wing.

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BULLDOGS v RAIDERS

Sunday, 4:05pm, Belmore Sports Ground, Sydney

Bulldogs: 1. Connor Tracey 2. Jacob Kiraz 3. Bronson Xerri 4. Stephen Crichton 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Matt Burton 7. Toby Sexton 8. Josh Curran 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Samuel Hughes 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Jacob Preston 13. Kurt Mann

Bench: 14. Bailey Hayward 15. Lipoi Hopoi 16. Kurtis Morrin 17. Harry Hayes

Reserves: 19. Jeral Skelton 20. Liam Knight 21. Blake Wilson 22. Poasa Faamausili 23. Drew Hutchison

Analysis: The Bulldogs have a fairly soft run home and have proven themselves as genuine top four contenders.

I won’t waste any more words on Jacob Kiraz, if you have the cash he remains a great buy.

While it was likely an anomaly, Connor Tracey went ballistic against Brisbane with 167 points.

He’s always had a seriously Supercoach-friendly game to him with a high work ethic and tackle-busting ability, so could he be worth a flyer at $615k?

It screammmmmsssss of chasing last week’s points, but that game will do wonders for his confidence and the Bulldogs are building something special at the moment.

Since moving to fullback he averages 68.7 in 10 games for the Bulldogs.

One for the bold…

Matt Burton remains affordable at $577k and looks a decent buy.

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

Bench: 14. Danny Levi 15. Trey Mooney 16. Ata Mariota 17. Zac Hosking

Reserves: 18. Adam Cook 19. Albert Hopoate 20. Corey Horsburgh 21. Zac Woolford 22. Emre Guler

Analysis: No interest at the Raiders with a tough run home.

Tom Starling has kept the big minute hooking role averaging 70+ minutes over the past month for scores of 68, 62, 80 and 52 to sit at $450k with a breakeven of 18.