NRL Round 3 Team Lists: Supercoach Squad Analysis

We’re on the verge of the first price rises of the NRL Supercoach season.

We’ve been given a free look at players without financial movement, now it’s time to pounce on those that have caught the eye.

I feel that last week reinforced the notion of not panicking after one week of action.

Luke Metcalf was the most sold player in the game after a Vegas bludger, he bounced back with 117 points against the well-fancied Manly outfit.

As a result, he’s now among the most purchased players for round 3.

Those with red flags such as Jack Gosiewski and Cory Paix came right back to the pack after strong openers, while the likes of Connor Watson, Nicho Hynes and Peter Mamouzelos bounced back in style.

With first price changes on the horizon, it’s a great opportunity to use a trade boost.

For those new to Supercoach, there are five rounds each season of our choosing where we get a third trade for the round.

A note, if you activate the trade boost and don’t use the third trade it won’t come off your trades if unused, so don’t stress on that front.

A relatively new concept introduced a few years back, there’s no tried and tested method of using your boosts.

It has become more popular in recent years to use most of them early to maximise cash generation and get your side into shape as quick as possible.

For myself, I’ve become slightly more aggressive of late (although not as aggressive as many) and believe it’s worth using three of them in the early stages of the season to set yourself up.

Round 3 is a prime opportunity before prices move, I really like the play in round 3 and 4.

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That being said, if you’re genuinely happy with your squad and importantly your crop of cheapies don’t feel the need to boost for the sake of it.

My general rule is to use the boost because you need the third trade, not simply because you have the luxury of doing so.

I try to save at least one boost for the end of the major bye period once Origin is finished, to get that one extra trade to set my team up for the run home.

The Stallions have started strong, with 1,340 points last week to move into 8,800^th overall.

Due to my squad structure I’m a slow starter in regards to rank every single year, so this is actually higher than most seasons after round 2, so let’s hope it continues.

Let’s get stuck into the NRL Supercoach analysis for round 3, with squad lists courtesy of Fox Sports.

STORM v PANTHERS

Thursday, 8pm, AAMI Park, Melbourne

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

Bench: 14. Tyran Wishart 15. Alec MacDonald 16. Tui Kamikamica 17. Lazarus Vaalepu

Reserves: 18. Bronson Garlick 19. Joe Chan 20. Kane Bradley 21. Coby Williamson 22. Nelson Asofa-Solomona

Analysis: The main thing to ask yourself before investing in any Storm players is, can it wait a week?

The answer will more than likely be a yes.

Several of their players are among the most purchased this week, but they come up against a hurting Penrith outfit who will bounce back from the shock loss last week.

While they’ll clearly be highly Supercoach relevant this season, they also despatched of a mediocre Eels outfit in extreme heat in round 1.

Most importantly though, the Storm had the bye last week so their players won’t change in price until after round 4.

As such, my advice is to focus on other teams this week and prioritise Storm trades next week.

If you’re happy with your team, the exceptions may be moving a J’maine Hopgood or Dylan Brown or someone with a high breakeven who will likely lose money that you are convinced you don’t want, onto someone like Cam Munster or Eliesa Katoa.

Cam Munster moved free and easy in the win over the Eels, he was on 90 odd in the first half then took the foot off the throat in the second to finish with 99 points.

At $609k in a blistering Storm outfit he very much looks undervalued to me.

Ryan Papenhuyzen is a huge watch this week at $616k following a 131 in round 1.

If Penrith’s defence holds up this week and he goes sub 50 he probably won’t be a buy, at least not urgent, especially without the goal-kicking duties.

I think it’s worth waiting a week, however I do see why people may look to move Reece Walsh or Tom Trbojevic (pending injury) if needing to.

The Storm will be the feature analysis next week ahead of their first price changes once this Penrith clash is out of the way, Eliesa Katoa, Jack Howarth, Jahrome Hughes and Harry Grant will all be on the radar.

Will Warbrick is out this week, with Grant Anderson to play on the wing.

Panthers: 1. Daine Laurie 2. Casey McLean 3. Izack Tago 4. Paul Alamoti 5. Brian To’o 6. Jack Cole 7. Nathan Cleary 8. Moses Leota 9. Mitch Kenny 10. Lindsay Smith 11. Scott Sorensen 12. Liam Martin 13. Isaah Yeo

Bench: 14. Brad Schneider 15. Isaiah Papali’i 16. Liam Henry 17. Luke Garner

Reserves: 18. Blaize Talagi 19. Trent Toelau 20. Matt Eisenhuth 21. Luke Sommerton 22. Thomas Jenkins

Analysis: Nathan Cleary is averaging 74 points per game which is below his price point, and he has a very difficult match-up this week against the Storm.

Regardless of scoring, he’s a set-and-forget if you’ve started the season with him.

Non-owners will be crossing their fingers for a few price drops in coming weeks with a breakeven of 109, before upgrading someone like Jamie Humphreys to him ASAP.

The inevitable big score is coming, it’s just a matter of when.

Dylan Edwards is likely only out for 2-3 weeks, so don’t be tempted by Daine Laurie who likely shifts to the bench when he returns.

Brian To’o returned from injury on the right wing outside Nathan Cleary which could be a gold mine this season.

He scored just 34 against the Roosters having been denied a try on the buzzer.

He’s high on my watchlist hopefully ahead of a couple of price drops.

Let’s reassess Penrith players following the Storm clash where they face the Rabbitohs, Cowboys and Dolphins.

WARRIORS v ROOSTERS

Friday, 6pm, Go Media Stadium, Auckland

Warriors: 1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 2. Taine Tuaupiki 3. Ali Leiataua 4. Adam Pompey 5. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 6. Chanel Harris-Tavita 7. Luke Metcalf 8. James Fisher-Harris 9. Wayde Egan 10. Mitchell Barnett 11. Kurt Capewell 12. Marata Niukore 13. Erin Clark

Bench: 14. Dylan Walker 15. Jackson Ford 16. Demitric Vaimauga 17. Leka Halasima

Reserves: 18. Jacob Laban 20. Te Maire Martin 21. Freddy Lussick 22. Bunty Afoa 23. Rocco Berry

Analysis: Luke Metcalf bounced back in emphatic fashion in round 2 to score 117 points, leaving his breakeven at just 11 which includes the 12 points from round 1 that will drop out after this week.

He was involved in just about everything good the Warriors did in attack, with games against the Roosters and Tigers there’ll be some decent cash incoming.

We’ve seen the lows and the highs very early, this will likely continue but he’ll be a nice cash out once peaking.

People bought for round 1, then sold round 2, now they’re buying again in round 3.

I’m a very happy owner, so I’ll leave that one in the hands of non-owners.

Ali Leiataua notched 75 against Manly, while Roger Tuivasa-Sheck now has a two round average of 68.5.

With 39 runs in two weeks I’m a very happy RTS owner, but he has scored a try late in both games to boost his score into gun territory.

I’m not confident enough in the Warriors attack moving forward to suggest buying any outside backs.

From lurking on getting dropped after Vegas, Chanel Harris-Tavita looms as a sneaky cheapie POD at just 9% ownership.

He’s just $330k and averages 63 across the opening two rounds, sitting with a breakeven of -20.

While job security remains a huge concern, worst case he’ll get a minimum of one or two more games and a strong price rise.

Best case he could make $200k+ and be a great pick-up.

Halasima and Vaimauga aren’t getting the required minutes off the bench and can be sold if there’s a suitable replacement you can move to.

Cheapie prospect Jacob Laban has been sighted in the top grade for the first time this season as 18th man.

Roosters: 1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Mark Nawaqanitawase 4. Robert Toia 5. Dominic Young 6. Sandon Smith 7. Chad Townsend 8. Spencer Leniu 9. Connor Watson 10. Naufahu Whyte 11. Angus Crichton 12. Siua Wong 13. Victor Radley

Bench: 14. Zach Dockar-Clay 15. Salesi Foketi 16. Blake Steep 17. Lindsay Collins

Reserves: 18. Hugo Savala 19. Taylor Losalu 20. Billy Smith 21. Makahesi Makatoa 22. Ethan Roberts

Analysis: Sheesh, from absolutely potting the Roosters as Supercoach prospects to completely changing tune in one week.

In one of the largest upsets in NRL history with victory over the Panthers it’s forced Supercoaches into a rethink of the Tri-colours.

I will say that teams can often get up for one game when their backs are against the wall, replicating it weekly after a gruelling clash is tough to do.

I’d be reluctant investing in any players this week, but they are back on the radar.

If nothing else, the win last week does cement the spots of numerous cheapies at least in the short-term such as Sandon Smith and Robert Toia who both remain as buys.

While Smith may still have a few low scores in him, the improved Roosters attack, his great running game and goal-kicking duties does give those running dual cheapie hookers confidence that he’s a decent enough play in 17s each week.

Connor Watson rewarded those who stuck strong, or destroyed the soul of those who sold, with 103 points against the Panthers.

He remains a good buy, however with a number of cheapie hookers set for cash jumps I feel there’s a better play there, with an eye to upgrading to Watson when peaking.

Mark Nawaqanitawase is averaging 72 across his opening two games, priced at $438k with a breakeven of -4, he’s a strong buy prospect.

More than anything, he’s just ultra talented.

He’s an excellent tacklebuster and showed his ability to create tries and linebreaks against the Panthers.

In the first two rounds he’s had 8 tacklebusts and five offloads, although he is only averaging 10 runs per game.

To be fair, there’s been a stack of tries and in turn stoppages in the first two games.

Naufahu Whyte was excellent against Penrith with 56 points in a huge 57 minutes.

He’s $367k, dual position with a breakeven of 17. I certainly wouldn’t buy, but it’s a good sign for owners.

With a few faces back in the pack, including Victor Radley and Spencer Leniu, the minutes of the pack will be a close watch.

BRONCOS v COWBOYS

Friday, 8pm, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane

Broncos: 1. Reece Walsh 2. Selwyn Cobbo 3. Deine Mariner 4. Gehamat Shibasaki 5. Jesse Arthars 6. Ben Hunt 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Patrick Carrigan 9. Cory Paix 10. Payne Haas 11. Jack Gosiewski 12. Jordan Riki 13. Kobe Hetherington

Bench: 14. Billy Walters 15. Corey Jensen 16. Xavier Willison 17. Brendan Piakura

Reserves: 18. Tyson Smoothy 19. Kotoni Staggs 20. Martin Taupau 21. Jaiyden Hunt 22. Jock Madden

Analysis: Oh how long a week is in Supercoach…

Jack Gosiewski scored just 18 points in 49 minutes with 14 in base against Canberra.

While I wouldn’t be confident, he could just as easily play 80 against the Cowboys and find some attack for big price rises.

Owners can hold for a week, get a price rise, then reassess next week.

Ditto Cory Paix who scored 39 points in 54 minutes.

Paix’s minutes should be consistent enough so he should see a few decent rises.

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Payne Haas is looking as good as ever, in Supercoach context he’s looking better than ever.

His minutes are down, but his output is up.

Most importantly, Madge looks to have given him a licence to offload which is the key in his uptick of scoring.

He’s had 11 offloads in two weeks, including seven against the Raiders!

At $669k with a breakeven of 9, he looks a great buy this week.

Jesse Arthars averages 95 across the first two games, with a paltry 20 in base.

But we’re not buying for base, we’re buying for attacking upside.

Ben Hunt has been a revelation inside him so hopefully the attack keeps coming.

He’s $341k with a breakeven of -82.

There’s two ways to look at it, if he doesn’t find attacking stats he could score 15 and thwart any major cash generation.

On the flipside, with games against the Cowboys, Dolphins, Tigers and Roosters over the next month all at Suncorp he could make $250k in a heartbeat.

Buy.

After looking exceptional in round 1, Reece Walsh had one of the worst games of his career in Canberra for just 9 points which included a line break assist!

He’s $738k with a breakeven of 130, which won’t get any lower once the 95 drops out.

I don’t own, but if I did I’d be tempted to hold for that golden run of games where he could go huge.

That being said, if anyone is worried enough about the cash drop feel free to jump ship.

Kotoni Staggs is a surprise naming on the extended bench which is a big watch for Gehamat Shibasaki owners, which is most of us…

Cowboys: 1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Robert Derby 3. Jaxon Purdue 4. Viliami Vailea 5. Murray Taulagi 6. Tom Dearden 7. Jake Clifford 8. Jordan McLean 9. Reece Robson 10. Jason Taumalolo 11. John Bateman 12. Kai O’Donnell 13. Reuben Cotter

Bench: 14. Sam McIntyre 15. Jeremiah Nanai 16. Griffin Neame 17. Coen Hess

Reserves: 18. Harrison Edwards 19. Thomas Duffy 20. Thomas Mikaele 21. Karl Lawton 22. Jaxson Paulo

Analysis: The Cowboys have started awfully, making them very irrelevant in Supercoach until they show some form.

Tom Duffy to Jamie Humphreys will be popular this week and it’s hard to argue after the rookie Cowboy was dropped in favour of Jake Clifford.

Jaxon Purdue averages 32 across his first two games and is a potential sell, although not urgent.

With a breakeven of 17 there is some cash incoming, it’s just a matter of how much?

Job security is also poor.

He scored 36 against the Sharks which included a sin-bin.

I’d be cutting ties with all other Cowboys players barring maybe John Bateman who has had an impressive base of 51 in his opening games.

SHARKS v RABBITOHS

Saturday, 3pm, Shark Park, Sydney

Sharks: 1. William Kennedy 2. Samuel Stonestreet 3. Jesse Ramien 4. Kayal Iro 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo 6. Braydon Trindall 7. Nicho Hynes 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Oregon Kaufusi 11. Briton Nikora 12. Teig Wilton 13. Cameron McInnes

Bench: 14. Daniel Atkinson 15. Siosifa Talakai 16. Braden Hamlin-Uele 17. Tuku Hau Tapuha

Reserves: 18. Billy Burns 19. Mawene Hiroti 20. Hohepa Puru 21. Niwhai Puru 22. Jayden Berrell

Analysis: Nicho’s goal-kicking! Repeat, Nicho’s goal-kicking!

It’s a huge relief to owners who can now happily hold after a strong 86 against the Cowboys.

South Sydney at Shark Park this week looms as an enticing match-up where he becomes a captaincy option.

It’s a bit bland, but my analysis on the Sharks outside backs hasn’t overly changed.

Kayal Iro, Ronaldo Mulitalo, Jesse Ramien and now Sam Stonestreet (112 v Cows) are all genuine options.

I find it extremely hard to gauge who will get the points each week, but they’re all great scorers at premium price, barring the cheaper Stonestreet.

Addin Fonua-Blake scored just 46 points in 49 minutes last week.

With AFB, I feel this could occur more this season, when the Sharks get out to bigger leads Fitzgibbon is every chance to give him early showers to manage him.

Regardless, his output will be big, he’ll score tries and play bigger minutes in tight games, so if you own you probably just set-and-forget in my opinion. 

Rabbitohs: 1. Jye Gray 2. Isaiah Tass 3. Jack Wighton 4. Campbell Graham 5. Fletcher Myers 6. Cody Walker 7. Jamie Humphreys 8. Sean Keppie 9. Peter Mamouzelos 10. Davvy Moale 11. Keaon Koloamatangi 12. Jai Arrow 13. Tallis Duncan

Bench: 14. Jayden Sullivan 15. Siliva Havili 16. Liam Le Blanc 17. Tevita Tatola

Reserves: 18. Mikaele Ravalawa 19. Lewis Dodd 20. Jacob Host 21. Thomas Fletcher 22. Salesi Ataata

Analysis: Cheapie Lachlan Hubner will miss two matches due to suspension, dang.

Not the end of the world, but it will slow his cash generation.

Peter Mamouzelos owners would have been ecstatic following his 94 points in 80 minutes against the Dragons.

He made 34 tackles, scored one try and had one try-assist.

He loomed as a potential sell a week ago, now he’s sitting with a breakeven of -35. Huge!

Jamie Humphreys provides a lifeline for Duffy owners, sitting at $305k with a breakeven of -25 after scores of 67 and 55 to start the season.

As good a buy as he is, he’s not a must-have with brutal games incoming against the Sharks and Panthers.

If you’re happy with your halves combo you can avoid, but if you’re moving on an underperformer he looks a good pick-up.

Keaon Koloamatangi and Campbell Graham have both looked good, but have scored poorly due to an absence of major attacking stats.

Graham has had a base of 34 both weeks which is great, but attacking opportunities have been limited on the Rabbitohs right edge.

Neither are urgent sells, but with a tough draw incoming and plenty of cash generators elsewhere I’d look to shift them out.

DOLPHINS v TIGERS

Saturday, 5:30pm, Kayo Stadium, Redcliffe

Dolphins: 1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Jake Averillo 4. Herbie Farnworth 5. Junior Tupou 6. Kodi Nikorima 7. Isaiya Katoa 8. Daniel Saifiti 9. Jeremy Marshall-King 10. Felise Kaufusi 11. Oryn Keeley 12. Max Plath 13. Tom Gilbert

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

Reserves: 18. Sean O’Sullivan 19. Max Feagai 20. Kenny Bromwich 21. Jack Bostock 22. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki

Analysis: The Dolphins aren’t looking overly impressive early on, however they do have their next three games in South East Queensland which is encouraging.

I was keen on Tom Gilbert last week but opted to go late to Savelio Tamelio which I’m happy about.

Gilbert remains solid, but he managed just 47 points in 49 minutes with 47 in base against the Knights.

He’ll do a job and make some cash, I just felt there were better cash generation buys on the table.

Max Plath scored 49 points on the edge which is a little under expectation, but not alarm bells. Hold.

Outside of Isaiya Katoa, who is set to earn some money at $390k with a breakeven of -14, there isn’t a lot of Supercoach relevance at the Dolphins at the moment.

Herbie Farnworth will be a nice target as he hopefully bottoms out in price in a few weeks time.

A few changes to this side come kick-off wouldn’t shock.

Tigers: 1. Jahream Bula 2. Sunia Turuva 3. Adam Doueihi 4. Starford To’a 5. Jeral Skelton 6. Lachlan Galvin 7. Jarome Luai 8. Terrell May 9. Apisai Koroisau 10. Fonua Pole 11. Samuela Fainu 12. Alex Seyfarth 13. Alex Twal

Bench: 14. Tallyn Da Silva 15. Royce Hunt 16. Jack Bird 17. Sione Fainu

Reserves: 18. Latu Fainu 19. Heath Mason 20. Charlie Staines 21. Tony Sukkar 22. Solomona Faataape

Analysis: The Tigers have sprung into some additional Supercoach relevance after an impressive start to the season, albeit trouncing a depleted Eels outfit.

In 35 degree heat, Terrell May played 65 minutes straight, with 39 tackles, 19 runs, three offloads and four tackle breaks.

Unbelievable. He’s a must-have at FRF.

Alex Seyfarth improved with 49 points in 80 minutes, almost entirely in base.

He did however have just 11 runs, with only three going over 8m for 2 points.

He’s definitely undervalued and will make some cash, but there are better Supercoach prospects floating around with quick cash to be made.

He’s by no means an urgent sell at all, but if you’re struggling with who to cut from your squad he’s the man.

Starford Toa is just $288k and scored 76 in his first game of the season which included eight tacklebusts.

Monitor this week ahead of a potential round 4 buy if he can back it up.

Lachy Galvin tonned up in an impressive performance, while halves partner Jarome Luai failed to get in on the attacking stats with just 19 points.

Galvin appeared to get more attacking ball, making Luai a likely sell.

TITANS v KNIGHTS

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

Titans: 1. Keano Kini 2. Tony Francis 3. Brian Kelly 4. Phillip Sami 5. Jojo Fifita 6. AJ Brimson 7. Jayden Campbell 8. Moeaki Fotuaika 9. Sam Verrills 10. Reagan Campbell-Gillard 11. Klese Haas 12. Beau Fermor 13. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui

Bench: 14. Chris Randall 15. David Fifita 16. Iszac Fa’asumaleaui 17. Brock Gray

Reserves: 18. Jaylan De Groot 19. Arama Hau 20. Jacob Alick-Wiencke 21. Tom Weaver 22. Ken Maumalo

Analysis: The Titans were fairly underwhelming in their season opener against the Bulldogs.

They won’t have price changes until round 4, so there’s no need to make any moves on players this week.

We’ll dive deeper into their Supercoach prospects next week, hopefully after an improved outing against Newcastle.

We will however touch on Tino Fa’asuamaleaui who was sensational for owners in his first game back with 109 points in 55 minutes!

To play those minutes in extremely hot conditions in the first official NRL game back from an ACL injury is incredible.

He made 36 tackles, had 15 runs, nine tackle breaks, two offloads and a try.

Beast!

He’s an obvious buy, but with no price change until next week there’s no harm at all in prioritising others then jumping on next week.

David Fifita played just 31 minutes off the bench, oh dear…

Potential cheapie Tony Francis has been named on the wing in place of the injured Lofi Khan-Periera.

Knights: 1. Kalyn Ponga 2. James Schiller 3. Dane Gagai 4. Bradman Best 5. Greg Marzhew 6. Fletcher Sharpe 7. Jack Cogger 8. Jacob Saifiti 9. Phoenix Crossland 10. Brodie Jones 11. Dylan Lucas 12. Tyson Frizell 13. Adam Elliott

Bench: 14. Jayden Brailey 15. Jack Hetherington 16. Thomas Cant 17. Mathew Croker

Reserves: 18. Kyle McCarthy 19. Jermaine McEwen 20. Will Pryce 21. Matthew Arthur 22. Tyrone Thompson

Analysis: Kalyn Ponga looms as a must with a 106 point average to start the season.

The Knights do have the bye in round 4, so it’s up to non-owners whether they grit their teeth through this Titans clash then buy in round 5, or grab this week.

With a breakeven of 39 he shouldn’t go up huge amounts (barring another 130+ which is possible), so I’d be tempted to wait a week unless you know you’re culling an injured fullback.

Greg Marzhew is averaging 84 with just one try to his name so far this season.

He did that without a try or assist against the Dolphins, recording 20 runs, nine tackle breaks and six offloads.

At $513k with a breakeven of -4, he looks a great pick-up this week despite the bye next week. 

Ditto Dylan Lucas who is averaging 86 with a breakeven of 23, he can probably wait until after the bye and cop the price rise.

Fletcher Sharpe is hot on my radar with an 83 point average to start the season.

He’s a bit of any everywhere man, he just follows the ball like all great opportunists and more often than not he’s rewarded. 

Best of all he’s available as a dual FLB-CTW, if only he were 5/8-CTW!

Phoenix Crossland only managed 39 points against the Dolphins, however the 68 minutes is very encouraging.

For the time being Starling and Mamouzelos look better buys, but owners will be happy enough.

EELS v BULLDOGS

Sunday, 4:05pm, CommBank Stadium, Sydney

Eels: 1. Isaiah Iongi 2. Sean Russell 3. Viliami Penisini 4. Zac Lomax 5. Jordan Samrani 6. Dylan Brown 7. Dean Hawkins 8. Joe Ofahengaue 9. Brendan Hands 10. Junior Paulo 11. Shaun Lane 12. Jack Williams 13. J’maine Hopgood

Bench: 14. Ryley Smith 15. Matt Doorey 16. Kitione Kautoga 17. Sam Tuivaiti

Reserves: 18. Ryan Matterson 19. Joash Papali’i 20. Dan Keir 21. Josh Addo-Carr 22. Joey Lussick

Analysis:

Very little to add on the Eels after a lacklustre start to their 2025 campaign.

It’s more about hold v sell rather than who to buy.

Isaiah Iongi owners can stick strong with a -20 breakeven despite scoring just 25 against the Tigers.

He’ll be a week-to-week prospect for the time being.

J’maine Hopgood averaged 51 points in 68 minutes across the first two games, both in extremely hot conditions.

His minutes and workrate will be excellent, I just worry about how much time he’ll spend watching from behind the posts in this Eels side.

I’m tempted to give him one more week then move to Eli Katoa next round provided things play out accordingly, but I can see why people may move him on this week with a breakeven of 107.

Ditto Dylan Brown with a breakeven of 99.

Dean Hawkins replaces Ronald Volkman at halfback.

Bulldogs: 1. Connor Tracey 2. Blake Wilson 3. Bronson Xerri 4. Stephen Crichton 5. Marcelo Montoya 6. Bailey Hayward 7. Toby Sexton 8. Max King 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Josh Curran 11. Sitili Tupouniua 12. Jacob Preston 13. Jaeman Salmon

Bench: 14. Kurt Mann 15. Harry Hayes 16. Daniel Suluka-Fifita 17. Kurtis Morrin

Reserves: 19. Joseph O’Neill 20. Jack Todd 21. Blake Taaffe 22. Luke Smith 23. Jonathan Sua

Analysis: Despite losing a few key faces in Viliame Kikau and Matt Burton for two to four weeks, the Bulldogs provide plenty of interest ahead of a match-up with old rivals Parramatta.

Bailey Hayward starts at five-eighth, while Sitili Tupouniua starts on the edge.

Sitili was a trap, as evidenced by his 31 in 36 minutes last week.

However, the injury to Kikau now sees him start which give him relevance as a likely 80 minute edge until Kikau’s return.

Connor Tracey has opened the season with a 77 point average at fullback, and a healthy 32 in base alongside two tries.

He’s $587k and is available at FLB-CTW and will likely remain a POD play for a while to come, and may even take on more of the attacking responsibilities with Burton out.

SEA EAGLES v RAIDERS

Sunday, 6:15pm, 4 Pines Park, Sydney

Sea Eagles: 1. Tom Trbojevic 2. Jason Saab 3. Tolutau Koula 4. Reuben Garrick 5. Lehi Hopoate 6. Luke Brooks 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Taniela Paseka 9. Jazz Tevaga 10. Siosiua Taukeiaho 11. Haumole Olakau’atu 12. Ben Trbojevic 13. Jake Trbojevic

Bench: 14. Jake Simpkin 15. Corey Waddell 16. Ethan Bullemor 17. Josh Aloiai

Reserves: 18. Tommy Talau 19. Clayton Faulalo 20. Jakob Arthur 21. Nathan Brown 22. Raymond Tuiamalo Vaega

Analysis: Tom Trbojevic and Daly Cherry-Evans have been named to play, but remain in doubt for this clash.

It’s a great sign for Turbo owners, the problem is that Manly play in the last game of the round so we won’t know until Sunday night whether or not he plays!

Pending how your team is set up, the play might be to have Savelio Tamale or a Raider on standby to use as a reserve if Turbo doesn’t front up.

Even if he doesn’t play this week I think he’s a hold until Origin minimum provided he stays on the park.

The same goes for Daly Cherry-Evans owners.

Manly play the Eels at Brookie next week…

Jason Saab is averaging 111 points across his opening two games, sitting with a breakeven of -54.

He looks a great cash generator for those after a quick buck, and he’ll be very playable in 17s for the next two weeks despite his extremely low floor.

He has a base of just 21 this season which aligned with last season, so he needs attacking stats.

I think he’s a great short-term buy if Turbo is playing, if Turbo isn’t his potential for attacking stats drops dramatically.

In four games without Trbojevic last season he averaged just 42.25 points per game.

Further, if DCE is out that right edge will see far less attacking ball which is a double whammy.

Lock him in if both play, if either miss I’d be wary.

Raiders: 1. Kaeo Weekes 2. Savelio Tamale 3. Matthew Timoko 4. Sebastian Kris 5. Xavier Savage 6. Ethan Strange 7. Jamal Fogarty 8. Josh Papali’i 9. Tom Starling 10. Corey Horsburgh 11. Hudson Young 12. Matt Nicholson 13. Morgan Smithies

Bench: 14. Owen Pattie 15. Simi Sasagi 16. Trey Mooney 17. Ata Mariota

Reserves: 18. Danny Levi 19. Albert Hopoate 20. Pasami Saulo 21. Jed Stuart 22. Ethan Sanders

Analysis: Savelio Tamale has beaten out Albert Hopoate for a wing spot and looks like a great cheapie prospect this week at $232k with a breakeven of -59.

I’d be lying if I said job security was great, but he’s in for now and has strong cash incoming while on deck.

Tom Starling has Ricky Stuart’s tick of approval, he’s averaged 69 minutes across the first two rounds and has scored 83 points per game.

He’s $342k with a breakeven of -57, so there’s huge rises incoming.

If you have an underperforming hooker he looks like the one to move to, but those that are content with their hooking duo don’t need to rip their team apart to get him in.

He is fairly attack reliant with an only okay base of 41, but behind this Raiders pack he can do plenty of damage with his running game which we’ve seen in recent weeks.

Ethan Strange was popular last week and managed just 20 points, he’s not Supercoach relevant.

Corey Horsburgh is a must at $355k with an average of 73 points and a breakeven of -32. How good is FRF this year!!!

Zac Hosking is out for a period, meaning English recruit Matty Nicholson starts on the edge.

He scored a double on debut for 98 points in 66 minutes.

He had 34 in base in that time which isn’t great.

As good as he looked, minutes will be a question mark and Hosking could return early, so with no price change this week I think he’s worth waiting until next round.

If he scores well in big minutes pick him up risk-free at $336k.