Positional Watchlist: NRL Supercoach Round 18 Rising and Falling Player Stocks

It’s time to make any final plans for the run home.

Whilst this is the last big bye round, keep in mind that in recent seasons we’ve seen big swings in scores in the final rounds of SC.

This is due to player restings and teams at the bottom of the ladder having less to play for.

So, it’s necessary to weigh up trades this round, compared to POD options closer to the end. 

Note: This article was written pre team lists. Check out Tim’s weekly teams’ article for post team lists analysis.

BetBuzz have partnered up with SC Playbook for the remainder of the NRL season! The SC Playbook multi of the week is Ryan Paenhuyzen and Jason Saab to combine for three or more tries in round 19. Check them out here!

Fullbacks

With most teams on a Teddy–Papi-Drinky combo, the big question is whether to stay with this until season’s end.

I still see Drinky as the most tempting trade out of these three, due to his low floor and the Cow’s up-and-down form.

I do feel a lot better about him with Clifford back in the team though.

Edwards could be an interesting option post Origin.

He now appears unencumbered by injury and has a run of Eels, Bunnies, Tigers (all at CommBank) from rounds 19 to 21.

This is followed by a Titans matchup on the GC in round 22.

He may even keep the goalkicking short-term, while Cleary continues to recover from a leg injury. 

Targets:

• James Tedesco 
• Ryan Papenhuyzen 

Form watch:

• Dylan Edwards 
• Scott Drinkwater 
• Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 
• Reece Walsh 
• Latrell Mitchell 
• Clint Gutherson 
• Kalyn Ponga 
• Tom Trbojevic 

Note: Fullbacks with dual are listed elsewhere, as they’re generally best selected in their other position.

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CTW

Marky Mark is a prime target, with matchups against the depleted Tigers this week, then the Dragons next.

I think he’s continuing to get better as the season goes on, which is an ominous sign given he’s already averaging 74 points. 

Kane Bradley is an interesting one if he gets a start for the Storm.

He was 18th man last week, so I’d be worried about him becoming an auto emergency issue for the run home. 

Targets:

• Herbie Farnworth 
• Reuben Garrick 
• Dylan Lucas (CTW/2RF) 
• Jacob Kiraz 
• Mark Nawaqanitawase 
• Beau Fermor (CTW/2RF) 

Removed: Jordan Karapani (ship has sailed)

Job watch:

• Siosifa Talakai (2RF/CTW) 
• Dane Gagai (Could be a run home option if he keeps the kicking)
• Lehi Hopoate (CTW/FLB)
• Greg Marzhew
• AJ Brimson (CTW/5-8)
• Kane Bradley(2RF/CTW)

Form watch:

• Gehamat Shibasaki (Added)
• Valentine Holmes 
• Zac Lomax 
• Bradman Best 
• Jamayne Isaako 
• Alex Johnston 
• Jaxon Purdue (CTW/5-8)
• Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 
• Connor Tracey (CTW/FLB)
• Blaize Talagi (CTW/5-8)

Removed: Jesse Ramien, Campbell Graham, Izack Tago, Josh Addo-Carr, Euan Aitken

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5/8

Current and upcoming cheapies are the most interesting thing happening at 5/8 at the moment. 

Latu Fainu ($335k, BE 6) is a definite option this week.

Likewise, whoever starts in the halves of Te Maire Martin ($245k, BE 35) and Tanah Boyd ($330k, yet to play a game this season) will be an option next week. 

If you can afford to wait, I’d prefer a Warriors half over Fainu, due to their attacking upside and DPP.

Targets:

• Latu Fainu (Moved from job watch)

Form watch:

• Jayden Campbell (5/8-FLB) 
• Tom Dearden (Possible late season POD if his form continues)
• Jaxon Purdue (CTW-5/8)
• Ezra Mam 
• Matt Burton 
• Dylan Brown (HFB-5/8) 
• Cameron Munster (Origin impacted)
• Blaize Talagi (5/8-CTW)

Removed: Luke Metcalf, Cody Walker (both injured)

Job watch:

• Lachlan Galvin 
• AJ Brimson (CTW-5/8)
• Te Maire Martin (HFB/5-8) (Added)
• Tanah Boyd (HFB/5-8) (Added)

Removed: Tyran Wishart

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Halfbacks

Hughes is essential this week against an Origin-depleted Cowboys team, who conceded 58 points to the Dolphins in round 15 and 42 points to the Roosters in round 16.

I’m none the wiser on who of Hughes or Hynes to trade to Cleary post Origin.

Hopefully, it becomes clearer in the coming rounds.

Targets:

• Jahrome Hughes 

Form watch: 

• Nicho Hynes 
• Nathan Cleary (Wait until post Origin)
• Dylan Brown (HFB-5/8)

Removed: Luke Metcalf, Cody Walker (both injured)

Job watch: 

• Sandon Smith (HK/Half) 
• Te Maire Martin (HFB/5-8) (Added)
• Tanah Boyd (HFB/5-8) (Added)

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2RF

I’m still high on Kikau, even though Preston outscored him last week (which was reflective of an easier edge matchup for the Dogs’ right hand side).

Crucially, Billy Kiks still looked to be aiming to offload whenever possible. 

Targets:

• Eliesa Katoa 
• Dylan Lucas (CTW/2RF) 
• Erin Clark (FRF/2RF) 
• Viliame Kikau 
• Beau Fermor (2RF/CTW) 
• Briton Nikora 

Job watch

• Siosifa Talakai (2RF/CTW) 
• Jack Williams (FRF/2RF) 
• Chris Randall (HK/2RF) 

Removed: Jazz Tevaga, Luciano Leilua, Toby Couchman 

Form watch 

Priced 650k+

• Hudson Young 
• Jacob Preston 
• Tino Faasuamaleaui (FRF/2RF) (Origin affected)
• Corey Horsburgh (FRF/2RF) 
• Isaah Yeo 

Removed: Kai Pearce Paul, Euan Aitken, J’maine Hopgood 

Looping options:

• Myles Martin (FRF/2RF) 
• Ethan Roberts (FRF/2RF) 
• Tukimihia Simpkins (FRF/2RF) 

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Hooker

Grant or Watson is going to be a big question in the coming rounds, possibly as soon as next week.

Based on this season’s form, I lean towards Watson at this stage.

If he gets another small minute role in Origin, he’ll be ready to step straight into big minutes in round 19.

Targets: 

• Harry Grant (moved from form watch)
• Connor Watson (HK/2RF)

Removed: Blayne Brailey (ship has sailed)

Job watch:

• Api Koroisau 
• Chris Randall (HK/2RF) 
• Sandon Smith (HK/HFB) 
• Kurt Donoghoe (HK/2RF) (Been great at lock and now has dual)

Removed: Jazz Tevaga, Damien Cook, Wayde Egan 

Form watch:

• Cameron McInnes (HK/2RF) 

Looping options

• Kalani Going (HOK/2RF)