NRL Round 19 Teams: Supercoach Squad Analysis

Well done all, we’ve survived the major bye period…

Well, we may not have all survived it but it is finished which is at least a nice thought.

NRL Supercoach now changes entirely, the focus shifts from maximising numbers for bye rounds to setting your squad up for the run home.

For what it’s worth, it may still be a tricky third mini-bye round pending Origin back-ups, but for the most part, we’re through the worst of it.

Do yourself a favour and jot down the final team you’re targeting, the players you want, and a rough idea of how many trades it’ll take to get to that team.

It’ll allow you to work out your trades for the final nine rounds of the season.

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When I play Supercoach I focus on depth, I think that depth is king to success.

If you can offload battlers rather than someone who is active and, in the worst case, gives you a solid number each week I think it’s worth stacking your squad.

When injuries, suspensions and late-season restings hit, you’ll either need a few trades up your sleeve or enough squad depth to cover it.

There’s more than one way to skin a cat though, if you like to Supercoach on the edge you can maximise your starting 18 and nuff out players and burn trades.

It’s not my personal preference but if carnage is avoided in the back end of the year it can prove a very successful move.

The Cooma Stallions notched a handy 1,062 points last week for a nice rise into 1,523^rd overall with 14 trades to play with.

In theory, we’re well placed moving into the run home, but we all know how quickly things change in Supercoach, so only time will tell.

Let’s take a look at the NRL Supercoach analysis for round 19, with squad lists courtesy of Fox Sports.

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SHARKS v DOLPHINS

Friday, 8pm, Sharks Stadium, Sydney

Sharks: 1. William Kennedy 2. Sione Katoa 3. Jesse Ramien 4. Siosifa Talakai 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. Jesse Colquhoun 16. Toby Rudolf 17. Braden Hamlin-Uele

Reserves: 18. Billy Burns 19. Hohepa Puru 20. Niwhai Puru 21. Michael Gabrael 22. Jayden Berrell

Analysis: While their form hasn’t been anything too great to crow about, the Sharks come into an extremely friendly run of games from this week.

They face the Dolphins, Roosters, Rabbitohs, Cowboys, Dragons and Titans in four of those six games at Shark Park.

While lots deliberate over selling Nicho Hynes or Jahrome Hughes to Nathan Cleary, I’d be a little anxious not owning Nicho for this run of games.

His ceiling isn’t anything near what it’s been in recent years, but despite some only okay form, he’s still averaging a healthy 70 points per game.

Funnily enough despite the draw and numerous enticing Supercoach prospects at the Sharks, I can’t see a need to buy any of their players until they show a turnaround in form.

Owners of players such as Briton Nikora, Jesse Ramien, Blayke Brailey and Addin Fonua-Blake can hold strong for the nice run, but none really appeal as genuine keepers at the moment that you’d need to buy.

Still no sign of Mawene Hiroti which is good news for Siosifa Talakai owners.

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Dolphins: 1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Max Feagai 4. Herbie Farnworth 5. Jake Averillo 6. Sean O’Sullivan 7. Isaiya Katoa 8. Francis Molo 9. Jeremy Marshall-King 10. Mark Nicholls 11. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki 12. Oryn Keeley 13. Kurt Donoghoe

Bench: 14. Aublix Tawha 15. Connelly Lemuelu 16. Ray Stone 17. Josh Kerr

Reserves: 18. Harrison Graham 19. Trai Fuller 20. Tevita Naufahu 21. LJ Nonu 22. Peter Hola

Analysis: The rampant Dolphins are injury-riddled at the moment, but with everybody that drops, they tend to find an extra try per week…

They’re putting points on for fun, but does the injury toll prove too much later in the season? Time will tell, but they’ve found solutions to every hurdle of late.

I wouldn’t rush to buy any players as they have another bye coming up in round 21.

Isaiya Katoa has been a model of consistency this season with a 69-point average, including a five-round average of 77 points.

He’s scored below 50 just once this season way back in round 4 against the Broncos where he scored 42.

I do think the other halfback options are more enticing due to higher ceilings, but from next year onwards he’ll be right in the conversation of the premium picks alongside Cleary, Hynes and Hughes.

Jeremy Marshall-King is somewhat appealing at just $460k, he played the full 80 against the Rabbitohs scoring 88 points with an outstanding 53 in base.

When playing 80 in the past he’s been a genuine hooking option, he just tends to find a lot of injuries.

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KNIGHTS v STORM

Saturday, 3pm, McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle

Knights: 1. Fletcher Hunt 2. Dominic Young 3. Dane Gagai 4. Bradman Best 5. Greg Marzhew 6. Jackson Hastings 7. Jack Cogger 8. Jacob Saifiti 9. Phoenix Crossland 10. Leo Thompson 11. Dylan Lucas 12. Kai Pearce-Paul 13. Tyson Frizell

Bench: 14. Jayden Brailey 15. Mathew Croker 16. Jermaine McEwen 17. Brodie Jones

Reserves: 18. Thomas Cant 19. James Schiller 20. Tyson Gamble 21. Jack Hetherington 22. Kyle McCarthy

Analysis: The Knights have a brutal stretch of games against the Storm, Warriors and Raiders followed with a bye, into Penrith.

Further, they’re missing their two chief playmakers – Kalyn Ponga and Fletcher Sharpe – so it’s hard to entertain any players as buys for the time being.

Watch over the next month and if they can find some form they may become relevant for the final month.

I’ve seen a few considering selling Dylan Lucas, he’s as rock solid as they come and shouldn’t leave sides.

His dual position is invaluable and he’s averaging 78 points per game, he’s averaging 58.2 in base stats alone in the past five games.

HOLD!

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Storm: 1. Ryan Papenhuyzen 2. Grant Anderson 3. Joe Chan 4. Nick Meaney 5. Siulagi Tuimalatu-Brown 6. Tyran Wishart 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Tui Kamikamica 9. Bronson Garlick 10. Josh King 11. Shawn Blore 12. Eliesa Katoa 13. Nelson Asofa-Solomona

Bench: 14. Jonah Pezet 15. Stefano Utoikamanu 16. Lazarus Vaalepu 17. Ativalu Lisati

Reserves: 18. Jack Howarth 19. Trent Loiero 20. Cameron Munster 21. Harry Grant 22. Kane Bradley 23. Moses Leo 24. Keagan Russell-Smith

Analysis: Melbourne has begun a tricky run home, with just one-day fixture to come and only four of nine games in Melbourne.

They face the Knights, Sea Eagles, Roosters, Eels, Broncos, Panthers, Bulldogs, Roosters and Broncos.

The next month is reasonable, from there, it gets far trickier.

They have no byes remaining but will be a resting risk later in the season, for those that are head-to-head focused this could be a concern come finals time if you’re stacked with their players.

Jahrome Hughes has been a little hot and cold this season, but it’s coincided with the venue.

He’s averaging just 54.4 points away from home this season, and 92 at AAMI Park (excluding his injury-impacted game).

Regarding the decision to sell him or Hynes to Cleary, it depends how you want to attack it.

Hynes is in poorer form, as are the Sharks, but he has the better draw including home games and day fixtures.

Hughes has the poor draw but is arguably in better form in a red-hot Storm outfit.

It’s a tough call that has the potential to be season-defining.

I’m leaning toward the Hughes sell to Cleary, but not necessarily this week.

Harry Grant and Cam Munster have been named on the extended bench to potentially to back up from Origin.

I want Harry for the run home, his minutes on Origin back-up do concern me a touch this week though as he’s had a very heavy load since the beginning of the Origin period.

Ryan Papenhuyzen has been named to return after missing last week.

Nick Meaney is only relevant at fullback, not centre.

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DRAGONS v ROOSTERS

Saturday, 5:30pm, Jubilee Stadium, Sydney

Dragons: 1. Clinton Gutherson 2. Tyrell Sloan 3. Moses Suli 4. Valentine Holmes 5. Sione Finau 6. Lyhkan King-Togia 7. Kyle Flanagan 8. Emre Guler 9. Damien Cook 10. David Klemmer 11. Luciano Leilua 12. Jaydn Su’A 13. Jack de Belin

Bench: 14. Jacob Liddle 15. Hamish Stewart 16. Blake Lawrie 17. Michael Molo

Reserves: 18. Corey Allan 19. Loko Jnr Pasifiki Tonga 20. Lachlan Ilias 21. Viliami Fifita 22. Nicholas Tsougranis

Analysis: The Dragons are of next to no interest for the run home with mixed form and a run upcoming against the Roosters, Bulldogs, Cowboys, Raiders, Sharks and Warriors.

Valentine Holmes is the exception with an outstanding season average of 75 points.

He’s scored below 58 once all season, a 40 back in round 2 against the Rabbitohs.

I do like him as a buy, however the draw is fairly unappealing and while he likely continues to score well it does likely cap his ceiling in those games.

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Roosters: 1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Billy Smith 4. Robert Toia 5. Mark Nawaqanitawase 6. Hugo Savala 7. Sam Walker 8. Naufahu Whyte 9. Connor Watson 10. Lindsay Collins 11. Angus Crichton 12. Salesi Foketi 13. Victor Radley

Bench: 14. Zach Dockar-Clay 15. Blake Steep 16. Egan Butcher 17. Spencer Leniu

Reserves: 18. Ethan King 19. Taylor Losalu 20. Sandon Smith 21. Benaiah Ioelu 22. Max McCathie 23. Tom Rodwell 24. Makahesi Makatoa

Analysis: Mark Nawaqanitawase is something special and a player you probably just need to find a way to get into your team.

You can make a case against him with a tricky draw and plenty of scores around the 70 mark with tries included.

However, sometimes you need to just back the eye, and this bloke is someone you want to own.

He’s busted 22 tackles in his last two games and creates opportunities out of absolutely nothing.

If the Roosters continue to fire on the run home he could do plenty of damage to non-owners.

With a -4 break-even, it’s likely this week or never to jump on.

With Origin over, Connor Watson shapes as a nice buy as dual HOK-2RF.

He’s unlikely to play big minutes for NSW meaning he should back up in strong game time for the Roosters.

He’s priced at $613k with a breakeven of 59 and a season average of 67 points.

He has a base of 48 and is a big minute man for Trent Robinson.

With Sam Walker looming to return it’s pushed Sandon Smith to the extended bench, this should see Connor Watson spend more time at lock which is also exceptional for his base stats and Supercoach output.

Sandon missing the entire 17 is good news, as he now won’t leak cash and isn’t an urgent sell, but obviously becomes an easy sell if you have no other pressing issues.

Angus Crichton has underwhelmed this season with his average regressing from 78 points to 65.

Incredibly, this season he has just one try and no try assists.

Last season, he scored 11 tries and had a further seven assists.

He’ll play big minutes for NSW which makes me think he gets less time for the Roosters, so if interested in buying next week may be the better week.

Billy Smith has been named to return after missing last week.

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COWBOYS v BULLDOGS

Saturday, 7:35pm, QCB Stadium, Townsville

Cowboys: 1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Robert Derby 3. Jaxon Purdue 4. Zac Laybutt 5. Braidon Burns 6. Jake Clifford 7. Tom Dearden 8. Jordan McLean 9. Reece Robson 10. Griffin Neame 11. Reuben Cotter 12. Jeremiah Nanai 13. Harrison Edwards

Bench: 14. Karl Lawton 15. Thomas Mikaele 16. Kai O’Donnell 17. Coen Hess

Reserves: 18. Ryan Rivett 19. Temple Kalepo 20. Kaiden Lahrs 21. Dane Aukafolau 22. Murray Taulagi 23. Marly Bitungane 24. Jaxson Paulo

Analysis: The Cowboys have a decent run home, including two of their next three in Townsville and a round 27 bye.

Despite that, their form makes them hard to entertain any buys.

Scott Drinkwater is sizzling with an 83-point average this season and is likely a season-keeper, however I don’t mind the potential anti-POD play to sell.

The likes of Dylan Edwards and Latrell Mitchell are enticing options in the coming weeks and are owned by next to nobody.

It’d be a bit of a luxury trade for those with trades in hand, but it could prove a fruitful move.

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Bulldogs: 1. Connor Tracey 2. Jacob Kiraz 3. Bronson Xerri 4. Stephen Crichton 5. Enari Tuala 6. Matt Burton 7. Toby Sexton 8. Max King 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Samuel Hughes 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Jacob Preston 13. Bailey Hayward

Bench: 14. Kurt Mann 15. Harry Hayes 16. Josh Curran 17. Lachlan Galvin

Reserves: 19. Jake Turpin 20. Jaeman Salmon 21. Daniel Suluka-Fifita 22. Kurtis Morrin 23. Blake Wilson 24. Jethro Rinakama 25. Jack Todd

Analysis: The Bulldogs have a soft month ahead before a brutal head-to-head finals draw.

Jacob Kiraz is a must in my eyes for the run home and should be purchased this week at $741k despite the 108 breakeven.

I still really like Viliame Kikau as a buy for the run home, although last week on the major bye round was probably the time to jump on for anyone interested.

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WARRIORS v TIGERS

Sunday, 2pm, Go Media Stadium, Auckland

Warriors: 1. Taine Tuaupiki 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 3. Adam Pompey 4. Rocco Berry 5. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 6. Chanel Harris-Tavita 7. Tanah Boyd 8. James Fisher-Harris 9. Wayde Egan 10. Jackson Ford 11. Leka Halasima 12. Marata Niukore 13. Erin Clark

Bench: 14. Te Maire Martin 15. Jacob Laban 16. Demitric Vaimauga 17. Tanner Stowers-Smith

Reserves: 18. Eddie Ieremia 20. Samuel Healey 21. Bunty Afoa 22. Edward Kosi 23. Kurt Capewell

Analysis: The Warriors enter the run home with an extremely soft draw, facing just two top-eight sides in the Bulldogs and eighth-placed Sea Eagles.

They get the Titans twice, Tigers, Dragons and Eels and also play five games at home.

Roger Tuivasa-Sheck looms as a sneaky POD play at $568k with a season average of 61, and a five-round average of 69.

He has a solid base of 32 and could finish big if the Warriors put their soft draw to good use.

I do think there are better CTW options with higher upside, but I don’t mind the play.

Tanah Boyd has edged Te Maire Martin for the halfback role of the injured Luke Metcalf.

Boyd has sizzled in NSW Cup this season, with 16 try assists in 13 games, and comes in at $329k as dual HFB-5/8.

If he were to goal-kick it’d make him more appealing, but it’s probably worth watching for a week or two.

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Tigers: 1. Sunia Turuva 2. Charlie Staines 3. Adam Doueihi 4. Starford To’a 5. Jeral Skelton 6. Jarome Luai 7. Latu Fainu 8. Terrell May 9. Apisai Koroisau 10. Fonua Pole 11. Samuela Fainu 12. Tony Sukkar 13. Alex Twal

Bench: 14. Tristan Hope 15. Alex Seyfarth 16. Sione Fainu 17. Jack Bird

Reserves: 18. Heath Mason 19. Charlie Murray 20. Kit Laulilii 21. Brent Naden 22. Luke Laulilii

Analysis: The Tigers have an awful month ahead with games against the Warriors, Titans, Panthers and Bulldogs into a bye.

Hard pass on buying any of their players.

Latu Fainu delivered for owners with 68 points in the win over the Roosters.

While I wouldn’t jump on now, he’ll be a perfectly fine back-up five-eighth that you can play if needed.

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EELS v PANTHERS

Sunday, 4:05pm, CommBank Stadium, Sydney

Eels: 1. Isaiah Iongi 2. Zac Lomax 3. Jordan Samrani 4. Sean Russell 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Dylan Brown 7. Dean Hawkins 8. Jack Williams 9. Joey Lussick 10. Junior Paulo 11. Charlie Guymer 12. Kitione Kautoga 13. J’maine Hopgood

Bench: 14. Tallyn Da Silva 15. Dylan Walker 16. Matt Doorey 17. Sam Tuivaiti

Reserves: 18. Dan Keir 19. Toni Mataele 20. Ronald Volkman 21. Bailey Simonsson 22. Joash Papali’i

Analysis: Parramatta’s month ahead is horrid with games against the Panthers, Raiders, Broncos and Storm so it’s hard to have any interest in their players.

Zac Lomax is the exception and looks like a very appealing pick-up despite the draw.

He’s $694k with a breakeven of 72, currently averaging 75 points for the season.

He has an incredible base of 39 and has only scored three tries and assisted two this season.

If the draw was softer he’d simply be a must, but regardless he looks a terrific buy.

While there isn’t much value in Dylan Brown at $498k, he’s a potential sell candidate while he can also be held as reserve 5/8.

Despite a three-round average of 78 points, I’d also look to move on Isaiah Iongi to a gun fullback with the tough run ahead.

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Panthers: 1. Daine Laurie 2. Thomas Jenkins 3. Izack Tago 4. Casey McLean 5. Paul Alamoti 6. Blaize Talagi 7. Brad Schneider 8. Moses Leota 9. Mitch Kenny 10. Lindsay Smith 11. Luke Garner 12. Isaiah Papali’i 13. Matt Eisenhuth

Bench: 14. Jack Cole 15. Liam Henry 16. Luron Patea 17. Mavrik Geyer

Reserves: 18. Luke Sommerton 19. Nathan Cleary 20. Dylan Edwards 21. Brian To’o 22. Liam Martin 23. Isaah Yeo 24. Preston Riki

Analysis: Primed for a big run home, Penrith enter a dream month of fixtures against the Eels, Rabbitohs, Tigers and Titans with three games at CommBank Stadium.

Penrith have named their Origin stars on the extended bench for now.

Provided he gets through Origin okay, Nathan Cleary looks a near must for this stretch.

The only concern is whether or not he goal-kicks with ongoing niggles.

Do we buy this week or give it a round? Tricky one, but I’m tempted to grab the Prince of Penrith this week.

Dylan Edwards is also tempting at just $647k with an average of 72.

If he is to continue to deputise as a goal-kicker, he’ll be an even more interesting prospect.

He averaged 86 points per game last season and is capable of going on a big run.

Brian To’o becomes a POD play at just $609k with a breakeven of 112.

He’s also managing niggles so he may rest post Origin.

He’s averaging 63 points with four tries in seven games, I am curious to see what edge he plays though. 

Interestingly Penrith are scoring 52% of tries on their left edge, compared to 28% on their right edge of Nathan Cleary.

His past season averages have been 70, 71, 59 and 84.

His base of 33 is down a touch this season, but that’s ramped up to 39.3 in his past three outings.

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TITANS v BRONCOS

Sunday, 6:15pm, Cbus Super Stadium, Gold Coast

Titans: 1. AJ Brimson 2. Jaylan De Groot 3. Brian Kelly 4. Jojo Fifita 5. Phillip Sami 6. Kieran Foran 7. Jayden Campbell 8. Moeaki Fotuaika 9. Sam Verrills 10. Reagan Campbell-Gillard 11. Chris Randall 12. Beau Fermor 13. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui

Bench: 14. Jacob Alick-Wiencke 15. Jaimin Jolliffe 16. David Fifita 17. Klese Haas

Reserves: 18. Iszac Fa’asumaleaui 19. Arama Hau 20. Alofiana Khan-Pereira 21. Sean Mullany 22. Tom Weaver

Analysis: Fresh off the bye, the Titans begin a tough run home.

Jayden Campbell has been named to return from a head knock in the halves.

He’s $564k and is probably the best 5/8 option for the run home, with a breakeven of 101 though there’s merit in watching how he returns and what the Titans dish up.

Tino Fa’asuamaleaui has been named to back-up from the Origin decider, while David Fifita has been named to return off the bench.

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Broncos: 1. Reece Walsh 2. Josiah Karapani 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Gehamat Shibasaki 5. Deine Mariner 6. Ezra Mam 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Xavier Willison 9. Ben Hunt 10. Payne Haas 11. Brendan Piakura 12. Jordan Riki 13. Patrick Carrigan

Bench: 14. Billy Walters 15. Kobe Hetherington 16. Jack Gosiewski 17. Tyson Smoothy

Reserves: 18. Selwyn Cobbo 19. Ben Talty 20. Cory Paix 21. Jaiyden Hunt 22. Delouise Hoeter 23. Benjamin Te Kura 24. Jesse Arthars

Analysis: Payne Haas has been named to back-up from Origin, but will be closely monitored to see how he gets through the game as he manages ongoing niggles.

He’s a must for the run home, but I’ll be happy enough to wait until next round.

While he doesn’t need much time to do damage, I do feel his minutes will be restricted if he plays and the fact that he plays the final game of the round isn’t ideal if he’s a late out.

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If you’re waiting like me, have a plan to get him next week.

It’s hard to knock Ezra Mam’s Supercoach output since returning, he’s averaging 76 points per game and has been in sensational form.

He’s extremely attack-reliant, but he’s playing good enough for the stats to keep rolling in.