Positional Watchlist: NRL Supercoach Round 20 Rising and Falling Player Stocks

With the bye period out of the way, it’s time to implement our strategies for the run home. There are a few ways I’m looking at playing it: 

• Look for consistency to net points over the period, or 
• Target high ceilings and utilise start/sits

I’m favouring the latter strategy, particularly given we’ve seen some monster scores put up when teams have less to play for towards the end of the season.

However, the consistency play could be more suitable for teams looking to maintain rank / high on the ladder in h2h, or for those short on team depth.

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

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Fullbacks

Trell is a player I’d be happy to bring in at $644k, given his average of recent seasons has been around the 80 mark.

That being said, if you can wait a few rounds, he has a run of Titans, Eels, and Dragons from rounds 23 to 25. He will miss round 26 with a bye though. 

More on Papenhuyzen in the halfback section…

Targets:

• James Tedesco 
• Scott Drinkwater
• Latrell Mitchell (Moved from form watch)

Job watch: 

• Ryan Papenhuyzen 

Form watch:

• Dylan Edwards 
• Reece Walsh 
• Clint Gutherson 
• Tom Trbojevic 

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

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CTW

Following a move to fullback, Gagai has roared into contention as a run home CTW.

If he can regain the kicking duties, he’ll be an elite option.

If not, he still warrants consideration, although the Knights’ draw isn’t ideal (Warriors H, Raiders A, Bye, Panthers H, Cowboys A, Broncos H, Sharks A, Eels A). 

Targets:

• Herbie Farnworth 
• Reuben Garrick 
• Jacob Kiraz 
• Beau Fermor (CTW/2RF) 
• Zac Lomax 
• Dane Gagai (Moved from job watch)

Removed: Dylan Lucas

Job watch:

• Adam Douehi (CTW/5-8) (Added – interesting to see him move to the middle during the game, thought he looked good there)
• Nick Meaney (Option if confirmed to keep the kicking)
• Siosifa Talakai (2RF/CTW) 
• Lehi Hopoate (CTW/FLB)
• Greg Marzhew
• AJ Brimson (CTW/5-8)

Form watch:

• Dallin Watene-Zelezniak ($350k with a great draw for the run home)
• Mark Nawaqanitawase (Moved from targets)
• Brian To’o (Wait and see how he returns from injury)
• Blaize Talagi (CTW/5-8) (Another solid game on the weekend. Could be worth a cheeky punt with Panthers’ upcoming draw) 
• Gehamat Shibasaki 
• Valentine Holmes 
• Bradman Best 
• Jamayne Isaako 
• Alex Johnston 
• Jaxon Purdue (CTW/5-8)
• Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 
• Connor Tracey (CTW/FLB)

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5/8

Jayden Campbell once again proved his ability to accumulate SC points on the weekend, scoring 59 with only one try contribution and a line break assist as attacking stats of note.

At just $536k and with a day game against the Tigers this round, now is the time to get on if you don’t already own.

Tanah Boyd has emerged as the standout cheapie 5/8 option.

Kicking goals, a great upcoming draw and dual position means he ticks all the boxes. 

Kaeo Weekes is still a huge POD option at 6.3% ownership in the top 10%.

His upcoming draw includes the Eels (H), Knights (H), Dragons (A), Sea Eagles (H) and is still under $600k with a -64 BE.

Targets:

• Jayden Campbell (5/8-FLB) (Moved from form watch)
• Tanah Boyd (HFB/5-8) (Moved from job watch)
• Kaeo Weekes 

Form watch:

• Tom Dearden (POD option – like him better if playing with Purdue in the halves – expect him to be more ball dominant)
• Blaize Talagi (5/8-CTW) (Another solid game on the weekend. Could be worth a cheeky punt with Panthers’ upcoming draw) 
• Adam Douehi (CTW/5-8) (Added – interesting to see him move to the middle during the game, looked to be a good fit for him)
• Cameron Munster 
• Jaxon Purdue (CTW-5/8)
• Matt Burton 

Removed: Latu Fainu, Ezra Mam, Dylan Brown

Job watch:

• Lachlan Galvin
• AJ Brimson (CTW-5/8)

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Halfbacks

Nicho has firmed again as a must-have following a brilliant 137-point score against the Dolphins.

The Sharks have a great upcoming draw during which he could be a regular VC / C option.

Meanwhile, if Papz isn’t goalkicking, there’s a definite case for trading him to Cleary and instead holding Hughes in the flex position.

The Storm no.7 averaged 85 points from rounds 20-27 last season, including a couple of monster scores of 132 and 187.

The added benefit of owning a Hughes–Hynes–Cleary combo is the opportunity to VC and C a combo of those three on any given week.

Targets:

• Nathan Cleary 
• Nicho Hynes 
• Jahrome Hughes (Moved from form watch)
• Tanah Boyd (HFB/5-8) (Moved from job watch)

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2RF

Tino was back to his best on the weekend and is now hopefully over the worst part of his sternum injury.

This could see him move back to his 80+ average he had from earlier in the season, representing incredible value at just $550k.

Jacob Preston is a rock-solid option at 2RF, with a proven 70+ average in recent years when playing 80 minutes. 

Targets:

• Eliesa Katoa 
• Beau Fermor (2RF/CTW) 
• Angus Crichton 
• Tino Faasuamaleaui (FRF/2RF) (Moved from form watch)
• Jacob Preston (Moved from form watch)

Removed: Dylan Lucas

Job watch

• Erin Clark (FRF/2RF) (Minutes being managed? Played 59 on the weekend)
• Viliame Kikau (Was given a 10-minute spell this week. Want him playing 80 to be a strong play option every week)
• David Fifita (Added – could he get back to 80 minutes before the end of the season? Going to be cheap….)
• Siosifa Talakai (2RF/CTW) 

Removed: Jack Williams, Chris Randall

Form watch 

Priced 650k+

• Briton Nikora (Moved from targets – prefer others with a higher floor)
• Hudson Young 
• Isaah Yeo 

Removed: Corey Horsburgh

Looping options:

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

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FRF 

May, Haas and Tino look like the big three to own at FRF once more.

With the news of Haas’ back injury, some might consider an anti-POD play there, but I don’t see it.

He’s reportedly carried the same injury through the majority season, whilst still managing to average 88 points. 

Targets:

• Terrell May 
• Tino Faasuamaleaui (FRF/2RF) (Moved from form watch)
• Payne Haas (Moved from form watch)

Form watch:

• Addin Fonua-Blake 
• Joseph Tapine 

Job watch: 

• Erin Clark (FRF/2RF) (Minutes being managed? Played 59 on the weekend)

Removed: Jack Williams(FRF/2RF) 

Looping options 

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

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Hooker

Blayke Brailey’s form is now undeniable.

He’s taken increased control of the Sharks’ team, which has added significant attack to an already strong base.

He’s a strong POD option at hooker.

However, it would be a big call to go Brailey over Harry Grant, who’s available at $80k cheaper.

Over the last 3 seasons, Harry has consistently averaged around 80 during the run home (rounds 19 to 27).

There is still a resting concern for the Storm, so factor that into any plans. 

Watson remains a solid option.

Pairing him with Kalani Going and another hooker could be ideal for dual-position coverage. 

Targets: 

• Harry Grant 
• Connor Watson (HK/2RF)
• Blayke Brailey (Added)

Job watch:

• Jeremy Marshall-King (Added – 2 x 80 minute games in a row. POD option if this continues)
• Api Koroisau 
• Kurt Donoghoe (HK/2RF) 

Removed: Chris Randall, Sandon Smith

Looping options

• Kalani Going (HOK/2RF)