NRL Round 23 Teams: Supercoach Squad Analysis

We’ve arrived at the business end of the season with week one of NRL Supercoach head-to-head finals getting underway in Round 23.

While some leagues may not begin finals until next week, the majority will be kicked into gear this weekend.

Those savvy head-to-head focused Supercoaches that were able to both make finals and save trades for the final month will find themselves well placed and a little bullish this week.

Others would have had to burn through trades simply to make finals, so they’ll be hanging on for dear life.

As you move through the weekend in your finals match-up, do your best to trade as late as possible and stay flexible with your plans.

If you find yourself mid-way through the round and you’re cruising in your match-up, you may be able to bank an extra trade or two for the following week.

On the flip side, if you find yourself tracking poorly and headed for an early exit, pull all triggers, differentiate your side to your opposition via sit v starts, skippers, trades and anything else possible to give yourself the best opportunity to stay alive.

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The Cooma Stallions started well last week, but fell a little flat towards the back end of the round with a number of players hitting the skids in wet conditions.

We finished with 1,183 points to drop 90 spots to 2,263^rd overall.

I copped an injury to fresh trade in Isaah Yeo, but I also dodged the Herbie Farnworth injury who was seemingly on track for a new Supercoach record in New Zealand, so I won’t be complaining at all…

As people get lower on trades, including plenty who are using their final trade this week, I’ll reduce the analysis a touch and also shift a little more focus to head-to-head players with a look at certain players with the best match-ups.

For many head-to-head players with trades stored up it’s the time to target those strong weekly match-ups to give you the edge in your clash.

Let’s take a look at NRL Supercoach Round 23, with squad lists courtesy of Fox Sports.

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STORM v BRONCOS

Thursday, 7:50pm, AAMI Park, Melbourne

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

Bench: 14. Jonah Pezet 15. Ativalu Lisati 16. Tui Kamikamica 17. Joe Chan

Reserves: 18. Kane Bradley 19. Bronson Garlick 20. Siulagi Tuimalatu-Brown 21. Alec MacDonald 22. Lazarus Vaalepu

Analysis: Melbourne face one of the most difficult runs home against the Broncos, Panthers, Bulldogs, Roosters and Broncos.

On their day, they’re the best team in the NR,L so don’t let the draw put you off any players you currently own, but I do feel there are better teams to target as a result.

Harry Grant remains a quality buy at hooker at just $593k despite a down performance against the Eels.

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Broncos: 1. Reece Walsh 2. Selwyn Cobbo 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Gehamat Shibasaki 5. Deine Mariner 6. Ezra Mam 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Corey Jensen 9. Ben Hunt 10. Payne Haas 11. Jack Gosiewski 12. Jordan Riki 13. Patrick Carrigan

Bench: 14. Billy Walters 15. Kobe Hetherington 16. Ben Talty 17. Jaiyden Hunt

Reserves: 18. Tyson Smoothy 19. Jesse Arthars 20. Cory Paix 21. Josiah Karapani 22. Va’a Semu

Analysis: Brisbane have a mixed run home, including Melbourne twice, although the round 27 return fixture against the Storm at Suncorp could see Craig Bellamy mass rest stars if they’re locked into a certain ladder position, as he’s done in the past.

Brisbane showed what they’re capable of against the Rabbitohs, but it was a side missing most of their starting line-up that literally couldn’t field an 18-man squad on the night, which saw winger Tyrone Munro play in the middle.

Proceed with caution as they now have the dreaded road trip to Melbourne.

Reece Walsh lit up with 134 points, but at $687k with a breakeven of 38 I don’t think there’s a need to buy this week.

See how he goes down south then pick him up next week for the Dolphins at Suncorp if he delivers again.

Payne Haas has been named to return from an illness, while he’s still managing ongoing injury troubles.

With a breakeven of 132 and uncertainty around fitness I think it’s worth taking a look at his return this week if possible, however if you’re in need of a FRF with Terrell May on the bye I think you can happily jump on, it’s Payne Haas!

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KNIGHTS v PANTHERS

Friday, 6pm, McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle

Knights: 1. Dane Gagai 2. Dominic Young 3. Fletcher Hunt 4. Bradman Best 5. Greg Marzhew 6. Jakob Arthur 7. Jack Cogger 8. Jacob Saifiti 9. Jayden Brailey 10. Leo Thompson 11. Jermaine McEwen 12. Kai Pearce-Paul 13. Phoenix Crossland

Bench: 14. Thomas Cant 15. Mathew Croker 16. Tyson Frizell 17. Elijah Leaumoana

Reserves: 18. Tyson Gamble 19. Jackson Hastings 20. Kyle McCarthy 21. Jack Hetherington 22. Matthew Arthur

Analysis: Newcastle have a mixed run home to come following their bye, including a tough fixture with Penrith this week.

There’s only one player you’d consider and that’s Dane Gagai who has a three round average of 96 points since moving to fullback while goal-kicking.

Even more impressively he’s done so against all top four opposition!

Across those three fixtures he averaged 8.3 tackle busts per game and 18.3 runs.

He scored one try, set up two, had three linebreaks and perhaps most impressively had six linebreak assists.

He’s still affordable at $688k, especially for those looking to move on Herbie Farnworth.

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Panthers: 1. Dylan Edwards 2. Thomas Jenkins 3. Izack Tago 4. Casey McLean 5. Brian To’o 6. Blaize Talagi 7. Nathan Cleary 8. Moses Leota 9. Mitch Kenny 10. Lindsay Smith 11. Luke Garner 12. Liam Martin 13. Isaiah Papali’i

Bench: 14. Brad Schneider 15. Liam Henry 16. Matt Eisenhuth 17. Scott Sorensen

Reserves: 18. Paul Alamoti 19. Jack Cole 20. Daine Laurie 21. Mavrik Geyer 22. Luke Sommerton

Analysis: Penrith enter a brutal stretch of clashes against the Knights, Storm, Raiders, Bulldogs and Dragons with four of the five away from CommBank Stadium.

Much like the Storm they can still be the best team in the comp on their day, so don’t let the draw entirely scare you off.

It does however make me far more wary of chasing any attack reliant PODs such as Brian To’o or Casey McLean.

McLean in particular has impressed with a three round average of 89 points, but it was against the Rabbitohs, Tigers and Titans so it doesn’t get much better than that.

Isaah Yeo has reportedly been cleared of serious injured but will be rested from this clash.

Dylan Edwards has a five round average of 106 points to sit at $884k.

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RAIDERS v SEA EAGLES

Friday, 8pm, GIO Stadium, Canberra

Raiders: 1. Kaeo Weekes 2. Jed Stuart 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. Zac Hosking 13. Corey Horsburgh

Bench: 14. Owen Pattie 15. Simi Sasagi 16. Morgan Smithies 17. Ata Mariota

Reserves: 18. Noah Martin 19. Danny Levi 20. Manaia Waitere 21. Trey Mooney 22. Ethan Sanders

Analysis: The Raiders have the bye next week which makes them tough to target despite the nice match-up with Manly.

Hudson Young has a three round average of just 63 points with the attack drying up of late, he’s now at a more affordable $652k with a breakeven of 96.

He looms as a nice post bye pick-up hopefully at a further discount.

If you need a front-rower this week but can’t afford Payne Haas, I don’t mind the cheaper Joe Tapine alternative.

He’s very affordable at $553k with a season average of 70 points.

His minutes have clearly been managed by Ricky Stuart of late, but I’d expect those to rise over the final month as they build into finals.

Matt Timoko is sizzling with back-to-back tonnes to sit at $666k with a breakeven of -19.

Plenty are interested, by I don’t love the play.

Firstly, he has a tough match-up with Tolutau Koula who is a great defender, it’s a shame he isn’t on the other side.

Secondly, he has six scores of sub 50 this season and 12 of 60 or below.

It’s not to say that’s poor, but the recent weeks have been substantial outliers.

His 34 base per game plus power is attractive, he just doesn’t appeal to me too much despite the great form.

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Sea Eagles: 1. Tom Trbojevic 2. Jason Saab 3. Tolutau Koula 4. Tommy Talau 5. Reuben Garrick 6. Luke Brooks 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Matthew Lodge 9. Jazz Tevaga 10. Siosiua Taukeiaho 11. Corey Waddell 12. Michael Chee Kam 13. Jake Trbojevic

Bench: 14. Jake Simpkin 15. Aaron Schoupp 16. Ethan Bullemor 17. Toafofoa Sipley

Reserves: 18. Caleb Navale 19. Clayton Faulalo 20. Simione Laiafi 21. Joey Walsh 22. Gordon Chan Kum Tong

Analysis: Off a pair of poor performances into a tough road trip to Canberra, I have no interest in Manly this week.

They finish the season with games against the Tigers, Dolphins, Dragons and Warriors with two games at Brookie, so I think they’ll appeal more from next week.

Tom Trbojevic does return to fullback, though, which is mouthwatering, with Lehi Hopoate out injured.

He’s looking back to health and is a decent price at $657k with a breakeven of 91.

I don’t need to highlight the obvious injury risk, but we know the upside as Manly push for a finals spot.

Personally, I think you just wait to see how he goes in Canberra, if he lights up and looks like the Turbo of old the play could be on next week.

He does tend to absolutely scorch the Raiders though with his past three scores of 121, 92 and 165…

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DRAGONS v SHARKS

Saturday, 3pm, Jubilee Stadium, Sydney

Dragons: 1. Clinton Gutherson 2. Tyrell Sloan 3. Moses Suli 4. Mathew Feagai 5. Corey Allan 6. Lyhkan King-Togia 7. Kyle Flanagan 8. Emre Guler 9. Damien Cook 10. David Klemmer 11. Luciano Leilua 12. Michael Molo 13. Jack de Belin

Bench: 14. Jacob Liddle 15. Hamish Stewart 16. Hame Sele 17. Blake Lawrie

Reserves: 18. Hayden Buchanan 19. Ben Murdoch-Masila 20. Lachlan Ilias 21. Jacob Halangahu 22. Loko Jnr Pasifiki Tonga

Analysis: Pass.

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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. Toby Rudolf 16. Thomas Hazelton 17. Braden Hamlin-Uele

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

Analysis: The Sharks have two nice match-ups incoming against the Dragons and Titans, both in Sydney.

For head-to-head focused players they loom as two of the better match-ups to target.

It’s followed with a bye, into the Knights and Bulldogs.

Nicho Hynes looks a must for those clashes for any non-owners and will be a popular captaincy option.

For those on the lookout for a cheaper CTW option, Ronaldo Mulitalo has found form with back-to-back 90s, including 30+ in base in his past four games.

I like him as a head-to-head play for the next fortnight at $526k with a breakeven of -11, but I’m not as interested as an overall player with the bye into a few tougher match-ups.

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DOLPHINS v ROOSTERS

Saturday, 5:30pm, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane

Dolphins: 1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Max Feagai 4. Tevita Naufahu 5. Jake Averillo 6. Kodi Nikorima 7. Isaiya Katoa 8. Francis Molo 9. Jeremy Marshall-King 10. Mark Nicholls 11. Connelly Lemuelu 12. Oryn Keeley 13. Kurt Donoghoe

Bench: 14. Ray Stone 15. Aublix Tawha 16. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki 17. Josh Kerr

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

Analysis: Herbie Farnworth is out for four to six weeks with a hamstring injury and is a sell.

The silver lining to the injury is that everyone already owned (except me), and he’s worth a whopping $840k so you’ll have a stack of money to play with while banking additional cash for any further trades.

For those who banked trades, it’s actually a decent result, for those without trades to play with it’s disastrous.

Farnworth is replaced by potential bottom-dollar cheapie Tevita Naufahu, who is an option to free up cash while having an active body if required to play.

Jeremy Marshall-King exploded in New Zealand with 106 points, but he played just 63 minutes, which takes interest away for me.

He played 60 minutes the week prior for just 27 points.

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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. Siua Wong 13. Victor Radley

Bench: 14. Benaiah Ioelu 15. Egan Butcher 16. Salesi Foketi 17. Spencer Leniu

Reserves: 18. Ethan King 19. Blake Steep 20. Sandon Smith 21. Makahesi Makatoa 22. Zach Dockar-Clay

Analysis: Sam Walker looms as a super POD halfback option for the run home at $644k.

Since returning from a lengthy injury lay-off he’s averaging a superb 72 points per game, which included a sin-bin in his first game back against the Dragons.

Walker’s return has had a substantial impact on a number of Supercoach relevant players.

James Tedesco has hit the skids with a three round average of just 48 and is now priced at just $625k.

While he has tough games against the Bulldogs and Storm, he could also explode against the Dolphins, Eels and Rabbitohs.

With the current injury toll to Supercoaches you just need to stick strong, the scores will come despite the negative impact of Walker.

No Herbie Farnworth on the left is good news for Mark Nawaqanitawase on the right who looks a more viable play in 17s this week after a lean spell.

Since Walker returned a month ago, Marky Mark hasn’t scored a try, assisted a try, or made a linebreak.

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BULLDOGS v WARRIORS

Saturday, 7:35pm, Accor Stadium, Sydney

Bulldogs: 1. Jacob Kiraz 2. Jethro Rinakama 3. Bronson Xerri 4. Stephen Crichton 5. Enari Tuala 6. Matt Burton 7. Lachlan Galvin 8. Max King 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Samuel Hughes 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Jacob Preston 13. Jaeman Salmon

Bench: 14. Kurt Mann 15. Harry Hayes 16. Josh Curran 17. Bailey Hayward

Reserves: 19. Mitchell Woods 20. Blake Wilson 21. Daniel Suluka-Fifita 22. Kurtis Morrin 23. Toby Sexton

Analysis: Jacob Kiraz is an obvious replacement for Farnworth for any non-owners.

He shifted to fullback last week, but attacked at centre in the opposition 20m zone.

Stephen Crichton played centre, but attacked at fullback in the opposition 20m zone.

Crichton scored 65 points in the wet with two try-assists from his ballplaying.

If the Bulldogs had a softer run home I’d be very interested in him as a goal-kicking POD, but games against the Warriors, Roosters, Storm, Panthers and Sharks couldn’t be less appealing.

Viliame Kikau has been a rollercoaster over the last month, and not a very fun one.

Lachlan Galvin has been named but is in doubt due to injury.

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Warriors: 1. Taine Tuaupiki 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 3. Adam Pompey 4. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 5. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 6. Chanel Harris-Tavita 7. Tanah Boyd 8. Marata Niukore 9. Samuel Healey 10. Jackson Ford 11. Leka Halasima 12. Kurt Capewell 13. Erin Clark

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

Reserves: 18. Freddy Lussick 21. Edward Kosi 22. Kayliss Fatialofa 23. James Fisher-Harris 25. Bunty Afoa

Analysis: I wouldn’t look to jump on any Warriors this week with a tough match-up against a hurting Bulldogs outfit away.

However from next week they have arguably the best run home with games against the Dragons, Titans, Eels and Sea Eagles.

Erin Clark is an exception with the Warriors growing injury toll.

He’s dual 2RF-FRF with a 70 point average at the reasonable price of $609k.

With forwards dropping like flies it continues to guarantee the lock big minutes.

His lowest score all season was a 47 in round 1 in Las Vegas, his only score under 50 this season!

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TITANS v RABBITOHS

Sunday, 2pm, Cbus Super Stadium, Gold Coast

Titans: 1. AJ Brimson 2. Jaylan De Groot 3. Brian Kelly 4. Jojo Fifita 5. Alofiana Khan-Pereira 6. Kieran Foran 7. Jayden Campbell 8. Moeaki Fotuaika 9. Sam Verrills 10. Jaimin Jolliffe 11. Chris Randall 12. Beau Fermor 13. Klese Haas

Bench: 14. Jacob Alick-Wiencke 15. Reagan Campbell-Gillard 16. Iszac Fa’asumaleaui 17. Josh Patston

Reserves: 18. Arama Hau 19. Tom Weaver 20. Tukimihia Simpkins 21. Tony Francis 22. Ryan Foran

Analysis: This looms as an outstanding match-up for the Titans who have found some form over the past fortnight, albeit I still have no faith in them to perform on any given week.

They have three of their final five games on the Gold Coast, and only leave Queensland once which is next week in Cronulla.

With some quality match-ups Jayden Campbell remains a terrific pick-up at 5/8 after tonning up against Penrith.

AJ Brimson is popular this week with a mouth-watering match up against the Bunnies.

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Maxy Bryden shared that Souths have given up more tons (27) than any other side this year, with opposing fullbacks averaging 108 points against them in the last 6 games.

On top of that, Brimmo is averaging 63 for the season but has averaged an impressive 71.2 points in his nine games back at fullback.

Five of those nine were against top eight sides.

He’s available for $624k as a dual 5/8-CTW.

With trades getting lower, I have no faith in his body holding up unfortunately, but the form is good and he’s a genuine weapon.

Phillip Sami is out due to a concussion.

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Rabbitohs: 1. Jye Gray 2. Alex Johnston 3. Isaiah Tass 4. Tallis Duncan 5. Bayleigh Bentley-Hape 6. Ashton Ward 7. Jamie Humphreys 8. Jai Arrow 9. Siliva Havili 10. Sean Keppie 11. Euan Aitken 12. Jacob Host 13. Lachlan Hubner

Bench: 14. Peter Mamouzelos 15. Liam Le Blanc 16. Brandon Smith 17. Thomas Fletcher

Reserves: 18. Tyrone Munro 19. Talanoa Penitani 20. Salesi Ataata 21. Shaquai Mitchell 22. Latrell Mitchell

Analysis: Pass, although Latrell Mitchell has been named on the extended bench.

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EELS v COWBOYS

Sunday, 4:05pm, CommBank Stadium, Sydney

Eels: 1. Joash Papali’i 2. Zac Lomax 3. Viliami Penisini 4. Jordan Samrani 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Dean Hawkins 7. Mitchell Moses 8. J’maine Hopgood 9. Ryley Smith 10. Junior Paulo 11. Charlie Guymer 12. Jack Williams 13. Dylan Walker

Bench: 14. Tallyn Da Silva 15. Luca Moretti 16. Matt Doorey 17. Kelma Tuilagi

Reserves: 18. Ronald Volkman 19. Dan Keir 20. Haze Dunster 21. Toni Mataele 22. Dylan Brown

Analysis: Parramatta are through a savage month of match-ups with the draw now easing against the Cowboys and Rabbitohs.

Zac Lomax becomes a must for these clashes, where he’s a sneaky captaincy option.

They’re playing excellent footy, but I’m not overly enticed by any players.

Head-to-head focused players could take a flyer on any number of options in the next two weeks though.

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Cowboys: 1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Zac Laybutt 3. Jaxon Purdue 4. Viliami Vailea 5. Braidon Burns 6. Jake Clifford 7. Tom Dearden 8. Harrison Edwards 9. Reece Robson 10. Jason Taumalolo 11. John Bateman 12. Jeremiah Nanai 13. Reuben Cotter

Bench: 14. Marly Bitungane 15. Thomas Mikaele 16. Kai O’Donnell 17. Coen Hess

Reserves: 18. Jaxson Paulo 19. Semi Valemei 20. Nicholas Lenaz 21. Jamal Shibasaki 22. Kaiden Lahrs

Analysis: The Cowboys’ form is hard to get excited about, but the month ahead against the Eels, Knights, Tigers and Broncos is reasonable.

They also finish the season with a round 27 bye.

I wouldn’t be looking to buy any Cowboys players, however, I’m happy to hold the inconsistent Scott Drinkwater for the final month.

Between the rain, poor Cowboys performance, head clash and sin-bin it was a case of everything that could go wrong did go wrong for Tom Dearden.

Despite all of that, he still managed 40 points which is okay considering.