Positional Watchlist: NRL Supercoach Round 25 Rising and Falling Player Stocks

A few interesting results on the weekend that could have a major bearing on round 27.

If the Storm defeat the Bulldogs on Friday night, both teams could have nothing to play for in the final round, and could opt to rest their stars.

Factor this into your plans where you can, albeit that nothing may be able to be done about it at this point in the season.

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

The top three fullback options are looking clearer following the weekend.

Edwards and Teddy just keep getting it done, whilst Walsh went to a new level with no Reynolds or Mam for the Broncs. 

Drinky also reclaimed the goalkicking to register a season high score of 151.

It’s now only the round 27 bye that’s a concern for him.

A move to Walsh could make sense before then, but whether to do so now or hold off is a tough call.

The Cowboys will start as underdogs this week against an in form Tigers side.

While the Broncos are heavy favourites against the struggling Knights, whose usually resolute defense has been declining in recent weeks.

One to ponder throughout the week….

Targets:

• James Tedesco 
• Reece Walsh 
• Dylan Edwards (Moved from form watch)

Form watch:

• Tom Trbojevic (Moved from targets)
• Trai Fuller (Added – POD option with Sea Eagles, Titans and Raiders upcoming. That Raiders side in round 27 could be depleted if they choose to rest players)

Removed: Scott Drinkwater (Round 27 bye upcoming), Ryan Papenhuyzen (Round 27 resting risk)

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

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CTW

Adam Doueihi has come from the clouds to be an elite CTW option for the final three rounds.

He has back-to-back tons and upcoming matchups against Cowboys (H), Raiders (A) and Titans (A).

The Raiders matchup isn’t ideal, but needless to say the other two are great.

It’s worth noting that Luai often plays a selfless role in the halves to get the best of his halves partner.

Doueihi could continue to benefit from this in the final three rounds. 

RTS is another option with a decent next three (Titans A, Eels H, Sea Eagles A).

His base + power remains solid around the 45 mark and he appears the best backline option at the Wahs.

Tuapiki could be a POD alternative to him if you’re prepared to take on the job security risk.

Targets: 

• Zac Lomax 
• Adam Doueihi (CTW/5-8) (Moved from job watch)
• Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (Moved from form watch)

Job watch:

• Jacob Kiraz (Moved from targets – round 27 resting risk)
• Dane Gagai 
• AJ Brimson (CTW/5-8) 
• Taine Tuapiki (CTW/FLB)

Removed: Tevita Naufahu (ship has sailed), Nick Meaney (dislike draw), Siosifa Talakai (dislike draw), Stephen Crichton (dislike draw), Reuben Garrick (injured)

Form watch:

• Izack Tago (Added – has hit some form with a 5 round average of x)
• Brian To’o (Added – still looks strong as ever despite injury niggles)
• Mark Nawaqanitawase 
• Jamayne Isaako 

Removed: Dallin Watene-Zelezniak (prefer other Warriors), Beau Fermor (dislike potential gameday swaps to Centre), Alex Johnston (round 26 bye is an issue), Blaize Talagi (prefer other Panthers), Jaxon Purdue (round 27 bye), Gehamat Shibasaki (not quite a top tier option), Bradman Best and Greg Marzhew (Knights struggling)

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5/8

Ben Hunt put together a decent game in the no. 7 on the weekend, registering 3 try assists (2 from kicks).

He had just the one run though.

At $427k with (Knights A, Cowboys A, Storm H) I still don’t hate the play.

Keep in mind he could face an understrength Storm in round 27 if they rest players. 

Targets:

• Jayden Campbell (5/8-FLB) 
• Ben Hunt
• Adam Doueihi (CTW/5-8) (Moved from job watch)

Job watch:

• AJ Brimson (CTW/5-8) 

Removed: Cameron Munster, Blaize Talagi, Jaxon Purdue, Lachlan Galvin, Tom Dearden

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Halfbacks

Sam Walker still looks a great POD option.

It seems nearly impossible to fit him in right now though.

Just keep a round 27 flex play for him open if you can, as he could go huge against the bunnies. 

Targets: 

• Nathan Cleary 
• Nicho Hynes 
• Sam Walker 

Removed: Tom Dearden 

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2RF

56 points in 53 minutes on return for big Tino.

This included a spell on the bench for a HIA.

We know he’ll rip and tear no matter what, so he looks as good a trade in as any in the forwards.

Targets: 

• Tino Fa’asuamaleaui (Added)

Form watch:

• Tallis Duncan (Form 2RF at the moment – round 26 bye is unfortunate though)
• Jacob Preston 
• Hudson Young 
• Villiame Kikau 
• Angus Crichton (4 offloads on the weekend, which is promising)

Removed: Pat Carrigan (not enough upside)

Job watch:

• Eliesa Katoa (Moved from targets – round 27 resting risk)
• Erin Clark (FRF/2RF)
• Isaiah Papali’i 
• Connor Watson (HK/2RF) 

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FRF

Back to the original big three as targets at FRF.

Clark looks like the next best option, but his minutes still can’t be trusted (he played 48 minutes on the weekend).

Targets:

• Terrell May 
• Payne Haas 
• Tino Fa’asuamaleaui (Added)

Form watch: 

Removed: Pat Carrigan (FRF/2RF), Lindsay Smith

Job watch:

• Erin Clark (FRF/2RF)

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Hooker

Coaches with Grant as a some hooker could have a conundrum at hooker come round 27 if he’s rested.

I’m not sure it’s worth a trade compared to taking an AE though, especially given getting 18 players on the park could be an issue regardless.

For those with enough trades, a move to Brailey in coming weeks could make sense if the Storm resting scenario looks likely to eventuate.

Targets: 

• Blayke Brailey (post this week’s bye)

Removed: Harry Grant (round 27 resting risk)

Form watch:

• Connor Watson (HK/2RF)
• Kurt Donoghoe (HK/2RF)