NRL Round 26 Teams: Supercoach Squad Analysis

NRL Supercoach grand final week has arrived, and so have the restings!

Good ole’ fashion carnage is set to heavily impact not only head-to-head league grand finals, but the race to overall glory.

Ivan Cleary has become the first coach to mass rest players – including the highly owned Nathan Cleary and Dylan Edwards – with the potential for more to come as the week unfolds.

Adding further drama was the loss of three of the top five most traded in players last week.

Adam Doueihi is out for the season with a facial fracture, Harry Grant is suspended for the remainder of the regular season, while Sam Walker copped a concussion that’ll see him miss this week’s clash with the Storm.

It’ll be a case of scraping together the best 18 possible to get through the final fortnight and hoping those troops can do a late season job.

The Cooma Stallions continued a good run of form to score 1,410 points to rise into 1,011^th overall.

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It was a bizarre week; almost all my squad scored outstandingly well, including a number of POD plays that delivered.

However, I missed all the big performers in Tom Trbojevic, Lehi Hopoate, and Reece Walsh, while I captained my second-lowest scorer in James Tedesco, who dished out 40 points!

An honourable mention to trade-in Taylan May, who was immense on debut for the Stals.

Weird week, but we’ll take it.

I have two trades in the bank for the final fortnight and some decent depth, so let’s continue the push for a top 1000 finish.

With most people extremely low on trades or out entirely, 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 grand final week.

Let’s take a look at NRL Supercoach Round 26, with squad lists courtesy of Fox Sports.

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BULLDOGS v PANTHERS

Thursday, 7:50pm, Accor Stadium, Sydney

Bulldogs: 1. Connor Tracey 2. Jacob Kiraz 3. Bronson Xerri 4. Stephen Crichton 5. Marcelo Montoya 6. Matt Burton 7. Lachlan Galvin 8. Max King 9. Bailey Hayward 10. Samuel Hughes 11. Josh Curran 12. Jacob Preston 13. Jaeman Salmon

Bench: 14. Kurt Mann 15. Sitili Tupouniua 16. Daniel Suluka-Fifita 17. Reed Mahoney

Reserves: 19. Enari Tuala 20. Kurtis Morrin 21. Lipoi Hopoi 22. Jake Turpin 23. Toby Sexton

Panthers: 1. Daine Laurie 2. Jesse McLean 3. Sione Fonua 4. David Fale 5. Paul Alamoti 6. Jack Cole 7. Brad Schneider 8. Luron Patea 9. Luke Sommerton 10. Austin Dias 11. Zac Lipowicz 12. Mavrik Geyer 13. Matt Eisenhuth

Bench: 14. Soni Luke 15. Preston Riki 16. Riley Price 17. Billy Phillips

Reserves: 18. Billy Scott 19. Niko Apelu 20. Asu Kepaoa 21. Riley Wake 22. Jaxen Edgar

Analysis: Penrith have mass rested in a huge blow to Supercoaches without trades or for those low on depth.

When I say mass rested, I mean everyone except Brad Schneider.

What’s grand final week without a few surprises?

This all of a sudden becomes a very favourable match-up for a desperate Bulldogs side needing a win to cement themselves a place in the top four.

The ceiling of all Bulldogs players immediately elevates with the key outs, while Jacob Kiraz becomes an outstanding captaincy option.

Those solely focused on H2H grand finals can obviously look to sell Penrith players that are rested; however, I’d ideally be looking to hold as an overall focused player.

Key Panthers will be fresh off a spell next week for the clash with the Dragons, which will be all systems go, leading into week one of finals.

I can see the likes of Cleary and Edwards going large.

Viliame Kikau and Harry Hayes are out for the Bulldogs.

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WARRIORS v EELS

Friday, 6pm, Go Media Stadium, Auckland

Warriors: 1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 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. Demitric Vaimauga 11. Kurt Capewell 12. Marata Niukore 13. Erin Clark

Bench: 14. Te Maire Martin 15. Eddie Ieremia-Toeava 16. Tanner Stowers-Smith 17. Leka Halasima

Reserves: 18. Taine Tuaupiki 20. Samuel Healey 21. Bunty Afoa 22. Kalani Going 23. Edward Kosi

Eels: 1. Isaiah Iongi 2. Zac Lomax 3. Viliami Penisini 4. Dylan Brown 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Joash Papali’i 7. Mitchell Moses 8. J’maine Hopgood 9. Ryley Smith 10. Junior Paulo 11. Kelma Tuilagi 12. Jack Williams 13. Dylan Walker

Bench: 14. Tallyn Da Silva 15. Matt Doorey 16. Charlie Guymer 17. Jordan Samrani

Reserves: 18. Sean Russell 19. Dean Hawkins 20. Dan Keir 21. Toni Mataele 22. Joey Lussick

Analysis: This is a decent match-up to target for Warriors players, but geez, the Eels are playing some impressive footy.

I’ve been hot on the Roger Tuivasa-Sheck bandwagon for a while now. He delivered with 109 against the Titans and remains a great target with a five-round average of 76 points.

In his last six games – excluding the Bulldogs clash played in a swimming pool – he’s averaged 23 runs per game and six tacklebusts.

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STORM v ROOSTERS

Friday, 8pm, AAMI Park, Melbourne

Storm: 1. Ryan Papenhuyzen 2. Kane Bradley 3. Marion Seve 4. Grant Anderson 5. Siulagi Tuimalatu-Brown 6. Cameron Munster 7. Tyran Wishart 8. Stefano Utoikamanu 9. Bronson Garlick 10. Alec MacDonald 11. Shawn Blore 12. Joe Chan 13. Trent Loiero

Bench: 14. Jonah Pezet 15. Ativalu Lisati 16. Lazarus Vaalepu 17. Nelson Asofa-Solomona

Reserves: 18. Sua Faalogo 19. Josiah Pahulu 20. Will Warbrick 21. Keagan Russell-Smith 22. Angus Hinchey

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

Bench: 14. Benaiah Ioelu 15. Egan Butcher 16. Salesi Foketi 17. Siua Wong

Reserves: 18. Ethan King 19. Blake Steep 20. Toby Rodwell 21. Tom Rodwell 22. Taylor Losalu

Analysis: I’d be looking to avoid this clash for trade targets, with plenty of spite between the two sides likely.

I expect a bounce-back performance from the Roosters after an abysmal performance against the Eels, while I suspect Storm players will be ramping up for one final game before a likely rest next week.

With Sam Walker out with a concussion, this should help the scoring of James Tedesco and Mark Nawaqanitawase, whose scoring both dropped off with their halfback on deck, outside of the Dolphins’ shellacking of course.

Nawaqanitawase comes up against the stronger left edge defence of the Storm and is a sit option for those with enough depth to make the call.

Connor Watson has a five round average of just 44 and is a sit provided he starts off the bench, where his minutes have been heavily restricted.

If he starts as named for a change, he’d be a safe enough play; the shift to five-eighth last week when Walker went off wasn’t ideal. Most won’t have that decision though.

Eliesa Katoa, Nick Meaney and Xavier Coates are key outs for the Storm.

Daniel Tupou returns on the wing for the Roosters.

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RAIDERS v TIGERS

Saturday, 3pm, GIO Stadium, Canberra

Raiders: 1. Kaeo Weekes 2. Savelio Tamale 3. Matthew Timoko 4. Sebastian Kris 5. Jed Stuart 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. Manaia Waitere 20. Danny Levi 21. Trey Mooney 22. Ethan Sanders

Tigers: 1. Jahream Bula 2. Sunia Turuva 3. Taylan May 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. Sione Fainu 13. Alex Twal

Bench: 14. Heath Mason 15. Royce Hunt 16. Charlie Murray 17. Tony Sukkar

Reserves: 18. Heamasi Makasini 19. Kit Laulilii 20. Krystian Mapapalangi 21. Tristan Hope 22. Brent Naden

Analysis: This looms as one of the more favourable match-ups to target for grand finals, albeit the Tigers are vastly improved from what we’ve come to expect.

However, they do lose Adam Doueihi for the remainder of the season, a massive blow.

There’s some chance Ricky Stuart opts to rest players next week with a top two spot locked in; however, with two late-season byes, I feel the club would be happy to play through until finals.

The greater likelihood would be early showers for the likes of Joe Tapine and Hudson Young, almost regardless of scoreline.

Ethan Strange is an absolute Supercoach rollercoaster.

I feel he’ll be an elite option in the future, especially as he becomes the dominant playmaker when Jamal Fogarty departs next year, but this year, he’s been hard to catch.

His last five scores have been: 114, 127, 31, 37, 95, and 38

He has nine scores of 40 or below and three scores of 113+.

In his last 10 games, he’s averaging 5.7 tackle busts per game, including 15 against the Rabbitohs.

If you think the Raiders light up at home, any of Kaeo Weekes, Matt Timoko and Hudson Young could be in for big days.

Taylan May is an elite Supercoach player, belting out 123 against the Cowboys.

He’s had 17 tackle busts in his past two weeks, and despite the tough match-up on paper, he does get the weaker edge of Matt Timoko and Savalio Tamale in his first game back from a lengthy injury lay-off.

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DRAGONS v SEA EAGLES

Saturday, 5:30pm, Jubilee Stadium, Sydney

Dragons: 1. Clint Gutherson 2. Christian Tuipulotu 3. Hayden Buchanan 4. Mathew Feagai 5. Tyrell Sloan 6. Lyhkan King-Togia 7. Kyle Flanagan 8. Emre Guler 9. Damien Cook 10. David Klemmer 11. Jacob Halangahu 12. Jaydn Su’A 13. Jack de Belin

Bench: 14. Jacob Liddle 15. Luciano Leilua 16. Hame Sele 17. Loko Jnr Pasifiki Tonga

Reserves: 18. Ben Murdoch-Masila 19. Corey Allan 20. Lachlan Ilias 21. Nathan Lawson 22. Blake Lawrie

Sea Eagles: 1. Tom Trbojevic 2. Jason Saab 3. Tolu Koula 4. Tommy Talau 5. Lehi Hopoate 6. Luke Brooks 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Matthew Lodge 9. Jake Simpkin 10. Siosiua Taukeiaho 11. Corey Waddell 12. Ben Trbojevic 13. Jazz Tevaga

Bench: 14. Aaron Schoupp 15. Caleb Navale 16. Ethan Bullemor 17. Toafofoa Sipley

Reserves: 18. Joey Walsh 19. Clayton Faulalo 20. Michael Chee Kam 21. Simione Laiafi 22. Gordon Chan Kum Tong

Analysis: With injuries stacking up, you couldn’t go near any Dragons players in this match-up.

On paper, it looms as a great fixture for the Sea Eagles. I do think the Dragons will put up a fight and potentially win the game though.

However, it’s very hard to ignore the electric attack of Manly last week.

Tom Trbojevic ignited with 180 points and immediately becomes a trade target for the final fortnight. I can’t knock anyone bringing him in for head-to-head grand finals.

If you do think Manly back up their form of last week, you could also pick up Lehi Hopoate at just $464k following a stellar 160 points against the depleted Dolphins.

It all depends on which Dragons outfit shows up, and my stomach tells me Shane Flanagan has instilled enough resilience in this outfit this year to bounce back from an embarrassing outing last week.

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COWBOYS v BRONCOS

Saturday, 7:35pm, QCB Stadium, Townsville

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

Bench: 14. Zac Laybutt 15. Karl Lawton 16. Harrison Edwards 17. Thomas Mikaele

Reserves: 18. Kai O’Donnell 19. Marly Bitungane 20. Nicholas Lenaz 21. Jaxson Paulo 22. Kaiden Lahrs

Broncos: 1. Reece Walsh 2. Josiah Karapani 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Gehamat Shibasaki 5. Deine Mariner 6. Billy Walters 7. Ben Hunt 8. Corey Jensen 9. Cory Paix 10. Payne Haas 11. Jaiyden Hunt 12. Jordan Riki 13. Patrick Carrigan

Bench: 14. Tyson Smoothy 15. Kobe Hetherington 16. Ben Talty 17. Brendan Piakura

Reserves: 18. Jesse Arthars 19. Fletcher Baker 20. Delouise Hoeter 21. Jock Madden 22. Adam Reynolds

Analysis: In what looks to be beautiful conditions in Townsville for the Queensland derby, this looks like an outstanding match-up to target.

Reece Walsh is in breathtaking form with three scores of 134+ in his past four games.

Not only does he get a leaky Cowboys defensive unit this week, but he’s a strong chance to get a Storm outfit that has mass restings next week for their Suncorp clash.

I flagged the form of Kotoni Staggs leading into finals last week; he’s produced two tonnes and a 94 in his past four games.

He’s a super POD that could have a field day against the Cowboys.

Josiah Karapani finally delivered after a run of down performances, he scored 84 points against the Knights and looks a great play again this week.

Scott Drinkwater went bonkers in a late 10-minute period that saw him ton up from out of nowhere at Leichhardt Oval.

The Cowboys are on the bye next week.

Adam Reynolds has been named on the extended bench.

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SHARKS v KNIGHTS

Sunday, 2pm, Sharks Stadium, Sydney

Sharks: 1. William Kennedy 2. Sione Katoa 3. Mawene Hiroti 4. KL Iro 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo 6. Braydon Trindall 7. Nicho Hynes 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Toby Rudolf 11. Billy Burns 12. Teig Wilton 13. Jesse Colquhoun

Bench: 14. Hohepa Puru 15. Siosifa Talakai 16. Thomas Hazelton 17. Braden Hamlin-Uele

Reserves: 18. Daniel Atkinson 19. Tuku Hau Tapuha 20. Jayden Berrell 21. Samuel Stonestreet 22. Niwhai Puru

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

Bench: 14. Jayden Brailey 15. Mathew Croker 16. Thomas Cant 17. Elijah Leaumoana

Reserves: 18. Greg Marzhew 19. Jack Hetherington 20. Matthew Arthur 21. Connor Votano 22. Lachlan Crouch

Analysis: This looms as an excellent match-up to target for Sharks players.

Nicho Hynes looms as the obvious captaincy choice for the round, fresh off a 145 point demolition of the Titans prior to the bye.

If you’re after a cheap CTW, Mawene Hiroti is just $436k with a 73-point average in non-injury impacted games with base and power stats to match the best in Supercoach.

He does get the tougher edge of Bradman Best, but it’s not without its lapses.

There are better picks at higher prices, but he’s one at a cheaper rate for anyone without cash to splash.

As tends to be the case with the Sharks in favourable match-ups, it’s a bit of a dartboard job.

The likes of Ronaldo Mulitalo, Siona Katoa and the return KL Iro could all go large in this.

I do feel the Sharks will target the edge of Schiller and Hunt, which favours the Sharks left of Iro and Mulitalo.

Blayke Brailey looks like the obvious Harry Grant replacement.

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DOLPHINS v TITANS

Sunday, 4:05pm, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane

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

Bench: 14. Aublix Tawha 15. Ray Stone 16. Mark Nicholls 17. Josh Kerr

Reserves: 18. Kenny Bromwich 19. LJ Nonu 20. James Walsh 21. Peter Hola 22. John Fineanganofo

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. Keano Kini 15. Klese Haas 16. Iszac Fa’asumaleaui 17. Josh Patston

Reserves: 18. Tukimihia Simpkins 19. Sean Mullany 20. Cooper Bai 21. Carter Gordon 22. Tony Francis

Analysis: While they are as unpredictable as each other at the moment, this is another fixture to target that could produce another 88 points like we saw at Brookvale Oval.

After a disappointing stretch, I can see the Dolphins getting up for one last clash.

Jeremy Marshall-King is in sublime form, belting a ton against Manly. He looks like a decent alternative to Brailey in replacing Grant.

If you’re in need of a Hail Mary to rescue your head-to-head grand final, I can see Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow having a field day on a fast track at Suncorp.

I’m backing him in for a hat-trick and a 100+ score, although it could just as easily be Trai Fuller doing the damage at fullback.

Jamayne Isaako owners can play with confidence despite a poor run of form.

Jayden Campbell hasn’t had a major attacking stat in two weeks, I’m talking a try, try-assist, linebreak, linebreak assist, try-contribution or even an offload!

Despite this he’s averaged 55 points the past two weeks, ridiculous! He’s another Hail Mary captaincy play late in the round.