NRL Round 3 team lists: Full squads + NRL Supercoach analysis

We’ve arrived at arguably the most important trade week of the NRL Supercoach season, with first price changes incoming.

We’ve had a glimpse of every team in the competition, every player, every role, and we now have breakevens to guide our trades.

It’s essentially a free opportunity to trade out any underperforming players before they plummet in price, and pick up any players set for substantial price bumps.

It’s one of the more engaging openings to a Supercoach season, with NRL points flowing, and in turn, NRL Supercoach points flowing.

With so many mid-rangers and cheapies flying early, it brings into question the debate of chasing points v cash generation.

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This is a discussion we normally have come Round 7 or 8, but with cash generation seemingly easier than ever, do we really need to grab every cheapie?

The answer is probably yes, pick them up early, maximise squad value, then cash in on all the guns as soon as possible.

The dilemma will be trading proven guns that have been okay without hitting their early-season value.

There is a case to suggest that cash will roll in, and holding the guns long-term could have early success.

A reminder, price changes and breakevens are based on a player’s three-round scoring average.

Their first score (round 1) will only impact one price change, while their second score (Round 2) will influence two price changes.

In short, a player with a big score in round 2 is far more preferred than one with a big score in Round 1.

On the flip side, a poor score in round 1 will drop out of that average after this week and is less concerning.

Let’s take a look at NRL Supercoach Round 3, with squad lists courtesy of Fox Sports.

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RAIDERS v BULLDOGS

Thursday, 8pm, GIO Stadium, Canberra

Raiders: 1. Kaeo Weekes 2. Savelio Tamale 3. Simi Sasagi 4. Sebastian Kris 5. Xavier Savage 6. Ethan Strange 7. Ethan Sanders 8. Josh Papali’i 9. Tom Starling 10. Joseph Tapine 11. Hudson Young 12. Noah Martin 13. Corey Horsburgh

Bench: 14. Jayden Brailey 15. Zac Hosking 16. Ata Mariota 17. Morgan Smithies 18. Daine Laurie 19. Matthew Timoko

Reserves: 20. Owen Pattie 21. Joseph Roddy 22. Jed Stuart

Analysis: A lot can happen in a week of Supercoach, and that was evidenced by the ongoing Ethan Sanders v Daniel Atkinson debate.

Sanders couldn’t back up his round 1 heroics, scoring just 39 points, which included a try-assist and line assist.

He sits at $246k with a breakeven of -55, owners will very much be hoping for a decent score against the gritty Bulldogs defensive unit.

Atkinson scored a stronger 59 points to lock in future price rises ahead of a softer draw for the Dragons.

I think it’s pretty simple. If you own either, just sit pretty and watch the cash flow in.

With so many cheapies popping off, I’d be reluctant to buy the one you don’t own.

Noah Martin again starts, with Simi Sasagi retained at centre and Matt Timoko on the bench.

At $250k with a breakeven of -103, he’s a must buy if you don’t already own.

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

Bench: 14. Kurt Mann 15. Sitili Tupouniua 16. Harry Hayes 17. Josh Curran 19. Sean O’Sullivan 20. Jake Turpin

Reserves: 21. Jonathan Sua 22. Lipoi Hopoi 23. Fletcher Baker

Analysis: As per the above point on price changes, the Bulldogs will see no movement until round 4 due to last week’s bye.

For that reason, along with a tricky away trip against Canberra, there’s no need to buy any Bulldogs players this week.

If Jacob Kiraz can back up his 99 in Vegas, he’ll be a near must in the coming weeks.

Lachy Galvin had an absurd 91 receipts (touches of the ball) in Vegas, near double the average of most halves.

While a touch doesn’t equate to points, it gives you every chance to accumulate!

He’s a big watch this week alongside the likes of Viliame Kikau and Jacob Preston.

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ROOSTERS v PANTHERS

Friday, 6pm, Allianz Stadium, Sydney

Roosters: 1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Fetalaiga Pauga 4. Robert Toia 5. Mark Nawaqanitawase 6. Daly Cherry-Evans 7. Sam Walker 8. Naufahu Whyte 9. Reece Robson 10. Lindsay Collins 11. Angus Crichton 12. Siua Wong 13. Egan Butcher

Bench: 14. Connor Watson 15. Blake Steep 16. Nat Butcher 17. Salesi Foketi 18. Cody Ramsey 19. Benaiah Ioelu

Reserves: 20. Toby Rodwell 21. Tom Rodwell 22. Taylor Losalu

Analysis: The Roosters put a poor round 1 showing behind them with a tough win over the Rabbitohs last weekend.

While they have numerous Supercoach-relevant players, I have little to no interest in investing in them this week against Penrith, who have conceded one try this season against last year’s Premiers and the prelim finalists.

No Roosters have shone from a Supercoach perspective just yet, while a round 5 bye makes them even less appealing for the time being.

They will become significantly more relevant from round 6 onwards with the bye out of the way, particularly if they can continue to show some improved form.

There is interest on the sell front, though.

Reece Robson returns, putting an end to Beniah Ioelu’s cheapie run.

Angus Crichton just doesn’t look like the 2024 version of himself that averaged 78 points per game, which was significantly higher in 80-minute games.

He hasn’t been awful, but the most alarming number for me is just two tackle breaks in two games, which is well below what he’s capable of.

He’s also had just 10.5 runs per game in the first two rounds, which is underwhelming.

If he can bounce back to form, he could be a purchase later in the season, but we’ll need to see some vast improvement to do so. Sell.

Sam Walker has also been underwhelming with a 52.5 average across the first two rounds, despite looking fairly sharp.

Impressively, he’s done so without a try, try-assist or linebreak to his name, and just one line break assist.

With Penrith incoming, then the looming bye, you could easily make the case to sell, but with so many cheapies to scoop up elsewhere, I’m tempted to hold.

As an Atkinson owner, he can easily accommodate Walker in that round 5 bye with the Dragons facing the Cowboys in Sydney.

Fortunate timing…

For Sanders owners, they face Newcastle away that week, which is also manageable.

Still no Billy Smith after his fall off an E-bike.

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

Bench: 14. Freddy Lussick 15. Billy Phillips 16. Scott Sorensen 17. Luke Garner 18. Izack Tago 19. Kalani Going

Reserves: 20. Tom Ale 21. Jack Cole 22. Jesse McLean

Analysis: Penrith are such a rare breed, extremely rare, in that they’ve been near flawless yet don’t necessarily have standout Supercoach buys.

I suppose their incredible consistency and stable line-up means that every player is expensive with little starting value to be had.

Nathan Cleary bounced back from an underwhelming opener, scoring 109 points against the Sharks in Bathurst.

Am I filthy that he scored the easiest try, linebreak and conversion of all time for 30+ points because the Sharks were waiting for the whistle to blow?

Absolutely.

Will I put it behind me and stop whinging anytime soon? Unlikely.

Nath is Nath; he’s the best in the business and can be bought whenever it suits your team.

With a breakeven of 86, his price shouldn’t fluctuate too much on either side.

Non-owners will be praying the Roosters can keep him to sub 100 this week, with other priorities looming.

Isaah Yeo’s output has been absolutely fine, excellent even.

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His minutes have not.

He’s scoring essentially to his value, but he’s played just 72 and 64 minutes in the first two rounds, with Ivan Cleary seemingly happy to give him spells.

The 72 minutes would have been even fewer had Jack Cogger not left the field with a head knock that saw Yeo return.

He’s not a priority sell by any means, but he certainly doesn’t look like the keeper owners had hoped for as a result of the minute reduction.

If you have other issues to resolve, he’s an easy hold this week.

If your side is cruising along nicely, you can sell this week.

Isaiah Papali’i is averaging 68 points across his first two games, starting on the edge, playing the full 80 in Bathurst.

One linebreak is his only major attacking stat registered so far.

He could be an elite buy, but with Liam Martin returning and Scott Sorensen a regular edge starter for Penrith in recent years, I’d be nervous investing.

If he retains a 70+ minute edge role once Martin is fit and firing, I’ll reassess.

The fact he keep the spot over Sorensen looks very promising though.

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STORM v BRONCOS

Friday, 8pm, AAMI Park, Melbourne

Storm: 1. Sualauvi Faalogo 2. William Warbrick 3. Jack Howarth 4. Moses Leo 5. Nick Meaney 6. Cameron Munster 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Stefano Utoikamanu 9. Harry Grant 10. Josh King 11. Joe Chan 12. Ativalu Lisati 13. Tui Kamikamica

Bench: 14. Tyran Wishart 15. Trent Loiero 16. Davvy Moale 17. Cooper Clarke 18. Alec MacDonald 19. Siulagi Tuimalatu-Brown

Reserves: 20. Jack Hetherington 21. Preston Conn 22. Trent Toelau

Analysis: I won’t waste many words on Sua Fa’alogo following his 155-point masterclass against the Dragons, most of which came in a 15-minute block to end the game.

He’s bargain-priced at just $511k with a -110 breakeven and is simply a must-have.

There will be sub-50 scores with Sua at stages, but when he’s belting out 150+ in round 2, you’ll be able to forgive them.

Back-to-back tonnes for Harry Grant make him a near must at $606k with a -11 breakeven.

Some will argue he won’t continue to score tries and set them up every week, perhaps, but have you ever watched Harry Grant? Freak.

He’s also a major beneficiary of the six-again frenzy we’re seeing; he’s having a field day with the lightning-quick ruck speed.

While his average likely regresses to 75-80 across the season, just buy him and set-and-forget for the season.

If he replicates it this week, you’ll be forced to pay another $100k for him next week.

As a non-Moses Leo owner, my heart was broken by his 30+ point play on the final siren last week, taking his score from the low teens to 48.

Without that, I’d have happily avoid at least for this week, but he now sits at $235k with a breakeven of -69.

While he could notch a few 20-point scores, he could just as easily belt out a ton in this rampant Storm team. 

Oh, and the Storm play the Cowboys next week. Buy.

Edge back-rower Shawn Blore was injured in the opening minute of his return through NSW Cup last week, but has been cleared of anything major and could line up in reserve grade again this week.

This is huge news for Ativalu Lisati ($269k, -80 breakeven) and Joe Chan ($309k, -40 breakeven) owners.

Both are set for big price rises, while job security remains a concern.

Trent Loiero returns from suspension at off the bench, while Blore will be back in the coming weeks.

What it does mean, though, is that they’ll get at least a couple of price rises each; owners can reassess from there.

Stefano Utoikamanu ($515k, breakeven 16) has delivered on the pre-season hype, averaging 73 points per game.

He’s done so solely in base and power stats, across the first two rounds, he’s averaging: 21 tackles, 7.5 tackle breaks and 18.5 runs in 55 minutes per game.

He’s on fire, and if he were to start offloading more regularly, it’d make him a near must.

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Broncos: 1. Reece Walsh 2. Josiah Karapani 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Deine Mariner 5. Grant Anderson 6. Ezra Mam 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Corey Jensen 9. Cory Paix 10. Payne Haas 11. Xavier Willison 12. Jordan Riki 13. Patrick Carrigan

Bench: 14. Ben Hunt 15. Ben Talty 16. Aublix Tawha 17. Gehamat Shibasaki 18. Brendan Piakura 19. Jaiyden Hunt

Reserves: 20. Blake Mozer 21. Jesse Arthars 22. Thomas Duffy

Analysis: The Broncos have started awfully and face the Storm away this week, not good…

Outside of Reece Walsh, Payne Haas and Pat Carrigan, you can probably just sell any players you own.

Walsh redeemed himself with 99 points last week and is a firm hold.

Ignore the 130 breakeven and tough match-up to come.

He’ll likely drop cash this week, then the 34 points against Penrith will drop out of his rolling average.

After this clash, he faces the Dolphins, Titans, Cowboys and Tigers, where he’ll essentially be a must-own regardless of what his breakeven says.

Gehamat Shibasaki (dropped) and Jack Gosiewski (head knock) are out of the starting team, with Grant Anderson and Xavier Willison coming into the starting side.

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KNIGHTS v WARRIORS

Saturday, 3pm, McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle

Knights: 1. Fletcher Hunt 2. Dominic Young 3. Dane Gagai 4. Bradman Best 5. Greg Marzhew 6. Fletcher Sharpe 7. Sandon Smith 8. Jacob Saifiti 9. Phoenix Crossland 10. Trey Mooney 11. Dylan Lucas 12. Jermaine McEwen 13. Tyson Frizell

Bench: 14. Thomas Cant 15. Mathew Croker 16. Pasami Saulo 17. Francis Manuleleua 18. Tyson Gamble 19. Harrison Graham

Reserves: 20. Elijah Leaumoana 21. Cody Hopwood 22. James Schiller

Analysis: The Knights have defied critics to start the season – including myself – with back-to-back wins.

While they’re looking good, proceed with caution on the investment front, as they’ve beaten two extremely underwhelming teams, while the losses of Kalyn Ponga and Dylan Brown will have a substantial impact.

Ponga was on track for a monster score in Manly, sitting on 54 points (and robbed of a linebreak), before succumbing to injury just 28 minutes in. 

A tough pill to swallow for owners, but unfortunately, this is becoming a regular occurrence for KP, who had an injury-interrupted pre-season.

Fletcher Sharpe returns from injury at five-eighth and will be a huge watch, but don’t go early with no price change to come against an unbeaten Warriors outfit.

We also need to see how he looks with the injury concern.

Trey Mooney is a decent buy at $442k with a breakeven of -19.

I don’t think he’s a must, but there are a few factors, which give him a huge tick.

The dual FRF-2RF is a huge boost for me, though it’s simply the willingness to offload.

His minutes and workload are okay, playing 50 minutes each game.

However, the eight offloads in two games, including five against Manly, are just money in Supercoach.

While he’s a good pick up, I do suspect he’ll peak at around $600k and be a sell in four to six weeks, barring any increase in minutes, which would border him on gun status.

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Warriors: 1. Taine Tuaupiki 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 3. Ali Leiataua 4. Adam Pompey 5. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 6. Luke Hanson 7. Tanah Boyd 8. James Fisher-Harris 9. Wayde Egan 10. Jackson Ford 11. Leka Halasima 12. Jacob Laban 13. Erin Clark

Bench: 14. Samuel Healey 15. Demitric Vaimauga 16. Tanner Stowers-Smith 17. Marata Niukore 18. Morgan Gannon 20. Alofiana Khan-Pereira

Reserves: 21. Eddie Ieremia-Toeava 22. Jett Cleary 23. Mitchell Barnett

Analysis: The Warriors are unbeaten to begin their campaign, with both wins against top-eight sides from last season.

Tanah Boyd is a shock buy option after a blistering start to the season, averaging 111 points to sit with a -41 breakeven this week.

He looms as a genuine short-term cash grab, however, with so many other quality buys on the market, are there better options?

He’s been great to start the season, but can he keep it up?

If you’re buying him, it’s likely as a two or three-week play before moving to a gun halfback option.

In eight games last season, he averaged 59 points per game; these all came in the backend of the year, with scores beginning to blow out.

If your team is humming along with a few fires to put out, you could make the play, but I feel there are better options.

A score of 70 would see him rise approximately $90k, with his monster 131 from round 1 dropping out after this week.

Essentially, if he scores sub 50 this week his price rises are done.

Leka Halasima played the full 80 last week after Kurt Capewell was injured in warm-up.

He scored 105 points with an excellent 53 points in base and two tries.

He’s starting this week, but with Marata Niukore returning on the bench, will he keep the big minutes?

If Halasima locks in an 80-minute role, he’d be an absolute must.

However, Andrew Webster has been reluctant to give him maximum minutes in the past.

With a breakeven of 14, I’m happy to cop the price rise this week and reassess the situation in a week.

Shout out to Jackson Ford, who is averaging 85 points per game to begin the year!

Mitch Barnett has been named on the extended bench in his bid to return from injury,

Chanel Harris-Tavita and Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad are out with head knocks.

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SHARKS v DOLPHINS

Saturday, 5:30pm, Shark Park, Sydney

Sharks: 1. William Kennedy 2. Sione Katoa 3. Jesse Ramien 4. KL Iro 5. Samuel Stonestreet 6. Braydon Trindall 7. Nicho Hynes 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Thomas Hazelton 11. Briton Nikora 12. Billy Burns 13. Jesse Colquhoun

Bench: 14. Siosifa Talakai 15. Toby Rudolf 16. Oregon Kaufusi 17. Braden Hamlin-Uele 18. Hohepa Puru 19. Chris Veaila

Reserves: 20. Jayden Berrell 21. Mawene Hiroti 22. Teig Wilton

Analysis: Cronulla were handed a reality check by Penrith, which stunted any major cash growth to the likes of Braydon Trindall (22) and Nicho Hynes (41) after their round 1 masterclass against the Titans.

I wouldn’t panic if you owned any Sharkies, Penrith just look a class or three above rivals to begin the 2026 season.

Jesse Colquhoun produced a strong 69 points in an increased 53-minute role.

He made 43 tackles, 16 runs and even added an offload! Much better output than the week prior.

KL Iro has failed to find any attack early, sitting at $705k with a breakeven of 123.

When you talk cash generation v points, he’s a headline act.

He gets the dream match-up against the defensively fragile Jake Averillo this week, price drops are highly likely.

If you can hold, hold; however, he looks like a decent downgrade option to any missed CTW cheapies.

He looms as a sell for the Cooma Stallions, before inevitably buying back once he bottoms out in price.

Don’t love it.

Teig Wilton has been named in reserves as he nears a return from injury.

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Dolphins: 1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Jake Averillo 4. Herbie Farnworth 5. Selwyn Cobbo 6. Kodi Nikorima 7. Isaiya Katoa 8. Tom Gilbert 9. Max Plath 10. Thomas Flegler 11. Connelly Lemuelu 12. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki 13. Morgan Knowles

Bench: 14. Brad Schneider 15. Oryn Keeley 16. Felise Kaufusi 17. Ray Stone 18. Trai Fuller 19. Sebastian Su’a

Reserves: 20. Lewis Symonds 21. Tevita Naufahu 22. Brian Pouniu

Analysis: The Dolphins are a little hard to invest in on current form, they’ve been ordinary at best.

Herbie Farnworth has had very few attacking stats and is still averaging 76.5 points per game, with six offloads to his name against the Titans, gun.

Kulikefu Finefeuiaki is a viable cash generation option at $451k with an average of 92 points and a breakeven of -42.

A 67-point score would see him net around $90k this week.

We know the big fella can attack, but his base has been absurd with 65 on the weekend and 51 in round 1.

Against the Titans, he made 34 tackles and had 19 runs, outstanding numbers!

The question, though, is whether he can keep it up?

With forwards still to return, the minutes will be under threat, worst-case scenario, though he’s a short-term cash grab with some minor keeper potential.

Thomas Flegler was injured and didn’t return to the field against the Titans, scoring just 24 points and stunting any cash generation potential.

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RABBITOHS v TIGERS

Saturday, 7:35pm, Polytec Stadium, Gosford

Rabbitohs: 1. Jye Gray 2. Alex Johnston 3. Latrell Mitchell 4. Jack Wighton 5. Campbell Graham 6. Cody Walker 7. Jamie Humphreys 8. Tevita Tatola 9. Bronson Garlick 10. Keaon Koloamatangi 11. David Fifita 12. Tallis Duncan 13. Cameron Murray

Bench: 14. Peter Mamouzelos 15. Euan Aitken 16. Sean Keppie 17. Jayden Sullivan 18. Lachlan Hubner 19. Moala Graham-Taufa

Reserves: 20. Thomas Fletcher 21. Latrell Siegwalt 22. Liam Le Blanc

Analysis: While their Supercoach contingent were brought back to earth after the round 1 points fest, the Rabbitohs still have a huge number of Supercoach-relevant options.

Do note, though, that not too many have super low breakevens, and they have the bye next week, so it’s likely worth waiting until round 5 to invest.

Latrell Mitchell is a potential exception with a 98.5 average to begin his campaign at centre, sitting with a breakeven of 0.

Averaging just 9 runs and 8 tackles per game, he’s incredibly attack-reliant.

Fortunately, he’s the best attacking centre in the competition, so they’ll come.

If your team is well set up, you can grab him this week with a nice match-up against the Tigers, look to grab him round 5.

Despite a down performance of 34 points, I’d still look to buy Cody Walker this week if I didn’t own him at just $399k with a breakeven of -12.

While you could wait until after the bye if you have more pressing trades, a score of 50 would net him around $50k.

Jamie Humphreys returns from suspension at halfback, Tallis Duncan starts in the back-row with Euan Aitken shifting to the bench.

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Tigers: 1. Jahream Bula 2. Sunia Turuva 3. Jeral Skelton 4. Heamasi Makasini 5. Luke Laulilii 6. Jarome Luai 7. Adam Doueihi 8. Terrell May 9. Apisai Koroisau 10. Fonua Pole 11. Samuela Fainu 12. Kai Pearce-Paul 13. Alex Twal

Bench: 14. Jock Madden 15. Sione Fainu 16. Royce Hunt 17. Alex Seyfarth 18. Tristan Hope 19. Patrick Herbert

Reserves: 20. Bunty Afoa 21. Faaletino Tavana 22. Tony Sukkar

Analysis: The Tigers came out of the blocks absolutely flying with a demolition job of the Cowboys.

Having played just one game, they won’t see any price changes this week, though.

Let’s watch closely this week against a stronger outfit in the Rabbitohs, then look to pounce in round 4 if they impress again.

Adam Doueihi (115), Kai Pearce-Paul (98), Terrell May (78, 53 minutes) and Heamasi Makasini (48) are all close watches.

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EELS v DRAGONS

Sunday, 4:05pm, CommBank Stadium, Sydney

Eels: 1. Isaiah Iongi 2. Bailey Simonsson 3. Jordan Samrani 4. Sean Russell 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Jonah Pezet 7. Mitchell Moses 8. J’maine Hopgood 9. Ryley Smith 10. Junior Paulo 11. Kelma Tuilagi 12. Kitione Kautoga 13. Jack Williams

Bench: 14. Dylan Walker 15. Sam Tuivaiti 16. Matt Doorey 17. Tallyn Da Silva 18. Jack de Belin 19. Joash Papali’i

Reserves: 20. Charlie Guymer 21. Brian Kelly 22. Luca Moretti

Analysis: Parramatta put their round 1 demons behind them with an excellent bounce-back performance against the Broncos.

Despite the improved outing, I’d be reluctant to invest in any players this week, even with a friendlier match-up against the Dragons.

They face the Panthers next week, which is brutal.

I feel we can reassess from round 5 onwards when the draw eases up against the Tigers and Titans.

Isaiah Iongi is averaging 83 points per game.

If Parramatta can continue to improve and compete on a weekly basis, he’s lingering on genuine gun fullback status.

Mitchell Moses scored 65 against the Broncos and now sits with a breakeven of 66.

It’s a tricky one for owners; if there’s a significantly better option that you don’t own, you could shift him easily enough.

He won’t change in price too significantly either way, so you can also wait a week and reassess the next round prior to Penrith.

J’maine Hopgood returns from suspension at prop, with Jack Williams at lock; there’s a big watch on his minutes after his sin-bin in round 1.

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Dragons: 1. Clinton Gutherson 2. Christian Tuipulotu 3. Moses Suli 4. Valentine Holmes 5. Setu Tu 6. Kyle Flanagan 7. Daniel Atkinson 8. Emre Guler 9. Damien Cook 10. Toby Couchman 11. Luciano Leilua 12. Jaydn Su’A 13. Hamish Stewart

Bench: 14. Jacob Liddle 15. Josh Kerr 16. Blake Lawrie 17. Ryan Couchman 18. Hame Sele 19. Mathew Feagai

Reserves: 20. Lyhkan King-Togia 21. Loko Jnr Pasifiki Tonga 22. Tyrell Sloan

Analysis: The Dragons have passed their brutal opening against the Bulldogs and Storm, and barring the final 20 minutes against Melbourne, they more than held their own.

The draw now softens, with games against the Eels, Titans, Cowboys and Sea Eagles to come.

I’ve chatted about Daniel Atkinson in the Raiders analysis (Sanders comparison), so check that out if you’ve skipped ahead.

At $235k with a breakeven of -17, and his opening round 32 to drop out next week, I think he’s a decent buy this week but is by no means a must-have.

Setu Tu regressed last week with just 27 points, with the softer draw to come I think he becomes a fairly viable play in 18s each week if required.

Ryan Couchman’s minutes have me a little perplexed.

He’s been coming on midway through the first half and playing through until the end of the game.

At $235k with a breakeven of -65, he’s averaging 70 points per game with a crazy 61 base per game.

He has no major attacking stats to his name, while he also has eight tackle busts so far and two offloads.

With injuries and extra time likely inflating his game time in the opening rounds, I genuinely wouldn’t be surprised to see him drop back to say 45 minutes and restrict major cash growth.

However, if he keeps banging out 55+ minutes, you simply can’t afford to miss out.

While I have my reservations, I think you just play it safe and lock him in. Machine!

Val Holmes scored a brace against the Storm for 94 points. He’ll be a must at some stage, but with a breakeven of 83, there’s more pressing trades to make this week.

Pre-season hype man Moses Suli was impressive with 75 points against Melbourne.

Jacob Liddle returns from injury on the bench.

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COWBOYS v TITANS

Sunday, 6:15pm, QCB Stadium, Townsville

Cowboys: 1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Braidon Burns 3. Jaxon Purdue 4. Tomas Chester 5. Murray Taulagi 6. Jake Clifford 7. Tom Dearden 8. Coen Hess 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Jason Taumalolo 11. Heilum Luki 12. Sam McIntyre 13. Reuben Cotter

Bench: 14. Soni Luke 15. Kai O’Donnell 16. Griffin Neame 17. Harrison Edwards 18. Zac Laybutt 19. Liam Sutton

Reserves: 20. Kaiden Lahrs 21. Matthew Lodge 22. Ethan King

Analysis: On current form, you couldn’t invest in any Cowboys players not named Heilum Luki.

Luki is $404k with a breakeven of -25, having played 80 minutes in both games so far.

He’s not a must, but he remains a great pick-up.

Scott Drinkwater bounced back after his Vegas shocker, setting up two tries with line assists against the Tigers.

Despite this, he scored just 58 points.

He’s managing a painful rib cartilage injury, which is worth noting.

However, he’s had base stats of just 15 per game to begin the year.

Sell!

Zac Laybutt returns from suspension on the bench, which is huge news for cheapie Tom Chester, provided it stays this way!

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Titans: 1. Keano Kini 2. Sialetili Faeamani 3. Jojo Fifita 4. Max Feagai 5. Phillip Sami 6. AJ Brimson 7. Lachlan Ilias 8. Moeaki Fotuaika 9. Sam Verrills 10. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui 11. Arama Hau 12. Beau Fermor 13. Chris Randall

Bench: 14. Kurtis Morrin 15. Tukimihia Simpkins 16. Klese Haas 17. Cooper Bai 18. Oliver Pascoe 19. Jayden Campbell

Reserves: 20. Jaylan De Groot 21. Jett Liu 22. Josh Patston

Analysis: The Titans put in a vastly improved performance from their round 1 bludger in Cronulla, despite this, you’d still be reluctant to touch any players.

Jayden Campbell returns from injury on the bench for now, which is going to significantly increase the attacking output of the entire side, including cheapies Arama Hau and Sialetili Faeamani, who have both started well despite the losses.

At $201k with a breakeven of -35, and Campbell back (when starting), you can still grab Faeamani, who was inches from a try and line break against the Dolphins (curse you Herbie…).

Hau is also set to make good cash at $235k with a -38 breakeven; he’s a potential buy if you have a clear sell to him; job security is a major concern, though.

Keano Kini should only benefit with Campbell back, despite the underwhelming start to the season, he’s still produced better than his value.

This Cowboys match-up is perfect, if he struggles again, we can flip him to Tommy Turbo next week.