KFC SuperCoach NRL 2021: Most popular player list reveals some significant mistakes
We analyse 50 most popular players in KFC SuperCoach NRL — a list showing that many of us are making some very silly selections.
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KFC SuperCoaches should be reaching for the “reverse trade” button if the initial list of most popular players is anything to go by.
The list is stacked with traps, with the game’s single match record holder chronically underowned and a number of the top-20 unlikely to start in Round One.
Cody Walker has exceeded 1,300 points over each of the past five seasons. He has averaged 65+ in three of those five years and – just in case you missed it – he scored an incredible 203 points in a single game in round 20.
SCROLL DOWN TO SEE THE FULL TOP-50 LIST WITH ROB’S BUY/SELL VERDICT
Now you could look at that monster score in two ways. The optimists would suggest that any player capable of racking up such a massive score must have value. The pessimists would suggest that said monster score ‘artificially’ inflates Walker’s 2020 season average and 2021 starting price.
Clearly the pessimists are winning as Walker is currently the 87th most popular player with just 6.4% ownership while Cameron Munster – who is arguably more prolific (boasting better PPG averages) but certainly less durable than Walker – is 80 places higher with 38.4% ownership.
Now to those that are unlikely to play in the opening rounds. Later in the game there is certainly an argument for carrying a dual-position ‘nuff’ (a player with little to no chance of selection) as it gives you flexibility and an option to use the vice-captaincy loophole. Early in the season though, the proliferation of low scoring players makes the loophole – and thus the value of carrying a non-scoring and non-money-making player – otiose.
• Roosters pair Sam Walker (ninth most popular) and Joseph Suaalii (11th) clearly have talent. Walker has been compared to a young Kalyn Ponga, while Suaalii finally settled on the Roosters after a bidding war involving multiple codes and multiple NRL clubs. However, latest predictions are that Walker will miss a round one spot to Lachlan Lam and Suaalii isn’t even eligible to play NRL until he turns 18 in August (although the Roosters are currently seeking an exemption).
• Ben Trbojevic (16th most popular) has KFC SuperCoaches excited given he’s the brother of Test stars Tom and Jake. However, while he’s in the top 30 squad and theoretically a chance to play NRL in 2021, he is a fair way down the pecking order and little chance of round one.
• Ryan James (17th most popular) is a KFC SuperCoach star of the past (he averaged 73 in 2016), but is expected to miss the round one side in a stacked Canberra pack following successive ACL injuries.
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FIFTY MOST POPULAR PLAYERS IN KFC SUPERCOACH NRL RATED
1 CHARLIE STAINES, PANTHERS, FLB/CTW, $297,700
Scored a crazy six tries in his first 107 minutes of NRL. That’s a try every 18 minutes. He can’t keep up that strike rate, but he has been handed a very handy discount for only playing two games. MORE HERE
Verdict: Buy – hard to say no to a starting winger in the competition’s most exciting offence.
2 NATHAN CLEARY, PANTHERS, HFB, $734,300
Averaged 15 points per game more than the next best halfback last year. Don’t over-think it. Just lock him in.
Verdict: Buy – Not having Cleary sees you give away too many points at the position. Just pay up now and save the trade later.
3 TINO FA’ASUAMALEAUI, TITANS, FRF/2RF, $504,900
Now an Origin star and top signing at the Titans, Big Tino will get as many minutes as he can handle – surely more than the 46MPG he averaged at the Storm last season. MORE HERE
Verdict: Buy though I’m not as strong in my buy call as I was when the game opened. I do see some value here, though in 2020 in those games that he did not score a try Tino only once managed to reach the 57PPG at which he has been priced which suggests he could drop in price if the tries do not come early.
4 FANITESI NIU, BRONCOS, CTW/FLB, $232,500
Young gun set to start the season at right centre for the Broncos in place of the injured Kotoni Staggs (ACL). Underpriced after playing half his games off the bench last year. MORE HERE
Verdict: Buy – You can’t ignore a starting centre at this price.
5 JASON TAUMALOLO, COWBOYS, 2RF, $641,700
Taumalolo hasn’t averaged under 70PPG in the four years and has been as safe as they come. MORE HERE. However, word from Townsville is that ‘Lolo’ will play reduced minutes in 2021 seeking (if humanly possible) higher impact, and the man himself has also intimated that he intends to become more of a distributor.
Verdict: Pass – Less minutes AND less hit-ups due to more passing equals big SC worries and that has me looking elsewhere as my 2RF leader.
6 STEFANO UTOIKAMANU, TIGERS, FRF, $186,800
Frozen out by the Eels last year after signing a big-money deal elsewhere, averaging just eight minutes a game. As one of the most hyped prop prospects in a while, surely the game time improves at the Tigers. MORE HERE
Verdict: Buy – Bench forwards don’t score big points but he doesn’t need too many to make money. Solid cheapie.
7 CAMERON MUNSTER, STORM, 5/8, $620,100
Already a KFC SuperCoach superstar and may even kick goals now Cameron Smith is retired-ish.
Verdict: Buy – Averaged 70PPG in 2020 and will dominate Melbourne’s attack this year and would not shock to see him average 75+ in 2021.
8 SHAWN BLORE, TIGERS, 2RF, $210,500
Expected to start on the edge for the Tigers, which would lead to a massive increase on his 26 minutes from last year. MORE HERE
Verdict: Buy – If he is starting then he is a must at the price, if on the bench he still has some appeal, though the lustre diminishes.
9 SAM WALKER, ROOSTERS, HFB, $173,700
The 18-year-old has been compared to a young Kalyn Ponga on talent and is the son of Ben Walker, nephew of Shane Walker. That’s a fair resume and bloodline, but recent mail suggests he won’t start the year at the Roosters, despite being considered the long-term replacement for Kyle Flanagan at halfback. MORE HERE
Verdict: Pass – I can see the argument to carrying Walker on the basis that he will start at some stage, but you could be left waiting for quite some time and if you can find an alternate option to back up Cleary I recommend you do.
10 TOM TRBOJEVIC, SEA EAGLES, FLB, $593,500
Injury-ruined season sees Tommy Turbo start at his cheapest price ever. MORE HERE
Verdict: Buy – The injury history is an obvious concern, but Turbo’s ability sees the opportunity outweigh the risk in my opinion.
11 JOSEPH SUAALII, ROOSTERS, CTW/FLB, $173,700
You’ve probably heard his name by now, but if not, this youngster has attracted more coverage than any schoolboy player in the game’s history. Handy dual status but I don’t see him debuting until later in the year. In fact, he’s currently ineligible to play NRL until he turns 18 in August, although the Roosters are seeking a dispensation. MORE HERE
Verdict: Pass – Another young Rooster unlikely to play in the opening rounds. Think he is an even worse trap to start the season than Walker. Halfback is bereft of cheapie options which gives Walker some appeal but there are other cheapie options at CTW.
12 JORDAN RIKI, BRONCOS, 2RF, $277,500
David Fifita’s edge back row spot at the Broncos is open and Riki is well in the running to take a large chunk of those minutes.
Verdict: Buy – this is a strong buy if Riki is starting and looks to be playing at least 50 minutes doing so. If only a bench option at the Broncos then I would look elsewhere.
13 BAILEY SIMONSSON, RAIDERS, CTW, $205,000
Almost base price after playing plenty of games from the bench last year, but set to start in the Canberra backline with Nick Cotric (Bulldogs) having left and Jarrod Croker (shoulder) in doubt for round one. MORE HERE
Verdict: Buy/Pass – The Raiders do need a left winger and while Simonsson is said to be a front runner he also has injury issues. Careful.
14 MATTHEW MOYLAN, SHARKS, 5/8|FLB, $253,600
Priced at an average of 29 after an injury-affected year, but has averaged 60s in the past (although that was a very long time ago). Almost locked in to start the year at five-eighth with Shaun Johnson out injured. Huge injury risk, but also huge upside.
Verdict: Buy – Moylan represents great value IF he can stay healthy. Let’s see how he is going on the brink of round one.
15 DAMIEN COOK, RABBITOHS, HOK, $621,000
The best gun hooker in KFC SuperCoach with Cameron Smith retired-ish.
Verdict: Buy – Looks to be the safest of the premium hooker options, good workrate and great attacking upside.
16 BEN TRBOJEVIC, SEA EAGLES, 2RF/CTW, $173,700
Basically no chance of round one. He’s in the top 30 squad so theoretically a chance to play NRL in 2021, but he is a fair way down the pecking order.
Verdict: Another unlikely to play early rounds. Burbo’s dual-position is handy but he’ll make no money playing in the Canterbury Cup. Pass.
17 RYAN JAMES, RAIDERS, FRF, 2RF, $236,700
Priced low after successive ACL injuries and now at the Raiders. MORE HERE
Verdict: Pass – Not sure he makes Canberra’s top-17 and so overowned for mine.
18 JACOB LIDDLE, TIGERS, HOK, $247,200
Set to finally score the starting hooker spot at the Tigers following the exit of Harry Grant and an unlucky run of injuries.
Verdict: Soft Buy – Has a horrible history when it comes to injuries and I do prefer others at or around the price, but if he can stay healthy he’ll make you money.
19 JAMES TEDESCO, ROOSTERS, FLB, $843,100
Most points of any player last year despite missing three games. Almost a POD for a player of his credentials, but the enormous price means he’ll cost you a gun elsewhere. MORE HERE
Verdict: Buy – Demands a huge amount of your salary cap but worth every penny as no other player so consistently delivers monster scores.
20 RYAN MATTERSON, EELS, 2RF, $666,000
Does his defensive work in the middle and his running at the edge thereby delivering elite workrate and attacking numbers. Concussion issues the only quibble
Verdict: Buy – His base consistency is outstanding, his offloads and tackle busts deliver attacking upside. Excellent buy for those, like me, who are going cold on Taumalolo.
21 DAINE LAURIE, TIGERS, CTW/FLB, $232,200
The former Panther shifted to the Tigers in January where he’s to be groomed as a long-term fullback option. Had one start at fullback for Penrith in 2020 scoring 71 points, 45 of which came in base stats.
Verdict: Buy – Laurie would provide huge value when playing at fullback – he just needs to beat the claims of Moses Mbye to secure the job.
22 JAMES ROBERTS, TIGERS, CTW, $277,700
Roberts gets (another) fresh chance at the Tigers after a tough year at the Rabbitohs. Even if he cannot return to his best, something in the area would be enough with ‘The Jet’ starting at almost half the price of his best ever season.
Verdict: Buy – As noted above we don’t need ‘2018 Roberts’ just somewhere close to make some money and move on to a genuine keeper at the position.
23 JOSH PAPALII, RAIDERS, FRF, $560,400
He maaaay be the best front rower in the game but Papalii is not quite that in SuperCoach. ’Papa’ scores more tries than most FRF, but does less work and throws less offloads than the true SC elite.
Verdict: Pass – don’t confuse NRL standings, which Papalii sits atop with SC standings. The big Raider just produces too many sub-60PPG games to be among the best.
24 HARRY GRANT, STORM, HOK, $633,100
Now at the Storm after a loan year at Tigers, Grant will look to build upon a sensational breakout 2020 season.
Verdict: Pass/Buy – Grant will compete for minutes with Brandon Smith which sees me prefer Cook at the price but those taking the plunge are clearly counting on his superb attacking stat production to offset the minutes lost to Hectic Cheese.
25 RYAN PAPENHUYZEN, STORM, FLB, $629,000
One of the guns at the position, ‘Paps’ doesn’t have the floor of his high-priced rival Tedesco, but when he’s on he’s on as he showed by hitting triple figures five times within a 10 game span in 2020.
Verdict: Buy – Cheaper than Teddy, less risk than Turbo, Papenhuyzen also enjoys lower ownership than either. That he is a chance to take the goalkicking duties at the Storm adds to his appeal.
26 DAVID FIFITA, TITANS, 2RF, $569,900
Fifita doesn’t produce an elite workrate but he makes up for that with outstanding attacking stats. Expect him to lead the Titans pack after being recruited from the Broncos on a mega deal.
Verdict: Buy – Not as safe as Matterson (above) or Crichton (below), Fifita is also cheaper than those two premium options. There’s be the odd game of high 40s/low 50s but there’ll be plenty of massive scores too. One for the braver SuperCoaches.
27 JASON SAAB, SEA EAGLES, CTW, $233,200
With Jorge Taufua injured, Saab is a strong chance to start on the wing for Manly with the tall winger creating a great aerial threat for the Sea Eagles.
Verdict: Pass – If some of the other cheapie CTW fail to be named for round one then Saab would come into contention but I’m put off by his low workrate.
28 CONNOR WATSON, KNIGHTS, HOK|5/8, $288,600
The Newcastle utility had no luck with injury in 2020, but in previous years has shown his value playing halves, hooker and bench. Rumoured to be pushing for a starting job at lock for 2021.
Verdict: Buy – Blessed with a very SC friendly style of play, Watson represents value at the price if named as a utility. He represents outstanding value if named to start at lock.
29 ANGUS CRICHTON, ROOSTERS, 2RF, $670,500
Very much in the Matterson mould, Crichton does his defensive work in the middle and attacking work on an edge producing an enviable combination of base and attacking stats.
Verdict: Buy – with a high floor and huge ceiling, Crichton rarely puts in a bad game and often delivers a great one.
30 JACK BIRD, DRAGONS, 2RF/CTW, $381,100
Yet another player on the comeback path with a new club after a horror run with knee injuries. The Dragons are going to ease Bird back off the bench and as a result I’m surprised to see his ownership so high.
Verdict: Pass – Awkwardly priced and bench forwards are SC ‘poison.’ Talent is there though and when/if he graduates to a starting job at 13 then snap him up and play him in your CTW.
31 ZAC LOMAX, DRAGONS, CTW/FLB, $605,000
Lomax was superb in 2020 parlaying a very nice base, great attacking strike rate and goalkicking into a breakout year. The base plus goalkicking resulted in great consistency too scoring 60+ in 60% of games.
Verdict: Pass – Despite all the above I’m still a pass here preferring to invest in backs once my cap has increased.
32 VALENTINE HOLMES, COWBOYS, CTW/FLB, $509,400
Holmes has all the ingredients to emulate, or exceed, Lomax’s 2020 season IF he can stay fit, retain the goalkicking duties and remain at fullback.
Verdict: Buy/pass – I started the off-season a strong buy on Holmes and it is softening. Reports out of NQ are that Holmes is now splitting his training between wing and FLB and that’s an obvious concern. The $100K discount on Lomax, and ability, sees him still a buy for mine but I want to hear some positive vibes from training before too long.
33 Spencer Leniu, Panthers FRF, $218,500
The Panthers let some experienced middle forwards leave in the off-season and the expectation is that Leniu will be a beneficiary of that move, hopefully lifting his MPG from the 20 he averaged in 2020 to around 30-35 MPG.
Verdict: Buy – Not expecting a starting role anytime soon, but instead Leniu should provide a slow money making prospect with decent job security at a cheap price.
34 BEN MURDOCH-MASILA, WARRIORS, FFR/2RF, $330,000
A human wrecking ball, BMM can play edge or middle and returns to the NRL after a stint in the UK. His dual-position eligibility adds to his appeal as does the unfortunate injury to Eliesa Katoa/
Verdict: Buy/Pass – Want to see a strong trial against the Titans on February 27 and for him to be named to start in round one then I’ll be all in.
35 STEPHEN CRICHTON, PANTHERS, CTW, $484,900
Crichton scored a phenomenal number of tries in 2020 but lacks the workrate of the elite CTW. Still young though, and imagine what will happen when he is able to put defences into two minds by, you know, passing to a winger in an attacking position at times.
Verdict: Pass – Just under $500K is too much to invest in a non-goalkicking CTW for round one.
36 ZAC SADDLER, SEA EAGLES, FRF/2RF, $173,700
The young Sea Eagle has loads of talent, DPP and is bottom dollar, but is unlikely to play barring a catastrophic injury run.
Verdict: Pass – All that talent doesn’t help if you aren’t playing and Saddler is behind a few in the pecking order.
37 DAVID KLEMMER, KNIGHTS FRF, $592,200
Klemmer as developed a very nice offload game to augment his already excellent workrate and is firmly in the elite class at his position.
Verdict: Pass/Buy – Not a great price as offers little upside but Klemmer won’t let you down and sometimes you have to pay for points. I’m chasing value at the position but can see why others are opting in.
38 COREY OATES, BRONCOS, 2RF/CTW, $245,500
Stop me if you have heard this before, but in 2021 Oates will be moving from a wing to second-row. While that on its surface makes Oates a more desirable SC piece, he will be competing with Riki (above) for the starting job and my money is on the Kiwi.
Verdict: Pass – If Oates wins the starting job then he certainly is a buy, but as a bench utility it’s a pass.
39 David Fusitu’a, Warriors, CTW, $251,800
The big Fus averaged near enough 50PPG in 2018, but he did that averaging a try per game as a member of a red-hot right edge. His workrate (averaging 12-13 runs per game) is good and the price is tempting.
Verdict: Buy/Pass – Tough with just one trial, but if it looks like the Warriors are once again feeding the Fus then I could get into the selection.
40 HAZE DUNSTER, EELS, CTW, $173,700
The Eels need a new centre and while Dunster appears to be behind Tom Opacic clearly 12% of SC players are hoping he nabs the job.
Verdict: Pass/Buy – An easy one this. If selected he’s in, if not find the next best cheapie who is playing.
41 MAX FEAGAI, DRAGONS, CTW, $203,100
There’s a wing spot up for grabs at the Dragons and Feagai is in the running to nab it.
Verdict: Pass/Buy – Just like Dunster above, if named pick him, if not don’t.
42 JAKE AVERILLO, BULLDOGS, 5/8|CTW, $331,200
Was expected to be the starting 5/8 in round one, but has suffered an elbow injury and now is questionable to be ready.
Verdict: Pass/Buy – I maybe would have had him as ‘Buy/Pass’ prior to the injury, Price is a little awkward and won’t be kicking goals while Flanagan is fit, but if ready for round one then you could make a case for picking Averillo at CTW.
43 APISAI KOROISAU, PANTHERS, HOK, $587,300
The forgotten man in the elite HOK conversation. Great workrate, sneaky runner. Good POD pick.
Verdict: Buy – I’m a fan of Api and wouldn’t argue against those taking him as an alternative to the far more popular Cook or Grant.
44 TEX HOY, KNIGHTS, 5/8|FLB, $240,300
Expected to deputise for Kalyn Ponga at fullback in early rounds but then faces the real risk of being dropped altogether.
Verdict: Pass – my worry is that when Ponga returns, Hoy slips right out of the 17, or at best is retained as a utility.
45 DAVID NOFOALUMA, TIGERS, CTW, $670,200
Nofa dominated his position last year (and year before that) with an enviable blend of workrate and attack. Made me look silly (no great challenge) last year as I kept forecasting his run of scores to end and they never did.
Verdict: Pass – $670K is just too much to pay for a wing to start the season, said the guy who forecast Nofa’s demise in 2020 so what do I know?
46 JAMES FISHER-HARRIS, PANTHERS, FRF/2RF, $522,200
When he plays 60+ minutes JFH produces very close to elite scores, when less minutes he’s far from it. The variation from ‘best’ to ‘rest’ puts me off.
Verdict: Pass – If you believe JFH, now very much the forward leaders, will step up his minutes then you would be a buy. If, like me, you have some worries over his scoring volatility you’ll look elsewhere.
47 JARRED ANDERSON, BULLDOGS, 2RF/CTW, $173,700
Not expected to play, outside of Maitland, so can only assume people are selecting him as a dual-position ‘nuff’ – and it’s too early in the year for that.
Verdict: Pass
48 JACK HETHERINGTON, BULLDOGS, FRF, $294,500
Should start in opening rounds due to Luke Thompson suspension. After that I expect him to revert to the bench – or be suspended.
Verdict: Pass – Four weeks as a starter is not enough to make money and then he’s a bench forward at an awkward price.
49 REIMIS SMITH, STORM, CTW, $324,600
The new Storm recruit is expected to grab the right wing slot left vacant by the departure of Suliasi Vunivalu.
Verdict: Pass – A little expensive, prefer a true cheapie.
50 SIOSIUA TAUKEIAHO, ROOSTERS, FRF, $562,500
A selection darling among the cognoscenti, TKO averaged 10MPG more in 2020 than he had in 2019 and rode that extra time all the way to a 64PPG average. A decent goalkicker there is a chance that he takes the tee when on the ground which could make him a new Corey GOD Parker.
Verdict: Buy/Pass – I don’t have Taukeiaho in my team at the moment and that makes me nervous. I do expect a bigger role from Lindsay Collins, and Radley’s return pushes Liu into the prop rotation too which is why no TKO for the Beasts just yet but … nervous.
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