NRL SuperCoach: 20 winners and losers from Super Saturday
There were two stunning upsets on Saturday during an electrifying evening of rugby league. Catch up on the best and worst SuperCoach scores and news from Saturday’s games.
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SUPERCOACH WINNERS
1. Raymond Faitala-Mariner (107 pts) – The powerful backrower had one of his best games of the season and had a SuperCoach score to match it. Faitala-Mariner was the only player to crack triple digits in difficult conditions in Penrith.
2. Jesse Marschke (93 pts) – A huge showing from the 26-year-old backup half from Bundaberg. Marschke finished with two try assists, a linebreak, a linebreak assist and three tackle breaks as he led his side to victory.
3. Paul Alamoti (88 pts) – The Panthers left centre scored the match’s opening try and looked strong with ball in hand. He was also given kicking duties with Dylan Edwards and Jarome Luai out which could help his scores in Origin-affected weeks.
4. Toby Couchman (79 pts) – Big contribution from the workhorse forward. Couchman scored a try but already had a healthy points tally with his base statistics in just 39 minutes on the field.
5. James Fisher-Harris (80 pts) – Penrith’s power forward stood tall with his Origin teammates away. Fisher-Harris played a huge 72 minutes making 20 carries and a team-leading 50 tackles.
6. Joseph Tapine (106 pts) – The Raiders prop topscored against the Dolphins in a huge 64 minutes. Tapine led his team in runs (22) and tackles (50).
7. Ata Mariota (85 pts) – Mariota scored a simple first-half try and was a handy origin replacement for Hudson young on the left edge. Worth a look in during the next two months for sure.
8. Danny Levi (69 pts) – The crafty hooker looked like he was close to coming off early in the game but played through the pain and had a big involvement for the visitors. Came off in the second half to give Tom Starling a turn at dummy half.
9. Jeremy Marshall-King (82 pts) – Many brought the Dolphins hooker in for the Origin period and they were rewarded with a very active performance. Marshall-King was deadly with the ball and was his side’s second-highest scorer.
10. Kaeo Weekes (81 pts) – The young halfback continued his red-hot form and shapes as a perfect Origin downgrade in the halves. Scored a sensational try in the second half.
SUPERCOACH LOSERS
1. Brad Schneider (9 pts) – Only single digits from Penrith’s backup half and anyone who looked to Schneider as their half for the Origin period will be regretting it.
2. Ryan Couchman (16 pts) – The twin of Toby played 17 minutes but didn’t make anywhere near as many contributions in attack or defence.
3. Sunia Turuva (23 pts) – A quiet night for Turuva who never looked close to scoring a try. The diminutive winger made decent metres bringing the ball out of his own half but didn’t feature in the Panthers’ toothless defence.
4. Max Faegai (26 pts) – Below-average score for the Faegai twin that did not score a try. With poor job security, there won’t be many SuperCoaches eyeing a trade for Max.
5. Mavrik Geyer (16 pts) – Only 23 minutes for the interchange forward even with Penrith’s Origin absences. If he isn’t being given big minutes during these weeks there isn’t much to excite Geyer’s owners.
6. Jesse Bromwich (11 pts) – Scored 11 early points before succumbing to what appeared to be a pectoral injury after only four minutes. The Dolphins captain did not return.
7. Anthony Milford (21) – Looked happy to run the ball for the Dolphins but that probably cost him the chance for linebreak and try assists. Passed the eye-test with his play but barely featured when it comes to SuperCoach.
8. Simi Sasagi (18 pts) – Quiet night for the Raiders forward, finishing well below his projected score.
9. Trai Fuller (31 pts) – Many brought Fuller back in this week hoping for a big game from the small fullback but he couldn’t find a way to make an impact on Saturday night.
10. Nick Cotric (28 pts) – Cotric had some great moments but also disappeared for patches and it was those periods of the game that are reflected in his SuperCoach score. The potential is there, it’s just not clicking for the big winger.
FULL TIME – Raiders 26-25
That game was an absolute belter, it’s a shame both teams don’t get rewarded for such an entertaining 90 minutes.
Both teams had a chance to win it in extra time but it was Jordan Rapana who won it in dramatic circumstances. Despite the Dolphins’ complaints, they won’t change the result here.
I’m sure that finish will be put under the microscope this week but it’s official – the Raiders are back in the top eight.
Raiders prop Joseph Tapine became the second player of the night to reach a century of SuperCoach points late in the game.
79th minute – 25-25
Jordan Rapana has levelled the scores once more with a clutch field goal to keep Canberra in the contest.
The game looks destined for golden point extra time but there’s still time for a twist.
73rd minute – Dolphins 25-24
Dolphins winger Jamayne Isaako was cool, calm and collected as he slotted a field goal to put his team a point ahead.
The game is far from over but that’s the first time the Dolphins have led since the 13 minute.
If the Dolphins can hold on then they will take the win despite only leading for 10 minutes total.
70th minute – 24-24
The theme of this game has been teams unable to consolidate a lead.
The back-and-forth affair continued with the Dolphins’ fourth try of the game – scored in the right corner by Kurt Donoghoe.
A David Backham-like sideline conversion curved through the posts to lock the score at 24-24.
55th minute – Raiders 24-18
The Dolphins thought they were about to be awarded a penalty try or at least see Xavier Savage sin-binned for a professional foul, but the Raiders escaped from that and marched 100m to score a try of their own.
Canberra halfback Kaeo Weekes sliced through the defence on the right edge, shrugging off a handful of mistakes to put his team back in front.
45th minute – 18-18
That was one of the more unusual tries you will ever see but at the end of the day it doesn’t matter how you score them.
Jake Averillo pounces on a loose ball to level the scores early in the second half.
HALFTIME – Raiders 18-12
Another upset could be on the cards here. The Dolphins have been disappointing defending their line and to Canberra’s credit the green machine have made the hosts pay.
Raiders hooker Danny Levi overcame what looked to be an early injury to post a more than respectable SuperCoach score at the break.
Jesse Bromwich is out for the rest of the game while Anthony Milford and Kurt Donoghoe have been placed on report.
35th minute – Raiders 18-12
Way too simple for Canberra as another forward crashes over form close range.
Elliott Whitehead copied what Ata Mariota did about 20 minutes earlier, spinning out of a tackle and falling over the chalk.
The Dolphins won’t win many games with defence like that.
25th minute – 12-12
The Dolphins are the latest to score in a seesawing contest.
Jack Bostock put his impressive athleticism on display with a classic NRL finish in the corner. It was a great offload from Herbie Farnworth that created the space for Bostock to swan-dive over.
Jamayne Isaako’s conversion attempt from the sideline swing around and sails through the posts.
Injured Dolphins forward Jesse Bromwich will not return to the game tonight.
18th minute – Raiders 12-6
Canberra score back to back tries to turn this game on its head.
Ata Mariota crashed into the goal-line defence and spun to the ground to claim his second career try.
Jordan Rapana’s return also heralds the return of reliable goalkicking with the veteran fullback making no mistake from close range.
13th minute – 6-6
Xavier Savage has leapt above the clouds to claim that one.
The electric Raiders winger outjumped Dolphins fullback Trai Fuller for a spectacular try under the posts.
It didn’t take long for Canberra to hit back after giving up the first points.
10th minute – Dolphins 6-0
A beautiful 40/20 kick from Isaiya Katoa put the Dolphins on attack and they made an immediate impact through hooker jeremy Marshall-King.
It was an offload by Euan Aitken that unlocked the space for that try.
Canberra has looked sharp through the opening stages and they’re right up for the fight, but a simple lapse in concentration has them trailing by six.
KICK OFF
The Dolphins host the Raiders in what is set to be a high-energy game in Redcliffe.
Canberra coach Ricky Stuart has shifted talismanic prop Josh Papali’i to the interchange with Emre Guler starting in the middle.
The Dolphins welcome Anthony Milford into the starting side at five-eighth, dropping Kodi Nikorima out of the team, while Kurt Donoghoe comes onto the interchange for Felise Kaufusi.
FULL TIME – Dragons 22-10
Penrith coach Ivan Cleary will be spewing after that second-half performance.
After taking a 10-0 lead into the sheds the Panthers have barely fired a shot, allowing four consecutive tries to sink to a stunning shock upset.
It wasn’t just the reigning premiers imploding; St George somehow went from park footy battlers to world-beaters and looked like a team worthy of finals for the second 40 minutes.
That victory moves the Dragons up the ladder into 11th place – at least temporarily.
75th minute – Dragons 22-10
Raymond Faitala-Mariner has delivered his side an incredible win over the Panthers in Penrith. The backrower scored a powerful try to extend his team’s lead to 12 points with almost no time for a comeback.
I’m not sure anyone saw this result coming, even considering how many stars were missing with Origin duty.
70th minute – Dragons 16-10
That could be enough for St George.
A great pass from Luciano Leilua put Matt Feagai across in the left corner and with only 10 minutes to go that might be enough to see them take home the two points.
It has been a complete turnaround in fortunes for both sides after halftime.
Kyle Flanagan’s conversion comes off the upright and with only a six-point lead there’s still time for another twist in this contest.
60th minute – Dragons 12-10
The Dragons are holding onto their narrow lead as the rain continues to pour down.
The final quarter of the game shapes as an ugly watch for fans but both teams would be desperate to finish the contest on top.
Dragons forward Toby Coachman leads SuperCoach scoring after his impressive try.
48th minute – Dragons 12-10
Just like that the visitors have the lead. Isn’t it funny what a bit of attitude can do?
The Dragons are obviously pumped after a halftime chat with their coach and Penrith are in shock.
This time Tyrell Sloan grabs hold of a grubber to score.
The Panthers have to stop the bleeding, and quickly. Hooker Mitch Kenny has come off the field to undergo an HIA.
45th minute – Panthers 10-6
Have these teams swapped jerseys?
The Dragons look like a completely different team and Toby Couchman spun out of a tackle to score underneath the posts.
Kyle Flanagan converts. Game on.
HALFTIME – Panthers 10-0
A late try put Penrith in the driver’s seat at the break. That certainly wasn’t pretty from the Panthers but they’re currently doing enough to deal with a hapless St George outfit.
The Dragons are defending their hearts out but look like they have no plan for what to do when they get the ball.
Difficult conditions don’t help, and the fact the margin is only 10 points means they are well and truly still in the fight.
Paul Alamoti leads scoring after a great try but there have been no clear SuperCoach standouts yet.
35th minute – Panthers 10-0
That was inexcusable from the Dragons. Tyrell Sloan left a ball to bounce and Jess McLean took a beautiful catch, diving across to ground the ball with a spectacular finish.
St George should be heading into the sheds only down by four but a rookie mistake has cost them dearly.
More concerning for Red V fans is the toothless and directionless attack and fifth tackle options.
Alamoti made no mistake this time with his sideline conversion.
25th minute – Panthers 4-0
Penrith have finally broken the impressive Dragons defence after a goal-line dropout.
Paul Alamoti marched to the line, carrying two defenders with him and displaying great leg drive.
St George need to keep their head high after a fantastic defensive effort for 26 minutes.
A wobbly attempt at goal from Alamoti hit the upright and bounced back into the field of play.
20th minute – 0-0
The Panthers have been their own worst enemies with handling errors in the difficult conditions but things are starting to click for the premiers.
They came very close to scoring there but have thrown away their captain’s challenge with a dubious attempt.
The Dragons need to take a close look at their kicking game because it’s simply been ineffective so far.
10th minute – 0-0
The rain is falling down in the shadows of the Blue Mountains but it hasn’t dampened a fast start in the first game of SuperCoach Saturday.
The Dragons have been expansive with the ball but Penrith look happy to engage in the arm wrestle and wear their opponents down.
A Kyle Flanagan error fielding a grubber gave the Panthers the first full set in attack but the hosts couldn’t capitalise on their opportunity.
KICK OFF
Both teams enter the game unchanged 1-17, but they’re certainly not full strength.
The Dragons face a tough prospect without their main man Ben Hunt. Since Hunt joined St George in 2018, they have won just three of 17 games played without him. (18% win rate compared to 43% with him).
On the other side of the coin is Penrith, who have also been ravaged by Origin selection. One cannot underestimate the impact fullback Dylan Edwards has on the three-time premiers.
Penrith has lost its past four games with Edwards missing, two of those also had Jarome Luai and Nathan Cleary unavailable.
Hello and welcome to our rolling coverage of today’s Super Saturday NRL action.
Will the absence of Origin stars give the Dragons a fighting chance against the Panthers?
Can the Raiders bounce back from a humbling defeat to the Roosters and sure up their spot in the eight in the late match against the Dolphins?
All will be revealed today.
For SuperCoaches the key players to watch include:
Jamayne Isaako: Goalkicking provides the Dolphins winger with a solid floor (he has not scored below 40 all season) and his nose for a try means triple figures are always a chance (three so far this season).
Trai Fuller: Returns at fullback in place of Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow (Origin) in a huge boost for the near 10 per cent who own him. Averages mid 70s but is available for $429,200.
Ethan Strange: Still in over 30% of teams, this is the round many have held on to Strange for. With a 3RA of 53.7PPG and a BE of 30, a solid game will reward those that held him through the round 10 bye.
Morgan Smithies: After a strong start to the season Smithies has declined dramatically failing with five sub-50 point scores in a row. Starting to lose money and should be sold after the bye.
Max Plath: The Dolphins lock has a great workrate and provided he plays 50+ minutes he scores 50+ points.
Joe Tapine: The big Kiwi is renowned for finishing the season stronger than he starts. Played 60 minutes last week (for 75 points).
Liam Henry: The Panthers are missing a heap of cattle and have named Henry, a young prop, on an edge and another prop, Lindsay Smith, at lock. Henry scored 74 points last week (with a try) and has a BE of -8. Those who still own him will be hoping he can adapt to the new role.
Kaeo Weekes: Has been a revelation since stepping into the halves for the Raiders and is rocking a 3RA of 66.3PPG.
Jeremy Marshall-King: Popular pick for those looking to sell Origin hookers Harry Grant and Reece Robson, JMK was kept quiet by the Warriors in round 12 but before that had a 5RA of 68.4PPG.
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Originally published as NRL SuperCoach: 20 winners and losers from Super Saturday
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