NRL Round 22 Teams: Every team change and KFC SuperCoach trade analysis

It’s a question we’d never ask a few weeks ago but is it time to part ways with Nicho Hynes despite the fact he is 12 points per game better than the next best player in SuperCoach?

Teams are in for round 22 and SuperCoaches are red-hot on Nathan Cleary and Latrell Mitchell for good reason.

We also have a huge decision to make on Nicho Hynes, who is 12.4 points per game clear of the next best player this season but also has a tough run home at the imploding Sharks.

CHECK OUT FULL TEAMS ANALYSIS BELOW PLUS SCROLL DOWN TO RE-LIVE OUR LIVE SUPERCOACH BLOG

WINNERS FROM TEAMS

* Latrell Mitchell FLB $813,600 - Yes he’s coming back from injury and yes the Rabbitohs don’t play round 26 (bye). But as Mitchell showed between rounds 6-11 when he scored 611 points at 101.5PPG, no fullback can dominate like he can. The draw (Tigers, Sharks, Dragons, Knights, Bye, Roosters) is good and the Rabbitohs need to win and win big to secure a spot in the finals. It could be a bloodbath this week against the Tigers.

* Jacob Preston 2RF $549,100 - Returns on the edge for the Bulldogs after missing the loss to Penrith with the flu. One of the season’s best cheapies, Preston is still an important 19th or 20th man for many, even with the bye next week.

Latrell Mitchell is back from a calf injury this week. Picture: Getty

LOSERS FROM TEAMS

* Izack Tago CTW $723,100 - Tago went into last week as one of the most purchased players but was a late out due to a minor leg issue. With the Panthers playing on Sunday the call on his fitness was too late in the round for many and he remains out this week. Big blow for those who got on.

* Tyrone Munro CTW $200,800 - He’s been the most popular KFC SuperCoach cheapie for a number of weeks but Munro again misses out due to a minor injury. It’s not the worst news as he simply nuffs out, but it would have been great to play him in the 17 this week against the Tigers.

BUY

* Nathan Cleary HFB $821,000 - The great man last week came back after a lengthy injury layoff and never seemed to get out of second gear, yet still scored 81 points. With that game under his belt, Cleary should be even better this week and he is running at the Sharks’ horrendous left-edge defence. To sum up, huge points are on offer and he’s a definite captain option.

* Cameron Murray 2RF $533,300 - The Rabbitohs need to win, to do that they need Cam Murray on the field. When Murray has played 60 minutes or less in 2023 he has averaged 47.2PPG, when he has played over 60 minutes he has averaged 65PPG. Tremendous value at $533K, it’s a pity about the round 26 bye but he’s still a buy.

* Cameron Munster 5/8 $646,300 - Looked more comfortable on that dodgy leg last week and scored 97 points in a losing effort. Still a fair price at $646K. Not a slam dunk run home but he does have very good match-ups against the Dragons and Titans.

* Cody Walker 5/8 $671,500 - The absence of Latrell Mitchell has allowed opposition defences to zero in on Walker and the Broncos did a great job of that last week. Mitchell’s return should free the maestro up so expect the points to flow. Like Latrell, he’s a definite VC or C option against the Tigers.

* James Tedesco FLB $700,400 - Teddy’s back baby! The Roosters were up and about last week and Tedesco had scored 90+ by halftime. The points slowed down in the second half as the Titans rediscovered how to play football. The draw is a mixed bag but plus matchups against the likes of Manly, Dolphins and Wests Tigers are tempting.

* Campbell Graham CTW $674,200 - The Rabbitohs were absolutely pumped by Brisbane last week, Marty Taupau attempted to kick a hole in his chest and Graham still managed to score 67 points. The Tigers match-up this week is juicy, as is the $674,200 price tag and season average of 75. But the bye in round 26 hurts.

Nicho Hynes is a popular sell this week. Picture: Getty

HOLD

* Tohu Harris 2RF/FRF $589,600 - The Warriors have been able to ease Harris along of late thanks to some stellar middle work from the likes of AFB. He’s on a bye this week so it’s easy to see why people are selling to (say) Cameron Murray or Corey Horsburgh, but he’s also a great hold as third FRF or fifth 2RF.

* Nicho Hynes HFB $921,400 - Don’t let the final score line deceive you, the Sharks were horrible on the weekend and only came back into the game once Manly had lost their entire middle rotation to injury. That said, Hynes scored 86 points for a putrid team. He’s that special type of player who seems to score in almost any situation. Averaging 99.2PPG it’s hard to sell the golden god, but if it means getting Nathan Cleary while holding Shaun Johnson (see below), I can see why many are doing so - especially with a fortnight ahead of Panthers/Rabbitohs.

SELL

* Tino Fa’asuamaleaui 2RF/FRF $808,400 - Now into the second week of his three week suspension and that $808,400 is clearly burning a hole in the pocket of many. He misses the first week of H2H finsl next week but then could be a great POD from there.

AVOID

* Dan Russell 2RF/CTW $200,800 - Started last week on the edge for the Dragons and played the full 80 minutes for 43 points all in base. He therefore starts this week as the most popular cheapie and has retained his starting spot. But with Jack Bird on the bench and Ben Murdoch-Masila due back soon, this could be an auto emergency nightmare waiting to happen.

DALE FINUCANE OUT FOR SEASON

—David Riccio

The Sharks have suffered a massive injury blow with fearless leader Dale Finucane ruled out for the remainder of the season.

In a bitter blow for Cronulla, the influential co-captain has undergone surgery on a torn bicep suffered in last Sunday’s loss to Manly.

The injury requires a 12-week recovery.

Finucane bravely played on with the injury in a bid to help the Sharks claw back a 30-0 nil deficit against the Sea Eagles.

A leader of cultural standards, Finucane’s omission is a seismic hit to the Sharks who also lost talented edge backrower Teig Wilton to a season-ending knee injury a fortnight ago.

ROUND 22 TEAMS

BRONCOS v ROOSTERS

Thursday, 7:50pm, The Gabba, Brisbane

Broncos

1. Reece Walsh 2. Deine Mariner 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Herbie Farnworth 5. Selwyn Cobbo 6. Ezra Mam 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Tom Flegler 9. Billy Walters 10. Payne Haas 11. Kurt Capewell 12. Brendan Piakura 13. Patrick Carrigan

Bench: 14. Tyson Smoothy 15. Corey Jensen 16. Kobe Hetherington 17. Keenan Palasia

Interchange: 18. Xavier Willison 19. Jock Madden 20. Tristan Sailor 21. Delouise Hoeter 22. Jordan Pereira

Roosters

1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Billy Smith 4. Joseph Manu 5. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii 6. Luke Keary 7. Sandon Smith 8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves 9. Brandon Smith 10. Lindsay Collins 11. Egan Butcher 12. Nat Butcher 13. Victor Radley

Bench: 14. Jake Turpin 15. Nathan Brown 16. Terrell May 17 Fletcher Baker

Interchange: 18. Corey Allan 19. Siua Wong 20. Drew Hutchison 21. Fetalaiga Pauga 22. Dylan Napa

Dale Finucane is out for the season with a bicep injury. Picture: Getty

TIGERS v RABBITOHS

Friday, 6pm, Scully Park, Tamworth

Tigers

1. Jahream Bula 2. David Nofoaluma 3. Starford To’a 4. Junior Tupou 5. Charlie Staines 6. Daine Laurie 7. Luke Brooks 8. Stefano Utoikamanu 9. Apisai Koroisau 10. David Klemmer 11. Isaiah Papali’i 12. John Bateman 13. Fonua Pole

Bench: 14. Will Smith 15. Shawn Blore 16. Alex Twal 17. Aitasi James

Interchange: 18. Justin Matamua 19. Asu Kepaoa 20. Jake Simpkin 21. Tommy Talau 22. Tallyn Da Silva

Rabbitohs

1. Latrell Mitchell 2. Alex Johnston 3. Isaiah Tass 4. Campbell Graham 5. Taane Milne 6. Cody Walker 7. Lachlan Ilias 8. Jai Arrow 9. Damien Cook 10. Hame Sele 11. Keaon Koloamatangi 12. Jacob Host 13. Cameron Murray

Bench: 14. Davvy Moale 15. Siliva Havili 16. Jed Cartwright 17. Thomas Burgess

Interchange: 18. Blake Taaffe 19. Shaquai Mitchell 20. Tallis Duncan 21. Peter Mamouzelos 22. Dean Hawkins

STORM v EELS

Friday, 8pm, Marvel Stadium, Melbourne

Storm

1. Nick Meaney 2. William Warbrick 3. Marion Seve 4. Young Tonumaipea 5. Xavier Coates 6. Cameron Munster 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Tui Kamikamica 9. Harry Grant 10. Christian Welch 11. Trent Loiero 12. Tom Eisenhuth 13. Josh King

Bench: 14. Bronson Garlick 15. Alec MacDonald 16. Eliesa Katoa 17. Tyran Wishart

Interchange: 18. Grant Anderson 19. Chris Lewis 20. Tepai Moeroa 21. Aaron Pene 22. Jayden Nikorima

Eels

1. Clinton Gutherson 2. Waqa Blake 3. Viliami Penisini 4. Bailey Simonsson 5. Sean Russell 6. Daejarn Asi 7. Mitchell Moses 8. Ofahiki Ogden 9. Brendan Hands 10. Junior Paulo 11. Andrew Davey 12. Bryce Cartwright 13. J’maine Hopgood

Bench: 14. Luca Moretti 15. Joe Ofahengaue 16. Joey Lussick 17. Ryan Matterson

Interchange: 18. Haze Dunster 19. Makahesi Makatoa 20. Wiremu Greig 21. Ky Rodwell 22. Jack Murchie

RAIDERS v KNIGHTS

Saturday, 3pm, GIO Stadium, Canberra

Raiders

1. Sebastian Kris 2. Albert Hopoate 3. Jarrod Croker 4. Matthew Timoko 5. Jordan Rapana 6. Jack Wighton 7. Jamal Fogarty 8. Josh Papali’i 9. Zac Woolford 10. Joseph Tapine 11. Hudson Young 12. Elliott Whitehead 13. Corey Horsburgh

Bench: 14. Tom Starling 15. Emre Guler 16. Pasami Saulo 17. Ata Mariota

Interchange: 18. Nick Cotric 19. Matt Frawley 20. Trey Mooney 21. Ethan Strange 22. Utuloa Asouma

Knights

1. Kalyn Ponga 2. Dominic Young 3. Dane Gagai 4. Bradman Best 5. Greg Marzhew 6. Tyson Gamble 7. Jackson Hastings 8. Jacob Saifiti 9. Phoenix Crossland 10. Leo Thompson 11. Tyson Frizell 12. Lachlan Fitzgibbon 13. Adam Elliott

Bench: 14. Kurt Mann 15. Brodie Jones 16. Jack Hetherington 17. Mathew Croker

Interchange: 18. Dylan Lucas 19. Enari Tuala 20. Simi Sasagi 21. Lachlan Miller 22. Jack Johns

DRAGONS v SEA EAGLES

Saturday, 5:30pm, WIN Stadium, Wollongong

Dragons

1. Tyrell Sloan 2. Mathew Feagai 3. Moses Suli 4. Zac Lomax 5. Mikaele Ravalawa 6. Talatau Amone 7. Ben Hunt 8. Francis Molo 9. Jacob Liddle 10. Blake Lawrie 11. Billy Burns 12. Dan Russell 13. Jack de Belin

Bench: 14. Connor Muhleisen 15. Michael Molo 16. Toby Couchman 17. Jack Bird

Reserves: 18. Zane Musgrove 19 Sione Finau 20. Ryan Couchman 21. Max Feagai 22. Jaiyden Hunt

Sea Eagles

1. Reuben Garrick 2. Jason Saab 3. Brad Parker 4. Tolutau Koula 5. Christian Tuipulotu 6. Josh Schuster 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Toafofoa Sipley 9. Lachlan Croker 10. Matthew Lodge 11. Haumole Olakau’atu 12. Kelma Tuilagi 13. Jake Trbojevic

Bench: 14. Dean Matterson 15. Aaron Woods 16. Sean Keppie, 17. Ethan Bullemor

Reserves: 18. Kaeo Weekes 19.Ben Condon, 20. Jake Arthur 21. Ray Tuaimalo-Vaega 22. Gordon Chan Kum Tong

LISTEN TO OUR SUPERCOACH PODCAST!

PANTHERS v SHARKS

Saturday, 7:35pm, BlueBet Stadium, Penrith

Panthers

1. Dylan Edwards 2. Sunia Turuva 3. Tyrone Peachey 4. Stephen Crichton 5. Brian To’o 6. Jarome Luai 7. Nathan Cleary 8. Moses Leota 9. Mitch Kenny 10. James Fisher-Harris 11. Scott Sorensen 12. Liam Martin 13. Isaah Yeo

Bench: 14. Soni Luke 15. Lindsay Smith 16. Matt Eisenhuth 17. Zac Hosking

Reserves: 18. Jack Cogger 19. Luke Garner 20. Jaeman Salmon 21. Tom Jenkins 22. Liam Henry

Sharks

1. William Kennedy 2. Sione Katoa 3. Jesse Ramien 4. Connor Tracey 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo 6. Braydon Trindall 7. Nicho Hynes 8. Oregon Kaufusi 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Toby Rudolf 11. Briton Nikora 12. Wade Graham 13. Cameron McInnes

Bench: 14. Jack Williams 15. Siosifa Talakai 16. Thomas Hazelton 17. Royce Hunt

Reserves: 18. Matt Moylan 19. Kayal Iro 20. Braden Hamlin-Uele 21. Daniel Atkinson 22. Tuku Hau Tapuha

BULLDOGS v DOLPHINS

Sunday, 2pm, Salter Oval, Bundaberg

Bulldogs

1. Jake Averillo 2. Blake Wilson 3. Jacob Kiraz 4. Braidon Burns 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Matt Burton 7. Toby Sexton 8. Max King 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Tevita Pangai Junior 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Jacob Preston 13. Raymond Faitala-Mariner

Bench: 14. Kyle Flanagan 15. Kurtis Morrin 16. Corey Waddell 17. Samuel Hughes

Reserves: 19. Jayden Okunbor 20. Harrison Edwards 21. Ryan Sutton 22. Jeral Skelton 23. Liam Knight

Dolphins

1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Euan Aitken 4. Valynce Te Whare 5. Tesi Niu 6. Kodi Nikorima 7. Sean O’Sullivan 8. Jesse Bromwich 9. Jeremy Marshall-King 10. Mark Nicholls 11. Felise Kaufusi 12. Connelly Lemuelu 13. Kenny Bromwich

Bench: 14. Herman Ese’ese 15. Josh Kerr 16. Anthony Milford 17. Jarrod Wallace

Reserves: 18. Isaiya Katoa 19. Harrison Graham 20. Poasa Faamausili 21. Max Plath 22. Jack Bostock

TITANS v COWBOYS

Sunday, 4:05pm, Cbus Super Stadium, Gold Coast

Titans

1. AJ Brimson 2. Alofiana Khan-Pereira 3. Brian Kelly 4. Jojo Fifita 5. Phillip Sami 6. Kieran Foran 7. Tanah Boyd 8. Moeaki Fotuaika 9. Sam Verrills 10. Isaac Liu 11. David Fifita 12. Joe Stimson 13. Erin Clark

Bench: 14. Jayden Campbell 15. Chris Randall 16. Klese Haas 17. Iszac Fa’asumaleaui

Interchange: 18. Aaron Schoupp 19. Jacob Alick 20. Ken Maumalo 21. Kruise Leeming 22. Thomas Mikaele

Cowboys

1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Semi Valemei 3. Valentine Holmes 4. Peta Hiku 5. Murray Taulagi 6. Tom Dearden 7. Chad Townsend 8. Jordan McLean 9. Reece Robson 10. Coen Hess 11. Luciano Leilua 12. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki 13. Reuben Cotter

Bench: 14. Jake Granville 15. Jamayne Taunoa-Brown 16. Jason Taumalolo 17. Sam McIntyre

Reserves: 18. Zac Laybutt 19. Kyle Feldt 20. Riley Price 21. Brendan Elliot 22. Mitchell Dunn

Originally published as NRL Round 22 Teams: Every team change and KFC SuperCoach trade analysis