Reigning SuperCoach NRL champion Joe Naddaf reveals his 2021 team
Reigning 2020 KFC SuperCoach NRL champion Joe Naddaf is hungry for more success — this is the team he’s backing to get it.
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The axe has fallen on a few proven stars. I have made eight changes to my first side and I promise there will be 900 more.
Among them, Damien Cook, David Klemmer and David Nofoaluma are out for Christian Welch, Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, Angus Crichton and Ryan Papenhuyzen.
I know TLT (Team List Tuesday) will throw many more curve balls, it always does and I can’t wait.
HOOKER
Out Damien Cook $621,000 IN Connor Watson $288,600
I have always been a fan of Watson, he is a footballer in every sense. If asked he would happily pack in the front row if it was best for his team. Injuries have been his Achilles heel. Wow, SuperCoach Plus tells me that’s his actual injury.
If he starts (hopefully at lock), he is a definite for my team and if he can play anything above 60 minutes per game he can easily match Damien Cook at a saving of $332,400. If not, the likes of Jake Turpin and Josh Hodgson could take his spot.
I believe if I don’t start with Cook I may not get him until post origin, a risk I might have to take.
Jacob Liddle HOK ($247,200)
I’m expecting Liddle to have a breakout year at the Wests Tigers after a couple of injury-riddled seasons. Camped behind Harry Grant and Josh Reynolds, he now has the chance to make the number nine jersey his own. A must if he can keep Billy Walters and the highly touted Jake Simpkin out the 17.
FRF
Out David Klemmer $592,200 IN Christian Welch $453,500
Welch had a stellar end to 2020 where he averaged 67.7PPG in the last five regular season games. Throw in a premiership and Origin series win, he is ready to take his game to the next level. Welch will be one of Bellamy’s troops to up his leadership in the absence of Cameron Smith. A safe bet that can match David Klemmer’s output at a $138,700 discount.
Jack Hetherington FRF ($294,500)
As a Bulldogs fan WOW am I excited about this firebrand’s signing. A throw back who never backs down, Hetherington showed his potential in last year’s mid-season loan to the New Zealand Warriors. From all reports out of Belmore he has been in beast mode during the pre-season. Add to that the departure of Aiden Tolman and suspension to Luke Thompson (back in round five), wind up Big Fella. Just don’t get suspended please.
Out Eddie Blacker $186,800 IN Spencer Leniu $218,500
Big Bad Blacker has been suspended for three matches for dangerous contact. This could prove a blessing in disguise for KFC Supercoaches. If Blacker can fight his way back into the Dragons’ line up, he could be a perfect downgrade for a flourished round one cheapie.
Even with the departures of captain James Tamou and Zane Tetevano, I expect Spencer Leniu to start off the bench. The Panthers fought tooth and nail to keep Canterbury from poaching him and it’s for this reason I believe Ivan Cleary will give this future international more game time.
Stefano Utoikamanu FRF ($186,800)
There is a lot of Payne Haas 2019 in big Stefano. While the departure of Josh Aloiai, Matt Eisenhuth and Elijah Taylor has been offset by the experienced signings of James Tamou and Joe Ofahengaue I do expect this big money signing to play plenty of tough middle minutes for the Tigers. Hard to pass up at $186k.
2RF
Ryan Matterson 2RF ($666,000)
Mr Consistent for two years straight. If the ball doesn’t come to him he takes hit ups and tackles for fun and when the halves do give him the ball, he isn’t passing (just ask a frustrated Blake Furgerson owner of last year). Playing 80 minutes, with a great offload, attacking skills, and hopefully no concussion issues, Matto will be a top three 2RF come the end of the season so just start with him.
Jason Taumalolo 2RF ($641,700)
As Tom has already pointed out, Lolo hasn’t averaged less than 70 points in the last four years. With his main rival for minutes, John Asiata, moving to the Broncos and after a few stints on the sidelines last year, I expect this enforcer to steer the Cowboys revival in 2021.
Jordan Riki 2RF ($277,500)
There is plenty to like about this young man. He finished off 2020 in great form and is expected to take the vacant left edge role formerly filled by David Fifita. At $277,500 and with so much size, potential – and the backing of new coach Kevin Walters – expect Riki to be a mainstay in the Broncos pack. Carved up in the All Stars.
Out Ryan James $236,700 IN Tino Fa’asuamaleaui $504,900
The Damien Cook sacrifice has allowed me to make this significant upgrade. I see Big Tino as a season keeper and he is too hard to ignore at his current price. From round 11 on last year, he averaged 72.4 PPG at 1.36PPM. Close to a must fellow KFC Supercoaches.
Out Jackson Topine $173,700 IN Angus Crichton $670,500
How did I not start with Angus? He averaged 75.7 PPG and is a proven KFC SuperCoach gun. He and Ryan Matterson will be the top 2RFs come the end of the season. With captain Boyd Cordner out, Crichton will slot in on the left the edge, the side the Roosters love to attack. His combination with Luke Keary, James Tedesco and Josh Morris will be like a KFC three piece box, with a side coleslaw, potato and gravy!
Intermission.
KFC Earlwood, Joea1 is en route.
Ben Trbojevic 2RF/CTW ($173,700)
Surely “Burbo” (as he is known in KFC SuperCoach land) will see first grade in 2021? Dual position, bottom dollar and great KFC SuperCoach genes. A must if named by Des Hasler. Has been in the Manly system for a few seasons now.
HALFBACK
Nathan Cleary HFB ($734,300)
Don’t try and be fancy here. Just pick Nathan Cleary from the start as he has the complete KFC SuperCoach game for a halfback. As mentioned above, you must pay for the best. Cleary may have a quiet game and leak some cash, but he will make it back and finish the year as the best halfback by some distance. Don’t waste the trade.
Jayden Sullivan HFB ($205,500) just ahead of Sam Walker HFB ($173,700)
I have Jayden Sullivan ahead of Sam Walker at this stage. Sullivan was very impressive with his elusiveness and ball playing in his round 25 game against the Storm last year (a memorable game for me: Thank you Captain Lomax, Dufty and Hynes) and I can see him edging out Corey Norman and partnering Ben Hunt in the halves. Sam Walker has all the wraps coming through the grades and Roosters coach Trent Robinson wouldn’t have parted ways with Kyle Flanagan if he didn’t believe in this schoolboy prodigy. However, there is certainly competition for spots to partner Luke Keary at Bondi with Drew Hutchison, Lachlan Lam and Adam Keighran in the mix.
MORE KFC SUPERCOACH:
KFC SuperCoach NRL 2021 Cheapie Bible
KFC SuperCoach NRL: 21 players set to shine in 2021
SuperCoach club-by-club guide to transfer madness
KFC SuperCoach NRL transfer guide — Part 2
Strength of schedule: SuperCoach draw analysis
Tom Sangster reveals his team for 2021
FIVE-EIGHTH
Cody Walker 5/8 ($656,000)
Friday 25th September 2020. South Sydney Rabbitohs 60 vs Sydney Roosters 8. ANZ Stadium. Cody Walker 203 KFC SUPERCOACH POINTS. Thank you Cody. All sentiment aside, if Latrell doesn’t recover from his hamstring injury expect Walker to emulate last year’s heroics where he would run the sweep play on both sides of the field with so much success. In my opinion 5/8 is a two-horse race between Walker and Cameron Munster. After a premiership and memorable State of Origin series win and I personally sense a Munster hangover for the first 4-5 rounds. Having said that, with the expected departure of Cameron Smith, Munster will demand more ball and general play kicking and will be in a two horse race with Ryan Papenhuyzen for the goal kicking.
Anthony Milford 5/8 ($304,600)
Don’t ask me why, I fell in love with The Milf years ago when he was a roaming fullback at the Raiders! Milford has been on my “never again” list for a while but this year under the guidance of Kevvie I have a “feeling.” And KFC SuperCoach is about backing yourself. He is cheap and plus it’s a contract year. Why not?
CTWs
Out David Nofoaluma $670,200 IN Daine Laurie $223,300
I’m going to suffer from serious FOMO not having Nofo in my team, but I promise, you will be my first CTW upgrade. This trade was my ticket to Angus Crichton.
Mid last year I bought Daine Laurie as a cheap NPR (Non-Playing Reserve) and in the carnage that was the last round his 71 points at fullback were absolute gold, so I owe it to this future star. Welcome to my team.
Valentine Holmes CTW/FLB ($509,400)
Holmes finished 2020 with a 100+ monster game and showed signs of his pre-NFL form. A year on and with a full pre-season under his belt, Valentine is a mouth-watering prospect. It’ll be interesting to see the Cowboys style under new coach Todd Payten. A punt I’m willing to take.
Charlie Staines CTW/FLB ($297,700)
Who can forget this fresh-faced country lad’s effort last year? What dreams are made of.
A dual position classy finisher outside Cleary, Luai, Kikau and Crichton — no-brainer!
Bailey Simonsson CTW ($205,000)
Another must if he can secure the vacant position left by Nick Cotric. Played off the bench for most of last year but has a high work rate when given the opportunity.
Out Billy Smith $276,800 IN Max Feagai $203,100
Billy Smith missed the whole of last year when he suffered an ACL injury before a ball had been kicked and NRL Physio has reported he will undergo a shoulder reconstruction that will see him miss between 3-4 months of this season. He is a natural talent and the rugby league family wish you a speedy recovery.
Max Feagai had a solid trial against the Sharks and is in a three-way battle alongside brother Matthew and Brayden Wiliame for Euan Aitken’s centre position, although Jack Bird may have the inside running following the Dragons second trial. Saturday’s Charity Shield should give us an insight to coach Anthony Griffin’s intentions.
Jason Saab CTW ($233,200)
Burst on the scene at the back end of 2019 with two tries on debut but appeared on the outer under Paul McGregor last season. A fresh start under Des Hasler could be just what the confident Saab needs. Will be a great crosskick target for the reunited DCE/Foran combination.
Joseph Suaalii FLB/CTW ($173,700)
Has been the talk of the pre-season after signing with the Sydney Roosters and the Tri-Colours have already said that they will seek to get him to play this year despite him being under-18. I don’t think he will play until the Origin period but one to keep a very close eye on.
FULLBACKS
James Tedesco FLB $843,100
Worth every dollar. In my opinion he has surpassed Cameron Smith, Corey Parker and Paul Gallen as the real GOAT of KFC SuperCoach. He is the must of all musts. Imagine sitting down to watch the Roosters and Teddy is not in your team … Why would you subject yourself to this torture?
Out Matt Moylan $253,600 IN Ryan Papenhuyzen $629,000
Unfortunately Matt Moylan is captain of my never again team and I’ve happily punted him. Don’t know what I was thinking! Teddy, Papa, Turbo, Ponga, Gutho, Latrell, RTS, Brimson, Nicho Hynes (I’m kidding, couldn’t finish another piece without mentioning “My Boy”).
If you take KFC SuperCoach seriously you MUST have two gun fullbacks. Papenhuyzen had a slow start to 2020 but was electric in the run into the finals raising the bat five times. Even before Turbo’s injury I had Pap ahead.
Originally published as Reigning SuperCoach NRL champion Joe Naddaf reveals his 2021 team
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