SuperCoach NRL: Wilfred Zee’s fearless predictions Round 8

PUT your trust in a rampant Andrew Fifita, take a punt on a recalled Raider, lightning won’t strike twice for Mitch Moses and much more.

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THIS is a bit late but, in my defence, I’m overseas so it’s been a bit harder to stay in connected to the rugby league world.

The NRL is still as crazy as ever and we have footy on five days out of the seven this week — how good! I have had a pretty decent strike rate with the predictions the past two weeks, nailing the majority of them (even if some — Tohu and Gal) was due to injury. Hopefully I can keep things going this week.

Let’s look at how things will shape up and shake out in SuperCoach NRL — presented by hipages — for Round 8.

Andrew Fifita has thrived being the Sharks’ main man. Picture: Getty Images

1. Captain Pick

Andrew Fifita has been a man on a mission the past few weeks. Taking it upon himself to drag the Sharks over the line, he has been beasting opposition forwards. The Titans have given up the seventh most points to opposition props but the only major SuperCoach-relevant props they have come up against have been Paul Vaughan and Trent Merrin, who both played limited minutes for different reasons. The Sharks are unlikely to be blowing any teams off the park this year and I am expecting Fifita to get his first try with a line break for the year to raise the bat.

Josh Papalii could benefit big time from a switch to the middle. Picture: Getty Images

2. Stud of the Week — Josh Papalii

This is a bit of a left-field call, but I’m liking Papalii being named as starting lock. At his best he can be a damaging left-edge backrower but, with the extra weight he is carrying, I can see him working hard in the middle and making some Taumalolo-like runs against Taumalolo himself and the rest of the Cowboys pack. The Cowboys have given up the most points to opposition FRF and 2RF as well, so the stars have aligned for Papalii. Just need Ricky Stuart to give him the minutes …

Mitchell Moses is unlikely to be celebrating against his old team. Picture: AAP

3. Flop of the Week — Mitch Moses

Moses delivered a monster score last week but the Tigers continue to be SuperCoach killers with their swarming, unrelenting defence. The “revenge” game is not going to be a happy one, as the Tigers faithful are sure to let the young half know what they really think of him. Moses has been mentally fragile at the best of times, as well as inconsistent, so I have concerns for him this week.

INJURIES are causing havoc and the byes are just around the corner.

Join Tom Sangster, Tim Williams and Dave Campbell.

4. The SuperCoach Gold Mine

In a week where three games saw more than a cumulative 1500 SuperCoach points scored, I managed to get the call of the Rabbitohs and Raiders game spot on. This week, I’m going to back the Rabbitohs and Broncos to produce a high-scoring affair — plenty of points, and attacking stats, on offer for both teams. Look for some weaving and running from Walker, some classic GI, but also some Milford magic, Oates theatrics and some Jimmy the Jet in full flight. Loving it!

Anthony Milford and the Broncos are poised to cut loose. Picture: AAP

5. Upset of the Round — the Broncos

Looking at the results of games, the Broncos don’t look like they are going that well — I mean, they lost to the Knights just three weeks ago! But they have been steadily improving each week, even when the Storm smashed them — the same Storm that just smashed the Warriors, the only team that have beaten the Dragons this year. The Rabbitohs are travelling very well, though, and their only losses have come against the Warriors, Dragons and Panthers — all top four teams. However, call it a gut feeling but despite losing Macca to injury, the Broncos are going to be up for this game as losing it means their season starts getting a bit scarier at 3-5.

Bring on Round 8

Two games down but plenty more footy to enjoy this week. Hopefully you’ve decided your trades as it’s too late to reverse trades now the games have started. Good luck for the rest of the round!

Originally published as SuperCoach NRL: Wilfred Zee’s fearless predictions Round 8