KFC NRL SuperCoach 2020: Travis Meyn reveals his team

Travis Meyn covers Queensland’s NRL teams and their training sessions more than just about anyone else. So what does his KFC NRL SuperCoach team look like as a result?

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THEY say fortune favours the brave and I’m hoping that is the case after taking one of the biggest punts in KFC NRL SuperCoach history.

I’ve gambled it all on Gold Coast Titans halfback Ash Taylor surging back to life in 2020.

By picking the cheap Taylor at halfback, I’ve been able to load up on proven performers like Cameron Smith, Jason Taumalolo and Payne Haas while saving on a few bolters.

THE MEYN PLANE

(Remaining salary cap - $61,700)

Hookers

Cameron Smith - Storm ($684,600)

Like a fine wine, Smith keeps getting better with age and I can’t see him slowing down this season. Always involved and kicks goals.

Blayke Brailey – Sharks ($201,000)

The Cronulla youngster will replace his brother Jayden and is a super cheap option. He is owned by 50 per cent of SuperCoach players, making him the most popular player this season.

The Cowboys are excited about Peter Hola. Picture: Matt Taylor

Front row

Payne Haas - Broncos ($728,200)

The Broncos beast is primed to build upon his epic 2019 season. Haas is in great shape ahead of the season and I expect him to be just as damaging, if not more, in 2020.

Reagan Campbell-Gillard – Eels ($437,200)

A bit of a left-field selection given he is only owned by seven per cent of Super Coaches, but I’m tipping Parramatta to have a big year.

Peter Hola – Cowboys ($202,600)

The Cowboys reckon Hola is a superstar in the making and while he may not be there in Round 1, I expect him to play plenty of NRL this year.

Stefano Utoikamanu – Eels ($171,900)

The Eels and Tigers have staged a tug-of-war over this kid who could provide some value given he is so cheap.

Coen Hess has had a big pre-season. can he maintain it? Picture: Alix Sweeney

Second row

Jason Taumalolo - Cowboys ($723,400)

Owned by 40 per cent of Super Coaches, Taumalolo is a consistent performer and I’m expecting him to have a good season.

Viliame Kikau – Panthers ($543,200)

Kikau has been a solid player for a number of years but his performance at the Nines showed he is ready to have a dominant year.

David Fifita - Broncos ($501,900)

The Broncos beast is very popular (owned by 44 per cent of players) but he is the real deal and should continue his breakout 2019 form.

Coen Hess – Cowboys ($354,000)

The Cowboys forward is coming off a year to forget but he is extremely fit and has shown promising signs during the pre-season. Knows how to score a try and is a point of difference.

Tino Fa’asuamaleaui - Storm ($217,500)

Has only played five NRL games but is a genuine superstar in the making and should see more game time in 2020 and increase in value.

Jordan Leigh (Riki) - Broncos ($171,900)

The Broncos young gun is still a teenager but has bolted into the frame for a Round 1 NRL debut. Unlikely to play many games but could earn some dollars if he gets a run.

Can Ash Taylor return to his best? Picture: AAP Image/Richard Wainwright

Halfback

Ash Taylor – Titans ($329,000)

This selection could make or break my team’s season. Given his Super Coach value is about $700,000 less than his actual salary, Taylor is a bargain buy. He will be better than he was in 2019 and at his best he creates plenty of try-assists and kicks goals. Fingers crossed.

Billy Walters – Tigers ($201,000)

A left-field selection, Walters is in the mix to start at hooker for the Tigers. If that happens, he has the potential to score healthily and increase in value.

Five-eighth

Cameron Munster – Storm ($644,400)

The Melbourne No. 6 is a proven player and should be a consistent scorer in a good team.

Alexander “AJ” Brimson – Titans ($359,400)

Brimson will start at fullback for the Titans, giving him the opportunity to score plenty of points.

New Titans signing Greg Leleisiuao. Picture: Gold Coast Titans

Wing-Centre

Blake Ferguson – Eels ($505,700)

“Fergo” is an out-and-out star and should rack up plenty of points in a team tipped to do well.

Jack Bird – Broncos ($499,800)

A risky selection given his injury and form struggles, but I’m banking on Bird starting at fullback and scoring well.

Zac Lomax – Dragons ($324,600)

A very popular player, Lomax is a gun and is relatively well priced.

Xavier Coates – Broncos ($203,500)

The exciting winger is in line for a Round 1 berth at the Broncos and should increase in value with some solid performances.

Tristan Sailor – Dragons ($247,200)

The son of Wendell Sailor showed promising form at the Nines and should see some NRL time this season.

Connelly Lemuelu – Cowboys ($171,900)

A smoky selection but he has made North Queensland’s top 19 for their last trial and will be in the mix this year.

Greg Leleisiuao – Titans ($171,900)

The powerful Titans winger has been waiting years to play in the NRL and if the Gold Coast need a winger he is in the mix.

Fullback

Kalyn Ponga – Knights ($634,300)

Tipping Ponga to go close to winning the Dally M Medal this year if he stays on the park.

Ryan Papenhuyzen - Storm ($508,200)

The kid can play and is priced well below his scoring potential. I had Anthony Milford here but “Paps” edged him out in the end.