KFC SuperCoach NRL Cheapie Bible Round 5: Sam Walker not only bargain on offer
All the talk in KFC SuperCoach this week is about Sam Walker, but he’s far from the only bargain on offer, writes TRENT COPELAND.
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Sam Walker everyone!
All eyes were on the teenage sensation from the Eastern Suburbs, and Roosters fans will have known something like this was coming, particularly those (like me) who even watched some reserve grade games to get a glimpse of his talent.
A calm, composed and utterly confident debut that will have every KFC SuperCoach licking their lips. The cash is coming, and so are bulk points!
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By definition a ‘cheapie’ will be referenced when under $300,000 and actually relevant for KFC SuperCoach purposes. Key word being relevant. Once players eclipse the $300k mark they will be given a final verdict in the ‘Bon Voyage’ section.
The Cheapie Bible bids bon voyage to some of the best cheapies of the season this week in Daine Laurie, Connor Watson and Tesi Niu. We thank you. We love you. If only there were more like you. Check out their final verdict’s below…
Buckle up, here we go!
Sam Walker HFB (Roosters) $173,700 - 81 points
I’ve been blabbering on about Walker for quite some time (apologies for that), and boy did he deliver on his promise. The footwork and ability to seemingly stop time for the late pass at the line is all class. 81 points on debut, including two try assists, FOUR line break assists alongside 15 tackles and four points in tackle busts and a sneaky goal kicking addition whilst Taukeiaho was off the field. This week, Walker and the Roosters get the Sharks at the SCG, where I’m confident in calling Walker not only a buy a week early, but a play in your 17 in the event of a Cody Walker absence. Going to make a truckload of cash.
VERDICT: BUY. He’s that good.
Josh Schuster 5/8 (Sea Eagles) $283,300 - 47 points
47 points in 80 minutes isn’t amazing, but if you didn’t watch the game, let me enlighten you… It went a bit like; Panthers, Panthers, dropped ball by Manly, Panthers, Panthers and more Panthers. Get my drift? Schuster and the other big men for the Sea Eagles were basically tackling robots for the night with no ball or momentum at any point to let Schuster do his thing. If 47 is our ‘worst case’ scenario then we’re flying here. Whilst he did carry a hand injury into the game last week and copped a knock on it to close out the game he’s been named to start on the edge once again, and I am playing Schuster in my 17 this week with confidence against the Warriors.
VERDICT: BUY. Still value at the price if you missed him last week.
Teig Wilton 2RF (Sharks) $250,300 - 78 points
A cracking game from a young edge back rower with bucketloads of talent. 78 points, including a late try and HUGE work rate of 40 points in runs, the old eyeball test tells me Wilton is in fact in the Sharks’ best team regardless of who is available, yes, even in front of Nikora and Talakai potentially. But, what we don’t know is how coach Morris sees it. Nikora is due back from suspension next round, and Talakai the week after from a shoulder injury so if you’re wanting to jump on board the -31 BE this week you’re taking a big leap of faith. What we know for sure is that Wilton is starting this week and will make a good chunk of cash, despite the tough matchup with the Roosters. After that though, it’s dicey.
VERDICT: AVOID. Personally, I’d be willing to wait a week and cop the extra price rise missed to make sure he keeps starting over Nikora.
Stefano Utoikamanu FRF (Wests Tigers) $298,000 - 67 points
Stefano the great! Another game, another try and importantly 40+ points in base stats in 39 minutes of game time. Still no offloads or bulk tackle busts, but thankfully we haven’t needed them to make some nice money to this point. SURELY this week against the Cowboys we see the freedom to get the arm free and express himself. C’mon Madge, you know you want to… Having made over $100k already and sitting with a -24 BE, KFC SuperCoaches will be hoping for another $100k in the coming weeks before a sell to a Payne Haas as the dream scenario.
VERDICT: HOLD. Hold tight, there’s more to come.
Connor Tracey HOK | 5/8 (Sharks) $281,000 - 94 points
Tracey, along with Matt Burton and numerous others are showing the modern game of NRL is almost like the NBA in recent times… position-less. Talent, ball playing skills and an ability to hold your own in defence are the key cogs and Tracey has been brilliant in the centres for the Sharks, scoring 94 points in the huge win over the Cowboys. However, I’m going to stop you there before you even look at the -35 BE and prospective money to be made, as Ramien has returned to the starting side, pushing Tracey to the bench where he had scores of 4 points and 12 points earlier this season (yuck!). Enough said, despite how good of a player he is in actual NRL.
VERDICT: TRAP! Avoid, unfortunately.
Ryan James FRF | 2RF (Raiders) $292,900 - 52 points
James not only recovered from the early concussion in last week’s match to play against his former club, he was elevated to the starting side and delivered his traditional solid output yet again. Now, if you’re staring at the BE of 48 and worrying that James will start to lose cash… Remember the three round rolling average is what dictates price changes, so the injury affected 5-point game from last week will only halt things for two weeks. KFC SuperCoach Plus projects if James continues to score between 40-60 points from now on that he will get to a tick under $400k just prior to the byes. Dual position also priceless with guys like TPJ and Tino.
VERDICT: HOLD. The best is yet to come.
Jackson Topine 2RF (Bulldogs) $173,700 - 53 points
Now. Let me just start with… CALM DOWN on the trade-in button with Topine. I mean, we’re better than just seeing 53 points from a bottom dollar 2RF and jumping aren’t we? If you delve a little deeper, Topine is still on a developmental contract (requiring an exemption from the NRL to play) and came on the field in the first 10 minutes of the game against the Rabbitohs due to the Lachlan Lewis HIA, playing the rest of the match (72 minutes) at hooker for 53 points. That was also in the absence of Josh Jackson and Luke Thompson due to suspensions. Make no mistake, this kid is uber talented, has a terrific work rate and could end up being a KFC SuperCoach gun in his preferred edge back row position one day… But, I don’t think you should be making that assumption from one game.
VERDICT: WATCHLIST. Do NOT buy this week.
Charlie Staines CTW | FLB (Panthers) $285,600 - 39 points
How on earth did Staines avoid the attacking stats against the Sea Eagles. It felt like every Panthers player, and probably even the water boys scored tries in this game - with one man the exception… Staines! Hitting round five against the Raiders averaging a paltry 30.8PPG and below the price he started the season is not how we hoped things would go. But the BE is just 7 and with matches against the Broncos, injury riddled Knights and Sea Eagles in three of the next four rounds means I’m advising a HOLD.
VERDICT: HOLD. He just has to find the try line in this team soon enough. I’m confident he’s a $400k player at some point this season, it may take some patience though!
Sean O’Sullivan HFB (Warriors) $231,200 - 44 points
O’Sullivan started his Warriors career with a bang, netting 70 points against a tough outfit to score against in the Raiders with a couple of try contributions, but also some very handy base stats for a half. Game two came against his former club the Roosters, also a seriously hard team for halves to score against and O’Sullivan notched 44 points without any real attacking stats. Sitting with a BE of -31 heading into a juicy matchup against the Sea Eagles, particularly with ALL the buzz being about Walker and Schuster as cheapies the past two weeks, O’Sullivan looms as a serious cheapie POD.
VERDICT: POD-BUY. Not for me, but the risk takers could take a plunge!
Matt Moylan FLB | 5/8 (Sharks) $305,500 - 64 points
Don’t look now, but Moylan is legit making money and looking as fit and healthy (touch wood) as he has in years. Fantastic news for Sharks fans and KFC SuperCoaches alike. The 64 points against the hapless Cowboys comprised of a nice try, four try contributions (one stiff not to get the assist!) and generally to the naked eye being involved in dismantling the defensive line. Hitting round five with a -7 BE and some $60k in the kitty already is promising, and if he can nab a decent score against the Roosters this week, matchups against the injury depleted Knights and Bulldogs are there the following two rounds.
VERDICT: HOLD. Likely for three more weeks where KFC SuperCoach Plus projects Moylan to hit $400k.
Ben Condon 2RF (Cowboys) $186,800 - 35 points
Not the debut we were hoping for, but the talented edge back rower held his own in defence, and wasn’t all that involved on the rare occasion the Cowboys actually had the ball and held on to it for six tackles. The next two weeks however, Condon gets matchups with the Tigers and Bulldogs who are certainly not polished defensively. That may also be 2021’s biggest understatement. My main concern here despite all the Cowboys’ fans I’ve spoken to loving the upside Condon possesses, is the impending returns of Tom Gilbert and Mitch Dunn (both round 6).
VERDICT: WATCHLIST.
Bailey Simonsson CTW | FLB (Raiders) $237,500 - 37 points
Much like Charlie Staines, it seems the only Raiders player avoiding the try line in the opening four rounds is Simonsson. Averaging 34.3PPG without a try is steady, but that has been in matchups against the Tigers, Sharks, Warriors and Titans. Now the Raiders have a clash with the scintillating Panthers. Quite simply, Simonsson hasn’t made enough money to trade out, and has a low enough BE (16) that all it will take is one big week to kick him over $300k. As tough as it is to watch the low scores continuing, leave him out of your 17 and hope for a try this week or next.
VERDICT: HOLD.
Spencer Leniu FRF (Panthers) $257,900 - 33 points
Another 33 points, this time in just 24 minutes entirely in base stats at a ridiculous 1.4 PPM. Quite simply, it’s going to be a slow burn until Leniu sees an uptick in minutes. Moses Leota and Matt Eisenhuth have been super impressive the past two weeks which has left minimal game time for Leniu to shine. Hopefully there’s a week in the not too distant future where coach Cleary gives him a longer look. Pleaaaasseeee Ivan.
VERDICT: HOLD.
Murray Tualagi CTW (Cowboys) $237,400 - 18 points
Tualagi copped a HIA on the weekend, only playing the 40 minutes, and despite being named to start against the Tigers this weekend, needs to pass NRL protocols to take his place. I was worried Kyle Feldt’s return from suspension would see him dropped, but now my concern on jumping on here stems from Justin O’Neill being out, along with Esan Marsters being on an extended bench (either could push Tabuai-Fidow to Tualagi’s wing).
VERDICT: AVOID. The poor job security is enough reason to steer clear, but throw in the Cowboys’ horrific form and lack of scoring power and Tualagi is filled with risk.
James Roberts CTW (Wests Tigers) $282,400 - 44 points
Here’s why I advised to hold last week with a reasonably difficult matchup against the Eels and middling BE - a dream matchup against the Cowboys who just conceded 48 points to the Sharks. Over the next eight rounds comprising the first ‘big bye round’ the Tigers play games against the Cowboys, Sea Eagles, the Dragons twice, Titans and Warriors. I’m backing Jimmy the Jet to score at least one try at Leichhardt Oval this week, to kickstart a run of price rises.
VERDICT: HOLD. Until the bye in my opinion.
BON VOYAGE
Daine Laurie CTW | FLB (Wests Tigers) $354,500 - 48 points
Ironically, we’ve all been crying out for the week where Laurie finally scores a try - it finally came and he put up just the 48 points. The Eels found ways to navigate their kicking game away from Laurie and certainly looked to come out of the line to close him down in the sweeping backline plays he looked so effective with in the opening rounds. Nevertheless, Laurie has already made over $130,000, is an indefinite hold and could even be a season long CTW keeper. Gets a dream matchup with the hapless Cowboys this week, fingers crossed he goes 100+!
VERDICT: HOLD. At the very least until round 13 bye coverage. GUN.
Connor Watson HOK | 5/8 (Knights) $437,500 - 56 points
Watson has been a dream for KFC SuperCoaches, averaging 68.5PPG in around 55 minutes for the Knights over the opening four rounds - and making a tick under $150,000 as a result. With the mass injuries the Knights have copped, unfortunately Mr. Fix-it aka Watson has been shifted to the halves, where yes he will play the full 80 minutes, but his scores there haven’t proven to be as fruitful as the roaming lock we’ve seen off the bench this season. Watson does have a career average if 72PPG (the best against any opposition in the NRL) with a high score of 117 points against the Titans. Hopefully come the more difficult matchups against the Panthers and Roosters in the coming weeks he’s back at lock.
VERDICT: HOLD. All the way through the byes, even if he threatens to drop some cash at some point.
Tesi Niu FLB | CTW (Broncos) $347,800 - 47 points
One of the shining lights of a failed ‘cheapie CTW’ strategy for KFC SuperCoaches in 2021, Niu had shown glimpses of keeper level talent mixed in with turnstile-like defence last season so it was yet to be seen how he would fare as a locked in right centre. Well even against a team as stingy as the Storm in an absolute thrashing on the weekend, Niu dished up 47 points without a try. Averaging over 30PPG in base stats with a penchant for an offload, Niu is sitting with a BE of 39 staring down matchups with the Rabbitohs, Panthers and Eels the next three weeks - with many looking to hit the trade button. I must admit the temptation is real, but my advice is to HOLD. The main reason being the points he offers on field in your active CTW slots. Sell off the likes of Saab, Simonsson, Roberts and Fusitua first (once they’ve made some money) with Niu a sell in round 14 after coverage of the round 13 bye.
VERDICT: HOLD. Pray for one good score in the next two rounds to ensure he holds value until the byes.
David Mead CTW | FLB (Broncos) $305,200 - 40 points
Mead has jumped in ownership to 17% of teams on the back of his big 77-point first game of the season when he was at just 2% ownership. Those of you who jumped on have seen a $70k profit so far, and with a BE of just 5 there’s still a little more milk in the cow here. But, times are tough when it comes to the Broncos’ opposition with the Rabbitohs and Panthers the next two weeks - so I am advising a plan to sell as soon as next week. If you can get to a Brian To’o, Fergo or Capewell then I would pull the trigger.
VERDICT: HOLD. For one more week barring a massive score against the Rabbitohs kicking on a second wind of price rises.
Tyrell Fuimaono 2RF (Dragons) $296,200 - 42 points
Fuimaono hasn’t eclipsed the $300k barrier to hit the ‘Bon Voyage’ section, but seriously, he’s got to go! He’s going to score between 30 and 45 points in somewhere between 40 and 60 minutes whilst fluctuating either side of $300k for most of the season - which is neither here nor there for KFC SuperCoaches. Fuimaono is hardly a priority trade out, but my message here is, when the opportunity arises and he’s the man to facilitate a switch to a gun in the 2RF or CTW (via duals) then do not hesitate regardless of the BE.
VERDICT: SELL.
WATCHLIST:
Joseph Suaalii CTW | FLB (Roosters)
Shawn Blore 2RF (Tigers)
Ofahiki Ogden FRF (Bulldogs)
John Asiata FRF | 2RF (Broncos)
Sebastian Kris CTW (Raiders)
Zach Saddler 2RF | FRF (Sea Eagles)
Jake Simpkin HOK (Wests Tigers)
Christian Tuipulotu CTW (Sea Eagles)
Dean Ieremia CTW | FLB (Storm)
Ben Trbojevic CTW | 2RF (Sea Eagles)
Greg Marzhew (formerly Leleisiuao) CTW (Titans)
Joe Stimson 2RF (Bulldogs)
Jock Madden HFB (Wests Tigers)
Jayden Sullivan HFB (Dragons)
Josh Curran 2RF (Warriors)
Haze Dunster CTW (Eels)
Max Feagai CTW (Dragons)
Mat Feagai CTW (Dragons)
Brayden Wiliame CTW (Dragons)
Matt Timoko CTW (Raiders)
Semi Valemei CTW (Raiders)
Paul Turner HFB (Warriors)
Tom Ale FRF (Warriors)
Isaac Lumelume CTW (Storm)
Franklin Pele FRF (Sharks)
Originally published as KFC SuperCoach NRL Cheapie Bible Round 5: Sam Walker not only bargain on offer
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