KFC SuperCoach NRL teams analysis Round 2

As the world gets crazy, KFC SuperCoach gets crazier. A back rower is buy of the week at centre and corona carnage creates a host of opportunities at the Warriors.

WINNERS

* Isaah Yeo – By far the most purchased player this week after playing 80 minutes in the pack for 95 points. Crucial dual position flexibility as a CTW (blame Rob Sutherland for that anomaly).

* Billy Walters – The injury to Luke Brooks (calf, round four) opens 80 minutes for Walters and he didn’t disappoint last week with 51 points almost entirely in base stats.

* Emre Guler – The surprise packet of the opening week. Went into the season in under one per cent of teams but upstaged more fancied cheapies with 94 points. The try, try assist, linebreak and linebreak assist certainly helped, but he still notched 40 points in base stats in 45 minutes. Second most popular buy this week, but hardly a safe purchase with Ryan Sutton (suspension) on the extended bench this week and John Bateman (shoulder) back soon.

* Apisai Koroisau – Vindicated his standing as the 12 most popular player with a 97 in 80 minutes, including 56 tackles. Fourth most purchased player this week despite an already high ownership.

* Ethan Bullemor – Boom young forward named to debut at the Broncos. One for the cheapie watch list.

* Eliesa Katoa – Popular cheapie was brilliant on debut for the Warriors, scoring 51 points in 51 minutes, almost all in base. He obviously impressed the coach and was today promoted to start ahead of Isaiah Papalii.

LOSERS

* Zac Lomax – Seventh most popular player in KFC SuperCoach has been relegated to the wing.

* Tevita Pangai Jnr – Suspended for four weeks and the 10 per cent who own him should sell immediately.

* Zane Tetevano – Popular prop buy scored just 12 points in 21 minutes last week before succumbing to a knee injury. He’s been named this week but is in doubt. Genuine sell option given the great buys in the position.

* Latrell Mitchell – Made it through just 56 minutes at fullback last week and rightfully the most sold player.

Teams are in for Round 2 and there's KFC SuperCoach drama aplenty.

BULLDOGS VS COWBOYS

Thursday, March 19th, 8:05pm, ANZ Stadium

Bulldogs: 1. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, 2. Nick Meaney, 3. Reimis Smith, 4. Will Hopoate, 5. Christian Crichton, 6. Brandon Wakeham, 7. Lachlan Lewis, 8. Aiden Tolman, 9. Jeremy Marshall-King, 10. Dylan Napa, 11. Josh Jackson, 12. Joe Stimson, 13. Adam Elliott

Interchange: 14. Dean Britt, 15. Renouf To’omaga, 16. Raymond Faitala-Mariner, 17. Jake Averillo

Reserves: 19. Ofahiki Ogden, 20. Morgan Harper, 21. Sione Katoa, 22. Jack Cogger

Team news: Jake Averillo comes into the 17 for Kerrod Holland in an otherwise unchanged squad for the Bulldogs. The Dogs may have lost the game but they made a fight of it against the Eels in round one so good to see coach Dean Pay show some loyalty.

KFC SuperCoach analysis: Very little of KFC SuperCoach note given the most important thing at the Bulldogs is defence, then about 14 other things, then attack. As a measure of Canterbury’s non-existent attack, their top KFC SuperCoach scorer last week was Dallin Watene-Zelezniak on 42. However, don’t assume the Dogs are an opponent to target in KFC SuperCoach just because they will likely finish low on the ladder — their biggest strength is bringing the game down to lowest common denominator.

Cowboys: 1. Valentine Holmes, 2. Kyle Feldt, 3. Justin O’Neill, 4. Esan Marsters, 5. Ben Hampton, 6. Scott Drinkwater, 7. Michael Morgan, 8. Josh McGuire, 9. Jake Granville, 10. Jordan McLean, 11. Gavin Cooper, 12. Coen Hess, 13. Jason Taumalolo

Interchange: 14. Reece Robson, 15. John Asiata, 16. Mitchell Dunn, 17. Francis Molo

Reserves: 18. Corey Jensen, 19. Shane Wright, 20. Tom Opacic, 21. Jake Clifford

Team news: Josh McGuire is back from suspension and slots straight into the starting squad at prop pushing John Asiata to the bench. Val Holmes retains the starting fullback job despite some speculation Scott Drinkwater would be a better fit.

KFC SuperCoach analysis: Coen Hess is very popular but was rather disappointing on the weekend with 38 points. Watching David Fifita run at him was almost comical with eight missed tackles. But the plus side was the 80 minutes, meaning this could be Hess’s floor (if he doesn’t get dropped for his defence). Hold. Jason Taumalolo v Payne Haas was one of the highlights of KFC SuperCoach Round 1 and it would take a brave person to bet against them finishing as the top players at back row and prop. Valentine Holmes looked very rusty in actual NRL but still scored 69 points and kicked goals.

DRAGONS VS PANTHERS

Friday, March 20th, 6:00pm, Netstrata Jubilee Stadium

Dragons: 1. Matt Dufty, 2. Jordan Pereira, 3. Brayden Williame, 4. Tim Lafai, 5. Zac Lomax, 6. Corey Norman, 7. Ben Hunt, 8. James Graham, 9. Issac Luke, 10. Paul Vaughan, 11. Tyson Frizell, 12. Tyrell Fuimaono, 13. Blake Lawrie

Interchange: 14. Trent Merrin, 15. Josh Kerr, 16. Billy Brittain, 17. Jacob Host

Reserves: 18. Jackson Ford, 19. Adam Clune, 20. Euan Aitken, 21. Tristan Sailor

Team news: As our man Dave Riccio broke, Matt Dufty returns from injury and slots straight into the fullback role with Zac Lomax swinging out to the wing to cover the loss of Mikaele Ravalawa (quad injury). Tyrell Fuimaono wins a start at 12 in place of Tariq Sims (suspended) and Jacob Host grabs the last spot in the 17.

KFC SuperCoach analysis: With so many great mid-rangers this year, Blake Lawrie could be the one that gets away. He scored a base-heavy 60 in 60 minutes, well up from 44 minutes last year. Zac Lomax’s move to the wing isn’t ideal but he was decent in Round 1 with 55 points. He shouldn’t wing it for long with Mikaele Ravalawa back soon, which would push Matt Dufty out of the side and Lomax back to fullback. Josh Kerr played 40 minutes on his return from injury. The game time is encouraging and his dual positioning is crucial given all the FRF-only cheapies. Brayden Wiliame’s 23 was hardly what we wanted but he came within a fingernail of a try, so we’ll give him the benefit of the doubt.

Panthers: 1. Caleb Aekins, 2. Josh Mansour, 3. Dean Whare, 4. Brent Naden, 5. Brian To’o, 6. Jarome Luai, 7. Nathan Cleary, 8. James Tamou, 9. Apisai Koroisau, 10. Zane Tetevano, 11.Viliame Kikau, 12. Isaah Yeo, 13. James Fisher-Harris

Interchange: 14. Stephen Crichton, 15. Billy Burns, 16. Moses Leota, 17. Liam Martin

Reserves: 18. Matt Burton, 19. Jed Cartwright, 20. Kaide Ellis, 21. Mitch Kenny

Team news: Despite being limited to just 21 minutes in round one Zane Tetevano (knee) has been named to start. Viliame Kikau and Isaah Yeo are the edge backrowers and James Fisher-Harris is lock. Stephen Crichton is unable to depose Caleb Aekins and will start from the bench where he is joined by Billy Burns.

KFC SuperCoach analysis: In typical Nathan Cleary style, the Penrith halfback scored 75 without seeming to do much. How he started the year at just 15 per cent ownership is totally beyond me. Popular cheapie Jarome Luai was strong with 57 and big money is on the way. Look out for Stephen Crichton as a cheapie. He was awesome in 17 minutes off the bench and I’m backing him to take Caleb Aekins’ fullback spot soon, or at the very least slide in for a centre or wing spot. Isaah Yeo, Zane Tetevano and Apisai Koroisau are covered above.

BRONCOS VS RABBITOHS

Friday, March 20th, 8:05pm, Suncorp Stadium

Broncos: 1. Jamayne Isaako, 2. Corey Oates, 3. Kotoni Staggs, 4. Darius Boyd, 5. Jesse Arthars, 6. Anthony Milford, 7. Brodie Croft (c), 8. Tom Flegler, 9. Jake Turpin, 10. Payne Haas, 11. David Fifita, 12. Jamil Hopoate, 13. Pat Carrigan (c)

Interchange: 14. Herbie Farnworth, 15. Andrew McCullough, 16. Rhys Kennedy, 17. Ethan Bullemor

Reserves: 18. Xavier Coates, 19. Tesi Niu, 20. Tom Dearden, 21. Pride Petterson-Robati

Team news: Just one change to the starting 13 for the Broncos with Jamil Hopoate winning a start in place of Tevita Pangai Jr (suspended) with skipper Alex Glenn again not named in the extended squad due to injury. Expect big minutes for the starting middle forwards with a reserve hooker (Andrew McCullough) and utility back (Herbie Farnworth) on the bench.

KFC SuperCoach analysis: Payne Haas played 80 minutes and there’s no way you can ignore him as captain (feels like a throwback to the Corey Parker and Paul Gallen days). Jamayne Isaako is the third most purchased player after scoring 83 and kicking goals. But I feel very uncomfortable picking a player who was only recently demoted for poor form. Isaah Yeo is $15,000 cheaper and offers far more certainty. Patrick Carrigan was solid as with 58 in 61 minutes — and the game time probably continues following Tevita Pangai’s suspension.

Rabbitohs: 1. Latrell Mitchell, 2. Dane Gagai, 3. James Roberts, 4. Braidon Burns, 5. Campbell Graham, 6. Cody Walker, 7. Adam Reynolds, 8. Tevita Tatola, 9. Damien Cook, 10. Thomas Burgess, 11. Jaydn Su’A, 12. Cameron Murray, 13. Liam Knight

Interchange: 14. Mark Nicholls, 15. Ethan Lowe, 16. Hame Sele, 17. Alex Johnston

Reserves: 18. Bryson Goodwin, 19. Bayley Sironen, 20. Troy Dragan, 21. Keaon Koloamatangi

Team news: It’s an unchanged 17 for South Sydney with Tevita Tatola and Thomas Burgess to lead the charge in the middle against the quality Brisbane pack and Ethan Lowe once again named on the bench.

KFC SuperCoach analysis: NRL-wise, Cameron Murray had a decent debut on the edge. But he stunk it up for KFC SuperCoach with just 43 points. His minutes improved to 70 (up from 59 last year) but only nine runs is a huge worry. KFC SuperCoaches can afford another look this week, but he’s definitely on the chopping block for those who ignored our pre-season advice in the “No Go Zone”. Jayden Su’A has a history of poor PPM (0.6, 0.63, 0.75 and 0.79 over the last four seasons). However, while his minutes were up on the weekend (69 compared to 41 last season), his PPM dipped to a new low of 0.54. My finger is hovering over the trade button as we speak. Damien Cook’s 47 with only three runs was hugely disappointing, especially considering Koroisau and Smith’s windfalls. But you paid the money for a reason so hold tight.

WARRIORS VS RAIDERS

Saturday, March 21st, 3:00pm, CBUS Super Stadium

Warriors: 1. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (c), 2. Adam Pompey, 3. David Fusitu’a, 4. Adam Keighran, 5. Ken Maumalo, 6. Chanel Haris-Tavita, 7. Blake Green, 8. Leeson Ah Mau, 9.Wayde Egan, 10. Lachlan Burr, 11. Elisea Katoa, 12. Tohu Harris, 13. Adam Blair

Interchange: 14. Kodi Nikorima, 15. Jamayne Taunoa-Brown, 16. Isaiah Papali’i, 17. King Vuniyayawa

Reserves: 18. Karl Lawton, 20. Hayze Perham, 21. Leivaha Pulu, 22. Adam Tuimavave-Gerrard

Team news: Cheapie Eliesa Katoa has been named to start and after pumping out 51 points in 51 minutes in round one he could be the cheapie we all need. Isaiah Papali’i is the man who makes way shifting to the bench. The supremely named King Vuniyayawa has been named in the 17.

KFC SuperCoach analysis: So much uncertainty — which almost always leads to KFC SuperCoach opportunities. Eliesa Katoa is one of the buys of the week (see above), especially with travel bans and compulsory isolation whittling down competition for his spot. The same goes for popular cheapie Jamayne Taunoa-Brown, who did enough on debut without being spectacular in scoring 36 points in 39 minutes — not bad given no Warrior scored over 55 in a drubbing.

Raiders: 1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, 2. Bailey Simonsson, 3. Jarrod Croker, 4. Curtis Scott, 5. Nick Cotric, 6. Jack Wighton, 7. George Williams, 8. Josh Papalii, 9. Josh Hodgson, 10. Dunamis Lui, 11. Corey Horsburgh, 12. Joe Tapine, 13. Corey Horsburgh

Interchange: 14. Siliva Havili, 15. Emre Guler, 16. Iosia Soliola 17. Michael Oldfield

Reserves: 18. Sam Williams, 19. Ryan Sutton, 20. Harley Smith-Shields, 21. Tom Starling

Team news: Ricky Stuart plays it straight this week with Corey Horsburgh named at lock this week and Joe Tapine on an edge. Other than that the squad is the same as named for round one though Ryan Sutton has been named in the extended squad and is a chance to come into the 17.

KFC SuperCoach analysis: Former KFC SuperCoach great Jarrod Croker is the seventh most sold player — and it’s hard to argue. While Jack Wighton is fast approaching superstar status, he’s not a passer and the left centre spot outside him is therefore SuperCoach poison. On Wighton, he’s somehow the fifth most purchased player this week despite never being an elite KFC SuperCoach player. He’s far better in actual NRL than KFC SuperCoach, so give him a wide berth. George Williams bucked the recent trend of Super League backline studs turning to spuds in the NRL, notching a very handy 58 points. The 27 tackles is very impressive in terms of base and he also made five tackle busts and two linebreaks (all in five runs, which places him in the Latrell Mitchell realm of KFC SuperCoach efficiency).

ROOSTERS VS SEA EAGLES

Saturday, March 21st, 5:30pm, Leichhardt Oval

Roosters: 1. James Tedesco, 2. Daniel Tupou, 3. Brett Morris, 4. Joseph Manu, 5Matt Ikuvalu, 6. Luke Keary, 7. Kyle Flanagan, 8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, 9. Jake Friend, 10. Siosiua Taukeiaho, 11. Angus Crichton, 12. Mitchell Aubusson, 13. Victor Radley

Interchange: 14. Sam Verrills, 15. Isaac Liu, 16. Nat Butcher, 17. Lindsay Collins

Reserves: 18. Daniel Fifita, 19. Poasa Faamausili, 20. Lachlan Lam, 21. Asu Kepaoa

Team news: Angus Crichton (chest infection) returns in the back row in place of Sitili Tupouniua (knee). Winger Matt Ikuvalu (concussion) has been named and is set to play despite failing to finish. Boyd Cordner (workload) misses the squad but is due back next week.

KFC SuperCoach analysis: The Chooks had an absolute Barry by their standards against the Panthers. Luke Keary is therefore the fourth most sold player, Victor Radley is fifth. Realistically, you should never have started with either so sell away. However, whatever you do, don’t lose faith in James Tedesco. He notched his lowest score since, well, Round 1 last year, so he’s a proven slow starter.

Sea Eagles: 1. Tom Trbojevic 2. Jorge Taufua 3. Brad Parker 4. Moses Suli 5. Reuben Garrick 6. Dylan Walker 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Danny Levi 10. Martin Taupau 11. Joel Thompson 12. Curtis Sironen 13. Jake Trbojevic

Interchange: 14. Lachlan Croker 15. Sean Keppie 16. Morgan Boyle 17. Haumole Olakau’atu

Reserves: 18. Toafofoa Sipley 19. Brendan Elliot 20. Tevita Funa 21. Zac Saddler

Team news: No changes to the 17 after an injury-free round. Taniela Paseka (ankle) is aiming for next week.

KFC SuperCoach analysis: My “POD of the Year” Tommy Turbo flopped horribly with 22. He was suffocated by the Storm, even at his favourite fortress where he averages almost 100 across his career. The Roosters are another big test this week but his draw frees up considerably from there. Brother Jake apparently had shoulder surgery over the off-season and wasn’t meant to return until Round 4. But no-one would know after he belted Melbourne’s huge pack and notched a very commendable 61. We were hoping for a price drop before hopping on, but that may not happen after he near-matched his average of 63 from last year.

SHARKS VS STORM

Saturday, March 21st, 7:30pm, Netstrata Jubilee Stadium

Sharks: 1. William Kennedy, 2.Sione Katoa, 3. Josh Morris, 4. Jesse Ramien, 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo, 6. Shaun Johnson, 7. Chad Townsend, 8. Andrew Fifita, 9. Blayke Brailey, 10. Aaron Woods, 11. Briton Nikora, 12. Wade Graham, 13. Jack Williams

Interchange: 14. Connor Tracey, 15. Braden Hamlin-Uele, 16. Tody Rudolf, 17. Scott Sorensen

Reserves: 18. Billy Magoulias, 19. Braydon Trindall, 20. Royce Hunt, 21. Josh Dugan

Team news: No changes for now, although Josh Dugan (knee) is lurking on the extended bench. Bronson Xerri (shoulder) will be given at least another week. Ronaldo Mulitalo (concussion) has been named and is expected to play.

KFC SuperCoach analysis: KFC SuperCoach great Shaun Johnson embarrassed 88 per cent with a brilliant 95 on the weekend. Why did we doubt him? Jack Williams is a very popular mid-ranger but notched just 42 in 61 minutes. While the game time is encouraging, the work rate is far from it. Blayke Brailey’s 38 in 80 minutes was hardly what we were hoping for but also hardly sell territory. We told you over the off-season to steer clear of Andrew Fifita as his minutes and work rate would dip dramatically due to persistent knee issues. That prediction proved true with 31 in 39 minutes and he’s therefore the sixth most sold player.

Storm: 1. Ryan Papenhuyzen 2. Suliasi Vunivalu 3. Marion Seve 4. Justin Olam 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Cameron Munster 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Jesse Bromwich 9. Cameron Smith 10. Tui Kamikamica 11. Felise Kaufusi 12. Kenny Bromwich 13. Dale Finucane

Interchange: 14. Tino Faasuamaleaui 15. Max King 16. Nelson Asofa-Solomona 17. Tom Eisenhuth

Reserves: 18. Harry Grant 19. Brenko Lee 20. Ryley Jacks 21. Darryn Schonig

Team news: No changes after a strong win over the Sea Eagles. Dale Finucane (head cut and concussion) is right to go. Brandon Smith (cheekbone) is aiming for next round.

KFC SuperCoach analysis: Cameron Smith produced a typically brilliant yet understated 70 points, playing the full 80 minutes despite Craig Bellamy’s “boy who cried wolf” suggestions of resting. At only 12 per cent ownership, Smith owners got a great jump on Cook owners, but Koroisau owners still win the day for now. Ryan Papenhuyzen scored a rather disappointing (for him) 49. However, he was involved in absolutely everything, as his 21 runs suggest, but nothing came off. Good signs without the reward and worth persisting with, especially with Teddy and Turbo flopping.

TIGERS VS KNIGHTS

Sunday, March 22nd, 4:05pm, Leichhardt Oval

Tigers: 1. Corey Thompson, 2. David Nofoaluma, 3. Joseph Leilua, 4. Adam Doueihi, 5. Robert Jennings, 6. Benji Marshall, 7. Josh Reynolds, 8. Josh Aloiai, 9. Billy Walters, 10. Alex Twal, 11. Luke Garner, 12. Luciano Leilua, 13. Elijah Taylor

Interchange: 14. Thomas Mikaele, 15. Paul Momirovski, 16. Zane Musgrove, 17. Chris Lawrence

Reserves: 18. Michael Chee Kam, 19. Oliver Clark, 20. Matthew Eisenhuth, 21. Tommy Talau

Team news: Paul Momirovski replaces Michael Chee Kam on the bench in the only change. Luke Brooks (calf) is aiming for round four. Moses Mbye (knee) is aiming for next week.

KFC SuperCoach analysis: KFC SuperCoach great David Nofoaluma’s 109 is hardly a surprise to seasoned SuperCoaches. Yet he’s the forgotten man once again at just 3.8 per cent ownership. Myself and many others last week backed Zane Musgrove as the prop cheapie of the year, but he went on to score just 23 points. However, coach Michael Maguire said before the game that Musgrove “can be one of the great front-rowers of the game”, so expect a big increase in minutes over the season.

Knights: 1. Kalyn Ponga, 2. Edrick Lee, 3. Enari Tuala, 4. Gehamat Shibasaki, 5. Hymel Hunt, 6. Kurt Mann, 7. Mitchell Pearce, 8. David Klemmer, 9. Jayden Brailey, 10. Daniel Saifiti, 11. Lachlan Fitzgibbon, 12. Mitchell Barnett, 13. Herman Ese’ese

Interchange: 14. Connor Watson, 15. Jacob Saifiti, 16. Tim Glasby, 17. Aidan Guerra

Reserves: 18. Pasami Saulo, 19. Starford To’a, 20. Mason Lino, 21. Sione Mata’utia

Team news: No changes to the 17 although Sione Mata’utia has been named on the extended bench as he aims to return from a pre-season ankle injury.

KFC SuperCoach analysis: Kalyn Ponga produced the best score of any gun fullback (81) by a long way. He kicked goals and looked sharp despite tough conditions and KFC SuperCoaches who brought him in currently have a big advantage on rivals. Star cheapies Kurt Mann (49) and Gehemat Shibasaki (41) get more than pass marks. While not really on option for Round 1 given the amount of cheapies at prop, David Klemmer (69) proved he will be a massive factor once again. His four offloads were particularly encouraging given he missed Origin selection last year because of his lack of passing skills.

TITANS VS EELS

Sunday, March 22nd, 6:05pm, CBUS Super Stadium

Titans: 1. Phillip Sami, 2. Anthony Don, 3. Kallum Watkins, 4. Brian Kelly, 5. Dale Copley, 6. Tyrone Roberts, 7. Ash Taylor, 8. Jarrod Wallace, 9. Mitch Rein, 10. Sam Lisone, 11.Kevin Proctor, 12. Bryce Cartwright, 13. Jai Arrow

Interchange: 14.Nathan Peats, 15. Jai Whitbread, 16. Tyrone Peachey, 17. Moeaki Fotuaika

Reserves: 18. Jaimin Jolliffe, 19. Sam Stone, 20. Shannon Boyd, 21 AJ Brimson

Team news: Brian Kelly starts at centre with Tyrone Peachey dropping to the bench. Moeaki Fotuaika (knee/wrist) returns from off-season surgery on the bench, replacing Jaiman Jolliffe. AJ Brimson and Shannon Boyd have been included in reserves as they aim to return from injury.

KFC SuperCoach analysis: Philip Sami was outrageous at fullback, scoring 74 basically all in base. He has AJ Brimson breathing down his neck but will be a serious option at CTW if he can lock down a FLB spot.

Eels: 1. Clint Gutherson, 2. Maika Sivo, 3. Michael Jennings, 4. Waqa Blake, 5. Blake Ferguson, 6. Dylan Brown, 7. Mitchell Moses, 8. Reagan Campbell-Gillard, 9. Reed Mahoney, 10. Junior Paulo, 11. Shaun Lane, 12. Ryan Matterson, 13. Nathan Brown

Interchange: 14. Brad Takairangi, 15. Marata Niukore, 16. Kane Evans 17. Peni Terepo

Reserves: 18. David Gower, 19. Ray Stone, 20. Oregon Kaufusi, 21. George Jennings

Team news: No changes after a hard-fought but injury-free win over the Bulldogs.

KFC SuperCoach analysis: Mitchell Moses is somehow the seventh most sold player after one average game, despite being a Blake Ferguson toe nail off a try assist and linebreak assist, and despite his awesome run to start to year. When you signed Moses you signed up for the rollercoaster, so hold tight.

Originally published as KFC SuperCoach NRL teams analysis Round 2