KFC SuperCoach teams analysis Round 11: Ben Trbojevic ruled out due to shoulder injury

KFC SuperCoaches have huge calls to make after last week’s most popular buy missed selection. Analysis by TOM SANGSTER.

KFC SuperCoaches have a big decision to make after last week’s most popular buy, Ben Trbojevic, was ruled out due to a shoulder injury.

Burbo struggled through much of last week’s big loss to the Broncos with an AC joint injury that required a needle at half-time.

He fought on bravely for 33 points and scored a fat $63,000 price rise.

With a projected price rise of $60,000 the next time he takes the field, plus potential Round 13 coverage, Burbo is ideally a hold.

But the likes of Reuben Cotter, Isaiah Papali’i, Joseph Manu and Viliame Kikau all popular buys in Burbo’s positions, plenty of KFC SuperCoaches may be forced to move this week.

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Ben Trbojevic is out due to a shoulder injury (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

WINNERS/BUYS

* Isaiah Papali’i $803K FRF/2RF – Most popular buy this week after scoring the most KFC SuperCoach points of any forward. We could talk Papali’i up all day but there are two stats that matter most. Firstly, he is 260 points clear at a problematic FRF position. Clearly, not owning him puts you a fair way behind the pack. Secondly, his lowest score this year is 58, which makes him the most consistent player in the game. A must-have, even though he doesn’t play Round 13.

* Reuben Cotter $556K HOK/HOK – Chris Randall has done a great job at hooker in making $204,000. But he has peaked and the upgrade to Cotter is most definitely on this week. The North Queensland everywhere-man started as a bench hooker, moved into the back row, then found a home at prop. With a season average of 64.3 he’s the third best hooker in KFC SuperCoach and provides great Round 13 cover for Origin-bound Harry Grant and Damien Cook. A word of warning here though, Cotter’s form is so good that he’s a chance of Queensland Origin selection, so keep an eye on any Maroon selection whispers at the Courier Mail.

* Joseph Manu $606K CTW/FLB – It all adds up for Manu, who is the third most purchased player this week. Covers Round 13, won’t play Origin (he’s a Kiwi), coming off a brilliant 91 and has scored the most points in a volatile CTW position.

* Viliame Kikau $600K 2RF – This purchase doesn’t come without risk given how up-and-down Kikau can be. Expect plenty of scores in the 30s, but he can also go large, as he did on the weekend with a try and try assist against the traditionally stingy Panthers. The pure base of 32 is extremely low for a forward. By way of comparison, Papalii’s base sits at 56. But there are few better attacking forwards in the NRL and he provides crucial Round 13 coverage. Fourth most purchased player this week.

Tom Trbojevic (left) is in, but brother Ben is out (Photo by Mark Evans/Getty Images)

* Tom Trbojevic $831K FLB – Turbo was an extremely popular buy last week but limped through much of the 38-nil drubbing by the Broncos. He has been named and isn’t considered in doubt, so hold and hope for a bumper scored this week and next before reassessing prior to the Round 13 Origin/bye week.

* Selwyn Cobbo $472,400 CTW/FLB – The 10,000 KFC SuperCoaches who sold the popular early season cheapie are no doubt regretting it. Cobbo was error-ridden to start the year (11 errors in the first five rounds alone). He averaged just 31.2 over this time and actually lost cash despite his low starting price. He has since averaged 63.2, making just two errors in that time.

* Euan Aitken $574,000 CTW/2RF – Returns from concussion and is a big inclusion for 18 per cent of KFC SuperCoaches, not just this week but for the all-important Round 13 bye.

* Daejarn Asi $310,300 5/8 – CTW – In a very tough week for bargains, the Warriors recruit is the most purchased player in the cheapie category – and it’s a stretch to call him a cheapie given Asi now costs $310,000. Last week was clearly the week to get on given the $68,000 rise, but he still has a projected rise of almost $50,000 this week and will cover round 13. That’s if his spot isn’t taken by Chanel Harris-Tavita (ruptured testicle), who is lurking on the extended bench.

* Lachie Miller $205K HFB – Cheapie to keep an eye on after being named starting fullback for the Sharks, with Nicho Hynes moving to fullback. The 27-year-old has an interesting back story as a former Olympian with the Australian Rugby Sevens team.

LOSERS

* Brad Schneider $376K HFB – The boom halfback has been dropped by the Raiders to accommodate the return of Jack Wighton from suspension and is therefore a definite sell after making $187,000.

HOLD

* Siosifa Talakai $673K 2RF – Sure, Sifa is the second most popular player this week, shed $94K last week (with a BE of 132 this round), has a three-round average of just 40.0 and doesn’t play the first bye – but consider the below facts before hammering that trade button.

Talakai is about to have the CTW position added, so let’s look at how his stats stack up against that position. At CTW Talakai has:

– The second best PPG average (min 3 games)

– Equal most tackle busts (with Greg Marzhew)

– Equal most try assists (with Joey Manu)

– Second most hit-ups over eight metres

– Equal third most offloads

– Is ranked sixth on PPG in base/power combined, and;

– Is ranked 11th in pure base

Siosifa Talakai is a popular sell (Photo by Albert Perez/Getty Images)

* Max King $389K FRF – Tough call here. King has been one of the better forward cheapies in KFC SuperCoach this season, making over $200,000. Ideally you’d hold for the Round 13 bye, but he’s starting to leak cash. Fourth most sold player this week.

* Izack Tago $474,600 CTW/2RF – After being one of the most popular sells over the last few rounds, Tago bounced back with 102 in Magic Round – against the Storm no less. A crucial number for Round 13 for those who held.

SELL

* Chris Randall $449K HOK, Will Penisini $474K CTW, Xavier Coates $569K CTW – All these popular cheapies have done a grand job. But they have peaked in price and won’t play Round 13, so it’s time to cash in.

* Cameron Murray $704K 2RF, Ryan Papenhuyzen $930K FLB – Both were popular sells last week and remain high on the list this week. Murray is out for another three rounds due to a shoulder injury, while Papenhuyzen could miss another five weeks due to a hamstring issue.

WATCHLIST

* Tohu Harris $602K 2RF – The KFC SuperCoach great was eased back from an ACL injury via the bench last week and only played 30 minutes. But he was extremely impressive in that time, scoring 37 points at a PPM of 1.2. He’s been named to start this week and could drop to a juicy price for Round 13 bye coverage.

* Maika Sivo $486K CTW – Named to return from an ACL injury for the Eels and could be a buy down the track, especially given the Round 13 coverage.

Maika Sivo is set to return from injury (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)

ROUND 11 TEAMS

KNIGHTS v BRONCOS

Thursday, 7.50pm, McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle

Knights

1. Kalyn Ponga, 2. Edrick Lee, 3. Enari Tuala, 4. Bradman Best, 5. Dominic Young, 6. Anthony Milford, 7. Adam Clune, 8. David Klemmer, 9. Chris Randall, 10. Daniel Saifiti, 11. Tyson Frizell, 12. Lachlan Fitzgibbon, 13. Mitch Barnett

Bench: 14. Phoenix Crossland, 15. Jacob Saifiti, 16. Leo Thompson, 17. Mat Croker

Reserves: 18. Tex Hoy, 19. Simi Sasagi, 20. Dane Gagai, 21. Jake Clifford, 22. Sauaso Sue, 23. Pasami Saulo, 24. Brodie Jones

TEAM NEWS: Tyson Frizell returns and slots straight back to his usual edge role which sees Mitch Barnett move to lock and Leo Thompson to the bench. Anthony Milford returns to the NRL and has been named to start at five-eighth with Phoenix Crossland to the bench and Tex Hoy to the reserves. Dane Gagai and Jake Clifford lurk in the reserves.

Broncos

1. Te Maire Martin, 2. Corey Oates, 3. Kotoni Staggs, 4. Herbie Farnworth, 5. Selwyn Cobbo, 6. Tyson Gamble, 7. Adam Reynolds, 8. Corey Jensen, 9. Billy Walters, 10. Payne Haas, 11. Kurt Capewell, 12. Jordan Riki, 13. Pat Carrigan

Bench: 14. Cory Paix, 15. Kobe Hetherington, 16. Thomas Flegler, 17. Keenan Palasia

Reserves: 18. Brenko Lee, 19. TC Robati, 20. Rhys Kennedy, 21. Ezra Mam, 22. Jordan Pereira, 23. Ryan James, 24. David Mead

TEAM NEWS: No changes though Te Maire Martin was a surprise selection with both Selwyn Cobbo and David Mead covering for him at training after he picked up a hip injury at Magic Round.

Anthony Milford will make his Knights debut against his former Club Brisbane on Thursday night. Picture: Knights Media

TIGERS v BULLDOGS

Friday, 6pm, Leichhardt Oval, Sydney

Tigers

1. Starford To’a, 2. Junior Tupou, 3. Asu Kepaoa, 4. Tyrone Peachey, 5. Ken Maumalo, 6. Jock Madden, 7. Jackson Hastings, 8. James Tamou, 9. Jacob Liddle, 10. Zane Musgrove, 11. Luke Garner, 12. Luciano Leilua, 13. Joe Ofahengaue

Bench: 14. Kelma Tuilagi, 15. Alex Twal, 16. Fa’amanu Brown, 17. Stefano Utoikamanu

Reserves: 18. Alex Seyfarth, 19. Oliver Gildart, 20. Thomas Mikaele, 21. Brent Naden, 22. Junior Pauga, 23. Tukimihia Simpkins, 24. Fonua Pole

TEAM NEWS: Changes galore for the Tigers. Brent Naden has been named in the reserves after a transfer from the Bulldogs earlier today. Luke Brooks (hamstring) is out with Jock Madden coming into the halves in his place. Asu Kepaoa returns at centre which pushes Luke Garner to second-row and Kelma Tuilagi to the bench. Hooker Jake Simpkin (concussion) is replaced by Jacob Liddle. ‘Nu Brown will play will play his first game since 2019 and comes on to the bench.

Bulldogs

1. Matt Dufty, 2. Jayden Okunbor, 3. Aaron Schoupp, 4. Jake Averillo, 5. Josh Addo-Carr, 6. Matt Burton, 7. Kyle Flanagan, 8. Luke Thompson, 9. Jeremy Marshall-King, 10. Paul Vaughan, 11. Jackson Topine, 12. Tevita Pangai Jr, 13. Josh Jackson

Bench: 14. Bailey Biondi-Odo, 15. Joe Stimson, 16. Max King, 17. Chris Patolo

Reserves: 25. Ava Seumanufagai, 19. Jacob Kiraz, 20. Zach Dockar-Clay, 21. Brandon Wakeham, 22. Tuipulotu Katoa, 23. Raymond Faitala-Mariner, 24. Paul Alamoti

TEAM NEWS: Corey Waddell (concussion) is out and replaced by young gun Jackson Topine. Jake Averillo replaces Naden in the centres. No word on who is coaching as yet.

EELS v SEA EAGLES

Friday, 7.55pm, CommBank Stadium, Sydney

Eels

1. Clint Gutherson, 2. Hayze Perham, 3. Will Penisini, 4. Tom Opacic, 5. Bailey Simonsson, 6. Dylan Brown, 7. Mitchell Moses, 8. Reagan Campbell-Gillard, 9. Reed Mahoney, 10. Junior Paulo, 11. Shaun Lane, 12. Isaiah Papali’i, 13. Ryan Matterson

Bench: 14. Makahesi Makatoa, 15. Marata Niukore, 16. Oregon Kaufusi, 17. Nathan Brown

Reserves: 18. Wiremu Greig, 19. Jake Arthur, 20. Mitch Rein, 21. Bryce Cartwright 22. Sean Russell, 23. Elie El-Zakhem, 24. Maika Sivo

TEAM NEWS: Ryan Matterson deposes Nathan Brown as starting lock with Brown pushed to the bench. Marata Niukore returns from injury and replaces Bryce Cartwright on the bench. Maika Sivo is named in the reserves.

Sea Eagles

1. Tom Trbojevic, 2. Christian Tuipulotu, 3. Morgan Harper, 4. Tolutau Koula, 5. Reuben Garrick, 6. Kieran Foran, 7. Daly Cherry-Evans, 8. Josh Aloiai, 9. Lachlan Croker, 10. Sean Keppie, 11. Haumole Olakau’atu, 12. Andrew Davey, 13. Jake Trbojevic

Bench: 14. Dylan Walker, 15. Josh Schuster, 16. Martin Taupau, 17. Toafofoa Sipley

Reserves: 18. Ethan Bullemor 19. Kurt De Luis, 20. Kaeo Weekes, 21. Jamie Humphries, 22. Alec Tuitavake, 23. Zac Fulton, 24. Jacob Sykes

TEAM NEWS: Ben Trbojevic (shoulder) is out, he is replaced by Morgan Harper. Ethan Bullemor drops out of the 17, Andrew Davey earns the start on an edge and Josh Schuster comes on to the bench. Tom Trbojevic is named despite hobbling through last week’s match.

Josh Schuster has been named on the bench for Manly. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images

DRAGONS v WARRIORS

Saturday, 3pm, Jubilee Stadium, Sydney

Dragons

1. Cody Ramsey, 2. Mathew Feagai, 3. Moses Suli, 4. Zac Lomax, 5. Mikaele Ravalawa, 6. Talatau Amone, 7. Ben Hunt, 8. Blake Lawrie, 9. Moses Mbye, 10. Francis Molo, 11. Jack Bird, 12. Jack Gosiewski, 13. Jack De Belin

Bench: 14. Jayden Sullivan, 15. Tariq Sims, 16. Aaron Woods, 17. Michael Molo

Reserves: 18. Tyrell Fuimaono, 19. Tautau Moga, 20. George Burgess, 21. Tyrell Sloan, 22. Josh Kerr, 23. Jackson Ford, 24. Jaiyden Hunt

TEAM NEWS: Tyrell Sloan pays the price for some ugly errors in Magic Round with Cody Ramsey named at fullback. Josh McGuire (groin) is out with Jack Gosiewski starting and Michael Molo to make his debut from the bench.

Warriors

1. Reece Walsh, 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, 3. Viliami Vailea, 4. Adam Pompey, 5. Marcelo Montoya, 6. Daejarn Asi, 7. Shaun Johnson, 8. Addin Fonua-Blake, 9. Jazz Tevaga, 10. Matt Lodge, 11. Euan Aitken, 12. Tohu Harris, 13. Jack Murchie

Bench: 14. Aaron Pene, 15. Ben Murdoch-Masila, 16. Bunty Afoa, 17. Freddy Lussick

Reserves: 18. Eliesa Katoa, 20. Taniela Otukolo, 21. Jesse Arthars, 22. Pride Petterson-Robati, 23. Junior Ratuva, 24. Ronald Volkman, 25. Chanel Harris-Tavita

TEAM NEWS: Wayde Egan is out (calf) which sees Jazz Tevaga move from lock to hooker. Jack Murchie is promoted to the starting side replacing Tevaga in jumper No.13 with Freddy Lussick coming onto the bench. Chanel Harris-Tavita has been named in the reserves as he nears a return from his ruptured testicle. Euan Aitken returns after missing last week through concussion. Tohu Harris is promoted to start as he rebuilds fitness after a long stint off due to an ACL injury.

COWBOYS v STORM

Saturday, 5.30pm, QCB Stadium, Townsville

Cowboys

1. Scott Drinkwater, 2. Kyle Feldt, 3. Valentine Holmes, 4. Peta Hiku, 5. Murray Taulagi, 6. Tom Dearden, 7. Chad Townsend, 8. Jordan McLean, 9. Reece Robson, 10. Reuben Cotter, 11. Tom Gilbert, 12. Jeremiah Nanai, 13. Jason Taumalolo

Bench: 14. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, 15. Heilum Luki, 16. Coen Hess, 17. Griffin Neame

Reserves: 18. Jamayne Taunoa-Brown, 19. Jake Granville, 20. Connelly Lemuelu, 21. Ben Condon, 22. Jake Bourke, 23. Ben Hampton, 24. Brendan Elliot

TEAM NEWS: No changes to the 17, and just one fresh face (Jake Bourke) in the 24 in an impressive display of consistency at the Cowboys.

Storm

1. Tyran Wishart, 2. Nick Meaney, 3. Marion Seve, 4. Justin Olam, 5. Xavier Coates, 6. Cameron Munster, 7. Jahrome Hughes, 8. Jesse Bromwich, 9. Harry Grant, 10. Brandon Smith, 11. Felise Kaufusi, 12. Kenny Bromwich, 13. Josh King

Bench: 14. Alec MacDonald, 15. Dean Ieremia, 16. Trent Loiero, 17. Tui Kamikamica

Reserves: 18. Chris Lewis, 19. Cooper Johns, 20. Tom Eisenhuth, 21. Jordan Grant, 22. Bronson Garlick, 23. Will Warbrick 24. Jayden Nikorima

TEAM NEWS: Nelson Asofa-Solomona (knee) is replaced at prop by Brandon Smith. Jahrome Hughes was a late out last week but is named to start for this round. Alec MacDonald and Dean Ieremia come onto the bench.

Brandon Smith has been picked at prop for Melbourne’s clash against the Cowboys. Picture: Mark Nolan/Getty Images

ROOSTERS v PANTHERS

Saturday, 7.35pm, SCG, Sydney

Roosters

1. James Tedesco, 2. Daniel Tupou, 3. Paul Momirovski, 4. Joey Manu, 5. Joseph Suaalii, 6. Sam Walker, 7. Luke Keary, 8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, 9. Connor Watson, 10. Siosiua Taukeiaho, 11. Angus Crichton, 12. Sitili Tupouniua, 13. Nat Butcher

Bench: 14. Drew Hutchison, 15. Fletcher Baker, 16. Daniel Suluka-Fifita, 17. Lindsay Collins

Reserves: 18. Lachlan Lam, 19. Egan Butcher, 20. Ben Marschke, 21. Naufahu Whyte, 22. Kevin Naiqama, 23. Adam Keighran, 24. Terrell May

TEAM NEWS: Victor Radley (ankle) will miss up to six weeks. Nat Butcher wins the start at lock in Radley’s absence. Lindsay Collins returns from suspension via the bench.

Panthers

1. Dylan Edwards, 2. Taylan May, 3. Izack Tago, 4. Stephen Crichton, 5. Brian To’o, 6. Jarome Luai, 7. Nathan Cleary, 8. Moses Leota, 9. Api Koroisau, 10. James Fisher-Harris, 11. Viliame Kikau, 12. Liam Martin, 13. Isaah Yeo

Bench: 14. Mitch Kenny, 15. Scott Sorensen, 16. Spencer Leniu, 17. Jaeman Salmon

Reserves: 18. Robert Jennings, 19. Chris Smith, 20. J’Maine Hopgood, 21. Sean O’Sullivan, 22. Matthew Eisenhuth, 23. Soni Luke, 24. Charlie Staines

TEAM NEWS: No changes for the Panthers.

RABBITOHS v RAIDERS

Sunday, 2pm, Apex Oval, Dubbo

Rabbitohs

1. Blake Taaffe, 2. Alex Johnston, 3. Jaxson Paulo, 4. Campbell Graham, 5. Taane Milne, 6. Cody Walker, 7. Lachlan Ilias, 8. Tevita Tatola, 9. Damien Cook, 10. Thomas Burgess, 11. Keaon Koloamatangi, 12. Trent Peoples, 13. Jai Arrow

Bench: 14. Kodi Nikorima, 15. Davvy Moale, 16. Siliva Havili, 17. Liam Knight

Reserves: 18. Petre Mamouzelos, 19. Isaiah Tass, 20. Josh Mansour, 21. Shaquai Mitchell, 22. Dean Hawkins, 23. Richard Kennar, 24. Hame Sele

TEAM NEWS: Jacob Host (shoulder) is out with Trent Peoples, who debuted in round nine, to play his second game in the NRL.

Raiders

1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, 2. Nick Cotric, 3. Matt Timokoi, 4. Sebastian Kis, 5. Jordan Rapana, 6. Jack Wighton, 7. Matt Frawley, 8. Josh Papalii, 9. Zac Woolford, 10. Joseph Tapine, 11. Hudson Young, 12. Elliott Whitehead, 13. Corey Harawira-Naera

Bench: 14. Tom Starling, 15. Ryan Sutton, 16. Xavier Savage, 17. Corey Horsburgh

Reserves: 18. Adam Elliot, 19. Brad Schneider, 20. Harry Rushton, 21. Adrian Trevilyan, 22. James Schiller, 23. Emre Guler, 24. Trey Mooney

TEAM NEWS: Jack Wighton (suspension) returns at the expense of youngster Brad Schneider. Adam Elliott (illness) has been named in the reserves which should be a worry for any SuperCoaches jumping on hooker Zac Woolford.

Jack Wighton is back for the Raiders. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

TITANS v SHARKS

Sunday, 4.05pm, Cbus Super Stadium, Gold Coast

Titans

1. Jayden Campbell, 2. Corey Thompson, 3. Phillip Sami, 4. Esan Marsters, 5. Jamayne Isaako, 6. AJ Brimson, 7. Toby Sexton, 8. Moeaki Fotuaika, 9. Erin Clark, 10. Jarrod Wallace, 11. Isaac Liu, 12. Beau Fermor, 13. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui

Bench: 14. Tanah Boyd, 15. Sam Lisone, 16. Herman Ese’ese, 17. Sam McIntyre

Reserves: 18. Will Smith, 19. Paul Turner, 20. Jaimin Jolliffe, 21. Brian Kelly, 22. Greg Marzhew, 23. Patrick Herbert, 24. Aaron Booth

TEAM NEWS: No changes to the 17 for the Titans.

Sharks

1. Lachlan Miller, 2. Sione Katoa, 3. Connor Tracey, 4. Siosifa Talakai, 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo, 6. Matt Moylan, 7. Nicho Hynes, 8. Toby Rudolf, 9. Blayke Brailey, 10. Royce Hunt, 11. Briton Nikora, 12. Wade Graham, 13. Cameron McInnes

Bench: 14. Aiden Tolman, 15. Braydon Trindall, 16. Teig Wilton, 17. Andrew Fifita

Reserves: 18. Kade Dykes, 19. Thomas Hazelton, 20. Luke Metcalf, 21. Mawene Hiroti, 22. Jayden Berrell, 23. Jesse Colquhoun, 24. Jonaiah Lualua

TEAM NEWS: Plenty of changes for the Sharks. Former rugby sevens star Lachie Miller is to make his NRL debut at fullback which permits Nicho Hynes to revert to halfback - no doubt a reaction to the Sharks horrible structure in attack last week. Dale Finucane (concussion) is out with Royce Hunt starting at prop. Wade Graham and Teig Wilton swap places. Andrew Fifita comes onto the bench.

Originally published as KFC SuperCoach teams analysis Round 11: Ben Trbojevic ruled out due to shoulder injury