No Go Zone: KFC SuperCoach players to avoid 2020
A host of highly-paid, big-name stars should be avoided at all costs in KFC SuperCoach 2020, writes TOM SANGSTER.
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Cameron Murray, 2RF, $664,000
Murray’s move to an edge could work both ways. On the plus side, he may up his game time to 80 minutes after averaging 59 minutes last year. But to cancel that out, expect Murray’s work rate (especially runs and tackles) to drop dramatically playing wider.
Either way, with the above question marks, Murray’s $664,900 price tag is a big risk. He’ll be a huge KFC SuperCoach factor at some stage in 2020, but take a look at his positional switch before jumping on.
With Murray currently the 11th most popular player, SuperCoaches have a huge chance for a POD.
Andrew Fifita, FRF, $553,900
Fifita has hit the big THREE ZERO which is generally the age most props break. He is also managing an ongoing knee issue that required stem cell surgery over the last two off-seasons and ruled him out of the All Stars.
He plays without a PCL in his left knee following an injury early in his career and he also aggravated his knee midway through last season.
The drop off in stats is alarming. After averaging a keeper-like 66 over his first 13 games (discounting an injury-affected game where he played just seven minutes), he averaged only 42 over his last seven games and sat another three out through injury.
Jamayne Isaako, CTW/FLB, $420,000
The Bronco was the 15th most popular player in KFC SuperCoach at the start of the pre-season but has dropped to 25th following news he has lost the Brisbane fullback race to Jack Bird. Isaako was underwhelming at the Nines, missing a number of soft tackles. A wing spot now appears best case scenario, although he’s been relegated to the bench for both trials with young gun Xavier Coates preferred.
Kyle Flanagan, HFB/5/8, $461,200
Flanno is a huge signing for the Roosters in place of the great Cooper Cronk and the youngster will have a big impact on the competition. And KFC SuperCoaches clearly feel the love with Flanagan sitting within the 80 most popular buys.
However, the son of Shane Flanagan has limited KFC SuperCoach potential after averaging 78 minutes in eight games for the Sharks last year, many of those with the goalkicking duties. In a position containing star bargains Jarome Luai and George Williams, plus guns Nathan Cleary and Mitchell Moses, it’s impossible to fit Flanagan in at a rather hefty $461,200.
Flanagan was relatively quiet in the World Club Challenge and had a bad night with the kicking tee, missing all three shots before relinquishing the duties to Sio Suia Taukeiaho. However, the 0/3 stat reads far worse than in reality. All three shots were from out wide, one hit the black dot and bounced back while another hit the upright. Even so, Flanagan only made one run and it’s clear this is Luke Keary’s team.
Latrell Mitchell, CTW/FLB, $653,100
Currently the 31st most popular player but there are too many variables surrounding the South Sydney recruit, who comes at a monster price. There were hopes the move to fullback would bring an end to the “Lazy Latrell” moniker as he’d be forced to be involved, particularly in rucking the ball out of his own end (which he literally NEVER did at centre).
However, that theory was debunked on the weekend when Latrell made just six runs for the Indigenous All Stars (for full disclosure, he played 57 minutes at fullback before switching to centre).
He also likely loses goalkicking duties to Adam Reynolds, who last year converted at 83 per cent to Mitchell’s 75 per cent. Buying Latrell would tie up huge money at CTW — the most inconsistent position in KFC SuperCoach. CTW is also a hotbed of cheapies and buying Latrell would deny one of these bargain buys.
In summary, Latrell was the best CTW in KFC SuperCoach last year and he’ll be a KFC SuperCoach factor at some stage (particularly if he misses Origin selection). But there are too many question marks to start him.
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Valentine Holmes, FLB, $563,700
Rob Sutherland and Wilson Smith both have him in their sides, but those guys are loose units and definitely not adverse to risk. The negatives outweigh the positives:
FOR:
* Starts at a big discount (approx $150,000) from fullback performances in his last NRL season. Holmes played No.1 for the Sharks 15 times in 2018 averaging 78.7, which places him in the elite of elite.
AGAINST:
* Holmes’ big run of scores in 2018 was boosted by goalkicking duties for the final five games. While he’s a definite contender for the kicking at the Cowboys, he faces competition from Esan Marsters and Jake Clifford.
* Lack of dual positioning is a huge blow as fullback is the hottest position in KFC SuperCoach — probably ever. Picking Holmes would mean missing out on James Tedesco, Tom Trbojevic, Kalyn Ponga and Ryan Papenhuyzen.
* Cowboys finished 13th and 14th in the last two seasons. How many attacking opportunities will he realistically get?
* Jarryd Hayne was the last star fullback to come back from NFL and he averaged 37 in his return season. The change in focus from impact to endurance is clearly a big obstacle.
In summary, there are way too many questions marks in a red-hot position. Papenhuyzen averaged almost 100 at fullback last year and is a far better buy for approx $50,000 cheaper. And Teddy, Turbo and Ponga also have serious cred. Holmes is a risk not worth taking.
John Bateman, 2RF, $668,200
It hurts my soul to write this about the most likeable player in NRL. As the old saying goes, never pick a player after a career year. Bateman will no doubt be a KFC SuperCoach factor at some stage but he starts very expensive after a brilliant season and is no longer available at centre/wing. Jason Taumalolo, David Fifita and Payne Haas are more pressing buys in the pack.
UPDATE: John Bateman is in doubt for Round 1 following shoulder surgery. Definitely steer clear.
John Bateman has undergone minor shoulder surgery to fix an ongoing issue, no set return date but will be reassessed closer to Rd1. Not much detail to go off regarding expected recovery; best case some minor shoulder “clean outs†can allow a return to play in as little as 3-4wks
— NRL PHYSIO (@nrlphysio) February 5, 2020
Ben Trbojevic, 2RF/CTW, $171,900
Currently the 13th most popular player but KFC SuperCoaches are clearly getting sucked in by the Trbojevic name. The younger bother of Tom and Jake isn’t in the Manly top 30 squad and is therefore no chance of playing Round 1.
Albert Hopoate, CTW, $171,900
A heavily-fancied cheapie last year before doing his ACL. The son of John Hopoate is popular again in 2020 as the 22nd most popular buy. But while Hoppa is no doubt a cheapie to keep tabs on after earning a spot in Manly’s top 30 squad, estimates on his return range from Round 3 to Round 14. And after consecutive knee reconstructions, expect him to be eased back through lower grades.
PLUS KEY INJURIES
Jake Trbojevic — due back Round 4
Addin Fonua-Blake — due back Round 3
Ryan James — out for season
Cameron McInnes — due back Round 3-9
John Bateman — in doubt for Round 1
Originally published as No Go Zone: KFC SuperCoach players to avoid 2020