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NRL Live scores and SuperCoach analysis, winners and losers on Super Saturday

The Tigers capped off a huge night of celebrations at Leichhardt Oval to close out a Super Saturday of blowouts. Find out who were the SuperCoach studs and who were the stinkers.

Grace Hamilton and Matt Elkerton
15 min read
March 23, 2024 - 9:29PM
News Corp Australia Sports Newsroom


A rocking Leichhardt Oval, a Bulldogs resurgence and the Dragons fans leaving with 10 minutes to go in their clash with the Cowboys, Super Saturday certainly wasn’t lacking some spice.

While we learnt it will be a long time before the Titans and Dragons will be contenders this season, there was plenty of SuperCoach movers and shakers making their presence felt across the three games.

Valentine Holmes was at the centre of the Cowboys impressive resurgence in Wollongong after they overturned a 14-point deficit in the first 20 minutes to blow the Dragons off the park 46-24.

Another centre-wing superstar Jacob Kiraz sent a timely reminder of his potential with a triple figure performance against the terrible Titans.

But it was the performance of Tigers hero Api Koroisau, getting the Leichhardt crowd on its feet, which was the best of the lot.

Check out our full list of SuperCoach studs and duds from Super Saturday, and scroll down to read how it all unfolded across all three games.



Api Koroisau was the superstar of Super Saturday.
Api Koroisau was the superstar of Super Saturday.


STUDS

1. Api Koroisau (HOK) – 105: The Tigers skipper was involved in everything as he inspired the teenage cubs to a famous win in front of the Leichhardt faithful. Is the perfect trade target for next week with an enticing breakeven.

2. Valentine Holmes (CTW) – 143: This one is completely self-explanatory. On the field, Holmes is all class. The speedster is a centre-piece of the Cowboys slick attack, and with the goal kicking, it is a no brainer.

3. Jacob Kiraz (CTW) – 101: The Bulldogs centre sent SuperCoaches a stark reminder of the class that made him must-have last season. At more than $600k he might remain unattainable.

4. Scott Drinkwater (FLB) – 99: The Cowboys fullback has magic in his fingers and it was on full display as they pulled the Dragons pants down on Saturday. Drinkwater scored one try and set-up two others.

5. Zac Lomax (CTW) – 100: The Dragons might have capitulated at home, but before they did, Lomax was in the middle of everything they did right in a dominant opening 20 minutes. A two-try haul certainly helps, but with a BE of 27 before the round, he is due a huge rise.

6. Lachlan Galvin (FLB) – 62: A late try assist helped spike his score, but this teenager is the real deal. Fresh out of the NRL Schoolboys Cup, at $204,300, Galvin will be the most purchased player this week.

7. Justin Olam (CTW) – 84: The Storm off cast has certainly found a home on the Tigers’ left edge. Benji Marshall has given full license to his side to try things, and Olam found himself on the end of it plenty of times. One to watch.

8. Reed Mahoney (HOK) – 92: The Bulldogs dummy-half was the beneficiary of a rare try but also added 50 in base stats. He would have hit triple figures if it wasn’t for some ill-discipline.

9. Jahream Bula (FLB) – 89: The flashy fullback scored two tries which definitely boosted his score, but when you have the pace and skill that he possesses, that is going to happen more often than it doesn’t.

10. Reece Robson (HOK) – 92: With a soft early draw, Robson still looms as a classy option in a stacked hooker position. The NSW hooker finished with two try assists, but also a solid 40 points in base stats alone.

DUDS

1. Nicho Hynes (HFB) – 42: Your junk points don’t help here Nicho. For the 13 per cent of coaches who took the plunge on captaining him, I am sorry. Hynes could find himself on the scrap heap, even with the ‘don’t sell guns’ mantra.

2. Viliami Fifita (FRF) – 9: The Dragons must-have cheapie at the start of the season is turning into a nightmare. The rookie failed to hit his basement breakeven and will make absolutely zero cash for almost 50,000 owners. At least he can’t lose cash.

3. Sam Hughes (FRF) – 22: The potential cash cow is leaving plenty of owners with a sour taste after a poor output in low minutes. With his extremely low breakeven, Hughes will still make cash, but it is a case of what could have been for almost 60,000 owners.

4. Jason Taumalolo (2RF/FRF) – 12: Anyone who had thoughts of the Tauminator rediscovering his best have been left sorely disappointed. The Cowboys former wrecking ball is having no impact and only lasting 20 minutes. Still has more than 11,000 owners. Cut loose, get out now.

5. Ronaldo Mulitalo (CTW) – 54: Another one who escaped with a junk 20 points in the final 10 minutes to sneak past 50 points. It’s hard to get a read on a winger in a game where his inside men struggled so badly.

6. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui (2RF/FRF) – 39: While the entire Titans side belongs here, Tino is realistically the only SuperCoach relevant name and he has put some hurt on those already reeling from Haas’ injury. Big Tino faces a stint on the sidelines with a knee injury.

7. Braydon Trindall (HFB/5/8) – 11: I was shocked to find out 10 per cent of SuperCoaches own Trindall. Seems like a fair few were sucked into the mid-range vortex of nothingness. A paltry output on a poor night for the Sharks attack.

8. Charlie Staines (CTW) – 25: Staines has a tiny ownership this season, but those 800-odd people will be wondering what might have been after he coughed up two half chances in that fantastic first half.

9. Keenan Palasia (2RF/FRF) – 24: A big off-season mover, more than 2000 SuperCoaches jumped off the Palasia train this week and they will breathe a big sigh of relief. He struggled to make any impact, he wasn’t alone.

10. Zac Laybutt (CTW) – DNP: A late withdrawal left almost 20,000 SuperCoaches scrambling, or most just copping an AE nightmare. There was not a lot of word about severity of his injury, so we can only hope for more this week.


FULL-TIME: TIGERS FIGHT RIGHT TO THE END
That 32-6 win was all about effort for the Tigers.
Even until the final minute, the Tigers refused to let their faithful fans down.
Despite the cue shoved into the rack with 10 minutes to go, the Tigers still refused to wilt in defence turning up to shut down any and all final Sharks raids.
Hynes and Mulitalo owners will be filthy after they missed out on a few late gutter points by the hungry Tiger teens.
A late linebreak has pushed Mulitalo up to 54 points, while Hynes managed to sneak his way to 42 by fulltime.
Tom Hazleton led the way for the bumbling Sharks with 86 points, thanks in large part to his first half try.
Api Koroisau (105 points) can hold his head high after leading an impressive group of young cubs to a thrilling performance.

70TH MIN: API ICED, TIGERS BARE TEETH
Api Koroisau has been given a deserved early mark after a huge performance.
And he could only smile from the bench as the Tigers put an exclamation mark on their performance in front of a full house.

Apisai Koroisau of the Tigers walks off suffering cramp.
Apisai Koroisau of the Tigers walks off suffering cramp.

A poor error from a clearly exhausted Sifa Talakai gave the Tigers a perfect opportunity to strike, and the Tiger cubs weren’t going to waste it.
Teenage talents Lachlan Galvin and Jahream Bula combined to produce a slick four-pointer as the Sharks defensive woes were laid bare with Will Kennedy shooting out of the line to grab at thin air.
Galvin, who has risen to 60 points in SuperCoach, is absolutely the real deal.
Expect the young five-eighth to be the most traded in player next week. I know he will be coming into my side.


55TH MIN: SHARKS SWIMMING IN CIRCLES
If it could go wrong, it has for the Sharks.
The men from the Shire have slipped 20 points behind on the scoreboard after a poacher’s effort from Tigers fullback Jahream Bula.
The left bott of Aidan Sezer is causing havoc for the Sharks men at the back, and they failed to defuse a big bomb with the drop ball falling in front of the flashy fullback.

Bula has gone to 39 points on SuperCoach, while Sezer has also improved to 38 points with his two try assists.
Koroisau still leads the way for the game on the cusp of triple figures, while Hynes has remained unsighted apart from three poor errors including a kick out on the full.
The 13 per cent of SuperCoaches will be pulling their hair out watching his performance as the Sharks halfback stares down a huge loss of cash after the round three price changes.
It is the offload that is killing the Cronulla side here with the Tigers hitting double figures in that department while the Sharks have only thrown the one which went to ground.

45TH MIN: TIGERS STRETCH LEAD, BUT WHAT COULD HAVE BEEN
The Tigers faithful can breathe easier after an easy penalty has pushed them out to a 14-point lead.
But it could have been so much better save for a sneaky knock on from flashy fullback Jahream Bula.
Solomone Faataape was about to be an immediate in for my SuperCoach side next week, before he had a would-be four pointer taken away by the Bunker.

Tigers young gun Lachlan Galvin in action against the Sharks.
Tigers young gun Lachlan Galvin in action against the Sharks.

The young centre, in only his second game, has certainly passed the eye test, but when it comes to SuperCoach, so far he remains irrelevant despite his rookie price tag at $204,300.
Meanwhile the Sharks are down to a two-man bench after Dale Finucane has been ruled out after a failed head injury assessment.
He joins Royce Hunt in the casualty ward who was unbelievably ruled out of the game after injuring his calf muscle while stretching out before going on field.
The Sharkies can’t cop a trick here.


HALF-TIME: BENJI IS ONE VERY API MAN
If SuperCoach included points for effort - Api Koroisau would be on 1000.
But it might not matter, with the Tigers skipper landing blow after blow on the Sharks to send the home side to the break up 18-6.
Leichhardt Oval is in raptures, Benji is floating in the coaches box and Api is standing and delivering.

The dummy-half pounced on a shocking loose offload from the Sharks — that’s happened too much this first half — to give his side a chance to finish the half off right.
They did just that, with the dummy-half wheeling and dealing to send Justin Olam over for his first try in Tigers colours.
Api has three tackle busts, an off-load, two try-assists and 20 tackles to be on 81 points at half-time.
Olam is not far behind after his try with 61 points, while Tom Hazleton leads the charge for the Sharks with 53, aided by his early four pointer.


35TH MIN: OH API, TIGERS REALLY SHOWING GRIT
I think the Tigers might have missed the memo here.
The home side are really rising on the back of a raucous home crowd on the Leichhardt Hill.
It is all starting at their number nine, with Api Koroisau pulling all the strings in this impressive first half performance.
The dummy-half has set-up a nice four-pointer for Alex Seyfarth — everyone is getting off the nudie early this year — and realistically could have had one of his own save for a late error butchering it.
Meanwhile for those on Nicho watch, cover your eyes.
The Sharks have barely had the ball for the past 20 minutes and Hynes output reflects that with only 18 points so far.


22ND MIN: TIGERS HIT BACK IN A BIG WAY
Remember when Isaiah Papalii was the best backrower in SuperCoach?
Some of us never forget, and with a rare four-pointer early on, we could see the Iceman lock in a reneissance score against the Sharks.
Papalii benefitted from some seriously slick work in the air from unknown Tigers cheapie Solomon Faataape, as well as a cool-headed kick from Aidan Sezer.

This could be exactly the reason Benji threw a lifeline to the former Raider in the off-season.
The Tigers are fired up for this one, John Bateman also winding back the clock with some of his efforts off the ball.
In good news for Sharkies, Rudolph has passed his HIA and is back on the field.



SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 23: Jahream Bula of the Tigers is tackled by Nicholas Hynes of the Sharks during the round three NRL match between Wests Tigers and Cronulla Sharks at Leichhardt Oval, on March 23, 2024, in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Jeremy Ng/Getty Images)
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 23: Jahream Bula of the Tigers is tackled by Nicholas Hynes of the Sharks during the round three NRL match between Wests Tigers and Cronulla Sharks at Leichhardt Oval, on March 23, 2024, in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Jeremy Ng/Getty Images)

15TH MIN: RUDOLPH OFF AS CULT HERO REAPS REWARDS

Goulburn’s greatest export Tom Hazleton has been the big winner early in this clash as the warning light is already flashing wildly in Tigerland.

With Toby Rudolph off the field early for a HIA, Hazleton has gotten early game time and he wasted little of it as he crashed across the tryline to get himself off the nudie run early this season.

The shimmering bald head might have blinded the Tigers defenders, but uncertain what their excuse is for the other poor efforts in defence as Hynes and Braydon Trindall start to pull the strings.

Sifa Talakai has been massive to start this game with 12 points in hit-ups already as well as two tackle-breaks.

The Tigers have shown glimpses of brilliance with the ball in hand, thanks largely to young gun Lachlan Galvin and a runaway Justin Olam, but if they can’t sort their defence this could be a long night.

KICK OFF: WHAT CAN NICHO DO? Leichhardt Oval, oh how I have missed you? How good is it to be back in the heart of rugby league.

But forget about the men in orange, this match is all about Nicho watch.One of last season’s most popular players, the wet-haired maestro has been off kilter in attack this season, and has failed to put up the numbers he was last season. But against a Tigers side that gave up plenty to the Raiders halves last week, there are plenty who are backing Hynes to rediscover his scoring mojo.

SuperCoaches have kept the faith in the NRL’s poster boy, with Hynes the second-most captained player this week at 13.1 per cent.

LATE MAIL: SHARKS v TIGERS The final teams have been locked in for the third game on your Super Saturday, with both the Tigers and Sharks opting against any late changes. Aiden Sezer makes his first start in the NRL since the 2019 grand final loss to the Roosters as Benji Marshall attempts to unlock an attack that foundered against the Raiders last week.It’s good news for SuperCoach cheapie Lachlan Galvin ($204,300) who retains his spot in the starting side after a respectable start to his fledgling career in Round 2. Expect the young playmaker to be involved in plenty of attacking work.

DRAGONS V COYBOYS 64TH and 61ST MINUTEChad Townsend. Need we say less? With 16 minutes to play, the halfback goes over for his sides, what’s that, millionth try? He now boats 50+ SC points depsite paying just $384,2000 and if we’re being honest, I can’t see St George smiling for a few days. Valentine Holmes didn’t need to prove much, having already converted five of the Cowboys six tries before taking a bite for himself. Oh, and converting that too.It’s a surprise to know he’s only picked in 11% of SuperCoach teams, but maye the so-far 115 points tonight will perk some ears. 53RD MINUTETom Dearden goes over for the Cowboys’ sixth try tonight.The chances of a comeback from here seem dismal, but if North Queensland have taught us anything, it’s that a lead can switch within minutes. Simultaneously, Dragons’ Zac Lomax has dropped from his spot as top SC scorer and now sits in fourth on 75. Reece Robson now dons the thrown with 83 points to his name. 49TH MINUTEScott Drinkwater has executed his first 40/20 (shock), resulting in the Cowboys fifth try of the night and a no-doubt confience-shaker for the Dragons.The points themsleves come from Kulikefu Finefeuiaki, who has earned his 4685 coaches 51 poibts so far.

Kyle Flanagan goes over to score a try for the Dragons.
Kyle Flanagan goes over to score a try for the Dragons.

HALFTIME TALKHow did this happen?That’s what every St George supporter is asking themsleves as we speak, but those with winger Zac Lomax in their team have something to cheer for, already accumluating 64 points.You’d hope so, since he’s paying over $650,000. This week’s performance may see him in more teams than the current 5% heading into the round. Cowboy’s Reece Robson is another hot scorer (52), followed by household name Ben Hunt (50). 37TH MINUTESOut of nowhere, Scott Drinkwater coaches are starting to enjoy this game without a side of high blood pressure, as their pick sits on an impressive 47 points. The try is just a bonus, but Cowboys fans are certainly celebrating the sudden lead in their hands. 30TH MINUTEDid someone say contraversy? North Queensland is making life hard for every St George and his dog. A stella kick on the fifth tackle from Reece Robson (50) gave Griffin Neame a crystal look at the line.That was, until Kyle Flanagan had a go at the ball and forced a stingey review of the play. After an intense video review, Cowboys were indeed awarded the try - and Neame now has a handful of SC (35) to his name.25TH MINUTE: Relief has come in the form of second-rower Sam McIntyre.A try under the post and conversion means the Cowboys are back to just an 8-point deficit.Sitting on 36 SC points already, there are now 401 players wishing they hadn’t traded him out after round 2.

NRL photos. Sam McIntyre scores a try for North Queensland Cowboys
NRL photos. Sam McIntyre scores a try for North Queensland Cowboys

20TH MINUTEKyle Flanagan added salted to the wound with St George’s third try of the night, showing off his running moves straight through the Cowboys line and leaving the visitors now 14 points behind. So much for a strong start, right Cowboys?The 25,421 players who picked Flanagan are seeing their debts paid off. What else can he do for them tonight?

15TH MINUTE

A 60-metre effort from St George has paid off, with Tyrell Sloan executing in the corner and giving his side a slight buffer after their slow start.

Could we see a reply of round 2, where Sloan put on 65 SC points for his 3000+ coaches?Meanehile 4,124 SuperCoaches are feeling the pain right now after Cowboys edge backrower Kulikefu Finefeuiaki was forced from the field...

5TH MINUTE

Scott Drinkwater ($851,800) has assisted Murray Taulagi ($528,400) in scoring the Cowboys first try of the night and opening the games scoring, much to the home crowds disappointment.

Taulagi’s 68 point average from rounds 1 and 2 may end up with boost, as he already sits on 34.

BULLDOGS V TITANS - 2PM

There aren’t too many words that can describe the Bulldogs performance today, but ‘beatiful’ sure fits the bill. Not only was it their biggest ever win against the Titans, but Bulldogs have officially broken a 28-year record.It marks the first time keeping an opponent to nill at Belmore Sports Ground since 1996.

But the real question: who cashed and who splashed on the SuperCoach roster?

65TH MINUTE

Gold Coast skipper Tino Fa’asuamaleaui has been assisted off the field with an unconfirmed knee injury, suspected ligament, after a seemingly standard tackle. If the injury proves severe, 17% of SuperCoach players will be left with a bitter taste of ‘what next’ for round 4 and beyond. At the time, Fa’asuamaleaui had accumulated 39 points.

60TH & 63RD MINUTE

The try fest continues with Connor Tracey (73) finding the line after an earlier double movement followed just minutes later with Reed Mahoney (88).

The quick double puts a heavy damper on the Titans chances of late redemption, and it’s safe to say the Bulldogs crowd have gotten their money’s worth.

55TH MINUTEAnd just like that, Jacob Kiraz goes over for the Bulldogs fourth try of the day and gives his 3,809 coaches something to smile about.

The try not only pushes the scoreline out to 22-0, but boosts Kiraz’s SC score to a whopping 89, from nowhere may we add.

42ND MINUTE

It didn’t take long for the Bulldogs to go over once again, thanks to the handy work of Stephen Crichton, Matt Burton and Tom Josh Curran.

But despite the stadium being up on their feet within seconds, a review resulted in the try being overturned and Titans gaining possession. Let’s hope they can make something of it.

NRL photos. Canterbury Bulldogs
NRL photos. Canterbury Bulldogs

HALF TIME TALK

There’s nothing better than logging onto SuperCoach and seeing your picks performing exactly how you hoped.

If you have any of the Bulldogs’ Jacob Preston (52), Jacob Kiraz (48) or Drew Hutchison (44) secured, your Saturday is looking a lot better than Des Hasler’s so far.

The trio are leading the points scoring, closely followed by fellow Dog duo Max King (34) and Viliame Kikau (34).

Never fear, Titans, you have Jaimin Jolliffe for relief.

The front rower is in just 0.2% of SuperCoach teams, but those 270 players are licking their lips at the surprise package.

On the flip side, it’s bad news for those splurging on Brian Kelly and Stephen Crichton. Your $600,00-plus picks are struggling to keep up, with 16 and 12 points respectively.

36TH MINUTE

Titans - and specifically Tanah Boyd fans - are shaking their heads at yet another fumble, this one a little more frustrating than the last dozen.

Bad pass or bad hands? You decide.

NRL photos. Viliame Kikau of the Canterbury Bulldogs
NRL photos. Viliame Kikau of the Canterbury Bulldogs

30TH MINUTE

Viliame Kikau has sprinkled his magic over the field, scoring the Bulldogs’ second try of the game and his first of the season.

It’s a cherry on top of his so far 31 point performance this half.

If you’re one of the 8.9% with Kikau in your SC team this round... Congrats.

25TH MINUTE

Jaimin Jolliffe is shaping up to be a first half hero for his 270 coaches, boasting 31 points despite getting little mention from the commentary team.

Meanwhile trying-scorer Preston sits atop the list with an impressive 44.

18TH MINUTE

Jacob Preston has broken a pointless first half after 18 minutes, opening the try scoring for Bulldogs with a splicey 10 metre run through the Titans defence.

6TH MINUTE

And just like that, Blake Wilson kicks the Titans while they’re down, scoring the Dog’s first try and breaking a 13-game bad-start streak.

But wait a second... I guess we spoke too soon. A quick video review has overturned the decision, keeping both teams 0-0.

2nd MINUTE

AJ Brimson has fumbled the Titans chance of an early try, just metres from the line.

There might only be 1,300 players with centre/ wing in their ranks, but I’m sure each and every one is kicking their feet right now.

2:20pm LATE MAIL It’s a desperate affair for the Gold Coast Titans and Canterbury Bulldogs, both vying for a season-first win in round 3.

While points on the board are the end goal, Bulldogs are battling with another superstition. Each of their last 13 games against the Titans have kicked off with a conceded try within four minutes. Talk about rough starts.
Bulldogs coach Cameron Ciraldo and Titans’ Des Hasler have finalised their teams ahead of the 3pm clash at Belmore Sports Ground.

The latter starting side remains unchanged, while Bulldogs’ halfback Toby Sexton comes in as the 18th-man player replacement.

Max King and Matt Burton will each celebrate their 50th game with the club, while King also marks his milestone 100th NRL match.

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Originally published as NRL Live scores and SuperCoach analysis, winners and losers on Super Saturday

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