NRL SuperCoach teams analysis Round 25

The injury to Tom Trbojevic has gifted SuperCoaches who saved a trade the opportunity to inject Melbourne Storm flyer Ryan Papenhuyzen into their sides for head-to-head grand finals.

The injury to Tom Trbojevic has gifted SuperCoaches who saved a trade the opportunity to inject Melbourne Storm flyer Ryan Papenhuyzen into their sides for head-to-head grand finals.

RABBITOHS v ROOSTERS

Thursday 5th September, ANZ Stadium, 7.50pm

Rabbitohs: 1. Adam Doueihi 2. Alex Johnston 3. Campbell Graham 4. Dane Gagai 5. Corey Allan 6. Cody Walker 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Sam Burgess 9. Damien Cook 10. Liam Knight 11. John Sutton 12. Jaydn Su’A 13. Cameron Murray

Interchange: 14. Ethan Lowe 15. Tom Amone 16. Tevita Tatola 17. Mark Nicholls

Reserves: 18. Bayley Sironen 19. Connor Tracey 20. Kurt Dillon 21. Mawene Hiroti

Teams news: TomAmone replaces the injured Kyle Turner on the bench.

SuperCoach analysis: Sam Burgess played just 49 minutes for 38 points on return from injury and isn’t a start against the rampant Roosters for those lucky enough to have a respectable choice of reserves. Cameron Murray is fairly bulletproof when it comes to opposition and is a reasonable VC option early in the round coming off a ton against the Warriors.

Roosters: 1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Latrell Mitchell 4. Joey Manu 5. Brett Morris 6. Luke Keary 7. Cooper Cronk 8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves 9. Sam Verrills 10. Isaac Liu 11. Boyd Cordner 12. Mitch Aubusson 13. Victor Radley

Interchange: 14. Lindsay Collins 15. Zane Tetevano 16. Nat Butcher 17. Angus Crichton

Reserves: 18. Billy Smith 19. Sitili Tupouniua 20. Poasa Faamausili 21. Drew Hutchison

Teams news: Boyd Cordner and Cooper Cronk return at the expense of Angus Crichton (bench) and Drew Hutchinson (dropped). Siosiua Taukeiaho misses out through injury.

SuperCoach analysis: Speaking of bulletproof, James Tedesco hasn’t scored under 82 since Round 15 and boasts a five round average of 111. He is once again rightly the most popular captaincy choice despite the tough match up, hopefully a few coaches jump off as he is playing in the opening game of the round. Angus Crichton has averaged 74 across his past five games since returning to the starting line up in the absence of Boyd Cordner, however his run as a POD is over after being benched with Trent Robinson sticking with club stalwart Mitchell Aubusson in the back-row with the skipper’s return.

Stream the 2019 NRL Telstra Premiership on KAYO SPORTS. Every game of every round Live & On-Demand on your TV, computer, mobile or tablet. Get your 14 day free trial >

Round 25 teams analysis.

EELS v SEA EAGLES

Friday 6th September, Bankwest Stadium, 6pm

Eels: 1. Clinton Gutherson 2. Maika Sivo 3. Michael Jennings 4. Waqa Blake 5. Blake Ferguson 6. Dylan Brown 7. Mitchell Moses 8. Kane Evans 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Junior Paulo 11. Shaun Lane 12. Manu Ma’u 13. Marata Niukore

Interchange: 14. Brad Takairangi 15. Daniel Alvaro 16. Ray Stone 17. Tepai Moeroa

Reserves: 18. David Gower 19. Will Smith 20. Peni Terepo 21. Josh Hoffman

Teams news: Tepai Moeroa and Ray Stone join the bench in place of Peni Terepo and David Gower. Marata Niukore starts at lock with Daniel Alvaro on the bench.

SuperCoach analysis: Mitchell Moses has been rock solid all season until a horrendous 14 against Brisbane last week. Keep the faith and include him in your line up against a fairly depleted Manly outfit at the SuperCoach friendly Bankwest Stadium. Manu Ma’u averages a whopping 73 this season and hasn’t scored below 64 since Round 13. Sadly his departure to the English Super League means it’s likely the last we’ll see from the great man who has etched himself into the memories of many grateful SuperCoaches in 2019.

Sea Eagles: 1. Brendan Elliot 2. Jorge Taufua 3. Brad Parker 4. Moses Suli 5. Reuben Garrick 6. Dylan Walker 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Apisai Koroisau 10. Martin Taupau 11. Corey Waddell 12. Curtis Sironen 13. Jake Trbojevic

Interchange: 14. Manase Fainu 15. Sean Keppie 16. Lloyd Perrett 17. Taniela Paseka

Reserves: 18. Lachlan Croker 19. Tevita Funa 20. Cade Cust 21.Haumole Olakau’atu

Teams news: Brendan Elliot replaces Tom Trbojevic at fullback. Jack Gosiewski and Morgan Boyle are out injured, with Corey Waddell to start in the second-row and Sean Keppie joins the bench on debut alongside Lloyd Perrett.

SuperCoach analysis: Jake Trbojevic has a five round average of 57 and is a luxury bench option for those with viable alternatives. Marty Taupau has just four offloads in the past five weeks, oh how the mighty have fallen.

STORM v COWBOYS

Friday 6th September, AAMI Park, 7.55pm

Storm: 1. Ryan Papenhuyzen 2. Suliasi Vunivalu 3. Will Chambers 4. Justin Olam 5. Sandor Earl 6. Brodie Croft 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Jesse Bromwich 9. Cameron Smith 10. Nelson Asofa-Solomona 11. Felise Kaufusi 12. Kenneath Bromwich 13. Dale Finucane

Interchange: 14. Max King 15. Tui Kamikamica 16. Tino Faasuamaleaui 17. Tom Eisenhuth

Reserves: 18. Curtis Scott 19. Joe Stimson 20. Billy Walters 21. Harry Grant

Teams news: Cameron Munster (injury), Josh Addo-Carr (rested) and Brandon Smith (rested) are all out. Brodie Croft returns in the halves, Sandor Earl on the wing and Tui Kamikamica on the bench.

SuperCoach analysis: Ryan Papenhuyzen is comfortably the most purchased player with 23.6 per cent of all trades. The lightning quick fullback averages 97 in his five 80 minute games this season. For me he’s the buy of the week and therefore the best replacement for Tom Trbojevic and Cameron Munster. He could go mental against North Queensland at AAMI Park. The Pap will be priced at around a 53 point average next season and will be a steal in a position that will have James Tedesco, Tom Trbojevic, Kalyn Ponga and Roger Tuivasa-Sheck as options, good luck picking two out of five to start the season… The absence of Munster (injury/rest) and Josh Addo-Carr (rest) is an enormous blow for those who bought the pair a fortnight back for Melbourne’s friendly run of games. However, the resting of Brandon Smith is massive news for the game’s top scoring player Cameron Smith who will hopefully see a minimum of 60-65 minutes of action. It’s likely Kenny Bromwich will shift to hooker to give the skipper an early shower should the Storm put a score on the struggling Cowboys. Regardless, Smith is a strong captaincy option in a tough week.

Cowboys: 1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Kyle Feldt 3. Jordan Kahu 4. Tom Opacic 5. Murray Taulagi 6. John Asiata 7. Michael Morgan 8. Scott Bolton 9. Jake Granville 10. Jordan McLean 11. Gavin Cooper 12. Shane Wright 13. Jason Taumalolo

Interchange: 14. Josh McGuire 15. Coen Hess 16. Peter Hola 17. Francis Molo

Reserves: 18. Corey Jensen 19. Reuben Cotter 20. Tom Gilbert 21. Jake Clifford

Teams news: Josh McGuire returns on the bench in place of Reuben Cotter. Jake Clifford has been named on an extended bench.

SuperCoach analysis: Moving on…

John Bateman is among a host of rested Raiders stars. Picture: Mark Kolbe

RAIDERS v WARRIORS

Saturday 7th September, GIO Stadium, 3pm

Raiders: 1. Bailey Simonsson 2. Michael Oldfield 3. Jarrod Croker 4. Nick Cotric 5. Sebastian Kris 6. Jack Wighton 7. Aidan Sezer 8. Josh Papalii 9. Josh Hodgson 10. Dunamis Lui 11. Hudson Young 12. Elliott Whitehead 13. Ryan Sutton

Interchange: 14. Siliva Havili 15. Emre Guler 16. Corey Horsburgh 17. JJ Collins

Reserves: 18. Sam Williams 19. Joseph Tapine 20. Jordan Rapana 21. Tom Starling

Teams news: Mass changes as Ricky Stuart rests his stars prior to finals. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstadd, Jordan Rapana, Sia Soliola and John Bateman are all out. Bailey Simonsson starts at fullback and Michael Oldfield and Sebastian Kris on the wings. Hudson Young starts in the back-row, Emre Guler and JJ Collins join the bench.

SuperCoach analysis: I had John Bateman pegged as the best captaincy option this week and Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad and Jordan Rapana as serious PODs. That plan has been very quickly thrown out the window, but at least Ricky Stuart had the decency not to throw us a classic smokescreen with his team selection so we can plan accordingly. Josh Hodgson put on an effortless 106 against the Warriors in Round 20 and is a decent replacement for the injured Cameron McInnes.

Warriors: 1. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 2. David Fusitu’a 3. Adam Pompey 4. Blake Ayshford 5. Ken Maumalo 6. Kodi Nikorima 7. Blake Green 8. Agnatius Paasi 9. Issac Luke 10. Leeson Ah Mau 11. Adam Blair 12. Isaiah Papali’i 13. Jazz Tevaga

Interchange: 14. Lachlan Burr 15. Bunty Afoa 16. Ligi Sao 17. Adam Keighran

Reserves: 18. Josh Curran 20. Taane Milne 21. Hayze Perham 22. Leivaha Pulu

Teams news: Adam Pompey and Blake Ayshford start at centre with Peta Hiku and Patrick Herbert out injured. Chanel Harris-Tevita (arm) is out with Bunty Afoa and Adam Keighran joining the bench.

SuperCoach analysis: I was against Roger Tuivasa-Sheck as a replacement for Trbojevic/Munster, but the weakened Green Machine makes the Warriors fullback a serious option. Ken Maumalo has hit the skids with a three round average of 36, but hopefully he can find the line in the nation’s capital.

Teams are in for Round 25 and there’s big news on Shaun Johnson, Cameron Munster and John Bateman. Get the lowdown with Tim Williams and Huw Bonello.

BULLDOGS v BRONCOS

Saturday 7th September, ANZ Stadium, 5.30pm

Bulldogs: 1. Will Hopoate 2. Nick Meaney 3. Morgan Harper 4. Reimis Smith 5. Jayden Okunbor 6. Kieran Foran 7. Lachlan Lewis 8. Aiden Tolman 9. Jeremy Marshall-King 10. Dylan Napa 11. Josh Jackson 12. Corey Harawira-Naera 13. Adam Elliott

Interchange: 14. Jack Cogger 15. Renouf Toomaga 16. Raymond Faitala-Mariner 17. Chris Smith

Reserves: 19. Danny Fualalo 20. Isaiah Tass 21. Fa’amanu Brown 22 Ofahiki Ogden

Teams news: Dallin Watene-Zelezniak (knee) is out and will be replaced at fullback by Will Hopoate. Morgan Harper debuts at centre, Reimis Smith returns from suspension on the wing. Kerrod Holland (shoulder) will also miss the clash.

SuperCoach analysis: Will Hopoate’s rollercoaster past few months has been difficult for owners, however the move to fullback this week should up his base stats making him a certain play in 17s.

Broncos: 1. Anthony Milford 2. Corey Oates 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Alex Glenn 5. Jamayne Isaako 6. Darius Boyd 7. Jake Turpin 8. Matthew Lodge 9. Andrew McCullough 10. Payne Haas 11. David Fifita 12. Matt Gillett 13. Patrick Carrigan

Interchange: 14. James Segeyaro 15. Thomas Flegler 16. Izaia Perese 17. Rhys Kennedy

Reserves: 18. Sean O’Sullivan 19. Gehamat Shibasaki 20. Shaun Fensom 21. Joe Ofahengaue

Teams news: Jake Turpin returns from suspension at halfback in place of Sean O’Sullivan. Gehamat Shibasaki is out with Izaia Perese joining the bench.

SuperCoach analysis: David Fifita is a super POD at just six per cent ownership. The half man half machine belted out 116 and 122 in the past fortnight including a ridiculous 31 tackle breaks. Fifita will be priced on an average of around 51 next season from 53 minutes of game time making him an absolute steal. Kotoni Staggs forgot how to run the ball against Parramatta having just four hit ups, hopefully he rediscovers his work ethic against the Bulldogs.

Gareth Widdop could go large in his last NRL game. Picture: Mark Metcalfe

TITANS v DRAGONS

Saturday 7th September, Cbus Super Stadium, 7.35pm

Titans: 1. Michael Gordon 2. Jesse Arthars 3. Tyrone Peachey 4. Brian Kelly 5. Phillip Sami 6. Alexander Brimson 7. Ryley Jacks 8. Jarrod Wallace 9. Mitch Rein 10. Jai Arrow 11. Kevin Proctor 12. Sam Stone 13. Nathan Peats

Interchange: 14. Tanah Boyd 15. Jai Whitbread 16. Bryce Cartwright 17. Jack Stockwell

Reserves: 18. Will Matthew 19. Kallum Watkins 20. Ashley Taylor 21. Anthony Don

Teams news: Englishman Kallum Watkins has been dropped with Tyrone Peachey shifting to centre and AJ Brimson starting at five-eighth. Nathan Peats moves to lock to accommodate the return of Mitch Rein from suspension at hooker. Jai Arrow starts at prop for the injured Mo Fotuaika.

SuperCoach analysis: An injury-riddled season will make Jai Arrow under-priced in 2020 in the only real point of interest at the Titans.

Dragons: 1. Corey Norman 2. Tristan Sailor 3. Euan Aitken 4. Tim Lafai 5. Jonus Pearson 6. Gareth Widdop 7. Ben Hunt 8. James Graham 9. Reece Robson 10. Paul Vaughan 11. Tyson Frizell 12. Jackson Ford 13. Blake Lawrie

Interchange: 14. Jeremy Latimore 15. Korbin Sims 16. Luciano Leilua 17. Josh Kerr

Reserves: 18. Patrick Kaufusi 19. Zac Lomax 20. Matt Dufty 21. Jacob Host

Teams news: Corey Norman returns at fullback pushing Tristan Sailor to the wing. Reece Robson starts at hooker for Cameron McInnes (broken leg). Blake Lawrie starts at lock, Luciano Leilua drops to the bench. Jeremy Latimore replaces Patrick Kaufusi on the bench. Zac Lomax (concussion) has been named among the reserves.

SuperCoach analysis: Josh Kerr was an auto emergency nightmare last week following the post lockout injury to Shaun Johnson. Kerr managed just 11 points to cruel a host of owners and has unfortunately been named on the bench again this week which virtually rules out the VC loophole for owners. Gareth Widdop will be fired up for his NRL farewell and could go large against the flimsy Titans who he put 104 on just a month back. The Englishman is a decent alternative to Ryan Papenhuyzen.

SuperCoaches are sweating on the fitness of Shaun Johnson. Picture: Mark Metcalfe

TIGERS v SHARKS

Sunday 8th September, Leichhardt Oval, 2pm

Tigers: 1. Corey Thompson 2. Robert Jennings 3. Paul Momirovski 4. Esan Marsters 5. David Nofoaluma 6. Benji Marshall 7. Luke Brooks 8. Thomas Mikaele 9. Josh Reynolds 10. Oliver Clark 11. Luke Garner 12. Chris Lawrence 13. Ryan Matterson

Interchange: 14. Matthew Eisenhuth 15. Elijah Taylor 16. Alex Twal 17. Michael Chee-Kam

Reserves: 18. Tommy Talau 19. Chris McQueen 20. Moses Mbye 21. Robbie Farah

Teams news: Robbie Farah and Moses Mbye are a chance to play after being named among the reserves. Ryan Matterson reverts back to lock with Josh Reynolds named to start at hooker.

SuperCoach analysis: Ryan Matterson hasn’t played 80 minutes since Round 18, averaging 67 minutes in the past three weeks, however he’s still churning out decent numbers and is a definite play this week in the monster clash. In a serious blast from the past, Benji Marshall has back-to-back tons for a three and five round average of 97 and 77 making him the seventh most purchased player. David Nofoaluma has a season average of 65 and a three round average of 95. The busy winger scored 83 on weekend with just one linebreak in the attacking department, gun.

Sharks: 1. Josh Dugan 2. Sosaia Feki 3. Bronson Xerri 4. Josh Morris 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo 6. Shaun Johnson 7. Chad Townsend 8. Aaron Woods 9. Jayden Brailey 10. Matt Prior 11. Briton Nikora 12. Wade Graham 13. Paul Gallen

Interchange: 14. Kurt Capewell 15. Jack Williams 16. Andrew Fifita 17. Braden Hamlin-Uele

Reserves: 18. Billy Magoulias 19. Blayke Brailey 20. Kyle Flanagan 21. Matt Moylan

Teams news: Shaun Johnson has been named at halfback and Sosaia Feki replaces Sione Katoa on the wing. Matt Moylan and Kyle Flanagan have been named among the reserves. Jack Williams returns from injury in place of Jayson Bukuya.

SuperCoach analysis: Shaun Johnson has been named but remains in doubt. If he plays he’ll surely limit his running game and is unlikely to kick goals as per past quad injuries. This also impacts Briton Nikora significantly who is only scoring well when SJ puts him into space. Ideally they should both be benched for anyone with the luxury to do so. Andrew Fifita played just 36 minutes against Canberra but still managed 57 points, PPM beast. Surely he sees an increase this week with Cronulla playing for a finals spot.

PANTHERS v KNIGHTS

Sunday 8th September, Panthers Stadium, 4.05pm

Panthers: 1. Dylan Edwards 2. Stephen Crichton 3. Dean Whare 4. Brent Naden 5. Brian To’o 6. James Maloney 7. Nathan Cleary 8. James Tamou 9. Wayde Egan 10. Moses Leota 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Liam Martin 13. James Fisher-Harris

Interchange: 14. Jarome Luai 15. Spencer Leniu 16. Billy Burns 17. Reagan Campbell-Gillard

Reserves: 18. Sione Katoa 19. Hame Sele 20. Josh Mansour 21. Kaide Ellis

Teams news: Wayde Egan starts at hooker with Sione Katoa dropped. Jarome Luai joins the bench, Josh Mansour has been named among the reserves.

SuperCoach analysis: Viliame Kikau punished unfaithful owners who benched him with 90 points against the Roosters. The monster Fijian would have played 80 minutes without a HIA test. Kikau had been benched for the injured Isaah Yeo in past weeks, so he should go close to 80 in his absence. Nathan Cleary is struggling with a three round average of 47, he could bounce back in a big way against a Knights outfit who are full of false hope following a demolition of the Titans.

Knights: 1. Kalyn Ponga 2. Bradman Best 3. Sione Mata’utia 4. Hymel Hunt 5. Shaun Kenny-Dowall 6. Mason Lino 7. Mitchell Pearce 8. David Klemmer 9. Connor Watson 10. Daniel Saifiti 11. Lachlan Fitzgibbon 12. Mitchell Barnett 13. Tim Glasby

Interchange: 14. Kurt Mann 15. Herman Ese’ese 16. Josh King 17. Aidan Guerra

Reserves: 18. Jacob Saifiti 19. Jamie Buhrer 20. Jirah Momoisea 21. Starford Toa

Teams news: Lachlan Fitzgibbon starts with Aidan Guerra shifting to the bench. Kurt Mann replaces Jacob Saifiti on the bench.

SuperCoach analysis: Connor Watson is a quality replacement for the likes of Trbojevic and Munster following a 117 point effort against the Titans in 80 minutes of game time at hooker. Although Kurt Mann’s inclusion on the bench could be an issue for his minutes.

Originally published as NRL SuperCoach teams analysis Round 25