KFC SuperCoach NRL 2022: Teams Round 2, Tom Sangster’s analysis

It’s absolute carnage already in KFC SuperCoach with a number of top cheapies not named — but Harry Grant is here to fix everything. Check TOM SANGSTER’S teams analysis.

Tom Sangster’s teams analysis for round two of 2022.

WINNERS

* Harry Grant - The noted KFC SuperCoach gun is back from suspension and particularly relevant this week due to the injury to teammate and game time rival Brandon Smith (hand, round six). However, despite Grant’s gun status in KFC SuperCoach, he is just the second most popular replacement for Smith, with Api Koroisau attracting almost double the attention.

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Yes, there is a price difference of around $120,000, but do your best to create the cash for Grant. Koroisau doesn’t have the base of other hookers (only 38 in base last week) and won’t score a try and set one up each week, like he did in round one. Koroisau is not quite a trap, but he shouldn’t be the most purchased player this week. Meanwhile, Grant is a proper keeper at least until Origin and maybe for the full season.

Harry Grant is a popular replacement for Brandon Smith (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)

* Latrell Mitchell and Cameron Munster – Two KFC SuperCoach guns back from suspension and there is an argument both are in for career years. Latrell is looking to make amends after being suspended for last year’s finals series and will now get an extra 12 or so “free” points per game after inheriting the goalkicking off the departed Adam Reynolds.

Munster is looking as fit as ever after spending time in rehab and is also set for an amazing season. Most KFC SuperCoaches who backed these two got on last week, but they are hardly the worst moves this week either.

* Billy Smith - A popular cheapie at 18 per cent ownership, Smith scored just 15 points last week before being pulled off for concussion. He has been named this week and is set to play, so definitely don’t sell just yet.

* Payne Haas - Already the fourth most popular player in KFC SuperCoach, Haas is extremely popular again this week after a 91 in the opening round. He achieved this mammoth total without any big attacking stats (although there were four offloads). He is at Winx-like odds to top the prop position this year and is a must-have at some stage. So if you have the cash this week just do it.

* Must-have cheapies: Izack Tago, Ethan Bullemor, Max King, Selwyn Cobbo, Josh King, Kelma Tuilagi, Will Penisini, Chris Randall, Lachlan Ilias - We talked these guys to death in the pre-season and the predictions came true. If you don’t own them, get them.

LOSERS

* Shaun Johnson – Out for up to a month with a pectoral strain and therefore a sell. Jack Wighton is currently the most popular replacement after a strong game on the weekend. But he’s never really been a KFC SuperCoach factor and should be avoided. I’d be taking a flyer on Munster, or going for an above-mentioned cheapie you don’t already own.

* Brandon Smith - Huge blow for a quarter of KFC SuperCoaches with Smith ruled out until round six with a hand injury. As per above, Grant is the obvious replacement at hooker, but avoid Koroisai. There are a plethora of options in the back row (or front row with right duals) but avoid the most popular replacement Viliame Kikau after just one big round. Unless you missed Payne Haas or any of the main cheapies, ideally you’d take a week to assess best options. Remember, you can use a Trade Boost next week for three trades.

* Brad Schneider - The Canberra young gun, owned by 39 per cent, is out for a week after testing positive to Covid. He scored 45 on the weekend entirely in base (including goal kicks as base) and therefore has serious KFC SuperCoach potential as a cheapie. Hold.

* Viliami Vailea - The Warriors young gun, owned by a massive 42 per cent, is out for 3-4 weeks with an MCL knee injury. Ideally he’s a hold because he’s so cheap and you can’t yet make any money off the trade. But if you missed any of the above must-have cheapies, don’t hesitate to move.

* Sean Russell - The Parramatta young gun, owned by 18 per cent, notched three tries on the weekend for a massive 87. Alas, he’s out indefinitely due to broken ribs and a punctured lung. He’s therefore the third most popular sell.

* Will Smith - Currently the second most purchased player as KFC SuperCoaches move on Brandon Smith and Shaun Johnson. But Will Smith moves back to the bench this week to accommodate AJ Brimson (groin), who returns after being a late withdrawal last week. Reverse trades.