KFC SuperCoach teams analysis Round 21: Mystery over Nathan Cleary and Nicho Hynes

Two of the most important players in KFC SuperCoach — Nathan Cleary and Nicho Hynes — face uncertainty this week and KFC SuperCoaches are getting twitchy.

Tom Trbojevic, you legend. Tommy Turbo is now the proud owner of the top KFC SuperCoach score of all time, notching 226 against the Sharks on Monday to take the mantle from Nathan Cleary by a single point.

But the score could have been so much more given Turbo was rested for the final 12 minutes.

He now has four of the top eight KFC SuperCoach scores of all time, three of them coming this season. Turbo has a tough match-up this week against the Storm, but even so it would take a brave KFC SuperCoach to deny him the big C.

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WINNERS

* Nathan Cleary – Named on an extended bench for the Panthers and aiming to return. Clearly this is huge KFC SuperCoach news given he is by far the best halfback in KFC SuperCoach this year — probably all time — and still owned by a quarter of KFC SuperCoaches. His return could also reignite some sleeping KFC SuperCoach giants at the Panthers (eg: Jarome Luai). Prospective owners should take a look this week to assess the impact of his shoulder injury.

Nathan Cleary has been named on an extended bench (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)

* Nicho Hynes – Retains the starting fullback spot and is therefore on the winner’s list — for now at least. But there are plenty of moving parts. Firstly, Hynes struggled with an ankle injury last week and could play hampered or even be rested. Secondly, he has Ryan Papenhuyzen breathing down his neck for the fullback role and could be dropped to the bench at any stage, be it from kick-off or during the game. Thirdly, there are rumours Jahrome Hughes (calf) will be rested which could see Hynes move to the halves this week. Fourth, he could easily get switched to wing for Dean Ieremia or centre for Reimis Smith. In short, we have no idea where Hynes will play this weekend, if at all. But with trades low, he’s a definite hold for Sangster’s Paradise for at least another week, giving time to assess exactly where he fits into Melbourne’s plans.

* Harry Grant – KFC SuperCoaches had been waiting for last week’s comeback for some time, and boy did he deliver. Grant notched 88 points including a try, but perhaps the most promising part was the 58 minutes. Expect that to edge closer to 80 as the season progresses. Traditional thought says Grant can’t keep up his crazy PPM of 1.64. But traditional thought has been thrown out the window under the new rules and the fact remains that Grant is a key cog in the best attacking outfit in the comp. Second most popular buy this week.

* Bradman Best – Brilliant on return from a serious ankle injury last week, notching a try and two try assists on the way to 107, and therefore the most purchased player. Best’s season has barely got off the ground due to a succession of injuries coupled with Newcastle’s poor form. He has therefore dipped to a ridiculously cheap $382,500, a discount of $170,000 on his starting price. But Best is a proven base stat beast — he’s averaged 32 in pure base this year which is elite for the position — and his run home is EXTREMELY juicy (Broncos twice, Sharks, Bulldogs and Titans). And all this at just four per cent ownership.

Bradman Best had a blinder against the Raiders (Photo by Handout/NRL Photos via Getty Images )

* Tevita Pangai Jnr – Remember him? TPJ hasn’t played since Round 15 due to suspension and then a much-publicised club switch. But he finally returns to the NRL this week on the bench for the Panthers. Minutes and role are a mystery. For example, will Ivan Cleary give him free rein to offload or will he be told to tuck the left mitt away? He’s therefore an avoid for your 17 if you have the luxury, but still a key inclusion for the 12 per cent who still own him.

* Cameron Murray – The post-Origin super POD returns after a one-week suspension. Murray has averaged 95 since Round 15.

* Addin Fonua-Blake – Returns for the Warriors after missing last week with a compound finger dislocation and a massive inclusion for 11 per cent of KFC SuperCoaches. Prior to his injury, AFB had a three-game average of 71 in 69 minutes — almost entirely in base. Expect more of the same in the run home given the Warriors’ injury crisis.

LOSERS

* Jayden Brailey – Rested by the Knights following a heavy knock last week (although he did pass gameday HIA and return to the field). Brailey’s recent form has been poor but he is still owned by almost 30 per cent of KFC SuperCoaches.

* Daine Laurie – The popular early-season buy won’t play again this year due to a broken leg. One of the cheapies of the year in making almost $300,000 at his peak and $240,000 as it currently stands.

* Ben Hunt – Unlikely to play again this KFC SuperCoach season due to a broken arm. His absence will have a significant impact on already struggling St George Illawarra and KFC SuperCoaches are therefore advised to avoid attacking players at the Dragons.

* Kotoni Staggs – Also out for the season and a sell for those who jumped on as a POD. The injury is a huge blow given Staggs was building nicely following his return from an ACL injury, averaging 62 in four games.

* Brian To’o, James Fisher-Harris, Shaun Johnson, Luke Thompson, Tohu Harris – All popular players, all injured or unavailable over the last few weeks, although many KFC SuperCoaches are only just getting around to selling this week.

Daine Laurie down with a broken leg. (Photo by Albert Perez/Getty Images)

KNIGHTS V BRONCOS

Thursday 5 August, Suncorp Stadium, 7:50pm

KNIGHTS: 1. Kalyn Ponga, 2. Enari Tuala, 3. Kurt Mann, 4. Bradman Best, 5. Hymel Hunt, 6. Jake Clifford, 7. Mitchell Pearce, 8. Jacob Saifiti, 9. Chris Randall, 10. Daniel Saifiti, 11. Tyson Frizell, 12. Mitchell Barnett, 13. Connor Watson

Bench: 14. Sauaso Sue, 15. David Klemmer, 16. Josh King, 17. Brodie Jones

Reserves: 18. Phoenix Crossland, 19. Lachlan Fitzgibbon, 20. Starford Toa, 21. Jack Johns

Team news: Huge inclusion with Mitchell Pearce (hamstring) returning to steer the side from halfback. Phoenix Crossland drops to reserves. Jayden Brailey has been rested following a heavy knock last week with Chris Randall named in the No. 9.

KFC SUPERCOACH ANALYSIS: See Bradman Best analysis above. He’s an amazing POD. And speaking of PODs, Kalyn Ponga also fits the bill at just four per cent ownership. He and Best formed a lethal combination on the left on the weekend, with Ponga notching a try and two try assists. Like Best, Ponga’s season has never gained momentum due to injury and he’s therefore dropped to a never-seen-before price. In summary: Ponga is a KFC SuperCoach great, at just $550,000, only owned by four per cent and with the best run home of any side in the entire competition. Mic drop.

BRONCOS: 1. Tesi Niu, 2. Corey Oates, 3. Jesse Arthars, 4. Herbie Farnworth, 5. Jamayne Isaako, 6. Tyson Gamble, 7. Brodie Croft, 8. Keenan Palasia, 9. Danny Levi, 10. Payne Haas, 11. Alex Glenn, 12. Jordan Riki, 13. Kobe Hetherington

Bench: 14. Xavier Willison, 15. Rhys Kennedy, 16. Ethan Bullemor, 17. TC Robatii

Reserves: 18. David Mead, 19. Albert Kelly, 20. Anthony Milford, 21. Xavier Coates

Team news: Kotoni Staggs (knee) and Jake Turpin (ankle) are out. Staggs is replaced at centre by Jesse Arthars, while Turpin is replaced at hooker by Danny Levi. TC Robati (leg) joins the bench after missing the last few weeks.

KFC SUPERCOACH ANALYSIS: Payne Haas punched out a commendable 73 on the weekend as the most purchased player, which is about what we expected without any attacking stats. That looks like his floor for the rest of the year. Ideally, you got on a few weeks ago, but he remains very popular this week and rightly so. Jordan Riki produced a career best 116 last week including a try, try assist and 43 tackles in the full 80 minutes. Where was this at the start of the year when he was one of the most popular cheapies in KFC SuperCoach? See Kotoni Staggs analysis above.

RAIDERS V DRAGONS

Friday 6 August, Cbus Super Stadium, 6:00pm

RAIDERS: 1. Jordan Rapana, 2. Semi Valemei, 3. Jarrod Croker, 4. Matthew Timoko, 5. Harley Smith-Shields, 6. Jack Wighton, 7. Sam Williams, 8. Josh Papalii, 9. Josh Hodgson, 10. Joseph Tapine, 11. Hudson Young, 12. Elliott Whitehead, 13. Ryan Sutton

Bench: 14. Tom Starling, 15. Corey Harawira-Naera, 16. Emre Guler, 17. Elijah Anderson

Reserves: 18. Iosia Soliola, 19. Dunamis Lui, 20. Matt Frawley, 21. Siliva Havilii

Team news: Sebastian Kris (concussion) is replaced at centre by Matthew Timoko. Ryan Sutton (sternum) returns at lock with Hudson Young switching to the edge and Corey Harawira-Naera moving to the bench. Elijah Anderson will make his NRL debut from the interchange.

KFC SUPERCOACH ANALYSIS: Jordan Rapana last week vindicated his position as the second most popular replacement for Brian To’o by smashing out another base-heavy 81, notching a massive 24 runs and topping them off with a try assist. He has averaged 22 runs in the last four weeks and is therefore one of the safer CTW targets.

DRAGONS: 1. Jack Bird, 2. Mathew Feagai, 3. Cody Ramsey, 4. Zac Lomax, 5. Mikaele Ravalawa, 6. Corey Norman, 7. Adam Clune, 8. Blake Lawrie, 9. Andrew McCullough, 10. Josh McGuire, 11. Billy Burns, 12. Tariq Sims, 13. Jack de Belin

Bench: 14. Talatau Amone, 15. Jackson Ford, 16. Jaiyden Hunt, 17. Kaine Ellis

Reserves: 18. Matthew Dufty, 19. Poasa Faamausili, 20. Jayden Sullivan, 21. Daniel Alvaro

Team news: Captain Ben Hunt (broken arm) is a huge loss. He is replaced at halfback by Adam Clune. Zac Lomax, Daniel Alvaro, Jack Bird, Josh McGuire, Jack de Belin and Blake Lawrie return from Covid bans, while Gerard Beale and Josh Kerr serve their one-game suspensions this week. Mikaele Ravalawa (suspension) and Cody Ramsey (wrist) return in the backline. Jack Bird has been named at fullback with Tyrrell Sloane making way.

KFC SUPERCOACH ANALYSIS: Mat Feagai was the most popular cheapie last week and he made a handy $103,400. With a break even of -16 this week, he can be cashed in next week at a gain of around $165,000 — right in time for KFC SuperCoach finals. See Ben Hunt analysis above.

EELS V RABBITOHS

Friday 6 August, Cbus Super Stadium, 8:05pm

EELS: 1. Clint Gutherson, 2. Maika Sivo, 3. Tom Opacic, 4. Waqa Blake, 5. Blake Ferguson, 6. Dylan Brown, 7. Mitchell Moses, 8. Oregon Kaufusi, 9. Reed Mahoney, 10. Junior Paulo, 11. Isaiah Papali’i, 12. Ryan Matterson, 13. Nathan Brown

Bench: 14. Bryce Cartwright, 15. Shaun Lane, 16. Marata Niukore, 17. Will Smith

Reserves: 18. Haze Dunster, 19. Ray Stone, 20. Jake Arthur, 21. Joey Lussick

Team news: The Eels are praying for a Moses miracle with star playmaker Mitchell Moses (fractured back) named to return. Jake Arthur drops to the reserves. Reagan Campbell-Gillard (groin) is replaced at prop by Oregon Kaufusi with Marata Niukore (knee) returning on the bench. Ray Stone relinquishes a bench spot to Bryce Cartwright. Waqa Blake failed gameday HIA and will need to pass required protocols to play with Haze Dunster on standby should he be ruled out. Nathan Brown (knock) and Blake Ferguson (head cut) should both be right to play.

KFC SUPERCOACH ANALYSIS: Another difficult match-up for the Eels, who have the toughest run of any side. Isaiah Papali’i continued his great run of form against top six teams by notching a Parramatta-best 74 last week. He has averaged 86 against top six teams this year compared to 82 against other teams. However, Reed Mahoney (42) and Clint Gutherson (59) continued their struggles against quality opposition and it’s not looking good for them with upcoming games against Souths, Manly, Melbourne and Penrith. Gutherson is therefore the fourth most sold player this week as KFC SuperCoaches shift to Papenhuyzen or Ponga. And I’m not against Mahoney to Grant either.

RABBITOHS: 1. Latrell Mitchell, 2. Josh Mansour, 3. Dane Gagai, 4. Taane Milne, 5. Jaxson Paulo 6. Cody Walker, 7. Adam Reynolds, 8. Mark Nicholls, 9. Damien Cook, 10. Thomas Burgess, 11. Keaon Koloamatangi, 12. Jai Arrow, 13. Cameron Murray

Bench: 14. Benji Marshall, 15. Jacob Host, 16. Tevita Tatola, 17. Jaydn Su’A

Reserves: 18. Braidon Burns, 19. Patrick Mago, 20. Blake Taafe, 21. Davvy Moale

Team news: Cameron Murray (suspension) returns at lock, pushing Jaydn Su’A to the bench. Benji Marshall (Covid protocols) and Tevita Tatola (knee) return on the bench. Blake Taafe, Patrick Mago and Davvy Moale drop out of the 17. Liam Knight and Campbell Graham (both concussion) remain sidelined, while Alex Johnston (hamstring) is at least a week away.

KFC SUPERCOACH ANALYSIS: The attacking juggernaut rolls on. Benefiting from a dream run of match-ups, the Rabbitohs have five players with five game averages over 70 — Cody Walker, Latrell Mitchell, Adam Reynolds, Dane Gagai and Thomas Burgess. Walker in particular is on a now customary late-season tear, averaging 100.4 over the last five games. However, it could get tougher from here with match-ups against the Eels, Panthers and Roosters in the next month. See Cameron Murray analysis above.

Cody Walker has averaged over 100 in the last five weeks (Photo by Handout/NRL Photos via Getty Images )

WARRIORS V SHARKS

Saturday 7 August, Cbus Super Stadium, 3:00pm

WARRIORS: 1. Reece Walsh, 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, 3. Peta Hiku, 4. Viliami Vailea, 5. Marcelo Montoya, 6. Chanel Harris-Tevita, 7. Sean O’Sullivan, 8. Addin Fonua-Blake, 9. Jazz Tevaga, 10. Matt Lodge, 11. Euan Aitken, 12. Josh Curran, 13. Bayley Sironen

Bench: 14. Kodi Nikorima, 15. Bunty Afoa, 16. Kane Evans, 17. Eliesa Katoa

Reserves: 18. Jamayne Taunoa-Brown, 20. Edward Kosi 21. Jack Murchie, 22. Adam Pompey

Team news: The cavalry is back for the Warriors with Chanel Harris-Tavita (pectoral), Addin Fonua-Blake (finger), Matt Lodge (suspension) and Josh Curran all named to return.

KFC SUPERCOACH ANALYSIS: Addin Fonua-Blake (finger) and Matt Lodge (suspension) are big inclusions. The injury crisis at the Warriors is beyond ridiculous, so expect massive minutes and big SC scores from the front row pair once again. AFB averaged 71 points in 69 minutes in the three games before his injury, while Lodge has averaged 69.7 points in 64 minutes since his move to the Warriors. Euan Aitken played back row last week and banged out 128 with 62 of that in base. With potential dual position flexibility, he is one to watch for 2022.

SHARKS: 1. Will Kennedy, 2. Sione Katoa, 3. Will Chambers, 4. Jesse Ramien, 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo, 6. Connor Tracey, 7. Braydon Trindall, 8. Toby Rudolph, 9. Blayke Brailey, 10. Aaron Woods, 11. Briton Nikora, 12. Siosifa Talakai, 13. Jack Williams

Bench: 14. Braden Hamlin-Uele, 15. Royce Hunt, 16. Aiden Tolman, 17. Andrew Fifita

Reserves: 18. Jonaiah Lualua, 19. Luke Metcalf, 20. Billy Magoulias, 21. Matt Moylan

Team news: The Sharks have reversed their late change from Monday with Jesse Ramien (ear infection) back at centre, Siosifa Talakai switching to the forwards, Jack Williams dropping to the bench and Luke Metcalf relegated to reserves. Matt Moylan (calf) is again on an extended bench.

KFC SUPERCOACH ANALYSIS: Not much doing. In fact, the biggest KFC SuperCoach action at the Sharks surrounds players who aren’t taking the field. Shaun Johnson is the seventh most sold player as KFC SuperCoaches react to last week’s news of a season-ending hamstring injury, while Kayleb Milne remains a popular nuff at 6.6 per cent ownership.

ROOSTERS V PANTHERS

Saturday 7 August, Suncorp Stadium, 5:30pm

ROOSTERS: 1. James Tedesco, 2. Daniel Tupou, 3. Adam Keighran, 4. Joey Manu, 5. Dale Copley, 6. Drew Hutchison, 7. Sam Walker, 8. Jared Waerea-Hargreave, 9. Sam Verrills, 10. Isaac Liu, 11. Angus Crichton, 12. Sitili Tupouniua, 13. Victor Radley

Bench: 14. Lachlan Lam, 15. Nat Butcher, 16. Egan Butcher, 17. Siosiua Taukeiaho

Reserves: 18. Ben Marschke, 19. Fletcher Baker, 20. Moala Graham-Taufa, 21. Naufahu Whyte

Team news: Jared Waerea-Hargreaves has been named ahead of his trip to the judiciary where he faces a one-game ban. Josh Morris (hamstring) is replaced at centre by Joey Manu with recruit Dale Copley coming onto the wing.

KFC SUPERCOACH ANALYSIS: Joseph Manu is the fourth most purchased player this week as KFC SuperCoaches look to offload Brian To’o (ankle) and Kotoni Staggs (knee). There’s no denying Manu’s recent form, averaging 98 in the last three weeks and 82 in the last five. It’s hard to get a true read on Manu this year given he’s switched positions so much — named at five-eighth, fullback, centre and wing over the last six weeks. However, as The Mastermind points out, Manu has averaged just 42 at centre, which is where he’s been named this week and seems set to stay following the immediate recruitment of Dale Copley. Further, the $601,600 price tag is steep compared to other options in the position like Bradman Best ($382,500), David Nofoaluma ($470,100), Jordan Rapana ($538,600) and Daniel Tupou ($467,100). Pass.

Nathan Cleary has been named on an extended bench for the Panthers. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

PANTHERS: 1. Dylan Edwards, 2. Charlie Staines, 3. Paul Momirovski, 4. Kurt Capewell, 5. Brent Naden, 6. Matt Burton, 7. Jarome Luai, 8. Moses Leota, 9. Api Koroisau, 10. Liam Martin, 11. Viliame Kikau, 12. Scott Sorensen, 13. Isaah Yeo

Bench: 14. Mitch Kenny, 15. Tevita Pangai Jnr, 16. Spencer Leniu, 17. Matthew Eisenhuth

Reserves: 18. Izack Tago, 19. Taylan May, 20. J’maine Hopgood, 21. Nathan Cleary

Team news: Big inclusions for the Panthers with Apisai Koroisau (suspension) and Isaah Yeo (concussion) back from injury and recruit Tevita Pangai Jnr named for his club debut. The Panthers could have an even bigger boost on game-day with Nathan Cleary (shoulder) named on an extended bench and pushing for a comeback.

KFC SUPERCOACH ANALYSIS: See full Nathan Cleary, James Fisher-Harris, Brian To’o and Tevita Pangai Jnr analysis above.

SEA EAGLES V STORM

Saturday 7 August, Suncorp Stadium, 7:35pm

SEA EAGLES: 1. Tom Trbojevic, 2. Jason Saab, 3. Brad Parker, 4. Morgan Harper, 5. Reuben Garrick, 6. Kieran Foran, 7. Daly Cherry-Evans, 8. Taniela Paseka, 9. Lachlan Croker, 10. Martin Taupau, 11. Haumole Olakau’atu, 12. Josh Schuster, 13. Jake Trbojevic

Bench: 14. Dylan Walker, 15. Karl Lawton, 16. Josh Aloiai, 17. Toaofoa Sipley

Reserves: 18. Moses Suli, 19. Cade Cust, 20. Curtis Sironen, 21. Kurt De Luis

Team news: Josh Aloiai (suspension) returns on the bench in place of Curtis Sironen. Morgan Harper and Taniela Paseka were placed on report on Monday but missed the charge sheet. Sean Keppie remains unavailable after returning to Sydney for the birth of his baby. Tom Trbojevic was given an early shower on Monday after an outstanding game.

KFC SUPERCOACH ANALYSIS: Reuben Garrick is the seventh most purchased player this week as KFC SuperCoaches move on To’o and Staggs. While the $711,00 price tag is steep compared to other options, it’s actually a bargain compared to his peak price of around $900,000. Garrick has averaged 104 when Turbo is in the team, which is an incredible stat. Get on if you don’t already own him.

STORM: 1. Nicho Hynes, 2. Dean Ieremia, 3. Reimis Smith, 4. Justin Olam, 5. Josh Addo-Carr, 6. Cameron Munster, 7. Jahrome Hughes, 8. Jesse Bromwich, 9. Brandon Smith, 10. Christian Welch, 11. Chris Lewis, 12. Kenny Bromwich 13. Dale Finucane

Bench: 14. Harry Grant, 15. Tom Eisenhuth, 16. Jordan Grant, 17. Ryan Papenhuyzen

Reserves: 18. Trent Loiero, 19. Tepai Moeroa, 20. Isaac Lumelume, 21. Cooper Johns

Team news: Felise Kaufusi (suspension) has copped a one-game ban. He is replaced in the back row by Chris Lewis with Tom Eisenhuth joining the bench. Even with guns Harry Grant and Ryan Papenhuyzen returning to form last week, coach Craig Bellamy has again named both on the bench, with Nicho Hynes to start at fullback and Brandon Smith at hooker. Jahrome Hughes (calf) and Hynes (ankle) both suffered minor injuries on the weekend. Kenny Bromwich failed gameday HIA on Sunday and with only a six-day turnaround will need to progress through concussion protocols to play.

KFC SUPERCOACH ANALYSIS: Harry Grant’s return had an immediate impact on Brandon Smith, who produced his lowest score of the season with 35 (although it must be noted his minutes stayed relatively similar at 55 compared to a season average of 59). After a hesitant return from a serious concussion two weeks ago, Ryan Papenhuyzen took a big leap forward on the weekend with 53 in 45 minutes. While still on the bench this week, the starting fullback spot will likely be his in coming weeks and he’ll be an amazing KFC SuperCoach buy as soon as it happens. A succession of injuries mean Pap has dipped to $551,100, a discount of almost $350,000 on his peak price this year. For those with short memories, Papenhuyzen averaged 117 over the opening five rounds before injury struck, yet he’s only owned by nine per cent — basically all zombie players for the start of the year.

BULLDOGS V TIGERS

Sunday 8 August, Cbus Super Stadium, Gold Coast, 1:50pm

BULLDOGS: 1. Nick Meaney, 2. Corey Allan, 3. Will Hopoate, 4. Aaron Schoupp, 5. Falakiko Manu, 6. Bailey Biondi-Odo, 7. Jake Averillo, 8. Ava Seumanufagai, 9. Jeremy Marshall-King, 10. Jack Hetherington, 11. Corey Waddell, 12. Adam Elliott, 13. Josh Jackson

Bench: 14. Sione Katoa, 15. Dylan Napa, 16. Chris Patolo, 17. Matt Doorey

Reserves: 19. Tuipulotu Katoa, 20. Joe Stimson, 21. Kyle Flanagan, 22. Jackson Topine

Team news: Trent Barrett will test yet another halves combination with Kyle Flanagan dumped and Bailey Biondi-Odo to take over playmaking duties. Falakiko Manu wins a wing spot ahead of Jayden Okunbor. Ava Seumanufagai (concussion) returns at prop with Dylan Napa moving to the bench. Nick Meaney and Corey Allan swap positions from last week, with Allan returning to the wing and Meaney moving to fullback.

KFC SUPERCOACH ANALYSIS: Literally nothing doing following Luke Thompson’s suspension.

TIGERS: 1. Moses Mbye, 2. David Nofoaluma, 3. Michael Chee Kam, 4. Tommy Talau, 5. Ken Maumalo, 6. Adam Doueihi, 7. Luke Brooks, 8. Stefano Utoikamanu, 9. Jacob Liddle, 10. James Tamou, 11. Shawn Blore, 12. Luciano Leilua, 13. Thomas Mikaele

Bench: 14. Alex Twal, 15. Zac Cini, 16. Joe Ofahengaue, 17. Kelma Tuilagi

Reserves: 18. Tukimihia Simpkins, 19. Tom Amone, 20. Jock Madden, 21. Jake Simpkin

Team news: Moses Mbye switches to fullback in place of Daine Laurie (broken leg, season). Micheal Chee Kam takes Mbye’s centre spot with Zac Cini added to the bench. Key forwards James Tamou (foot) and Thomas Mikaele return from injury in the starting side.

KFC SUPERCOACH ANALYSIS: David Nofoaluma remains a popular buy (fifth most purchased this week). The $470,000 price tag is a $200,000 discount on his starting price and he has a dream run against the Bulldogs (twice), Cowboys and Sharks, with only one tough match-up against the Panthers in Round 24. See Daine Laurie analysis above.

TITANS V COWBOYS

Sunday 8 August, Cbus Super Stadium, 4:05pm

TITANS: 1. Alexander Brimson, 2. Greg Marzhew, 3. Brian Kelly, 4. Patrick Herbert, 5. Corey Thompson, 6. Ash Taylor, 7. Toby Sexton, 8. Jarrod Wallace, 9. Mitch Rein, 10. Moeaki Fotuaika, 11. Kevin Proctor, 12. David Fifita, 13. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui

Bench: 14. Erin Clark, 15. Sam Lisone, 16. Beau Fermor, 17. Jaimin Jolliffe

Reserves: 18. Esan Marsters, 19. Sam McIntyre, 20. Anthony Don, 21. Jamal Fogarty

Team news: Patrick Herbert (suspension) returns at right centre with Esan Marsters the player to make way. Jamal Fogarty (finger) is fit to return but he’s been named on an extended bench, with Ash Taylor and rookie Toby Sexton named in the halves. Tyrone Peachey (suspension) is out for one-week, replaced on the bench by Erin Clark.

KFC SUPERCOACH ANALYSIS: David Fifita’s reduced game time continued on Monday. He has averaged just 55 minutes in his last four games, although he’s averaged a pretty damn impressive 85 points in that time. He’s also had two tries disallowed in the last few weeks, so surely another monster score is on the way. And it could be this week against the Cowboys, who concede the second most points to opposition 2RFs. Greg Marzhew continues to produce for 13 per cent of KFC SuperCoaches, averaging 64.2 with a low score of 49. His base of 31 is elite for the position and he’s a top 17 player on most/all weeks.

COWBOYS: 1. Valentine Holmes, 2. Kyle Feldt, 3. Connelly Lemuelu, 4. Ben Hampton, 5. Murray Taulagi, 6. Scott Drinkwater, 7. Tom Dearden, 8. Tom Gilbert, 9. Reece Robson, 10. Jordan McLean, 11. Jason Taumalolo, 12. Heilum Luki, 13. Coen Hess

Bench: 14. Mitchell Dunn, 15. Ben Condon, 16. Lachlan Burr, 17. Jake Granville

Reserves: 18. Francis Molo, 19. Daejarn Asi, 20. Peter Hola, 21. Shane Wright

Team news: Mass overhaul. Key changes include Valentine Holmes (shoulder) returning at fullback, Jake Granville switching to a bench utility role after impressing in the No. 1 and Jason Taumalolo moving to an edge. Heilum Luki, Coen Hess, Tom Gilbert been promoted to the starting pack.

KFC SUPERCOACH ANALYSIS: Not much doing except Jason Taumalolo, who has produced a serviceable but hardly brilliant average of 64.8 in the last five weeks. Valentine Holmes returns from a shoulder injury this week and could emerge as a POD next round with a strong performance.