NRL SuperCoach Buy, Hold, Sell round 11: Five-eighths to target as we head into the bye rounds

Two top fullbacks could have played their way out of most players’ price range as the first major bye round gets closer. But there were plenty of five-eighths, many of whom aren’t in Origin contention, who put up quality scores.

Two top fullbacks could have played their way out of most players’ price range with big centuries as the first major bye round gets closer.

But there were plenty of five-eighths, many of whom aren’t in Origin contention, who put up some quality scores and have landed themselves on some watchlists.

With Origin around the corner, time is running out to make suitable adjustments.

Blaize Talagi should be on your radar. Picture: Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images

BUY (5/8s)

*Blaize Talagi (112): Dual position status, one of which is in a tough one to fill, and won’t play Origin – Talagi just exposed his ceiling, and it’s juicy. One to consider despite the price tag.

*Jayden Campbell (86): Full credit to those who stayed faithful to Titans pivot while injured, he returned and put in a good score. With no Origin prospects, he could carry the tough 5/8 position.

*AJ Brimson (102): A tryscoring double boosts the number this week but with CTW|5/8 duals and Origin no longer in the question, he’s worth a look with Campbell by his side.

*Kodi Nikorima (94): That’s three scores of 60+ in the past four weeks with Nikorima in decent form and playing a key role in the Dolphins attack. He also plays the first major bye round.

If you can afford him, Scott Drinkwater is a buy. Picture: Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images

BUY (the rest)

*Ryan Papenhuyzen (176): Yes, the major bye rounds are coming. Yes, he should be involved in Origin. But he is that bankable and consistent at the back that he’s almost must-have.

*Scott Drinkwater (117): The ship may have sailed, but if you can afford a $900,000 fullback with three straight tons and plays right through the Origin period, get him in.

*Keaon Koloamatangi (73): He’s fairly pricey, but the Rabbitohs forward has strung together three decent scores to show he might be on the way back.

*Zac Hosking (81): The scores are improving with increased game time, but with Matty Nicholson’s injury (more below) it’s the perfect time to return.

*Jahrome Hughes (104): The reigning Dally M Medal winner was in absolutely everything in the Storm’s massive win. He doesn’t play Origin so is a safe halfback to carry.

*Bronson Garlick (93): He’s in 4,300 teams but is a cheap option with 2RF|HOK duals – he could offer flexibility in future changes while Harry Grant remains out for the Storm.

Isaiah Iongi is a hold for now. Picture: Matt King/Getty Images

HOLD

*Isaiah Iongi (83): The return of Mitchell Moses has given Iongi another edge, and he’s set to soar over the $500k mark after another quality return. Flip him into a gun, or hold as a decent back-up.

*Thomas Jenkins (40): Played in the No.17 but his score is boosted by a try. Is he worth holding as Origin cover?

POD

*Connelly Lemuelu (49): His elite tryscoring form has rocketed him into serious POD contention with just 221 SuperCoaches owning the Dolphins edge second rower. Thursday night’s game against the Eels was the 26-year-old’s seventh match of the season, taking his try tally to four.

Time to sell Kalyn Ponga. Picture: Hannah Peters/Getty Images

SELL

*Kalyn Ponga (35): Those who stuck solid with Kalyn Ponga thought the tide had turned after his near-century last week. How wrong they were. If you still have him, you might need to get creative to recoup some of his cost.

*Ben Hunt (41): He smashed his 16-point break-even but with a torn hamstring and 4-6 weeks off, it’s goodbye to the veteran.

*Jye Gray (3): Any coach who held Gray will be horrified after this 12-minute stint off the bench. At least he’s decent Origin cover – if you can hold out that long.

*Matt Nicholson (50): Decent score but an ankle injury means it’s time to go.