2021 KFC SuperCoach NRL Cheapie Bible: We rate the rookies
The KFC SuperCoach NRL gods giveth and they taketh away with injuries hitting some popular buys but others showing great trial form.
SuperCoach
Don't miss out on the headlines from SuperCoach. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Best bargain buys in KFC SuperCoach 2021 revealed. Thank us later.
***4 MARCH UPDATES***
Dean Ieremia (Storm) $173,700
The Victorian junior could be set for a first grade debut in Round 1, with Storm officially signing him to their top -30 roster. The Sunbury Tigers junior was a tryscorer in the Storm’s 30-10 pre-season trial win against Newcastle in Albury at the weekend. With Suliasi Vinivalu gone and Brenko Lee under an injury cloud, it now appears Ieremia could be the man to win the spot over the likes of Reimis Smith.
VERDICT: If he is named to start in Round 1 he immediately becomes a strong BUY. But for now we wait.
Ryan James (Raiders) $236,700
Currently the 19th most popular player, Ryan James successfully made his NRL return in the Raiders trial against the Roosters, playing solid minutes considering he is coming back from back-to-back ACL injuries. But despite his high ownership, it remains certain how he fits into the Raiders top-17, and will most likely earn a bench spot, with bench 2RF’s hardly being a must-have.
VERDICT: WAIT. If he can somehow sneak a starting spot with decent minutes then James would become an immediate, yet still risky, buy. Otherwise he should be sold and avoided.
Matt Lodge FRF (Broncos) $299,000 FRF
Just sneaking into the cheapie category, Lodge’s inclusion in this list is a cause of some contention within the office. Tom Sangster, is not a believer, Wilson Smith is on the fence and Rob Sutherland thinks Lodge is a BUY. After a superb 2019 season in which he played 21 games averaging 57MPG and 63PPG, Lodge came into 2020 with high expectations. However, in February 2020, Lodge suffered an ACL injury at training and then another knee injury in round seven. That injury kept Lodge out until round 13, in which he played just 35 minutes before it was discovered that he had in fact fractured his tibia and his season was over. Tom Flegler is the young prop on the rise at the Broncos, and Tevita Pangai Jr (provided he can avoid suspension) will spend more time in the middle than he did in 2020. But I still see enough of a role for Lodge to suggest that his sub-$300K starting price is a bargain.
VERDICT: Buy. Even with Pat Carrigan moving to prop, and Tom Flegler there, the suspension to Haas means Lodge starts the year with a lot of upside and could be a quick cash grab at FRF.
Tui Katoa (Bulldogs) $203,100 CTW
The injury to star centre Nic Cotric in the trials could open up a starting spot for an outside back, and the Bulldogs mounting injury toll leaves Trent Barrett with few options! The younger brother of Cronulla’s Sione Katoa, Tui has progressed through the system at the Bulldogs playing Harold Matthews in 2015, SG Ball 2017-18, Jersey Flegg 2017-19 then making 16 appearances in the Canterbury Cup before being handed his NRL debut in the final round of the 2020 regular season. With injuries now to Jake Averillo, Nic Cotric, Christian Crichton and Jayden Okunbor, Katoa may just be the next man up for the Dogs.
VERDICT: WATCH. On the odd chance Jake Averillo can make a return from injury he might be the man to replace Cotric at centre, but for now it doesn’t look like there are many other options.
Daine Laurie (Wests Tigers) $223,300 CTW/FLB
Already the seventh most popular player in KFC SuperCoach after his outstanding trials performance for the Tigers, Daine Laurie is expected to start the season at fullback after Moses Mbye picked up a knee injury at training. Mbye spent the whole pre-season training at fullback and was expected to start there with Laurie forced to bide his time, but now Laurie has basically left Michael Maguire no choice, scoring two tries and playing a hand in several others in their trial against Manly.
VERDICT: BUY! With the No. 1 jersey secured, Laurie is an absolute must have player and I wouldn't be surprised to see him shoot even higher up the ownership leaderboard. GET HIM IN YOUR TEAM!
Tolutau Koula (Sea Eagles) $173,700 CTW
With Tom Trbojevic injured yet again, the fullback situation at Manly becomes much more interesting. While Tevita Funa or Reuben Garrick are the obvious picks to replace him, while Morgan Boyle played there in the trial against Wests, none of them have been overly impressive playing at the back. That leaves Tolutau Koula, one of the fastest men on the Northern Beaches, running 100m in just 10.58 seconds and although he hasn’t played before, if what we’ve heard is true he could be a star of the future.
VERDICT: Wait. It remains up in the air who will replace Tom Trbojevic until he returns, but if it is Koula he could be one to consider. especially given the possibility of reinjury to Turbo.
David Fusitu’a (Warriors) $251,800 CTW
I simply can’t understand why he’s just the 35th most popular player given his job security in a price range basically devoid of it. Coming off a tough year where he scored just one try in seven games before leaving the Warriors’ bubble and returning to New Zealand for family reasons. He averaged a lowly 28 KFC SuperCoach points and therefore starts cheap, but expect significant improvement based on past output – he averaged 37, 48, 42 and 51 in the previous four seasons.
VERDICT: Buy. Not many CTW’s at this price have as good job security as Fus, and while his base isn’t good he arguably has just a high a ceiling as any other CTW on this list.
*** 24 FEBRUARY UPDATES***
Shawn Blore (Tigers) $210,500 2RF
The impressive young forward appeared to be working his way into Michael Maguire’s starting 13 at the Wests Tigers with pre-season reports suggesting Blore was to secure the right edge second row role. However, it now seems that Blore will miss the opening rounds of the competition with word he suffered a wrist fracture that requires surgery. The young Tigers forward did not play in Saturday’s trial match and was pictured after the game with his left wrist in a brace. The news is not a total disaster for SuperCoaches though. Say Blore misses the first four week. His price will not start rising until round seven and therefore he would present as a great downgrade/profit grab.
VERDICT: He was a BUY, now Blore is a WAIT.
Haze Dunster (Eels) $173,700 CTW
There was hope that Dunster, who made his NRL debut in week two of last year’s finals, could be a cheapie replacement for seasoned centre Michael Jennings, who is provisionally suspended under the NRL’s Anti-Doping policy. However, it appears that is no longer realistic. While one of Dunster’s competitor’s for the role, Michael Oldfield, is set to miss the opening month of the 2021 season after suffering an MCL injury during the trial win against St George Illawarra, the issue is greater than mere competition for position. Dunster told The Daily Telegraph that coach Brad Arthur prefers to play him on the wing and therefore, Tom Opacic now looks to have pole position in the race to replace Jennings.
VERDICT: If Opacic remains healthy Dunster is now a PASS.
Max Feagai (Dragons) $203,100 CTW – Games: 2, PPG: 20, MPG: 51
Mat Feagai (Dragons) $173,700 CTW – Games: 0
Brayden Wiliame (Dragons) $203,100 – Games: 5, PPG: 24.4, MPG: 73
Up until just a week ago it appeared that Max Feagai and Brayden Wiliame were locked in a two way fight to join Zac Lomax in the centres at St George Illawarra with Jack Bird set to start the year as an interchange forward. However, coach Anthony Griffin obviously didn’t like what he had seen from the young contenders and is now seems that Bird will in fact play centre for the Dragons. “I’ve pretty much trained the whole pre-season at edge back row, last week was my first week training centre. I’ll do whatever is best for the team,” Bird said after playing 25 minutes at centre in the club’s first trial. “I would probably prefer to play in the centres than in the back row.”
VERDICT: PASS, for now. Not that one ever wishes ill on another but should Jack Bird be injured OR coach Griffin pull another selection surprise than these cheapies are watchlist only I’m afraid.
Jordan Riki (Broncos) $277,500 2RF
That’s enough bad news, how about a positive update I hear you say, well SuperCoaches let me present Jordan Riki from the Broncos. As we knew before the pre-season began the departure of David Fifita creates a gap on the Broncos’ right edge. Coach Kevin Walters had indicated Riki will get first crack and the big Kiwi’s stellar showing in the All-Stars game can have only helped him push his claims. Riki barged over for the opening try of the match and constantly threatened in attack while looking solid in defence.
VERDICT: BUY – looks like a near must provided he keeps checking all the boxes.
Connor Watson HOK|5/8 (Knights) $288,600
Watson had just no luck in 2020 with an ankle suffered early in round three keeping him out until round 10 only for him to rupture his Achilles in round 11 ending his season. The 2021 silver lining to the 2020 injury cloud is that Watson is priced to start this season as if he had produced an average of around 34PPG. So Watson ticks the first cheapie box – he’s cheap. He also ticks the second box – ability. In 2019, Watson played a mixture of fullback, five-eighth, utility and hooker averaging 55PPG in 68MPG. Crucially for us in 2021, when playing in the middle at hooker (seven games) Watson averaged 73PPG. Now to opportunity. Barring injuries Watson won’t be playing hooker in 2021. But he’s a strong chance to play lock, having worked there through the pre-season and being named to start at 13 in this weekend’s trial against the Storm.
VERDICT: As a starting lock Watson is a BUY. Don’t expect 73PPG but even 55PPG is a bargain at this price and that is very achievable. Even as a utility Watson has appeal, but as a starter he’s a must.
Connor Tracey (Sharks) $253,600 HOK, 5/8
In Morris’s own words: “Connor Tracey finished the year with the No. 6 on his back, which was a deserved reward for his consistent performances throughout the year. He was our utility hooker and got a game or two in the halves. His versatility was his great strength but it also worked against him because he filled that place on the bench. I know deep down he wants to grab one of those halves positions.” Tracey played 11 of 15 games off the bench last year and therefore averaged just 29 (not a bad return for an average of 37 minutes, even if most of those stats game as a high-impact, low-minute bench hooker). But here’s where it gets exciting for KFC SuperCoach — in the four games Tracey played 80 minutes in the halves he averaged just a tick under 50. And here’s some even more exciting news, Tracey has been training at fullback for large parts of the pre-season.
VERDICT: At utility, Tracey is a maybe, at 5/8 he’s worth of strong consideration and at fullback he’s a near-must.
Greg Marzhew (formerly Leleisiuao) (Titans) $173,700 CTW
Stop me if you’ve heard this before but … Greg Marzhew (who was formerly known as Greg Leleisiuao) has the potential to be a SuperCoach stud. In fact, Marzhew has heard that, so many times he’s sick of it. And the Gold Coast winger certainly did his bid to turn potential into an NRL debut no harm when he crossed for a hat-trick of tries in the Gold Coast’s opening trial of the pre-season.
VERDICT: If he can get on the field then Marzhew absolutely has the game to be a Buy – if he can get on the field.
Jayden Sullivan (Dragons) $256,900 HFB – Games: 1, PPG: 58, MPG: 80
The diminutive St George half was thrown in against the Storm for his first grade debut in round 20 last year. Sullivan made an impressive start to his NRL career with 26 tackles (no misses), a try assist, a last touch, a forced drop out and eight runs. A local junior, Sullivan led the 2019 SG Ball team to victory, played five games Jersey Flegg that year and was a key part of the south coast Black Cockatoos team that won the 2019 Koori Knockout competition.
UPDATE: Sullivan has lost no admirers with his early season form, leading the Dragons around the park with aplomb in their trial against the Sharks. While he nominally has high-priced halves Ben Hunt and Corey Norman ahead of him in the pecking order, Norman was far from impressive at times in 2020 and is currently suspended (appeal pending) for the opening round match.
VERDICT: WATCH – There are some roadblocks in Sullivan’s way but his ability is abundant and you would have to think at some point coach Anthony Griffin will give the willing youngster a chance to prove his worth.
*** 09 FEBRUARY UPDATES ***
Jason Saab CTW (Sea Eagles) $233,200
The towering former Saint, Saab is now at the Sea Eagles and in the running to start on an edge in round one. Veteran winger Jorge Taufua is out until at least April with an Achilles injury, and Saab is in a three-way battle for a place on the edge with Tevita Funa and Reuben Garrick. Tom Trbojevic is a fan, believing Saab’s height will provide the Sea Eagles with a potent attacking weapon in the back five. “Having Saaby there, it makes him a kick threat for sure and that’s really important for wingers these days,” Trbojevic said. “He offers a bit more in that department. He’s also pretty quick. He is obviously very young and very eager so he’s going to be really good for us.” However, I’m not buying the hype just yet. In his seven games over two season at the Dragons, Saab failed to his any great heights (if you haven’t twigged yet Saab is tall) with just two scores of 50+ and four of 30 points or less. A strike weapon as opposed to worker, Saab is too erratic too trust.
Jacob Liddle HOK (Wests Tigers) $247,200/ Jake Simpkin HOK (Wests Tigers) $173,700
Before the Laurie/Momirovski player swap it looked like Jacob Liddle was leading the race to start at hooker for the Wests Tigers. Even in that scenario, I still saw some value in Simpkin who with 25-30 minutes off the bench would still be a decent if slow money maker. And then if/when Liddle was injured (for those new to the game Liddle has a horrible history when it comes to injury) and Simpkin’s minutes expanded you wouldn’t burn a trade bringing him in.
However, Laurie is expected to oust Moses Mbye from the fullback position and should that occur the versatile Mbye would slot onto the bench as a utility capable of covering hooker, halves/centre and fullback. Mbye’s ability to cover Liddle at hooker would mean the club no longer needs to run a spare hooker on the bench. So, what’s all this mean then? Well it would seem that Liddle is now the cheapie hooker to have, though I’m not sold yet. I expect the Tigers will give Liddle all the minutes he can handle and just cross their fingers and toes that the unlucky rake doesn’t break. And what should we expect from Liddle with 50+ minutes? That’s hard to say because of the 44 games Liddle has played in the NRL he has only managed to play 50+ minutes eight times. In those eight games Liddle does boast a rather tasty 58.5PPG. Summing it up, assuming Jake Simpkin now misses out on selection in the round one 17, Jacob Liddle has the opportunity to deliver a very nice return on a small investment. But that reward carries plenty of risk.
Josh Schuster (Sea Eagles) $203,100 5/8 – Games: 1, PPG: 31, MPG: 65
Coach Des Hasler recently confirmed to The Daily Telegraph that Schuster is well in the running for the Manly five-eighth spot. Asked if Kieran Foran or Dylan Walker was the frontrunner to play No. 6, Hasler responded: “I haven’t decided. And you’ve left out Josh Schuster. He is an outstanding talent. He will grow and grow. And he has some mentors here in Foran and Daly Cherry-Evans. He will lean on them.”
Schuster looked very impressive in his debut last year (which Benji Marshall called the “the best I’ve seen in my time ever”) before going down injured. Tom Trbojevic believes Schuster is talented enough to fit his way back into Hasler’s 17 in season 2021. “He’s training really well … and he’s has a lot of skill for someone his age, he’s got all the skills in the bag. “There’s a reason Benji holds him in such high regard,” Trbojevic said. “You’re definitely going to see a lot more of him in first grade.”
In the 65 minutes he managed on debut Schuster scored 31 points, including 19 points in base, a forced dropout, two offloads and a try contribution. Not amazing numbers, but pretty good considering he didn’t play the whole game. Not too keen if named as a bench utility but should he nab a starting role in the halves at some point, Schuster should come into your calculations.
*** 27 JANUARY UPDATES ***
Spencer Leniu (Panthers) $218,500 FRF – Games: 12, PPG: 24.7, MPG: 20
Leniu played the final five games of the 2019 regular season off the bench for the Panthers but an off-season injury meant we did not see him in 2020 until round nine. The big front rower played every game from there on in providing great impact off the bench and scoring at a PPM of 1.21. A hard charger with the ball (Leniu averaged better than seven hit-ups and a tackle bust per game) he’s also a sound defender having missed just seven and made 182 tackles in his brief NRL career to date. The departure of James Tamou and Zane Tetevano means there should be minutes available in the middle and I expect Leniu to get a portion of those. Won’t be a huge money maker but looks to be a good slow burn with solid job security.
James Roberts (Wests Tigers) $277,700 CTW – Games 6, PPG: 35, MPG: 66
Jimmy ‘The Jet’* had a horror year in 2020 with poor form, a stint in rehabilitation and then a season-ending pectoral injury limiting him to just six games for South Sydney. Not ready to end his rugby league career, Roberts reached out to his old coach Michael Maguire and has landed a one-year deal at the Wests Tigers. Reportedly training well, Roberts is the front runner to land the right edge centre job, which places him inside one of the game’s most dangerous wingers in David Nofoaluma. At his best, Roberts is a 60PPG centre. I’m not expecting ‘best,’ but Roberts is still just 27-years-old and two years removed from being an Origin series winning centre. Keep an eye on pre-season reports, if Roberts is moving well and named to start, then he makes strong appeal.
* It is a contractual obligation that ‘The Jet’ is used in the first reference of James Roberts
*** ADDED 20 JANUARY 2021 ***
Teig Wilton (Sharks) $250,300 2RF
The 21-year-old south coast product has shot into cheapie calculations after coach John Morris exclusively declared to The Daily Telegraph that Wilton is a contender for a starting role. “I have a high opinion of him,” Morris said. “He will challenge Briton Nikora and Sifa (Siosifa Talakai) for that back-row spot.”
Wilton’s average is based on a 31.4 season average, with a slight discount applied for playing only five games. But expect significant price movement if he scores the starting role given he notched 64 points in his only 80 minute game last season, 46 of which was in base.
RACE FOR SHAUN JOHNSON’S SPOT
Shaun Johnson is out until at least round eight due to an Achilles injury and the fight is on to replace him. Cronulla coach Morris has identified four candidates and all are cheapies. “Matty (Moylan), Connor (Tracey) (see above), Braydon Trindall and Luke Metcalf, they will tussle for that other halves spot (beside Chad Townsend)”, Morris told The Daily Telegraph.
Braydon Trindall (Sharks) $248,800 HFB
Hardly the most exciting KFC SuperCoach prospect given the base of just 17, but there’s room for improvement on a few fronts. Firstly, he played only five games and therefore gets a slight — and only slight — discount (he averaged 31.2 last year but is priced on an average of around 28). Secondly, Trindall failed to play 80 minutes in two of five games, averaging 66 minutes for the year. Adjust his average to 80 minutes and you’re looking at an average of 37.6.
Luke Metcalf (Sharks) $173,700 HFB
Starts at bottom dollar and got this rap from the coach: “We brought in Luke Metcalf (from Manly), who was named in the team of the (2020) Nines. The pace we saw him show in that tournament would have him rivalling some of the quickest players in the NRL. I have high hopes for Luke.”
Matt Moylan (Sharks) $253,600 FLB, 5/8 – Games: 8, PPG: 29, MPG: 68
Stop your laughing I’m serious! Matt Moylan had a nightmare 2020, with injuries limiting him to just eight games with his longest burst of uninterrupted availability being three games on the trot. Moylan faired barely better in 2019 either injuries again limiting him to just the 11 games. So why should you take a risk on him for 2021 I hear you ask? In short because while there’s plenty of risk there’s reward here too. The Sharks will be without chief playmaker Shaun Johnson (Achilles injury) for the opening 8-10 rounds of the regular season and that opens the door for Moylan to take charge of the team. If, and it’s an all caps IF, Moylan can find his 2016-2018 form then you’re getting a player capable of averaging double his asking price and that’s some reward.
*** UPDATED 20 JANUARY 2021 ***
Franklin Pele (Sharks) $173,700 FRF
Pele has turned heads in pre-season with Sharks coach John Morris declaring: “He could be anything.” Brazilian Pele has the dancing feat, Cronulla’s Pele likes to eat – or maybe he’s just big boned. Either way Pele of the Franklin variety is a big man standing 190cm tall and weighing in at, a rather spectacular, 132kg. “Frankie did a whole pre-season with us this year, performed well in our two NRL trials, scored a try in one of them,” said Morris. “He is a big powerful player who runs hard and seems to be getting bigger by the year.” The Cronulla middle rotation was already a tough nut to crack with the likes of Aaron Woods, Andrew Fifita, Braden Hamlin-Uele and Toby Rudolf demanding minutes. And, it only got tougher with the addition Aiden Tolman during the off-season. Pele may have to wait a little longer to see first grade yet and his opponents will hope he doesn’t spend that time growing.
Tex Hoy (Knights) $240,300 5/8, FLB
Kalyn Ponga is set to miss the start of the season due to off-season shoulder surgery and Tex Hoy looms as the big KFC SuperCoach winner. Coach Adam O’Brien confirmed to The Daily Telegraph that Hoy is the slight frontrunner to fill Ponga’s role, and he has a favourable opening schedule against the Bulldogs, Warriors and Tigers. Hoy played 7/9 games off the bench last year and is therefore priced at a deflated season average of 27.1. But expect big improvement if he scores a starting role given he averaged 49 in 80 minute games. That said, the dual 5/8, FLB positioning is a bit awkward.
Tesi Niu (Broncos) $232,500 FLB, CTW
The injury to Kotoni Staggs (ACL, mid-season) has opened a right centre spot at the Broncos and Niu is in a two-horse race with Herbie Farnworth. Niu has significant room for improvement given he came off the bench in 3/6 games last year. He also has handy dual status between CTW and FLB and will be one of the most popular players in KFC SuperCoach if he locks down a starting role. Unfortunately though, Niu appears out of contention for the fullback spot vacated by the retirement of Darius Boyd, with Jamayne Issako training at No. 1 in pre-season.
Charlie Staines (Panthers) CTW, FLB – Games: 2, PPG: 112, MPG: 54
Staines’ path to the top grade is now clear following Josh Mansour’s defection to the Rabbitohs, which essentially assures Staines a wing spot for round one. In 107 minutes of NRL action Charlie ‘The Forbes Ferrari’ Staines scored six tries including four on debut. Unluckily for Charlie and the Panthers, but luckily for SuperCoaches everywhere, Staines’ season was cut short just 27 minutes into his second game when he suffered a grade two hamstring tear. Staines gets a steep discount on his 2020.
*** ADDED 7 JANUARY 2021 ***
Jayden Campbell (Titans) – Yet to be added
The Gold Coast Titans are edging closer towards celebrating their first father-son duo in the NRL after elevating the son of club legend Preston Campbell to their full-time squad. Livewire fullback Jayden Campbell has joined the Gold Coast’s development list and is in pre-season training with the Titans’ top squad. Campbell, 21, is only a slight figure, weighing a tick over 70kg, but has impressed coach Justin Holbrook with his natural talent and attitude.
Isaac Lumelume (Storm) $285,800 CTW
Suliasi Vunivalu’s departure opens a wing spot at the Storm with Lumelume set to battle it out with new recruits Reimis Smith and George Jennings. As somewhat established NRL players, Smith and Jennings both start well out of cheapie range. But Lumelume has received a significant price discount after playing just three games last year. There aren’t too many better places for a rookie winger to be than on the end of Melbourne Storm’s backline.
MORE SUPERCOACH:
KFC SuperCoach NRL: 21 players set to shine in 2021
SuperCoach club-by-club guide to transfer madness
KFC SuperCoach NRL transfer guide — Part 2
Strength of schedule: SuperCoach draw analysis
KFC SuperCoach NRL 2021 Cheapie Bible
CASUALTY WARD: Every club’s injury list revealed
Tom Sangster’s 2021 KFC SuperCoach NRL team
Rob Sutherland’s 2021 KFC SuperCoach NRL team
KFC SuperCoach 2021: Wilson Smith’s team revealed
Joe Stimson (Bulldogs) $228,900 2RF
A hyped recruit at the Bulldogs last year, Stimson managed just two games before a season-ending shoulder injury. With a discount applied for reduced matches, he starts in cheapie range – a full $115,000 less than his starting price last season. The Bulldogs have more back rowers than Tom Sangster has had Zinger Boxes, but Stimson is a serious buy if he can score a starting edge role – a position he locked in last year before injury struck.
Joseph Suaalii (Roosters) $173,700 CTW, FLB
You’ve probably heard his name by now, but if not, this youngster has attracted more coverage than any other schoolboy player in the game’s history. He’s only 17 and don’t expect him to start the season, but this kid will likely be a must-have cheapie at some stage in 2021 or 2022. Mostly noted as a fullback, the KFC SuperCoach Gods have been kind by handing him dual status at CTW.
Team Picker for the 2021 season of KFC SuperCoach NRL is live – CLICK HERE
*** ADDED 21 DECEMBER 2021 ***
Sam Walker (Roosters) $173,700 HFB
The axing of Kyle Flanagan means the Roosters need a new halfback and Walker, who only turned 18 in June, is the man many see as the Roosters’ long-term halfback. “He’s a competitor but he always backs himself,” said Tony Adam, who coached Walker in the Australian Schoolboys in 2019. “What I saw throughout the juniors was his instinctiveness: he’d see a chance and he’d go for it. I think the rule changes will suit him. He’s got good acceleration, that bit of footwork, the passing game on both sides. Once he gets confident with organising the side, which comes with experience and exposure to that higher level.” Walker’s not a walk up start to the job though with Lachlan Lam and Drew Hutchison already at the club and Adam Keighran joining from the Warriors.
Christian Tuipulotu (Sea Eagles) $237,400 CTW – Games: 1, PPG: 67, MPG: 80
Just one game is not much of a sample size, but it was a pretty fair game Tuipulotu played in his NRL debut scoring 67 points with 23 runs, four tackle busts, a linebreak and a try – all against the Melbourne Storm no less. That’s the workrate we want from a winger and it’s the workrate that saw Manly snap him up from the Roosters when he was let go (as a Roosters fan I wish we’d kept him but that’s another story). Tuipulotu also played one game in the NSW Cup in 2020 and in that game he had 22 receipts for 157 metres – workrate. I expect him to put serious pressure on incumbent winger Jorge Taufua at the Sea Eagles and the minute he gets selected he’s in my SuperCoach squad.
Ben Trbojevic (Sea Eagles) $173,700 CTW, 2RF – Rookie
After a year of teasing SuperCoaches while on Manly’s development squad, 2021 could finally be the year for ‘Burbo’, after being upgraded to the Top 30 squad. Despite not featuring in 2020, Ben Trbojevic still ended the year as one of the most owned players at 20.9% ownership, and if he can get on the field and play anywhere near as good as his brothers, that number could be even higher by seasons end. At 193cm and 105kg, Trbojevic can play in the centres or in the backrow, but given their backline depth, the Sea Eagles are more likely to use the 19-year-old at centre (or possibly off the bench) if he does get a run in 2021.
Ben Condon (Cowboys) $186,800 2RF – Games: 1, PPG: 14, MPG: 17
Big Ben Condon made his NRL debut in round 19 last year making 10 tackles and four runs in 17 minutes. A Queensland under-20 Origin representative, Condon has the frame to play middle – he’s 196cm tall and weighs in at 110kg – and the mobility to play on an edge. The Cowboys have a good crop of forwards, but they did lose Gavin Cooper (retirement) and John Asiata (Broncos) in the off-season so there's minutes to be had.
Paul Turner (Warriors) $212,600 HFB – Games: 1, PPG: 48, MPG: 80
A fast stepping star of the future, Turner crossed the line twice on debut only to be denied by the video referee each time. His agility is a nightmare for defenders with Turner busting eight tackles in his debut game from just seven runs. Warriors scout Peter O’Sullivan expects Turner to play plenty more games in 2021. “He can do things in the game that nobody else in our club can do,” O’Sullivan said. “He is our go to if Kodi Nikorima gets injured but we’d also like to take a look at him in the centres at some stage as well.”
Tom Ale (Warriors) $203,100 FRF – Games: 1, PPG: 18, MPG: 12
Ale made his NRL debut in round 19 against Canberra as a development player but has been upgraded into the top 30 for 2021. He spent most of his junior years coming through the rugby system in New Zealand and was even part of the Chiefs’ under-18s side. Likened to Cowboys powerhouse Jason Taumalolo for his hard running and tackle-breaking, Ale must improve his fitness to increase his chances of becoming a regular first-grader. “He has lovely feet and legs at the line,” O’Sullivan said. “He has an offload in his game and can beat people. But he’s still got some improvements to find to help get him a better motor.” The departure of Adam Blair, Lachlan Burr and Agnatius Paasi does create opportunity in the middle at the Warriors though the club did add stars Ben Murdoch-Masila and Addin Fonua-Blake along with Kane Evans in the off-season so there’s plenty of big names between Ale and more NRL game time.
Stefano Utoikamanu (Wests Tigers) $186,800 FRF – Games: 3, PPG: 14, MPG: 8
He’s one of the most highly rated young props in the game which is why the Wests Tigers spent big to lure Utoikamanu away from the Eels. Born in New Zealand, Utoikamanu played his junior football for Cabramatta and his NRL debut for Parramatta in 2020. His game time was heavily restricted by the Eels, but you can’t fault his PPM of 1.79. In the NSW Cup the big unit was a post-contact metre making machine averaging close to 100 metres per game (35 of them post-contact) with a couple of tackle busts and a little over 25 tackles. The ability is immense. He’s not the only Wests Tigers middle forward recruit for 2021 though with James Tamou and Joe Ofahengaue joining the club in the off-season. Regular starting prop Josh Aloiai has departed but that still leaves Utoikamanu competing with Alex Twal, Thomas Mikaele, Zane Musgrove, Russell Packer, Tamou and Ofahengaue for minutes in the middle.
Jock Madden (Wests Tigers) $173,700 HFB – Rookie
Let’s go for a Tiger trifecta shall we? A former Australian Schoolboys star, Madden has been elevated into the top squad as Luke Brook’s understudy. Joined the club in 2019 on a development contract. A traditional No. 7, Madden is not expected to play five-eighth with Adam Doueihi apparently the leading contender to partner Brooks. A prodigious kicker, Madden is also good with the ball in hand averaging just over 65 run metres per game playing NSW Cup in 2019/20.
Lindsay Smith (Panthers) $173,700 FRF
The loss of James Tamou and Jack Hetherington creates some space in the middle at the Panthers and SuperCoaches will be hoping local junior Lindsay Smith is able to capitalise on that opportunity. An Australian Schoolboy in 2017 and Jersey Flegg star in 2019, Smith was impressive in the only NSW Cup game of 2020 playing 53 minutes at prop running for 146 metres, making 33 tackles, two tackle busts and an offload. The Panthers did add middle forward Matt Eisenhuth in the off-season but may yet lose Zane Tetevano to the Super League and his departure would open up more opportunity for Smith.
Kyle Paterson (Sharks) $173,700 HOK
A former Queensland under-19s representative, Paterson joined Cronulla from Canberra last year. The talented rake played a crucial role in steering Canberra to the 2019 Jersey Flegg grand final, scoring 13 tries and accumulating 17 try assists in 21 matches. Quick off the mark and sharp around the ruck, Patterson could operate as a back-up for Blayke Brailey.
THE RAIDERS CONTENDERS
With Nick Cotric gone, Curtis Scott’s mixed form and Jarrod Croker set to miss the start of the season through injury there are backline spots up for grabs at the Raiders. Let’s run through the contenders:
Matt Timoko (Raiders) $203,100 CTW – Games: 2, PPG: 28, MPG: 57
Canberra’s depth in the outside backs was tested to the limit in 2020 but the knock-on effect could be the rise of the likes of Timoko. The young Kiwi played two first-grade games in 2020, debuting off the bench in round 16 and then playing the full game at centre in round 20. In that final game of the regular season, Timoko made 10 runs and 15 tackles (34 in base) along with four tackle busts and an offload for 41 points all up. The race to replace Croker while he recuperates would appear to be between Timoko and the Smith-Shields.
Harley Smith-Shields (Raiders) $233,900 CTW – Games: 2, PPG: 33, MPG: 55
Another player to play two first-grade games in 2020 with a debut off the bench in round 11 followed by a start at centre in round 20 when Ricky rolled out his kids. Smith-Shields scored a try (with linebreak) in round 20 and finished with 55 SuperCoach points. Looking through their respective 2019 stats Timoko gets through slightly more work in defence, HSS more work with the ball. Their SuperCoach value will be largely tied to how Jarrod Croker’s recovery progresses and thus whether they will play enough games to make much profit.
Bailey Simonsson (Raiders) $205,000 CTW, FLB – Games: 7, PPG: 23, MPG: 59
A shoulder injury ended Simonsson’s season midway through 2020 but he is expected to be back for the opening round of 2021. His stats are a little misleading as he played two cameo appearances off the bench and hiss last game of the year was a shocker being sent to the sin bin for a professional foul. In the four 80-minute games that Simonsson played last year he averaged 35.5PPG which accords with the 38PPG he averaged across 18 games in 2019. If he’s fit, you would think Simonsson is the front runner to replace Cotric and he will be a tempting buy priced around his 23PPG average of 2020.
Semi Valemei (Raiders) $294,900 CTW – Games: 7, PPG: 33, MPG: 68
While I rate Simonsson the frontrunner it was Valemei who is the incumbent having started on the wing for the final four games of the regular season. A powerful winger, Valemei busted plenty of tackles and scored four tries in his seven games. I still have him behind Simonsson but keep an eye and ear out for pre-season talk.
Albert Hopoate (Raiders) $203,100 FLB, CTW – Games: 5, PPG: 24, MPG: 67
After spending the last two years labelled as one of the most promising backs in the cheapie bible, Albert Hopoate has left the Sea Eagles to join the Raiders in pursuit of a starting spot in 2021. After playing five games in 2020, the youngest Hoppa won’t be a bottom-dollar cheapie, but he is one worth considering if he can get a start … but there is plenty of competition.
Join the conversation
NRL 2025: Predicted round one teams
Some NRL teams are expected to be largely unchanged from the end of 2024 to the start of the 2025 season, while others are undergoing major renovations – see how your side is predicted to line up.
Read more
Murray facing five months on sidelines with shock injury
In an enormous blow for the Kangaroos and the Rabbitohs’ bid to return to finals in 2025, Cameron Murray is facing a whopping five months on the sidelines with after sustaining a major injury.
Read more