Expert SuperCoach analysis of club team lists and injuries ahead of round 9

AS many as five SuperCoach cheapies could emerge in the next fortnight following a dramatic round nine teams day.

AS many as five SuperCoach cheapies could emerge in the next fortnight following a dramatic round nine teams day.

Fijian flyer Suliasi Vunivalu is set for a $76,800 rise and is the cheapie of the week after being retained on the wing by the Storm.

Titans rookie Cameron Cullen is set for a $50,000 rise and also looms as a cheapie for this week after being retained by the Titans.

Suliasi Vunivalu is the cheapie of the round.

However, SuperCoaches should keep a close eye on Late Mail and final teams, with Ashley Taylor a chance to take Cullen’s spot after being a late withdrawal last week with what was eventually diagnosed as nerve damage below the ribs.

Kodi Nikorima isn’t quite in the bottom dollar range at $181,600, but he covers the round 12 bye and is set for a $21,000 rise. He should see a dramatic increase in minutes after being promoted to the Brisbane starting side in place of Andrew McCullough (hamstring, round 15).

Newcastle young gun Will Pearsall could emerge as a cheapie for next week - with the added bonus of round 12 bye coverage - after being given first crack at the five-eighth spot of Jarrod Mullen (hamstring, TBA).

Roosters rookie Ryan Matterson produced a great 78 on debut in the Anzac Day game against the Dragons and is worth adding to the cheapie watchlist, despite being dropped to the bench to accommodate the return of Mitchell Pearce (disciplinary).

In other SuperCoach news from the round nine NRL team announcements:

* Early-season cheapie Pat Mata’utia returns at centre for the Knights in place of brother Peter Mata’utia (knee), who is out for eight weeks;

* Popular cheapie Matt Parcell (hamstring) was named 18th man by the Sea Eagles;

* Simon Mannering (facial cut) requires plastic surgery and will miss a week;

* Cheapie Te Marie Martin (fractured shoulder) has made a massive $130,000 profit but is now a sell after being ruled out for the season, with Peter Wallace moving into the halves and James Segeyaro (broken arm) returning at hooker;

* Adam Reynolds has been cleared of a broken jaw, with cheapie Cody Walker missing out on the squad and denied a projected $24,000 rise;

* Early-season cheapie Hymel Hunt (pectoral) is out long-term, replaced by potential cash cow Kirisome Auva’a in the South Sydney centres;

* Paul Carter was already a sell, but is now a definite trade after copping a one-game suspension.

Suliasi Vunivalu scores one of two tries on Monday.

RABBITOHS v TIGERS

7.50pm Thursday at ANZ Stadium

Rabbitohs: 1 Greg Inglis 2 Dane Nielsen 3 Kirisome Auva’a 4 Bryson Goodwin 5 Aaron Gray 6 Luke Keary 7 Adam Reynolds 8 Tom Burgess 9 Damien Cook 10 David Tyrrell 11 Christopher Grevsmuhl 12 Kyle Turner 13 Sam Burgess. Interchange: 14 Cameron McInnes 15 Jason Clark 16 Nathan Brown 17 George Burgess

Ins: George Burgess (abdominal), Kyle Turner

Outs: Hymel Hunt (Pectoral, Season), Paul Carter (Suspension, Round 10)

Other unavailables: John Sutton (Pectoral, Round 18), Zane Musgrove (Wrist, Indefinite), Angus Crichton (Groin, Indefinite), Alex Johnston (Hamstring, Round 10)

Comment: Paul Carter (suspension, round 10) is a definite sell for those who haven’t already. Kyle Turner replaces him in the back row. Hymel Hunt (pectoral, season) is out long-term, replaced at centre by Kirisome Auva’a, who could emerge as a cheapie. He costs just $150,400 after playing mostly bit-parts off the bench this year. But with a break even of 39 and the bye in round 12, SuperCoaches can wait until next week to assess. Adam Reynolds has been cleared of a broken jaw, with cheapie Cody Walker missing out on the squad and denied a projected $24,000 rise. Sam Burgess is a VC option this week. George Burgess (abdominal) comes on to the bench.

Tigers: 1 James Tedesco 2 David Nofoaluma 3 Tim Simona 4 Kevin Naiqama 5 Jordan Rankin 6 Mitchell Moses 7 Luke Brooks 8 Ava Seumanufagai 9 Robbie Farah 10 Tim Grant 11 Curtis Sironen 12 Chris Lawrence 13 Sauaso Sue. Interchange: 14 Josh Aloiai 15 Dene Halatau 16 Kyle Lovett 17 JJ Felise

Ins: Tim Simona (suspension)

Outs: Nathan Milone

Other unavailables: Matt Ballin (ACL, Round 10), Aaron Woods (Ankle, Round 11)

Comment: Tim Simona (suspension) returns at centre in place of Nathan Milone in the only change. James Tedesco has averaged just 35 in the past two weeks and is now set for a $44,100 price drop. He is due for a big score and will be the most popular vice-captain this week. Jordan Rankin has made a very handy $106,100, but now has a break even of 76 and is a sell despite round 12 coverage.

EELS v BULLDOGS

7.50pm Friday at ANZ Stadium

Eels: 1 Michael Gordon 2 Semi Radradra 3 Michael Jennings 4 Brad Takairangi 5 Clinton Gutherson 6 Corey Norman 7 Kieran Foran (c) 8 Junior Paulo, 9 Nathan Peats 10 Daniel Alvaro 11 Manu Ma’u 12 Beau Scott 13 Tepai Moeroa Interchange: 14 Isaac De Gois 15 Peni Terepo 16 Danny Wicks 17 Kenny Edwards

Ins: None

Outs: None

Other unavailables: Anthony Watmough (Knee, Indefinite), Tim Mannah (Shoulder, Round 10), Luke Kelly (ACL, Season), Bevan French (Elbow, Round 10)

Comment: Unchanged. With a projected rise of $19,000, Semi Radradra is the buy of the week in the keeper range. However, he is the only must-have bye purchase at the Eels, despite their impeccable schedule. None of Nathan Peats, Michael Gordon or Manu Ma’u are demanding selection and SuperCoaches should hold off until round 11 at the earliest.

Bulldogs: 1 Will Hopoate 2 Curtis Rona 3 Josh Morris 4 Kerrod Holland 5 Sam Perrett 6 Josh Reynolds 7 Moses Mbye 8 Aiden Tolman 9 Michael Lichaa 10 James Graham (c) 11 Josh Jackson 12 Tony Williams 13 Greg Eastwood. Interchange: 14 Sam Kasiano 15 Tim Browne 16 David Klemmer 17 Craig Garvey 19 Lloyd Perrett 22 Raymond Faitala-Mariner

Ins: Lloyd Perrett, Raymond Faitala-Mariner

Outs: None

Other unavailables: Chase Stanley (Hamstring, Round 10), Brett Morris (Knee, Round 16)

Comment: Unchanged 17, with Lloyd Perrett and Raymond Faitala-Mariner added to an extended bench. Kerrod Holland is looking more like a keeper every week, averaging 45 in base stats. James Graham will be a popular bye purchase, however he is just the 10th highest-averaging prop and SuperCoaches should therefore wait until round 11 or 12.

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PANTHERS v RAIDERS

3pm Saturday at Carrington Park, Bathurst

Panthers: 1 Matt Moylan (c) 2 Josh Mansour 3 Dean Whare 4 Peta Hiku 5 Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 6 Jamie Soward 7 Peter Wallace 8 Leilani Latu 9 James Segeyaro 10 Reagan Campbell-Gillard 11 Bryce Cartwright 12 Isaah Yeo 13 Trent Merrin. Interchange: 14 Tyrone Peachey 15 Jeremy Latimore 16 Suaia Matagi 17 James Fisher-Harris 20 Sam McKendry

Ins: Dean Whare (calf), James Segeyaro (broken arm), Sam McKendry (suspension)

Outs: Te Maire Martin (fractured shoulder, season), Waqa Blake (hip, round 10)

Other unavailables: Viliame Kikau (Ankle, Indefinite)

Comment: Te Maire Martin (fractured shoulder, season) has made a great $130,000 but is now a sell for the likes of Kodi Nikorima, Cameron Cullen (if he retains his spot), Will Pearsall, Gareth Widdop or a keeper. James Segeyaro (broken arm) is back, with Peter Wallace returning to the halves in place of Martin. Segeyaro is therefore assured of 80 minutes and will be the buy of the week in round 16, when the Panthers join the Sharks as the first teams to finish their byes. Josh Mansour has averaged just 32 in the last three rounds as he struggles to get any quality ball from centre Peta Hiku. However, Mansour has plenty of SuperCoach runs on the board and is a hold, especially after dropping $43,000 last week, which limits trade options. Dean Whare (calf) replaces Waqa Blake (hip) at centre. Sam McKendry (suspension) returns as 18th man.

Raiders: 1 Jack Wighton 2 Edrick Lee 3 Jarrod Croker 4 Joseph Leilua 5 Jordan Rapana 6 Sam Williams 7 Aidan Sezer 8 Shannon Boyd 9 Josh Hodgson 10 Paul Vaughan 11 Josh Papalii 12 Elliot Whitehead 13 Shaun Fensom. Interchange: 14 Kurt Baptiste 15 Luke Bateman 16 Clay Priest 17 Joseph Tapine 18 Frank-Paul Nuuausala

Ins: Frank-Paul Nuuausala

Outs: None

Other unavailables: Sia Soliola (Broken arm, Round 11), Blake Austin (Hamstring, Round 10), Jeff Lima (Hand, Round 10)

Comment: Unchanged 17, with Frank-Paul Nuuausala added as 18th man. Jordan Rapana is officially the best centre/wing in SuperCoach this year after upping his average to 67.6 with a brilliant 163. However, at $421,900 he has now spiralled out of range. The Stalwarts haven’t done a great deal right this year, but BJ Leilua is an undoubted success story. He looks electric with every touch and has now averaged 64 for the year. He is a MASSIVE bye round POD at $349,500, with a break even of -22 and projected rise of almost $50,000. Josh Hodgson is the third most popular buy of the round behind cheapies Vunivalu and Nikorima. The Englishman is by far the best bye purchase at hooker ahead of Nathan Peats and co. He is set for $33,500 rise following a brilliant 117 on the weekend, but is just the 12th most popular hooker in SuperCoach at 5.6 per cent ownership. Making money with bye purchases is almost as important as creating numbers – and Hodgson and Leilua certainly fit the bill in both departments.

ROOSTERS v KNIGHTS

5.30pm Saturday at Central Coast Stadium

Roosters: 1 Latrell Mitchell 2 Joe Burgess 3 Mitchell Aubusson 4 Blake Ferguson 5 Shaun Kenny-Dowall 6 Jackson Hastings 7 Mitchell Pearce 8 Sam Moa 9 Jake Friend (c) 10 Dylan Napa 11 Boyd Cordner 12 Aidan Guerra 13 Isaac Liu. Interchange: 14 Kane Evans 15 Eloni Vunakece 16 Ryan Matterson 17 Jared Waerea-Hargreaves 18 Connor Watson

Ins: Mitchell Pearce (disciplinary), Jared Waerea-Hargreaves (ACL), Isaac Liu (suspension)

Outs: Brendan Elliot, Mitchell Frei

Other unavailables: Vincent Leuluai (Knee, Round 10), Dale Copley (Pectoral, Round 20), Ian Henderson (Broken leg, Indefinite), Sio Suia Taukieaho (Knee, Round 12)

Comment: Mitchell Pearce (disciplinary), Jared Waerea-Hargreaves (ACL) and Isaac Liu (suspension) return. Brendan Elliot and Mitchell Frei are the omissions, with Connor Watson dropping to 18th man. Ryan Matterson has scored a bench role ahead of Jayden Nikorima, which is a double SuperCoach win — Nikorima won’t stink it up as an auto emergency and Matterson could emerge as a cheapie down the track. Latrell Mitchell (BE -1) and Jackson Hastings (BE 41) are ideally holds. But when it comes to getting guns like Cameron Munster, Semi Radradra and Jesse Bromwich, you’ve gotta do what you’ve gotta do.

Knights: 1 Dane Gagai 2 Nathan Ross 3 Sione Mata’utia 4 Pat Mata’utia 5 Akuila Uate 6 Will Pearsall 7 Trent Hodkinson (c) 8 Sam Mataora 9 Danny Levi 10 Daniel Saifiti 11 Tariq Sims (c) 12 Korbin Sims 13 Jeremy Smith (c) Interchange: 14 Tyler Randell 15 David Bhana 16 Jacob Saifiti 17 Pauli Pauli 18 Brock Lamb 19 Jack Stockwell 20 Mickey Paea

Ins: Will Pearsall, Brock Lamb, Pat Mata’utia, Pauli Pauli (suspension), Mickey Paea, Jack Stockwell

Outs: Jarrod Mullen (Hamstring, Indefinite), Peter Mata’utia (Knee, Round 17), Josh King

Other unavailables: Chanel Mata’utia (Knee, Round 16), James McManus (Concussion, Season), Kade Snowden (Various, Indefinite), Jake Mamo (Ankle, Round 10), Robbie Rochow (Broken arm, Round 13)

Comment: Will Pearsall has been given first crack at the five-eighth spot of Jarrod Mullen (hamstring, indefinite). Pearsall therefore looms as a cheapie option for next week, with round 12 bye coverage to boot. However, coach Nathan Brown appears to be having an each-way bet, with fellow young half Brock Lamb named 18th man. Pat Mata’utia replaces brother Peter Mata’utia (knee, round 17) in the centres. Pat may therefore offer round 12 coverage, but will leak plenty of cash along the way and is a sell for Radradra, Vunivalu etc. Jacob Saifiti dropped $12,800 last week and remains a sell, but brother Daniel (BE 23) is a hold for round 12. Pauli Pauli (suspension) returns on the bench in place of Josh King. Mickey Paea and Jack Stockwell also join the squad.

SEA EAGLES v COWBOYS

7.30pm Saturday at Brookvale

Sea Eagles: 1 Brett Stewart 2 Brayden Wiliame 3 Jamie Lyon 4 Steve Matai 5 Tom Trbojevic 6 Dylan Walker 7 Daly Cherry-Evans 8 Darcy Lussick 9 Apisai Koroisau 10 Nate Myles 11 Tom Symonds 12 Martin Taupau 13 Jake Trbojevic. Interchange: 14 Lewis Brown 15 Addin Fonua-Blake 16 Brenton Lawrence 17 Siosia Vave 19 Matt Parcell

Ins: Matt Parcell (hamstring)

Outs: None

Other unavailables: Jayden Hodges (ACL, Season), Jamie Buhrer (Broken thumb, Round 10), Isaac John (Pectoral, Round 16), Jorge Taufua (Broken collarbone, Round 14), Tim Moltzen (Knee, Indefinite)

Comment: Coach Trent Barrett is playing ducks and drakes here. He has named Brett Stewart (hamstring) and Tom Trbojevic (ankle) despite both suffering injuries. Apisai Koroisau has beaten Matt Parcell (hamstring) to the hooker spot, with Parcell named 18th man. Addin Fonua-Blake (BE -2) has looked strong in his two games but is no more than a last resort cheapie option due to limited game time opportunities and the round 12 bye. Brenton Lawrence produced a strong 78 on the weekend and is projected to rise by another $56,000 before the first bye.

Cowboys: 1 Lachlan Coote 2 Kyle Feldt 3 Justin O’Neill 4 Kane Linnett 5 Antonio Winterstein 6 Michael Morgan 7 Johnathan Thurston 8 Matt Scott 9 Jake Granville 10 James Tamou 11 Gavin Cooper 12 Ethan Lowe 13 Jason Taumalolo. Interchange: 14 Rory Kostjasyn 15 Patrick Kaufusi 16 Scott Bolton 17 Ben Hannant 18 John Asiata

Ins: John Asiata

Outs: None

Other unavailables: Ray Thompson (Broken leg, Round 10)

Comment: Unchanged 17, with John Asiata added as 18th man. Don’t get sucked in by Ethan Lowe, who is projected to leak money over the byes. Johnathan Thurston will miss three of five rounds from round 15 and could be a sell over this period, particularly if Paul Green rests him in round 16 — as he did in the corresponding round last year. If rested, Thurston would miss four of five rounds.

WARRIORS v DRAGONS

12pm Sunday at Mt Smart Stadium

Warriors: 1 David Fusitua 2 Jonathan Wright 3 Blake Ayshford 4 Solomone Kata 5 Manu Vatuvei 6 Thomas Leuluai 7 Shaun Johnson 8 Jacob Lillyman 9 Issac Luke 10 Ben Matulino 11 Bodene Thompson 12 Ryan Hoffman 13 Charlie Gubb. Interchange: 14 Jazz Tevaga 15 Sam Lisone 16 Albert Vete 17 Shaun Lane 18 James Gavet

Ins: Jazz Tevaga, Albert Vete, Shaun Lane, James Gavet

Outs: Tuimoala Lolohea (knee, round 10), Simon Mannering (facial cut, round 10), Ligi Sao

Other unavailables: Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (Knee, Season), Ben Henry (Knee, Indefinite), Nathaniel Roache (Ankle, Round 10)

Comment: Jazz Tevaga, Albert Vete, Shaun Lane and James Gavet come into the side. Tuimoala Lolohea (knee, round 10) and Simon Mannering (facial cut, round 10) are out injured, while Ligi Sao drops out. With the rep break next week, Lolohea and Mannering should miss just the one NRL round and are therefore holds. Shaun Johnson is predicted to drop below the $400,000 mark just in time for a round 13 purchase.

Dragons: 1 Josh Dugan 2 Kalifa Faifai Loa 3 Euan Aitken 4 Timoteo Lafai 5 Jason Nightingale 6 Gareth Widdop 7 Josh McCrone 8 Leeson Ah Mau 9 Mitch Rein 10 Mike Cooper 11 Tyson Frizell 12 Joel Thompson 13 Jack de Belin. Interchange: 14 Russell Packer 15 Will Matthews 16 Dunamis Lui 17 Siliva Havili 18 Taane Milne

Ins: Euan Aitken (hamstring)

Outs: None

Other unavailables: Dylan Farrell (Back, Indefinite), Mose Masoe (ACL, Season), Yaw Kiti Glymin (Hamstring, Indefinite), Ben Creagh (Knee, Indefinite), Benji Marshall (Hamstring, Round 10)

Comment: Euan Aitken (hamstring) returns, with Will Matthews dropping to the bench and Taane Milne relegated to 18th man. Jack De Belin has averaged 65 in the last five rounds and is the best bye purchase in the forwards, especially given he covers both rounds 12 and 15. However, with a break even of 58 (essentially his average) his price should stay steady and there are bigger priorities. It’s now or never on Gareth Widdop, who has averaged 78 in the last two rounds and is set for a $35,500 rise, yet is available for the bargain price of $277,500. Widdop is of particular interest to those looking to sell Te Marie Martin, although he could be hard to fit in given the cheaper options available (eg: Kodi Nikorima and potentially Will Pearsall).

TITANS v STORM

2pm Sunday at Cbus Super Stadium

Titans: 1 William Zillman 2 Anthony Don 3 Josh Hoffman 4 Nene Macdonald 5 David Mead 6. Tyrone Roberts 7 Cameron Cullen 8 David Shillington 9 Nathan Friend 10 Ryan James 11. Zeb Taia 12. Chris McQueen 13. Greg Bird Interchange: 14 Luke Douglas 15 Leivaha Pulu 16 Agnatius Paasi 17 Kierran Moseley 18 Lachlan Burr

Ins: Lachlan Burr

Outs: None

Other unavailables: Kane Elgey (ACL, Season), Oshae Tuiasau (MCL, Round 10), David Hala (Elbow, Round 12), Daniel Mortimer (Hamstring, Indefinite), Ashley Taylor (Stomach, Round 10), Matt Srama (Knee, Season)

Comment: Unchanged 17, with Lachlan Burr added as 18th man. With a break even of -40 and projected rise of $50,000, Cameron Cullen definitely pricks the ears as a cheapie. However, he is a risky purchase given Ashley Taylor is aiming to play after being a late withdrawal last week due to nerve damage below the ribs, which was first thought to be appendicitis or another complaint.

Storm: 1 Cameron Munster 2 Suliasi Vunivalu 3 Richard Kennar 4 Young Tonumaipea 5 Marika Koroibete 6 Blake Green 7 Cooper Cronk 8 Jesse Bromwich 9 Cameron Smith 10 Jordan McLean 11 Kevin Proctor 12 Tohu Harris 13 Dale Finucane. Interchange: 14 Kenny Bromwich 15 Tim Glasby 16 Felise Kaufusi 17 Nelson Asofa-Solomona 18 Ben Hampton

Ins: Felise Kaufusi

Outs: None

Other unavailables: Billy Slater (Shoulder, Season), Will Chambers (Fractured foot, Round 19), Jeremy Hawkins (Hamstring, Round 13), Tony Tumusa (Ankle, Round 11), Curtis Scott (Broken leg, Round 11)

Comment: The Storm have suddenly become the most exciting team in SuperCoach. Suliasi Vunivalu is set for a $76,800 price rise and is therefore the cheapie of the week, especially with Young Tonumaipea and Marika Koroibete (both knee) in doubt. Jesse Bromwich is the best forward in SuperCoach by a considerable distance and therefore a must-have, despite the round 12 bye. Ditto for Cameron Munster and Tohu Harris, who will both end the season in the top five outside backs. Felise Kaufusi returns on the bench, with Ben Hampton relegated to 18th man.

SHARKS v BRONCOS

4pm Sunday at Southern Cross Group Stadium

Sharks: 1 Ben Barba 2 Sosaia Feki 3 Jack Bird 4 Ricky Leutele 5 Valentine Holmes 6 James Maloney 7 Chad Townsend 8 Andrew Fifita 9 Michael Ennis 10 Sam Tagataese 11 Jayson Bukuya 12 Wade Graham 13 Paul Gallen. Interchange: 14 Gerard Beale 15 Chris Heighington 16 Matt Prior 17 Luke Lewis

Ins: None

Outs: None

Other unavailables: Connor Tracey (ACL, Season)

Comment: Unchanged. Ben Barba (BE 27) has made over $140,000 so far, but has a poor bye schedule and is on the chopping block for the likes of Semi Radradra, Cameron Munster and Suliasi Vunivalu.

Broncos: 1 Darius Boyd 2 Corey Oates 3 Jack Reed 4 James Roberts 5 Jordan Kahu 6 Anthony Milford 7 Ben Hunt 8 Josh McGuire 9 Kodi Nikorima 10 Adam Blair 11 Alex Glenn 12 Matt Gillett 13 Corey Parker (c) Interchange: 14 Jarrod Wallace 15 Sam Thaiday 16 Joe Ofahengaue 17 Travis Waddell

Ins: Travis Waddell

Outs: Andrew McCullough (Hamstring, Round 15)

Other unavailables: Lachlan Maranta (Knee, Round 11), Tom Opacic (Fractured eye socket, Round 11), Andrew McCullough (Hamstring, Round 15), Joe Boyce (Shoulder, Indefinite)

Comment: Kodi Nikorima starts at hooker in place of Andrew McCullough (hamstring, round 15), with Travis Waddell added to the bench. Nikorima is therefore the second most popular buy of the week behind Vunivalu, with a projected rise of $20,700 and crucial round 12 coverage. If you don’t own Anthony Milford, you may as well start planning for next year.