KFC SuperCoach NRL 2021: Trent Copeland reveals a new look forward pack

Injuries have forced Trent Copeland to rethink his approach to the 2021 KFC SuperCoach NRL season with five changes to his original squad.

Trent Copeland has made some changes to his KFC SuperCoach team for 2021.

Oh man!

Just when you think you’ve settled on a good team structure, Cameron McInnes * crying face * goes down with an ACL having brutally played his last game in the ‘Red V’ jersey, we hear of a minute and role change incoming for Taumalolo, pre-season favourite (although never in my team) Jake Averillo ruptures his MCL in the elbow at training meaning he will miss the start of the season, and plenty more!

So, that means plenty of changes, on to what I will call version 2.0 of the Crusaders despite it being much closer to version 2,3000,412.

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Trent Copeland has made some changes to his KFC SuperCoach team for 2021.

HOOKER

OUT Cameron McInnes (STG | $676,200) IN Damien Cook (STH | $621,000)

Damien Cook (STH | $621,000)

Cook is phenomenal. In a ‘down’ year by his standards the NSW Origin superstar averaged 70.1PPG, after notably starting slow (55PPG average through the first 5 rounds) and carrying what looked to be a nagging lower back injury the whole season. But, my confidence – and yours should be too – in him delivering elite performances while yet again playing 20+ matches means he’s a lock to start the season in McInnes’ absence. The Rabbitohs were one of the hottest teams in the comp the last five regular season rounds, and that was without Latrell Mitchell or new signing Jai Arrow which will help Cook’s pace of play and options to scoot from dummy half. Throw away the key.

OUT Jake Simpkin (WST | $173,700) IN Connor Watson (NEW | $288,600)

Connor Watson (NEW | $288,600)

If you didn’t catch the Cheapie Bible earlier this week, let me reiterate my point.

Put simply, Connor Watson is made for SuperCoach, IF, he can stay healthy. He’s an above average first grader who’s Swiss Army knife like versatility often hurts him when it comes to selection/consistent roles. There are two foreseeable outcomes here and quite frankly both put this KFC SuperCoach starting price to shame. Firstly, it could be as the no. 14 playing between 40-50 minutes at a combination of hooker and lock (where he’s been training all pre-season). As a utility back in 2019 when he joined the Knights, Watson had fives games in the 14 jersey for scores of;

38 points (26 minutes)

67 points (67 minutes)

52 points (45 minutes)

76 points (53 minutes)

45 points (39 minutes)

Good for an average of 55.6PPG in just 46 minutes for a seriously juicy 1.2PPM. That’s niiiice Gary. Alternatively, the upside option is that he jags the starting lock role in the Victor Radley, Brandon Smith, Cam McInnes mould, and we’re looking at a 60-70 minute role ‘in the mixer’ where I have no doubt a 60+PPG average would be within reach. All of that is before considering injuries elsewhere – where Watson would undoubtedly be the man to benefit in-game. Either way, I think Watson could be this year’s Kurt Mann by way of under the radar cheapie success story.

Siosiua Taukeiaho is Copes’ pick to finish 2021 as the best FRF in KFC SuperCoach NRL.

FRONT ROW

OUT Raymond Faitala-Mariner (BUL | $520,000) IN Sio Siua Taukeiaho (SYD | $562,500) – via Big Tino to 2RF.

Sio Siua Taukeiaho (SYD | $562,500)

Shhhh. Everyone is focused in on Tino, Haas, Papalii, Klemmer et al. But, my pick for the highest overall point scorer at the FRF position this season is my man SST. Goalkicking when on the field, huge engine, increased responsibility and a very SuperCoach friendly game style is a nice cocktail at a position largely built around safety and base stats. SST is always the man to pick up extra minutes in the event of an in-game injury too. I’m backing 70PPG+ this year.

Ben Murdoch-Masila (NZL | $330,000)

Many will have forgotten the name since his last stint in the NRL, but those that have an eye on the Super League in the UK will not have missed the much improved big man now on his way to the Warriors pack. Murdoch-Masila can quite easily play middle or on the edge, his footwork and attacking upside plus dual position swing (with someone like Tino Faasuamaleaui) make him one of the best long term FRF options should the minutes be there. Training on an edge in pre-season, so fingers crossed!

New signing Stefano Utoikamanu at Tigers training. Source: Wests Tigers

Stefano Utoikamanu (WST | $186,800)

Stefano the monster is finally in Tigerland after the Eels gave him next to no extended exposure to first grade last season – as he had already signed a big deal for the Tigers. But, wind back to last pre-season and Freddy Fittler cited Stefano as an Origin player to watch – BEFORE he’d even played an NRL game.

Spencer Leniu (PTH | $218,500)

Big fan of this guy and his KFC SuperCoach game. Leniu has been biding his time and rejected bigger offers from elsewhere this off-season to remain at the Panthers – no doubt seeing the opportunity of a James Tamou and Zane Tetevano sized gap in the middle forward rotation. The PPM of 1.2 is exciting, as is the explosion he has with the ball in his hands. I’m expecting minutes in the 40-45 range off the bench initially. He’ll need to fend off Matt Eisenhuth but I like the upside here in the Toby Rudolf/Taunoa-Brown 2020 mould.

North Queensland powerhouse Jason Taumalolo is OUT of the Crusaders. Picture: Alix Sweeney

2RF

OUT Jason Taumalolo (NQL | $641,700) IN Angus Crichton (SYD | $670,500)

Angus Crichton (SYD | $670,500)

I only needed the slightest of negative murmurs about any member of my original 2RF lineup to get one of my favourite SuperCoach players, Angus Crichton, into my lineup. Would have been a gun regardless, but the Boyd Cordner timeline just solidifies his 80 minute role. Expensive, but like most of the best players in the game, will be worth it given the scoring output. I mean, he put up an incredible 75.7PPG last season in just 70 minutes on average.

Ryan Matterson (PAR | $666,000)

Matto is the perfect mix of safety (didn’t score below 60 at ALL in full matches), and upside (seven 85+ scores in his 17 matches). The Eels attack on that right edge went cold in the second half of the season, particularly in the weeks where Moses was injured, I’m backing that resurrects itself to begin the season.

Tino Faasuamaleaui (GCT | $504,900)

Big Tino swings down from the FRF to 2RF to add some nice flexibility with Ben Murdoch-Masila. Tino has long been a KFC SuperCoach tease, and favourite, of ours with such an incredibly well suited game style in the Taumalolo and TPJ mould when they first started (gig call, I know!). Opportunity was the only thing ever holding him back, and what we saw last year even eclipsed our most optimistic expectations it has to be said. 57PPG average at 1.2PPM tells part of the story, but it was his big-minute games that he really shone. In games of 50mins or more (what he’s looking at at the Titans at a minimum) he has scores of 55, 54, 110, 107, 52, 53, 53, 61 and 91 points for a ridiculous click of 70.7PPG in just 61 minutes on average. A change of scenery is always a risk but the opportunity + talent is way too hard to pass up.

MORE SUPERCOACH:

KFC SuperCoach NRL 2021 Cheapie Bible

Tom Sangster’s 2021 KFC SuperCoach NRL team

Rob Sutherland’s 2021 KFC SuperCoach NRL team

KFC SuperCoach 2021: Wilson Smith’s team revealed

Jordan Riki (BRO | $277,500)

David Fifita’s departure leaves a huge hole on the Broncos’ right edge. Kevin Walters has been talking up Riki, and all those around training camp say he’s aiming up. Riki doesn’t strike me as a massive offloading or tackle busting beast, but in his two ‘big’ minute games last season Riki scored 66 points (with a try) in 48 minutes, and 54 points in the full 80 minutes in round 20. If he jags the full 80-minute role I think Riki can be a starting 17 player and land around the $450-$500k mark which is absolute gold for KFC SuperCoaches.

Shawn Blore (WST | $210,000)

I’m excited. The former Panther, Blore has everyone in Tigerland talking this off-season, and if the mooted starting edge back-row slot is his then this is as easy a selection as you’ll ever make. The head-to-head battle he had with Nathan Brown last year on debut was enough for me to know this kid has what it takes. This could be Briton Nikora 2.0.

OUT Corey Harawira-Naera (CBR | $302,300) IN Zach Saddler (MNL | $173,700)

Zach Saddler (MNL | $173,700)

A placeholder for now, Saddler is a chance to secure Joel Thompson’s vacated edge back row slot, albeit a very slim chance. The likely outcome is Andrew Davey not only wins the job and does very well for the Sea Eagles, but also wins this spot for the Crusaders if he is named to start on an edge for round one. $360k for Davey playing 80 minutes would be a steal!

HALFBACK

Nathan Cleary (PTH | $734,300)

Gun. Has been since, and including his rookie year in the NRL. Worth every penny, and streets ahead of any of his competition at the position.

Daly Cherry-Evans (MNL | $570,500)

Most are going Sam Walker, or speculative mid-range picks but I’m spending up on double-gun here. DCE was epic last year in a team being well beaten most weeks, and when they did win sans Tom Trbojevic it was on the back of this man. Not only the attacking form, but also the goal kicking duties in tow. In three of the last four rounds of the regular season in 2020, DCE had scores of 114, 112, and 86 for an average of 104PPG – importantly, with 16 points from conversions in all three games. It remains to be seen if Reuben Garrick can hold his spot on the wing, let alone his inferior kicking record (just 68% in 2020) than DCE … that tells me DCE is the man for the job. Tommy Turbo is back and healthy, which only helps the scoring prowess. I think worst case we get a 55 average, but best case scenario we’re looking at a full season of goal kicking in a much improved Sea Eagles outfit for a 70+PPG average.

Daly Cherry-Evans with hands over head.

FIVE-EIGHTH

Cameron Munster (MEL | $620,100)

Munster and Cody Walker are streets ahead at the position, but the thing I love about Munster is he actually plays his best against the best teams, making him matchup proof. Owning him all of last season there was the lingering ankle/knee concerns, but that comes from how strong he is in tackles and it creates our delicious tackle busts/offload numbers we love so I wouldn’t want that to stop. There is also the very real prospect that Munster kicks goals now sans Cam Smith – which would take him from a 70PPG average stud who’s a must have already, to genuine top overall point scorer conversation. Don’t overthink it, just pick him.

Josh Schuster (MNL | $203,100)

Many are off Schuster after seeing DCE and long time mate and halves partner Kieran Foran all loved up in social media posts together. But, I’m calling BS on that for the No. 6 jersey which I think is Schuster’s to lose. Foran may well play, but I think that’ll be at hooker. Until I see otherwise, Schuster is WAY too good to miss. Eyeball test anytime I’ve seen him play tells me this kid could not only be a good first grader, but he could be a genuine superstar of the competition. Could be one of the cheapies of the year. If Foran gets the five-eighth spot, then I’ll make a change!

CENTRE/WING

Valentine Holmes (NQL | $509,400)

That injury last year, followed by a stint on the wing has turned out to be an absolute godsend for KFC SuperCoaches in two ways. A: Lesser scores = Cheaper 2021 starting price. B: CTW eligibility, where Holmes immediately becomes a ‘gun’. Likely to resume at fullback, and with the goal kicking duties, I think Holmes gets close to his 2018 heroics – where he averaged 67.4PPG.

Valentine Holmes belted by Michael Morgan at Cowboys training. Picture: Alix Sweeney

Charlie Staines (PTH | $297,700)

In everyone’s team, literally over 55% of teams, and for good reason having scored a ridiculous six tries in 107 minutes of action – averaging 112PPG! Crazy. The Panthers moved heaven and earth (Josh Mansour) to open things up for Staines, and in the best attacking team in the competition it's a no-brainer.

Fanitesi Niu (BRO | $232,500)

Will he play at fullback? Will he take over Kotoni Staggs’ centre role to start the year? You know what … I don’t care! At $232k, I saw enough in his three 80 minute games to know wherever he is on the field he will make things happen. We just need him to stay healthy. Oh, and I mean, the fullback role would be good too thanks Kev!

Daine Laurie (WST | $223,200)

Laurie had signed for the Tigers from 2022 onwards, but he has locked in an early release from the Panthers to reportedly to make the fullback jersey his own THIS year, with Douehi moving to five eighth permanently. If that happens, Laurie is a no-brainer selection as potentially one of the cheapies of the year and a lock for my side. Just watch team lists to make sure Moses Mbye doesn’t land there.

Daine Laurie has a chance to carve out a new role at the Wests Tigers.

Bailey Simonsson (CBR | $205,000)

Nick Cotric’s vacated wing spot is open at the Raiders, meaning Simonsson, who’s shown he has what it takes in the top grade prior to Jordan Rapana’s return, is likely to start there. If he gets a long-term crack at the wing spot for a team as good as the Raiders we can expect a nice cash injection prior to the representative period.

Haze Dunster (PAR | $173,700)

Dunster is a placeholder, with the likes of James Roberts, David Fusitua, Jason Saab, Matt Timoko and Max Feagai among others in the mix come the first TLT. I was impressed by Dunster when he debuted in the 2020 NRL Finals, and the Michael Jennings spot in the centres is open for business, but it sounds like new recruit Tom Opacic will get the nod.

Joseph Suaalii (SYD | $173,700)

Also a placeholder as despite Suaalii undoubtedly being one of the most talented NRL prospects this decade, he is unlikely to be starting the season at the Roosters. Plus, unless the NRL grant an exemption, he cannot play first grade until he turns 18 in August. If he does get a game early though, watch out!

FULLBACK

Ryan Papenhuyzen (MEL | $629,000)

Geeeeeeeez this is risky not starting with Teddy. Full disclosure, I may well back out. But as things stand, I feel Papenhuyzen offers some of the best points/value ratio in the entire game. There is also a chance he kicks goals for the Storm. Regardless of that, a slow start to 2020 had many people off him, but from round 7 onwards, he put up numbers only James Tedesco and Tom Trbojevic could match. FIVE 100+ scores in 11 matches, with an average of 83.9PPG over that period. The way I’m looking at this is if Papenhuyzen can average 70-80PPG and Tedesco averages anything less than 90 over the first 6-7 rounds, it's a HUGE win on team value and spread of points.

Tom Trbojevic (MNL | $593,500)

The injury risk is real, but so is the KFC SuperCoach scoring pedigree – with season long averages of 76.2PPG (taking out his injury affected 12 point game), 76.9PPG, 73.9PPG, and 76.3PPG the past four years. It concerns me a little that he starts against the Roosters, but seriously, he’s as fixture proof as they come. It’s risky not starting with Teddy, but if any two players can bridge that gap it’s these two (when Ponga isn’t around!). *closes eyes, and crosses fingers*

Here’s hoping there’s no more injuries and we get a clean run to round one from here.