KFC SuperCoach NRL teams analysis: Winners and losers for Round 7

He is arguably the best 2RF in KFC SuperCoach over the last half-decade and has major appeal right now after dropping $130,000.

Tom Sangster runs his eyes over the Round 7 NRL teams and reveals the players to target – and avoid.

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WINNERS

* Blake Taaffe HFB/FLB $210,400 - Most purchased player this week. There is no question he’s a great buy. The bigger issue is where to fit him in given the awkward positioning of halfback and fullback. Do you sell KFC SuperCoach great James Tedesco for Taaffe? Probably, reluctantly. Do you sell cheapie Brad Schneider, who has plenty of cash to give considering his break even of 2 and projected rise of $40,100 next week? Probably, reluctantly. There is no perfect trade, but Taaffe is one of the better cheapies this season so you need to find room.

Blake Taaffe is a popular purchase (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)

* Nathan Cleary HFB $902,200 - Second most purchased player this week after a stunning, yet somehow understated 151 on the weekend. He was the best halfback in KFC SuperCoach last year by basically 30 points so he is very tempting, even if it means selling a gun (eg: Teddy) or yet-to-peak cheapie (Schneider) to make it happen. Thankfully, Cleary avoided suspension for a dangerous contact charge over the weekend, instead being issued with a fine.

* Ryan Papenhuyzen FLB $875,700 - The top player in KFC SuperCoach this season picked up an ankle injury over the weekend but has been named and is set to play for the Storm with the aid of a nine-day turnaround. Likely the most popular captaincy option this week against the Warriors in the final game of the round, an Anzac Day clash no less.

* Payne Haas FRF $652,000 - Returns from a one-game disciplinary suspension for the Broncos and an immediate captaincy option for the risk-averse.

* Angus Crichton 2RF $523,500 - Potential cut price gun. After three games off the bench, Crichton returned to the starting side last week for 49 points in pure base. Crichton is arguably the best 2RF in KFC SuperCoach over the last half-decade, averaging 75, 76, 57, 69 and 69 in that time. He therefore has major appeal this season after dropping $130,000 so far due to stints off the bench. But with a break even of 59, take another look this week.

* Cameron Munster 5/8 $679,100 - Fourth most purchased player this week after his clinic against the Sharks on the weekend.

* David Fifita 2RF $729,800 - Those who sold must be feeling pretty salty now. After a slow start, Fifita has produced back-to-back tons and now has the fourth most points of any player, and most of any 2RF.

* Isaiah Papali’i 2RF $729,600 - Plenty doubted him after a career year (guilty here) but Papali’i has scored the seventh most points of any player and most of any player available at prop. He’s actually MADE money despite starting at a motza.

LOSERS/SELLS

* Tolutau Koula CTW/FLB $205,400 - The star cheapie drops out of the Manly 17 due to the return of Morgan Harper (Covid). Koula remains a hold as he’s just one injury away from a regular starting spot and currently sits with a break even of -27.

* James Tedesco FLB $648,700 - Most sold player this week as KFC SuperCoaches pivot to Taaffe and Cleary. It’s just not happening for Teddy and the Roosters, so he’s a reluctant sell. Fullbacks have dominated KFC SuperCoach for a long time, but there’s a clear changing of the guard this season with only one fullback - Ryan Papenhuyzen - in the top 10 this season.

* Brad Schneider HFB $372,200 - This is not a slight on Schneider, who is one of the best cheapie halfbacks in KFC SuperCoach history. He has made almost $200,000 so far, with plenty more to come given the break even of 2. Theoretically, it’s way too early to sell, but you can’t halt progress and Taaffe and Cleary sit very close to the “must-have” category this week.

* Josh King FRF $462,400 - It’s the time of year when a host of early season cheapies hit their peak and are ripe for upgrades (or downgrades to create cash for upgrades). The Storm forward sits in that category after making an extremely handy $206,600 and now sitting with a BE of 49, which is essentially his average. Upgrades to Papali’i or Fifita are very much encouraged. But downgrades are scarce unless you can pull the dual position moves for Taaffe.

SHARKS v SEA EAGLES

Thursday, 7.50pm, PointsBet Stadium, Sydney

Sharks

1. Will Kennedy, 2. Sione Katoa, 3. Jesse Ramien, 4. Siosifa Talakai, 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo, 6. Matt Moylan, 7. Nicho Hynes, 8. Toby Rudolf, 9. Blayke Brailey, 10. Aiden Tolman, 11. Briton Nikora, 12. Teig Wilton, 13. Cameron McInnes

Bench: 14. Braydon Trindall, 15. Jack Williams, 16. Royce Hunt, 17. Andrew Fifita

Reserves: 18. Lachlan Miller, 19. Mawene Hiroti, 20. Matt Ikuvalu, 21. Jesse Colquhoun, 22. Kayal Iro, 23. Thomas Hazleton, 24. Franklin Pele

TEAM NEWS: Cronulla’s forward depth is tested this week with Dale Finucane (HIA) and Braden Hamlin-Uele (pec) ruled out. Cam McInnes gets the chance to show what he can do starting at lock, Aideon Tolman earns at start at prop and Royce Hunt comes on to the bench. Briton Nikora returns having missed last week due to Covid protocols and Sione Katoa (knee) slots back on to the wing in place of Mawene Hiroti.

Sea Eagles

1. Reuben Garrick, 2. Jason Saab, 3. Brad Parker, 4. Morgan Harper, 5. Christian Tuipulotu, 6. Kieran Foran, 7. Daly Cherry-Evans, 8. Toafofoa Sipley, 9. Lachlan Croker, 10. Taniela Paseka, 11. Haumole Olakau’atu, 12. Andrew Davey, 13. Jake Trbojevic

Bench: 14. Dylan Walker, 15. Karl Lawton, 16. Ethan Bullemor, 17. Kurt De Luis

Reserves: 18. Ben Trbojevic 19. Tolu Koula, 20. Jorge Taufua, 21. Kaeo Weekes, 22. James Roumanos, 23. Vilami Fifita, 24. Jacob Sykes

TEAM NEWS: Not good SuperCoach news with Tolu Koula dropped to the reserves in favour of Morgan Harper. Props Josh Aloiai (shoulder) and Sean Keppie (concussion) are out, Taniela Paseka moves from the bench to the starting line up with Kurt De Luis and Ethan Bullemor coming on to the bench.

BRONCOS v BULLDOGS

Friday, 7.55pm, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane

Broncos

1. Te Maire Martin, 2. Corey Oates, 3. Kotoni Staggs, 4. Herbie Farnworth, 5. Selwyn Cobbo, 6. Tyson Gamble, 7. Adam Reynolds, 8. Corey Jensen, 9. Cory Paix, 10. Payne Haas, 11. Kurt Capewell, 12. Jordan Riki, 13. Kobe Hetherington

Bench: 14. Billy Walters, 15. Rhys Kennedy, 16. Thomas Flegler, 17. Keenan Palasia

Reserves: 18. Delouise Hoeter, 19. Jordan Pereira, 20. TC Robati, 21. Brenko Lee, 22. Ezra Mam, 23. Ethan Quai-Ward, 24. Logan Bayliss

TEAM NEWS: Plenty of changes for the desperate Broncos. Tesi Niu’s injury (hamstring) sees Te Maire Martin return to play his first game on NRL in 3 years. Jake Turpin is dropped which sees Cory Paix start at hooker, Billy Walters move from five-eighth to utility and Tyson Gamble slot in to five-eighth. Payne Haas and Herbie Farnworth both return after missing last week. Thomas Flegler returns from yet another suspension, with Ryan James dropped.

Bulldogs

1. Matt Dufty, 2. Brent Naden, 3. Aaron Schoupp, 4. Jake Averillo, 5. Josh Addo-Carr, 6. Matt Burton, 7. Kyle Flanagan, 8. Luke Thompson, 9. Jeremy Marshall-King, 10. Paul Vaughan, 11. Corey Waddell, 12. Tevita Pangai Jr, 13. Josh Jackson

Bench: 14. Brandon Wakeham, 15. Joe Stimson, 16. Max King, 17. Ava Seumanufagai

Reserves: 19. Bailey Biondi-Odo, 20. Jackson Topine, 21. Reece Hoffman, 22. Jayden Okunbor, 23. Corey Allan, 24. Josh Cook, 25. Tui Katoa

TEAM NEWS: Braidon Burns (hamstring) is out replaced in the centres by Aaron Schoupp while Chris Patolo (concussion) us replaced by Corey Waddell.

Tyson Gamble will start at five-eighth for the Broncos against the Bulldogs. Picture: Liam Kidston

COWBOYS v TITANS

Saturday, 5.30pm, QCB Stadium, Townsville

Cowboys

1. Scott Drinkwater, 2. Kyle Feldt, 3. Valentine Holmes, 4. Peta Hiku, 5. Murray Taulagi, 6. Tom Dearden, 7. Chad Townsend, 8. Jordan McLean, 9. Reece Robson, 10. Coen Hess, 11. Heilum Luki, 12. Jeremiah Nanai, 13. Jason Taumalolo

Bench: 14. Jake Granville, 15. Tom Gilbert, 16. Reuben Cotter, 17. Griffin Neame

Reserves: 18. Jamayne Taunoa-Brown, 19. Brendan Elliot, 20. Riley Price, 21. Jordan Lipp, 22. Emry Pere, 23. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, 24. Tomas Chester

TEAM NEWS: Just the one change to the 17 that played last week with Griffin Neame replacing Connelly Lemuelu on the end of the bench.

Titans

1. Jamayne Isaako, 2. Phillip Sami, 3. Brian Kelly, 4. Patrick Herbert, 5. Greg Marzhew, 6. AJ Brimson, 7. Toby Sexton, 8. Moeaki Fotuaika, 9. Erin Clark, 10. Isaac Liu, 11. David Fifita, 12. Beau Fermor, 13. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui

Bench: 14. Will Smith, 15. Sam Lisone, 16. Jaimin Jolliffe, 17. Jarrod Wallace

Reserves: 18. Paul Turner, 19. Kevin Proctor, 20. Sam McIntyre, 21. Tanah Boyd, 22. Sosefo Fifita, 23. Corey Thompson, 24. Jayden Campbell

TEAM NEWS:

No changes to the 17 from last week - how good!

TIGERS v RABBITOHS

Saturday, 7.35pm, CommBank Stadium, Sydney

Tigers

1. Daine Laurie, 2. David Nofoaluma, 3. James Roberts, 4. Starford To’a, 5. Ken Maumalo, 6. Luke Brooks, 7. Jackson Hastings, 8. James Tamou, 9. Jake Simpkin, 10. Zane Musgrove, 11. Kelma Tuilagi, 12. Luciano Leilua, 13. Joe Ofahengaue

Bench: 14. Jock Madden, 15. Alex Twal, 16. Thomas Mikaele, 17. Luke Garner

Reserves: 18. Alex Seyfarth, 19. Jacob Liddle, 20. Oliver Gildart, 21. Tyrone Peachey, 22. Tukimihia Simpkins. 23. Austin Dias, 24. Junior Tupou

TEAM NEWS: Winning form is unchanged form for the Tigers.

Rabbitohs

1. Blake Taaffe, 2. Alex Johnston, 3. Taane Milne, 4. Campbell Graham, 5. Josh Mansour, 6. Cody Walker, 7. Lachlan Ilias, 8. Tevita Tatola, 9. Damien Cook, 10. Hame Sele, 11. Keaon Koloamatangi, 12. Jai Arrow, 13. Cameron Murray

Bench: 14. Thomas Burgess, 15. Jacob Host, 16. Davvy Moale, 17. Liam Knight

Reserves: 18. Siliva Havili, 19. Isaiah Tass, 20. Peter Mamouzelos, 21. Richard Kennar, 22. Dean Hawkins, 23. Jaxson Paulo, 24. Terrell Kalo Kalo

TEAM NEWS: The Rabbitohs have opted to add some muscle to their bench dropping outside back Isaiah Tass off the interchange and replacing him with big Davvy Moale. Hame Sele and Tom Burgess swap start/bench roles.

Adam Clune is back at halfback for the Knights. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

KNIGHTS v EELS

Sunday, 2pm, McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle

Knights

1. Kalyn Ponga, 2. Edrick Lee, 3. Dane Gagai, 4. Bradman Best, 5. Enari Tuala, 6. Jake Clifford, 7. Adam Clune, 8. David Klemmer, 9. Chris Randall, 10. Daniel Saifiti, 11. Tyson Frizell, 12. Brodie Jones, 13. Kurt Mann

Bench: 14. Phoenix Crossland, 15. Jacob Saifiti, 16. Leo Thompson 17. Sauaso Sue

Reserves: 18. Simi Sasagi, 19. Pasami Saulo, 20. Tex Hoy, 21. Hymel Hunt, 22. Jack Johns, 23. Dylan Lucas, 24. Jaron Purcell

TEAM NEWS: Adam Clune returns in the halves which sees Phoenix Crossland shift to the bench and Simi Sasagi drop out.

Eels

1. Clint Gutherson, 2. Hayze Perham, 3. Will Penisini, 4. Tom Opacic, 5. Bailey Simonsson, 6. Dylan Brown, 7. Mitchell Moses, 8. Reagan Campbell-Gillard, 9. Reed Mahoney, 10. Junior Paulo, 11. Shaun Lane, 12. Isaiah Papali’i, 13. Nathan Brown

Bench: 14. Makahesi Makatoa, 15. Ryan Matterson, 16. Oregon Kaufusi, 17. Jake Arthur

Reserves: 18. Bryce Cartwright, 19. Mitch Rein, 20. Wiremu Greig, 21. Ky Rodwell, 22. Samuel Loizou, 23. Elie El-Zakhem, 24. Zac Cini

TEAM NEWS: Junior Paulo returns from suspension and so Oregon Kaufusi reverts to his regular bench role. Will Penisini shifts from the wing to centre due to Marata Niukore’s (hamstring) absence and Hayze Perham gets a start. Jakob Arthur comes on to the bench in place of Mitch Rein.

PANTHERS v RAIDERS

Sunday, 4.05pm, BlueBet Stadium, Penrith

Panthers

1. Dylan Edwards, 2. Charlie Staines, 3. Izack Tago, 4. Stephen Crichton, 5. Taylan May, 6. Jarome Luai, 7. Nathan Cleary, 8. Matthew Eisenhuth, 9. Api Koroisau, 10. James Fisher-Harris, 11. Viliame Kikau, 12. Liam Martin, 13. Isaah Yeo

Bench: 14. Mitch Kenny, 15. Scott Sorensen, 16. Spencer Leniu, 17. Jaeman Salmon

Reserves: 18. Robert Jennings, 19. Chris Smith, 20. J’Maine Hopgood, 21. Lindsay Smith, 22. Soni Luke, 23. Christian Chrichton, 24. Sean O’Sullivan

TEAM NEWS: Unchanged, again. Dream.

Raiders

1. Jordan Rapana, 2. Nick Cotric, 3. Matt Timoko, 4. Semi Valemei, 5. Xavier Savage, 6. Jack Wighton, 7. Brad Schneider, 8. Josh Papalii, 9. Tom Starling, 10. Joseph Tapine, 11. Corey Harawira-Naera, 12. Elliott Whitehead, 13. Ryan Sutton

Bench: 14. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, 15. Harry Rushton, 16. Adam Elliott, 17. Corey Horsburgh

Reserves: 18. Hudson Young, 19. Matt Frawley, 20. Jarrod Croker 21. Emre Guler, 22. Trey Mooney, 23. James Schiller 24. Peter Hola

TEAM NEWS: Ricky Stuart has rung some changes with Jordan Rapana starting at fullback pushing Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad to the bench and opening a spot on the wing for Xavier Savage. Harry Rushton has been rewarded for his excellent NSW Cup form with a bench spot.

Xavier Savage will start on the wing for the Raiders against Penrith.

DRAGONS v ROOSTERS

Monday, 4pm, SCG, Sydney

Dragons

1. Moses Mbye, 2. Mathew Feagai, 3. Moses Suli, 4. Zac Lomax, 5. Mikaele Ravalawa, 6. Jack Bird, 7. Ben Hunt, 8. Francis Molo, 9. Andrew McCullough, 10. Josh Kerr, 11. Tariq Sims, 12. Jaydn Su’A, 13. Jack De Belin

Bench: 14. Talatau Amone, 15. Blake Lawrie, 16. Josh McGuire, 17. George Burgess

Reserves: 18. Tautau Moga, 19. Jackson Ford, 20. Aaron Woods, 21. Tyrell Sloan, 22. Cody Ramsey, 23. Tyrell Fuimaono, 24. Jayden Sullivan

TEAM NEWS: Unchanged!

Roosters

1. James Tedesco, 2. Daniel Tupou, 3. Paul Momirovski, 4. Joey Manu, 5. Joseph Suaalii, 6. Sam Walker, 7. Luke Keary, 8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, 9. Sam Verrills, 10. Lindsay Collins, 11. Angus Crichton, 12. Sitili Tupouniua, 13. Victor Radley

Bench: 14. Drew Hutchison, 15. Fletcher Baker, 16. Nat Butcher, 17. Siosiua Taukeiaho

Reserves: 18. Lachlan Lam, 19. Daniel Suluka-Fifita, 20. Kevin Naiqama, 21. Naufahu Whyte, 22. Adam Keighran, 23. Renouf Atoni, 24. Ben Marschke

TEAM NEWS: Slight backline reshuffle with Paul Momirovski replacing Kevin Naiqama in the centres. Sio Siua Taukeiaho is named after being a late out last week and replaces Daniel Suluka-Fifita on the bench.

STORM v WARRIORS

Monday, 7pm, AAMI Park, Melbourne

Storm

1. Ryan Papenhuyzen, 2. Nick Meaney, 3. Reimis Smith, 4. Justin Olam, 5. Xavier Coates, 6. Cameron Munster, 7. Jahrome Hughes, 8. Jesse Bromwich, 9. Harry Grant, 10. Nelson Asofa-Solomona, 11. Felise Kaufusi, 12. Kenny Bromwich, 13. Josh King

Bench: 14. Brandon Smith, 15. Tyran Wishart, 16. Trent Loiero, 17. Tepai Moeroa

Reserves: 18. Chris Lewis, 19. Marion Seve, 20. Alec MacDonald, 21. Jordan Grant, 22. Jack Howarth, 23. Bronson Garlick, 24. Cooper Johns

TEAM NEWS: The Bromwich boys (Covid) both return to beef up the pack which pushes Brandon Smith and Trent Loiero to the bench and Chris Lewis and Alec MacDonald out of the side.

Warriors

1. Reece Walsh, 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, 3. Jesse Arthars, 4. Adam Pompey, 5. Edward Kosi, 6. Chanel Harris-Tavita, 7. Shaun Johnson, 8. Addin Fonua-Blake, 9. Wayde Egan, 10. Matt Lodge, 11. Euan Aitken, 12. Bayley Sironen, 13. Josh Curran

Bench: 14. Kodi Nikorima, 15. Bunty Afoa, 16. Aaron Pene 17. Eliesa Katoa

Reserves: 18. Taniela Otukolo, 20. Jazz Tevaga, 21. Viliami Vailea, 22. Rocco Berry, 23. Valingi Kepu, 24. Junior Ratuva, 25. Garrett Smith

TEAM NEWS: Matt Lodge returns which sees Aaron Pene benched and Taniela Otukolo sent to the reserves.