KFC SuperCoach teams analysis Round 15: Most popular buy Grant Anderson could miss team

Teams are in for NRL Round 15 and there’s one massive trap KFC SuperCoaches must avoid, writes TOM SANGSTER.

Tom Sangster’s take on the Round 15 NRL teams.

WINNERS

* Jason Taumalolo 2RF/FRF $472K – The KFC SuperCoach great is the second most purchased player this week. While he doesn’t cover Round 17, he certainly comes at a good price for a player of his pedigree. After a slow start to the season, the scores of 90 and 89 in the last two weeks are very encouraging.

That said, KFC SuperCoaches should temper their enthusiasm given both those games were without two of his main game time competitors in Jeremiah Nanai and Reuben Cotter, who are both back from Origin duties this week.

Stream every game of every round of the 2022 NRL Telstra Premiership Season Live & Ad-Break Free During Play on Kayo. New to Kayo? Try 14-days free now.

Jason Taumalolo has scored well in the last two weeks (Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images)

* Ezra Mam 5-8/HFB $312K – Thoughts and prayers to those who missed out last week. Mam produced a brilliant first-up price rise of $137K and could well become the best cheapie of the season, and close to the best of all-time. The two tries and three try assists are clearly standout stats over his opening three games.

But perhaps the most alluring figure for KFC SuperCoaches is the average of 10 runs per game. That figure is essentially equal with the top ball-running five-eighth in the NRL this season – none other than Queensland State of Origin matchwinner Cameron Munster with 10.5 runs per game.

Meanwhile, Mam’s job security has actually improved following the injury to Adam Reynolds (ribs), while Tyson Gamble (leg) remains sidelined indefinitely. Translation, Mam aint losing his spot at the Broncos any time soon. The $312K price is quite steep now for those who missed out, but it’s now or never. KFC SuperCoaches are clearly willing to pay the premium with Man the third most purchased player this week.

* Campbell Graham CTW $628K – There’s plenty to like about the South Sydney centre. He has scored the fourth most points at CTW this season and has been incredibly consistent for a centre with only two scores under 60. No, that is not a misprint, although you’d be forgiven for thinking so in such a volatile position. And as an added bonus, he covers Round 17.

* Ryan Papenhuyzen FLB $930K – Even after five weeks out, Papenhuyzen still has the best average of any player in KFC SuperCoach this season (96.2). He’s lurking on the extended bench for the Storm and is a strong chance to get the call-up as he looks to prove his worth for a State of Origin jersey. In terms of KFC SuperCoach, he’s a popular buy this week. But with a break even of 140, Origin selection up in the air and the bye round looming, there’s no need to move just yet.

* Jeremiah Nanai, Selwyn Cobbo, Kotoni Staggs, Daly Cherry-Evans, Reuben Cotter, Isaah Yeo – All popular KFC SuperCoach players. All back from Origin duty.

* Ronald Volkman HFB $175K – Extremely talented debutant to keep an eye on at the Warriors. Looming cheapie at bottom dollar.

* Jojo Fifita CTW $175K– Speaking of potential cheapies, Fifita was one of the most-hyped youngsters in our pre-season Cheapie Bible and is a chance to debut this week at the Titans, despite being named 18th man. Another bargain to follow.

* Payne Haas FRF $539K – Now has two bung shoulders, but named for the Broncos this week. With Origin looming, he’s a definite rest candidate for the Broncos this week and is therefore the most sold player.

Grant Anderson scored two tries on debut (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)

LOSERS

* Grant Anderson CTW $175K – By far the most popular buy this week, retaining his Storm wing spot after an impressive two-try debut. But while he was no doubt impressive on the weekend, KFC SuperCoaches should take a step back and breathe. With Papenhuyzen lurking on the extended bench and set to play fullback, Nick Meaney is set to move to the wing and bump Anderson out of the side. A wait-and-see, but there’s definite cheapie appeal given he covers Round 17.

* Xavier Coates CTW $398K – Popular sell after copping a serious ankle injury in Origin.

* Euan Aitken CTW/2RF $512K - Picked up yet another concussion last week and is therefore the fourth most sold player.

* Christian Tuipolotu CTW $418K – One of the better cheapies of the season after making almost $230,000. But he has now peaked in price (BE 83) and doesn’t cover the upcoming bye in Round 17. Definite sell for those who haven’t already.

ROUND 15 TEAMS

DRAGONS v RABBITOHS

Thursday, 7.50pm, WIN Stadium Wollongong

Dragons

1. Cody Ramsey, 2. Mathew Feagai, 3. Moses Suli, 4. Zac Lomax, 5. Mikaele Ravalawa, 6. Talatau Amone, 7. Ben Hunt, 8. Jack De Belin, 9. Andrew McCullough, 10. Blake Lawrie, 11. Jack Bird, 12. Jaydn Su’A, 13. Tariq Sims

Bench: 14. Moses Mbye, 15. Francis Molo, 16. Aaron Woods, 17. Michael Molo

Reserves: 18. Josh Kerr, 19. Tautau Moga, 20. Jayden Sullivan, 21. Jaiyden Hunt, 22. Billy Burns

Team news: Jaydn Su’A comes in to the starting side on an edge, Jack DeBelin moves to prop with Tariq Sims returning from Origin duties and starting at lock and Francis Molo relegated to the bench. Andrew McCullough will start this week with Moses Mbye benched. Jonathon Reben’s time with the team has been cut short due to the return of Mikaele Ravalawa, Tautau Moga drops off the other wing making way for Mat Faigai.

Rabbitohs

1. Kodi Nikorima, 2. Alex Johnston, 3. Taane Milne, 4. Campbell Graham, 5. Jaxson Paulo, 6. Cody Walker, 7. Lachlan Ilias, 8. Tevita Tatola, 9. Damien Cook, 10. Thomas Burgess, 11. Keaon Koloamatangi, 12. Jai Arrow, 13. Cameron Murray

Bench: 14. Blake Taaffe, 15. Mark Nicholls, 16. Siliva Havili, 17. Hame Sele

Reserves: 18. Peter Mamouzelos, 19. Isaiah Tass, 20. Dean Hawkins, 21. Jed Cartwright, 22. Liam Knight

Team news: With no need for Damien Cook/Origin cover, Peter Mamouzelos and Blake Taaffe swap spots.

Jaydn Su’a will start for the Dragons against the Rabbitohs. Picture: Mark Evans/Getty Images

SEA EAGLES v COWBOYS

Friday, 6pm, 4 Pines Park, Sydney

Sea Eagles

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

Bench: 14. Dylan Walker, 15. Josh Schuster, 16. Martin Taupau, 17. Sean Keppie

Reserves: 18. Taniela Paseka, 19. Ben Trbojevic, 20. Ethan Bullemor, 21. Kaeo Weekes, 22. Kurt De Luis

Team news: Daly Cherry-Evans returns which sees Josh Schuster revert to the bench and Ben Trbojevic go to the reserves.

Cowboys

1. Scott Drinkwater, 2. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, 3. Valentine Holmes, 4. Peta Hiku, 5. Murray Taulagi, 6. Tom Dearden, 7. Chad Townsend, 8. Jordan McLean, 9. Reece Robson, 10. Reuben Cotter, 11. Connelly Lemuelu, 12. Jeremiah Nanai, 13. Jason Taumalolo

Bench: 14. Jake Granville, 15. Connelly Lemuelu, 16. Jamayne Taunoa-Brown, 17. Griffin Neame

Reserves: 18. Ben Condon, 19. Brendan Elliot, 20. Kane Bradley, 21. Kane Bradley, 23. Ben Hampton, 24. Robert Derby

Team news: Origin stars Reben Cotter and Jeremiah Nanai return with Coen Hess going to the bench and Nanai replacing Tom Gilbert (eye). Helium Luki (hamstring) is replaced in the starting side by Connelly Lemuelu.

STORM v BRONCOS

Friday, 7.55pm, AAMI Park, Melbourne

Storm

1. Nick Meaney, 2. Dean Ieremia, 3. Marion Seve, 4. Justin Olam, 5. Grant Anderson, 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. Tui Kamikamica, 16. Trent Loiero, 17. Chris Lewis

Reserves: 18. Jayden Nikorima, 19. Alec MacDonald 20. Jordan Grant, 21. Ryan Papenhuyzen, 22. Tyran Wishart

Team news: Grant Anderson holds his spot on the wing after an impressive debut, but with superstar Ryan Papenhuyzen named to make his return from injury in the reserves he may yet lose his spot when final teams are announced.

Broncos

1. Te Maire Martin, 2. Corey Oates, 3. Kotoni Staggs, 4. Brenko Lee, 5. Selwyn Cobbo, 6. Ezra Mam, 7. Tyrone Roberts, 8. Corey Jensen, 9. Billy Walters, 10. Payne Haas, 11. Kurt Capewell, 12. Jordan Riki, 13. Pat Carrigan

Bench: 14. Jake Turpin, 15. Kobe Hetherington, 16. Thomas Flegler, 17. Keenan Palasia

Reserves: 18. Jordan Pereira, 19. Rhys Kennedy, 20. Delouise Hoeter, 21. Xavier Willison, 22. Ryan James

Team news: Plenty of changes for the Broncos. Adam Reynolds (ribs) is out which sees Tyrone Roberts gain an NRL recall. Kurt Capewell returns after being rested post-Origin, TC Robati makes way. Kotoni Staggs (shoulder) is back, but Brenko Lee retains his starting job due to Herbie Farnworth (bicep) dropping out. Selwyn Cobbo returns on the wing in place of Jordan Pereira. Cory Paix is out (Knee) which gives Jake Turpin a reprieve. Payne Haas has been named to start as has Pat Carrigan even though both missed training on Tuesday.

Ryan Papenhuyzen has been named among the reserves for the Storm. Picture: NRL Photos

SHARKS v TITANS

Saturday, 3pm, Coffs International Stadium, Coffs Harbour

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. Royce Hunt, 11. Briton Nikora, 12.Wade Graham, 13. Cameron McInnes

Bench: 14. Aiden Tolman, 15. Braydon Trindall, 16. Teig Wilton, 17. Andrew Fifita

Reserves: 18. Connor Tracey 19. Dale Finucane, 20. Lachie Miller, 21. Jesse Colquhoun, 22. Kade Dykes

Team news: No changes to the 17 from last week though note Dale Finucane has been named in the reserves and is expected to come into the 17 provided he gets through the rest of the week.

Titans

1. AJ Brimson, 2. Greg Marzhew, 3. Brian Kelly, 4. Patrick Herbert, 5. Jamayne Isaako, 6. Paul Turner, 7. Toby Sexton, 8. Jarrod Wallace, 9. Erin Clark, 10. Isaac Liu, 11. Sam McIntyre, 12. Beau Fermor, 13. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui

Bench: 14. Tanah Boyd, 15. Moeaki Fotuaika, 16. Jaimin Jolliffe, 17. Sam Lisone

Reserves: 18. Sosefo Fifita, 19. Herman Ese’ese, 20. Aaron Booth, 21. Kevin Proctor, 22. Esan Marsters

Team news: AJ Brimson (Covid) returns at fullback which sees Jamayne Isaako move out to the wing and Esan Marsters drop to the reserves. Sosefo Fifita has been named in the reserves and is a tip to come into the 17.

WARRIORS v PANTHERS

Saturday, 5.30pm, Moreton Daily Stadium, Redcliffe

Warriors

1. Reece Walsh, 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, 3.Jesse Arthars, 4. Adam Pompey, 5. Marcelo Montoya, 6. Ronald Volkman, 7. Shaun Johnson, 8. Bunty Afoa, 9. Wayde Egan, 10. Jazz Tevaga, 11. Jack Murchie, 12. Tohu Harris, 13. Josh Curran

Bench: 14. Chanel Harris-Tavita, 15. Aaron Pene, 16. Dunamis Lui, 17. Bayley Sironen

Reserves: 18. Freddy Lussick, 20. Eliesa Katoa, 21. Rocco Berry, 22. Daejarn Asi, 23. Addin Fonua-Blake

Team news: Star young Roosters recruit Ronald Volkman gets his first NRL start relegating Harris-Tavita to the bench. Euan Aitken has been left out of the team which sees Jack Murchie move to the second row and Josh Curran start at lock. Ben Murdoch-Masila is replaced at prop by Bunty Afoa which sees Aaron Pene come on to the interchange though watch for skipper Addin Fonua-Blake who lurks on the reserves bench as he makes his return from injury and is sure to come into the 17 if he is passed fit at the captain’s run.

Panthers

1. Dylan Edwards, 2. Taylan May, 3. Izack Tago, 4. Stephen Crichton, 5. Brian To’o, 6. Jarome Luai, 7. Nathan Cleary, 8. Moses Leota, 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. Matt Eisenhuth, 20.Chris Smith, 21. Soni Luke, 22. Thomas Jenkins

Team news: Isaah Yeo (concussion) returns after missing last week replacing Matt Eisenhuth who drops straight to the reserves.

Isaah Yeo is back for the Panthers after being rested last weekend. Picture: Matt Blyth/Getty Images

EELS v ROOSTERS

Saturday, 7.35pm, CommBank Stadium, Sydney

Eels

1. Clint Gutherson, 2. Maika Sivo, 3. Will Penisini, 4. Waqa Blake, 5. Bailey Simonsson, 6. Dylan Brown, 7. Mitchell Moses, 8. Reagan Campbell-Gillard, 9. Reed Mahoney, 10. Junior Paulo, 11. Shaun Lane, 12. Marata Niukore, 13. Isaiah Papali’i

Bench: 14. Makahesi Makatoa, 15. Ryan Matterson, 16. Oregon Kaufusi, 17. Nathan Brown

Reserves: 18. Tom Opacic, 19. Jake Arthur, 20. Bryce Cartwright, 21. Ky Rodwell, 23. Sean Russell

Team news: No changes from the team who were dominated by the Bulldogs last round.

Roosters

James Tedesco, 2. Daniel Tupou, 3. Billy Smith, 4. Joey Manu, 5. Joseph Suaalii, 6. Sam Walker, 7. Luke Keary, 8. Lindsay Collins, 9. Sam Verrills, 10. Siosiua Taukeiaho, 11. Angus Crichton, 12. Sitili Tupouniua, 13. Nat Butcher

Bench: 14. Connor Watson, 15. Drew Hutchinson, 16. Egan Butcher, 17. Fletcher Baker

Reserves: 18. Lachlan Lam, 19. Daniel Suluka-Fifita, 20. Paul Momirovski, 21. Terrell May, 22. Adam Keighran

Team news: Hooker Sam Verrills is back which sees Drew Hutchison go to the bench. Hutchison may still yet start though with Luke Keary (concussion) working through the HIA protocols. Billy Smith replaces Paul Momirovski in the centres. Egan Butcher replaces Daniel Suluka-Fifita on the bench.

RAIDERS v KNIGHTS

Sunday, 2pm, GIO Stadium, Canberra

Raiders

1. Xavier Savage, 2. Nick Cotric, 3. Matt Timoko, 4. Sebastian Kris, 5. Jordan Rapana, 6. Jack Wighton, 7. Jamal Fogarty, 8. Josh Papalii, 9. Zac Woolford, 10. Joseph Tapine, 11. Hudson Young, 12. Elliott Whitehead, 13. Adam Elliott

Bench: 14. Tom Starling, 15. Ryan Sutton, 16. Corey Harawira-Naera, 17. Corey Horsburgh

Reserves: 18. Brad Schneider, 19. James Schiller, 20. Trey Mooney, 21. Semi Valemei, 22. Adrian Trevilyan

Team news: Jordan Rapana (suspension) replaced James Schiller on the wing in the only change from last week.

Knights

1. Kalyn Ponga, 2. Edrick Lee, 3. Dane Gagai, 4. Enari Tuala, 5. Dominic Young, 6. Anthony Milford, 7. Jake Clifford, 8. David Klemmer, 9. Chris Randall, 10. Jacob Saifiti, 11. Tyson Frizell, 12. Mitch Barnett, 13. Kurt Mann

Bench: 14. Simi Sasagi, 15. Leo Thompson, 16. Mat Croker, 17. Pasami Saulo

Reserves: 18. Phoenix Crossland, 19. Tex Hoy, 20. Lachlan Fitzgibbon, 21. Adam Clune, 22. Hymel Hunt

Team news: Lachlan Fitzgibbon has been dropped to the reserves with Mitch Barnett moving from lock to an edge and Kurt Mann starting at lock. Kalyn Ponga is no certainty after being knocked out when attempting to tackle Viliame Kikau last week.

Adam Doueihi will make his return for the Tigers against the Bulldogs. Picture: NRL Photos

BULLDOGS v TIGERS

Sunday, 4.05pm, CommBank Stadium, Sydney

Bulldogs

1. Jake Averillo, 2. Jacob Kiraz, 3. Aaron Schoupp, 4. Corey Allan, 5. Josh Addo-Carr, 6. Matt Burton, 7. Kyle Flanagan, 8. Max King, 9. Jeremy Marshall-King, 10. Paul Vaughan, 11. Josh Jackson, 12. Raymond Faitala-Mariner, 13. Tevita Pangai Jr

Bench: 14. Zach Dockar-Clay, 15. Corey Waddell, 16. Joe Stimson, 17. Kurtis Morrin

Reserves: 19. Matt Dufty, 20. Bailey Biondi-Odo, 21. Jayden Tanner, 22. Isaac Lumelume, 23. Jackson Topine

Team news: Some movement in the forward pack for the Dogs. Max King moves from lock to prop with Tevita Pangai Jr named to start at lock though it would not surprise to see the two swap prior to kickoff. Raymond Faitala-Mariner wins a start on an edge, Corey Waddell goes to the bench and Chris Patolo (concussion) is replaced on the bench by Kurtis Morrin.

Tigers

1. Daine Laurie, 2. David Nofoaluma, 3. Starford To’a, 4. Asu Kepaoa, 5. Ken Maumalo, 6. Luke Brooks, 7. Jackson Hastings, 8. James Tamou, 9. Jacob Liddle, 10. Zane Musgrove, 11. Luke Garner, 12. Kelma Tuilagi, 13. Joe Ofahengaue

Bench: 14. Fa’amanu Brown, 15. Alex Twal, 16. Adam Doueihi, 17. Alex Seyfarth

Reserves: 18. Jake Simpkin, 19. Fonua Pole, 20. Austin Dias, 21. Junior Tupou, 22. Tyrone Peachey

Team news: Asu Kepaoa replaces the suspended Brent Naden at centre though the Tigers also have Adam Doueihi as an option after he was named to make his return from an ACL injury via the bench. With Luciano Leilua leaving the club immediately (transfer) the Tigers look light in their bench with Kelma Tuilaga starting in Leilua’s place so the bench is composed of Alex Twal, edge forward Alex Seyfarth, utility Nu Brown and Doueihi.