KFC SuperCoach teams analysis Round 17: Nicho Hynes Covid drama causes chaos
KFC SuperCoaches have lost a crucial extra number — and a genuine VC option — due to unexpected news on Nicho Hynes. Here’s how to handle the drama.
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It’s arguably the toughest week of the KFC SuperCoach season with State of Origin players unavailable and half the teams on the bye.
Tom Sangster has the lowdown on how to survive and thrive.
WINNERS
* Grant Anderson CTW $225,400 – The Storm young gun is one of the big winners from this week’s team announcements with last week’s top cheapie named for the all-important bye round.
He has been named by coach Craig Bellamy despite pressure from Dean Ieremia (named on the other wing) and Nick Meaney (who switches to the halves). With a break even of 33, the price rises could be over for now. But he’s also a crucial extra number this week.
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* Ryan Papenhuzyzen FLB $931,100 - By far the most purchased player this week after his stunning return from injury last week (135). As expected, he missed the Origin squad and is available for the Storm. He’s also a popular VC option as KFC SuperCoaches go loophole crazy for the bye week - one of the few genuine chances this season to get two bites at the captaincy cherry.
* Ryan Matterson 2RF $677,600 - Back from a rib injury for the Eels and therefore a popular buy this week. With Junior Paulo out, Matto returns straight to the starting side. It’s been a stop-start season for Matterson due to injury, but when on the field he’s fired, boasting the third best average of any 2RF in KFC SuperCoach this season. Keep an eye on Late Mail for injury updates.
* Fonua Pole FRF $175,400 - Cheapie of the week after scoring 44 points in 42 minutes last round. Both figures are basically unheard of for a debutant prop.
* Brandon Smith HOK/2RF $353,500 – Extremely cheap this week at $353,000, which is almost $250,000 down on his starting price. With a break even in the 20s and Harry Grant out this week (and potentially rested next week following Origin), he’s a decent dual position cash grab at the very least. While at the most, he returns to keeper status.
* Latrell Mitchell FLB $610,100 – Second most popular buy as KFC SuperCoaches look to cash in on last week’s 99 on return from injury. Available for Souths after standing down from Origin duties over the weekend and has as big a ceiling of any player in KFC SuperCoach, plus an improved floor this year with the goalkicking duties.
* Isaiah Tass CTW $314,500 – Huge boost for KFC SuperCoaches with the early-season cheapie coming from the clouds to score a backline spot last week. And his job security only improves this week following the long-term injury to Campbell Graham (more below). Crucial extra number for the bye, but with most of his money already made ($140,000 rise so far and BE of 12), he’s hardly a priority purchase.
LOSERS
* Nicho Hynes FLB/HFB $706,200 - Named for the Sharks but expected to be ruled out due to Covid. There goes an extra number and a VC option.
* Campbell Graham CTW $613,400 - Facing a two-month lay-off due to a facial fracture. It’s a huge blow given Graham was one of the great backline PODs heading into this week’s bye, having scored the sixth most points of any CTW this season.
* Payne Haas FRF $482,000 – Last week aggravated two shoulder injuries, on top of an ankle injury picked up during State of Origin. He is expected to rest up for two weeks and is therefore a popular sell. But having dropped under $500,000 after playing busted for a number of weeks, KFC SuperCoaches won’t reap much from the sale. After a fortnight’s rest, expect Haas to be a big factor over the final part of the KFC SuperCoach season.
* Siosifa Talakai 2RF/CTW $534,200 - Unavailable for the Sharks after again being named on the NSW bench. Talakai is averaging 66 in a volatile position so ideally he’s a hold, especially for head-to-head players.
* All Origin players – The most notable KFC SuperCoach absentees are Harry Grant, Cameron Munster, Kalyn Ponga, Cameron Murray and Damien Cook
* One the bye - Sea Eagles, Titans, Panthers, Roosters, Broncos, Cowboys, Raiders, Warriors
SELL
* Jacob Kiraz CTW $461,600 – Among the top cheapies this season after making almost $300,000. But he doesn’t play this weekend and has all but peaked given the BE of 39. Time to cash in.
* Angus Crichton 2RF $550,000 – It’s been an up-and-down season for the Roosters forward but the current trend is down after averaging less than 50 in the last five weeks.
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