KFC SuperCoach winners and losers from NRL transfer madness — part 2
It’s been a busy off-season in the NRL with plenty of player movement. We analyse the KFC SuperCoach NRL winners and losers.
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A bird in the hand may be worth two in the bush, but what is a Bird at the Dragons in 2021 worth in KFC SuperCoach NRL?
We answer this and many other questions in the culminating chapter of our look at the SuperCoach implications of every club’s off-season transfer moves.
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NEW ZEALAND WARRIORS
LOSSES
Adam Blair – Games: 20, PPG: 38, MPG: 43, Lachlan Burr – Games: 14, PPG: 38, MPG: 34, Isaiah Papali’i – Games: 15, PPG: 56, MPG: 46 & Agnatius Paasi – Games: 6, PPG: 38, MPG: 26
Incredible turnover in the forward pack at the Warriors in 2021, with multiple starting and bench spots now up for grabs. They’ve recruited well, with Addin Fonua-Blake and Ben Murdoch-Masila the big names joining the team, and there are some real KFC SuperCoach opportunities here. There will be a lot of competition for bench spots, with Jamayne Taunoa-Brown, Leeson Ah Mau, Kane Evans, Jack Murchie and Bunty Afoa fighting it out for two or three interchange spots.
Patrick Herbert – Games: 13, PPG: 41, MPG: 77, Gerard Beale – Games: 7, PPG: 34, MPG: 80, Taane Milne – N/A
There is also potentially one starting spot in the backline up for grabs, which will likely fall to Euan Aitken, with the Warriors losing a lot of CTW depth. But despite this there shouldn’t be too much KFC SuperCoach impact, although Aitken could be an option if he can lockdown a spot, given his solid base stats for a CTW. Ken Maumalo returns to the line up and is probably the most KFC SuperCoach relevant outside back here, ending his 2020 season with a five-round average of 64.
CHECK OUT PART 1 OF THIS SERIES HERE
Adam Keighran – Games: 3, PPG: 52, MPG: 80
He only played in the centres during 2020 due to the Warriors injuries and players returning home to New Zealand, but normally a back-up half. He’ll be replaced by Sean O’Sullivan as back-up, who may also struggle to get game time in 2021.
Nathaniel Roache – N/A
Roache managed just 26 games in his five years at the Warriors, spending basically entire seasons on the sidelines due to injury. His loss shouldn’t really open any windows at the Warriors for KFC SuperCoaches in 2021.
KFC SuperCoach NRL prices for 2021 are released for SuperCoach Gold subscribers on Tuesday 22 Dec. Stay tuned!!!!
GAINS
Addin Fonua-Blake – Games: 15, PPG: 60, MPG: 51, Ben Murdoch-Masila – N/A, Kane Evans Games: 14, PPG: 49, MPG: 29
The Warriors’ biggest improvement from 2020, by far, is their beefed up forward pack, recruiting some real size and power. Addin Fonua-Blake and Ben Murdoch-Masila will both likely walk straight into starting prop roles, and BMM could be priced well given he has been in the Super League for the last five years. Fonua-Blake is a borderline gun prop and could come at a discount after a down end to 2020, while Kane Evans will likely nab a bench spot and could be relevant if he can improve his minutes, given his monster 1.71 PPM.
Euan Aitken – Games: 17, PPG: 54, MPG: 74, Marcelo Montoya – Games: 9, PPG: 37, MPG: 80 & Junior Ratuva – N/A
Like their forward pack, the Warriors backline depth has also been overhauled for 2021, but there is really just one spot up for grabs, with players like David Fusitua and Ken Maumalo likely returning to the starting side. Euan Aitken is the biggest name recruit and the obvious choice to fill the gap, while Junior Ratuva could be one to put on the early cheapie radar!
Sean O’Sullivan – Games: 3, PPG: 29, MPG: 80
O’Sullivan and Hayze Perham will likely serve as a backup halves for Kodi Nikorima and Chanel Harris-Tavita in 2021, and should only really be KFC SuperCoach relevant should one of them go down injured.
Bayley Sironen – Games: 16, PPG: 39, MPG: 52
After a breakout season at Souths in 2020, Sironen moves across the ditch to try and lock down a starting spot, but seems unlikely to win the role, given the Warriors have Tohu Harris and Eliesa Katoa there. A bench spot could be on the cards, but given their likely starting backrow can play big minutes, Sironen is probably someone to avoid in 2020.
UNSIGNED
Leivaha Pulu, King Vuniyayawa
PARRAMATTA EELS
LOSSES
Kane Evans – Games: 14, PPG: 49, MPG: 29, David Gower – Games: 3, PPG: 28, MPG: 18, Stefano Utoikamanu – Games: 3, PPG: 14, MPG: 8 & Andrew Davey – Games: 8, PPG: 38, MPG: 40
A lot of turnover at the Parramatta Eels in 2020, with a number of bench spots up for grabs after these departures. The Eels starting 13 is very settled, but the losses of Evans, Davey and Takairangi means there is opportunity for bench forwards, with the Eels gaining new forwards, while Marata Niukore is the only forward really locked in for a spot so far.
George Jennings – Games: 8, PPG: 40, MPG: 70
Played just two games for the Eels in 2020 and was loaned to the Warriors before moving to the Storm for 2021. Had he stayed at Parramatta he would have likely ended up starting next season given his brother’s suspension, but instead will be fighting for a starting spot in Melbourne.
Jai Field – Games: 6, PPG: 48, MPG: 80
Field impressed in his few games in 2020, but was really just a backup for Mitch Moses and Dylan Brown and won’t be a huge loss for KFC SuperCoaches. With him gone, Will Smith will likely be the next man up if either Moses or Brown go down again in 2021, but should otherwise be avoided.
GAINS
Keegan Hipgrave – Games: 13, PPG: 41, MPG: 61, Bryce Cartwright – Games: 7, PPG: 42, MPG: 80, Isaiah Papali’i – Games: 15, PPG: 56, MPG: 46
With bulk turnover in the forward pack there are spots up for grabs, and these three could be some of the big beneficiaries. Hipgrave and Cartwright struggled for the Titans in 2021, but could thrive at a new club, but for KFC SuperCoach purposes neither look super exciting unless they can score a starting role. Papali’i is probably the most promising forward here given his solid PPM and base stats in 2020, and should score well if he can get 50+ minutes off the bench.
Michael Oldfield – Games: 6, PPG: 14, MPG: 43, Tom Opacic – Games: 5, PPG: 41, MPG: 80
The uncertain future of Michael Jennings has opened up an opportunity for a starting centre spot at the club, and with Jaeman Salmon, George Jennings and Brad Takairangi gone, it could be one of their new recruits.
Joey Lussick – N/A & Nathaniel Roache – N/A
While the Eels have Reed Mahoney locked in as their starting hooker, they did struggle at times when he was out injured and have bolstered their hooking depth, picking up the third Lussick brother, and injury-plagued Warrior Nathaniel Roache. Both will serve as backups and could potentially be in line for a bench spot, but are likely to spend most of the season in reserve grade.
UNSIGNED
Rhys Davies, Jaeman Salmon, Peni Terepo
PENRITH PANTHERS
LOSSES
James Tamou – Games: 19, PPG: 54, MPG: 43 & Jack Hetherington – Games: 8, PPG: 33, MPG: 45
While Hetherington managed just one game for the Panthers in 2020, the loss of him and James Tamou does create a hole in the forward pack. Moses Leota or Zane Tetevano could be up for a promotion to the starting side, while new recruit Matt Eisenhuth could be another option. Tamou averaged just 43 minutes in 2020, so there isn’t a tonne of game time to go around with these guys, and all three will likely be awkwardly priced in 2021.
Caleb Aekins – Games: 8, PPG: 33, MPG: 75
A handy backup for the Panthers, Aekins looked solid in 2020 when Dylan Edwards was out injured but really was just a backup. His departure shouldn’t really have a massive impact for KFC SuperCoach in 2020.
CHECK OUT PART 1 OF THIS SERIES HERE
GAINS
Robert Jennings – Games: 5, PPG: 38, MPG: 70
With Charlie Staines set to replace Josh Mansour on the wing in 2021 and a cloud over the future of Brent Naden, there is potentially just one backline spot up for grabs, with Jennings likely to battle with Dean Whare for the spot, while Tyrone May is also an option. May’s centre switch at the end of 2020 somewhat backfired for the Panthers, while Whare seems to have fallen out of favour. All three options will likely be awkwardly priced and should probably be avoided even if they start.
Matt Eisenhuth - Games: 14, PPG: 59, MPG: 58
Eisenhuth could be a good pick-up for KFC SuperCoaches given his solid PPM of 1.02, but he will likely be awkwardly priced given his 2020 average and only relevant if he starts. Put a pin in this one for now.
UNSIGNED
Dean Blore, Pat Hollis, Brayden McGrady, Malakai Watene-Zelesniak
CRONULLA SHARKS
LOSSES
Cameron King – N/A & Jayson Bukuya – N/A
The Sharks roster is relatively unaffected heading into 2021, with King and Bukuya the only losses, neither of whom managed to play a game in 2020. Given both these guys didn't get a run, it’s unlikely to have too much of a KFC SuperCoach impact, with not even bench spots up for grabs from these losses.
GAINS
Aiden Tolman – Games: 17, PPG: 65, MPG: 61
Tolman has been a great KFC SuperCoach POD for years during his time at the Bulldogs, playing big minutes at a solid 1.06 PPM in 2020. But the move to the Sharks is a bit of a blow for all front rowers at the club, with Tolman, Andrew Fifita, Aaron Woods, Braden Hamlin-Uele and Toby Rudolf all looking at reduced minutes.
UNSIGNED
Bryson Goodwin, Kayleb Milne, Scott Sorensen
KFC SuperCoach NRL prices for 2021 are released for SuperCoach Gold subscribers on Tuesday 22 Dec. Stay tuned!!!!
ST GEORGE ILLAWARRA DRAGONS
LOSSES
Tyson Frizell – Games: 20, PPG: 63, MPG: 80
While he may not have looked great for the Blues in 2020, Tyson Frizell was absolutely massive for the Dragons, playing almost every minute of every game. Luckily for KFC SuperCoaches however, this massive hole needs to be filled with the likes of Jackson Ford, Tyrell Fuimaono, Kaide Ellis and even Trent Merrin fighting it out for the No. 11 jersey. Fuimaono and Kaide Ellis will likely fall into cheapie territory, while Ford and Merrin would cost a bit more, but regardless there is opportunity here.
Euan Aitken – Games: 17, PPG: 54, MPG: 74 & Jason Saab – Games: 4, PPG: 29, MPG: 80
The departure of Aitken could be another boost for KFC SuperCoaches, with Brayden Wiliame the likely winner. Wiliame looked like a promising cheapie in 2020 before injury all but ended his season, making him a highly-owned nuff. Jack Bird is another option at centre, but it seems more likely he’ll play in the halves or possibly at lock. Saab managed just four games in 2020 and seemed unlikely to get a run again in 2021 before being released to join Manly.
Jacob Host – Games: 10, PPG: 36, MPG: 43 & Korbin Sims – Games: 5, PPG: 30, MPG: 26
Host and Sims were in and out of the Dragons squad all year and their departures shouldn’t affect KFC SuperCoaches too much, with only bench spots up for grabs.
GAINS
Poasa Faamausili – Games: 15, PPG: 26, MPG: 26
With several forwards leaving the former Rooster Faamausili could be a cheapie to consider in 2021 if he can nab a bench spot at the Dragons. After a four-week loan stint at the Warriors, Faamausili became a mainstay on the Roosters’ bench in 2020. While bench props don’t usually scream buy in KFC SuperCoach, Faamausili is one to keep an eye on.
Daniel Alvaro - Games: 8, PPG: 29, MPG: 19
What’s with the Dragons and Warriors’ loanee players? Having nabbed Faamausili from the Roosters they then went and picked up Alvaro from the Eels. A solid prop in the past, who is all work and no flashy attacking stats Alvaro played very limited minutes in 2020 and it’s hard to see him getting too many for the Dragons.
Jack Bird – N/A
The signing of Jack Bird is a bit of a strange one considering their depth in the halves, Dufty at fullback and a number of options at lock, where it has been suggested he could play in 2021. Coming back from another ACL injury and likely to still be relatively pricey, he should probably be avoided for KFC SuperCoach to start 2021, even if he does lock down a starting role.
UNSIGNED
Joe Lovodua, Tristan Sailor
SOUTH SYDNEY RABBITOHS
LOSSES
James Roberts – Games: 6, PPG: 35, MPG: 66
Jimmy the Jet struggled to crack the Rabbitohs starting side after the COVID break in 2020 even with the horror season ending injury to Braidon Burns. Luckily the return of Burns and Mitchell, as well as the emergence of Corey Allan, has the Bunnies very well placed to move on in 2021.
Ethan Lowe – Games: 10, PPG: 40, MPG: 69
Unfortunately Ethan Lowe was forced into an early retirement after suffering a neck injury in 2020 and he will be missed after all but locking down a starting spot in the team. His departure and the loss of Bayley Sironen will likely force Wayne Bennett to move Cameron Murray back to an edge.
Bayley Sironen – Games: 16, PPG: 39, MPG: 52
The young backrower is off to New Zealand after impressing in his best season to date, and his departure is a blow to Souths’ backrow depth. But they have done well to pick up Jacob Host from the Dragons as a replacement, and already have Jed Cartwright, Keaon Kolomatangi, Patrick Mago and Hame Sele.
Joseph Suaalii – Games: 0, MPG: 0
The Bunnies biggest off-season saga has finally ended with one of the most hyped youngsters in NRL history joining the Roosters. This may not be an immediate blow, but if Suaalii can live up to the hype this may prove to be one of the biggest losses in the club’s history.
Jack Johns – Games: 2, PPG: 30, MPG: 38
Managed just two games in 2020 and looked unlikely to get a run this year with solid back-row depth at the club. A fitting move to Newcastle for the son of Matty Johns.
CHECK OUT PART 1 OF THIS SERIES HERE
GAINS
Jai Arrow – Games: 18, PPG: 54, MPG: 54
At his best, Jai Arrow is an elite 2RF in SC. Sadly, his body seems to fail when asked to carry too heavy a workload and workload is key in KFC SuperCoach. Arrow’s MPG declined in 2020 and his PPG declined sharply. The area of his game which has fallen away sharply is workrate. Not in defence I note — Arrow averaged more tackles (27.8 per game) in 2020 than he did in either 2018 or 2019. Rather, Arrow’s output has declined with ball in hand. In 2018 Arrow averaged better than 15 runs, 1.5 tackle busts and 1.5 offloads per game. In 2020 Arrow averaged three fewer runs per game. Which doesn’t sound like a lot but in itself that was the difference between averaging 26PPG in runs in 2019 and 20.2PPG in 2020. To which you can add a decline in 3.6PPG in offloads. That’s almost 10PPG right there.
Jacob Host – Games: 10, PPG: 36, MPG: 43
The Rabbitohs have picked up Host to cover the loss of a few backrowers and he could push for a bench spot, but is unlikely to crack the top-17 straight away.
Taane Milne – N/A
The former Dragon, Shark and Warrior hasn’t seen any NRL action since Round 23 2017, but is a decent depth signing. Barring injuries he is unlikely to see any action in 2021.
Tautau Moga – Games: 4, PPG: 46, MPG: 80
Like Milne, Tautau Moga is another depth signing and unlikely to play in 2021 unless injury strikes elsewhere.
UNSIGNED
Tom Amone, Cory Denniss, Kurt Dillon, Ky Rodwell
SYDNEY ROOSTERS
LOSSES
Mitch Aubusson Games: 15, PPG: 38, MPG: 57
This one hurts. Not so much for KFC SuperCoach, but as a Roosters fan I always loved having Mr Fix-It Mitch AuboGun in the side. In 2019 Aubo played five 80-minute games at second row, four 80-minute games at centre and the remaining six games were interchange cameos of between 10-30 minutes. The Roosters have better second rowers — experienced guns like Boyd Cordner, Angus Crichton and future stars like Sitili Tupouniua and Nat Butcher for example.
And they have better centres — JM squared (Joey Manu and Josh Morris) and Billy Smith in reserve. But they don’t have a player who can fill both roles like Aubo did. OK, with my hagiography out of the way now to the KFC SuperCoach implications. They’re not big. Aubusson would struggle to make the 17 of a fully fit Roosters squad. And even when the inevitable injuries hit, there’s plenty of depth. KFC SuperCoach may not be the poorer for Aubusson’s retirement — but my heart will be.
Kyle Flanagan Games: 18, PPG: 59, MPG: 80
You don’t get to the top by being nice, and dumping Kyle Flanagan after just one year shows how ruthless the Roosters can be. Flanagan was far from poor, sure he didn’t run as much as some would have liked but he tackled his heart out making the second-most tackles of any halfback (excluding Ben Hunt who spent a fair bit of time at hooker) in 2020.
But, oddly enough, coach Robbo doesn’t ask my opinion on the team and so farewell Flanagan it is. The race to replace him seemed to be between the slightly more experienced Lachie Lam (11 regular season games in 2019/20 for three starts in the halves and eight bench stints) and rookie sensation Sam Walker. But then a new candidate joined the fray with the recruitment of Adam ‘Once was a Warrior’ Keighran (more below). Whoever gets the job will be worthy of strong KFC SuperCoach consideration in 2021.
Poasa Faamausili – Games: 15, PPG: 26, MPG: 26
He’s a serious talent this young man, and another whose departure pains me (a constant refrain I’m afraid). Faamausili is a quality pick up for the Dragons. He played 11 regular-season games for the Roosters (four of his 2020 matches were while on loan to the Warriors) all off the bench. His absence can be covered in 2021 with the return of Victor Radley at lock freeing up Isaac Liu to act as a reserve prop on the bench but his departure will be felt in years to come as he develops.
Ryan Hall Games: 5, PPG: 43, MPG: 80
Sure Ryan Hall wasn’t that fast, he was nobody’s idea of agile and he never scored a try in the NRL but he was a willing worker bringing the ball up and so was a reasonable KFC SuperCoach option in his limited games. Stuck behind Matt ‘Five Tries’ Ikuvalu and, presumably, new recruit Joseph Suaalii in terms of the backup winger rotation, Hall’s absence can be covered.
Christian Tuipulotu – Games: 1, PPG: 67, MPG: 80
Another very talented youngster, Tuipulotu’s release was a sure sign that Suaalii’s recruitment was in the bag. Big, willing and talented he’ll be an asset to the Sea Eagles.
GAINS
Adam Keighran – Games: 3, PPG: 52, MPG: 80
Playing just three games in 2020, all at centre, doesn’t really scream ‘playmaker at premiership contender’ does it? But make no mistake Keighran is a half. He was the NSW Cup halfback of the year when playing for the Panthers in 2018 and he’s a talented goalkicker — something that will seriously enhance his chances of wearing the jersey vacated by Flanagan.
Joseph Suaalii – N/A
The boom recruit of 2021, Suaalii is a superstar athlete and was a dominant junior rugby player — but neither of those statements equate to rugby league success story. I’m not buying the 2021 hype I’m afraid. Don’t get me wrong, I’m sure the ability is there, but I expect 2021 to be all about shadowing the all-international backline at training and learning about how to be a professional athlete. Suaalii may play some games in 2021 as the Roosters rest players around Origin but I do not expect to see him in the first stanza of the season.
KFC SuperCoach NRL prices for 2021 are released for SuperCoach Gold subscribers on Tuesday 22 Dec. Stay tuned!!!!
WESTS TIGERS
LOSSES
Harry Grant – Games: 15, PPG: 71, MPG: 74
The Rookie of the year in 2020, Harry Grant was far and away the Tigers best player and his loss will be absolutely massive, with Jacob Liddle set to win the No. 9 jersey, at least while Billy Walters eases back from an ACL injury. Rookie Jake Simpkin could also be in line to play, while Moses Mbye could also spend some time there. Liddle looked solid in his two games starting in 2020, with scores of 49 and 76, while Walters scored 51 and 47.
Josh Aloiai – Games: 18, PPG: 56, MPG: 49
Despite locking down a front-row spot in 2020, Josh Aloiai was finally released by the Tigers after a dramatic falling out with the club this off-season. He will be a significant loss for Wests, but luckily they are relatively well placed to replace him with James Tamou.
Matt Eisenhuth- Games: 14, PPG: 59, MPG: 58
Matt Eisenhuth may not be the flashiest player but he got through a tonne of work for the Tigers and his departure could be a big boost for players like Alex Twal and Joe Ofahengaue. A good pick-up by the Panthers.
Chris Lawrence – Games: 13, PPG: 34, MPG: 61
It was a mixed final season for the Tigers veteran, spending time on the bench, in the back row and starting in the centres. The Tigers will miss his experience but should be able to cover him with strong outside back depth, and Michael Chee Kam a like-for-like replacement on the bench.
Chris McQueen – Games: 1, PPG: 14, MPG: 13
Managed just two games in his last two years at the club and the Tigers should have no trouble covering him. Could do well in the Super League.
Robert Jennings – Games: 5, PPG: 38, MPG: 70
Jennings has struggled since leaving Souths and was unlikely to get a start in 2021 without injuries elsewhere.
Sam McIntyre – Games: 12, PPG: 35, MPG: 37
He didn’t start a single game in 2020, exclusively playing off the bench and the Tigers should be able to replace him just fine.
Josh Reynolds – Games: 10, PPG: 36, MPG: 67
After just 22 games in three seasons at the Tigers, Josh Reynolds is off to the English Super League after being released from his contract. Given the chopping and changing in the Tigers team under Madge its uncertain whether Reynolds would have played in the halves, at hooker, the bench or in reserve grade in 2021, but his departure certainly enhances the job security of everyone else at those positions, with Adam Doueihi seemingly first in line to play five-eighth with Billy Walters sidelined.
CHECK OUT PART 1 OF THIS SERIES HERE
GAINS
James Roberts – Games: 6, PPG: 35, MPG: 66
The Tigers big off-season recruit, James Roberts will be looking to resurrect his NRL career after struggling in 2020 and falling out of favour at Souths. It remains uncertain where he’ll play, with Nofoaluma, Leilua and Mbye in the backline, but he could find himself playing on the wing.
James Tamou – Games: 19, PPG: 54, MPG: 43
The inspirational forward helped guide the Panthers to their first grand final appearance in 17 years and will be key for the Tigers success in 2021. With Josh Aloiai leaving, the Tigers are going to need him out on the field a lot more, so he could see a solid bump in minutes.
Joe Ofahengaue – Games: 15, PPG: 38, MPG: 48
The former Bronco’s arrival at Wests allowed the club to release Josh Aloiai and big Joe O could find himself straight into the starting side as a result.
Stefano Utoikamanu – Games: 3, PPG: 14, MPG: 8
Managed just 24 minutes for the Eels across his three games in 2020, but he should see a significant improvement at the Tigers if he can nab a bench spot.
UNSIGNED
Benji Marshall, Oliver Clark, Dylan Smith, Elijah Taylor
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