NRL SuperCoach 2019 team study guide: Gold Coast Titans
With coach Garth Brennan recruiting successfully for many positions in 2019, it’s two returning Titans players who are set for a big season in the SuperCoach.
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Gold Coast Titans coach Garth Brennan has been active in the player market in his quest to return the Titans to finals football. Clegane sized former Canberra prop Shannon Boyd is a great addition to the forwards. Ryley Jacks and the returning Tyrone Roberts add depth in the halves, and big things are expected from Penrith recruit Tyrone Peachey.
Jai Arrow, with a bit of luck on the injury front, will push Ryan James to be the Titans highest scoring SuperCoach player at seasons end. Both players featured in the top 25 for total points scored last season.
Promising youngster, A.J. Brimson peaks a lot of interest after a move to fullback, finishing the last four rounds with a 60PPG average in the position.
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PREDICTED ROUND ONE TEAM
1. A.J.Brimson, 2. Phillip Sami, 3. Dale Copley, 4. Brian Kelly, 5. Anthony Don 6. Tyrone Peachey, 7. Ash Taylor, 8. Shannon Boyd, 9. Nathan Peats, 10. Jarrod Wallace, 11. Kevin Proctor, 12. Ryan James. 13. Jai Arrow, 14. Mitch Rein, 15. Moeaki Fotuaika, 16. Keegan Hipgrave, 17. Will Matthews.
Who’s left: Ryley Jacks, Michael Gordon, Bryce Cartwright, Max King, Leilana Latu, Brenko Lee, Tyrone Roberts, Jack Stockwell, Jai Whitebread, Morgan Boyle, Jesse Arthars.
PLAYER MOVEMENTS
Ins: Shannon Boyd (Canberra), Brian Kelly (Manly), Tyrone Peachey (Penrith), Tyrone Roberts (Warrington), Ryley Jacks (Melbourne), Jesse Arthars (Souths).
Outs: Kane Elgey (Manly), Konrad Hurrell (Leeds), Brendan Elliott (Manly), Dan Sarginson (Wigan), Nathaniel Peteru (Leeds), Ben Nakubuwai (Salford), Paterika Vaivai (Leigh).
BYE
Round 16
LISTEN! Resident SuperCoach experts Tom Sangster and Tim Williams have the lowdown on the players to target and avoid in 2019.
GUNS
Jai Arrow ($598,000 2RF)
2018 average 63.9
Arrow was the break out SuperCoach star for the Titans last season. If it wasn’t for injuries curtailing his time on the field, Arrow looked a lock for a top 10 finish for total points scored in his first season on the Coast. Finishing the 25th highest scorer overall with a 1342 point total, Arrow also made his Origin debut for Queensland. I expect the hard working Arrow to improve on his injury imposed 55MPG average from last year and to be pushing in to SuperCoach gun status for years to come.
Ryan James ($585,800 FRF, 2RF)
2018 average 62.6
James has been the reigning SuperCoach player of the year from the Titans for the last three years. With a tally of 4,504 points in that time, he carries a 65PPG average over those 69 games. James also owns two of the top five SuperCoach scores from a Titan of 156 points and 139 points. There can be heated debates in fantasy forums as to whether James is a legit gun of SuperCoach or just outside that tier. With 30 tries in 138 games, James has consistently proved that he can make good scores either playing on an edge or in the middle. Playing in a team that has the talent to push for the top eight, James is one to consider as he finished the 16th top scorer last year.
POD
Alexander Brimson ($462,200 5/8, FLB)
2018 average 49.4
Brimson made his debut in round 10 last year as a 5/8th, where he played 11 games for a 45PPG average. With four games left in the season, Brimson was switched to fullback and hit a SuperCoach hot streak to finish with a 60PPG average over those last four rounds. Four tries in his last three games would help bump that average up impressively in the new position. He had a high score of 99PPG against the Warriors in round 20, and finished with a total of 741 points for the year. Brimson has the added bonus of dual position 5/8th and fullback, so works in great with those starting with Kalyn Ponga or Cameron Munster.
CHEAPIE
Jesse Arthars ($168,100 CTW, FBL)
Arthars is yet to make his top grade debut. The former Keebra Park product was the leading point scorer in the NYC competition in 2016 with 224 points when a part of the Melbourne Storm system. Arthars has a preference for fullback, but he has A.J. Brimson and Michael Gordon in front of him, so the centre position may be his best chance for a NRL debut. Signed to a one-year deal, Arthars adds great versatility to the Titans back line. One to pay attention to during the trials.
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NO GO ZONE
Michael Gordon ($514,600 CTW, FLB)
2018 average 55
Entering his 14th season as an NRL player, Gordon is reportedly behind A.J Brimson as first choice fullback. In his last four seasons, Gordon has played 87 Premiership matches for four different clubs and maintained a 50PPG average. Normally, a goal kicker with a career strike rate of 81% and with dual positioning he’s the type you’re looking to add to your squad. Gordon has respectable averages of 56PPG and 55PPG over the last two years. Unfortunately, unless Gordon starts in the one jersey, he is a definite no go at a starting price of $514,600.
Bryce Cartwright ($231,300 2RF, 5/8)
2018 average 24.7
If anyone was thinking of starting with Bryce Cartwright again, please STOP. There’s just not going to be the minutes available to resurrect what was once, one of the most promising SuperCoach careers. Big minutes are expected to be taken by the back row trio of Ryan James, Kevin Proctor and Jai Arrow, so if the party wasn’t over last year, it is now.
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