NRL SuperCoach round 15: Trent Copeland’s captaincy analysis

IT goes against conventional SuperCoach wisdom but don’t be afraid of Captain Cook in the first game of the round.

IF you’re a regular reader of this column, you would be a happy, happy SuperCoach of late… #humblebrag

Thankfully our tips for VC the past two weeks, SJ (95 points) and Taumalolo (116 points) have absolutely nailed it, and Cameron Smith’s 106 points as the lead dog for the Orange Armband have kept us afloat amongst the injury and selection carnage! Long may it continue.

Each week I will delve into the stats that stick out, the best matchups, form and even sometimes a gut feel to find you the best skippers of the week.

Without further ado…

VC OPTIONS

Angus Crichton 2RF (Rabbitohs) vs. Eels

Angus Crichton could go large, according to Copes.

With all of the Origin stars having a complete rest last weekend (and the Rabbitohs still managing a win), I am backing very good performances from all of them — namely Angus Crichton. His form is exceptional with a three game average of 89PPG including scores of 112, 61 and 94, and this week gets a matchup with the Eels who sit last on the NRL ladder. The Eels also concede the MOST points to 2RFs of any team in the entire league.

Note: Only use Crichton as VC if you don’t want to captain #THECHEF (see below).

Shaun Johnson HFB (Warriors) vs. Cowboys

SJ was my number one VC option last weekend upon his return to the lineup, and boy he did not disappoint! A lazy 95 points with a try, two try assists, 20 points in goals (takes away any doubt he wouldn’t kick due to injury), 10 tackles, six points in tackle busts and forced drop outs, an offload and a line break for good measure. Wow. Averaging an amazing 76.4PPG this season and playing against the badly out of form Cowboys, SJ could go berserk in this one. Quite simply, if you own him, use him with the C or VC every week.

PODCAST! Tom Sangster and Tim Williams discuss the two cheapies to emerge in the round 15 teams.

James Tedesco FLB (Roosters) vs. Panthers

This game is a tough one to pick — the table-topping Panthers against the Roosters, who haven’t been playing great but finding ways to win. One player in scintillating form however is our man Teddy! The Origin performance was simply astonishing, and prior to last week he had scores of 83, 75 and 82 points. In big games, look to your best players to score well and I’m backing Teddy for 80+ once more.

Other options… Cody Walker, Sam Burgess, Blake Ferguson, Nathan Cleary

COPES’ CAPTAINS

Damien Cook HOK (Rabbitohs) vs. Eels

#THECHEF is here. Yes, Cook plays in the first game of the round and most people want to give their VC loophole a shot. Well, I’m here to tell you not to bother. Cook is the highest averaging player in the game at 76.7PPG over the course of the entire season, with a matchup against the worst team in the comp, and coming off a full week of rest following Origin. I’m all in. The only danger would have been if Robbie Farah had been retained on the bench — but it was confirmed on Wednesday that he has dropped off the bench. The Rabbitohs are one of the hottest teams in the entire NRL, so any of their attacking weapons are worth a look.

Damien Cook is a captaincy option despite playing the first game.

Gareth Widdop 5/8 (Dragons) vs. Sea Eagles

Widdop has copped some heat of late, with the upcoming New Zealand vs England Test match in Denver and a slight dip in form leading some of the great SuperCoach minds to ‘steer clear’. Well, I’m calling their bluff against a struggling Sea Eagles side at home in Wollongong on a Saturday afternoon with a predicted 20C and bright sunshine to run around in. The last time Widdop played the Sea Eagles, he scored a MONSTER 128 points in round 20 of last season at… you guessed it, WIN Stadium in Wollongong. Get on!

Cameron Smith HOK (Storm) vs. Knights

The GOAT is absolutely on fire! Two consecutive SuperCoach scores over the ton — 123 and 106 — either side of Origin, and to think there were people selling the great man by the thousand back in round 10. Smith plays the Knights this weekend, a much-improved team but one that is conceding the third highest amount of points to opposition players every week. Career average wise, Smith has 16 games against the Knights for an average of 70PPG and high score of 117. The tough choice between he and Damian Cook needs to be made on Thursday as you can only put one of them on field! Good luck with that.

Other options… Tohu Harris, Jason Taumalolo, Marty Taupau, Nathan Brown

Good luck everyone, may the Orange Armband fall on the right man this week!