NRL SuperCoach Round 7: Rolling coverage of weekend action
KEEP up to date with the weekend’s SuperCoach action — highlights, lowlights, injuries, judiciary dramas and talking points.
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Highlights, lowlights, injuries, judiciary dramas and talking points — it’s all here.
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ROOSTERS v PANTHERS
Injuries/reports: None
Talking points:
* Bryce Cartwright (34) was forced to make 42 tackles as the Roosters targeted him relentlessly. Cartwright simply couldn’t handle the heat, missing seven tackles, making three errors and conceding two penalties in a performance that could turn off Test and Origin selectors. The barrage also affected Cartwright’s attacking stats - he made just six runs and didn’t notch a single offload or tackle bust.
* Young gun Te Marie Martin (67) crossed for a try (with linebreak) and made his now customary 26 tackles (with only one miss), securing another $35,000 price rise, which takes him into the exclusive $100,000-plus club.
Highlights:
* The immensely talented Latrell Mitchell (89) crossed for two tries and provided two linebreak assists in the best performance of his young career.
* Aiden Guerra (86) switched from five-eighth to the back row and immediately made a SuperCoach impact, hammering out a huge score almost entirely in base stats.
* Jake Friend (68) showed why he has taken Cameron Smith’s mantle as the best hooker in SuperCoach with and incredible 60 tackles. However, his minutes are set to drop when Mitchell Pearce returns in round nine, which will see Jayden Nikorima play as a bench hooker.
* Dylan Napa (67) backed up his landmark performance from last week with another brilliant base stats effort.
Lowlights:
* Jackson Hastings (36) produced his worst score of the season in the wet conditions at Allianz Stadium.
* Josh Mansour (27) had nowhere near his usual impact, with just 10 runs and no attacking stats.
* Jayden Nikorima (13) started for the first time in a month, but couldn’t notch a single attacking stat in the wet conditions.
Final teams:
Roosters: 1. Latrell Mitchell 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Brendan Elliot 4. Blake Ferguson 5. Shaun Kenny-Dowall 6. Jayden Nikorima 7. Jackson Hastings 8. Sam Moa 9. Jake Friend (c) 10. Dylan Napa 11. Mitchell Aubusson 12. Aidan Guerra 13. Isaac Liu. Interchange: 14. Kane Evans 15. Mitchell Frei 16. Eloni Vunakece 17. Connor Watson
Connor Watson makes his debut from the bench, replacing Abraham Papalii.
Panthers: 1. Matt Moylan (c) 2. Josh Mansour 3. Waqa Blake 4. Peta Hiku 5. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 6. Te Maire Martin 7. Jamie Soward 14. Leilani Latu 9. Peter Wallace 10. Reagan Campbell-Gillard 11. Bryce Cartwright 12. Isaah Yeo 13. Trent Merrin. Interchange: 8. Sam McKendry 16. Suaia Matagi 17. James Fisher-Harris 19. Tyrone Peachey
Back-rower Tyrone Peachey wins a spot on the bench, with Jeremey Latimore and Elijah Taylor dropping out of the squad. Leilani Latu replaces Sam McKendry in the starting line-up.
STORM V TIGERS
Injuries/reports:
* James Tedesco (concussion) - missed 10 minutes but returned
* Tim Glasby (concussion) — copped an elbow from a teammate and failed a concussion test
* David Nofoaluma (knee) — pre-game, return TBA
* Sauaso Sue (concussion) — pre-game, back next week
* Will Chambers (broken foot) — pre-game, will miss 12-14 weeks
* Young Tonuamaipea (calf strain) — pre-game, return TBA
Talking points:
* James Tedesco (41) started the game with a ridiculous tap-on try assist to Addo-Carr. However, he was quiet from then onwards and spent time on the sideline for a concussion test.
* Young wingers Suliasi Vunivalu (Storm) and Josh Addo-Carr (Tigers) produced brilliant debuts and are set to emerge as cheapies. Addo-Carr is particularly tempting as he may cover round 12. Vunivalu scored two tries and a linebreak, while Addo-Carr crossed for the opener for the Tigers, but also produced four errors.
Highlights:
* Cooper Cronk (100) had an absoluter stormer, kicking the matchwinning field goal to accompany his try, two try assists and two linebreaks.
* Not only did Tohu Harris (77) sidestep backline duties, but he banged out a huge score in base stats and proved why he is a top shelf keeper at centre/wing.
* Jesse Bromwich (73) is best prop in the game in actual NRL and also in SuperCoach. Those who brought him in for Aaron Woods would be very satisfied.
Lowlights:
* Richie Kennar (5) was quiet in place of Chambers and copped a 10 point deduction for being sent to the sin bin. Even so, he smashed his -66 break even and looms as a borderline cheapie prospect for the coming week at $181,000.
* Jordan Rankin (31) failed to notch any big attacking stats, but retained the kicking duties and scored a nice $15,000 price rise for those who held on.
Storm: 1. Cameron Munster 22. Suliasi Vunivlau 18. Richard Kennar 4. Ben Hampton 5. Marika Koroibete 6. Blake Green 7. Cooper Cronk 8. Jesse Bromwich 9. Cameron Smith (c) 15. Tim Glasby 11. Kevin Proctor 12. Tohu Harris 13. Dale Finucane. Interchange: 10. Jordan McLean 14. Kenny Bromwich 16. Felise Kaufusi 17. Nelson Asofa-Solomona
Richie Kennar replaces Will Chambers (broken foot) at centre. Suliasi Vunivalu makes his NRL debut on the wing in place of Young Tonuamaipea (calf). In a re-shuffle of Melbourne’s forward pack, Tim Glasby will make his first start of 2016 in the front row alongside Jesse Bromwich with Jordan McLean moving onto the interchange bench.
Tigers: 1. James Tedesco 22. Josh Addo-Carr 3. Nathan Milone 4. Kevin Naiqama 5. Jordan Rankin 6. Mitchell Moses 7. Luke Brooks 8. Ava Seumanufagai 9. Robbie Farah 10. Tim Grant 11. Dene Halatau (capt.) 12. Chris Lawrence (capt.) 15. Curtis Sironen. Interchange: 14. Josh Aloiai 16. Kyle Lovett 17. Joel Edwards 20. JJ Felise
Josh Addo-Carr comes onto the wing for David Nofoaluma (knee). Sauaso Sue (concussion) is also out, replaced by Curtis Sironen at lock, with JJ Felise added to the bench.
RAIDERS V SHARKS
Injuries/reports:
* It escaped notice at the time, but Paul Gallen could be in hot water for a raised elbow.
Talking points:
* Spurned by rumours of his Test axing, Gallen (86) produced a dominant performance, with his usual base stats accompanied by a try assist.
* Joseph Leilua (62) produced another powerhouse display and looms as a POD purchase for the byes at under $300,000.
Highlights:
* Jack Bird (83) was a constant handful on the right edge, notching a try with a linebreak, try assist and five tackle busts.
* Jordan Rapana (80) was best on ground for the Raiders, notching a try, try assist, two linebreaks and five tackle busts.
* Ben Barba (70) was lively at the back, scoring two tries and beating his break even by 36 points to initiate another round of rises.
* James Maloney (71) scored a try on the bell and notched 24 points in goals as the Sharks crossed for seven tries.
Lowlights:
* Shaun Fensom (46) produced another disappointing display and is fast falling off the radar as a bye purchase.
* Andrew Fifita (43) produced nowhere near his usual workrate, making just 11 runs and failing to make an offload or tackle bust.
* Aidan Sezer (17) scored a try but still only notched 17 points in his worst game for the Raiders.
* Jarrod Croker (22) was kept in check by Jack Bird and the suffocating Cronulla defence. Will see some nice drops before the byes, when he’ll be a popular purchase.
Final teams:
Raiders: 1 Jack Wighton 2 Edrick Lee 3 Jarrod Croker 4 Joseph Leilua 5 Jordan Rapana 18 Sam Williams 7 Aidan Sezer 8 Shannon Boyd 9 Josh Hodgson 10 Frank Paul Nuuausala 11 Josh Papalii 12 Elliot Whitehead 13 Shaun Fensom. Interchange: 14 Kurt Baptiste 15 Luke Bateman 16 Paul Vaughan 17 Joseph Tapine
Blake Austin (hamstring) is replaced in the halves by Sam Williams. Josh Hodgson (thumb) and Paul Vaughan (ankle) have both been cleared.
Sharks: 1 Ben Barba 2 Sosaia Feki 3 Jack Bird 4 Ricky Leutele 5 Valentine Holmes 6 James Maloney 7 Chad Townsend 8 Andrew Fifita 9 Michael Ennis 16 Matt Prior 11 Jayson Bukuya 12 Wade Graham 13 Paul Gallen Interchange: 10 Sam Tagataese 14 Gerard Beale 15 Chris Heighington 17 Joseph Paulo
Matt Prior starts at prop in place of Sam Tagataese in the only change.
BRONCOS v KNIGHTS
Injuries/reports:
* Broncos forward Alex Glenn injured his hip early in the match but returned before half-time.
* Knights five-eighth Jarrod Mullen left the field for a concussion test in the first half and didn’t return.
* Newcastle winger Nathan Ross left the field for a concussion test and didn’t return.
* Knights hooker Tyler Randell didn’t return after the first half.
* Knight Pauli Pauli was placed on report for a high shot.
Talking points:
* The Broncos were ruthless early and didn’t take the foot off the pedal, the perfect platform for some huge SuperCoach scores. Popular picks Anthony Milford (owned by 22% of SuperCoaches), Corey Oates (36%) and Ben Hunt (5%) all topped the ton.
* The Knights were losing players quicker than Milford et al were scoring SuperCoach points and an interchange bench loaded with forwards caused some major headaches.
Highlights:
* Broncos five-eighth Anthony Milford (136) confirmed he is a rare talent in the NRL and a near must-have for SuperCoaches. Against the hapless Knights outfit he scored three tries, a try assist, six tackle busts, and just to rub it in, a field goal in the last seconds. And he won’t play Origin.
* Broncos winger Corey Oates (128) joked after the match he was filthy with Milford for “stealing” one of his tries. Greedy. He proved he has fully recovered from his shoulder injury with a hat-trick and 40 points from line breaks. He might play Origin.
Lowlights:
* If you are still hold Pat Mata’utia it’s time to consider a trade. At the start of the round the Knights winger had a breakeven of 45 and could only manage 19 points.
* Increased minutes for Daniel (27) and Jacob (18) Safiti didn’t translate into increased SuperCoach points.
Final teams:
Broncos: 1. Darius Boyd 2. Corey Oates 3. Jack Reed 4. James Roberts 5. Jordan Kahu 6. Anthony Milford 7. Ben Hunt 8. Josh McGuire 9. Andrew McCullough 10. Adam Blair 11. Alex Glenn 12. Matt Gillett 13. Corey Parker Interchange: 14. Jarrod Wallace 15. Sam Thaiday 16. Jo Ofanhengaue 17. Kodi Nikorima
Broncos are 1-17 from Tuesday.
Knights: 1. Dane Gagai 2. Nathan Ross 3. Sione Mata’utia 4. Pat Mata’utia 5. Akuila Uate 6. Jarrod Mullen 7. Trent Hodkinson 8. Sam Mataora 9. Tyler Randell 10. Jack Stockwell 11. Tariq Sims 12. Korbin Sims 18. David Bhana Interchange: 15. Daniel Saifiti 16. Jacob Saifiti 17. Pauli Pauli 20. Josh King
David Bhana will start at lock in place of the injured Jeremy Smith and Josh King will make his NRL debut, replacing Will Pearsall on the bench.
BULLDOGS v WARRIORS
Injuries/reports:
* Roger Tuivasa-Sheck injured his knee midway though the first half and did not return.
* Bulldog Tim Browne reported for a trip on Ryan Hoffman.
Talking points:
* The New Zealand Warriors and SuperCoaches alike are sweating on leg scans of popular fullback Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (10) after he injured his knee during the first half against the Bulldogs. Tuivasa-Sheck is owned by 15% of SuperCoaches and on many more trade radars.
* After a tough match against Melbourne last week and a short turnaround, the Bulldogs started props James Graham (66) and Aiden Tolman (48) from the bench. It didn’t have a significant effect on their SuperCoach output.
* Simon Mannering’s return to lock provided the expected boost to his score. He made 50 tackles as his workrate and base stats increased in his haul of 67. It looks like his price has hit rock bottom.
Highlights:
* Warriors playmaker Shaun Johnson (96) was again at his best, showing off his sublime kicking skills. His haul included 36 points from try assists and 24 points from linebreak assists. It could have been even better after he missed the Warriors first three conversions.
* Popular Bulldogs youngster Kerrod Holland (83) continued on his winning way, rewarding 13% of SuperCoaches with two tries and 24 tackles.
* Bulldogs centre Sam Perrett (127) delighted his small amount of owners, notching a double and a try assist in his huge haul.
Lowlights:
* The injury to Roger Tuivasa-Sheck.
* Boom Bulldogshalfback Moses Mbye (12) was barely sighted.
* Low output from popular Warriors prop Ben Matulino (39).
Final teams:
Bulldogs: 1. William Hopoate 2. Curtis Rona 3. Josh Morris 4. Kerrod Holland 5. Sam Perrett 6. Josh Reynolds 7. Moses Mbye 15. Tim Browne 9. Michael Lichaa 16. David Klemmer 11. Josh Jackson 12. Tony Williams 13. Greg Eastwood Interchange: 14. Sam Kasiano 8. Aiden Tolman 10. James Graham 17. Adam Elliot
David Klemmer and Tim Browne start in favour of Aiden Tolman and captain James Graham.
Warriors: 1. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 2. Jonathan Wright 3. Blake Ayshford 4. Solomone Kata 5. David Fusitua 6. Tuimoala Lolohea 7. Shaun Johnson 8. Sam Lisone 9. Issac Luke 10. Ben Matulino 11. Bodene Thompson 12. Ryan Hoffman 13. Simon Mannering Interchange: 14. Thomas Leuluai 15. Jacob Lillyman 16. Charlie Gubb 17. Ligi Sao
Konrad Hurrell dropped to reserve grade with Ligi Sao called on to the bench for his club debut.
TITANS v DRAGONS
Injuries/reports:
* Titans forward Ryan James was placed on report for a dangerous tackle on Dragons fullback Josh Dugan, who came up from the tackle holding his neck but played on.
* Dragon Euan Aitken left the field with a hamstring problem midway through the first half.
* Titan Leivaha Pulu injured his ribs midway through the first half but returned in the second half.
* Titans forward Eddy Pettybourne left the field late in the second half with a dislocated finger and did not return.
* Titans hooker Daniel Mortimer sustained a hamstring injury,
* Dragons prop Russell Packer left the field eight minutes into the second half after copping a knock in a tackle but later returned.
* Young Titans halfback Ashley Taylor left the field in the dying seconds after a high shot but should be OK for next week.
Talking points:
* Englishman Gareth Widdop (91) broke the Dragon’s away-game scoring drought with an early try and they looked much better in attack. Those 2.6% of SuperCoaches who have held Widdop this season finally had a reason to crack a smile, with his try, a try assist and 12 points from goals. On the downside, he still didn’t reach his breakeven of 99.
* While popular Gold Coast half Ash Taylor (30) didn’t have the best match, he did keep the kicking duties for the Titans, despite the late return of Tyrone Roberts. He has now made 16 of his 17 goal attempts in his first year in the NRL.
Highlights
* Gold Coast prop Ryan James (80) has been a standout this season and again led the way for the Titans pack, with an impressive 50 tackles and 153m off 20 runs.
* Speedy Dragons fullback Josh Dugan (59) looks to be back in peak form. He notched up 20 points in line breaks during his 197m against the Titans.
* The 11% of SuperCoaches who own big Titans forward Agnatius Paasi (77) were pleased to see him start the match at lock. They were even happier when he crawled (yes crawled) over the line early in the match for a try.
* Jack De Belin was on the end of a lucky bounce off the post to score a try-inflated 73 points, which also included 47 tackles and Russell Packer (49) was solid for his 9% of owners.
Lowlights
* Ashley Taylor (30), who was ironed out by Widdop in the last minute of the game, produced one of his worst in-play kicking games of the year.
Final teams:
Titans: 1. William Zillman 2. Anthony Don 3. Josh Hoffman 4. Nene Macdonald 5. David Mead 19. Tyrone Roberts 7. Ashley Taylor 8. David Shillington 17. Daniel Mortimer 10. Ryan James 11. Zeb Taia 15. Leivaha Pulu 16. Agnatius Paasi. Interchange: 14. Luke Douglas 12. Chris McQueen 18. Eddy Pettybourne 9. Nathan Friend
Tyrone Roberts returns from injury at halfback, forcing Cameron Cullen out. Agnatius Paasi will start at lock for the suspended Greg Bird. Chris McQueen and Nathan Friend drop to the bench with Daniel Mortimer and Leivaha Pulo to start.
Dragons: 1. Josh Dugan 2. Kalifa Faifai Loa 3. Euan Aitken 4. Timoteo Lafai 5. Jason Nightingale 6. Gareth Widdop 19. Josh McCrone 8. Leeson Ah Mau 9. Mitch Rein 14. Mike Cooper 11. Tyson Frizell 12. Joel Thompson 13. Jack de Belin Interchange: 10. Russell Packer 15. Will Matthews 16. Dunamis Lui 17. Siliva Havili
Benji Marshall is out, with Josh McCrone starting at five-eighth. Mike Cooper will start at prop with Russell Packer on the bench.
COWBOYS v RABBITOHS
Injuries/reports:
* Jason Clark underwent a concussion test but returned for the second half
* Hymel Hunt was put on report for a tackle on Gavin Cooper
* Matt Scott was put on report for a tackle on Greg Inglis
* Greg Inglis came off for a concussion test after the Scott tackle
Talking points:
* The Cowboys were red-hot as they ran in eight tries in a dominant display against the Rabbitohs, led by a brilliant night from Johnathan Thurston.
* Popular SuperCoach cheapie Javid Bowen was a late withdrawal, replaced by Kane Linnett. The young gun was traded in by thousands of SuperCoaches hoping to make some cash, but they’ve been left hanging by Cowboys coach Paul Green.
Highlights:
* After an uncharacteristically low score of 32 last week, Johnathan Thurston returned to form — and how. The Cowboys star was simply sensational, scoring a try, laying on two try assists, two linebreak assists, busting three tackles and making a linebreak as he racked up a mammoth 115 SuperCoach points.
* Justin O’Neill had a night out in his 100th NRL game, bagging two tries on the way to 68 points
* He wasn’t back to his dominant best, but Sam Burgess dotted down for a late try to bump his score up to 75
Lowlights:
* Javid. Bowen. Not. Named. Enough said.
* Greg Inglis’ slow season continues. Even before he came off following the Scott tackle the Rabbitohs superstar had struggled to get involved, and finished on 25 points
* Lachlan Coote was at his try-saving best for the Cowboys, but he had a quiet night in attack and finished with just 15 points
Final teams:
Cowboys: 1 Lachlan Coote, 2 Kyle Feldt. 3 Justin O’Neill, 20 Kane Linnett, 5 Antonio Winterstein, 6 Michael Morgan, 7 Johnathan Thurston, 8 Matt Scott, 9 Jake Granville, 10 James Tamou, 11 Gavin Cooper, 12 Ethan Lowe, 13 Jason Taumalolo. Interchange: 14 Rory Kostjasyn, 16 Scott Bolton, 17 Ben Hannant, 18 Patrick Kaufusi
Popular SuperCoach cheapie Javid Bowen has been left out of the Cowboys line-up, replaced by the returning Kane Linnett.
Meanwhile John Asiata drops off the bench, with Patrick Kaufusi taking his spot.
Rabbitohs: 1 Greg Inglis, 2 Bryson Goodwin, 3 Kirisome Auva’a, 4 Hymel Hunt, 5 Aaron Gray, 6 Luke Keary, 7 Adam Reynolds, 8 Tom Burgess, 9 Cameron McInnes, 10 David Tyrrell, 11 Christopher Grevsmuhl, 12 Kyle Turner, 13 Sam Burgess. Interchange: 14 Paul Carter, 15 Jason Clark, 16 Nathan Brown, 17 George Burgess, 18 Damien Cook
The Rabbitohs are 1-17, with 18th man Damien Cook left out.
SEA EAGLES v EELS
Injuries/reports:
* Matt Parcell (hamstring) and Brenton Lawrence (hip) were both late withdrawals for Manly
* Tepai Moeroa (shin) came off before half-time and didn’t return
* Jorge Taufua (shoulder) came off inside the final 20 minutes and didn’t return
* Junior Paulo came off in the final 10 minutes for a concussion test and didn’t return
* Jake Trbojevic came off for a concussion test late in the first half but returned after the break
Talking points:
* The NRL bunker was in the news again after taking two tries off the Eels — with Corey Norman and Brad Takairangi both denied
* Manly captain Jamie Lyon wound back the clock to top score with 71 points
Highlights:
* Eels centre Michael Jennings bagged a double for the Eels on his way to 59 points
* Is Semi Radradra back? The Flying Fijian saw more ball, busted tackles and dotted over for a late try as he racked up 70 points
* Manly’s Jake Trbojevic shook off an injury scare to play out another strong game, tallying 61 points
Lowlights:
* Api Koroisau’s incredible run finally came to a halt. After successive scores of 97 and 104, the Manly halfback was only able to score 31
* The aforementioned injury to Parcell. How long will the Manly hooker spend on the sidelines?
Final teams:
Sea Eagles: 1 Brett Stewart, 2 Jorge Taufua, 3 Jamie Lyon, 4 Steve Matai, 5 Tom Trbojevic, 6 Dylan Walker, 7 Apisai Koroisau, 8 Darcy Lussick, 9 Matt Parcell, 10 Nate Myles, 11 Tom Symonds, 12 Martin Taupau, 13 Jake Trbojevic. Interchange: 16 Josh Starling, 17 Siosia Vave 18 Blake Leary, 22 Addin Fonua-Blake
Popular SuperCoach hooker Matt Parcell is a late withdrawal with a hamstring injury, while forward Brenton Lawrence (hip) is also out.
Utility Lewis Brown takes over dummy half duties in Parcell’s absence, while Blake Leary and Addin Fonua-Blake have both been added to the bench.
Eels: 1 Michael Gordon, 2 Semi Radradra, 3 Michael Jennings, 4 Brad Takairangi, 5 Clinton Gutherson, 6 Corey Norman, 7 Kieran Foran, 8 Junior Paulo, 9 Nathan Peats, 10 Daniel Alvaro, 11 Manu Ma’u, 12 Beau Scott, 13 Tepai Moeroa. Interchange: 14 Isaac De Gois, 15 Peni Terepo, 16 Danny Wicks, 17 Kenny Edwards
No changes for the Eels, who are 1-17.
ROUND 7 SUPERCOACH PODCAST
NRL Late Mail: Three stars sent for surgery
Three NRL stars have been booked for shoulder reconstructions in the same week - with more to come at the end of the season. Predicted team changes for round 22
Teams analysis: Kiraz to fullback, Broncos young gun dropped
Jacob Kiraz’s move to the No. 1 jersey for the Bulldogs could be a boost for SuperCoaches, while popular cheapie Josiah Karapani has been dropped.