NRL SuperCoach teams analysis round 12: Three backline cheapies emerge

SUPERCOACHES have been blessed with the emergence of three backline cheapies — Josh Addo-Carr, Javid Bowen and Vai Toutai.

SUPERCOACHES have been blessed with the emergence of three backline cheapies just in time for the first tough bye — Josh Addo-Carr, Javid Bowen and Vai Toutai.

Addo-Carr has caught the eye following two brilliant showings, opening the week as the most purchased player in the game.

He retained his wing spot at the Tigers despite the return of Kevin Naiqama (groin) and is set for a massive $72,900 price rise.

However, the speedy winger’s spot could be in jeopardy next week, with James Tedesco (shoulder) and Justin Hunt (neck) both due back.

North Queensland prodigy Bowen is the fifth most popular buy after taking the centre spot of Justin O’Neill, who is on Queensland duty.

Bowen is set for a similar rise to Addo Carr ($71,300), but also has job security issues.

Bowen is a guaranteed to play this week and highly likely to play round 18 (when Origin players are out again), but extra appearances will depend on injuries and whether coach Paul Green decides to back up O’Neill from Origin.

Toutai is set for a much smaller rise than his cheapie rivals ($27,900) and therefore sits outside the 10 most popular buys.

However, he has the best bye schedule and job security of this week’s cheapies given he is set to play three Origin rounds while Michael Jennings is out.

Further, his position in the side could be further solidified if Kieran Foran (shoulder) is ruled out for any period of time, which would see Brad Takairangi play in the halves and ensure Toutai a backline spot even when Origin players return.

Josh Addo-Carr scores on debut. Picture: Brett Costello

In other news from the round 12 NRL team announcements:

* Failed early-season cheapie Jaelen Feeney, who is still owned by 18 per cent, replaces Brock Lamb (ankle, round 19) as Newcastle’s five-eighth;

* Trent Merrin missed Origin selection and is therefore a hold for those who own him and a definite trade target for round 16;

* Corey Oates was, as expected, named for Queensland. He is still the 7th most-owned player in SuperCoach but has started leaking huge amounts of cash;

* The 15 per cent of SuperCoaches who held Tedesco (fractured shoulder) in the hope he would be named this week had their hopes dashed. He is expected to return in round 13;

* Tyson Frizell was looming as a key bye purchase until his shock selection for the Blues. However, he may yet drop out of the extended NSW squad and be available for the Dragons this weekend;

* Josh Mansour and Andrew Fifita are other key SuperCoach players named for Origin;

* The Panthers have the bye this week, but SuperCoaches should take note that James Fisher-Harris, who has made the most money of any running forward this year, is out for 6-8 weeks with a broken thumb and is therefore a sell.

Josh Addo-Carr is the most popular buy of the week. Picture: Gregg Porteous

Broncos v Tigers

7.50pm Friday at Suncorp Stadium

Broncos: 1 Jordan Kahu 2 Greg Eden 3 Jack Reed 4 James Roberts 5 Lachlan Maranta 6 Anthony Milford 7 Ben Hunt 8 Joe Ofahengaue 9 Andrew McCullough 10 Adam Blair 11 Alex Glenn 12 Jaydn S’ua 13 Jarrod Wallace. Interchange: 14 Jai Arrow 15 Herman Ese’ese 16 Tevita Pangai Junior 17 Kodi Nikorima

Ins: Greg Eden, Herman Ese’ese, Jai Arrow, Jaydn S’ua, Lachlan Maranta, Tevita Pangai Junior

Outs: Corey Oates, Corey Parker, Darius Boyd, Josh McGuire, Matt Gillett, Sam Thaiday (all Origin)

Other unavailables: Aaron Whitchurch (knee, indefinite)

Comment: Corey Parker is a definite sell, and he may not even come back into sides in round 19 after relinquishing the kicking duties. Anthony Milford is a lock as vice-captain. None of the youngsters named loom as SuperCoach buys due to Wayne Bennett’s mantra of spreading the load. Darius Boyd and Corey Oates (a definite sell if you haven’t already) are both out of the backline on Origin duty. Jordan Kahu shifts to fullback, while Greg Eden and Lachlan Maranta come onto the wings. Parker, Sam Thaiday, Matt Gillett and Josh McGuire will also play for Queensland. Jarrod Wallace, Alex Glenn, Joe Ofahengaue and Jaydn Su’a start, with Su’a to debut. Jai Arrow, Herman Ese’ese and Tevita Pangai Jr join the bench for the Baby Broncos.

Tigers: 1 Jordan Rankin 2 David Nofoaluma 3 Tim Simona 4 Kevin Naiqama 5 Josh Addo-Carr 6 Mitchell Moses 7 Luke Brooks 8 Tim Grant 9 Dene Halatau 10 Ava Seumanufagai 11 Josh Aloiai 12 Chris Lawrence 13 Elijah Taylor. Interchange: 14 Sauaso Sue 15 Matt Ballin 16 Kyle Lovett 17 JJ Felise 18 Michael Chee Kam

Ins: Kevin Naiqama (groin), Sauaso Sue (ribs)

Outs: Aaron Woods (Origin)

Other unavailables: James Tedesco (fractured shoulder, round 13), Justin Hunt (neck, round 13), Bayley Sironen (ankle, round 13), Rod Griffin (knee, round 14), Nathan Milone (knee, indefinite)

Comment: Josh Addo-Carr retains his wing spot and has massive price rise potential, but also poor long-term potential given James Tedesco (shoulder) and Justin Hunt (neck) are due back next week. Elijah Taylor is the sixth most popular buy this week. He has averaged 71 minutes over the last two weeks — and he could have played 80 last week if not for a concussion test. With a tempting price of $285,600 and break even of 33, he should make decent cash until round 15, while also banging out decent scores. Welcome to the Stalwarts. Jordan Rankin and Josh Aloiai get their last run in many SuperCoach teams this week. With Aaron Woods (Origin) out, Tim Grant starts in the front row and Sauaso Sue (ribs) returns on the bench.

LISTEN TO OUR ROUND 12 PODCAST

Dragons v Cowboys

7.30pm Saturday at WIN Stadium

Dragons: 1 Jason Nightingale 2 Kalifa Faifai Loa 3 Euan Aitken 4 Tim Lafai 5 Kurt Mann 6 Gareth Widdop (c) 7 Benji Marshall 8 Leeson Ah Mau 9 Mitch Rein 10 Russell Packer 11 Jake Marketo 12 Joel Thompson 13 Mike Cooper. Interchange: 14 Jacob Host 15 Dunamis Lui 16 Siliva Havili 17 Will Matthews 19 Josh McCrone

Ins: Benji Marshall (hamstring), Joel Thompson (suspension), Kurt Mann

Outs: Josh Dugan, Tyson Frizell (Origin)

Other unavailables: Dylan Farrell (back, indefinite), Mose Masoe (ACL, season), Yaw Kiti Glymin (hamstring, indefinite), Ben Creagh (knee, indefinite), Jack De Belin (shoulder, round 16)

Comment: Will Matthews made a fool of the entire Countdown Show crew last week when he notched 63, despite playing from the bench. With a break even of -6, he is hardly the worst buy this week, although the mooted return of Tyson Frizell from Origin duty could throw a spanner in the works. The same goes for Jake Marketo, who has a tempting break even of -20, but is far from a regular first grader and may struggle for a spot when Frizell is back, particularly with Joel Thompson (suspension) named to return. Mike Cooper remains a strong POD at just under 2.2 per cent ownership, having averaged 62 since the injury to Jack De Belin (shoulder, round 16). Plenty of SuperCoaches struck gold with Euan Aitken last week, who scored a $41,600 rise and is set for another $30,000 this week. Jason Nightingale shifts to fullback in place of NSW’s Josh Dugan, with Kurt Mann coming onto the wing. Benji Marshall (hamstring) makes a comeback at halfback, with Josh McCrone dropping to 18th man.

Cowboys: 1 Lachlan Coote 2 Kyle Feldt 3 Javid Bowen 4 Kane Linnett 5 Antonio Winterstein 6 Jahrome Hughes 7 Ray Thompson 8 Ben Hannant 9 Jake Granville 10 Scott Bolton 11 Gavin Cooper 12 Ethan Lowe 13 Jason Taumalolo. Interchange: 14 Rory Kostjasyn, 15 John Asiata 16 Coen Hess 17 Patrick Kaufusi

Ins: Coen Hess, Jahrome Hughes, Javid Bowen, Ray Thompson, Rory Kostjasyn (neck)

Outs: James Tamou, Johnathan Thurston, Justin O’Neill, Matthew Scott, Michael Morgan (Origin)

Other unavailables: None

Comment: Javid Bowen is a cheapie option after being named at centre in place of Justin O’Neill (Queensland). Jake Granville was looming as a popular bye buy due to a 29 break even, but the return of Rory Kostjasyn — on the bench and not in the halves — could cut into Granville’s minutes. Jason Taumalolo has averaged 70 in the last two rounds and is set for a $10,000 rise. He is the best forward bye purchase at the Cowboys ahead of the more-fancied Ethan Lowe and Gavin Cooper. Lowe has averaged just 53.2 in the last five rounds following a whirlwind start. Cooper has scored six tries in the last seven weeks and his price is therefore inflated. Jahrome Hughes and Ray Thompson are the new halves in place of Origin-bound duo Johnathan Thurston and Michael Morgan. With Matt Scott and James Tamou also on Origin duty, Ben Hannant and Scott Bolton take starting front row roles, with Coen Hess and Kostjasyn added to the bench.

Raiders v Bulldogs

4pm Sunday at GIO Stadium

Raiders: 1 Jack Wighton 2 Edrick Lee 3 Jarrod Croker 4 Joey Leilua 5 Jordan Rapana 6 Blake Austin 7 Aidan Sezer 8 Shannon Boyd 9 Josh Hodgson 10 Paul Vaughan 11 Iosia Soliola 12 Elliott Whitehead 13 Shaun Fensom. Interchange: 14 Kurt Baptiste 15 Jeff Lima 16 Luke Bateman 17 Joe Tapine 18 Clay Priest

Ins: Iosia Soliola (broken arm), Shaun Fensom (shoulder)

Outs: Josh Papalii (Origin)

Other unavailables: None

Comment: Shaun Fensom (shoulder) returns, but he is no longer a SuperCoach factor. Expect his minutes to drop even further now Iosia Soliola (broken arm) is back, while Josh Papalii will also command game time when he returns from Origin. Most buys at the Raiders have already bolted — Jarrod Croker, Joseph Leulia, Jordan Rapana, Edrick Lee, Paul Vaughan and Elliot Whitehead. Luke Bateman is set to cap almost $100,000 in rises this week, but will need to be sold soon after being named on the bench.

Bulldogs: 1 Sam Perrett 2 Curtis Rona 3 Josh Morris 4 Kerrod Holland 5 Tyrone Phillips 6 Josh Reynolds 7 Moses Mbye 8 Aiden Tolman 9 Michael Lichaa 10 James Graham 11 Raymond Faitala-Mariner 12 Greg Eastwood 13 Tim Browne. Interchange: 14 Sam Kasiano 15 Adam Elliott 16 Danny Fualalo 17 Craig Garvey

Ins: Adam Elliot, Danny Fualalo

Outs: David Klemmer, Josh Jackson (Origin)

Other unavailables: Brett Morris (knee, round 16), Will Hopoate (religious reasons, round 14)

Comment: James Graham is an obvious must. Aiden Tolman is a left-field option for the penny pinchers out there. But with a five round average of just 56, Elijah Taylor looms as a far better purchase for almost $50,000 less. Kerrod Holland returned to keeper scores on the weekend and is a hold at least until round 15. Tyrone Phillips is the SuperCoach cheapie who got away for all but 2.2 per cent. He is predicted to complete a $150,000 rise within two weeks. However, the boat has now sailed, particularly with Bowen, Addo-Carr and Toutai on the market this week. David Klemmer and Josh Jackson’s Origin selection means Tim Browne and Raymond Faitala-Mariner will start, with Danny Fualalo and Adam Elliott coming onto the bench. Josh Morris has been named despite being included in NSW’s 19-man squad.

Knights v Eels

7pm Monday at Hunter Sports Stadium

Knights: 1 Jake Mamo 2 Cory Denniss 3 Sione Mata’utia 4 Nathan Ross 5 Akuila Uate 6 Jaelen Feeney 7 Trent Hodkinson (c) 8 Sam Mataora 9 Danny Levi 10 Daniel Saifiti 11 Tariq Sims 12 Pauli Pauli 13 Jeremy Smith (c) Interchange: 14 Tyler Randell 15 Korbin Sims 16 Josh King 17 Mickey Paea 18 David Bhana 19 Pat Mata’utia

Ins: Cory Denniss, David Bhana, Jaelen Feeney, Pat Mata’utia, Sam Mataora (hamstring)

Outs: Brock Lamb (ankle, round 19), Dane Gagai (Origin), Jack Stockwell

Other unavailables: Chanel Mata’utia (knee, round 16), James McManus (concussion, season), Kade Snowden (various, season), Peter Mata’utia (knee, round 17), Robbie Rochow (broken arm, round 13), Jarrod Mullen (hamstring, indefinite), Brock Lamb (ankle, round 19), Jacob Saifiti (wrist, round 13)

Comment: Early-season cheapie Jaelen Feeney replaces Brock Lamb (ankle, round 19) at five-eighth and could offer a few extra points for those who held. Bye cover options Cory Denniss and Daniel Saifiti also score spots, but should be sold ASAP after this week. Jacob Saifiti (wrist, round 13) again misses out for the 21.3 per cent who held on. Ditto for Pat Mata’utia, who is still owned by 16.3 per cent but unlikely to get a start after being named on an extended bench. Dane Gagai (Queensland) is replaced at fullback by Jake Mamo.

Eels: 1 Michael Gordon 2 Semi Radradra 3 Vai Toutai 4 Brad Takairangi 5 Clint Gutherson 6 Corey Norman 7 Kieran Foran 8 Junior Paulo 9 Isaac De Gois 10 Danny Wicks 11 Manu Ma’u 12 Beau Scott 13 Tepai Moeroa Interchange: 14 Kaysa Pritchard 15 Peni Terepo 16 David Gower 17 Kenny Edwards

Ins: Vai Toutai

Outs: Michael Jennings (Origin)

Other unavailables: Anthony Watmough (knee, indefinite), Luke Kelly (ACL, season), Tim Mannah (shoulder, round 13), Kepeli Tanginoa (ankle, round 22), Bureta Faraimo (fractured eye socket, round 16)

Comment: Vai Toutai joins the plethora of backline cheapies after being named to replace Michael Jennings (NSW). Semi Radradra could outscore Bradman against the Knights and is a must as captain. Manu Ma’u offers just about everything required of an Origin purchase — the best bye schedule in the comp, price rise potential (BE 19), strong average (60) and low ownership (seven per cent). Kieran Foran (shoulder) and Beau Scott (leg) have been named despite picking up injuries on Monday.