NRL SuperCoach teams analysis Round 14

SuperCoaches are flat out preparing for the Round 16 bye. Latest analysis by Tom Sangster.

WINNERS

* Shaun Johnson — The SuperCoach great will return from a hamstring injury for the Sharks and become one of the most purchased players before Round 16. However, with a break even of 94, SuperCoaches can take a sighter this week.

* Kalyn Ponga, Cody Walker, Latrell Mitchell — A host of SuperCoach-relevant Origin players return after being rested.

* Kotoni Staggs — Most popular cheapie of the week and fourth most purchased overall. Sits with a break even of -4 following a breakout 65 on the weekend and plays Round 16.

* Euan Aitken — Another money-making option, albeit slightly above cheapie range. The former SuperCoach gun is cheap following three games off the bench, but is back playing a full-time centre role where he has averaged over 50 for the last four seasons, which places him among the most consistent players at CTW. That said, Aitken has been dropped already this year, so job security is an issue.

* John Bateman — Most purchased player for the second week in a row, despite not covering Round 16. The Englishman is averaging five points more than the next best CTW.

* Cameron Smith, Andrew Fifita, Sio Siua Taukeiaho — SuperCoach guns who sit in the “must-have” range heading into the Round 16 bye.

* James Tedesco — Named despite coach Trent Robinson hinting at resting his star fullback.

Andrew Fifita and John Bateman are popular buys.

LOSERS

* Sam Burgess — Sent for shoulder surgery and set to miss five weeks. Sell.

* David Klemmer — Will miss at least four weeks with a broken wrist sustained in Origin. Sell.

* Thomas Dearden — The rookie Brisbane halfback is out for 6-8 weeks due to an ankle injury and must be sold.

RAIDERS V SHARKS

Thursday, 13 June, GIO Stadium, 7:50pm

Raiders: 1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 2. Bailey Simonsson 3. Jarrod Croker (c) 4. Nick Cotric 5. Jordan Rapana 6. Jack Wighton 7. Aidan Sezer 8. Josh Papalii 9. Siliva Havili 10. Dunamis Lui 11. John Bateman 12. Elliott Whitehead 13. Joseph Tapine

Interchange: 14. Tom Starling 15. Emre Guler 16. Sia Soliola 17. Ryan Sutton

Reserves: 18. Sam Williams 19. Royce Hunt 20. Michael Oldfield 21. Sebastian Kris

Team news: The same 17-man team that thrashed the Tigers.

SuperCoach analysis: John Bateman is the most purchased player for the second week in a row. He’s a clear leader in the CTW position, averaging five points more than the next best player. He’s therefore a must for head-to-head players, but overall players can hold off given Bateman doesn’t cover Round 16. That said, make sure you have money in the bank following the byes as Bateman needs to be the first player purchased in Round 17.

Charnze Nicoll-Kolkstad is a potential sell before Round 16. His five-game average (49) has dipped out of keeper range. However, with a break even (52) sitting around his average, there’s no need to rush to sell, especially with Esan Marsters (BE 90) coming down in price.

Sharks: 1. Matt Moylan 2. Sosaia Feki 3. Bronson Xerri 4. Josh Morris 5. Josh Dugan 6. Kyle Flanagan 7. Chad Townsend 8. Andrew Fifita 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Matt Prior 11. Briton Nikora 12. Kurt Capewell 13. (c) Paul Gallen

Interchange: 14. Wade Graham 15. Jayson Bukuya 16. Jack Williams 17. Braden Hamlin-Uele

Reserves: 18. Aaron Gray 19. Scott Sorensen 20. Billy Magoulias 21. Shaun Johnson

Team news: Josh Morris returns after a post-Origin rest. Josh Dugan shuffles from centre to wing and Aaron Gray drops out. Shaun Johnson (hamstring) has been named on the extended bench, but is expected to come into the 17 on game day.

SuperCoach analysis: Shaun Johnson is set to return from a hamstring injury despite being named on an extended bench. With no chance of Origin selection, Johnson is a near-must before Round 16 and he’s the best replacement for the injured Thomas Dearden, or for those who still own Dylan Brown. But with a BE of 94, SuperCoaches can take a sighter this week. Johnson has averaged 57 in non injury-affected games this season, which places him in the keeper range in the position, not to mention his pedigree as arguably the best half in the history of SuperCoach.

Andrew Fifita is a must-have before the bye — and with many other trade targets rocking big BEs, this is the week to move. In good news for SuperCoaches, Briton Nikora continued in an 80 minute role last week despite the return of Wade Graham (ACL), with Kurt Capewell the player to lose out. The 2,600 SuperCoaches who sold Bronson Xerri before Round 11 are kicking themselves. Since then, Xerri has cracked two tons, made $190,000 and now sits with a BE of -62. He could be a top 17 player for the rest of the season.

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TITANS V WARRIORS

Friday, 14 June, CBUS Stadium, 6:00pm

Titans: 1. AJ Brimson 2. Anthony Don 3. Jesse Arthars 4. Brian Kelly 5. Dale Copley 6. Tyrone Roberts 7. Ryley Jacks 8. Jarrod Wallace 9. Nathan Peats 10. Moeaki Fotuaika 11. Bryce Cartwright 12. Tyrone Peachey 13. Jai Arrow

Interchange: 14. Mitch Rein 15. Shannon Boyd 16. Jai Whitbread 17. Jack Stockwell

Reserves: 18. Will Matthews 19. Max King 20. Phillip Sami 21. Brenko Lee

Team news:Kevin Proctor (fractured eye-socket) and Keegan Hipgrave (suspended) are out, with Bryce Cartwright and Tyrone Peachey to start in the second row. Shannon Boyd comes onto the bench.

SuperCoach analysis: Very little of interest here as the Titans are reeling in 15th place and don’t play Round 16. Their highest scoring player this year is Jai Arrow at a lowly 32nd.

Warriors: 1 Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (c) 2 David Fusitu’a 3 Peta Hiku 4 Patrick Herbert 5 Ken Maumalo 6 Kodi Nikorima 7 Blake Green 8 Agnatius Paasi 9 Issac Luke 10 Leeson Ah Mau 11 Isaiah Papali’i 12 Tohu Harris 13 Adam Blair

Interchange: 14 Jazz Tevaga 15 Bunty Afoa 16 Lachlan Burr 17 Karl Lawton

Reserves: 18 Gerard Beale 20 Chanel Harris-Tavita 21 Ligi Sao 23 Leivaha Pulu

Team news: Patrick Herbert (quad) returns from a minor injury at centre in place of Gerard Beale. Jazz Tevaga (knee) returns on the bench in place of Chris Satae. Tohu Harris (knee) has been named despite an ongoing injury.

SuperCoach analysis: Roger Tuivasa-Sheck has a BE of 137 and is predicted to drop almost to the $500,000 mark for Round 16. That said, his three and five games averages have dipped to 49.3 and 59.8, so he may not be the slam dunk SuperCoaches were hoping for.

Ken Maumalo has snuck under the radar to score the fifth most points of any CTW. He averages just 0.2 points per game less than the far more fancied Esan Marsters. His base of 33 is pretty handy for an outside back, but I can’t bring myself to trust a Warriors outside back with a known case of the dropsies. I had my heart set on Tohu Harris as a solid bye purchase this week. However, coach Stephen Kearney has revealed Tohu is carrying an ongoing knee injury and will be eased through the season. He will be rested from New Zealand’s upcoming Test to deal with the injury.

COWBOYS V WESTS TIGERS

Friday, 14 June, 1300SMILES Stadium, 7:55pm

Cowboys: 1. Michael Morgan 2. Kyle Feldt 3. Enari Tuala 4. Tom Opacic 5. Javid Bowen 6. John Asiata 7. Jake Clifford 8. Josh McGuire 9. Jake Granville, 10. Scott Bolton 11. Gavin Cooper 12. Coen Hess 13. Jason Taumalolo

Interchange: 14. Kurt Baptiste 15. Shane Wright 16. Corey Jensen 17. Francis Molo

Reserves: 18. Peter Hola 19. Jordan Kahu 20. Dan Russell 21. Emry Pere

Team news:Enari Tuala moves from wing to centre in place of Mitchell Dunn (shoulder), with Javid Bowen coming onto the flank. Jordan McLean (hamstring) is replaced at starting prop by Scott Bolton. Kurt Baptiste (suspension) and Corey Jensen join the bench.

SuperCoach analysis: Jason Taumalolo has become the obvious captaincy option, currently skippered by 32.7 per cent. He has played 80 minutes in three of his last four games and averaged 104.5 in that time.

Wests Tigers: 1. Corey Thompson 2. Robert Jennings 3. Moses Mbye 4. Esan Marsters 5. David Nofoaluma 6. Benji Marshall 7. Luke Brooks 8. Ben Matulino 9. Robbie Farah 10. Alex Twal 11. Ryan Matterson 12. Michael Chee-Kam 13. Matthew Eisenhuth

Interchange: 14. Jacob Liddle 15. Thomas Mikaele 16. Josh Aloiai 17. Chris Lawrence

Reserves: 18.Paul Momirovski 19. Chris McQueen 20. Elijah Taylor 21. Luke Garner

Team news: Corey Thompson will continue at fullback with Moses Mbye at centre. Mahe Fonua (foot) is replaced on the wing by Robert Jennings. Benji Marshall (eye) has been named despite an injury last week.

SuperCoach analysis: Ryan Matterson surged into the top 10 overall point scorers with 78 in pure base on the weekend. He is a must-have for the next bye (and keeper for the rest of the year). But SuperCoaches must wait until right on Round 16 as he’s a huge chance for the Blues. Esan Marsters (BE 90) remains a must-have for the final bye, but don’t move yet as he’s predicted to drop over $50,000 by then.

STORM V KNIGHTS

Saturday, 15 June, AAMI Park, 3:00pm

Storm: 1. Jahrome Hughes 2. Suliasi Vunivalu 3. Will Chambers 4. Marion Seve 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Cameron Munster 7. Brodie Croft 8. Jesse Bromwich 9. Cameron Smith 10. Nelson Asofa-Solomona 11. Felise Kaufusi 12. Kenneath Bromwich 13. Dale Finucane

Interchange: 14. Brandon Smith 15. Christian Wilch 16. Joe Stimson 17. Ryan Papenhuyzen

Reserves: 18. Justin Olam 19. Tui Kamikamica 20. Tino Faasuamaleaui 21. Sandor Earl

Team news: No changes. However, Brodie Croft (concussion) is under pressure to retain his starting spot. Jahrome Hughes starred at halfback in Croft’s absence last week, with Ryan Papenhuyzen producing another strong game at fullback.

SuperCoach analysis: Cameron Smith is a popular buy heading into Round 16, where he will be a prime captaincy option as he takes full control of a side missing its Origin stars. Kenny Bromwich has scored the ninth most points of any 2RF. He’s hardly the worst bye buy, but Smith, Fifita, Johnson, Taukeiaho, Marsters, Matterson (pending Origin) and even Tohu Harris are ahead.

Knights: 1. Kalyn Ponga 2. Edrick Lee 3. Hymel Hunt 4. Jesse Ramien 5. Shaun Kenny-Dowall 6. Kurt Mann 7. Mitchell Pearce 8. James Gavet 9. Connor Watson 10. Daniel Saifiti 11. Lachlan Fitzgibbon 12. Mitchell Barnett 13. Tim Glasby

Interchange: 14. Jamie Buhrer 15. Herman Ese’ese 16. Josh King 17. Sione Mata’utia

Reserves: 18. Mason Lino 19. Pasami Saulo 20. Jacob Saifiti 21. Aiden Guerra

Team news: Kalyn Ponga returns after being rested last week. Kurt Mann moves back to No.6 and Mason Lino drops to the extended bench. Pasami Saulo is replaced on the bench by Josh King. Aidan Guerra (fractured ankle) has been named in reserves as he aims to return from injury.

SuperCoach analysis: Mitch Barnett looms as an intriguing POD for the byes. He as a three-game average of 69.7 and five-game average 62.2, yet is owned by just one per cent. He’s even kicked a few goals this year.

RABBITOHS V PANTHERS

Saturday, 15 June, ANZ Stadium, 5:30pm

Rabbitohs: 1. Corey Allen 2. Dane Gagai 3. James Roberts 4. Kyle Turner 5. Campbell Graham 6. Cody Walker 7. Adam Doueihi 8. George Burgess 9. Damien Cook 10. Liam Knight 11. John Sutton 12. Ethan Lowe 13. Cameron Murray

Interchange: 14. Tevita Tatola 15. Mark Nicholls 16. Dean Britt 17. Tom Amone

Reserves: 18. Rhys Kennedy 19. Connor Tracey 20. Alex Johnston 21. Mawene Hiroti

Team news: NSW rep Cody Walker returns after being rested last week. Kyle Turner (toe) returns in the centres, with Dane Gagai shifting to the wing and Mawene Hiroti dropping out. Sam Burgess (shoulder) is replaced in the starting back row by Ethan Lowe. Tom Burgess (suspension) is replaced at prop by Liam Knight. Mark Nicholls, Dean Britt and Tom Amone come onto the bench. Alex Johnston (knee) has been named among the reserves as eyes a return.

SuperCoach analysis: Damien Cook (26) and Cameron Murray (34) stunk it up last week backing up from Origin. Coupled with the emergence of Taumalolo, Cook has become a POD captaincy choice. Sam Burgess is rightly the most sold player after going for shoulder surgery, which will rule him out for five weeks.

Panthers: 1. Dylan Edwards 2. Josh Mansour, 3. Isaah Yeo 4. Brent Naden 5. Brian To’o 6. James Maloney 7. Nathan Cleary 8. James Tamou 9. Mitchell Kenny 10. James Fisher-Harris 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Frank Winterstein 13. Liam Martin

Interchange: 14. Wayde Egan, 15. Jarome Luai 16. Moses Leota 17. Reagan Campbell-Gillard

Reserves: 18. Caleb Atkins 19. Kaide Ellis 20. Malakai Watene-Zelezniak 21. Jed Cartwright

Team news: No changes following victory over the defending premiers.

SuperCoach analysis: Cheapie Brent Naden is a strange choice as sixth most purchased player given he doesn’t cover Round 16 and will lose his spot to Dean Whare or Waqa Blake in the next few games. Aitken and Staggs are much better money-making options, even though they cost considerably more. Shout out to Brian To’o, who has produced base stat 50s for three weeks in a row. He is set to top out in Round 16 at a gain of over $150,000.

EELS V BRONCOS

Saturday 15 June, Bankwest Stadium, 7:35pm

Eels: 1. Clinton Gutherson (c) 2. Maika Sivo 3. Michael Jennings 4. Josh Hoffman 5. Blake Ferguson 6. Jaeman Salmon 7. Mitch Moses 8. Kane Evans 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Junior Paulo 11. Shaun Lane 12. Manu Ma’u 13. Nathan Brown

Interchange: 14. Ray Stone 15. Peni Terepo 16. David Gower 17. Marata Niukore

Reserves: 18. Daniel Alvaro 19. Tepai Moeroa 20. Brad Takairangi 21 Will Smith

Team news: Jaeman Salmon starts at five-eighth in place of Will Smith. Nathan Brown comes into the starting side at lock, with Tepai Moeroa dropped. Ray Stone joins the bench.

SuperCoach analysis: Clint Gutherson is the second most sold player following his weekend donut. He has dropped $215,000 from his peak price of $608,800. However, he’ll make a handy fifth or sixth CTW for the run home so Sangster’s Paradise are holding tight.

Broncos: 1. Darius Boyd 2. Corey Oates 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Gehamat Shibasaki 5. Jamayne Isaako 6. Anthony Milford 7. Sean O’Sullivan 8. Matthew Lodge 9. Jake Turpin 10. Payne Haas 11. David Fifita 12. Matt Gillett 13. Tevita Pangai Junior

Interchange: 14. Andrew McCullough 15. Jayden Su’A 16. Thomas Flegler 17. Patrick Carrigan

Reserves: 18. Richard Kennar 19. Shaun Fenson 20. Patrick Mago 21. James Segeyaro

Team news: Tom Dearden (ankle) is replaced at halfback by youngster Sean O’Sullivan. Alex Glenn (knee) also misses out, but the Broncos have a worthy replacement, with Queensland rep Matt Gillett re-joining the squad after being rested last week. Corey Oates (hip) returns on the wing in place of Richie Kennar.

SuperCoach analysis: Kotoni Staggs is the fourth most purchased player and pick of the money-making options. His job security is as good as it gets for a cheapie, with Jack Bird (ACL) out for the season and James Roberts having left the club. Anthony Milford is hardly the worst bye purchase at an affordable $488,100. He is rocking a five-game average of 62.2 and sits well in POD range at six per cent ownership.

Unfortunately he plays away from his favourite Suncorp Stadium over the next three weeks, but has a dream run to end the year. The Broncos play six of their last nine at home and have a run of soft matches against the likes of the Warriors, Bulldogs (twice), Titans, Cowboys and Panthers. In fact, the Broncos only play two top eight sides in this nine game period - Storm and Rabbitohs. That said, it’s worth having a sighter this week to see how he combines with new halves partner Sean O’Sullivan, and he could easily sneak into a Queensland No. 14 jersey. Thomas Dearden is a big loss for a quarter of SuperCoaches. Shaun Johnson is the best replacement (but wait for a price drop).

Tom Dearden is out with an ankle injury.

SEA EAGLES V DRAGONS

Sunday, 16 June, Lottoland, 2:00pm

Sea Eagles: 1. Tom Trbojevic 2. Jorge Taufua 3. Dylan Walker 4. Moses Suli 5. Reuben Garrick 6. Cade Cust 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Apisai Koroisau 10. Martin Taupau 11. Joel Thompson 12. Curtis Sironen 13. Jake Trbojevic

Interchange: 14. Manase Fainu 15. Jack Gosiewski 16. Morgan Boyle 17. Taniela Paseka

Reserves: 18. Brendan Elliot 19. Kane Elgey 20 Haumole Olakau’atu 21. Lloyd Perrett

Team news: No changes.

SuperCoach analysis: Tom Trbojevic looked off the pace on return from a hamstring injury last week, but still managed 62 points – an ominous sign for non-owners. Start planning for a trade in Round 17 or 18. Cade Cust is the one that got away. He has made $172,000 in just four games with plenty more to come (BE -19), but is only owned by seven per cent. He could be a straight swap to Shaun Johnson in Round 16. Reuben Garrick (BE 75) is the fourth most sold player after making a very commendable $222,000.

Dragons: 1. Matt Dufty 2. Jonus Pearson 3. Euan Aitken 4. Zac Lomax 5. Mikaele Ravalawa 6. Corey Norman 7. Ben Hunt 8. Blake Lawrie 9. Cameron McInnes 10. Paul Vaughan 11. Jacob Host 12. Tariq Sims 13. Tyson Frizell

Interchange: 14. Jeremy Latimore 15. Reece Robson 16. Korbin Sims 17. Jai Field

Reserves: 18. Luciano Leilua 19. Jordan Pereira 20. Josh Kerr 21. Lachlan Timm

Team news: No changes following a big win over the Bulldogs.

SuperCoach analysis: Former SuperCoach gun Euan Aitken is cheap following three games off the bench, but is back playing a full-time centre role where he has averaged over 50 for the last four seasons, which places him among the most consistent players at CTW. That said, Aitken has been dropped already this year, so job security is an issue. Of particular concern is the return of Tim Lafai (ankle), who is due back in Round 17. Cameron McInnes a genuine POD alternative to Cameron Smith as Round 16 cover. The two hookers have averaged almost exactly the same this season, Smith only slightly ahead on 66.9 to 65.7.

ROOSTERS V BULLDOGS

Sunday, 16 June, SCG, 4:05pm

Roosters: 1. James Tedesco, 2. Daniel Tupou, 3. Latrell Mitchell, 4. Joseph Manu, 5. Ryan Hall, 6. Drew Hutchison, 7. Cooper Cronk, 8. Zane Tetevano, 9. Victor Radley, 10. Sio Siua Taukeiaho, 11. Boyd Cordner, 12. Angus Crichton, 13. Isaac Liu

Interchange: 14. Nat Butcher, 15. Lindsay Collins , 16. Sitili Tupouniua 17. Mitchell Aubusson

Reserves: 18. Poasa Faamausili, 19. Matt Ikuvalu 20. Brock Lamb 21. Sam Verrills

Team news: Origin players Latrell Mitchell and Angus Crichton return after being rested. Boyd Cordner and James Tedesco have been named despite coach Trent Robinson suggesting they would be rested.

SuperCoach analysis: Sio Siua Taukeiaho is the third most purchased player. He has averaged almost 70 when his injury-affected game is taken out, meaning he’s a keeper for the rest of the season. Fresh from a week off at home in Taree, expect a huge game this week from Latrell Mitchell following a stream of criticism over his Origin flop.

Bulldogs: 1. Nick Meaney 2. Marcelo Montoya 3. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 4. Will Hopoate 5. Reimis Smith 6. Kieran Foran 7. Jack Cogger 8. Aiden Tolman 9. Jeremy Marshall-King 10. Dylan Napa 11. Josh Jackson 12. Raymond Faitala-Mariner 13. Adam Elliot

Interchange: 14. Rhyse Martin 15. Danny Fualalo 16. Corey Harawira-Naera 17. Sauaso Sue

Reserves: 19. Fa’amanu Brown 20. Michael Lichaa 21. Chris Smith 22. Ofahiki Ogden

Team news: Recruit Dallin Watene-Zelezniak will make his club debut at centre. Marcelo Montoya shifts to the wing and Christian Crichton drops out. Former SuperCoach stud Corey Harawira-Naera returns to first grade on the bench, replacing Ofahiki Ogden.

SuperCoach analysis: Corey Harawira-Naera was already a sell, but especially this week as his price will drop after being named on the bench. On the plus side, he’s worth so much he can be sold to almost any player at a profit.