NRL SuperCoach teams analysis round 15

SUPERCOACHES have two quality cheapies to choose from this week in John Olive and Kurt Mann.

WINNERS

* John Olive - The Canterbury centre (BE -15) is set for a $30,000 price rise and is by far the most popular cheapie of the week. Job security is good with Josh Morris (knee) out until round 20.

* Kurt Mann - A sneaky alternative to Olive as a backline cheapie. Mann has played as a bench utility for the Dragons this year and therefore dipped to bottom dollar. However, for the second week in a row he has been named to start on the wing ahead of Jason Nightingale. Mann didn’t set the world on fire last week with 36, but he has averaged mid 40s in the outside backs in the past.

* Shaun Johnson - Returned from injury with 95 last week and is therefore the second most purchased player, despite the fact he will miss round 16 due to the Denver Test.

* Euan Aitken - The livewire Dragon is the third most purchased player this week and best gun replacement for Jordan Rapana (hamstring, round 22) or Ryan Matterson (concussion/wrist, indefinite).

* Damien Cook - The best player in SuperCoach this year headlines a host of players returning from post-Origin resting.

John Olive is the most purchased player.

LOSERS

* Rhyse Martin - The star cheapie has been named out of the 17 after being dropped by the Bulldogs last week for missing training.

* Viliame Kikau - The third most popular player in SuperCoach 2018 is out for 1-2 weeks with a knee injury.

* Jordan Rapana - The SuperCoach great is the most sold player this week after being ruled out for at least eight weeks with a hamstring injury.

* Ryan Matterson - The 2018 SuperCoach revelation is the third most sold player. He will miss another week with a wrist injury, is still battling ongoing concussion symptoms and misses round 17 due to the bye.

* Apisai Koroisau - Out for up to 10 weeks with a foot injury.

Kurt Mann has scored a wing spot at the Dragons. Picture: Brett Costello

EARLY MAIL: Predicted team changes

CASUALTY WARD: All the weekend injuries

WEEKEND WRAP: 10 things we learned

Parramatta Eels v South Sydney Rabbitohs, Thursday 7.50pm at ANZ Stadium

Eels: 1 Bevan French, 2 Josh Hoffman, 3 Michael Jennings, 4 Jarryd Hayne, 5 George Jennings, 6 Clint Gutherson (c), 7 Corey Norman, 8 Daniel Alvaro, 9 Cameron King, 10 Peni Terepo, 11 Manu Ma’u, 12 Brad Takairangi, 13 Nathan Brown

Interchange: 14 Reed Mahoney, 15 Tim Mannah (c), 16 David Gower, 17 Marata Niukore

Reserves: 18 Siosaia Vave, 19 Suaia Matagi, 20 Jaeman Salmon, 21 Mitchell Moses

Team news: Manu Ma’u (birth of child) returns with Marata Niukore going back to the bench and Siosaia Vave to 18th man. Reed Mahony retains his place in the 17 after an impressive debut against the Cowboys. Mitchell Moses (knee) has been included on an extended bench.

SuperCoach analysis: There’s not much doing at the Eels due to the round 17 bye. However, proven gun Nathan Brown caught the eye last week with 71 in 80 minutes. Put him on your watch list for round 18 as he is predicted to cost just $530,000 following injury-affected rounds.

Rabbitohs: 1 Alex Johnston, 2 Campbell Graham, 3 Greg Inglis (c), 4 Dane Gagai, 5 Robert Jennings, 6 Cody Walker, 7 Adam Reynolds, 8 Thomas Burgess, 9 Damien Cook, 10 George Burgess, 11 John Sutton, 12 Angus Crichton, 13 Sam Burgess

Interchange: 14 Adam Doueihi, 15 Cameron Murray, 16 Jason Clark, 17 Tevita Tatola

Reserves: 18 Robbie Farah, 19 Hymel Hunt, 20 Mark Nicholls, 21 Tyrell Fuimaono

Team news: Origin stars Greg Inglis, Dane Gagai, Damien Cook and Angus Crichton return.

SuperCoach analysis: Sam Burgess has been named in the England squad for the Denver Test. However, the Bunnies have an eight day turnaround to round 16 and Burgess is therefore a serious chance of backing up, despite facing a tough ask with the Colorado altitude and long travel. Damien Cook is the highest-averaging player in SuperCoach this year but may almost be a POD captain this week. Get in early with the C as the crowd goes for the VC.

Justin O'Neill has been dropped from the Cowboys side to face the Warriors.

North Queensland Cowboys v New Zealand Warriors, Friday 6pm (8pm NZT) at 1300Smiles Stadium

Cowboys: 1 Michael Morgan, 2 Kyle Feldt, 3 Kane Linnett, 4 Enari Tuala, 5 Javid Bowen, 6 Te Maire Martin, 7 Johnathan Thurston (c), 8 Matthew Scott (c), 9 Jake Granville, 10 Scott Bolton, 11 Gavin Cooper, 12 Coen Hess, 13 Jason Taumalolo

Interchange: 14 Ben Hampton, 15 Shaun Fensom, 16 Corey Jensen, 17 Sam Hoare

Reserves: 18 Justin O’Neill, 19 Ethan Lowe, 20 Mitchell Dunn, 21 Francis Molo

Team news: Coach Paul Green has overhauled his backline. Kane Linnett starts in the centres with Justin O’Neill moving to 18th man. Javid Bowen scores a wing spot in place of Antonio Winterstein. Origin player Michael Morgan (groin) returns at fullback with Lachlan Coote dropping out. Origin forwards Gavin Cooper and Coen Hess return to the starting side after playing from the bench last week. Scott Bolton (rib cartilage) returns from injury.

SuperCoach analysis: Cheapie Enari Tuala has exceeded all expectations. He has made $105,000 so far and is predicted to rise another $58,000 this week following successive 60s. Impressively, Tuala has averaged 45 in base stats since switching to the starting side. He is predicted to peak for the round 17 bye at a rise of almost $200,000, when he can be moved on for Euan Aitken, Jarrod Croker, Will Hopoate, Tim Lafai etc. Johnathan Thurston is the third most sold player, averaging under 50 for the first time in his career.

Warriors: 1 Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, 2 David Fusitu’a, 3 Peta Hiku, 4 Solomone Kata, 5 Ken Maumalo, 6 Blake Green, 7 Shaun Johnson, 8 James Gavet, 9 Issac Luke, 10 Agnatius Paasi, 11 Isaiah Papali’i, 12 Tohu Harris, 13 Adam Blair

Interchange: 14 Karl Lawton, 15 Chris Satae, 16 Bunty Afoa, 17 Simon Mannering

Reserves: 18 Gerard Beale, 19 Mason Lino, 20 Liligiifo Sao, 21 Anthony Gelling

Team news: Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (ankle) returns at fullback with Peta Hiku moving back to centre and Gerard Beale dropping out of the 17.

SuperCoach analysis: Shaun Johnson (95) returned from injury with a bang last week and is an obvious must-have heading into round 17 — provided he can be covered for round 16 when he is a confirmed out due to the Denver Test. Johnson last week reunited with his partner in crime Tohu Harris, who is also a serious purchase for the upcoming bye. Harris’s output improves dramatically with Johnson feeding him the ball, averaging 71 with him and 47 without him. Harris has dipped to a juicy $520,900, but like Johnson, he also misses round 16 due to the Test.

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

Sydney Roosters v Penrith Panthers, Friday 7.55pm at Allianz Stadium

Roosters: 1 James Tedesco, 2 Daniel Tupou, 3 Latrell Mitchell, 4 Joseph Manu, 5 Blake Ferguson, 6 Luke Keary, 7 Cooper Cronk, 8 Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, 9 Jake Friend (c), 10 Dylan Napa, 11 Boyd Cordner, 12 Mitchell Aubusson, 13 Isaac Liu

Interchange: 14 Siosiua Taukeiaho, 15 Zane Tetevano, 16 Kurt Baptiste, 17 Victor Radley

Reserves: 18 Nat Butcher, 19 Lindsay Collins, 20 Paul Momirovski, 21 Billy Smith

Team news: Boyd Corder returns after being rested following Origin with Victor Radley moving to the interchange. Dylan Napa returns to the starting side after playing from the bench when backing up last week. Ryan Matterson (concussion/wrist) remains sidelined.

SuperCoach analysis: Ryan Matterson is a reluctant sell despite producing the highest average of any CTW this year. He simply won’t play enough games as he is guaranteed to miss this week, unlikely for 16 and has the bye in 17. From there it’s anyone’s guess whether he will have recovered from concussion symptoms, and even if he does play he will likely see reduced work and game time.

Panthers: 1 Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, 2 Christian Crichton, 3 Tyrone Peachey, 4 Dean Whare, 5 Tyrone Phillips, 6 James Maloney (c), 7 Nathan Cleary, 8 Trent Merrin, 9 Sione Katoa, 10 Reagan Campbell-Gillard, 11 Corey Harawira-Naera, 12 Isaah Yeo, 13 James Fisher-Harris

Interchange: 14 Wayde Egan, 15 Kaide Ellis, 16 Jack Hetherington, 17 James Tamou

Reserves: 18 Jarome Luai, 19 Liam Martin, 20 Tyrone May, 21 Nick Lui-Toso

Team news: Viliame Kikau (knee) is out for 1-2 weeks, replaced on the bench by returning youngster Jack Hetherington (suspension).

SuperCoach analysis: Viliame Kikau (knee) should miss only 1-2 weeks and is therefore a hold for a crucial number in round 17. The Panthers should be a popular SuperCoach team right now as they are running second in the competition and play round 17. However, there’s very little of interest. Discounting James Maloney and Nathan Cleary (who both miss round 17 due to Origin) and the injured Kikau, Isaah Yeo is Penrith’s next best player with an average of 55 — about 10 points off being a genuine keeper in the back row.

Ryan Matterson has copped plenty of knocks this year.

Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs v Gold Coast Titans, Saturday 3pm at Belmore Sports Ground

Bulldogs: 1 Moses Mbye, 2 Brett Morris, 3 John Olive, 4 Will Hopoate, 5 Marcelo Montoya, 6 Jeremy Marshall-King, 7 Matt Frawley, 8 Aaron Woods, 9 Michael Lichaa, 10 David Klemmer, 11 Josh Jackson (c), 12 Raymond Faitala-Mariner, 13 Adam Elliott

Interchange: 14 Clay Priest, 15 Kerrod Holland, 16 Renouf Toomaga, 17 Aiden Tolman

Reserves: 18 Reimis Smith, 19 Rhyse Martin, 20 Greg Eastwood, 21 Lachlan Lewis

Team news: Star SuperCoach cheapie Rhyse Martin has been named on the extended bench after being dropped last week for missing training. Blues Origin prop David Klemmer returns to the starting side with Renouf Toomaga going back to the bench.

SuperCoach analysis: Approximately 36 per cent of SuperCoaches have their fingers and toes crossed Rhyse Martin scores a spot in the final 17 after being named on the extended bench, compounding last week’s stint in the naughty corner. If he’s not on the park by round 17, there could be a SuperCoach MUTINY. John Olive is the most purchased player by a long way. The job security is appealing with Josh Morris not back until round 20. Olive’s 53 two weeks ago was impressive but he dropped back alarmingly on the weekend with a base stat 23, which barely passed the eye test (five missed tackles). He’s not a bad buy, but Kurt Mann has far better upside.

Raymond Faitala-Mariner is predicted to bottom out at $463,000 next week — a discount of $80,000 on his peak price. Take out the concussion-induced 15 a few weeks back and RFM has averaged low 60s, which places him in the borderline keeper range. At under two per cent ownership, Will Hopoate is a genuine alternative to the heavily-fancied Euan Aitken this week. Hoppa has scored the sixth most points of any CTW and was strong again on the weekend with 58 against the second best defence in the NRL. He offers consistency in an inconsistent position, having not scored below 37 or above 81 this year. But do you REALLY want to take a punt on a backline player from the worst attacking side in the NRL?

Titans: 1 Michael Gordon, 2 Anthony Don, 3 Dale Copley, 4 Brenko Lee, 5 Phillip Sami, 6 AJ Brimson, 7 Ashley Taylor, 8 Jack Stockwell, 9 Nathan Peats, 10 Ryan James (c), 11 Kevin Proctor, 12 Keegan Hipgrave, 13 Jai Arrow

Interchange: 14 Mitch Rein, 15 Will Matthews, 16 Moeaki Fotuaika, 17 Morgan Boyle

Reserves: 18 Bryce Cartwright, 19 Leilani Latu, 20 Kane Elgey, 21 Jai Whitbread

Team news: The Titans are without forwards Jarrod Wallace (suspension) and Max King (shoulder). Jack Stockwell starts for Wallace with Will Matthews coming onto the bench. Morgan Boyle comes onto the interchange for King.

SuperCoach analysis: Ryan James produced a monster 139 on the weekend and is therefore the fifth most purchased player. My immediate reaction was “chasing last week’s points.” But a closer inspection reveals he’s far from the worst option for SuperCoaches who need to take risks. He is POD-a-licous at just three per cent ownership and boasts averages of 61.3, 59.7 and 72.9 in the past three years. That said, he is first cab off the rank if the Blues cop a forward injury — and he can find an injury himself. Cheapie AJ Brimson (BE 23) has almost peaked but must be held for round 17.

Ryan James had his best game of the season last week.

St George Illawarra Dragons v Manly Warringah Sea Eagles, Saturday 5.30pm at WIN Stadium

Dragons: 1 Matt Dufty, 2 Nene Macdonald, 3 Euan Aitken, 4 Tim Lafai, 5 Kurt Mann, 6 Gareth Widdop (c), 7 Ben Hunt, 8 James Graham, 9 Cameron McInnes, 10 Paul Vaughan, 11 Tyson Frizell, 12 Tariq Sims, 13 Jack De Belin

Interchange: 14 Jeremy Latimore, 15 Jason Nightingale, 16 Leeson Ah Mau, 17 Jacob Host

Reserves: 18 Blake Lawrie, 19 Patrick Herbert, 20 Reece Robson, 21 Hame Sele

Team news: Unchanged with Kurt Mann retaining the right wing spot ahead of benched veteran Jason Nightingale, as per Monday’s late change.

SuperCoach analysis: John Olive is all the rage this week but Kurt Mann will surge through the most purchased list after retaining his right wing spot. With the experienced Jason Nightingale still in the 17, Mann lacks job security compared to Olive. But Mann has a far greater upside, averaging mid 40s in the past on the wing. He also plays for the best attacking team in the comp (Olive plays for the worst) and has a dream run against the Sea Eagles, Eels (both at WIN Stadium) and Origin-depleted Storm (at AAMI Park).

Euan Aitken is the most popular gun replacement for Rapana/Matterson, having scored the fifth most points of any CTW. In a positive sign for SuperCoach (but not the man himself), Aitken appears at least two injuries off a NSW backline spot, with Nick Coric first in line. Tim Lafai is a great a POD alternative to Aitken. He scored the most points of any CTW last year, is owned by just one per cent and has averaged 50 in last five rounds, not to mention the aforementioned easy draw. Gareth Widdop has a BE of 104 and will be very juicy in coming weeks, although he likely misses round 16 for the Denver Test before playing the all-important round 17.

Sea Eagles: 1 Tom Trbojevic, 2 Jorge Taufua, 3 Moses Suli, 4 Brian Kelly, 5 Akuila Uate, 6 Trent Hodkinson, 7 Daly Cherry-Evans (c), 8 Addin Fonua-Blake, 9 Manase Fainu, 10 Martin Taupau, 11 Joel Thompson, 12 Frank Winterstein, 13 Jake Trbojevic

Interchange: 14 Matthew Wright, 15 Brad Parker, 16 Shaun Lane, 17 Taniela Paseka

Reserves: 18 Thomas Wright, 19 Lewis Brown, 20 Toafofoa Sipley, 21 Lloyd Perrett

Team news: 19-year-old hooker Manase Fainu has been named for his NRL debut in place of Apisai Koroisau (foot), who will miss 8-10 weeks. Moses Suli (disciplinary) returns at centre with Brad Parker dropping to the bench. Frank Winterstein comes into the starting side in the second row and Shaun Lane moves to the bench.

SuperCoach analysis: Apisai Koroisau (foot) is out for up to 10 weeks and is an obvious trade to Cameron Smith. Martin Taupau is the form prop in SuperCoach. He is rocking a three-game average of 78 — the best of any FRF by a margin of five points.

Cronulla Sharks v Brisbane Broncos, Saturday 7.35pm at Southern Cross Group Stadium

Sharks: 1 Valentine Holmes, 2 Sione Katoa, 3 Jesse Ramien, 4 Ricky Leutele, 5 Edrick Lee, 6 Matt Moylan, 7 Chad Townsend, 8 Andrew Fifita, 9 Jayden Brailey, 10 Matt Prior, 11 Luke Lewis, 12 Wade Graham (c), 13 Paul Gallen (c)

Interchange: 14 Joseph Paulo, 15 James Segeyaro, 16 Jack Williams, 17 Jayson Bukuya

Reserves: 18 Kurt Capewell, 19 Avagalu Seumanufagai, 20 Scott Sorensen, 21 Sosaia Feki

Team news: Unchanged.

SuperCoach analysis: Paul Gallen wound back the clock with 121 on the weekend, including a try and try assist in a season-high 69 minutes. He now sits with a BE of -6 but isn’t a genuine option until after his round 17 bye. Gallen’s form surge has coincided with the form dip of Andrew Fifita, who played just 47 minutes as he manages a knee injury. Matt Moylan (BE 99) is the fifth most sold player after making $65,000, which can be considered a SuperCoach fail for a mid-range cash grab. You were warned.

Broncos: 1 Darius Boyd (c), 2 Corey Oates, 3 James Roberts, 4 Jordan Kahu, 5 Jamayne Isaako, 6 Anthony Milford, 7 Kodi Nikorima, 8 Matthew Lodge, 9 Andrew McCullough, 10 Sam Thaiday, 11 Alex Glenn, 12 Jaydn Su’A, 13 Josh McGuire

Interchange: 14 Patrick Mago, 15 Joe Ofahengaue, 16 Tevita Pangai jnr, 17 Kotoni Staggs

Reserves: 18 Sam Tagataese, 19 Troy Dargan, 20 Tom Opacic, 21 David Fifita

Team news: James Roberts (achilles) returns after being rested following Origin with Tom Opacic moving to reserves.

SuperCoach analysis: Tevita Pangai Jnr has been Brisbane’s best player this year but returned to just 50 minutes last week with Alex Glenn and Josh McGuire back from injury. The Broncos promptly got smashed, but no doubt Wayne Bennett will stubbornly stick to his ways against the Sharks this week. Pangai is a hold for round 17, then re-assess. The same goes for Jamayne Isaako, who has gone from a cheapie to the eighth best CTW in SuperCoach.

Newcastle Knights v Melbourne Storm, Sunday 2pm at McDonald Jones Stadium

Knights: 1 Kalyn Ponga, 2 Ken Sio, 3 Sione Mata’utia, 4 Cory Denniss, 5 Shaun Kenny-Dowall, 6 Connor Watson, 7 Jack Cogger, 8 Herman Ese’ese, 9 Slade Griffin, 10 Josh King, 11 Lachlan Fitzgibbon, 12 Mitchell Barnett, 13 Aidan Guerra (c)

Interchange: 14 Danny Levi, 15 Chris Heighington, 16 Luke Yates, 18 Jacob Lillyman

Reserves: 18 Nicholas Meaney, 19 Sam Stone, 20 Brock Lamb, 21 Brent Naden

Team news:Luke Yates replaces Jamie Buhrer (ACL) on the bench.

SuperCoach analysis: Helped by byes and Origin resting, Kalyn Ponga is officially back on top of the SuperCoach leaderboard, having scored the most points of any player.

Storm: 1 Billy Slater, 2 Suliasi Vunivalu, 3 Will Chambers, 4 Curtis Scott, 5 Josh Addo-Carr, 6 Cameron Munster, 7 Ryley Jacks, 8 Tim Glasby, 9 Cameron Smith, 10 Nelson Asofa-Solomona, 11 Felise Kaufusi, 12 Ryan Hoffman, 13 Kenny Bromwich

Interchange: 14 Brandon Smith, 15 Christian Welch, 16 Joe Stimson, 17 Jahrome Hughes

Reserves: 18 Young Tonumaipea, 19 Sam Kasiano, 20 Patrick Kaufusi, 21 Cheyse Blair

Team news: Billy Slater (hamstring) returns at fullback but remains in doubt. Jahrome Hughes would return to the starting team if Slater misses out. Curtis Scott looms as a POD bye coverage option after being named to return from suspension along with Will Chambers. Tim Glasby shifts from lock to prop to replace the injured Jesse Bromwich (hamstring). Kenny Bromwich starts at lock.

SuperCoach analysis: Cameron Smith is one of the most purchased players once again following consecutive tons, coupled with the injury Apisai Koroisau. Curtis Scott ($331,600) and Suliasi Vunivalu ($338,200) are very cheap at the moment and cover round 17. However, both have rather fat BEs so there’s no rush.

Wests Tigers v Canberra Raiders, Sunday 4.10pm at Campbelltown Stadium

Wests Tigers: 1 Corey Thompson, 2 Malakai Watene-Zelezniak, 3 Esan Marsters, 4 Mahe Fonua, 5 Kevin Naiqama, 6 Josh Reynolds, 7 Luke Brooks, 8 Russell Packer (c), 9 Matt McIlwrick, 10 Ben Matulino, 11 Chris Lawrence, 12 Robbie Rochow, 13 Elijah Taylor

Interchange: 14 Alex Twal, 15 Matthew Eisenhuth, 16 Josh Aloiai, 17 Tim Grant

Reserves: 18 Michael Chee-Kam, 19 Tyson Gamble, 20 Sauaso Sue, 21 Chris McQueen

Team news: Popular purchase Michael Chee-Kam drops out of the 17 with Robbie Rochow returning in the back row. Tui Lolohea has been dropped with Malakai Watene-Zelezniak coming onto the wing and Corey Thompson shifting to fullback. Matt McIlwrick starts at hooker with Elijah Taylor moving to lock.

SuperCoach analysis: The Tigers have a looming bye and therefore aren’t creating much buzz, so let’s take a moment to marvel at their backline stars. Esan Marsters scored 89 in base stats last week, which is Paul Gallen-like. Mahe Fonua managed 57 in base and both are holds for the rest of the year. Commiserations to those who brought in Michael Chee-Kam as a POD a few weeks back.

Raiders: 1 Jack Wighton, 2 Nick Cotric, 3 Jarrod Croker (c), 4 Joseph Leilua, 5 Michael Oldfield, 6 Blake Austin, 7 Aidan Sezer, 8 Iosia Soliola, 9 Josh Hodgson, 10 Shannon Boyd, 11 Joseph Tapine, 12 Elliott Whitehead, 13 Josh Papalii

Interchange: 14 Siliva Havili, 15 Luke Bateman, 16 Dunamis Lui, 17 Liam Knight

Reserves: 18 Emre Guler, 19 Brad Abbey, 20 Jack Murchie, 21 Craig Garvey

Team news: Josh Hodgson makes an early returning from a devastating ACL injury suffered at the World Cup. Siliva Havili moves to the bench and Ata Hingano drops out of the side. Michael Oldfield replaces Jordan Rapana (hamstring) on the wing.

SuperCoach analysis: BJ Leilua is predicted to bottom out at $360,000 in round 16 after a concussion-affected zero. He’s not a top 17 player most weeks, although he can be with a good match up and he offers handy round 17 coverage at that price. Jarrod Croker and Joseph Tapine are also on my short list for bye coverage. However, both sit with BEs around their averages and the best bet is therefore to wait for next week’s inaugural Super Trade week, which features FIVE trades.