NRL SuperCoach teams analysis Round 2, 2019

It’s all about Jason Taumalolo and John Bateman as SuperCoaches prepare for Round 2 following a weather-affected opening week.

WINNERS

* Jordan Rapana - Shock inclusion for the Raiders following initial reports he would miss almost half the season with a shoulder injury. SuperCoach cheapie Bayley Simonsson makes way.

* Jacob Host - The young Dragon is essentially assured an edge back row spot at the Dragons for a number of weeks following the injury to Tyson Frizell (lacerated testicle), even with Korbin Sims (suspension) due back in Round 3. Blake Lawrie also looms as an intriguing cheapie.

* Mikaele Ravalawa - Coach Paul McGregor has confirmed the Fijian flyer and SuperCoach cheapie a spot for Round 2.

* Maika Sivo - Popular cheapie named on the Parramatta wing once again, but he has George Jennings (knee) lurking on the extended bench.

* Luke Garner - The Wests Tigers borderline cheapie is the third most purchased player this week after scoring 80 in the season opener and retaining his edge back row spot.

* Brandon Smith - Pick of the cheapies at hooker. Scored 42 in 39 minutes as a middle forward against the Broncos.

NRL SuperCoach teams analysis Round 2.

* Adam Keighran - Brilliant 87 on debut. If for some reason you don’t already own him, buy him NOW.

* Briton Nikora - Another must-have after playing 80 minutes on the edge outside Shaun Johnson and scoring 65 almost purely in base stats.

* Dylan Brown - Again, you should own him already (he is the most popular player in the game). Notched two try contributions in an impressive NRL debut.

* Lachlan Burr - Scored a strong 53 at a point per minute in Round 1 and has retained his starting lock spot despite the returns of Isaiah Papali’i (disciplinary) and Issac Luke (shoulder). But keep an eye on final teams.

CHEAPIE BIBLE: ROUND 2 BARGAINS

LOSERS

* Nathan Brown - Out or 12 weeks with a pectoral tear. Sell to Jason Taumalolo (gun), John Bateman, Shaun Lane (PODS), Jacob Host or Luke Garner (cheapies).

* Tom Trbojevic - SuperCoach superstar will sit out at least another week with a hamstring injury. Missed training on Tuesday.

* Corey Allan - The popular SuperCoach cheapie drops off the South Sydney bench for Kyle Turner.

* Angus Crichton - The star Roosters recruit has again been named on the bench after playing just 19 minutes on the weekend.

Angus Crichton has again been named on the bebnch. Picture: Jeremy Piper

Dragons vs Rabbitohs

Thursday, March 21st, Netstrata Jubilee Stadium, 7:50pm

Dragons: 1. Gareth Widdop 2. Jordan Pereira 3. Euan Aitken 4. Tim Lafai 5. Mikaele Ravalawa 6. Corey Norman 7. Ben Hunt 8. James Graham 9. Cameron McInnes 10. Paul Vaughan 11. Jacob Host 12. Tariq Sims 13. Blake Lawrie

Interchange: 14. Jeremy Latimore 15. Matt Dufty 16. Josh Kerr 17. Luciano Leilua

Reserves: 18. Zac Lomax 19. Reece Robson 20. Mitchell Allgood 22. Jonus Pearson

Team news: Jacob Host and Blake Lawrie are both serious cheapie prospects. Host retains his edge back row spot, while Lawrie starts at lock for Tyson Frizell (lacerated testicle). Josh Kerr joins the interchange.

SuperCoach analysis: Jacob Host is a must-have for the 65 per cent who don’t already own him. He is guaranteed the right edge spot for at least a few weeks following the injury to Tyson Frizell. Host played 67 minutes on the weekend and the game time is set to continue for at least a month, which will lead to a sweet price rise before upgrading to a cut-priced Angus Crichton (fingers crossed — all 9.5 of them). On the subject of forward cheapies, Blake Lawrie is far from the worst cheapie after scoring 42 at a point per minute. With no Jack De Belin or Frizell in the side, he’s guaranteed improved game time compared to last season’s average of 19 minutes.

Rabbitohs: 1. Alex Johnston 2. Dane Gagai 3. Greg Inglis 4. Braidon Burns 5. Campbell Graham 6. Cody Walker 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Tevita Tatola 9. Damien Cook 10. Thomas Burgess 11. John Sutton 12. Sam Burgess 13. Cameron Murray

Interchange 14. Liam Knight 15. Mark Nicholls 16. Ethan Lowe 17. Kyle Turner

Reserves: 18. Corey Allan 19. Connor Tracey 20. Rhys Kennedy 21. Mawene Hiroti

Team news: SuperCoach cheapie Corey Allan drops off the bench for Kyle Turner.

SuperCoach analysis: As expected with Wayne Bennett-coached sides, SuperCoach action went to plan on the weekend. Well, except for centre Braidon Burns. He has quickly transformed from SuperCoach dud to stud, sneaking under the radar at four per cent ownership this season. In his debut year in 2017, Burns scored below 20 in almost half his games. He averaged 27 for the season with a base of just 14. Now, rather suddenly, he’s a base stat beast and seventh most purchased player. He scored 50 in base on the weekend and was also boosted by a try assist and linebreak assist. If he backs it up this week, he looms as a serious sideways trade from Jordan Kahu, Tom Opacic or Paul Momirovski.

Raiders vs Storm

Friday, 22nd March, 6:00pm, GIO Stadium

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

Interchange: 14. Siliva Havili 15. Ryan Sutton 16. Sia Soliola 17. Corey Horsburgh

Reserves: 18. Sam Williams 19. JJ Collins 20. Bailey Simonsson 21. Jack Murchie

Team news: Jordan Rapana (shoulder) is a shock early return from injury. Bailey Simonsson drops to reserves.

SuperCoach analysis: SuperCoach great Jordan Rapana is one to keep an eye on in his shock early return. However, the big impact SuperCoach-wise is the axing of Bailey Simonsson, who is in 25 per cent of sides. John Bateman is the second most purchased player this week, for good reason. He scored 65 in pure base and played the full 80 minutes. This game time could have been inflated by the injury to Simonsson, but he still would have played huge minutes. With dual flexibility between the backs and forwards, he’s the top early contender for Ryan Matterson, Tohu Harris or Simon Mannering of 2019. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad is a very popular buy after scoring the fullback spot. He scored 35 points with four tackle busts — a promising start given the conditions.

Storm: 1. Jahrome Hughes 2. Suliasi Vunivalu 3. Will Chambers 4. Curtis Scott 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 Welch 16. Tui Kamikamica 17. Patrick Kaufusi Reserves: 18. Marion Seve 19. Albert Vete 20. Ryan Papenhuyzen 21. Billy Walters

Team news: Tom Eisenhuth (fractured larynx) is replaced on the bench by Patrick Kaufusi. Joe Stimson (back) misses out yet again.

SuperCoach analysis: Jahrome Hughes was a standout for the Storm, yet is still only owned by four per cent. A try and linebreak boosted his score, but the most encouraging sign was the 22 runs. He notched over 50 in base, which places him in the same breathe as Teddy and Turbo for this stat. Brandon Smith has emerged as the pick of the cheapies at hooker after scoring 42 in 39 minutes as a back rower. Cameron Smith was typical Cameron Smith, scoring 57 without really doing anything. He scored two points more than Damien Cook and at $130,000 cheaper, Sangster’s Paradise are happy so far.

Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad was solid on his club debut.

Broncos vs Cowboys

Friday, 22nd March, 7:50pm, Suncorp Stadium

Broncos: 1. Darius Boyd 2. Corey Oates 3. James Roberts 4. Jack Bird 5. Jamayne Isaako 6. Anthony Milford 7. Kodi Nikorima 8. Tevita Pangai Junior 9. Andrew McCullough 10. Joe Ofahengaue 11. Alex Glenn 12. David Fifita 13. Matt Gillett.

Interchange: 14. Kotoni Staggs 15. Jaydn Su’A 16. Thomas Flegler 17. Shaun Fensom Reserves: 18. Pat Carrigan 19. Pat Mago 20. Richie Kennar 21. Gehamat Shibasaki

Team news: James Roberts (back) has been named and is a chance to play despite an injury in Round 1. Matt Lodge (suspension, round four) is replaced by Tevita Pangai Jnr at prop. David Fifita starts in the second row with Jaydn Su’A back to the bench. Shaun Fensom is the new man on the interchange.

SuperCoach analysis: Jack Bird was busy against a great defence. His 43 was very encouraging given he didn’t notch any real attacking stats. Tevita Pangai Jnr scored 56 in 49 minutes and emphatically passed the eye test (as we all predicted he would in the pre-season, then reneged on following the injury). He starts at prop this week for Matt Lodge and the 10 per cent who still own him will have high hopes.

Cowboys: 1. Jordan Kahu 2. Nene Macdonald 3. Justin O’Neill 4. Tom Opacic 5. Javid Bowen 6. Te Maire Martin 7. Michael Morgan 8. Matt Scott 9. Jake Granville 10. Jordan McLean 11. Gavin Cooper 12. Coen Hess 13. Jason Taumalolo

Interchange: 14. John Asiata 15. Josh McGuire 16. Mitchell Dunn 17. Francis Molo

Reserves: 18. Ben Hampton 19. Jake Clifford 20. Gideon Gela-Mosby 23. Enari Tuala

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

SuperCoach analysis: Michael Morgan is the sixth most purchased player following his 72. He is a totally different player when, firstly, he’s fit, and secondly, when Johnathan Thurston isn’t in the team. He is now “the man” and knows the ball will go to him when he calls it. Jason Taumalolo is the most purchased player following his Round 1 barnstormer. It’s hard to argue with the crowd. Take away the big attacking stats and Lolo still scored 60, despite the Cowboys’ desire to use him wider.

CHEAPIE BIBLE: ROUND 2 BARGAINS

Sharks vs Titans

Saturday, 23rd March, 3:00pm, Shark Park

Sharks: 1. Matt Moylan, 2. Sosaia Feki, 3. Josh Dugan, 4. Josh Morris, 5. Sione Katoa, 6. Shaun Johnson, 7. Chad Townsend, 8. Andrew Fifita, 9. Jayden Brailey, 10. Matt Prior, 11. Briton Nikora, 12. Kurt Capewell, 13. Paul Gallen (C).

Interchange: 14. Blayke Brailey, 15. Jayson Bukuya, 16. Aaron Woods, 17. Jack Williams

Reserves: 18. Scott Sorensen, 19. Kyle Flanagan, 20. Bronson Xerri, 21. Braden Hamlin-Uele

Team news: No changes.

SuperCoach analysis: Briton Nikora exceeded all expectations by scoring 65 in base and playing 80 minutes. Imagine what he can produce once his combination with Shaun Johnson improves. The right edge back row spot outside Johnson is one of the best places in rugby league, with Tohu Harris and Bodene Thompson recent examples. My September pick for buy of the year Kurt Capewell is also a borderline keeper at CTW after scoring 49 in 80 minutes on the left edge. It’s early days, but it would take a brave man to bet against one of the 2RF crew of Nikora, Capewell or Bateman scoring the most points at CTW this year. Andrew Fifita is by far the best FRF in SuperCoach, in a very thin position.

Titans: 1. Michael Gordon, 2. Anthony Don, 3. Tyrone Peachey, 4. Brian Kelly, 5. Brenko Lee, 6. AJ Brimson, 7. Ryley Jacks, 8. Jarrod Wallace, 9. Nathan Peats, 10. Shannon Boyd, 11. Kevin Proctor, 12. Ryan James, 13. Jai Arrow.

Interchange: 14. Phillip Sami, 15. Moeaki Fotuaika, 16. Max King, 17. Bryce Cartwright

Reserves: 18. Mitch Rein, 19. Jai Whitbread, 20. Leilani Latu, 21. Jesse Arthurs

Team news: Tyrone Roberts (achilles) and Ash Taylor (quad) are both injured with Ryley Jacks and AJ Brimson the new halves combination. Anthony Don scores a wing spot over Phillip Sami, who drops to the bench.

SuperCoach analysis: Jai Arrow is the only SuperCoach-relevant player in this side. His 54 minutes and 1.11 PPM were almost identical to his averages from last year. But with so many injury-affected games last season, it’s fair to say we were expecting more game time. Hopefully Garth Brennan isn’t easing Arrow, one of his most injury prone players, through the season.

Knights vs Panthers

Saturday, 23rd March, 5:30pm, McDonald Jones Stadium

Knights: 1. Connor Watson, 2. Edrick Lee, 3. Hymel Hunt, 4. Jesse Ramien, 5. Shaun Kenny-Dowall, 6. Kalyn Ponga, 7. Mitchell Pearce, 8. David Klemmer, 9. Danny Levi, 10. James Gavet, 11. Lachlan Fitzgibbon, 12. Sione Mata’utia, 13. Tim Glasby.

Interchange: 14. Kurt Mann, 15. Aidan Guerra, 16. Mitchell Barnett, 17. Herman Ese’ese

Reserves: 18. Josh King, 19. Jamie Buhrer, 20. Mason Lino, 21. Brodie Jones

Team news: Daniel Saifiti (knee) is replaced on the bench by Herman Ese’ese

SuperCoach analysis: All indications suggest Kalyn Ponga’s switch to the halves will take plenty of time. His 11 runs were well down from his average at fullback last season. But his score of 38 is encouraging when you consider the weather and the fact all points came in base.

Panthers: 1. Dylan Edwards, 2. Josh Mansour, 3. Dean Whare, 4. Waqa Blake, 5. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, 6. James Maloney, 7. Nathan Cleary, 8. James Tamou, 9. Sione Katoa, 10. Reagan Campbell-Gillard, 11. James Fisher-Harris, 12. Isaah Yeo, 13. Hame Sele.

Interchange: 14. Wayde Egan, 15. Frank Winterstein, 16. Moses Letoa, 17. Jack Hetherington

Reserves: 18. Jarome Luai, 19. Tim Grant, 20. Liam Martin, 21. Malakai Watene-Zelezniak

Team news: Sione Katoa (concussion) returns at hooker, with Wayde Egan moving to the bench and Jarome Luai out of the 17. Frank Winterstein replaces Tyrell Fuimaono on the interchange.

SuperCoach analysis: Nathan Cleary flopped with just 30 in the wet. Amazingly, it was Cleary’s second lowest score of his career (discounting injury-affected scores). The 27 per cent who own him must stay strong, needless to say.

Sea Eagles vs Roosters

Saturday, 23rd March, 7:30pm, Lottoland

Sea Eagles: 1. Brendan Elliott, 2. Jorge Taufua, 3. Moses Suli, 4. Brad Parker, 5. Reuben Garrick, 6. Kane Elgey, 7. Daly Cherry-Evans (C), 8. Toafofoa Sipley, 9. Api Koroisau, 10. Martin Taupau, 11. Joel Thompson, 12. Curtis Sironen, 13. Jake Trbojevic.

Interchange: 14. Manase Fainu, 15. Jack Gosiewski, 16. Corey Waddell, 17. Kelepi Tanginoa

Reserves: 18. Trent Hodkinson, 19. Tevita Funa, 20 Lloyd Perrett, 21 Lachlan Croker

Team news: Addin Fonua-Blake (suspension) is replaced at starting prop by Toafofoa Sipley with Corey Waddell joining the bench. Trent Hodkinson loses the bench utility spot to Manase Fainu.

SuperCoach analysis: The 31 per cent who own Martin Taupau should have the finger hovering over the trade button. I’ve said all pre-season that Des Hasler is the “Offload Killer”. The theory appears true with Taupau scoring 43 with NO offloads. That said, Taupau deserves one more week to account for weather and pedigree.

Roosters: 1. James Tedesco, 2. Daniel Tupou, 3. Latrell Mitchell, 4. Joseph Manu, 5. Brett Morris, 6. Luke Keary, 7. Cooper Cronk, 8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, 9. Jake Friend (c), 10. Sio Siua Taukeiaho, 11. Boyd Cordner (c), 12. Mitchell Aubusson, 13. Victor Radley.

Interchange: 14. Isaac Liu, 15. Zane Tetevano, 16. Lindsay Collins, 17. Angus Crichton

Reserves: 18. Nat Butcher, 19. Matt Ikuvalu, 20. Sitili Tupouniua, 21. Poasa Faamausili

Team news: No changes, with star recruit Angus Crichton again named on the bench after playing just 19 minutes on the weekend.

SuperCoach analysis: Star recruit Angus Crichton played just 19 minutes off the bench. Get your money ready for a bargain purchase in a month or so. James Tedecso scored only 23 as second most popular captain, his lowest score since Round 3 last year. That said, the 1,400 SuperCoaches to have sold him are clinically insane.

Bulldogs vs Eels

Sunday, 24th March, 4:05pm, ANZ Stadium

Bulldogs: 1. Will Hopoate 2. Christian Crichton 3. Kerrod Holland 4. Marcelo Montoya 5. Reimis Smith 6. Kieran Foran 7. Lachlan Lewis 8. Aiden Tolman 9. Michael Lichaa 10. Dylan Napa 11. Josh Jackson 12. Raymond Faitala-Mariner 13. Adam Elliott

Interchange: 14. Jeremy Marshall-King 15. Danny Fualalo 16. Corey Harawira-Naera 17. Sauaso Sue

Reserves: 19. Jack Cogger 20. Nick Meaney 21. Chris Smith 22. Ofahiki Ogden

Team news: Unchanged despite a massive loss to the Warriors.

SuperCoach analysis: Sangster’s Paradise are one of almost 12,000 teams to own Kerrod Holland, with goalkicking one of the main appeals. He won’t get much chance to kick goals in 2019. The trade to Brandon Smith is VERY tempting.

Eels: 1. Clinton Gutherson (c) 2. Maika Sivo 3. Josh Hoffman 4. Brad Takairangi 5. Blake Ferguson, 6. Dylan Brown 7. Mitch Moses 8. Daniel Alvaro 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Junior Paulo 11. Shaun Lane 12. Marata Niukore 13. Tepai Moeroa

Interchange: 14. Jaeman Salmon 15. Tim Mannah (c) 16. Kane Evans 17. David Gower

Reserves: 18. Bevan French 19. Oregon Kaufusi 20. George Jennings 21. Andrew Davey

Team news: Michael Jennings (suspension) is replaced by Josh Hoffman at centre. Nathan Brown (pectoral) is replaced at lock by Tepai Moeroa, who shifts from prop to accommodate Junior Paulo (hamstring). Will Smith is replaced on the bench by Jaeman Salmon. George Jennings (knee) could be a late inclusion after being named in reserves, which could be bad news for SuperCaoch cheapie Maika Sivo.

SuperCoach analysis: Dylan Brown was very composed on debut, notching two try contributions. If you don’t own him, you’re doing it wrong. The injury to Nathan Brown should ensure big minutes for Shaun Lane, if he wasn’t assured already. He’s a serious POD at the price. Don’t get carried away with the Reed Mahoney hype. He would have scored 30 in 67 minutes without the try.

Tigers vs Warriors

Sunday, 24th March, 6:10pm, Campbelltown Stadium

Tigers: 1. Corey Thompson, 2. Mahe Fonua 3. Paul Momirovski 4. Esan Marsters 5. Robert Jennings 6. Benji Marshall 7. Luke Brooks 8. Ben Matulino 9. Robbie Farah 10. Alex Twal 11. Ryan Matterson 12. Luke Garner 13. Elijah Taylor

Interchange: 14. Russell Packer 15. Thomas Mikaele 16. Josh Aloiai 17. Michael Chee-Kam

Reserves: 18. Moses Mbye 19. Josh Reynolds 20. Matthew Eisenhuth. 21. Chris McQueen

Team news: No changes to the 17, although Moses Mbye (knee) and Josh Reynolds are both available after being included in reserves. David Nofoaluma (shoulder) remains sidelined.

SuperCoach analysis: Luke Garner is the third most purchased player after scoring 80 in 65 minutes, including a try and linebreak. However, the eye test was inconclusive and I’ll give him another week. The best cheapie at the Tigers may end up being rookie prop Thomas Mikaele. Only nine per cent had the intestinal fortitude to go there. But he notched 38 in 30 minutes on debut, all in base, and aced the eye test.

Warriors: 1. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (c) 2. David Fusitu’a 3. Peta Hiku 4. Solomone Kata 5. Ken Maumalo 6. Adam Keighran 7. Blake Green 8. Agnatius Paasi 9. Nathaniel Roache 10. Bunty Afoa 11. Adam Blair 12. Tohu Harris 13. Lachlan Burr

Interchange: 14. Jazz Tevaga 15. Sam Lisone 16. Leeson Ah Mau 17. Isaiah Papali’i

Reserves: 18. Gerard Beale 20. Chanel Harris-Tavita 22. Issac Luke 23. Ligi Sao

Team news: Owners of cheapie Lachlan Burr have received a boost, with the journeyman retaining his starting lock spot despite the returns of Issac Luke (shoulder) and Isaiah Papali’i (disciplinary). Papali’i joins the bench in jersey No. 17, while Luke has been named out of the 17 in jersey No. 22.

SuperCoach analysis: Adam Keighran is an obvious must after a stunning debut. Nathaniel Roache showed serious SuperCoach talent with 56 in 56 minutes, including a try (no linebreak). The Warriors were willing to let Isaac Luke go in the knowledge Roache will do the job, although Luke eventually decided to stay. Roache will be a SuperCoach gun one day, but probably not this year with Luke (shoulder) named to return on an extended bench.

Full SuperCoach News section / Cheapie Bible / Predicted round one teams / Sangster’s team / Champ’s team / Wilfred’s team / Tallis’s team / Copes’ team / Huge rule change / Top 10 rookies in NRL