NRL SuperCoach teams analysis round 3: Curtis Scott benefits from Billy Slater injury

CURTIS Scott is set to emerge as a must-have SuperCoach cheapie following the season-ending injury to Billy Slater.

SuperCoach teams analysis - round 3

CURTIS Scott is set to emerge as a must-have SuperCoach cheapie following the season-ending injury to Billy Slater.

The 18-year-old Junior Kangaroo produced an exciting debut on Sunday, notching a linebreak in 38 points.

He has retained his centre spot for the coming week and seemingly has the position locked in for the rest of the year following Slater’s shoulder injury.

Melbourne Storm’s Curtis Scott is set for a price rise.

In other SuperCoach news from the round three team announcements:

* MATCH-WINNING Canterbury young gun Kerrod Holland bowed out of cheapie contention, with Chase Stanley (hamstring) returning from injury and preferred by coach Des Hasler;

* SUPERCOACH gun Konrad Hurrell was named on an extended bench for the Warriors, with Manu Vatuvei (ribs) and Blake Ayshford (concussion) selected despite injuries;

* LAST week’s boom buy Corey Oates (shoulder, round six) is out for Brisbane, replaced by cheapie Greg Eden;

* BYE period players Nathan Peats (elbow, round six) and Manu Ma’u (suspension, round four) missed out for Parramatta;

* CHEAPIE Vincent Leuluai (knee, TBA) has been ruled out by the Roosters, replaced by another cheapie prospect in Mitchell Frei;

* BARGAIN buy Nathan Davis (shoulder) was named by the Titans despite picking up an injury last week;

* POPULAR keeper Shaun Fensom (concussion) was named by the Raiders after being knocked out in the first minute last week. But teammate Joseph Leulia (suspension) will miss at least two weeks - and he faces another week depending on the result of a judiciary hearing on Wednesday;

* CHEAPIE David Bhana (ankle, round 10) is out for Newcastle, but Pauli Pauli (suspension) has been named to return as 18th man;

* PAUL Carter, Cody Walker and Moses Mbye all loom as popular buys after retaining their starting spots.

Billy Slater is out for the season with a shoulder injury.

COWBOYS V ROOSTERS

8.05pm AEDT Thursday at 1300SMILES Stadium

Cowboys: 1 Lachlan Coote 2 Kyle Feldt 3 Justin O’Neill 4 Kane Linnett 5 Antonio Winterstein 6 Michael Morgan 7 Johnathan Thurston (c) 8 Matthew Scott (c) 9 Jake Granville 10 James Tamou 11 Gavin Cooper 12 Ethan Lowe 13 Jason Taumalolo Interchange: 14 Rory Kostjasyn 15 John Asiata 16 Scott Bolton 17 Ben Hannant

Ins: None

Outs: None

Other unavailables: Ray Thompson (broken ankle, round 10), Tautau Moga (ACL, indefinite)

Comment: No changes. Johnathan Thurston is set for a $22,800 drop, but don’t even think of selling. Conversely, with a break even of 98, he’ll be very juicy in a few weeks for those who don’t own him.

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Roosters: 1 Latrell Mitchell 2 Shaun Kenny-Dowall 3 Blake Ferguson 4 Dale Copley 5 Daniel Tupou 6 Jayden Nikorima 7 Jackson Hastings 8 Kane Evans 9 Jake Friend (c) 10 Dylan Napa 11 Aidan Guerra 12 Mitchell Aubusson 14 Sio Siua Taukeiaho Interchange: 13 Isaac Liu 15 Sam Moa 16 Ian Henderson 17 Mitchell Frei 18 Eloni Vunakece 21 Brendan Elliott

Ins: Mitchell Frei, Eloni Vunakece, Brendan Elliott

Outs: Vincent Leuluai (knee, indefinite)

Other unavailables: Jared Waerea-Hargreaves (ACL, indefinite), Mitchell Pearce (disciplinary, round nine), Boyd Cordner (pectoral, round eight)

Comment: Vincent Leuluai (knee, indefinite) is out and therefore a sell to Paul Carter or a Saifiti brother. Leuluai’s spot is taken by another cheapie option in Mitchell Frei, who was named 2015 lock of the year in the Intrust Super Cup. Latrell Mitchell retains the fullback spot following his two-try performance on Saturday and is therefore a top 17 player, especially with the goalkicking. Sio Siua Taukeiaho starts at lock once again following 68 in 74 minutes last week - all in base stats. Taukeiaho, not Kane Evans, has been the biggest SuperCoach winner from the injury to Jared Waerea-Hargreaves (ACL, indefinite). Even so, Evans remains a hold due to a projected $6,300 rise and the fact he is yet to notch an attacking stat. Jackson Hastings ($42,300), Jayden Nikorima ($48,800) and Mitchell ($18,200) are set for strong rises. However, the 15th most popular player in the game, Dale Copley, is set for a small drop.

Kerrod Holland has been dropped by the Bulldogs.

BULLDOGS V EELS

8.05pm Friday at ANZ Stadium

Bulldogs: 1 Will Hopoate 2 Curtis Rona 3 Josh Morris 4 Chase Stanley 5 Sam Perrett 6 Josh Reynolds 7 Moses Mbye 8 Aiden Tolman 9 Craig Garvey 10 James Graham (c) 11 Josh Jackson 12 Tony Williams 13 Greg Eastwood Interchange: 14 Sam Kasiano 15 Tim Browne 16 David Klemmer 17 Adam Elliott 19 Lloyd Perrett 20 Shaun Lane

Ins: Chase Stanley (hamstring), Lloyd Perrett, Shaun Lane

Outs: Kerrod Holland (dropped)

Other unavailables: Michael Lichaa (knee, round six), Brett Morris (knee, round 16), Adam Keighran (shoulder, indefinite), Danny Faulalo (virus, round four)

Comment: Potential cheapie Kerrod Holland misses out, with Chase Stanley (hamstring) named to return. Stanley is a constant injury risk, so keep Holland up your sleeve for later in the year, hopefully for the first bye. Moses Mbye looms as a cracking purchase this week, with an average of 112, projected price rise of $75,000 and break even of -94. The fact Holland has missed out is a further boost for Mbye as he will resume the kicking duties. However, with injuries hitting once again, Mbye is a nice-to-have buy rather than an absolute must. The Stalwarts will be forced to pass. Craig Garvey notched 63 points, including 59 tackles, and would be a must-have if Michael Lichaa (knee, round six) wasn’t due back in three weeks. David Klemmer has been named on the bench despite a judiciary cloud, with Lloyd Perrett and Shaun Lane named as cover.

Eels: 1. Michael Gordon 2. Semi Radradra 3. Michael Jennings 4. Brad Takairangi 5. Clint Gutherson 6. Corey Norman 7. Kieran Foran (c) 8. Junior Paulo 9. Isaac De Gois 10. Tim Mannah 11. Kenny Edwards 12. Beau Scott 13. Tepai Moeroa. Interchange: 14. Kaysa Pritchard 15. Peni Terepo 16. Danny Wicks 17. David Gower

Ins: Isaac De Gois, David Gower

Outs: Nathan Peats (dislocated elbow, round six), Manu Ma’u (suspension, round four)

Other unavailables: Anthony Watmough (knee, indefinite), John Folau (hamstring, indefinite), Cameron King (sternum, indefinite)

Comment: Isaac De Gois replaces hooker Nathan Peats (dislocated elbow, round six), with Kaysa Pritchard to offer relief from the bench. Kenny Edwards starts in place of Manu Ma’u (suspension), with David Gower added to the bench. Michael Gordon has had a horror start to his Eels career and is set for a $17,600 price drop. He’s a sell for those who have dodged the injuries, but plenty will be forced to hold on. Semi Radradra is projected to drop $63,000 over the next two weeks and SuperCoaches should be ready to pounce when he bottoms out.

KNIGHTS V RAIDERS

5.30pm Saturday at Hunter Stadium

Knights: 1 Jaelen Feeney 2 Nathan Ross 3 Dane Gagai 4 Pat Mata’utia 5 Akuila Uate 6 Jarrod Mullen 7 Trent Hodkinson 8 Sam Mataora 9 Tyler Randell 10 Korbin Sims 11 Jacob Safiti 12 Robbie Rochow 13 Jeremy Smith. Interchange: 14 Danny Levi 15 Sione Mata’utia 16 Lachlan Fitzgibbon 17 Daniel Safiti 18 Pauli Pauli

Ins: Sione Mata’utia, Pauli Pauli (suspension)

Outs: David Bhana (ankle, round 10)

Other unavailables: Chanel Mata’utia (knee, round eight), Tariq Sims (suspension, round six), James McManus (concussion, season), Jake Mamo (ankle, indefinite)

Comment: Sione Mata’utia is back in first grade after returning through Holden Cup. He has been named on the bench, with brother Pat retaining his centre spot. Pat has been close to Newcastle’s best player so far this year and is set for a massive $60,800 rise. He is therefore the fifth most purchased player this week. Jaelen Feeney is a sell following a baptism of fire in his first two games, with Cody Walker the best replacement. Pauli Pauli (suspension) returns, but as 18th man. Star cheapies Jacob Saifiti ($29,300) and Daniel Saifiti ($54,600) are set for solid rises

Raiders: 1 Jack Wighton 2 Edrick Lee 3 Jarrod Croker (c) 4 Brenko Lee 5 Jordan Rapana 6 Lachlan Croker 7 Sam Williams 8 Shannon Boyd 9 Josh Hodgson 10 Frank-Paul Nuuausala 11 Josh Papalii 12 Elliot Whitehead 13 Shaun Fensom. Interchange: 14 Kurt Baptiste 15 Iosia Soliola 16 Paul Vaughan 17 Jeff Lima

Ins: Brenko Lee

Outs: Joey Leilua (suspension, round five or six)

Other unavailables: Blake Austin (knee, round six), Aidan Sezer (fractured eye socket, round six), Adam Clydesdale (shoulder, round four)

Comment: Only one change with Brenko Lee coming in for Joey Leilua (suspension), who is confirmed to miss two weeks and could have another week added at the judiciary. Shaun Fensom (concussion) and Lachlan Croker (shoulder) have both been named following injuries last week.

PANTHERS V BRONCOS

7.30pm Saturday at Pepper Stadium

Panthers: 1 Will Smith 2 Josh Mansour 3 Waqa Blake 4 Peta Hiku 5 Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 6 Tyrone Peachey 7 Jamie Soward 8 Sam McKendry 9 Peter Wallace 10 Reagan Campbell-Gillard 11 Bryce Cartwright 12 Isaah Yeo 13 Trent Merrin Interchange: 14 Sitaleki Akauola 15 Jeremy Latimore 16 Suaia Matagi 17 Elijah Taylor

Ins: Will Smith

Outs: Dean Whare (calf, round seven)

Other unavailables: James Segeyaro (broken arm, round seven), Matt Moylan (back, round four), George Jennings (shoulder, round four), Viliame Kikau (ankle, indefinite), Sione Katoa (knee, round four), Brendan Atwood (arm, indefinite)

Comment: Bryce Cartwright has averaged 49 just in base stats. He will come good when the attacking stats inevitably come. Trent Merrin has averaged 60 minutes at his new club, an increase of seven minutes per game, and is set for a $5,400 rise. Will Smith replaces Dean Whare (calf, round seven) in the backline. Tyrone Peachey and Peter Wallace have been named at five-eighth and hooker respectively, which is where they played on the weekend despite being named in the reverse positions.

Broncos: 1 Darius Boyd 2 Greg Eden 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 (c) Interchange: 14 Jarrod Wallace 15 Sam Thaiday 16 Joe Ofahengaue 17 Kodi Nikorima

Ins: Greg Eden

Outs: Corey Oates (shoulder, round six)

Other unavailables: Lachlan Maranta (fractured wrist, round seven), Carlin Anderson (stomach, indefinite)

Comment: Corey Oates (shoulder, round six) is out - a lesson for SuperCoaches on the importance of not jumping the gun. However, mark him down for a round six buy, when he is set for a $58,500 rise. Corey Parker is set for a $20,500 drop after averaging just 56 minutes over the opening rounds, down from 63 minutes last year. However, he has the runs on the board and is a definite hold. Many SuperCoaches sold at exactly the same point last year and were burnt when Parker ended the season with the fifth most points of any player. Anthony Milford is in scintillating form and an absolute must at some stage following his Origin ban.

Nathan Davis is in doubt with a shoulder injury.

TITANS V TIGERS

9.30pm Saturday at CBus Super Stadium

Titans: 1 David Mead 2 Anthony Don 3 Josh Hoffman 4 Nathan Davis 5 Nene MacDonald 6 Tyrone Roberts 7 Ashley Taylor 8 David Shillington 9 Nathan Friend (c) 10 Agnatius Paasi 11 Zeb Taia 12 Chris McQueen 13 Greg Bird. Interchange: 14 Luke Douglas 15 Ryan James 16 Leivaha Pulu 17 Daniel Mortimer 18 Eddy Pettybourne.

Ins: None

Outs: None

Other unavailables: Will Zillman (calf, indefinite), Kane Elgey (ACL, season), Karl Lawton (groin, round five), Oshae Tuiasau (MCL, round eight), Nathaniel Peteru (knee, round six)

Comment: Popular cheapie Nathan Davis (shoulder) has been named despite picking up an injury last week. He faces a fitness test later in the week, but the club is confident he will play. He is set for a massive $45,100 rise following two strong weeks. With Will Zillman (calf, indefinite) still out, Davis could be set for a long run in first grade. He is very highly rated by the club and retained a centre spot last week despite the return of the far more established Nene Macdonald, who was relegated to a wing. Ashley Taylor has a break even of -20, is set for a $20,000 rise and is ideally a hold, even for those looking to bring in Moses Mbye.

Tigers: 1 James Tedesco 2 David Nofoaluma 3 Tim Simona 4 Kevin Naiqama 5 Jordan Rankin 6 Mitchell Moses 7 Luke Brooks 8 Aaron Woods (c) 9 Dene Halatau 10 Tim Grant 11 Kyle Lovett 12 Chris Lawrence 13 Sauaso Sue. Interchange: 14 Jack Buchanan 15 Joshua Aloiai 16 Ava Seumanufagai 17 Manaia Cherrington 18 Michael Chee Kam.

Ins: Jack Buchanan, Michael Chee-Kam

Outs: Curtis Sironen (hamstring, indefinite)

Other unavailables: Matt Ballin (ACL, round eight), Justin Hunt (back, indefinite), Robbie Farah (knee, round five)

Comment: Curtis Sironen (hamstring) is out, with Kyle Lovett to start in the back row, Jack Buchanan coming onto the bench and Michael Chee-Kam added as 18th man. James Tedesco is projected to rise by almost $100,000 in the next two weeks, which would see him hit the astronomical figure of $560,900. Get in now if you can. Barring injury, Teddy will almost certainly play Origin this year, where he misses at least four of eight games, but his scores between now and then could be crucial. Jordan Rankin is set for a very handy $30,200 rise - and it could have been much more after a grubber took a wicked bounce over his head on Monday, denying a try. Aaron Woods’ work rate has dipped to just 0.8 PPM, although his average of 64 minutes is encouraging. Josh Aloiai is set for a $15,600 rise.

Melbourne Storm’s Curtis Scott produced a strong debut.

WARRIORS V STORM

2pm Sunday at Mt Smart Stadium

Warriors: 1. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 2. Tuimoala Lolohea 3. Blake Ayshford 4. Solomone Kata 5. Manu Vatuvei 6. Shaun Johnson 7. Jeff Robson 8. Jacob Lillyman 9. Issac Luke 10. Ben Matulino 11. Bodene Thompson 12. Ryan Hoffman 13. Simon Mannering. Interchange: 14. Nathaniel Roache 15. Charlie Gubb 16. James Gavet 17. Albert Vete 18. John Palavi 21. Jonathan Wright 23. Konrad Hurrell

Ins: Charlie Gubb, Albert Vete, John Palavi, Jonathan Wright, Konrad Hurrell

Outs: Raymond Faitala-Mariner (dropped), Sam Lisone (shoulder)

Other unavailables: Ben Henry (knee, indefinite), Thomas Leuluai (ACL, round five), Henare Wells (hamstring, round four), Ligi Sao (dislocated shoulder, indefinite), Sione Lousi (round four), Sipley Toafofoa (round four), Mason Lino (round four)

Comment: SuperCoach gun Konrad Hurrell has been named on an extended bench. He will come into the side if Blake Ayshford (concussion) is ruled out. Manu Vatuvei (ribs) is also in doubt, with Jonathan Wright named as cover. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck is set for a $52,900 price drop and looms as a serious alternative in a few weeks for those who miss the Teddy Train. In an encouraging sign, Tuivasa-Sheck’s base stats are back - he made 25 runs on the weekend. Ben Matulino has been named, but faces a four week suspension pending a trip to the judiciary on Wednesday.

Storm: 1 Cameron Munster 2 Young Tonumaipea 3 Will Chambers 4 Curtis Scott 5 Marika Koroibete 6 Blake Green 7 Cooper Cronk 8 Jesse Bromwich 9 Cameron Smith (c) 10 Jordan McLean 11 Kevin Proctor 12 Tohu Harris 13 Dale Finucane. Interchange: 14 Kenny Bromwich 15 Tim Glasby 16 Felise Kaufusi 17 Ben Hampton.

Ins: None

Outs: None

Other unavailables: Billy Slater (shoulder, season), Matt White (calf, indefinite)

Comment: No changes. Curtis Scott looms as a must-have cheapie for next week, with almost impeccable job security and a -22 break even. Those needing to replace Billy Slater should look no further than James Tedesco. Cameron Smith proved the SuperCoach doubters wrong with 86 last week. He somehow didn’t rate in the top 10 most-purchased players last round despite the injury to James Segeyaro.

DRAGONS V RABBITOHS

4pm Sunday at Sydney Cricket Ground

Dragons: 1 Josh Dugan 2 Peter Mata’utia 3 Euan Aitken 4 Tim Lafai 5 Jason Nightingale 6 Gareth Widdop (c) 7 Benji Marshall 8 Leeson Ah Mau 9 Mitch Rein 10 Russell Packer 11 Tyson Frizell 12 Joel Thompson 13 Mike Cooper. Interchange: 14 Ben Creagh (c) 15 Jack de Belin 16 Will Matthews 17 Siliva Havili

Ins: Euan Aitken

Outs: Kurt Mann (ankle, indefinite)

Other unavailables: Dylan Farrell (back, indefinite), Mose Masoe (ACL, season), Yaw Kiti Glymin (hamstring, indefinite)

Comment: Kurt Mann (ankle) is replaced at fullback by Josh Dugan (hamstring), who is battling an injury of his own and racing the clock. Euan Aitken fills Dugan’s centre spot.

Rabbitohs: 1 Greg Inglis (c) 2 Alex Johnston 3 Bryson Goodwin 4 Hymel Hunt 5 Aaron Gray 6 Cody Walker 7 Luke Keary 8 George Burgess 9 Cameron McInnes 10 David Tyrrell 11 Paul Carter 12 Kyle Turner 13 Sam Burgess. Interchange: 14 Damien Cook 15 Jason Clark 16 Nathan Brown 17 Kirisome Auva’a 18 Chris Grevsmuhl 19 Michael Oldfield.

Ins: Chris Grevsmuhl, Michael Oldfield

Outs: None

Other unavailables: Adam Reynolds (broken jaw, round 8-14), John Sutton (pectoral, round 18), Zane Musgrove (wrist, indefinite), Thomas Burgess (ankle, round five)

Comment: Unchanged 17, with Chris Grevsmuhl and Michael Oldfield added to an extended bench. Paul Carter (projected rise $49,200) and Cody Walker ($75,500) are absolute must-haves. Bryson Goodwin ($53,100), Hymel Hunt ($38,900) and Kyle Turner ($47,200) are also set for huge rises, but are awkwardly priced mid-rangers and more in the nice-to-have-if-I-don’t-have-injuries category. Sam Burgess played 77 minutes on the weekend … against the freaking Knights. If he plays that game time against Newcastle, expect 80 minutes against better opposition (ie: every other team in the comp). Lock him in as captain every week.

SEA EAGLES V SHARKS

7pm Monday at Brookvale Oval

Sea Eagles: 1 Tom Trbojevic 2 Jorge Taufua 3 Jamie Lyon (c) 4 Steve Matai 5 Brayden Wiliame 6 Dylan Walker 7 Daly Cherry-Evans 8 Josh Starling 9 Apisai Koroisau 10 Nate Myles 11 Lewis Brown 12 Martin Taupau 13 Jake Trbojevic. Interchange: 14 Matt Parcell 15 Nathan Green 16 Brenton Lawrence 17 Siosaia Vave

Ins: None

Outs: None

Other unavailables: Jayden Hodges (ACL, season), Jamie Buhrer (broken jaw, round four), Brett Stewart (hamstring, round four), Isaac John (hamstring, round four)

Comment: No changes. With Jamie Buhrer (broken jaw, round four) back next week, Nathan Green is a sell. Replacements include Nathan Davis and Pat Mata’utia, or wait next week for Curtis Scott. Brenton Lawrence smashed out 50 in 41 minutes on Monday night - all in base stats - and looms as a serious cheapie option for next week. Daly Cherry-Evans is set for a $24,200 drop. The trade to Moses Mbye is definitely on.

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 10 Sam Tagataese 11 Luke Lewis 12 Wade Graham 13 Jayson Bukuya. Interchange: 14 Gerard Beale 15 Matt Prior 16 David Fifita 17 Chris Heighington 18 Joseph Paulo

Ins: Chris Heighington

Outs: None

Other unavailables: Paul Gallen (knee, round five), Tracey Connor (ACL, season).

Comment: Chris Heighington (suspension) returns, with Joseph Paulo dropping to 18th man. Ben Barba was rested for the final 10 minutes last week due to an ongoing injury, but is not in doubt. He is set for a handy $15,900 rise. Paul Gallen (knee) says he could back as early as round five.