NRL SuperCoach teams analysis Round 3

NRL coaches have rung the changes ahead of Round 3 and SuperCaoches are rushing to make sense of it all.

WINNERS

• Tom Trbojevic - The SuperCoach superstar returns from a hamstring injury.

• Reuben Garrick - The popular cheapie retains his wing spot despite the return of Trbojevic, with Brendan Elliot the man to make way.

• Mikaele Ravalawa - The Fijian winger remains on the wing for the Dragons despite a poor display, although Zac Lomax is lurking on the extended bench.

• Maika Sivo - Retains the Parramatta left wing position, although George Jennings (knee) may yet take his spot after being named on the extended bench.

• Rhyse Martin - The fantasy favourite has been recalled for the struggling Bulldogs after scoring two tries in reserve grade on the weekend, although he may struggle for minutes on the bench.

• Braidon Burns - Buy of the week following a stunning start to the season at left centre for the Rabbitohs.

• Luke Garner - Another value buy. Garner retains his left edge back row spot at the Tigers, where he has averaged 65 over the first two rounds.

Tom Trbojevic and Rhyse Martin return to action in Round 3.

LOSERS

• Tom Opacic - The popular cheapie has been axed by Cowboys coach Paul Green.

• John Bateman - The Canberra mid-ranger moves from lock to the edge, where his work rate will drop.

• Jason Taumalolo - Almost half of SuperCoaches are the hunt for a replacement with Taumalolo ruled out for 6-10 weeks due to a knee injury.

• Brett Morris - 13 per cent of SuperCoaches are on the lookout for a new winger with Morris to miss a fortnight due to a knee injury.

• Bronson Xerri - The popular cheapie has been named out of the 17. However, he trained at right centre on Tuesday and is in the running for an NRL debut due to a backline injury crisis at the Sharks.

Jason Taumalolo will miss 6-10 weeks. Picture: Evan Morgan

BRONCOS V DRAGONS

Thurs, 28 Mar, Suncorp Stadium, 8.05pm

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. Izaia Perese 21. Gehamat Shibasaki

Team news: Unchanged line-up following a big win over the Cowboys. Matt Lodge (suspension) will miss another week while Payne Haas (disciplinary) is due back the week after.

SuperCoach analysis: Corey Oates is the fifth most purchased player after averaging 102.5 over the opening fortnight. He’s on the end of a brilliant left edge with Anthony Milford and Jack Bird and is therefore a clear favourite for top tryscorer. But at $504,000 he’s hardly a bargain and Oates is almost in the Josh Dugan category when it comes to hitting the deck for medical assessment. Pass.

Tevita Pangai Jnr was awesome on the weekend, dominating Jason Taumalolo. But he still only played 45 minutes, even with Matt Lodge suspended. This seems about par for Pangai as he is eased through persistent hamstring issues.

Anthony Milford has hardly set the world on fire in the opening two rounds but still averaged 50. He is building nicely on the comeback from a shoulder reconstruction. There were promising signs last week that he is starting to adapt to Anthony Seibold’s coaching style. A big score is coming.

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. Korbin Sims, 17. Luciano Leilua

Reserves: 18. Zac Lomax 19. Reece Robson 20. Mitchell Allgood 21. Jonus Pearson

Team news: Korbin Sims (suspension) returns on the bench in place of Josh Kerr in the only change. Mikaele Ravalawa retains his wing spot ahead of Zac Lomax.

SuperCoach analysis: Cheapie option Jacob Host crashed back to earth with 24 on the weekend. However, his game time remained strong (61 minutes) and he should make some decent cash before Tyson Frizell (lacerated testicle) returns. Blake Lawrie also looms as a decent cheapie after retaining the lock spot. He has averaged 48.5 at a point per minute but this week’s return of Korbin Sims (suspension) has me running scared. Keep an eye on final teams to see if Mikaele Ravalawa retains his spot.

RAIDERS V KNIGHTS

Fri, 29 Mar, GIO Stadium, 6pm

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. John Bateman 12. Elliott Whitehead 13. Ryan Sutton

Interchange: 14. Siliva Havili 15. Hudson Young 16. Sia Soliola 17. Corey Horsburgh

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

Team news: Joe Tapine (broken thumb) is replaced on the edge by John Bateman. Ryan Sutton is promoted to lock, while Hudson Young joins the bench.

SuperCoach analysis: John Bateman’s switch to the edge is hardly ideal but he’s still a must-have. He is the sixth most purchased player and will be in 40 per cent of teams by lockout. Cheapie option Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad has been impressive over the opening rounds, averaging 43.5 despite not scoring any big attacking stats. He has notched eight tackle busts and three offloads so far, but most impressive is hit-up tallies of 15 and 20. With most SuperCoaches carrying plenty of cheapies at centre/wing, CNK is a must for 17s every week. Jordan Rapana scored 27 on his return from shoulder surgery and therefore has a break even of 107. He could be a bargain purchase in a month or so.

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

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

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

Team news: Unchanged. Connor Watson (knee) is in doubt. If out, Kurt Mann would likely switch to fullback with Kalyn Ponga to stay in the halves.

SuperCoach analysis: Connor Watson (knee) has been named but is in doubt. However, SuperCoaches won’t get their wish of Kalyn Ponga switching to fullback, with Kurt Mann to fill the No. 1 slot if Watson is sidelined. If Watson is out long term, Mann will re-emerge as a cheapie option at $260,000. Ponga hasn’t looked great at five-eighth but is still averaging 50.

EELS V ROOSTERS

Fri, 29 Mar, ANZ Stadium, 8.05pm

Eels: 1. Clinton Gutherson (c) 2. Maika Sivo 3. Michael Jennings 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. Oregon Kaufusi 19. Peni Terepo 20. Josh Hoffman 21. George Jennings

Team news: Michael Jennings (suspension) returns at left centre in place of Josh Hoffman. SuperCoach cheapie Maika Sivo retains a wing spot for now but George Jennings (knee) is lurking on the extended bench.

SuperCoach analysis: All but seven per cent avoided last year’s best CTW Blake Ferguson to start the season. And the thinking made sense with Ferguson leaving the best attacking side for the worst. However, all indications suggest he’ll be a top five CTW once again after averaging 80 over the opening rounds, including Sunday’s two-try 119. Ferguson hasn’t lost his addiction to base, averaging 17 runs this season. Dylan Brown has done the business as the most popular player and is set for an $80,000 rise this week. My plan is to sell Brown or Adam Keighran to Tom Trbojevic (via Ponga) in a month or so.

Roosters: 1. James Tedesco, 2. Daniel Tupou, 3. Latrell Mitchell, 4. Joseph Manu, 5. Matt Ikuvalu, 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. Poasa Faamausili, 17. Angus Crichton

Reserves: 18. Brock Lamb, 19. Asu Kepaoa, 20. Nat Butcher, 21. Lachlan Lam

Team news: Cooper Cronk (hamstring) and Jake Friend (shoulder) are key inclusions. Latrell Mitchell returns to centre, Lachlan Lam drops off the bench and Victor Radley reverts to lock. Brett Morris (knee) is replaced on the wing by Matthew Ikavalu. Lindsay Collins (concussion) also misses out.

SuperCoach analysis: With a break even of 122 after a sluggish start, Latrell Mitchell is the fourth most sold player. It’s hard to argue with the crowd given the plethora of money-making options in the position including Briton Nikora, Braidon Burns and John Bateman. James Tedesco has a break even of 151 and should drop to a juicy price over the next few weeks for the 60 per cent who don’t yet own him. Keep an eye on Matt Ikavalu as a cheapie.

SEA EAGLES V WARRIORS

Sat, 30 Mar, Christchurch Stadium, 3pm

Sea Eagles: 1. Tom Trbojevic, 2. Jorge Taufua, 3. Moses Suli, 4. Brad Parker, 5. Reuben Garrick, 6. Kane Elgey, 7. Daly Cherry-Evans (C), 8. Addin Fonua-Blake, 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. Toafofoa Sipley

Reserves: 18. Brendan Elliot, 19. Trent Hodkinson, 21 Kelepi Tanginoa, 22 Lloyd Perrett

Team news: Tom Trbojevic (hamstring) is a welcome inclusion. Brendan Elliott moves to the reserves with SuperCoach cheapie Reuben Garrick retaining his spot. Addin Fonua-Blake (suspension) returns at prop with Toafofoa Sipley moving to the bench and Kelepi Tanginoa dropping out of the 17. Curtis Sironen (concussion) has been named and will be monitored.

SuperCoach analysis: SuperCoach great Tom Trbojevic is back and at just two per cent ownership he’s the best POD replacement for Taumalolo (with the right duals). Thankfully, Trbojevic’s return doesn’t spell the end for cheapie Reuben Garrick, who notched an impressive 62 on the weekend and has set up a predicted rise of almost $60,000. Martin Taupau rediscovered the offload last week despite the horror conditions — a great sign going forward.

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 Issac Luke 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 Ligi Sao 21 Karl Lawton 22 Chanel Harris-Tavita

Team news: Unchanged 17. Nathaniel Roache (calf) again misses out following his late withdrawal last week, with Karl Lawton added to the extended bench. Sam Lisone has been included on the bench despite facing a two match ban. He faces the judiciary on Tuesday night.

SuperCoach analysis: The signs aren’t great for popular cheapie Lachlan Burr. While he’s been impressive on the field, his game time reduced from 53 to 32 minutes last week due to Isaiah Papali’i’s return. Surely it won’t be long before Papali’i is back starting on an edge with Adam Blair at lock, leaving very little game time for Burr. That said, he’s an obvious hold for the 22 per cent who own him after setting up a predicted rise of $44,000. Opening round hero Adam Keighran is set for the third biggest rise of any player — $90,800.

COWBOYS V SHARKS

Sat, 30 Mar, 1300SMILES Stadium, 5.30pm

Cowboys: 1. Te Maire Martin, 2. Nene Macdonald 3. Jordan Kahu, 4. Ben Hampton, 5. Javid Bowen 6. Jake Clifford, 7. Michael Morgan 8. Matt Scott 9. Jake Granville 10. Jordan McLean 11. Gavin Cooper 12. Coen Hess 13. Josh McGuire

Interchange: 14. John Asiata 15. Corey Jensen, 16. Mitchell Dunn 17. Francis Molo

Reserves: 18. Shane Wright, 19. Justin O’Neill, 20. Peter Hola, 21. Enari Tuala

Team news: Paul Green has overhauled his side. Young gun Jake Clifford comes in at five-eighth with Te Maire Martin switching to fullback. Jordan Kahu and Ben Hampton form a fresh centre combination with Justin O’Neill and Tom Opacic dropped. Coen Hess starts in the pack for Jason Taumalolo (knee, 6-10 weeks) with Corey Jensen added to the bench.

SuperCoach analysis: Jordan Kahu is the eighth most sold player. Even with a try and goalkicking last week he only scored 46. He has now been switched to centre and may lose the kicking duties following youngster Jake Clifford’s NRL elevation. Under normal circumstances he’s a definite sell, but the axing of Tom Opacic may have changed your priorities. In any case, Kahu/Opacic to Braidon Burns is essentially a straight swap. Michael Morgan was brilliant in Round 1 but scored just 24 last week as he struggled with a shoulder injury. You’ll likely have bigger issues to fix this week, but Morgan’s days in the 30 most popular players appear numbered without Taumalolo rolling forward.

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: Unchanged, although Matt Moylan, Josh Morris and Sosaia Feki sat out training on Tuesday.

SuperCoach analysis: Briton Nikora is set for the biggest price rise of any player ($135,000). Busting tackles, offloading and running holes off Shaun Johnson, he is a must for 17s every week. On Johnson, he is starting to look ominous at his new club as combinations develop. SJ only scored 59 last week but was much better in real life. With a BE of 113, he could see some juicy price drops. Pre-season cheapie Bronson Xerri, still owned by 12 per cent, may yet earn a debut with Matt Moylan, Josh Morris and Sosaia Feki all sitting out early training sessions. He’s a potential top 17 player on talent alone.

PANTHERS V STORM

Sat, 30 Mar, Carrington Park, 7.35pm

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. Frank Winterstein, 13. Hame Sele.

Interchange: 14. Wayde Egan, 15. Tyrell Fuimaono, 16. Moses Letoa, 17. Jack Hetherington

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

Team news: Josh Mansour (shoulder) returns after a late withdrawal last week, pushing Malakai Watene-Zelezniak to reserves. Isaah Yeo (concussion) is replaced in the starting pack by Frank Winterstein with Tyrell Fuimaono added to the bench.

SuperCoach analysis: The Panthers are surprisingly short on SuperCoach talent compared to previous seasons. Nathan Cleary is the only player of any real relevance and he returned to form with two try assists on the weekend. Even so, he has a BE of 101 and looms as a cut-priced target in coming weeks.

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. Marion Seve

Reserves: 18. Ryan Papenhuyzen 19. Patrick Kaufusi 20. Albert Vete 21. Billy Walters

Team news: No changes with Joe Stimson (back) still sidelined.

SuperCoach analysis: Cameron Smith is somehow the 10th most sold player. Surely you have bigger issues than punting the greatest SuperCoach hooker of all time — even with Robbie Farah, Damien Cook and Reed Mahoney starting red hot. Jahrome Hughes backed up his Round 1 heroics with another great performance. However, he saw a worrying dip in runs — 22 to nine.

Dean Pay has made mass changes at Belmore. Picture: Brett Costello

TIGERS V BULLDOGS

Sun, 31 Mar, Campbelltown Stadium, 4.05pm

Tigers: 1. Moses Mbye 2. Mahe Fonua 3. Robert Jennings 4. Esan Marsters 5. Corey Thompson 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. Paul Momirovski 19. Josh Reynolds 20. Michael Eisenhuth 21. Chris McQueen

Team news: No changes following a strong win over the Warriors.

SuperCoach analysis: Luke Garner is somehow just the 10th most purchased player despite averaging 65 in the opening two rounds. At $265,100, he sets you back slightly more than a genuine cheapie, but he more than makes up for it with job security. Those looking for a bottom dollar option could do worse than young gun Thomas Mikaele. His predicted rise of $30,000 is hardly earth-shattering and he’ll be a slow burn. But he aced the eye test over the first two rounds before being forced for an HIA last week just when he was cutting loose.

Bulldogs: 1. Nick Meaney 2. Jayden Okunbor 3. Kerrod Holland 4. Will Hopoate 5. Reimis Smith 6. Keiran Foran 7. Lachlan Lewis 8. Aiden Tolman 9. Jeremy Marshall-King 10. Dylan Napa 11. Josh Jackson 12. Corey Harawira-Naera 13. Adam Elliott

Interchange: 14. Michael Lichaa 15. Ofahiki Ogden 16. Rhyse Martin 17. Chris Smith

Reserves: 19. Jack Cogger 20. Marcelo Montoya 21. Raymond Faitala-Mariner 22. Sauaso Sue

Team news: Sweeping changes as coach Dean Pay looks for a winning formula. Fullback Nick Meaney, backrower Corey Harawira Naera and winger Jayden Okunbor have all been promoted to start. Will Hopoate has moved to the centres, while Rhyse Martin, Chris Smith and Ofahiki Ogden are the new faces on the bench. Winger Christian Chrichton was dropped, while Raymond Faitala-Mariner, Marcelo Montoya and Sauaso Sue have been demoted to the reserves.

SuperCoach analysis: 2018 SuperCoach sensation Rhyse Martin returns – but on the bench. His minutes will therefore be reduced and hopefully he drops to a juicy price before regaining a starting spot. Kerrod Holland is rightly the sixth most sold player. He likely loses the kicking duties when Martin is on the field.

RABBITOHS V TITANS

Sun, 31 Mar, ANZ Stadium, 6.10pm

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. Tom 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. Bayley Sironen 20. Rhys Kennedy 21. Jacob Gagan

Team news: Unchanged.

SuperCoach analysis: Wayne Bennett has brought the best out of Sam Burgess after switching him to the edge. Burgess is most purchased player following a brilliant 129, which included two tries and a try assist. Braidon Burns is the second most purchased player. He has quickly transformed from SuperCoach dud to stud, sneaking under the radar at nine 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. He has averaged almost 50 in base this year, which is off the charts for a centre. And attacking stats are almost a given outside Cody Walker on South Sydney’s left.

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. Keegan Hipgrave 20. Dale Copley 21. Jai Whitbread

Team news: No changes with halves Ashley Taylor (groin) and Tyrone Roberts (achilles) still sidelined. Dale Copley (calf) has been named among the reserves as he looks to return from injury.

SuperCoach analysis: Jai Arrow is the fourth most popular player as SuperCoaches look to offload Taumalolo. Arrow produced an incredible 110 on the weekend including 27 runs and 90 in base stats ... yet he still failed to score a Dally M point.