NRL SuperCoach teams analysis Round 8

Canterbury sensation Corey Harawira-Naera is by far the most purchased player this week. But here’s why you should steer clear.

WINNERS

* Jason Taumalolo – The Cowboys superstar has been named to return early from a knee injury. Expect him to play despite being selected out of the 17. He’s a must-have for the Round 12 bye.

* Briton Nikora – The cheapie of the year is back from a one-week suspension.

* Roger Tuivasa-Sheck - Named to return for the Warriors following a hamstring injury. Second highest average of any player this year.

* Corey Harawira-Naera – Most purchased player this week by a considerable distance. The Canterbury recruit has scored the fourth most points of any CTW, covers Round 12, is coming of a stunning 141 and is dual position. Even so, he’s a pass for Sangster’s Paradise.

* Corey Waddell - Second most purchased player following 104 on the weekend. The Manly recruit is well above cheapie price at $356,100, but the Round 12 coverage and -59 BE are tempting.

* Zac Lomax - Cheapie of the week after finally scoring the right centre spot of Euan Aitken, who drops to the bench. Doesn’t cover Round 12.

LOSERS

* Mikaele Ravalawa – Most sold player this week. Time to cash in at a massive $164,200 profit, although he does return to the starting side this week outside Lomax on the Dragons’ right wing.

* Shaun Johnson - Expected to miss four weeks with a hamstring injury and therefore the second most sold player.

* Kurt Capewell - Third most sold player. Capewell has made a very handy $180,000, now sits with a BE of 80, may lose his spot to Wade Graham (ACL) in the next few weeks and doesn’t play Round 12.

* Daly Cherry-Evans - The fifth top scorer in SuperCoach this year is out for 4-6 weeks with an ankle injury.

NRL SuperCoach teams analysis Round 8.

South Sydney Rabbitohs vs Brisbane Broncos

Thursday, May 2nd, ANZ Stadium, 7:50pm

Rabbitohs: 1. Alex Johnston 2. Corey Allen 3. Kyle Turner 4. Dane Gagai 5. Campbell Graham 6. Cody Walker 7. Adam Reynolds 8. George Burgess 9. Damien Cook 10. Tom Burgess 11. John Sutton 12. Sam Burgess 13. Cameron Murray

Interchange: 14. Tevita Tatola 15. Mark Nicholls 16. Ethan Lowe 17. Liam Knight

Reserves: 18. Jacob Gagan 19. Connor Tracey 20. Dean Britt 21. Mawene Hiroti

Team news: No changes to the side that beat the Panthers. Braidon Burns (hamstring) is aiming for Round 11.

SuperCoach analysis: News of James Roberts’ potential move to the Rabbitohs may spell the end of Corey Allan’s Round 12 coverage. That said, Allan is a hold until more news comes to hand, and Roberts is an Origin incumbent after all. Braidon Burns (hamstring) is aiming for Round 11 and looms as a cut-price buy for the rep period at $330,900.

Broncos: 1. Darius Boyd 2. Corey Oates 3. James Roberts 4. Jack Bird 5. Jamayne Isaako 6. Anthony Milford 7. Tom Dearden 8. Matthew Lodge 9. Andrew McCullough 10. Payne Haas 11. Alex Glenn 12. Matt Gillett 13. Tevita Pangai Junior

Interchange: 14. Kotoni Staggs 15. David Fifita 16. Thomas Flegler 17. Joe Ofahengaue

Reserves: 18. Patrick Carrigan 19. Gehamat Shibasaki 20. Jaydn Su’A 21. Sean O’Sullivan

Team news: Thomas Dearden will make his debut at halfback in place ofKodi Nikorima, who is carrying a calf complaint and also weighing up a contract offer from the Warriors.

SuperCoach analysis: Debutant Tom Dearden has huge raps and may emerge as a cheapie down the track, although he doesn’t cover Round 12. Anthony Milford has dropped to $390,000. He hasn’t been that cheap in a very, very long time. But it would take a brave SuperCoach to jump on, particularly given he doesn’t play Round 12. Payne Haas is an absolute freak, playing 63 minutes last week even with Matt Lodge and Tevita Pangai in the side. He has averaged 69 minutes for the year, which is basically unheard of for a rookie prop. At this stage, I’m holding through the bye period.

Gold Coast Titans vs North Queensland Cowboys

Friday, May 3rd, 1300 SMILES Stadium, 6:00pm

Cowboys: 1. Jordan Kahu, 2. Justin O’Neill, 3. Tom Opacic, 4. Enari Tuala, 5. Ben Hampton, 6. Jake Clifford, 7. Michael Morgan, 8. Matthew Scott, 9. Jake Granville, 10. Jordan McLean, 11. Gavin Cooper, 12. Josh McGuire, 13. John Asiata

Interchange: 14. Kurt Baptiste, 15. Coen hess, 16. Scott Bolton, 17. Francis Molo

Reserves: 18. Corey Jensen, 19. Mitchell Dunn, 20. Jason Taumalolo, 21. Gideon Gela-Mosby

Team news: Jason Taumalolo (knee)has been named in reserves but the mail is strong he will make his return from injury.Te Maire Martin (concussion) is replaced at fullback by Jordan Kahu with Tom Opacic coming into the side at centre.

SuperCoach analysis: Clear the decks for Jason Taumalolo before Round 12. SuperCoach Stats predicts he will bottom out in Round 10 at a $70,000 discount on his starting value as his price corrects from the injury-affected 19 in Round 2.

Titans: 1. Michael Gordon, 2. Anthony Don, 3. Tyrone Peachey, 4. Brian Kelly, 5. Phillip Sami, 6. Tyrone Robert, 7. Ashley Taylor, 8. Jarrod Wallace, 9. Mitch Rein, 10. Shannon Boyd, 11. Kevin Proctor, 12. Bryce Cartwright, 13. Jai Arrow

Interchange: 14. AJ Brimson, 15. Moeaki Fotuaika, 16. Keegan Hipgrave, 17. Max King

Reserves: 18. Jai Whitbread, 19. Jack Stockwell, 20. Will Matthews, 21, Jesse Arthurs

Team news: Winger Dale Copley (quad) is replaced on the wing by Philip Sami. Jarrod Wallace (suspension) returns at starting prop with Moeaki Fotuaika dropping to the bench. AJ Brimson (thumb) returns on the bench. Jai Whitbread and Jack Stockwell are relegated to reserves.

SuperCoach analysis: The Carty Party is in full swing for those brave enough to get on. He has averaged 80 minutes over the last five rounds and made $163,900 in that time, averaging 54.6. He is a hold for Round 12, then re-assess. Jai Arrow must be sold before Origin with the best options including Jason Taumalolo, Sam Burgess, Rhyse Martin, Viliame Kikau, Blake Ferguson and Jarrod Croker.

Cronulla Sharks vs Melbourne Storm

Friday, May 3rd, Southern Cross Stadium, 7:50pm

Sharks: 1. William Kennedy 2. Sosaia Feki 3. Bronson Xerri 4. Josh Morris 5. Sione Katoa 6. Kyle Flanagan 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. Jack Williams 17. Braden Hamlin-Uele

Reserves: 18. Scott Sorensen 19. Ronaldo Mulitalo 20. Aaron Gray 21. Josh Dugan

Team news:Shaun Johnson (hamstring) is replaced in the halves by Kyle Flanagan. Briton Nikora returns from suspension in the back row. Sione Katoa returns on the wing in place of last week’s debutant Ronaldo Mulitalo, although Josh Dugan (leg) is lurking on the extended bench after a late withdrawal last week.

SuperCoach analysis: Andrew Fifita has been beastly of late and scored the fourth most points of any player. He is an underrated captaincy option every week, currently at just 6.8 per cent for the upcoming round. Bronson Xerri is chugging along nicely. He has made $117,300 so far and is predicted to rise another $52,100 this week. With an average of almost 50 (which would be much higher if not for three inexcusable dropped balls that would have led to two tries and a try assist), Xerri sits in the borderline keeper category. SuperCoaches have a big decision before the byes — cash in for a player who takes the field in Round 12 or hold for the season? I’m leaning towards hold. Kurt Capewell is ripe for selling after making $180,000.

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 Welch 16. Tui Kamikamica 17. Ryan Papenhuyzen

Reserves: 18. Billy Walters 19. Patrick Kaufusi 20. Joe Stimson 21. Curtis Scott

Team news: No personnel changes although Nelson Asofa-Solomona returns to the starting side with Christian Welch dropping to the bench.

SuperCoach analysis: Cameron Smith is back to somewhere near his SuperCoach best, averaging 65 for the season. He’s a must-have for the Round 16 bye, if not before. Sangster’s Paradise will likely cash in Tui Kamikamica this week for Zac Lomax at a handy $112,000 rise.

Canberra Raiders vs Penrith Panthers

Saturday, May 4th, McDonald Park, Wagga Wagga, 3:00pm

Raiders: 1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 2. Nick Cotric 3. Jarrod Croker (c) 4. Joey Leilua 5. Bailey Simonsson 6. Jack Wighton 7. Sam Williams 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. Aidan Sezer 19. Michael Oldfield 20. Emre Guler 21. Jack Murchie

Team news: Jordan Rapana (rib cartilage) is a huge loss, replaced by young gun Bailey Simonsson on the wing. Hudson Young and Cory Horsburgh replace Jack Murchie and Emre Guler on the bench.

SuperCoach analysis: Jarrod Croker is moving along at a mid-50 average, as he does every year. He’s a must-have for the Round 12 bye. BJ Leilua and Jordan Rapana are also options. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad is a hold right through to Round 12, then re-assess. John Bateman looks like a season-long hold after scoring the second most points of any player.

Panthers: 1. Caleb Aekins 2. Josh Mansour, 3. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 4. Waqa Blake 5. Malakai Watene-Zelezniak 6. James Maloney 7. Nathan Cleary 8. James Tamou 9. Wayde Egan 10. Tim Grant 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Isaah Yeo 13. James Fisher-Harris.

Interchange: 14. Sione Katoa, 15. Liam Martin 16. Moses Leota 17. Reagan Campbell-Gillard

Reserves: 18. Jarome Luai 19. Kaide Ellis 20. Dylan Edwards 21. Tyrell Fuimaono

Team news: No changes.

SuperCoach analysis: Caleb Aekins is a cheapie to keep an eye on for next week. He has a very SuperCoach-friendly game, notching 17 runs on the weekend for 38 points almost entirely in base. But most importantly, he could cover Round 12. However, Dean Whare (hamstring) is due back in Round 10-11, so wait and see. After a slow start, Nathan Cleary has hit form. He is rocking a three round average of 81 and is therefore the fourth most purchased player.

Manly Sea Eagles vs Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs

Saturday, May 4th, Lottoland, 5:30pm

Sea Eagles: 1. Brendan Elliot, 2. Abbas Miski, 3. Moses Suli, 4. Brad Parker, 5. Reuben Garrick, 6. Lachlan Croker, 7. Kane Elgey, 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. Morgan Boyle, 19. Zach Dockar-Clay, 20 Kelepi Tanginoa, 21 Taniela Paseka

Team news: Daly Cherry-Evans (ankle) is replaced in the halves by Kane Elgey. Jorge Taufua (calf) has succumbed to injury, replaced by debutant Abbas Miski on the wing. Addin Fonua-Blake (suspension) returns at starting prop with Toafofoa Sipley reverting to the bench.

SuperCoach analysis: Reuben Garrick has been one of the most sold players over the last few weeks but he kicked goals last round when Daly Cherry-Evans got injured. He is set to continue in the duties this round in great news for those who held for Round 12. Martin Taupau is available this week at a $70,000 discount on his starting price with bye coverage to boot. Keep an eye on Abbas Miski as a cheapie. I’m told he has “Josh Mansour-like” tackle busting ability.

Bulldogs: 1. Nick Meaney 2. Jayden Okunbor 3. Kerrod Holland 4. Will Hopoate 5. Reimis Smith 6. Jack Cogger 7. Lachlan Lewis 8. Aiden Tolman 9. Jeremy Marshall-King 10. Ofahiki Ogden 11. Josh Jackson 12. Corey Harawira-Naera 13. Rhyse Martin

Interchange: 14. Fa’amanu Brown 15. Danny Fualalo 16. Adam Elliot 17. Michael Lichaa

Reserves: 19. Kieran Foran 20. Marcelo Montoya 21. Renouf Toomaga 22. Dylan Napa

Team news: Fa’amanu Brown replaces Chris Smith on the bench in the only change to the 17. Big names Kieran Foran and Dylan Napa (both ankle) have been named among the reserves.

SuperCoach analysis: Jayden Okunbur initiated another round of price rises with 76 on weekend. He is now a hold for Round 12. There’s plenty of interest in the Canterbury back row this week with Corey Harawira-Naera the most purchased player and Rhyse Martin ninth. Both are serious options for the first bye, but personally I’ll wait a few weeks to confirm bye buys. There are a possible 10 trades between now and Round 12, so leave your run as late as possible to guard against injuries, suspensions and the usual tripe the SuperCoach Gods throw at us. Jason Taumalolo, Sam Burgess, Rhyse Martin, Viliame Kikau, Blake Ferguson and Jarrod Croker are of higher priority.

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Sydney Roosters vs Wests Tigers

Saturday, May 4th, SCG, 7:30pm

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. Victor Radley, 10. Sio Siua Taukeiaho, 11. Boyd Cordner (c), 12. Angus Crichton, 13. Isaac Liu

Interchange: 14. Nat Butcher, 15. Zane Tetevano, 16. Sitili Tupouniua, 17. Mitchell Aubusson

Reserves: 18. Lindsay Collins, 19. Poasa Faamausili, 20. Lachlan Lam, 21. Sam Verrills

Team news: Luke Keary (concussion) returns at five-eighth, pushing Lachlan Lam out of the 17. Victor Radley replaces Jake Friend (biceps) at hooker with Isaac Liu (finger) coming into the side at lock.

SuperCoach analysis: For such a quality team, the Roosters are surprisingly absent from the SuperCoach rankings with no player in the top 20 pointscorers. And with no Round 12 coverage, Trent Robinson’s side won’t become interesting again until Round 13.

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. Chris McQueen 13. Josh Aloiai

Interchange: 14. Elijah Taylor 15. Thomas Mikaele 16. Matthew Eisenhuth 17. Luke Garner

Reserves: 18. Paul Momirovski 19. Jacob Liddle 20. David Nofoaluma 21. Russell Packer

Team news: Josh Reynolds (knee) is replaced at five-eighth by Benji Marshall, who returns from injury. Luke Garner (concussion) returns on the bench for Paul Momirovski.

SuperCoach analysis: Esan Marsters has replicated his base stat brilliance from last year and currently has the third most points of any CTW. He should be everyone’s first trade target for Round 13.

New Zealand Warriors vs Newcastle Knights

Sunday, May 5th, Mt Smart Stadium, 2:00pm

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

Interchange: 14 Nathaniel Roache 15 Adam Blair 16 Bunty Afoa 17 Gerard Beale

Reserves: 18 Hayze Perham 20 Solomone Kata 21 Ligi Sato 22 Chris Satae

Team news: Huge boost with Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (hamstring), Blake Green (groin) and David Fusitu’a (ribs) named to return. However, Jazz Tevaga (leg) misses out after playing just 14 minutes against Melbourne. Patrick Herbert has been retained at centre following his impressive debut.

SuperCoach analysis: Lachlan Burr has been one of the revelations of the season, making almost $300,000. But with a BE of 34 and no Round 12 coverage, he needs to be cashed in soon. Patrick Herbert looms as an interesting cheapie prospect for next week after a solid debut, although lack of Round 12 coverage is a turn off.

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

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

Reserves: 18. Mason Lino 19. Kurt Mann 20. Jamie Buhrer 21. Pasami Saulo

Team news: No changes.

SuperCoach analysis: Kalyn Ponga is the seventh most purchased player — and fair enough. He has averaged 79 since moving to fullback and although he won’t cover Rounds 12 or 16, he’s a hold for the rest of the season.

Parramatta Eels vs St George Illawarra Dragons

Sunday, May 5th, Bankwest Stadium, 4:00pm

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

Interchange: 14. Peni Terepo 15. Tim Mannah (c) 16. Oregon Kaufusi 17. Manu Ma’u

Reserves: 18. Ray Stone 19. Kane Evans 20. Josh Hoffman 21. George Jennings

Team news: Daniel Alvaro (concussion) returns, pushing Peni Terepo to the bench and Ray Stone out of the side.

SuperCoach analysis: Maika Sivo activated another round of rises with 102 on weekend including four linebreaks. He has made $260,000 so far and with a BE of -35, he’s a hold for Round 12. Blake Ferguson will be one of the most purchased players prior to Round 12, although it’s best to leave the trade late due to potential Origin selection. With a BE of 128 due to his Round 5 rib/nose injury, SuperCoach Stats predicts he’ll be available for a very customer friendly $527,000.

Dragons: 1. Matt Dufty 2. Jordan Pereira 3. Zac Lomax 4. Tim Lafai 5. Mikaele Ravalawa 6. Corey Norman 7. Ben Hunt 8. James Graham 9. Cameron McInnes 10. Paul Vaughan 11. Tyson Frizell 12. Tariq Sims 13. Blake Lawrie

Interchange: 14. Jeremy Latimore 15. Euan Aitken 16. Jacob Host 17. Luciano Leilua

Reserves: 18. Mitchell Allgood 19. Jai Field 20. Lachlan Timm 21. Jonas Pearson

Team news: Massive news for Zac Lomax owners with the star youngster to play right centre. Euan Aitken drops to the bench with Mikaele Ravalawa to play right wing.

SuperCoach analysis: Zac Lomax received a massive boost in the teams, named in his favoured position of right centre with Euan Aitken dropped. With goalkicking duties in tow, he is by far the cheapie of the week. Lack of Round 12 coverage is an issue, but this kid emphatically passes the eye test and has impeccable job security after earning his spot on merit. Lock him in. Mikaele Ravalawa (BE 72) is by far most sold player after making $164,000.