NRL SuperCoach teams analysis Round 9

Canberra young gun Hudson Young is the hottest player in SuperCoach, surging from 18th to third on the most purchased list within a day.

WINNERS

* Hudson Young – The Canberra young gun has surged from 18th to third on the most purchased list following team announcements. Named to start in place of John Bateman (cheekbone, 6-8 weeks) and plays Round 12, which gives him a massive advantage over this week’s other cheapies.

* Patrick Herbert – The most popular cheapie this week and second most purchased player. The former Dragons lower grader has emphatically passed the eye test for the last two weeks, sits with a BE of -24 and will kick goals. However, he misses the first bye in Round 12.

* Thomas Dearden - The Broncos young gun is another popular cheapie after scoring 33 on debut in a well-beaten side. However, like Herbert, Dearden doesn’t play Round 12. SuperCoaches can wait another week before his first price rise.

* Jason Taumalolo - Most purchased player this round after a brilliant 85 last week on his return from injury. Plays Round 12, but SuperCoaches can afford to wait another week (BE 119).

* Viliame Kikau - Cleared of major injury and considered an “outside chance” to take on the Tigers on Friday after being named on the extended bench. Hold.

LOSERS

* John Bateman - The 2019 SuperCoach revelation is out for 6-8 weeks with a fractured cheekbone. Sell.

* Chanel Harris-Tavita - The star cheapie has lost his spot to recruit Kodi Nikorima and is therefore a sell. However, he has done his job for SuperCoaches by making $160,600.

SuperCoach teams analysis Round 9.

Titans vs Sharks

Thursday, May 9th, 7:50pm, Suncorp Stadium

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

Interchange: 14. Jesse Arthurs 15. Moeaki Fotuaika 16. Keegan Hipgrave 17. Max King

Reserves: 18. Jack Stockwell 19. Jai Whitbread 20. Riley Jacks 21. Brenko Lee

Team news: Phillip Sami (ankle) is replaced on the wing by Dale Copley (thigh), who has been named to return. Tyrone Roberts (concussion) is replaced in the halves by AJ Brimson with Jesse Arthars joining the bench. Michael Gordon (concussion) must pass protocol.

SuperCoach analysis: Jai Arrow (18th most points of any player) has been solid without being brilliant. He’s not quite an elite keeper this season and must be sold before Round 12 to the likes of Jason Taumalolo, Rhyse Martin, Sam Burgess, Martin Taupau etc. The Titans play Round 12 and should therefore be a team to target, but very little is happening. Aside from Arrow (who misses Round 12 due to Origin), Gold Coast’s next highest-ranked player is Brian Kelly at 70th.

Sharks: 1. Josh Dugan 2. Sosaia Feki 3. Bronson Xerri 4. Josh Morris 5. Aaron Gray 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. Si Katoa 20. Billy Magoulias 21. William Kennedy

Team news: Sione Katoa makes way on the wing for Sosaia Feki. Matt Moylan (hamstring) is on track for Round 10.

SuperCoach analysis: Bronson Xerri has peaked for now (BE 41) and is therefore the eighth most sold player after making almost $150,000. He doesn’t play Round 12 and I can see the thinking behind the trade. But sell at your peril as he plays the Titans this week and will be marked by Brian Kelly, who has missed the most tackles of any player this year. Plenty of SuperCoaches are already regretting selling Reuben Garrick and Maika Sivo too early, so don’t make the same mistake with Xerri. Kurt Capewell is a sell before Round 12, it’s just a matter of when. He is the ninth most sold this week after making $152,000.

Tigers vs Panthers

Friday, May 10th, 6:00pm, Suncorp Stadium

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. Matthew Eisenhuth

Interchange: 14. Jacon Liddle 15. Thomas Mikaele 16. Oliver Clark 17. Luke Garner

Reserves: 18. Paul Momirovski 19. Elijah Taylor 20. Michael Chee-Kam 21. Russell Packer

Team news: Benji Marshall (hamstring) returns with Ryan Matterson moving to the back row and Elijah Taylor dropping out. Matt Eisenhuth replaces Josh Aloiai (concussion) at lock. Oliver Clark joins the bench.

SuperCoach analysis: Not much doing at the Tigers given they miss Round 12. However, clear the decks for Esan Marsters, Alex Twal and Ryan Matterson (preferably playing in the back row, not halves) from Round 13 onwards.

Panthers: 1. Caleb Aekins 2. Josh Mansour, 3. Dean Whare 4. Waqa Blake 5. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 6. James Maloney 7. Nathan Cleary 8. James Tamou 9. Wayde Egan 10. Reagan Campbell-Gillard 11. Frank Winterstein 12. James Fisher-Harris 13. Hame Sele

Interchange: 14. Sione Katoa, 15. Tyrell Fuimaono 16. Moses Leota 17. Tim Grant

Reserves: 18. Jarome Luai 19. Kaide Ellis 20. Dylan Edwards 21. Viliame Kikau

Team news: Viliame Kikau (ankle) is replaced in the starting back row by Frank Winterstein, although Kikua has been included on the extended bench and is an “outside chance” to play. Dean Whare (hamstring) returns. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak shifts to the wing in place of brother Malakai (rib cartilage) with youngster Caleb Aekins retaining his spot at fullback.

Five-eighth James Maloney has been named pending his appearance at the judiciary on Tuesday night, with Jarome Luai named in reserves as cover. James Fisher-Harris shifts to an edge for Isaah Yeo (shoulder), with Hame Sele joining the starting side at lock. Liam Martin (suspension) is replaced by Tyrell Fuimaono on the bench.

SuperCoach analysis: Viliame Kikau is a shock inclusion and an obvious hold for the five per cent who already own. For non-owners, last week’s injury kept his BE at a manageable 60 and he’s therefore a key option prior to Round 12. James Fisher-Harris is a well-underrated option for the byes at just 14 per cent ownership. He won’t play Origin (he’s a Kiwi) and has scored the 12th most points of any player. However, take a sighter this week as JFH will play a new role on the edge in place of Isaah Yeo (shoulder).

Sea Eagles vs Broncos

Friday, May 10th, 8:05pm, Suncorp Stadium

Sea Eagles: 1. Brendan Elliot, 2. Jorge Taufua, 3. Moses Suli, 4. Brad Parker, 5. Reuben Garrick, 6. Apisai Koroisau, 7. Kane Elgey, 8. Toafofoa Sipley, 9. Manase Fainu, 10. Martin Taupau, 11. Joel Thompson, 12. Curtis Sironen, 13. Jake Trbojevic.

Interchange: 14. Jack Gosiewski, 15. Kelepi Tanginoa 16. Corey Waddell, 17. Morgan Boyle

Reserves: 18. Abbas Miski, 19. Cade Cust, 20. Zach Dockar-Clay, 21 Taniela Paseka

Team news: Lachlan Croker (hamstring) is replaced at five-eighth by Apisai Koroisau. Addin Fonua-Blake (knee) is replaced in the starting side by Toafofoa Sipley. Morgan Boyle and Kelepi Tanginoa join the bench. Jorge Taufua (calf) returns on the wing for Abbas Miski.

SuperCoach analysis: Well done to the 25 per cent who held Reuben Garrick. He scored all Manly’s points on the weekend and is now KICKING GOALS. He is predicted to peak in Round 12 at rise of almost $300,000, which would make him one of the cheapies of the year. I never thought I’d say this but Jake Trbojevic is a potential sell before Round 12. He’s not quite in the elite category this year (14th most points of any player). With the Sea Eagles going surprisingly well and entrenched in the top eight, expect Jurbo to be eased through the Origin period.

Broncos: 1. Darius Boyd 2. Corey Oates 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Jack Bird 5. Gehamat Shibasaki 6. Anthony Milford 7. Tom Dearden 8. Matthew Lodge 9. Jake Turpin 10. Payne Haas 11. Alex Glenn 12. Matt Gillett 13. Thomas Flegler

Interchange: 14. Patrick Carrigan 15. David Fifita 16. Tevita Pangai Junior 17. Joe Ofahengaue

Reserves: 18. Jamayne Isaako 19. Cory Paix 20. Jaydn Su’A 21. Sean O’Sullivan

Team news: Mass changes. Andrew McCullough (knee) is out for eight weeks, replaced by Jake Turpin at hooker. James Roberts and Jamayne Isaako have been dropped. Jack Bird shifts to right centre to replace Roberts with Kotoni Staggs coming in at left centre. Gehamat Shibasaki replaces Isaako on the wing. Tevita Pangai Jnr has been benched with Thomas Flegler promoted to start at lock.

SuperCoach analysis: Payne Haas is a contender for 17s every week. He has averaged 67 minutes this year. He played 63 minutes in a full strength pack last week. This game time is basically unheard of for a prop, yet alone a 19-year-old prop. Sangster’s Paradise were originally planning to sell before Round 12, but he may yet emerge as a full-season keeper. Tom Dearden is the fourth most popular purchase this week as SuperCoaches look to offload Chanel Harris-Tavita.

Bulldogs vs Knights

Saturday, May 11th, 3:00pm, Suncorp Stadium

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. Dylan Napa 11. Josh Jackson 12. Corey Harawira-Naera 13. Rhyse Martin

Interchange: 14. Fa’amanu Brown 15. Danny Fualalo 16. Adam Elliot 17. Sauaso Sue

Reserves: 19. Kieran Foran 21. Marcelo Montoya 22. Ofahiki Ogden 23. Chris Smith

Team news: Kieran Foran (ankle) is aiming for a comeback after again being selected as a reserve. Sauaso Sue replaces Ofahiki Ogden on the bench.

SuperCoach analysis: Rhyse Martin is somehow owned by just four per cent. He is an absolute must before Round 12, although there is no rush (BE 60). Jayden Okunbor is a hold for Round 12, then sell immediately afterwards. SuperCoach Stats predicts a trade from Okunbor to Esan Marsters in Round 13 will actually MAKE $20,000.

Knights: 1. Kalyn Ponga 2. Edrick Lee 3. Hymel Hunt 4. Sione Mata’utia 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. Kurt Mann 15. Herman Ese’ese 16. James Gavet 17. Josh King

Reserves: 18. Mason Lino 19. Pasami Saulo 20. Jamie Buhrer 21. Jesse Ramien

Team news: No changes.

SuperCoach analysis: The Knights miss Round 12 and are therefore struggling for SuperCoach relevance right now … except for Kalyn Ponga. He has averaged 81 since moving to fullback and is a hold for the entire Origin period.

Warriors vs Dragons

Saturday, May 11th, 5:30pm, Suncorp Stadium

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

Interchange: 14 Jazz Tevaga 15 Bunty Afoa 16 Ligi Sao 17 Karl Lawton

Reserves: 18 Gerard Beale 20 Chris Satae 21Chanel Harris-Tavita 22 Issac Luke

Team news: Recruit Kodi Nikorima will debut for his new club at five-eighth in place of young gun Chanel Harris-Tavita. Issac Luke has been dumped to the extended bench with Nathaniel Roache to start and Karl Lawton coming onto the bench.

Adam Blair (suspension) is out. David Fusitu’a (ribs) is again included in the hope he will return from the injury that has ruled him out of the last two matches. Jazz Tevaga (calf) and Bunty Afoa (leg) are in line to return.

SuperCoach analysis: Chanel Harris-Tavita is understandably the second most sold player after being dropped for recruit Kodi Nikorima. Thomas Dearden is the obvious replacement, although the safe bet is to wait until next week for another sighter at the Brisbane young gun. Patrick Herbert is the most purchased cheapie this week. He ticks almost every box — job security, eye test and price rise potential. However, he misses Round 12 and Hudson Young is therefore a better option.

Dragons: 1. Matt Dufty 2. Jordan Pereira 3. Zac Lomax 4. Tim Lafai 5. Mikaele Ravalawa 6. Jai Field 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. Jonus Pearson 20. Lachlan Timm 21. Josh Kerr

Team news: Corey Norman (fractured cheekbone) is replaced at five-eighth by speedy young gun Jai Field.

SuperCoach analysis: Nothing doing as the Dragons don’t play Round 12. All early-season cheapies from this club must be cashed in immediately, including Mikaele Ravalawa, Blake Lawrie and Jacob Host.

Storm vs Eels

Saturday, May 12th, 7:30pm, Suncorp Stadium

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: Coach Craig Bellamy has backed down on his threat to dump players. Brandon Smith (calf) returns on the bench in place of Patrick Kaufusi, but the squad is otherwise unchanged.

SuperCoach analysis: Cameron Smith has hosed down Origin talk and is therefore a massive target for Round 13 onwards. He is back to somewhere near his SuperCoach best, producing the second highest five-game average of any hooker (68.8).

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: Just one change with Tim Mannah (ankle) returning on the bench in place of Kane Evans.

SuperCoach analysis: Clint Gutherson is rightly the fifth most purchased player. He has scored the third most points, is dual position and covers Round 12. The trade from John Bateman will actually MAKE $10,000, although it could be worth waiting a week as the Eels play the Storm this week. Blake Ferguson is also very popular this week (ninth most purchased). But SuperCoaches clearly aren’t factoring in his possible Origin selection. The safe bet is to hold off until right on Round 12.

Roosters vs Raiders

Sunday, May 12th, 2:00pm, Suncorp Stadium

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. Josh Curran 20. Lachlan Lam, 21. Sam Verrills

Team news: Matt Ikuvalu returns on the wing with Joey Manu moving back to centre, Mitch Aubusson relegated to the bench and Lindsay Collins dropping out. Brett Morris and Ryan Hall (both knee) are at least two weeks away.

SuperCoach analysis: Latrell Mitchell is the sixth most purchased player after his brilliant 161. However, now is not the time to buy. Latrell is already confirmed to miss at least two games over Origin, and with the Roosters flying in top spot, Trent Robinson will likely rest his star outside back over the rep period. While Latrell is probably the most talented player in the game right now, his base stat average of 13 is close to the worst in the competition.

Raiders: 1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 2. Nick Cotric 3. Jarrod Croker (c) 4. Michael Oldfield 5. Jordan Rapana 6. Jack Wighton 7. Sam Williams 8. Josh Papalii 9. Josh Hodgson 10. Dunamis Lui 11. Hudson Young 12. Elliott Whitehead 13. Ryan Sutton

Interchange: 14. Siliva Havili 15. Bailey Simonsson 16. Sia Soliola 17. Corey Horsburgh

Reserves: 18. Aidan Sezer 19. Emre Guler 20. Royce Hunt 21. Jack Murchie

Team news: John Bateman (fractured cheekbone) is out for 6-8 weeks, replaced by SuperCoach cheapie prospect Hudson Young. Jordan Rapana (ribs) returns on the wing, with Bailey Simonsson moving to the bench. Joey Leilua (neck) remains sidelined.

SuperCoach analysis: Jarrod Croker is a huge option for the Round 12 bye. He is owned by just 12 per cent and is therefore an extreme POD given he is the best SuperCoach CTW over the last six years. However, it’s worth holding off until Round 11 as Croker faces the Roosters and Rabbitohs over the next two weeks.

Rabbitohs vs Cowboys

Saturday, May 12th, 4:05pm, Suncorp Stadium

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 following the big with over Brisbane. Braidon Burns (hamstring) has earmarked Round 11.

SuperCoach analysis: Sam Burgess is the seventh most popular buy this week as SuperCoaches prepare for Round 12. However, while his attacking stats are up this year (five tries), Burgess is well over-owned at 52 per cent (second most popular player in the game). Those without Burgess should take a punt on a POD like Rhyse Martin at just four per cent ownership.

Cowboys: 1. Jordan Kahu, 2. Kyle Feldt, 3. Justin O’Neill, 4. Enari Tuala, 5. Ben Hampton, 6. John Asiata, 7. Michael Morgan, 8. Matthew Scott, 9. Jake Granville, 10. Jordan McLean, 11. Gavin Cooper, 12. Coen Hess, 13. Jason Taumalolo

Interchange: 14. Kurt Baptiste, 15. Mitchell Dunn, 16. Scott Bolton, 17. Francis Molo

Reserves: 18. Corey Jensen, 19. Tom Opacic, 20. Shane Wright, 21. Jake Clifford

Team news: Coen Hess earns a promotion to the starting side in place of Josh McGuire (calf) with Mitchell Dunn joining the bench. Kyle Feldt (groin) makes a long-awaited return on the wing with Justin O’Neill switching to centre and Tom Opacic relegated from the 17.

SuperCoach analysis: The Cowboys should be one of the most purchased teams given they cover Round 12. However, their complete lack of form means Jason Taumalolo is the only target. As a measure of his SuperCoach importance, Taumalolo is by far the most purchased player this round despite a predicted price drop of almost $40,000.