UPDATED: SuperCoach expert Trent Copeland reveals his latest team

THE SuperCoach team-churning frenzy is peaking as Team List Tuesday for round one finally approaches but resident expert Trent Copeland is doing his best not to succumb.

• Reigning SuperCoach champion Sam Rohlf reveals his latest team
• SuperCoach NRL: Rob Sutherland reveals his updated team for 2018

THERE has been plenty of off-season moves, positional switches, preseason trials and lots of cheapies seemingly bow out of contention …

One thing that hasn’t changed much however, is the Crusaders SuperCoach — presented by hipages — team (see here for Crusaders 1.0). I’m backing in my initial gut feels on the most part with the theory being much like the NFL/NBA preseason — I use the old-fashioned eyeball test for judgment on how players are looking as opposed to minutes or stats that are put up. It’s just too hard to be 100 per cent sure of anything!

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There is almost $100k in the kitty to deal with the inevitable Team List Tuesday dilemmas, but this is close to ready, can we just fast forward to next Thursday night already!?

NRL SuperCoach expert Trent Copeland’s team for 2018.

HOOKER

Cameron Smith HOK (MEL | $667,400) — 2017 avg: 75.2PPG

I’m not even going to waste your time with an explanation, he’s the GOAT so just do it.

*Siliva Havili HOK (CBR | $177,600) — 2017 avg: N/A

The note here is that basically this spot is reserved for whoever fills the Josh Hodgson-sized gap in the No.9 jersey for the Raiders to start the season, which currently looks like it will be Siliva Havili. I don’t anticipate more than 50 minutes and around 40 points per week, but I’m OK with that.

FRONT ROW

Sam Burgess FRF | 2RF (CRO | $472,600) — 2017 avg: 64.5PPG

Had a “down” year in 2017 due to injury, but word out of Siebold’s camp is that Cameron Murray will start at lock (if his injury has healed in time), with Burgess going back to playing 80 minutes on an edge — that would be SuperCoach GOLD with the big Englishman averaging 89.3PPG to finish first for overall points back in 2014 in that role. Looked good in both trials thus far, so I’m in.

Leilani Latu FRF (GCT | $270,500) — 2017 avg: 30.5PPG

Here’s where I’ve started to take a couple of mid-priced punts. Jarrod Wallace was basically this exact spot last season, for the same price, for the same reason — an expanded role for a player with a great PPM. Latu has impressed in both trials scoring upwards of 50 (estimation) in good minutes, if you’re going cut-price in the forwards Latu is a lock.

Matt Lodge FRF (BRO | $208,900) — 2017 avg: N/A

It’s well-documented that the off-field circumstances are far from ideal in previous years but Lodge, much like Manu Ma’u and Russell Packer etc before him, has done his time and is training the house down for the Broncos. If you haven’t watched the trials, Lodge is DOMINATING in the Adam Blair role, particularly against the PNG Hunters this past weekend with 15 runs for 149m, four tackle breaks, 21 tackles and approximately 60 SC points. Throw away the key.

Braden Uele FRF (SHA | $177,300) — 2017 avg: 17PPG

Uele has one first grade game to his name, where he scored 17 points in 20 minutes of action — but it is his skill set that intrigues me most. The Sharks have lost numerous big men from their 2017 pack, and Uele is primed to do the heavy lifting off the bench as evidenced by his 12 runs for 107m and 24 tackles in last weekend’s trial. A PPM weapon in the making, look for lots of tackle busts, offloads and H8’s, but minutes are the big worry behind the likes of Fifita, Gallen, Prior et al.

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BACK ROW

Paul Gallen 2RF (CRO | $674,900) — 2017 avg: 76PPG

You get what you pay for here. The evergreen Gallen played 24 matches in 2017, averaging 76PPG at a crazy good 1.2PPM to finish as the No.1 overall pointscorer. Gone are the days of endless “safe” captain choices in the Parker, Fensom, SBW mould, so Gal is locked in to my team knowing (bar injury) he will never let you down.

Jake Trbojevic 2RF (MNL | $651,000) — 2017 avg: 73.3PPG

If you weren’t aware, the Trbojevic brothers finished second and third for overall points last season. Incredible, really, when you consider their age. What I love about Jake is the career trajectory, upside for tries and try assists (particularly that wicked inside ball to his brother), and still plenty of room to grow to an every week 80-minute player as he finished last season. Had a hand in numerous tries against the Roosters in last weekend’s trial as well as playing 70 minutes. That’s enough for me.

Nathan Brown 2RF (PAR | $573,000) — 2017 avg: 64.6PPG

Here’s my first major change, downgrading Taumololo from this slot to Nathan Brown — not for any other reason than I think Brown is Gallen 2.0, and underpriced due to numerous games with reduced minutes at the start of last season and a concussion-affected score. Has just re-signed on a massive three-year deal to stay at the Eels. In 18 matches last season where Brown played just 60 minutes or more he averaged 72.2PPG. Gun! If we hear before round one that Brown will NOT be playing 70+ minutes I will switch back to Lolo in a heartbeat.

Nathan Brown is poised to shoulder the load for the Eels again. Picture: Getty Images

Bryce Cartwright 2RF | 5/8 (PTH | $260,300) 2017 avg: 29.3PPG

Carty has undeniable upside, as evidenced by the 74.4PPG average over 24 matches in 2016. He copped plenty in the media for a poor outing in trial one for the Titans, but the second trial he played 70 minutes, with 17 runs, 26 tackles and between 55-60 SC points. At $260k there is ZERO downside and worst-case scenario you trade him to a better-performing cheapie. But you can’t find this upside in the sub $300k price bracket anywhere else.

Viliame Kikau FRF | 2RF (PTH| $192,800) — 2017 avg: 21.6PPG

I’m calling a Kaufusi-like serious breakout on the back of a monster World Cup for Fiji that simply cannot be ignored. Disregard previous season averages and watch this guy play. Having started on the left edge in the trials he is going to pump out big base stats, and is surrounded by James Maloney, Josh Mansour, Tyrone Peachey and Dylan Edwards in attack. Fingers crossed he is named to start round one.

Luciano Leilua 2RF (STG | $177,300) — 2017 avg: N/A

All reports out of Dragons camp suggest the edge backrower and younger brother of BJ is the next big thing, literally huge, standing 186cm and 116kg. The extension of his contract, the departure of Joel Thompson, the size and footwork combination … it all points to “Cheapie Alert!”. Made some bad errors and looked tired in the Charity Shield but still firmly in the frame.

HALFBACK

Johnathan Thurston HFB (NQC | $536,300) — 2017 avg: 67.1PPG

Stop being cute about it. JT is the best SuperCoach playmaker ever, and is available at a $100k discount due to injury. All those people who said “No way” after a rusty first trial were made to eat their words after a 100+ SuperCoach point outing against the Storm in torrential rain without the goal kicking duties on the night (not concerned about that one bit!). Don’t eat your words come season proper.

Lachlan Croker HFB | 5/8 (MNL | $164,600) — 2017 avg: N/A

Croker has been endorsed as the owner of the No.6 jersey come round one alongside Daly Cherry-Evans in the halves for the Sea Eagles. And despite some indifferent form in the trials he will be able to fall over when running on to the field, lay there all game and still earn money from basement price. If he’s named round one it’s simple, you have to own him. Handy dual position too …

Just don’t call Warriors half Shaun Johnson a rollercoaster. Picture: Getty Images

FIVE-EIGHTH

Shaun Johnson HFB | 5/8 (NZL | $641,000) — 2017 avg: 72.2PPG

Johnson’s ownership percentage has dropped significantly in recent weeks, with many predicting a tough start to the year schedule-wise. Well, I’m bucking against that trend on the back of numbers that don’t lie. Over the past three seasons SJ has played 60 matches for 4236 points at an average of 70.6PPG to sit in the top 10 of ALL players. Rollercoaster no more. Also, a very handy dual position link with Croker if anything were to happen to JT for a week.

Connor Watson 5/8 | FLB (NEW | $286,700) — 2017 avg: 32.3PPG

Watson was the player of the tournament at the Auckland Nines last year in a winning side, killed it in pre-season, but just couldn’t crack a regular place in Trent Robinson’s Roosters side. So, off he pops up the M1 to the Newcastle Knights to get regular game time in the halves. Locked into the No.6 jersey alongside a man he has years of practice alongside in Mitch Pearce.

CENTRE/WING

Jordan Rapana CTW (CBR | $630,900) — 2017 avg: 71.1PPG

Yep, he’s expensive, but surely you know why? The upside of 170 points, SIX 100+ scores and base stats like few others in the CTW category. More tons than any other player in SuperCoach in fact. Honestly, you pay up for Paul Gallen and Cameron Smith, so pay up for the best CTW in SuperCoach.

Peta Hiku CTW | FLB (NZL | $279,100) — 2017 avg: N/A

Here’s where it starts. The reason I’m able to load other areas with guns is the straight-up risks I’m willing to take in the CTW. Hiku has looked great in both of the Warriors’ trials to date and is locked into the centres for round one in a team with plenty of points in it.

Sione Katoa CTW (CRO | $164,600) — 2017 avg: N/A

Katoa is simply on fire right now. The “fastest player to set foot in the Shire” has blown everyone away in the pre-season and having scored tries in both trials is locked in to the wing for the Sharks. Katoa topped the NYC tryscoring list last season and is a tackle-busting machine. I’m 100 per cent comfortable with him in my starting 17. Go you good thing!

Taane Milne CTW | 2RF (WST | $192,800) — 2017 avg: 18.3PPG

So, about that starting centre spot Ivan Cleary … I’m leaving Milne here in the HOPE that Cleary wakes up to how good this guy can be. Played both trials from the bench and that is not a good sign. If he is not named I will upgrade to a more solidified source of points with the bit of extra cash in the kitty. Fingers and toes are crossed.

Jamayne Isaako CTW (BRO | $192,800) — 2017 avg: 27PPG

A wing spot is open at the Broncos following the mooted switch of Corey Oates to the back row, though we still need to wait to confirm that will happen of course. Isaako has played very well in the trials but has been playing at fullback in the absence of Darius Boyd — paving the way for Jonas Pearson ($252k) to play well on the left wing in what looms as a two-way race for one spot. If Isaako gets the start I think he skyrockets in price on the edge outside Milford.

Adam Doueihi CTW (STH | $177,300) — 2017 avg: N/A

Zac Lomax CTW (STG | $164,600) — 2017 avg: N/A

These two talented youngsters round out my “place-holding” rookie slots, and certainly seem in the mix to get a gig in their respective sides after impressing in the trials, albeit possibly not in round one. The cash is there to make these guys into a Richie Kennar type if need be.

James Tedesco scores a try during the pre-season clash with Manly. Picture: AAP

FULLBACK

James Tedesco FLB (SYD | $599,700) — 2017 avg: 67.6PPG

Just being able to write Tedesco and Roosters in the same sentence excites me no end, and if things fall his way more than the million (slight exaggeration) disallowed tries he had last season Teddy could be the No.1 overall pointscorer in 2018. Yes, he’s THAT good. I’m calling 80+PPG.

Tom Trbojevic FLB (MNL | $677,300) — 2017 avg: 76.3PPG

Tommy Turbo ranked third for overall points in 2017, and that was his first full season playing at fullback. Not bad, eh? The sky is the limit for this absolute star of our game and, if his finish to last season is anything to go by, he could break records this season. From round 17 onwards Turbo produced scores of 98, 69, 131, 68, 41, 134, 46, 80, 81 and 130 for an average of 87.8PPG. The most expensive player in the game for good reason.

MORE SUPERCOACH:

Full SuperCoach news section / Cheapie Bible 2018 / Tom Sangster’s team / Copes’ team/ Reigning champ’s team / Wilfred Zee’s team / Top 10 PODs / SuperCoach strategy 101 / Most popular SuperCoach players / Must-haves for 2018 / Pre-season casualty ward / Eels fans are biggest SuperCoach addicts / Former champ’s top 10 mid-rangers / Champion’s Choice: Alex Twal / CTW: Risk vs. reward / HOK: Smith or not? / Your club’s biggest selection issue / SuperCoach study guide: Broncos / Bulldogs / Cowboys / Eels / Knights / Panthers / Roosters / Rabbitohs / Raiders / Sharks / Sea Eagles / Storm / Tigers / Titans / Warriors