NRL SuperCoach 2016: Classic fantasy football ultimate guide

NRL SuperCoach, Australia’s favourite rugby league fantasy game, is back bigger and better than ever with $128,000 in prizes. Here’s a guide to getting started and building a winning team.

3 min read

February 11, 2016 - 4:53PM

NRL SuperCoach is Australia’s favourite rugby league fantasy game.

It’s an internet phenomenon with over $128,000 in prizes to be won — including a major prize of $50,000 ... sensationally increased from $30,000 in season 2015. We also reward 2nd with $5000 and 3rd-10th with $1000 each!

If you are new to SuperCoach, here’s how it works: You’re a real coach, with a salary cap to spend, a team to pick and games to win.

The original and still the best.

Each of your players receives a weekly score based on their real-life, game-day statistics, earning a total score for your team.

Take on your mates for ultimate bragging rights, and also track your progress against all other SuperCoaches in the hunt for huge weekly and major prizes.

For the SuperCoach veterans out there, new features this year include updated designs and functionality, brand new Apple and Android apps for SuperCoach (available mid-Feb), more SuperCoach news coverage than ever before and an extended SuperCoach Gold trial period.

Once registered:

* YOU have a $6.5 million salary cap and 25 players to pick.

* FILL each position, from front row to fullback and everything in between — you’ll need four props, six backrowers, seven centre/wings and two each at hooker, halfback, five-eighth and fullback. Remember to save your team as you go.

SIGN UP FOR DT SUPERCOACH CLASSIC AND COMPETE FOR $128,000 IN PRIZES

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* HERE’S our first tip — forwards are the most consistent SuperCoach players as they perform the most work. Backs have a higher scoring potential due to attacking stats, but lack consistency as they don’t do as much running and tackling.

* IF you’re struggling to pick a side, use the auto select feature and we’ll pick a team for you.

* CHANGE your initial squad as often as you like until round one starts.

* BEFORE each round, choose a starting 13 and four reserves from your squad of 25. Select one of these players as captain; he earns double points, and a vice-captain as back-up.

* DURING the season, you have 40 trades to build your side into a SuperCoach powerhouse. Each week you can make up to two trades, except bye rounds when you get up to four.

* KEEP on top of your team management throughout the week — and while on the go — with our fantastic apps available on Apple and Android (available mid-Feb).

* FOR extra stats, projections and analysis, be sure to take full advantage of your SuperCoach GOLD free trial.

* AND don’t forget to keep up to date with the SuperCoach News page and discuss your moves with other SuperCoaches at our Facebook page.

WHAT ARE ALL THE NRL PLAYER POSITIONS?

Hooker: Amount in full Supercoach squad 2

Number on field: 1

Role: Fields the ball first from play-the-balls and sets up each play. Defends in the middle and therefore makes a heap of tackles. Also known as dummy half.

NRL’s best: Cameron Smith

Prop: Amount in full squad 4

Number on field: 2

Role: These are the big boppers who do the hard tackling and running up the middle.

NRL’s best: Matt Scott

Second row: Amount in full squad 6

Number on field: 3

Role: Like props, second rowers also do plenty of the tough stuff, but stand a bit wider and are therefore used more in attack.

NRL’s best: Paul Gallen

Halfback: Amount in full squad 2

Number on field: 1

Role: The team’s chief playmaker, kicker and generally the star player. Sets up most attacking plays.

NRL’s best: Shaun Johnson

Five-eighth: Amount in full squad 2

Number on field: 1

Role: Also a playmaker, but generally stands one wide of the halfback and therefore has more of a running role.

NRL’s best: Johnathan Thurston

Centre/wing: Amount in full squad 7

Number on field: 4

Role: The speedsters. The finishers. These guys score the most tries and benefit from the good work of those inside them.

NRL’s best: James Roberts

James Roberts in action during the trial game between the Broncos and Cowboys. Picture: Adam Head

Fullback: Amount in full squad 2

Number on field: 1

Role: Stands behind the play in defence to mop up kicks and cover for defensive breaks. A third playmaker and extra runner in attack.

NRL’s best: Roger Tuivasa-Sheck

Roger Tuivasa-Sheck dazzled at the Auckland Nines. Picture: Mark Evans

Who is the most expensive player in the game?

Parramatta winger Semi Radradra. He is so expensive because he was the best player in SuperCoach last year, based on average. Almost all player prices are based on 2015 average, apart from rookies.

SIGN UP FOR SUPERCOACH CLASSIC AND COMPETE FOR $128,000 IN PRIZES

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Who are the cheapest players in the game?

All rookies are added to the game at $113,300. They rise in price as they improve, so it’s important to get in early.

What is the No. 1 tip for playing SuperCoach?

Spend up big on forwards (hooker, prop, second row). They perform the most work (tackles and runs) and are therefore the most consistent SuperCoach players.