NRL SuperCoach 2016: Sydney Roosters offer host of guns and two of best cheapies in comp
THEY’VE lost three guns in Michael Jennings, James Maloney and Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, but the Roosters still offer two of the best cheapies in the comp and a host of keepers.
WITHOUT doubt the best team in the comp. Well, in my eyes anyway!
All bias aside, it is hard to ignore the talent and experience that has walked out of the Eastern Suburbs changing rooms this year - Michael Jennings, James Maloney and Roger Tuivasa-Sheck to name a few.
But it’s also hard not to get excited about one of the game’s real young guns - Latrell Mitchell. The Taree junior has drawn comparisons to Greg Inglis and should he land a fullback or wing spot to start the season, we will have found ourselves a SuperCoach superstar. Jackson Hastings creates an exciting new halves combination and Dale Copley will have big shoes to fill.
PLAYER MOVEMENT
Ins: Pakisonasi Afu, Joe Burgess (Wigan), Dale Copley (Broncos), Mitchell Frei, Ian Henderson (Catalan Dragons), Ryan Matterson (Eels), Jayden Nikorima (Broncos)
Outs: Michael Jennings (Eels), Nene Macdonald (Titans), James Maloney (Sharks), Suaia Matagi (Panthers), Matt McIlwrick (Sharks), Willis Meehan (released), Taane Milne (Dragons), Lagi Setu (rugby union), Nathan Stapleton (London Broncos), Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (Warriors)
PREDICTED BEST 17
Blake Ferguson, Daniel Tupou, Dale Copley, Shaun Kenny-Dowall, Joe Burgess, Jackson Hastings, Mitchell Pearce (c), Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, Jake Friend (c), Dylan Napa, Boyd Cordner, Aidan Guerra, Isaac Liu. Interchange: Mitchell Aubusson, Kane Evans, Sam Moa, Sio Siua Taukeiaho
The exit of star fullback Roger Tuivasa-Sheck causes a backline re-shuffle. Blake Ferguson is being groomed to wear the No. 1, with Shaun Kenny-Dowall to move in one spot to centre. That leaves a wing spot open, with English recruit Joe Burgess the frontrunner, although Holden Cup Team of the Year member Latrell Mitchell will provide stiff competition. The departed Michael Jennings is replaced by recruit Dale Copley at centre in a straight swap. Young gun Jackson Hastings replaces James Maloney at five-eighth. The Roosters are resigned to being without Jared Waerea-Hargreaves (ACL) for round one.
GUNS
Boyd Cordner (2RF) $358,100
Cordner averaged a healthy 56.64 points at a PPM of 0.75 in 2015 whilst being a regular member of the NSW Origin side for the first time - no doubt affecting scoring consistency around the middle of the season. One of the brightest young edge back rowers in the game, it will be interesting to see his scoring potential without Maloney and Jennings either side of him, but you could do a lot worse than lock big Boyd into your second row, especially considering the reduced interchange.
Blake Ferguson (CTW|FLB) $314,200
The shift from centre to fullback could be the difference between mid-range POD and premium gun status. Ferguson averaged 49.69 last season at 0.64 PPM - an average which is well below his potential this year. Could be one of the leading try scorers in the comp (I hope!)
CHEAPIES
Jackson Hastings (HFB|5/8) $133,300
If he’s not the first player into your team… Well, you’re playing the wrong game! This kid is a star of the future and it speaks volumes to his potential that the Roosters were willing to let James Maloney go. Will be a key player in a successful side at rookie price. LOCK. HIM. IN.
Latrell Mitchell (CTW|FLB) $113,800
If this superstar doesn’t start the season, he won’t be far away. SuperCoach ambassador Anthony Minichiello raves about him and it will be a battle between he and new recruit Joe Burgess for the last wing spot. Put him atop your watchlist, and watch him go nuts and the hype train go berserk during the Auckland Nines! Aside from Mitchell, Omar Slaimankhel, who was a mid-season recruit last year, provides another option at fullback or wing and is a seriously good tackle buster.
HOLDEN CUP ANALYSIS
Grant Garvey was the NSW Under-20s Origin hooker and shows promise should anything ever happen to Jake Friend or Jayden Nikorima.
VALUE
Dale Copley (CTW) $178,500
Any starting centre in a good side who starts under $200,000 is worth looking at. The best thing about cheap CTWs is that it only takes a few good games in a row finding the try line and they increase in price in no time.
NO GO ZONE
Mitchell Pearce (HFB) $332,300
The NSW Origin halfback had a cracking season last year, averaging 52.55 at 0.68 PPM, which is rock solid. To be honest the three years previous have been just as good: 55.86, 54.35 and 56.70 respectively but if you ask me, solid isn’t what you want with a halfback - we want upside.
Supercharge your NRL Supercoach team! Unlock more news, stats and analysis with a free upgrade to SuperCoach Gold included as part of a digital subscription. Subscribe today or call 1800 287 087
Join the conversation
$50K richer: SuperCoach champ’s first expense is shouting Kyle Flanagan
SuperCoach winner Blake Gentle is a groomsman at the wedding of Dragons five-eighth Kyle Flanagan and he knows exactly how he’ll have to spend the first part of his $50,000 winnings.
Read more
‘We’ve got to deliver’: No excuses as Sharks ready for finals charge
Craig Fitzgibbon knows few are giving his Sharks much hope in a week one NRL finals match-up with Melbourne, but the Cronulla coach is relishing the opportunity.
Read more