KFC SuperCoach NRL 2021: Teams analysis for Round 16

As if there wasn’t enough happening in KFC SuperCoach with Covid scares, isolation, rule changes and Super Trade Week.

Tom Sangster runs his rule over the Round 16 NRL teams.

WINNERS

* Tom Trbojevic - Named to back up for the Sea Eagles and the third most purchased player this week. Best average of any player by a massive 13 points.

* Cameron Munster - Escaped charge for yet another knees-first tackle in Origin and therefore named for the Storm, although the four-day turnaround could be a challenge.

* Angus Crichton, James Tedesco, David Fifita - More key KFC SuperCoach players named to back up. However, Tedesco appears the most doubtful due to a tight four-day turnaround and ongoing hip issue. Tedesco is therefore the eighth most sold player.

* Sam Walker - Named to return from a shoulder injury for the Roosters. Still owned by almost 30 per cent and covers the Round 17 bye. 

* Tohu Harris - By far the most purchased player this week and for good reason. Simply a MUST before Round 17 and keeper for the rest of the season. Tohu may well be the safest player in KFC SuperCoach this year, notching an NRL best 60 points per game in pure base, while his handy attack on the opposition try line has contributed three tries and three try assists. 

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LOSERS

* Nathan Cleary - Some reports suggest he’s out for two weeks. Others say he could be sent for surgery and miss the season. If out for two games, he’s a hold. But much more time on the sideline and KFC SuperCoaches should consider selling. We should have a final prognosis on Wednesday.  

Nathan Cleary is facing a stint on the sideline (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

* Matt Timoko - Previously the most popular cheapie in KFC SuperCoach this week, Timoko has been dropped by the Raiders for the returning Jarrod Croker. Reverse trades now.

* Greg Marzhew - The extremely popular cheapie is out due to an elbow injury, but was probably going to be dropped anyway with Corey Thompson (ankle) back.

* Josh Curran - Shocking luck. Forced into 14-day isolation due to a Covid mishap (no fault of his own) and therefore set to miss the next two weeks. Horror news for those who held for the final bye.

* Reece Walsh - Boom youngster misses out for the Warriors due to the hamstring injury that kept him out of Origin.

* Tevita Pangai Jnr - Suspended for three weeks and therefore the most sold player. 

ROOSTERS V STORM

Thursday 1 July, McDonald Jones Stadium, 7.50pm

Roosters: 1. James Tedesco, 2. Daniel Tupou, 3. Josh Morris, 4. Joey Manu, 5. Matt Ikuvalu, 6. Lachlan Lam, 7. Sam Walker, 8. Jared Waerea-Hargreave, 9. Sam Verrills, 10. Siosiua Taukeiaho, 11. Angus Crichton, 12. Sitili Tupouniua, 13. Isaac Liu

Bench: 14. Adam Keighran, 15. Egan Butcher, 16. Daniel Suluka-Fifita, 17. Fletcher Baker

Reserves: 18. Drew Hutchinson, 19. Ben Thomas, 20. Freddy Lussick, 21. Joseph Suaalii

Team news: James Tedesco and Angus Crichton have both been named to back up from Origin 2. Sam Walker (shoulder) returns at halfback, pushing Lachlan Lam to five-eighth, Joey Manu back to centre and Joseph Suaalii out of the team.

KFC SUPERCOACH ANALYSIS: Daniel Tupou has been an elite KFC SuperCoach CTW for a while now, averaging 63 and 71 in the past two seasons. Tupou has made the third most runs of any NRL player this year and therefore always produces a strong base, while tries are basically a given for a winger at the Roosters. The BE of 110 is somewhat scary, but it’s still hard to fathom how he’s owned by just five per cent. Sio Siua Taukeiaho is very cheap at under $400,000. His ribs should be nicely rested after the bye and you get the impression his minutes are about to explode. See Angus Crichton, Sam Walker and James Tedesco analysis above.

Storm: 1. Nicho Hynes, 2. George Jennings, 3. Reimis Smith, 4. Justin Olam, 5. Josh Addo-Carr, 6. Cameron Munster, 7. Jahrome Hughes, 8. Jesse Bromwich, 9. Brandon Smith, 10. Christian Welch, 11. Felise Kaufusi, 12. Kenny Bromwich 13. Dale Finucane

Bench: 14. Aaron Booth, 15. Tui Kamikamica 16. Chris Lewis, 17. Aaron Pene

Reserves: 18. Cooper Johns, 19. Jordan Grant, 20. Dean Ieremia, 21. Trent Loiero, 22. Marion Seve, 23. Tepai Moeroa

Team news: Origin players Josh Addo-Carr, Cameron Munster, Christian Welch and Felise Kaufusi have been named to back up. Jesse Bromwich (elbow) and Kenny Bromwich (ribs) return but Nelson Asofa-Solomona (suspension) and Harry Grant (hamstring) are unavailable.

KFC SUPERCOACH ANALYSIS: With a BE of 136 and no Round 17 coverage, Nicho Hynes is the second most sold player. Yes, cashing in that $460,000 in rises is tempting, but money is far less important this season given the massive price rises across the board under the new rules. With Ryan Papenhuyzen not back until Round 18-20, Sangster’s Paradise will be taking Hynes’ huge points as long as possible. See Cameron Munster analysis above.  

WARRIORS V DRAGONS

Friday 2 July, Central Coast Stadium, 6:00pm

Warriors: 1. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, 3. Adam Pompey, 4. Marcelo Montoya, 5. Edward Kosi, 6. Kodi Nikorima, 7. Chad Townsend, 8. Addin Fonua-Blake, 9. Wayde Egan, 10. Kane Evans, 11. Eliesa Katoa, 12. Ben Murdoch-Masila, 13. Tohu Harris

Bench: 14. Jazz Tevaga, 15. Leeson Ah Mau, 16. Bunty Afoa, 17. Bailey Sironen

Reserves: 18. Rocco Berry, 20. Jack Murchie, 21. Taniela Otukolo, 23. Sean O’Sullivan

Team news: Reece Walsh (hamstring) remains sidelined following his late withdrawal from Origin with Roger Tuivasa-Sheck switching to fullback. Mid-season recruits Dallin Watene-Zelezniak (wing) and Chad Townsend (halfback) have been rushed straight into the side. Euan Aitken and Josh Curran are both out due to inadvertent Covid mishaps. Marcelo Montoya moves from wing to centre to replace Aitken and Edward Kosi is the new winger. Eliesa Katoa comes into the starting side to fill the void left by Curran. Jazz Tevaga reverts to the bench to allow for the return of Wayde Egan (concussion).

KFC SUPERCOACH ANALYSIS: The Warriors are a very popular side given they cover the final bye. Addin Fonua-Blake is the ninth most purchased player following two solid showings on return from injury. However, the key word there is “solid” — an average of 45 points in 53 minutes is hardly screaming out even at the mid-range price. See Tohu Harris, Reece Walsh and Josh Curran analysis above — if you don’t own Tohu by the end of this week you’re doing it wrong.

Dragons: 1. Matthew Dufty, 2. Cody Ramsey, 3. Brayden Williame, 4. Jack Bird, 5. Gerard Beale, 6. Corey Norman, 7. Ben Hunt, 8. Blake Lawrie, 9. Andrew McCullough, 10. Paul Vaughan, 11. Josh Kerr, 12. Tariq Sims, 13. Jack de Belin

Bench: 14. Josh McGuire, 15. Billy Burns, 16. Daniel Alvaro, 17. Tyrell Fuimaono

Reserves: 18. Adam Clune, 19. Jackson Ford, 20. Kaide Ellis, 21. Jordan Pereira

Team news: Tariq Sims, Ben Hunt and Andrew McCullough have been named to back up from Origin, while the Dragons also have some serious cattle back in Josh McGuire, Tyrell Fuimaono (both suspension) and Matt Dufty (shoulder). Mikaele Ravalawa (suspension) is replaced on the wing by Gerard Beale with Jack Bird pushing to Beale’s centre spot.

KFC SUPERCOACH ANALYSIS: Basically nothing doing at the Dragons because they don’t cover the bye. That said, Ben Hunt could be a nice POD after Origin, averaging 68, dual position and only owned by 6.5 per cent.

PANTHERS V EELS

Friday 2 July, BlueBet Stadium, 7:55pm

Panthers: 1. Charlie Staines, 2. Brent Naden, 3. Stephen Crichton, 4. Tyrone May, 5. Brian To’o, 6. Jarome Luai, 7. Nathan Cleary, 8. Moses Leota, 9. Apisai Koroisau, 10. James Fisher-Harris, 11. Viliame Kikau, 12. Kurt Capewell, 13. Isaah Yeo

Bench: 14. Mitch Kenny, 15. Scott Sorensen, 16. Spencer Leniu, 17. Liam Martin

Reserves: 18. Izack Tago, 19. Jaeman Salmon, 20. Matthew Eisenhuth, 21. Taylan May

Team news: Nathan Cleary (shoulder) is out due to an injury sustained in Origin. Jarome Luai switches from five-eighth to halfback, Matt Burton moves in from centre to five-eighth and Tyrone May comes in at centre. Brian To’o, Isaah Yeo, Kurt Capewell and Luai have all been named to back up from Origin. Dylan Edwards (injury) is replaced at fullback by Charlie Staines with Brent Naden coming onto the wing. Viliame Kikau (hamstring) returns in the back row.

KFC SUPERCOACH ANALYSIS: Obviously we are all awaiting the Cleary news egarley as it will define this week and the rest of the season. Cleary’s injury is Matt Burton’s gain and he’s a definite hold after scoring a starting halves position. Plenty of KFC SuperCoaches have their fingers and toes crossed that the likes of Brian To’o, Jarome Luai and Kurt Capewell back up.

Eels: 1. Clint Gutherson, 2. Maika Sivo, 3. Tom Opacic, 4. Waqa Blake, 5. Haze Dunster, 6. Dylan Brown, 7. Mitchell Moses, 8. Reagan Campbell-Gillard, 9. Joey Lussick, 10. Junior Paulo, 11. Isaiah Papali’i, 12. Ryan Matterson, 13. Nathan Brown

Bench: 14. Marata Niukore, 15. Shaun Lane, 16. Oregon Kaufusi, 17. Bryce Cartwright

Reserves: 18. Will Penisini, 19. Will Smith, 20. Sean Russell, 21. Jake Arthur

Team news: Maika Sivo (suspension), Oregon Kaufusi and Bryce Cartwright return. Sivo replaces debutant Sean Russell on the wing. Nathaniel Roache (knee) and Keegan Hipgrave make way for Kaufusi and Cartwright on the bench.

KFC SUPERCOACH ANALYSIS: Isaiah Papali’i is the sixth most purchased player after dropping to his cheapest price in a verrry long time. Going on form, he’s all but certain to finish in the top few at 2RF and FRF and he’s therefore a great purchase for head-to-head players, but not overall players as he doesn’t cover the bye. Ryan Matterson has played his last game for Sangster’s Paradise. He has only averaged 63 minutes and 55.8 points since returning from injury and misses the bye.

BULLDOGS V SEA EAGLES

Saturday 3 July, Bankwest Stadium, 3:00pm

Bulldogs: 1. Nick Meaney, 2. Corey Allan, 3. Will Hopoate, 4. Falakiko Manu, 5. Tui Katoa, 6. Kyle Flanagan, 7. Jake Averillo, 8. Jack Hetherington, 9. Jeremy Marshall-King, 10. Luke Thompson, 11. Jackson Topine, 12. Matt Doorey, 13. Josh Jackson

Bench: 14. Bailey Biondi-Oro, 15. Joe Stimson, 16. Ava Seumanufaga, 17. Chris Patolo

Reserves: 19. Lachlan Lewis, 20. Ofahiki Ogden, 21. Renouf Atoni 22. Watson Heleta

Team news: Canterbury coach Trent Barrett has turned to three NRL debutants as the Bulldogs scramble to replace a host of players ruled out due to biosecurity violations. It comes as dumped playmaker Kyle Flanagan returns to the side at five-eighth. Centre Falakiko Manu, interchange half Bailey Biondi-Odo and utility forward Christopher Patolo will all make their maiden NRL starts against the Sea Eagles with former Queensland Origin player Corey Allan also returning on the wing. Dylan Napa, Brandon Wakeham, Corey Waddell, Aaron Schoupp and Sione Katoa have all been ruled out after they breached the NRL’s COVID-19 protocols.

KFC SUPERCOACH ANALYSIS: Luke Thompson missed the first month through suspension but has hit the ground running since then. His base of 56 is as good as it gets for an FRF available player, while dual position flexibility is crucial. He lacks the upside of many, but I’m still shocked he’s just the 35th most popular purchase this week. In a week lacking cheapies, debutant centre Falakiko Manu could become the perfect candidate to play two weeks, including the bye, and then nuff out.

Sea Eagles: 1. Tom Trbojevic, 2. Jason Saab, 3. Brad Parker, 4. Morgan Harper, 5. Reuben Garrick, 6. Kieran Foran, 7. Daly Cherry-Evans, 8. Taniela Paseka, 9. Lachlan Croker, 10. Martin Taupau, 11. Haumole Olakau’atu, 12. Karl Lawton, 13. Sean Keppie

Bench: 14. Dylan Walker, 15. Ben Trbojevic, 16. Kurt De Luis 17. Toaofoa Sipley

Reserves: 18. Moses Suli 19. Cade Cust, 20. Tevita Funa, 21. Kurt De Luis

Team news: No changes. Tom Trbojevic and Daly Cherry-Evans have been named to back up from Origin but Jake Trbojevic (hip) remains out.

KFC SUPERCOACH ANALYSIS: Reuben Garrick is the second most purchased player but I just don’t see it. Yes, the five round average of 107.2 is simply insane. But a lot of that is from goalkicking and he costs a massive $728,000. Martin Taupau has the second best five round average of any FRF taking the field this week and is a serious option to cover the bye, before becoming a borderline top 17 player for the rest of the year. See Tom Trbojevic analysis above. He is a moral for captain against the Bulldogs this week and a serious purchase even though he almost certainly misses 17 (Origin) and 18 (backing up on tight turnaround).

RAIDERS V TITANS

Saturday 3 July, GIO Stadium, 5:30pm

Raiders: 1. Bailey Simonsson, 2. Semi Valemei, 3. Jarrod Croker, 4. Sebastian Kris, 5. Jordan Rapana, 6. Jack Wighton, 7. Sam Williams, 8. Josh Papalii, 9. Josh Hodgson, 10. Dunamis Lui, 11. Corey Harawira-Naera, 12. Elliott Whitehead. 13. Ryan Sutton

Bench: 14. Tom Starling, 15. Emre Guler, 16, Iosia Soliola, 17. Joseph Tapine

Reserves: 18. Matthew Timoko, 19. Hudson Young, 20. Matt Frawley, 21. Ryan James

Team news: Raiders captain Jarrod Croker will play his first game in more than two months against the Gold Coast at GIO Stadium. Croker will make his comeback from a knee injury in the centres and will also resume goal kicking duties. Croker hasn’t played since round seven with his return pushing rookie outside back Matt Timoko back to the reserves. Josh Papalii and Jack Wighton have been named to back up from Origin.

KFC SUPERCOACH ANALYSIS: Bailey Simonsson has averaged 77.5 since switching to fullback and proved a brilliant hold for those who stuck strong for Round 17 coverage. Corey Harawira-Naera definitely has appeal after averaging 73 in the last five games. But he doesn’t come without risk due to up-and-down minutes and Ricky Stuart’s penchant for pulling selection surprises out of nowhere. See Matt Timoko analysis above.

Titans: 1. Alex Brimson, 2. Phillip Sami, 3. Brian Kelly, 4. Patrick Herbert, 5. Corey Thompson, 6. Ash Taylor, 7. Jamal Fogarty, 8. Jarrod Wallace, 9. Erin Clark, 10. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, 11. Kevin Proctor, 12. David Fifita, 13. Tyrone Peachey

Bench: 14. Beau Fermor, 15. Sam Lisone, 16. Moeaki Fotuaika, 17. Jaimin Jolliffe

Reserves: 18. Sam Stone, 19. Sam McIntyre, 20. Mitch Rein, 21. Jayden Campbell

Team news: Some massive inclusions. David Fifita, Tino Fa’asuamaleaui and Moeaki Fotuaika have been named to back up while AJ Brimson (knee), Corey Thompson (ankle), Kevin Proctor (suspension), Beau Fermor (hamstring) and Sam Lisone (pectoral) all return. Unfortunately for many KFC SuperCoaches, top cheapie Greg Marzhew (elbow) is out.

KFC SUPERCOACH ANALYSIS: All eyes are on whether David Fifita backs up. From a personal perspective, I hope he plays off the bench like he did after the first Origin game, therefore dropping to an affordable price for Round 18-19. He has a massive BE of 132. See Greg Marzhew analysis above.

KNIGHTS V COWBOYS

Saturday 3 July, McDonald Jones Stadium, 7:35pm

Knights: 1. Kalyn Ponga, 2. Dominic Young, 3. Kurt Mann, 4. Enari Tuala, 5. Hymel Hunt, 6. Jake Clifford, 7. Mitchell Pearce, 8. Jacob Saifiti, 9. Jayden Brailey, 10. Daniel Saifiti, 11. Mitchell Barnett, 12. Lachlan Fitzgibbon, 13. Sauaso Sue

Bench: 14. Connor Watson, 15. David Klemmer, 16. Josh King, 17. Brodie Jones

Reserves: 18. Jack Johns, 19. Phoenix Crossland, 20. Simi Sasagi, 21. Jirah Momoisea

Team news: Kalyn Ponga (groin) is a big inclusion at fullback after a long lay-off, while Daniel Saifiti has been named to back up from Origin.

KFC SUPERCOACH ANALYSIS: Kalyn Ponga is a huge inclusion for the Knights and a POD to watch over the closing rounds at 1.3 per cent ownership. Jayden Brailey and Connor Watson are both high on the most sold list. But realistically, there are no good replacements at hooker so I’ll be holding and upgrading to Harry Grant, Damien Cook or Ben Hunt after Origin. That said, those who have Watson in the halves have plenty of great trade options including Cody Walker and Shaun Johnson.

Cowboys: 1. Valentine Holmes, 2. Kyle Feldt, 3. Javid Bowen, 4. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, 5. Murray Taulagi, 6. Scott Drinkwater, 7. Tom Dearden, 8. Coen Hess, 9. Reece Robson, 10. Jordan McLean, 11. Shane Wright, 12. Mitchell Dunn, 13. Jason Taumalolo

Bench: 14. Jake Granville, 15. Tom Gilbert, 16. Lachlan Burr, 17. Francis Molo

Reserves: 18. Peter Hola, 19. Daejarn Asi, 20. Connelly Lemuelu, 21. Heilum Luki

Team news: Unchanged 17 with Val Holmes, Kyle Feldt and Francis Molo named to back up.

KFC SUPERCOACH ANALYSIS: Jason Taumalolo isn’t as bad a buy as he seems. Yes, he’s stunk it up this year, but the complete lack of cheapies this week means KFC SuperCoaches may need to settle for some mid-rangers instead of guns. The $475,000 price tag is outrageously low for a player of his former KFC SuperCoach capabilities, but the key word there is “former”. With a BE of 81, we can take another look. Valentine Holmes a great option at CTW after the byes.

BRONCOS V SHARKS

Sunday 4 July, Suncorp Stadium, 2:00pm

Broncos: 1. Tesi Niu, 2. Jamayne Isaako, 3. Herbie Farnworth, 4. Kotoni Staggs, 5. Xavier Coates, 6. Tyson Gamble, 7. Brodie Croft, 8. Matthew Lodge, 9. Jake Turpin, 10. Payne Haas, 11. Alex Glenn, 12. TC Robati, 13. Thomas Flegler

Bench: 14. Cory Paix, 15. Kobe Hetherington, 16. Keenan Palasia, 17. Jesse Arthars

Reserves: 18. Jordan Riki, 19. Rhys Kennedy, 20. David Mead, 21. Anthony Milford

Team news: Kotoni Staggs (ACL/hamstring) makes a long-awaited return at centre, pushing Jesse Arthars to the bench. Coach Kevin Walters has made a big call in the halves with Brodie Croft (knee) coming in at halfback, Tyson Gamble switching to five-eighth and Karmichael Hunt axed. Tevita Pangai Jnr (suspension) is out for three games and replaced in the back row by TC Robati.

KFC SUPERCOACH ANALYSIS: He’s had some rocky weeks but Tyson Gamble has managed to eek out $100,000. He’s a popular cash-out this week as KFC SuperCoaches move to Cody Walker and Shaun Johnson. See Tevita Pangai analysis above. I was originally leaning towards holding, but the dearth of cheapies may mean I’ll need to sell.   

Sharks: 1. Will Kennedy, 2. Connor Tracey, 3. Will Chambers, 4. Jesse Ramien, 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo, 6. Matt Moylan, 7. Shaun Johnson, 8. Aiden Tolman, 9. Blayke Brailey, 10. Aaron Woods, 11. Briton Nikora, 12. Siosifa Talakai, 13. Toby Rudolf

Bench: 14. Braydon Trindall, 15. Teig Wilton, 16. Jack Williams, 17. Braden Hamlin-Uele

Reserves: 18. Billy Magoulias, 19. Sione Katoa, 20. Andrew Fifita, 21. Mawene Hiroti

Team news: Same 17 as last week although Siosifa Talakai’s back row spot could come under scrutiny after a poor defensive display last match.

KFC SUPERCOACH ANALYSIS: Shaun Johnson is a popular purchase this week. He currently sits seventh on the buy list but could surge in popularity if we get bad news on Cleary. Johnson has averaged 70 in the last three rounds after starting slowly on return from Achilles injury. Jesse Ramien and Ronaldo Mulitalo are sneaky PODs, although I prefer the surety of Daniel Tupou.

TIGERS V RABBITOHS

Sunday 4 July, Leichhardt Oval, 4:05pm

Tigers: 1. Daine Laurie, 2. David Nofoaluma, 3. James Roberts, 4. Adam Doueihi 5. Ken Maumalo, 6. Moses Mbye, 7. Luke Brooks, 8. James Tamou, 9. Jacob Liddle, 10. Alex Twal, 11. Luke Garner, 12. Luciano Leilua, 13. Alex Seyfarth

Bench: 14. Stefano Utoikamanu, 15. Shawn Blore, 16. Thomas Mikaele 17. Joe Ofahengaue

Reserves: 18. Michael Chee Kam, 19. Tom Amone, 20. Junior Pauga 21. Jake Simpkin

Team news: Coach Michael Maguire has stuck relatively solid despite last game’s capitulation against the Storm. There are only two new faces in the 17 with Adam Doueihi (concu0ssion) a welcome return at centre in place of Tommy Talau, while Thomas Mikaele replaces Tom Amone on the bench. Alex Seyfarth scores the starting lock spot ahead of Joe Ofahengaue, who drops to the bench.

KFC SUPERCOACH ANALYSIS: Sell, sell, sell. The Tigers don’t play the upcoming bye and have a number of peaked cheapies including Daine Laurie and Stefano Utoikamanu. Time to cash in.

Rabbitohs: 1. Latrell Mitchell, 2. Alex Johnston, 3. Dane Gagai, 4. Campbell Graham, 5. Taane Milne 6. Cody Walker, 7. Adam Reynolds, 8. Mark Nicholls, 9. Damien Cook, 10. Hame Sele, 11. Keon Koloamatangi, 12. Jai Arrow, 13. Cam Murray

Bench: 14. Benji Marshall, 15. Liam Knight, 16. Thomas Burgess, 17. Jacob Host

Reserves: 18. Braidon Burns 19. Jaydn Su’A, 20. Blake Taaffe, 21. Josh Mansour, 22. Tautau Moga, 23. Patrick Mago

Team news: Latrell Mitchell, Dane Gagai, Damien Cook, Jai Arrow and Cameron Murray have been named to back up. Benji Marshall (birth of child) returns on the bench in place of Blake Taaffe. Tevita Tatola (knee) is out for six weeks, replaced at starting prop by Hame Sele with Liam Knight joining the bench.

KFC SUPERCOACH ANALYSIS: There are only two purchases for the upcoming bye who can be considered keepers until the end of the year - Tohu Harris and Cody Walker. The star Rabbitoh is one of the greats of KFC SuperCoach, not averaging below 60 in the last half decade despite playing the notoriously fickle five-eighth position. He is averaging 72 this season and has a dream run against the Tigers, Cowboys, Bulldogs, Warriors and Dragons. Must-have.

Originally published as KFC SuperCoach NRL 2021: Teams analysis for Round 16