KFC SuperCoach NRL: The consensus picks at every position

Picking the right gun to splash your SuperCoach cash on at each position isn’t easy – the SuperCoach Experience Podcast crew are here to help.

KFC SuperCoach NRL: Who are your top performers at every position?

Behind all great men is a great woman, but in 2021 KFC SuperCoach Champion’s case – there were also 3 great men that helped me become the Champ.

Brandon Savage, Michael Attard and Jake McGivern, along with myself Tim Moodie, make up The SuperCoach Experience Podcast, previously known as the Mike and Savs show.

I used to listen to these guys and even message them as a complete stranger wanting to learn more about the great game of KFC SuperCoach when I was a rookie.

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After a few years of being a fan of the podcast, I was invited on as a guest, and have since become a mainstay on the podcast as well as making lifelong friends with these fellas through KFC SuperCoach.

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He’ll miss round one, but Melbourne Storm star Harry Grant has the upside to compensate. NRL Imagery

The SuperCoach experience podcast consensus picks in each position:

HOOKER

Brandon Savage

3. HARRY GRANT

2. REED MAHONEY

1. CHRIS RANDALL

Given Grant starts and plays 80 minutes, he is the best hooker for SuperCoach, however Mahoney is not far behind in my opinion. Mahoney averaged 89.7 in the first 6 games last season and with Parramatta’s friendly draw early up I can see him replicating that. Randall being one of the only cheapies locked in at this point of the season gives him the one point.

Jake McGivern

3. HARRY GRANT

2. CHRIS RANDALL

1. CAMERON MCINNES

If Harry Grant was playing round one he might have been the second highest owned HOK behind cheap option Chris Randall who burst into popularity with the unfortunate injury to Jayden Brailey. Grant should see more minutes than last season which can only mean more points. McInnes is undervalued based on his last full season and with dual status he could be an important member of your SuperCoach side as well as Craig Fitzgibbon’s mighty Sharks!

Michael Attard

3. HARRY GRANT

2. REED MAHONEY

1. DAMIEN COOK

Grant may be suspended for round one but I still have him for the best pick in this position. With an average of 73.5 and now entering his third season I only see him getting better. Mahoney comes in at two and with a great draw I think he can help you get off to a great start at only 9.5% ownership as it stands. Damien Cook is always a good option and with Adam Reynolds gone may have to step up and get more involved in attack.

Tim Moodie

3. HARRY GRANT

2. CHRIS RANDALL

1. REED MAHONEY

Harry Grant was managed and eased into last season. Brandon ‘The Cheese’ Smith should take up the lock spot vacated by Dale Finucane (Sharks), so while Grant is missing round one I am hoping he gets close to 80 mins and will be a standout in his position. Randall, a cheapie starting hooker, gets two points based on value and cash generation. Mahoney is my pick to be the second highest averaging hooker by the end of the year, so I’m giving him the one point.

Final Verdict

12. Harry Grant

5. Reed Mahoney

5. Chris Randall

1. Damien Cook

1. Cam McInnes

Every tipster plans to saddle up Payne Haas for round one. Picture: Steve Pohlner

FRONT ROW FORWARD

Brandon Savage

3. PAYNE HAAS

2. STEFANO UTOIKAMANU

1. JACOB SAIFITI

Haas is a complete lock at FRF. By far the best in his position, get him in and save the trade. Utoikamanu averaged 65 in his last eight games last year, and is only priced at a 52.1 average which is great value for the FRF position. I know ‘JSAF’ is a rogue one but hear me out. Only owned by 1.9% of teams at this stage and priced at a 46.5 average, in the first 16 games Saifiti only averaged around 40 minutes per game compared to post round 18 he averaged 55 minutes in seven games. Hearing that Saifiti will jag a starting spot, given he does – he’s in my side.

Jake McGivern

3. PAYNE HAAS

2. TEVITA PANGAI

1. JAI ARROW

Haas each season proves why he is above the rest. An improving Broncos side should mean less time standing under the goalposts too. TPJ has attacking upside most likely lining up on the edge for the Dogs. If he can stay on the field he can push Haas for best in the FRF position. Arrow is a mid-price option that finished off last season starting on the edge and scored above his priced average. Just needs to nail that edge spot.

Michael Attard

3. PAYNE HAAS

2. JAI ARROW

1. STEFANO UTOIKAMANU

Haas is an out an out gun and the best in the position. Coming in slightly cheaper than last year, due to a seven point drop in his average – although I expect him to continue his last year’s second-half form and really be a set and forget in this position. Arrow comes in at $457,700 and is also a dual FRF/2RF. With Jaydn Su’A leaving the club I expect Arrow to start on the edge and, if we see an increase in minutes, he will provide great value with his good points per minute. Yes there may be a lot of mouths to feed at the Tigers, but I think Utoikamanu at his $457,200 price can be a good purchase with his attacking upside and strong work rate with his minutes being his main concern.

Tim Moodie

3. PAYNE HAAS

2. TEVITA PANGAI

1. ADDIN FONUA-BLAKE

Haas is as consistent as they come, heavy workload and plays big mins for a prop. Best in his position, Haas is good for 80 points each week. TPJ getting big minutes on an edge at the Dogs makes him a close second in the position scoring him the two points. AFB is a beast and has handy ball skills and late foot work for a prop. He gets one point. All props getting points here for mine are over the 500k price tag. These three are all consistent and you pay for what you get. Many will want to spend less in the props, which I can see working too because if you can get 50 points per game from cheaper options, you can make up the points in other positions in your side.

Final Verdict

12. Payne Haas

4. Tevita Pangai

3. Stefano Utoikamanu

3. Jai Arrow

1. Addin Fonua-Blake

1. Jacob Saifiti

No other 2RF offers the attacking upside of David Fifita. Picture: NRL Photos

SECOND ROW FORWARD

Brandon Savage

3. DAVID FIFITA

2. ANGUS CRICHTON

1. EUAN AITKEN

Fifita is the most damaging second rower in the game. If Holbrook doesn’t mess around and starts him off the bench Fifita will be in the top-5 for highest averages in 2022. Crichton has been a KFC SuperCoach gun for years and went pretty unnoticed averaging 74.5 last year. With all hands-on deck at the Roosters, expect some more attacking stats from him this year. Aitken with the one point in 2nd row, I see most people plugging him into their centre/wing, but I think last year the trend shifted with loading up your 2RF with guns. We saw how crucial having premium CTWs was last year, and having Aitken in at 2RF with the attacking ability of a CTW is golden. Get with the times.

Jake McGivern

3. DAVID FIFITA

2. ANGUS CRICHTON

1. JASON TAUMALOLO

David Fifita is simply too scary at 2RF to not own. Even scarier is he apparently carried a slight back injury towards the back half of last season that is all good to go …

Crichton is a proven gun and with Luke Keary and co all back for a solid Roosters side I can see more attacking output. Will the old Taumalolo return? Depends how the coach uses him but if he does we all know what he can do for your SuperCoach team.

Michael Attard

3. DAVID FIFITA

2. ANGUS CRICHTON

1. RYAN MATTERSON

Fifita is my top pick. We were reminded in the All Stars match just what Fifita can produce and with his ceiling, he’s someone you don’t want to be without. Crichton is close behind with his consistent scores and in a Roosters side with a lot of their troops back you can only see more attacking stats on the horizon. Matterson at $569,300 will be a handy pick up if he starts over Shaun Lane with a good work rate and a nice opening draw to the start the year.

Tim Moodie

3. ANGUS CRICHTON

2. DAVID FIFITA

1. ISAIAH PAPALI’I

Crichton get the most points here, as I see him being super consistent with a lot of upside in a gun Roosters outfit. Fifita would have gotten the three if there wasn’t a question mark over his minutes, but last year we saw him coming off the bench at times which was frustrating for owners. ‘IPAP’ is at top dollar, he is very consistent, had a breakout year last season but fitting in all three to start won’t work for me so I think I’ll have to pass up on IPAP prioritising Crichton and Fifita.

Final Verdict

11. David Fifita

9. Angus Crichton

1. Isaiah Papali’i

1. Ryan Matterson

1. Jason Taumalolo

1. Euan Aitken

Nathan Cleary is the best at his position – but still many will not pick him due to price. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images

HALFBACK

Brandon Savage

3. NATHAN CLEARY

2. LACHLAN ILIAS

1. SHAUN JOHNSON

Personally I can’t start with Cleary, the price is too much, but he is the pinnacle of halfbacks for KFC SuperCoach. Ilias, currently in 50% of teams and locked into starting halfback is a no-brainer. Johnson (SJ) given he stays healthy has one of the best opening draws for halfbacks. With Reece Walsh suspended, SJ will likely kick goals until Walsh returns which boosts his stocks. SJ isn’t the KFC SuperCoach player he once was but if he is going to redeem himself, this is his chance.

Jake McGivern

3. NATHAN CLEARY

2. LACHLAN ILIAS

1. SHAUN JOHNSON

Cleary is daylight ahead of the rest of the SuperCoach HFB options. My only concern is his fitness for round one. Ilias is the dual HFB / 5/8 every side needs to fit in players like my top selection. Shaun Johnson returns home to the Warriors where he just loves his football. SJ isn’t the same player he was but if he can stay healthy I see him an important cut-price HFB option

Michael Attard

3. NATHAN CLEARY

2. JAHROME HUGHES

1. NICHO HYNES

Cleary is the top pick in this position and takes a big chunk out of your salary, but is worth every cent – provided he is good to go for round one. If you can’t manage to grab Cleary, I see Hughes as a great option who gets better each year and is consistently involved in the Melbourne attack. If you’re after a point of difference (POD), Hynes could be your man backing up from a huge year. Hynes isn’t cheap and is at a new club, but I like what I saw from him in the Indigenous game and if he can score the goal kicking duties it only adds to his scoring.

Tim Moodie

3. NATHAN CLEARY

2. LACHLAN ILIAS

1. NICHO HYNES

Cleary is hands down the best in his position, averaging 35 points more per game than the next best halfback last year in Daly Cherry-Evans. Cleary went to a new level last year, and I see him backing it up with an even bigger season this year. Ilias gets the two point purely based on value as a cheap halfback for KFC SuperCoaches, replacing Reynolds at the Bunnies. Hynes gets one point, the fact that he is goal kicking sways me. I think he plays great eyes up footy and will impress in his change of position for the Sharkies in 2022.

Final Verdict

12. Nathan Cleary

6. Lachlan Ilias

2. Nicho Hynes

2. Shaun Johnson

2. Jahrome Hughes

Even missing round one, Cameron Munster still makes a strong case for selection. Picture: Daniel Pockett/Getty Images

FIVE-EIGHTH

Brandon Savage

3. CAMERON MUNSTER

2. JACKSON HASTINGS

1. TALATAU AMONE

Three points goes to Munster; under 10% ownership in a Melbourne side with a friendly draw. He misses round one (suspension), but all the puzzle pieces are in place for Munster to blitz it this season. Hastings with the two, returning from a successful stint in the Super League, goal kicking and fighting for a consistent spot; at $350,000 there’s limited risk in this one. Amone with the one point, the price is too hard to pass if he starts at six.

Jake McGivern

3. LUKE KEARY

2. JACKSON HASTINGS

1. CAMERON MUNSTER

Keary is the ultimate all or nothing player, but the Roosters look the goods this season. They have a relatively soft draw for the first 10 rounds, and Keary is prominent in most of their attack. Hastings returns to the NRL with something to prove, he comes with a cheapish price, has a bigger body and could goal kick. Like Harry Grant, if Munster was playing round one he probably would be my top selection.

Michael Attard

3. CAMERON MUNSTER

2. JACKSON HASTINGS

1. JAROME LUAI

Munster may be suspended for round one but I think he is still a great purchase to start with an average of 74.1 and currently sitting at 5% ownership. Hastings is hard to ignore at his $350k price tag and with Adam Doueihi out he should kick goals and presents value at his price. I have Luai as my next pick as another POD move, he started really well last year and I think he can replicate this.

Tim Moodie

3. LUKE KEARY

2. JEROME LUAI

1. TALATAU AMONE

I’m liking Keary as the best option for a starting 5/8th. This is based on gut feeling and how good I believe the Roosters will go to this year. Hoping Keary comes back strong from his ACL, he may not be as explosive, but I do see him getting loads of try assists. Luai started off really well last year and played though a bit of injury in the back end of last season, I see him playing with even more confidence this year, and breaking a few opponents’ ankles with that step. Amone gets the one vote based on value, I’d be happy playing him in my 17 to start the year until I upgrade him when peaks in price.

Final Verdict

7. Cam Munster

6. Luke Keary

6. Jackson Hastings

3. Jarome Luai

2. Talatau Amone

Euan Aitken is elelgible for selection in the centres but is expected to play second-row. Picture: NRL Photos

CENTRE/WING

Brandon Savage

3. KOTONI STAGGS

2. REUBEN GARRICK

1. DALLIN WATENE-ZELENIAK

CTW is the one position you can get 10 or 110 on a weekly basis, so my thoughts behind the CTW is to target value and not just have someone there because they’re cheap. Staggs gets three points on his potential to go above $700k – it’s a no-brainer. Garrick gets two points, the attacking upside is so good for mine. After round two Manly’s draw opens up, and as the goal kicker of a strong Manly side the upside for Garrick is huge. DWZ with one point; I didn’t want to be boring with these picks. SJ has a track record of boosting his right wingers’ averages by 10-15 points. If DWZ plays FB with Walsh out I’m not touching him.

Jake McGivern

3. EUAN AITKEN

2. ROOSTERS RIGHT WINGER

1. KOTONI STAGGS

Aitken was a revelation at the end of last season when moved to the edge. He’s basically locked in a starting edge spot at least till Tohu returns. Whoever plays right wing for the high scoring Roosters is almost guaranteed points and all options look to come in on the cheaper side. Staggs’ injury plagued season spells good news for his discount price and with Adam Reynolds feeding him this season he could be in for a massive season.

Michael Attard

3. EUAN AITKEN

2. CAMPBELL GRAHAM

1. TYRELL SLOAN

With my CTW top picks I have taken a different approach, and haven’t included the cheapies who will be top priority in this position – but instead locked the three I think can really help your side. Aitken available in CTW playing 2RF with great base and a very friendly starting draw, say no more. Graham produces decent base and rumours say he could move over to the left and if so it could be huge for his scoring potential. Sloan is a left field option but in five games last year he scored a try in each and always looks deadly with ball in hand. A fullback available in the CTW is gold for KFC SuperCoach, with his main concerns being the Dragons’ tough run to start, and his low base if the Dragons struggle to score points.

Tim Moodie

3. SELWYN COBBO

2. EUAN AITKEN

1. TYRELL SLOAN

I’ve given the points to mid rangers here under 500k in price. To’o and Garrick are primo, but I don’t think starting with either is ideal for the balance of a staring side. I think we can spend less in CTW and rotate the players each week based on match up to try and maximise our scoring. I couldn’t afford to start with all three of these, (most likely Cobbo and Sloan or Cobbo and Aiken). I will be running mostly cheapies in the rest of the CTW to start the season. Cobbo gets three points, ticks every box on the eye-test and is only $320k. There’s a chance he starts at fullback, but even on the wing this kid will have a big year at the Broncos. Aitken gets two points, base plus attacking upside – a 2RF to plug into a CTW is always handy. Sloan gets one point, I think he could be a very nice pick-up playing fullback. He has tries and try assists in his game, but the Dragons have a tough draw to start the year.

Final Verdict

8. Euan Aitken

4. Kotoni Staggs

3. Selwyn Cobbo

2. Tyrell Sloane

2. Reuben Garrick

2. Campbell Graham

2. Roosters Right-Winger

1. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak

(We do love Brian To’o who deserves points, but got none)

Ryan Papenhuyzen was almost the unanimous top pick at fullback. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images

FULLBACK

Brandon Savage

3. RYAN PAPENHUYZEN

2. TOM TRBOJEVIC

1. JAMES TEDESCO

Papenhuyzen, with the goal kicking and reduced price because of injury takes top spot here. Papi will be commonly owned, and not a player you should consider anti-podding. Turbo will back up what he did last year but not from the get-go, he will be my first target once price changes hit. Tedesco …. Do I need say more?

Jake McGivern

3. RYAN PAPENHUYZEN

2. JAMES TEDESCO

1. TOM TRBOJEVIC

I think you need any two of these options to start with. Papz was averaging 117.4 before his concussion issues. Tedesco still smashed it even without Keary for most of the season which is why is see both Teddy and Papz with room for improvement based on their price. Then comes Turbo … his ridiculous season last year means he’s basically priced himself out of a lot of teams. If you can find the cap, he will be a POD …!

Michael Attard

3. JAMES TEDESCO

2. RYAN PAPENHUYZEN

1. TOMMY TRBOJEVIC

You may not agree with my order, but the three of these players are all guns in their position and have huge ceilings. Tedesco slightly ahead with the three points, as I think the Roosters will have a huge season and if Keary stays fit alongside him, it will only boost his scores. Papz close behind with his goal kicking and attacking prowess – and yeah I have Tom behind these two, purely due to his starting price of $1.256 million which may impact your purchases in other positions, but his 10% ownership is really tempting.

Tim Moodie

3. RYAN PAPENHUYZEN

2. JAMES TEDESCO

1. TOM TRBOJEVIC

There’s some slight speculation around Papi with ankle injury – (pending fitness he gets the three points). Averaging 126 points in the first four games last season before the concussions interrupted his season, at $695k he is a steal. Teddy gets two points, a slight step up in price at $760k, Teddy will have a big year with the team around him.

Turbo gets the one point. At almost $1.3m you are going to want that 140 average from last year. Can he do it again? Probably, maybe, let’s wait and see. But if your starting with him and another gun fullback, you’re going to be sacrificing points elsewhere in your side.

Final Verdict

11. Ryan Papenhuyzen

8. James Tedesco

5. Tommy Trbojevic

Originally published as KFC SuperCoach NRL: The consensus picks at every position