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SC NRL Winners and Losers: Key takeaways, studs and duds from Raiders vs. Wests Tigers, Cowboys vs. Knights, Storm vs. Warriors

Ryan Papenhuyzen is back! After a quiet NRL return in Round 1, the Storm fullback was back to his best against the Warriors. See all the Winners and Losers from Super Saturday footy.

Wilson Smith and Patrick Woods
19 min read
March 16, 2024 - 10:58PM
News Corp Australia Sports Newsroom
NRL Super Saturday: Ponga, Smithies and Fonua-Blake will all be on display on Saturday.
NRL Super Saturday: Ponga, Smithies and Fonua-Blake will all be on display on Saturday.

They call it Super Saturday and boy was today Super! I’m still a little lost for words after what we just saw in Melbourne’s incredible win over the New Zealand Warriors, in what was an early contender for the try of the year and possibly even the Frilingos Award locked up for moment of the year in Round 2 of the season.

In what was an insane day of footy there were some impressive SuperCoach scores, with three players cracking 100 points before countbacks, with at least one more set to join them after countbacks as the weekend continues.

And while there was some big scores, there was some incredible dissapointments and some massive injuries across the three games.

STUDS

1. Zac Hosking: 99 points. Elliott Whitehead is due to return from injury in the coming weeks, but the incredible form of Hosking could mean the English international returns via the bench. Hosking backed up his incredible round one score of 92, with another incredible effort and while his $511,000 price tag make him a bit too expensive, he could be one that SuperCoaches are forced to buy.

2. Adam Elliott: 106 points - A bit of a surprise performance here for the massive SuperCoach POD, with all 1058 of his owners absolutely loving life right now.

3. Ryan Papenhuyzen: 116 points - After a lacklustre round one performance against the Panthers, Ryan Papenhuyzen made a triumphant return in Round 2, with an impressive two try effort. At $645,600 I believe Papenhuyzen is underpriced and still one to consider.

4. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak: 102 points - We all know DWZ is one of the NRL’s best finishers and he was back at his best this week, with two tries. But he was also heavily involved for the Warriors, with 36 points in base and six tackle breaks.

5. Jahrome Hughes: 88 points - He was dominant in the first half, scoring 72 points in the first 40 minutes, but he was far less involved in the second as the Warriors fought back.

6. Roger Tuivasa-Scheck: 76 points - While he didn’t score a try, he was instrumental in the Warriors near comeback win, with a try assist, a linebreak, five tackle breaks, six offloads and a whopping 41 points in pure base stats.

7. Tom Dearden: 71 points - Points weren’t easy to find for Dearden in the first half, but he was involved in everything in the Cowboys comeback win, with a try, two linebreaks, five tackle breaks, and 23 points in base.

8. Apisai Koroisau: 72 points - While the Tigers struggled massively, Api Koroisau still turned in an outstanding SuperCoach performance. Scored a try, had a linebreak, kicked two goals, and had 41 points in base. Even if the Tigers struggle this year, Koroisau should still score well for SuperCoaches.

9. Samuela Fainu: 77 points - Sticking with the Tigers, the one other real standout was popular pre-seaspm cheapie Samuela Fainu. While he was initially popular, Fainu dropped off massively as the pre-season went on and is now in just 2% of teams. But given his low price point and impressive Round 2 performance, he could be a cheapie to keep an eye on in the coming weeks.

10. Xavier Savaege: 73 points - A standout performance for a popular cheapie, who looks to have secured his starting spot in the Raiders lineup and eased any concerns around his job security.

DUDS

1. Heilum Luki: 11 points - Hobbled off injured after half an hour and could be a forced trade.

2. Jed Cartwright: 18 points - Surprisingly in 15% of teams, his owners may want to abandon ship given he played just 22 minutes.

3. Kai Pearce-Paul: 36 points - While there were some promising signs in Round 1, he was far less involved this week, scoring just 36 points in 85 minutes.

4. Zac Laybutt: 24 points - A popular purchase after an impressive score of 103 in Round 1, Laybutt punished those who chased last weeks points, with a poor performance for the Cowboys.

5. Kalyn Ponga: 39 points - The most popular fullback in SuperCoach let his owners down once again in Round 2. Owners may want to consider downgrading him to another gun fullback.

6. Greg Marzhew: 41 points - While normally pretty reliable, he was fare less involved in the game today and scored just 41 points despite scoring a try.

7. Aidan Sezer: 7 points - In 10% of teams, Sezer played just 25 minutes off the bench and alarmingly Benji Marshall admitted in his press conference that he didn’t have a plan for the Tigers recruit today. Must sell.

8. Shaun Johnson: 26 points - The Warriors star halfback nearly led his team to a remarkable comeback, but despite that he scored just 2 points in the first half and ended the game on 26.

9. Joseph Tapine: 43 points - While still a somewhat respectable score given it was pure base stats, he played just 52 minutes as Ricky kept him on the bench longer than we would have liked.

10. Xavier Coates: 49 points - A bit harsh here considering he did just score one of the greatest tries I’ve ever seen in my life, but it is worth pointing out that Coates did score just 49 points this game (27 of which came in the final 20 seconds of the game) of which just 21 points was in base stats.

INJURIES: Heilum Luki (ankle), Christian Welch (Failed HIA), Seb Kris (Failed HIA), Star To’a (ankle), Jack Hetherington (ankle)

JUDICIARY WATCH: Aidan Sezer (dangerous tackle), Ethan Strange (dangerous tackle), Stefano Utoikamanu (dissent)

Relive all of the live action from an action packed Super Saturday below

Xavier Coates defied gravity to score tha match winner for Melbourne. Picture: Getty Images
Xavier Coates defied gravity to score tha match winner for Melbourne. Picture: Getty Images

FULL TIME - STORM STEAL IT AT THE DEATH WITH MIRACLE TRY

NO WAY, OH MY GOD. Out of nowhere, Storm have stolen victory at the death with an absolutely incredible try from Xavier Coates. This may just be the best try I have ever seen. I am speechless... Coates jumps possibly higher than any winger has jumped to score in the corner. Try confirmed and Meaney converts to win 30-26 to extend their winning streak over the Warriors to 15-games.

TOP SUPERCOACH SCORERS

1. Ryan Papenhuyzen - 116 points

2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak - 102 points

3. Jahrome Hughes - 88 points

4. Roger Tuivasa-Scheck - 76 points

5. Jackson Ford - 64 points

9:26PM - STORM HIT BACK

HOLD ON! With less than three minutes remaining, Melbourne Storm have hit back, with Ryan Papenhuyzen coming back on the inside of a Eli Katoa pass to score. Nick Meaney converts to put Storm behind by just two-points with two minutes to go. Could we be off to our second straight golden point game??

9:19PM - BRAIN EXPLOSIONS COSTING STORM

Melbourne have gifted the Warriors yet another two points, with Ryan Papenhuyzen coming up with an error, before coming up with an illegal strip on Mitch Barnett right in front of the posts. New Zealand extend their lead to 8 points with 8 minutes left in the game.

9:13PM - HIGH DRAMA AS WARRIORS EXTEND LEAD

Storm hooker Harry Grant has gifted the Warriors an easy two points, giving away a penalty while in possession after deliberately passing the ball into Jackson Ford, hoping to get a penalty. And a penalty was awarded all right... to New Zealand! In case you missed it, the NRL outlawed this tactic several seasons ago. The Warriors took the two points on offer to extend their lead to six-points with 14 minutes left in the game.

And in a massive boost for New Zealand, Tohu Harris has PASSED his HIA and is preparing to return to the field.

9:06PM - STORM 18-24 WARRIORS

Rocco Berry has made his return to the field just in time, helping to set up a try, while referee Chris Butler took a tumble, as the Warriors take the lead for the first time this game. Shaun Johnson has been relentless tonight targetting Xavier Coates with his kicking game, and he finally cracked, dropping the ball before being scooped up by Berry. Chris Buttler took a tumble as players scrambled to bring down Berry short of the line, before a quick play the ball saw Johnson send the ball out wide for Marcelo Montoya to score in the corner. Could the Warriors finally snap a 14-game losing streak to Melbourne?

9:01PM - INJURY NEWS

The Warriors comeback has suffered a massive setback, with inspirational skipper Tohu Harris forced from the field with a HIA after a head clash. Rocco Berry however has PASSED his HIA and is back on the field.

8:55PM - WELCOME BACK ROGER

Roger Tuivasa-Sheck has turned this game on his head with his blistering speed and freakish talent, bringing the Warriors back into the game as they trail 18-16 with just under 30 minutes remaining.

A stunning offload from Addin-Fonua Blake opened the field up for the Warriors, with Shaun Johnson setting the ball up, before RTS came down with the ball and offloaded to Jackson Ford who crashed over despite the best efforts of Ryan Papenhuyzen to deny him.

8:48PM - STORM 18-10 WARRIORS

Wow, what a put down! The Warriors fightback has begun, with Dallin Watene-Zelezniak scoring his second try of the night, going over in the corner once again, just centimetres in from the sidelines.

But in a blow to the Warriors, centre Rocco Berry has been forced from the field for a HIA after a hit from Xavier Coates.

8:42PM - INJURY NEWS

And we’re back underway at AAMI Park, and the Storm have suffered a blow during the break, with front-rower Christian Welch ruled OUT OF THE GAME after a failed HIA.

HALF-TIME - STORM 18-6 WARRIORS

Wow, what a half from Melbourne. The Warriors have managed to fight back somewhat, despite being down on the scoreboard, but it has really been all Storm in the first half. Jahrome Hughes has been the absolute standout, impressing with both ball in hand and with his defence, ending the first half on 72 SuperCoach points.Popular SuperCoach cheapies Joe Chan (41 points) and Taine Tuaupiki (40) have both started strong, while Roger Tuivasa-Scheck is stuck on 22 points, and Shaun Johnson has alarmingly scored just TWO POINTS.

SUPERCOACH TOP SCORERS

1. Jahrome Hughes - 72 points

2. Ryan Papenhuyzen - 62 points

3. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak - 52 points

4. Harry Grant - 43 point

5. Joe Chan - 41 points

8:14PM - NZ BLOW OPPORTUNITY AS TIDE FINALLY TURNS

The Warriors have finally put a shocking start behind them and are starting to get some cohesion out there, with winger Marcelo Montoya scoring in the corner after Shaun Johnson and Luke Metcalf combined on the left side... OR SO IT SEEMED. Jahrome Hughes continued his incredible performance, holding up Montoya with a stunning defensive effort, with the Bunker overruling the initial call of try.

Marcelo Montoya of the Warriors is tackled by Jahrome Hughes of the Storm preventing a try. Picture: Getty Images
Marcelo Montoya of the Warriors is tackled by Jahrome Hughes of the Storm preventing a try. Picture: Getty Images

8:01PM - STORM 18-6 WARRIORS

The Melbourne Storm assault continues, with Ryan Papenhuyzen crashing over for his first try of the season. In an impressive set play, Jonah Pezet passed the ball to backrower Joe Chan, who gave it back to Papenhuyzen on the inside to crash over and take him up to 57 SuperCoach points. The Warriors are getting absolutely punished for some sloppy errors out there.

In more good news for Melbourne, Eli Katoa has PASSED his HIA and is cleared to return to the field.

7:53PM - STORM RETURN SERVE

Wow, Jahrome Hughes is absolutely on fire to start this game. After coming up with the try assist for Will Wabrick early, Hughes has cut the Warriors open, setting up a length of the field try for Nick Meaney. Hughes is on a whopping 63 SuperCoach points after just 16 minutes! Incredible start to this game, don’t look away.

7:49PM - WARRIORS HIT BACK + INJURY NEWS

The Warriors have hit back, with winger Dallin Watene-Zelezniak going over untouched in the corner, thanks to some crisp passes from Shaun Johnson and stand-in fullback Taine Tuaupiki.

Meanwhile, Storm backrower Eliesa Katoa has left the field for a HIA after a collision with Warriors star Marcelo Montoya, and given how he looked on the ground I’d be surprised if we see him again tonight.

7:44PM - STORM 6-0 WARRIORS

The Melbourne Storm have opened the scoring early in their clash against the Warriors, with Will Warbrick scoring in the corner. The Warriors gave Melbourne a golden opportunity early, coming up with a crucial error in their first set of the game. Stand-in five-eighth Jonah Pezet looked to have scored in the opening minutes, but it was called back due to an obstruction from Storm prop Tui Kamikamika.

FULL-TIME

The Cowboys would have gone into the half-time break happy to be down by just 12-points, after a horror first half performance, with 11 errors. But they have completed a remarkable second-half comeback, stealing the victory with a Golden Point field goal and handing Newcastle their second straight loss for 2024.

In terms of SuperCoach Adam Elliot was the only real standout for the Knights, cracking the ton courtesy of his first-half try scoring double. Tom Dearden was the best for the Cowboys, with a try and two linebreaks to his name.

But where there are winners, there are also losers. Kalyn Pronga produced yet another stinker, ending the game with just 39 points, Jed Cartwright (15% owned) scored 18, Heilum Luki left the field early injured and scored just 11 points. Popular purchase Zac Laybutt ended on 103 points in Round One, but finished today with just 24 points.

See the full match analysis here

TOP SUPERCOACH SCORERS

1. Adam Elliott - 106 points

2. Tom Dearden - 71 points

3. Kyle Feldt - 64 points

4. Reuben Cotter - 62 points

5. Chad Townsend - 62 points

And now we’re off to Melbourne to see the Storm take on the New Zealand Warriors.

7:24PM - COWBOYS WIN IN GOLDEN POINT

They didn’t lead until the 82nd minute, but the Cowboys have completed an stunning second half comeback, with Chad Townsend slotting a field goal in Golden Point to seal victory.

7:22PM - GOLDEN POINT IS HERE

And the first Golden Point game of the 2024 season is underway, with the Cowboys kicking-off. The Cowboys had a chance to steal victory in regulation time, but a Valentine Holmes field goal attempt faded away to the right.

7:15PM - COWBOYS COMEBACK

Unbelievable. From 12-points down at half-time, the Cowboys has scored to possibly send us off to GOLDEN POINT, after Jeremiah Nanai pouncing on the ball from a Chad Townsend kick. Valentine Holmes misses his third attemp of the game to lock us up at 20-all with two-minutes remaining.

7:06PM - PONGA HORRORSHOW

Oh no.. look away Kalyn Ponga owners. Already having a very ordinary day on the SuperCoach front with just 37 points, Kalyn Ponga just produced an monumental error, taking his eyes off the ball to knock it on in his own territory. Just minutes later the Cowboys looked to have scored through Valentine Holmes, before it was called back for an obstruction in a massive relief for Ponga.

6:57PM - COWBOYS RETURN SERVE

Cowboys five-eighth Tom Dearden has got the Cowboys back to within one try, barging over three defenders to crash over, on the back of a great effort from impressive youngster Kulikefu Finefeuiaki. Valentine Holmes converts from almost the exact same spot he missed from earlier in the game, as North Queensland trail 16-20 with 18 minutes remaining.

Jed Cartwright has finally made it on the field after 63 minutes on the bench, so the 15% of teams who own him will be hoping he can salvage a decent score in the dying minutes of this game.

6:41PM - KNIGHTS STRIKE BACK + INJURY NEWS

Jeez where has this been today? After both teams struggled to score points in the first half, the points are flowing in the second! Greg Marzhew has scored his first try of the season, with Ponga coverting to lead 18-10 with 30 minutes left in the game.

For the Knights, we may have seen the last of Jack Hetherington this afternoon, after he limped off the field with an ankle injury.

FYI SUPERCOACHES: SuperCoach appears to be BACK on the website and app, after crashing earlier in the Cowboys vs KNIGHTS clash

6:36 - COWBOYS TURN GAME ON IT’S HEAD

And just minutes later, the Cowboys have almost tied the game up, with Kyle Feldt scoring in the corner to become North Queenslands equal leading tryscorer of all time, on 130. After a poor first half effort, Feldt now finds himself on 48 SuperCoach points.

6:32PM - COWBOYS FIRE BACK + INJURY NEWS

And the second half is underway, with the Knights currently on track to snap a nine-year losing streak in Townsville... can they hold on?

The Cowboys have finally fired back in the secnd half, with Kyle Feldt regathering a Knights knock on from a Chad Townsend kick, and then delivered it back to Townsend who went over in the corner untouched.

In some bad news for the Cowboys, Heilum Luki has been RULED OUT after going off the field with a suspected ankle injury late in the first half.

FYI SUPERCOACHES: It appears the site and app are currently experiencing technical difficulties, but I’m sure the tech-heads are working tirelessly to get it back up and running.

HALF-TIME

Jeez what an ugly half of footy. The Cowboys have produced a whopping 11 errors, while the Knights have come up with just two tries, despite a mountain of possession. Todd Payten will be cheering that his side is only down by 12 points at the break, after a monster defensive effort with a whopping 30 tackles made in their own 20 metres.

So far its been a quiet day for SuperCoach, with just Adam Elliott on a whopping 87 POINTS! While Jack Hetherington (37 points), Phoenix Crossland (35), Reuben Cotter (42) and Reece Robson (39) the next best scorers.

6:11PM - COWBOYS 0-12 KNIGHTS

Did anyone have an Adam Elliott double in their multi? The Knights have finally capitalised on the mountain of possession, with Elliott strolling over for his second try of the game, courtesy of a Jack Hetherington offload. Elliott is a massive SuperCoach POD, in just 0.7% of teams, and all 1058 of his owners will be cheering.

6:03PM - COWBOYS BLOW ANOTHER CHANCE

The Cowboys have gone close to tying the game up with just under 10 minutes left in the first half, with Tom Dearden pulled up for being offside. Probably for the best given referee’s missed two blatant forward passes in the lead up.

5:57PM - SO CLOSE BUT SO FAR

The Knights have gone within centimetres of their second try of the game, with Tyson Frizell held up over the line. In the next play Adam Elliott coughed up the ball, in another blown opportunity for Newcastle.

Popular SuperCoach player Heilum Luki has limped off the field after a 30-minute stint and went straight up the tunnell. Fingers crossed he has escaped serious injury.

5:49PM - COWBOYS 0-6 KNIGHTS

Finally the Knights have stuck, with Adam Elliott fending off two Cowboys to go under the sticks. Newcastle have had a mountain of possession early and finally capitalise on it. Ponga converts to give the Knights a six-point lead. Elliott is on 44 SuperCoach points, while Phoenix Crossland is on 29 after getting the try assist.

Jason Taumalolo has already racked up more minutes than last week, with an impressive start for the Cowboys. Todd Payten may have already altered his front-row rotation after coming under fire last week.

5:42PM - COWBOYS BOMB EARLY CHANCE

We remain scoreless after 15 minutes, after Valentine Holmes missed a conversion after opting to take the two after a penalty.

The Cowboys have weathered the storm early, having made a whopping 30 tackles in their own half in the opening 12 minutes of the game. Knights five-eighth Tyson Gamble accidentally collected a falling Tom Dearden high, but everyone is fine.

5:39PM - SLOW START

Things are slow moving in the opening ten minutes of the game, with scores locked up at nil-all, with the only real highlight so far being a remarkable leap from the field of play from Kalyn Ponga to keep the ball in after the Cowboys attempted to find touch after a penalty. Cowboys winger Murray Taulagi took an intercept just seconds after but offloaded to nobody and lost the ball over the sideline.

5:30PM - KICK OFF

And we’re underway at Queensland Country Bank Stadium, with the Knights looking to snap a NINE-YEAR losing streak in Townsville. Kalyn Ponga get us underway for Newcastle.

5:20PM - PRE-GAME

There is some massive SuperCoach implications for the second game of Super Saturday. The Knights and the Cowboys boast two of the elite fullbacks in the competition in Scott Drinkwater and Kalyn Ponga.

Elsewhere, Reuben Cotter and Heilum Luki are very popular picks while Englishman Kai Pearce-Paul has been named to make his first start for the club.

Zac Laybutt is the second most purchased player this week, after a stunning 103 points against the Dolphins.

Despite playing off the bench, Jed Cartwright is in a 15% of teams and owners will be hoping he gets some decent minutes.

Will the Cowboys get another big win to start their season 2-0? Or will the Knights bounce back from a tough loss to Canberra in Round 1?

I’m tipping a Cowboys win.

5PM - LATE MAIL: COWBOYS VS KNIGHTS

Good afternoon all, Wilson Smith here taking over the live blogging duties from Patrick Woods for the remaining two games of Super Saturday... and as someone who got Zac Hosking in one of my Draft leagues this week I am one happy boy.

The teams are locked in for the Cowboys-Knights clash at 5:30pm AEDT and somewhat unsurprisingly both teams are 1-17, with no late changes an hour before kick-off.

North Queensland have rolled out the same team that ripped through the Dolphins round one, while the Knights have made one forced change, with Dylan Lucas missing the game with concussion and replaced by Kai Pearce-Paul, while Thomas Jenkins replaces the injured Enari Tuala.

FULL TIME - RAIDERS 32-12 TIGERS

Zac Hosking (2RF $511,000) starred for Canberra with a spectacular leap for a try as the Raiders took care of the Tigers 32-12.

Wests cheapie Samuela Fainu (2RF $263,000) put in a great shift in a losing side while Api Koroisau (HOK $572,200) showed that he still has plenty in the tank.

Ethan Strange (5/8 / CTW $238,900) had his breakout appearance in first grade and looks assured as an NRL starter.

SUPERCOACH TOP SCORERS

1. Zac Hosking (2RF $511,000) 99

2. Samuela Fainu (2RF $263,000) 77

3. Xavier Savage (FLB/CTW $350,200) 73

4. Api Koroisau (HOK $572,200) 72

5. Ethan Strange (5/8 / CTW $238,900) 57

SUPERCOACH BOTTOM SCORERS

1. Aidan Sezer (HFB / 5/8 $345,000) 7

2. Junior Tupou (CTW $446,900) 12

3. Tom Starling (HOK $363, 800) 13

4. Starford To’a (CTW $501,400) 13

5. Jayden Sullivan (5/5 / HFB $391,400) 13

4.40PM STRANGE OUT OF NOWHERE

He might have been pinged for a high tackle but Ethan Strange just put in his candidate for try-saver of the season so far.

Strange held nothing back as he flew across the field and wrapped up his target Charlie Staines, bundling him into touch one-on-one.

4.30PM HOSKING FLIES HIGH

This game has had everything.

First a rugby union play and now a spectacular AFL mark from Zac Hosking (2RF $511,000) has the Raiders in great position to finish the round 2-0.

Hosking could be the first player to ‘ton up’ on Super Saturday and I’ll certainly be working out how to bring him into my side next round for a hefty price rise.

A Jordan Rapana HIA shifted Sebastian Kris to fullback and now bothe Raiders centres are forwards (Zac Hosking and Hudson Young).

4.25PM SEZER ENTERS THE FRAY

Aidan Sezer (HFB / 5/8 $345,000) has replaced Bud Sullivan (5/5 / HFB $391,400) with 25 minutes to play.

Almost 10% of coaches are holding on to Sezer despite his demotion to the interchange, so the next half hour could be telling to a lot of SuperCoach players.

Sullivan had just 13 points through 55 minutes.

Sebastian Kris (CTW/FLB $465,800) has failed his HIA and will not return.

4.15PM: TIGERS PRESSURE AMOUNTS TO NOTHING

Wests have been camped in Canberra’s half for the majority of the minutes since the break but it all came to nothing following a scrappy error from fullback Jahream Bula.

A Sebastian Kris HIA has moved Zac Hosking (2RF $511,000) wider into the centres while five-eighth Ethan Strange (5/8 / CTW $238,900) also took a head knock – though the rookie half stayed on the field.

The Raiders look solid defending their own line.

HALFTIME

A crazy first half came to a close with a Raiders trick play to extend their lead to 12 points.

A couple of Canberra stars could be in for huge scores if this game continues at its frenetic pace.

SUPERCOACH TOP SCORERS

1. Xavier Savage (FLB/CTW $350,200) 73

2. Zac Hosking (2RF $511,000) 67

3. Api Koroisau (HOK $572,200) 59

4. Ethan Strange (5/8 / CTW $238,900) 48

5. Sebastian Kris (CTW/FLB $465,800)48

SUPERCOACH BOTTOM SCORERS

1. Junior Tupou (CTW $446,900) 2

2. Jayden Sullivan (5/5 / HFB $391,400) 6

3. Solomona Faataape (CTW $204,300) 7

4. Charlie Staines (FLB/CTW $430,000) 8

5. Pasami Saulo (2RF/FRF $299,500) 9

3.45PM: SAVAGE SPEED ON DISPLAY

Is this rugby union?

What looked like a cheeky lineout play caught the Tigers with their pants down and super speedster Xavier Savage (FLB/CTW $350,200) is the winner.

Benji Marshall looks baffled in the coaches box as to what just happened.

3.39PM: COMEBACK CANCELLED

Canberra put a stop to the Tigers’ scoring spree via veteran fullback Jordan Rapana (CTW/FLB $557,500).

Rapana has been heavily involved in the first half and has started this season as good as any year in his career.

3.34PM: TIGERS SCORE TWICE IN MINUTES

Experienced hooker Api Koroisau (HOK $572,200) has the Tigers well and truly within striking distance with another quickfire try.

He’s now up to a game-leading 55 SuperCoach points.

Samuela Fainu (2RF $263,000) bit back first for the Tigers after rookie half Lachlan Galvin (5/8 $204,300) created a linebreak with his silky skills.

Wests will need a bit more of that if they want to claw their way back into the contest.

Ethan Strange’s 42 points leads the SuperCoach scores through the early stages.

3.16PM NOTHING STRANGE ABOUT THAT

How good is this kid?

Canberra’s most owned SuperCoach player Ethan Strange(5/8 / CTW $238,900) – owned by 64.2% of coaches – has been absolutely electric to start this game and he’s just crossed for the first try of his career.

Strange is a bargain and looks to have locked down the No.6 jersey in the nation’s capital.

3.11PM EARLY RAID YIELDS POINTS

Canberra got the perfect jump out of the gates and took an early lead via a Danny Levi (HOK $238,900) try.

Xavier Savage (FLB/CTW $350,200) made a break down the short side and found his hooker for the first four-pointer of the afternoon.

Tigers have been untidy with the ball and the Raiders made them pay, turning down a simple two points and electing to roll the dice with an attacking set.

One whistle later, halfback Jamal Fogarty (HFB $535,800) tapped the penalty goal over to give his side a two-point lead before Levi’s try.

2.30PM NO SUPER SATURDAY SURPRISES

Both teams have named unchanged side for their Saturday afternoon clash in Canberra.

There’ll be plenty of eyes on the Raiders, who are chock-full of early season cheapies like the popular lock Morgan Smithies (2RF $345,000), who is owned by 30.5% of coaches.

There isn’t nearly as much interest in any Wests player. Dynamite hooker Api Koroisau (HOK $572,200) is the Tigers’ most popular pick with interest from 12.7% of coaches.

PRE-GAME

Saturday is moving day for SuperCoaches this week with over 20 players who boast double-figure ownership rates in action across the three games.

The opening game between the Raiders and the Wests Tigers gives us the first look at Benji Marshall’s men after they had a bye in round one and all eyes will be on young half Lachlan Galvin.

If the hype is real, and he’s conquered every challenge put before him so far, then Galvin looms as a must buy.

Api Koroisau has plenty of admirers and a solid performance – and good kicking effort off the tee – will have plenty looking to downgrade Harry Grant to free up cash to spend elsewhere.

At the Raiders, cheapie Ethan Strange is in over 90,000 teams but is starting in just 14% of those – it’d be a real sweet and sour moment if he goes large – while Morgan Smithies is giving of serious ‘2011 Shaun Fensom’ vibes.

NRL Super Saturday: Ponga, Smithies and Fonua-Blake will all be on display on Saturday.
NRL Super Saturday: Ponga, Smithies and Fonua-Blake will all be on display on Saturday.

The Knights and the Cowboys boast two of the elite fullbacks in the competition in Scott Drinkwater and Kalyn Ponga.

Elsewhere, Reuben Cotter and Heilum Luki are very popular picks while Englishman Kai Pearce-Paul has been named to make his first start for the club.

The final game of the night features the Storm and the Warriors.

Will Roger Tuivasa-Sheck build on his fine round one form, can Addin Fonua-Blake score yet another try?

At the Storm, Grant is under the pump to deliver value for owners who paid his big early price while you sense popular cheapie Joe Chan needs a stauncher defensive effort if he is to retain his starting job.

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Originally published as SC NRL Winners and Losers: Key takeaways, studs and duds from Raiders vs. Wests Tigers, Cowboys vs. Knights, Storm vs. Warriors

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