NRL SuperCoach: 10 things we learned round 16

SUPERCOACHES have been left to ponder why we even play this stupid game after a succession of horror happenings in round 16.

Kalyn Ponga of the Knights leaves the field with a hamstring injury.

SUPERCOACHES have been left to ponder why we even play this stupid game after a succession of horror happenings in round 16.

1 Why do we play this game?

SuperCoaches are scrambling for numbers this week following injuries to Kalyn Ponga (hamstring, round 20-21) and Tohu Harris (knee, TBC), while much-talked-about POD Corey Oates is unavailable after being named for the Maroons. Further complicating matters is the fact half the NRL’s teams are on the bye, but thankfully Viliame Kikau (knee), Tevita Pangai Jnr (rib cartilage) and Joseph Tapine (concussion) are set to be named.

Kalyn Ponga is out for 3-4 weeks with a hamstring issue.

2 Reimis Smith cheapie of the week

The son of former New Zealand international Tyran Smith will be the most purchased player this week, much to the frustration of those who jumped on John Olive for his “job security” (guilty). Smith produced a brilliant 84 — including a try, two try assists and two linebreaks — and emphatically passed the eye test. Lachlan Lewis is also a decent downgrade option in the halves after scoring 35 on debut, including 29 tackles — almost unheard of for a half.

NRL CASUALTY WARD: All the weekend injuries

NRL EARLY MAIL: Predicted team changes

3 Rhyse Martin now kicking goals

While falling slightly short of “Corey Parker 2.0” predictions, Canterbury’s mature-age rookie is now a serious keeper for the run home after assuming goalkicking from the departed Moses Mbye, scoring the plum role ahead of accomplished sharpshooter Kerrod Holland. Martin’s 24 points in goals (no misses) was a welcome addition to his weekend score, as was the 80 minutes. However, Martin’s workrate in the thrashing of the Knights was considerably down on past output, scoring just 39 in base.

4 Gallen, Milford wind back the clock

After a horror start to the year, mainly injury-induced, Paul Gallen now sits with three and five-game averages of 84.3 and 70.4, which places him in the elite keeper realm. In another blast from the past, Anthony Milford produced a match-clinching 106 against former club Canberra. He also missed Origin selection, meaning he’s available for this week’s final bye.

Anthony Milford scores a crucial try against the Raiders.

5 Fifita on the decline

Gallen’s form surge has come at the cost of the far more popular Andrew Fifita, who is owned by a massive 30 per cent. After a slick start, Fifita has produced three and five game averages of just 49.7 and 57.8 as he battles an ongoing knee injury. Moreover, with former Test prop Aaron Woods playing his first game for Cronulla on Friday, Fifita received just 49 minutes — his second lowest total of the year (non-injury-affected). With no round 17 coverage, POD hunters should be looking to sell.

6 Not the Mann

Dragons utility Kurt Mann came into the round as by far the most-purchased player. He went on to produce just 21 points despite a dream match-up against the last-placed Eels. Mann is expected to play in the halves this week following Ben Hunt’s retention in the Queensland squad.

7 Always count on Cook

With less bye rounds in 2018, captaincy and reserve choices have taken on much greater importance. Damien Cook went into the round as just the fourth most captained player behind Cameron Smith, Kalyn Ponga and Jason Taumalolo, despite producing the highest average of any player this year. In other words, the best player in SuperCoach somehow went into the round as a captaincy POD. He promptly produced 115 in monsoonal conditions in Cairns.

Damien Cook was just the fourth most captained player, despite producing the highest average of any player this year.

8 Cleary costs us dearly

Plenty of SuperCoaches are questioning their future plans after Nathan Cleary produced his worst ever SuperCoach performance in the loss to Manly. The NSW halfback had 15 points in deductions due to a sinbinning, three missed tackles, one penalty conceded and an error. He also failed to kick goals, with James Maloney retaining the duties. Many SuperCoaches had Cleary locked in for a round 18 purchase, but have now been forced to re-think, with a maiden Origin campaign taking its toll on the youngster.

9 Taupau lacks wow after Denver Test

The Manly prop was late arriving back from Denver and only confirmed to play an hour before kick-off. His game time was tightly managed by coach Trent Barrett, who gave Taupau just 36 minutes, his lowest total of the season.

10 Prepare to play short

The final bye of the year is upon us and most SuperCoaches are preparing to play short. Injuries and shock Origin selections have taken their usual toll, but the real issue is a distinct lack of quality keepers — only one of the top 10 players from 2018 will take the field this week in Gareth Widdop.

Originally published as NRL SuperCoach: 10 things we learned round 16