NRL SuperCoach wrap of Las Vegas 2025: Nicho Hynes not kicking, Jesse McLean concussed

Where to now for two of the most popular players in SuperCoach – Nicho Hynes and Luke Metcalf? TOM SANGSTER reviews the Las Vegas action.

Check out our full SuperCoach analysis from the NRL’s Las Vegas season openers.

In the final game, Nicho Hynes created the biggest looming headache after failing to kick goals, while popular mid-ranger Casey McLean was forced off early due to concussion.

Earlier, popular SuperCoach player Luke Metcalf was among a host of Warriors to flop.

PANTHERS V SHARKS

WINNERS

* Plenty of pundits, including myself, said to not spend big at prop. But Addin Fonua-Blake (87) made us look foolish. Plenty of work (17 runs) plus a late try that set up a thriller.

* POD central elsewhere in the winners. Jesse Ramien (90), Isaah Yeo (89), Daine Laurie (83), Luke Garner (73), Lindsay Smith (71) and Dylan Edwards (70) are all under 15 per cent ownership.

* Nathan Cleary (63) was dominant in actual NRL on his return from shoulder surgery but it didn’t quite translate to SuperCoach stats. Try assist and two try contributions, but plenty of SuperCoaches were hoping for more given he’s the second most popular captain at almost 20 per cent.

Full-time SuperCoach scores from Panthers v Sharks.

LOSERS

* Popular mid-ranger Casey McLean (3) went down with concussion in the opening moments. It’s a shame because replacement Laurie scored two tries in his place. Thank heavens for the new Flex position.

* Mixed news for Nicho Hynes (48). He notched a respectable score, including the opening try assist. But he didn’t kick goals for the Sharks with Braydon Trindall preferred. This looms as a huge issue going forward.

Casey McLean comes off with concussion. Picture: Ethan Miller

RAIDERS V WARRIORS

WINNERS

- Savelio Tamale (73) was a controversial pick given Albert Hopoate is due back next week. But those who jumped on, and especially those who started, will be extremely happy given two linebreaks and an incredible 11 tackle busts. Did he do enough to keep the spot ahead of Hopoate or even push out Sebastian Kris?

- Corey Horsburgh (62) played 59 minutes and made all of them count. SuperCoaches are vindicated given he is the second most popular player in the game at 59.1 per cent. Looks a genuine FRF2 and not just a FRF3, potentially freeing up cash for other positions once lockout opens.

- My POD of the Year Zac Hosking (63) played 66 minutes and mixed huge base (32 tackles) with a try assist. Still only in 13 per cent of sides but expect that to rise.

- Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (65) was a shining light for the well-beaten Warriors. Scored a late try but the most impressive stat was the 21 runs.

Full-time scores from Raiders v Warriors.

Zac Hosking was one of a host of Raiders to produce. Picture: Getty Images via AFP

LOSERS

- Pretty much all Warriors players after the Raiders dominated.

- Luke Metcalf (6) just couldn’t get into the game and had -12 points in errors, missed tackles and missed goals. Fifth most popular SuperCoach player and plenty will consider moving him on. Lowest score in the game.

- Popular cheapie Demitric Vaimauga (17) took some strong carries but only played 14 minutes, which is a huge worry going forward.

- Canberra POD Kaeo Weekes (27) couldn’t get into the attacking action despite the Raiders dominating.

Originally published as NRL SuperCoach wrap of Las Vegas 2025: Nicho Hynes not kicking, Jesse McLean concussed