NRL SuperCoach wrap round 6: ‘Cheapie of year vibes’ on boom rookie Kayal Iro

NRL SuperCoach round 6 is in the rear-view mirror and there is one player set to dominate discussion all week – and potentially for the rest of the year.

Kayal Iro of the Sharks (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

SuperCoach round 6 is in the rear-view mirror and there are two words on everyone’s lips.

Kayal. Iro.

He’ll be the most purchased player by a loooong way in the coming week, just as James Schiller was the most purchased player last week, and may well end up being the cheapie of the year.

In fact, it’s a bit of a cheapie-fest in SuperCoach right now with a number of young guns looming as must-buys over the next few rounds including Chevy Stewart from the Raiders, while Bronson Xerri also deserves consideration.

Unfortunately, the usual injuries also hit in Ben Trbojevic, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and Zac Hosking among those struck down.

Kayal Iro is a SuperCoach must-have. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

PREDICTED MOST POPULAR TRADES OF ROUND 7

1. Ben Trbojevic to Kayal Iro - Burbo is currently in 83,000 teams but failed to finish due to a hamstring injury. While we were hoping for more, the younger Trbojevic brother has made us around $80,000. Meanwhile, Iro is one of the better cheapies we’ve seen this year, so it’s a pretty clear cut trade. The former NSW Cup Player of the Year has scores of 97 and 46 over his opening two games and looks every bit a base stat beast - this weekend’s 46 had no big attacking stats. His job security is also great after well-and-truly passing the eye test and winning his spot ahead of Siosifa Talakai at the Sharks.

2. Ben Trbojevic to Angus Crichton - Burbo is out and Crichton is close to a must-have after returning to 80 minutes over the last two weeks for scores of 83 and 79. For those new to this caper, Crichton is a great of SuperCoach - a potential $700,000 keeper available for around $450,000. Crichton averaged mid-70s over 2020, 2021 and 2022 and was one of the most valuable players in SuperCoach over that time (when injuries allowed).

3. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow to Kayal Iro - The Hammer did his hammy and is set to be ruled out for a significant period, which is a huge shame given he’d averaged the second most points of any CTW. But Iro is a must-have, so look at the injury as an opportunity.

MORE CHEAPIES TO WATCH

* Bronson Xerri 84 - Has hit the ground running after returning to the NRL from a doping ban. Averaging 58 over his opening two games, Xerri has set up some significant rises, although the job security is a bit dicey with Blake Taaffe (concussion) and Blake Wilson (illness) due back soon.

* Xavier Willison 81 - Brilliant output from a pre-season favourite. Rewarded with some good minutes and scored a try for the Broncos, but he’s set to be the cheapie that got away given the great options right now in the backline.

* Chevy Stewart 30 - Extremely popular pre-season purchase before losing the fullback spot to Jordan Rapana. But with Rapana out for 6-8 weeks, Stewart is set for a long run in the side. On Sunday he didn’t show the brilliance we’ve seen in lower grades but 30 in base is enough to prove he’ll likely be the most popular buy in two weeks’ time.

* Peter Mamouzelos 72 – Plenty were shocked when Origin star Damien Cook copped the chop but Mamouzelos did a great job in his place. We have another two weeks to assess before he rises in price, but at this point he looms as a great downgrade option for Joey Lussick or Danny Levi . 50+ of his points were in base, will he keep his spot after the bye?

* Jye Gray 50 – Had some great moments on debut for the Rabbitohs in place of Latrell Mitchell (suspension) at fullback. Rock bottom price and scored well despite going off with a HIA.

IS HE BACK?

* Nathan Cleary - He is the name everyone will be looking at come 4pm on Tuesday afternoon. Cleary has been tipped to return in the upcoming week, but there are rumours he suffered a minor setback in his comeback from a hamstring injury and may miss another week.

Nathan Cleary is aiming to return from a hamstring injury. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

WINNERS

* Joseph Manu 117 - Has averaged close to 100 at fullback over his career and it’s a pity he hasn’t played there more. James Tedesco (concussion) is likely back this week so unfortunately it’s back to the centres for Joey.

* Kalyn Ponga 91 - Played on one leg and still scored got close to a ton. Hopefully he’s named this week despite a hip-flexor injury.

* Ethan Strange 73 - Another very solid showing from the most popular player in SuperCoach. While on paper Jamal Fogarty is the matchwinner with his late field goal, Strange set it up by backing himself and making the decisive linebreak. Looking very bit a future superstar of the game.

* James Schiller 65 - Notched a double as the most purchased player this week. Almost 60,00 SuperCoaches are very happy right now - and over $150,000 richer.

* Zac Lomax 83 - Just keeps getting it done. Scored a try, contributed to another and kicked four goals.

* Morgan Smithies 62 - Plenty sold after Smithies dropped in minutes a few weeks back but he played the full 90 minutes in a base stat whopper.

* Cameron Munster 92 - Had just 42 last week, but showed he is back with 92. Five-eighth is a rough position for SuperCoach this year and Munster, now back from a groin injury, enters the conversation as the top player in the position.

* Joey Lussick 66 - Popular cheapie played the full 80 minutes and scored a try.

* Daly Cherry-Evans 99 – Backed up his huge effort last week with a near ton. He’s in great form.

Zac Hosking goes off injured.

LOSERS

* Zac Hosking 27 - Went off with a dislocated shoulder and is set to be sidelined long-term. Sell.

* David Fifita 55 - Decent showing but the fact he was again demoted to the bench is a worry. Should drop $50K or so and be a juicy pick over the next few weeks once he builds match fitness.

* Ryan Matterson 18 – Played under 30 minutes … a tough one for owners.

* Tyrone Munro 12 – Went down with a collarbone injury in a cruel blow for the 18-year-old.

* Jayden Campbell 30 - The young Titan failed to finish due to a knee injury he took into the game.

* Jack Bird 34 - Failed a HIA during the Dragons’ win over the Wests Tigers - a ruling the club has indicated they will contest.

* Cameron Murray 35 - Also failed to finish due to concussion but should be right to play the club’s next match given they have the bye coming up.

* Ben Trbojevic and Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow - Injured. See above

Originally published as NRL SuperCoach wrap round 6: ‘Cheapie of year vibes’ on boom rookie Kayal Iro