NRL SuperCoach 2016: Canterbury Bulldogs offer backline cheapies, James Graham could surge
A LACK of depth could open the door for two SuperCoach cheapies, while James Graham’s stats are set to go through the roof.
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A LACK of depth in the Canterbury backline could open the door for two SuperCoach cheapies.
The talented Tyrone Phillips debuted last year and is almost assured a spot over Origin, if not earlier. And in recruit Brad Abbey, still only 18, the Bulldogs possess one of the best fullback prospects in the game.
In terms of existing talent, James Graham has the potential to emerge as a genuine keeper under the new interchange rules.
PLAYER MOVEMENT
Ins: Brad Abbey (Warriors), Craig Garvey (Dragons), Kerrod Holland (Knights), Will Hopoate (Eels)
2016 Losses: Damien Cook (Rabbitohs), Herman Ese’ese (Broncos), Trent Hodkinson (Knights), Antonio Kaufusi (retired), Tim Lafai (Dragons), Frank Pritchard (Hull FC), Corey Thompson (Widnes Vikings), Jacob Loko (released)
PREDICTED BEST 17
Brett Morris, Curtis Rona, Josh Morris, Will Hopoate, Sam Perrett, Josh Reynolds, Moses Mbye, James Graham (c), Michael Lichaa, Aiden Tolman, Josh Jackson, Tony Williams, Greg Eastwood. Interchange: Sam Kasiano, David Klemmer, Tim Browne, Shaun Lane
Will Hopoate (Eels) is the high-profile recruit. We have him pencilled in at centre in place of Tim Lafai (Dragons), although he may pressure Brett Morris for the fullback spot. Moses Mbye is a straight swap for Trent Hodkinson (Knights) at halfback. The exit of Frank Pritchard (Hull FC) sees Tony Williams slot into the starting back row after the former Origin star missed much of last season with a pectoral injury.
GUNS
James Graham (FRF) $352,100
The English warhorse could become a genuine keeper under the new interchange rules (reduced from 10 to eight). With an enormous motor, expect Graham’s game time to improve considerably from an average of 54 minutes last season.
Brett Morris (CTW, FLB) $372,600
While he can’t compete with the best fullbacks in SuperCoach, Morris remains a more than handy centre/wing. He finished 2015 with the sixth highest average in the position.
CHEAPIES
Tyrone Phillips (CTW) $151,800
The talented centre/winger/fullback made his first grade debut during Origin last year. He scored 30 points, and with a discount applied for playing just one game, starts just above bottom dollar at $151,800. He capped a strong year in reserves by being named on the wing in the NSW Cup Team of the Year and making his Test debut for Fiji. However, he is perhaps best known for becoming embroiled in a wild bar brawl, which also involved former South Sydney teammate Dylan Walker.
Phillips would need an injury crisis to play round one, but he is one step closer to a first grade spot in 2016 following the exit of Corey Thompson (Widnes Vikings), who played 10 games last year. In fact, Phillips may be as little as two injuries away from an NRL start. Brett Morris, Curtis Rona, Josh Morris and Will Hopoate appear certainties if fit. Chase Stanley is next in line, followed by Phillips. Further, Phillips is almost assured a spot over Origin when the Morris twins are out.
Brad Abbey (FLB, CTW) $113,800
Tyrone Phillips and fellow fringe backs face serious competition from this prodigious 18-year-old. Considered one of the best fullback prospects in the game, the Warriors reluctantly let Abbey go to accommodate Roger Tuivasa-Sheck. The Bulldogs had to ward off a raid from Melbourne, who viewed him as a long-term replacement for Billy Slater (prior to the emergence of Cameron Munster). Abbey is eligible for Holden Cup this year, but is likely to play plenty of NSW Cup, and even some NRL.
Craig Garvey (HOK) $134,600
The former Dragon comes to the Bulldogs as a back-up hooker. Michael Lichaa has an 80 minute starting spot locked up, but Garvey would be a SuperCoach special if Lichaa goes down injured - particularly given Des Hasler’s penchant for playing hookers for the full game.
Adam Elliott (2RF) $113,800
The NSW Cup captain came close to an NRL debut on a number of occasions last season – and this could be his year following the exit of Frank Pritchard (Hull FC). Bulldogs insiders compare the South coast product’s playing style to Josh Jackson and Dale Finucane.
NO GO ZONE
Shaun Lane (2RF) $256,100
The 2015 revelation starts well out of range at $256,100 following a brilliant debut season.
HOLDEN CUP ANALYSIS
Bulldogs insiders say it’s highly unlikely an NYC player will score an NRL debut in 2016. The Belmore club hardly has a bumper crop of youngsters – and those earmarked for further honours mostly play against men in NSW Cup (eg: Shaun Lane last year). That said, a number of Holden Cup players are training with the NRL squad during the off-season, including Bronson Garlic, Renouf To’Omaga, Reimis Smith and Jake Kamire.
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Originally published as NRL SuperCoach 2016: Canterbury Bulldogs offer backline cheapies, James Graham could surge
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