NRL best 17s for Round 1 and SuperCoach pre-season analysis
We predict the Round 1 starting lineups for every NRL team, as well as rating the players who can surge into SuperCoach calculations with a strong pre-season showing.
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The NRL pre-season is heating up and there’s stacks of positions up for grabs as coaches look to cement their best 17s
More importantly, for many, will be the implications that the months leading into the 2020 opener will have on SuperCoach teams.
We’ve analysed every squad to predict the likely starting sides for every club in Round 1.
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To help ease the stress of team planning with price reveals on the horizon, we’ve also assessed the players that can launch into SuperCoach relevance with a strong pre-season showing.
We’ve left out the majority of rookie players who could force their way into sides, with all the bargain base players listed in our bumper edition of Cheapie Bible.
Melbourne Storm
1.Ryan Papenhuyzen
2.Suliasi Vunivalu
3.Justin Olam
4.Marion Seve
5.Josh Addo-Carr
6.Cameron Munster
7.Jahrome Hughes
8.Jesse Bromwich
9.Cameron Smith
10.Nelson Asofa-Solomona
11.Kenny Bromwich
12.Felise Kaufusi
13.Dale Finucane
14.Brandon Smith
15.Christian Welch
16.Tui Kamikamica
17.Max King
Contentious positions: Melbourne’s line up is fairly well locked in, but don’t be surprised to see the club in the market for a centre before Round 1 having lost both Will Chambers and Curtis Scott.
SuperCoach opportunity: A settled line up provides limited chance for a SuperCoach prospect to emerge. Marion Seve can assure himself an 80 minute role at centre - up from 68 minutes last season – but he’ll likely be awkwardly priced at around $400k.
Sydney Roosters
1.James Tedesco
2.Daniel Tupou
3.Billy Smith
4.Joseph Manu
5.Brett Morris
6.Luke Keary
7.Kyle Flanagan
8.Jared Waerea-Hargeaves
9.Jake Friend
10.Siosiua Taukeiaho
11.Boyd Cordner
12.Mitchell Aubusson
13.Victor Radley
14.Sam Verrills
15.Angus Crichton
16.Nat Butcher
17.Isaac Liu
Contentious positions: The departure of Latrell Mitchell opens up a centre role that will likely fall to Billy Smith, with Matt Ikuvalu another contender for the spot.
SuperCoach opportunity: Unfortunately Kyle Flanagan averaged 74 minutes at Cronulla last season for a healthy return of 50 points per game, ruling him out as a potential buy. The man with the most to gain from a bumper pre-season is Angus Crichton who obviously has the talent to work his way into an 80-minute role. He averaged 69 minutes last season for an underwhelming 57 points, and was benched in preference of Boyd Cordner and Mitch Aubusson when the trio were all fit. Cordner continues to strike injury, Aubusson is ageing and Crichton is in his prime. The former Rabbitoh will be underpriced if he can return to maximum game time.
South Sydney Rabbitohs
1.Latrell Mitchell
2.Dane Gagai
3.Braidon Burns
4.James Roberts
5.Campbell Graham
6.Cody Walker
7.Adam Reynolds
8.Liam Knight
9.Damien Cook
10.Tevita Tatola
11.Jaydn Su’A
12.Ethan Lowe
13.Cameron Murray
14.Alex Johnston/Adam Doueihi
15.Mark Nicholls
16.Tom Burgess
17.Bayley Sironen
Contentious positions: With Latrell Mitchell set to play fullback for the Rabbitohs and a stacked backline, either Adam Doueihi or Alex Johnston will likely be pushed to the bench or out of the suqad entirely. The retirements of Sam Burgess and John Sutton have opened up slots on both edges, with Jaydn Su’A and Ethan Lowe tipped to fill the gaps.
SuperCoach opportunity: Braidon Burns was a breakout SuperCoach star last season before succumbing to hamstring injuries early on in two games throughout the year restricting his average minutes (68) and points (49). As a result Burns will likely be underpriced with impressive base stats to boot, but can he get through the pre-season with a full bill of health? Hardly exciting purchases, but if Lowe and Su’A can up their minutes from 57 and 41 respectively to 80 on the edge they’ll come into calculations as potential mid-rangers.
Canberra Raiders
1.Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad
2.Nick Cotric
3.Joey Leilua
4.Jarrod Croker
5.Curtis Scott
6.Jack Wighton
7.George Williams
8.Josh Papalii
9.Josh Hodgson
10.Sia Soliola
11.Elliott Whitehead
12.John Bateman
13.Joe Tapine
14.Bailey Simonsson
15.Corey Horsburgh
16.Emre Guler
17.Dunamis Lui
Contentious positions: Ricky Stuart has a serious dilemma in fitting recruit Curtis Scott into a quality backline. If he wants Scott and Leilua starting, the former Storm centre may need to shift to the wing, rather harshly pushing Bailey Simonsson to the bench.
SuperCoach opportunity: Recruit George Williams has a SuperCoach friendly game with tackle-breaking ability and general high attacking output. Provided he can break the curse of failed English backs – think Sam Tomkins and Zak Hardaker – he could figure in 2020. It’s not so much pre-season training where he’ll need to impress prospective owners, it’s the trials. If he stamps his authority in gameplay he could be a Round 1 purchase with serious upside.
Parramatta Eels
1.Clint Gutherson
2.Maika Sivo
3.Michael Jennings
4.Waqa Blake
5.Blake Ferguson
6.Dylan Brown
7.Mitchell Moses
8.Junior Paulo
9.Reed Mahoney
10.Reagan Campbell-Gillard
11.Shaun Lane
12.Ryan Matterson
13.Nathan Brown
14.Kane Evans
15.Daniel Alvaro
16.Marata Niukore
17.Brad Takairangi
Contentious positions: Parramatta’s 17 looks fairly well locked and loaded. Brad Takairangi’s versatility can allow Brad Arthur to run with a monster bench if that’s his preference.
SuperCoach opportunity: It’s hard to see too much changing in terms of SuperCoach credentials throughout the pre-season. Injury saw Nathan Brown play 10 less minutes per game in 2019 compared to his past two seasons. While there’s obvious improvement and potential there, it appears highly unlikely there’ll be any additional minutes to attract in the stacked forward pack.
Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles
1.Tom Trbojevic
2.Jorge Taufua
3.Moses Suli
4.Brad Parker
5.Reuben Garrick
6.Dylan Walker
7.Daly Cherry-Evans
8.Martin Taupau
9.Manase Fainu*
10.Addin Fonua-Blake
11.Curtis Sironen
12.Joel Thompson
13.Jake Trbojevic
14.Cade Cust/Lachlan Croker
15.Jack Gosiewski
16.Corey Waddell
17.Taniela Paseka
Contentious positions: Cade Cust and Lachlan Croker are believed to be vying for Manase Fainu’s hooking role should he be unavailable for Round 1 (Fainu is currently stood down by the NRL pending a legal matter). Jorge Taufua faces competition from Albert Hopoate on the wing, but is likely to get the early season nod with the young gun returning from an ACL injury.
SuperCoach opportunity: Fainu’s availability will have huge implications on SuperCoach sides to begin the year. Despite starting 19 games from the bench last season he still averaged a healthy 49 minutes, with huge attacking upside he’s a must if cleared to play. If not, Cust would be overpriced, while Croker would come into consideration after averaging 31 minutes last season.
Cronulla Sharks
1.Matt Moylan
2.Josh Morris
3.Jesse Ramien
4.Bronson Xerri
5.Josh Dugan
6.Shaun Johnson
7.Chad Townsend
8.Andrew Fifita
9.Blayke Brailey
10.Aaron Woods
11.Briton Nikora
12.Wade Graham
13.Jack Williams
14.Cameron King
15.Braden Hamlin-Uele
16.Toby Rudolf/Scott Sorensen
17.Billy Magoulias
Contentious positions: Based on Bronson Xerri staying at the club, Ronaldo Mulitalo would likely have to bide his time in reserve grade. Jack Williams heads a wide open group of youngsters vying for Paul Gallen’s vacant starting role at lock. Scott Sorensen is yet to re-sign with the club but would likely push Toby Rudolf from the bench if he does remain in the Shire.
SuperCoach opportunity: Williams (37 minutes) and Braden Hamlin-Uele (36 minutes) will become mid-range options if starting at lock, while fellow contender Billy Magoulias (28 minutes, one game) looks a quality cheapie option regardless.
Brisbane Broncos
1.Jamayne Isaako
2.Corey Oates
3.Jack Bird
4.Kotoni Staggs
5.Darius Boyd
6.Anthony Milford
7.Brodie Croft
8.Matt Lodge
9.Jake Turpin
10.Payne Haas
11.David Fifita
12.Alex Glenn
13.Tevita Pangai Jnr
14.Andrew McCullough
15.Joe Ofahengaue
16.Tom Flegler
17.Patrick Carrigan
Contentious positions: Outside of recruit Brodie Croft, the make-up of the spine remains up for grabs. Jamayne Isaako is likely to start at fullback, Anthony Milford at five-eighth and Jake Turpin at hooker ahead of veteran Andrew McCullough.
SuperCoach opportunity: In three games at fullback in 2018 Isaako averaged 61 points, scoring just one try in the process. If he can prove himself as the club’s No.1 with a strong pre-season he’ll be a major option at CTW coming off a disappointing 45 point average in 2019. Furthermore, Isaako is expected to be the primary goal-kicker for the season opener. However, Kotoni Staggs and the returning Jordan Kahu (likely QLD Cup) will be hard at work leading into March to steal the role which would have major SuperCoach implications.
Wests Tigers
1.Corey Thompson
2.David Nofoaluma
3.Moses Mbye
4.Tommy Talau
5.Paul Momirovski
6.Benji Marshall
7.Luke Brooks
8.Alex Twal
9.Josh Reynolds
10.Josh Aloiai
11.Luciano Leilua
12.Luke Garner
13.Matt Eisenhuth
14.Elijah Taylor
15.Chris Lawrence
16.Michael Chee-Kam
17.Thomas Mikaele
Contentious positions: There’s positions up for grabs across the 17 at the Tigers, with the back-row posing the majority of questions. Recruit Luciano Leilua and Luke Garner are the likely edge starters, while Matt Eisenhuth is favoured to start at lock. The likes of Chris Lawrence, Michael Chee-Kam and Elijah Taylor are all in contention for starting spots. Boom rookie Tommy Talau is a strong chance at playing his second NRL game, but he’ll face stiff competition from Paul Momirovski and Robert Jennings throughout the pre-season. An ACL injury to Jacob Liddle has Josh Reynolds in line to start at hooker, while Moses Mbye is another option for Michael Maguire.
SuperCoach opportunity: SuperCoaches will be praying Leilua thrives in his new environment with a monster pre-season. Averaging 47 points in 41 minutes last season, the former Dragon has massive upside should he lock down an 80-minute role at Concord.
Penrith Panthers
1.Dylan Edwards
2.Josh Mansour
3.Brent Naden
4.Dean Whare
5.Brian To’o
6.Jarome Luai
7.Nathan Cleary
8.James Tamou
9.Api Koroisau
10.Zane Tetevano
11.Viliame Kikau
12.Isaah Yeo
13.James Fisher-Harris
14.Mitch Kenny
15.Kurt Capewell
16.Moses Leota
17.Liam Martin
Contentious positions: Despite several off-season transfers, Penrith’s roster looks fairly settled for 2020.
SuperCoach opportunity: The pre-season is likely to have minimal SuperCoach impact on Penrith players, with Jarome Luai a cheapie lock with the five-eighth role seemingly secured. Api Koroisau could become relevant if he wins the sole hooking role, but the highly regarded Mitch Kenny is likely to give the rake a reprieve off the bench.
Newcastle Knights
1.Kalyn Ponga
2.Edrick Lee
3.Tautau Moga
4.Bradman Best
5.Hymel Hunt
6.Phoenix Crossland/Mason Lino
7.Mitchell Pearce
8.David Klemmer
9.Jayden Brailey
10.Daniel Saifiti
11.Lachlan Fitzgibbon
12.Mitchell Barnett
13.Tim Glasby
14.Connor Watson
15.Aidan Guerra
16.Herman Ese’ese
17.Sione Mata’utia
Contentious positions: Phoenix Crossland appears to have won over new coach Adam O’Brien and is the frontrunner to partner Mitchell Pearce in the halves. The arrival of Gehamat Shibasaki from Brisbane adds vital depth and competition for backline spots.
SuperCoach opportunity: Outside of obvious cheapies in Crossland and Bradman Best, there’s not too much pre-season relevance for the Knights. The big issue will be whether or not Kalyn Ponga can retain kicking duties with Mason Lino likely playing NSW Cup. Without the duties, it’s hard to see the superstar fullback slotting into a stacked SuperCoach fullback field early in the year.
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
1.Dallin Watene-Zelezniak
2.Reimis Smith
3.Will Hopoate
4.Kerrod Holland
5.Nick Meaney
6.Lachlan Lewis
7.Jack Cogger
8.Aiden Tolman
9.Jeremy Marshall-King
10.Dylan Napa
11.Josh Jackson
12.Corey Harawira-Naera
13.Adam Elliott
14.Sione Katoa
15.Joe Stimson
16.Raymond Faitala-Mariner
17.Renouf Toomaga
Contentious positions: The 1-13 looks fairly settled, with Sione Katoa a chance at elevating himself to a starting role with a strong pre-season. The make-up of the bench is up for debate, with recruits Katoa and Joe Stimson expecting to lock down spots.
SuperCoach opportunity: Slim pickings at the Dogs, Corey Harawira-Naera cementing an 80 minute role would be relevant but he seems unlikely to gain dual 2RF/CTW status again in 2020.
New Zealand Warriors
1.Roger Tuivasa-Sheck
2.Ken Maumalo
3.Peta Hiku
4.Patrick Herbert
5.David Fusitu’a
6.Kodi Nikorima
7.Blake Green
8.Agnatius Paasi
9.Jazz Tevaga
10.Leeson Ah Mau
11.Isaiah Papali’i
12.Tohu Harris
13.Adam Blair
14.Chanel Harris-Tavita
15.Lachlan Burr
16.Bunty Afoa
17.Sam Lisone
Contentious positions: Promising rookie Chanel Harris-Tavita has a huge chance to stake his claim for a starting role at the Warriors. Kodi Nikorima is the frontrunner to partner Blake Green in the halves, but he’s also an option to shift to hooker for the departed Issac Luke. Rakes Karl Lawton and Nathaniel Roache are both coming off surgery, meaning Mr. Versatile Jazz Tevaga is in line to start at nine, with Penrith recruit Wayde Egan another option. Patrick Herbert will vie for a centre role with Gerard Beale who returns from a gruesome knee cap injury.
SuperCoach opportunity: Harris-Tavita will be the side’s primary goal-kicker if he starts. Having spent time off the bench at stages last season, the livewire playmaker averaged just 63 minutes per game. He could become a sneaky mid-range POD if the opportunity arises. Tevaga was a SuperCoach beast when increasing his minutes for the back end of last season. If he can secure an extended role, upping his 55 minutes in 2019, he’d be a serious option to begin the year.
North Queensland Cowboys
1.Valentine Holmes
2.Kyle Feldt
3.Esan Marsters
4.Tom Opacic
5.Murray Taulagi
6.Scott Drinkwater
7.Michael Morgan
8.Jordan McLean
9.Jake Granville
10.Josh McGuire
11.Gavin Cooper
12.Shane Wright
13.Jason Taumalolo
14.Ben Hampton/Reece Robson***
15.John Asiata
16.Francis Molo
17.Coen Hess
Contentious positions: The six, nine and 14 are up for grabs. Scott Drinkwater played halfback for the 2015 Australian Schoolboys side with Nathan Cleary at five-eighth, so a move to the halves won’t be an issue. He faces stiff competition from Jake Clifford for the role. It’ll take a pre-season of observation to determine if highly regarded recruit Reece Robson is up to the task of starting ahead of veteran Jake Granville. Tom Opacic, Murray Taulagi, Justin O’Neill and Ben Hampton are all serious contenders for backline spots.
SuperCoach opportunity: With Jordan Kahu leaving the club and Clifford likely in QLD Cup, the kicking duties are up for grabs. Valentine Holmes, Kyle Feldt and Esan Marsters are all contenders to take up the tee. Holmes will start at a reduced price due to his time out of the game, so if he’s the primary goal-kicker he’ll be an upside option for POD hunters. How he returns from his NFL venture will also have a major influence on his buy credentials. Robson would only become relevant with an 80 minute role having averaged 48 minutes in his seven games last season.
St George-Illawarra Dragons
1.Zac Lomax
2.Jordan Pereira
3.Euan Aitken
4.Tim Lafai
5.Tristan Sailor/Jason Saab
6.Corey Norman
7.Ben Hunt
8.Paul Vaughan
9.Cameron McInnes
10.James Graham
11.Tyson Frizell
12.Tariq Sims
13.Blake Lawrie
14.Issac Luke
15.Jackson Ford
16.Korbin Sims
17.Trent Merrin
Contentious positions: Jack de Belin would start at lock if available, if not it’s likely Blake Lawrie and the returning Trent Merrin would compete for the role. Zac Lomax is expected to get first crack at fullback, while Paul McGregor has a pleasing yet difficult choice between Tristan Sailor and Jason Saab on the wing. Jacob Host and Jackson Ford will compete for the final bench spot.
SuperCoach opportunity: Upping his minutes from 55 to 80 and at fullback brings Zac Lomax into contention for Round 1 should he secure the spot. He’ll be awkwardly priced at around $300-350k, but with likely goal-kicking duties and availability at CTW he’ll become a genuine option.
Gold Coast Titans
1.AJ Brimson
2.Phillip Sami
3.Brian Kelly
4.Kallum Watkins
5.Anthony Don
6.Tyrone Roberts
7.Ash Taylor
8.Jarrod Wallace
9.Nathan Peats
10.Moeaki Fotuaika
11.Kevin Proctor
12.Ryan James
13.Jai Arrow
14.Mitch Rein
15.Shannon Boyd
16.Bryce Cartwright
17.Tyrone Peachey
Contentious positions: Ryan James in the back-row and Bryce Cartwright as a bench X-factor looks to be the Titans’ strongest 17. However it’ll all depend on the skipper’s return from an ACL injury and if he remains nimble enough to play on an edge rather than the middle. Kallum Watkins should retain a starting position in the centres pushing utility Tyrone Peachey to the bench.
SuperCoach opportunity: If Jai Arrow survives pre-season with 100 per cent fitness he’s an obvious Round 1 buy prospect. The Titans’ 2019 Player of the Year Mo Fotuaika scores at over a point per minute, so if he can up his game time he could become a SuperCoach weapon. He’s already shown his ability to play in excess of 60, including an 80 minute effort in Round 14 last year.
Originally published as NRL best 17s for Round 1 and SuperCoach pre-season analysis