KFC NRL SuperCoach 2022 Round 6 wrap: High, lows and trade targets

The KFC SuperCoach Mastermind crunches the stats to help you find the best trade targets. ANALYSIS FOR EVERY GAME

The next goal for SuperCoaches couldn’t be clearer. Nathan Cleary’s 151 points showed he’s positioned to hold the bulk of his value from the free-flowing 2021 season. It’s something Tom Trbojevic struggled to do losing $286k in value before going down injured.

After two quieter opening games Cleary produced his fifth best career score doing exactly what we lauded Nicho Hynes for last week and that’s running the ball.

Cleary had 13 hit-ups against the Broncos, the most he’s had in a game since 2017.

Add the tackle busts, offloads and linebreaks from his running game on top of one of the best kicking games we’ve seen producing forced drop outs, 40/20s, try assists and kicking goals with deadly accuracy; and there is no player who can match Cleary, though Hynes has shown potential at the Sharks.

How to get to Cleary, though? Is it time to ditch Hynes who was just held to 35 points by the Storm? Or drop an underwhelming James Tedesco and moving dual position Hynes to fullback. Ryan Papenhuyzen has peaked in value and picked up a knock to the ankle on the weekend. Get this one right and you’re bound to push ahead of the pack.

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Those joining Cleary with a century this week include Sharks left side combination Ronaldo Mulitalo, 125, and Siosifa Talakai, 114 who tore the Storm apart; Rabbitohs hooker Damien Cook, 121 with a hat-trick against the Bulldogs; Kalyn Ponga, 122, putting on a show with plenty of talk about his worth; David Fifita, 120 and Kotoni Staggs, 102, who hit triple figures the second week in a row to again punished the many who sold them; last and most surprisingly Panthers bench forward Scott Sorensen, 104, punched out a monster score in just 36 minutes.

Here’s the wrap on every game so far. We’ll update the Eels v Tigers Easter Monday clash once SuperCoach scores are in after the game.

Raiders 12-18 Cowboys

Highs: Valentine Holmes, 92, scored his third try in four weeks and looks to have found his feet in the centres. He had seven tackle busts, two linebreaks and slotted 3/3 goals which makes up for his smaller base. Heilum Luki, 90, scored a try and played 80 minutes on the left edge after limited game time for the first five rounds. He smashed out 59 in base stats and had a linebreak and four tackle busts. His numbers are very impressive but can he hold the job? Jason Taumalolo, 86, played his most minutes of the season so far (71) and had an incredible 47 points from his 25 hit ups. He also had five tackle busts, an offload and 30 tackles. With recently added dual FRF/2RF position status and first bye round coverage he’s one to get it soon if the return to his old form continues. Tom Starling, 83, played 80 minutes for the second week in a row and delivered attacking stats again with a try and linebreak. He had an impressive 62 in base stats but did miss six tackles.

Lows: Xavier Savage, 10, came on the field with 14 minutes to go. His price should come down nicely if the Raiders continue to use him like this. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, 21, had three errors before he was replaced by Savage. Thomas Dearden, 30, missed out on the big attacking stats for the first time this season. Time to sell for the 10% of teams with him.

Watchlist: Joseph Tapine, 71, had close to 60 minutes for the second week in a row but did replace Ryan Sutton who had a HIA with 5 minutes to go. His score was almost all base stats and he’s got dual FRF/2RF and first bye coverage. There’s a lot to like if the minutes continue. Tom Gilbert, 65, had 63 in base stats in 57 minutes in the middle. He’s played a mix of left edge and middle in the opening five rounds. For SuperCoaches he looks better in the middle and Luki looks better on the edge. But things might switch back when Jamayne Tanau Browne returns next week. Brad Schneider, 53, has almost doubled in price and again delivered a nice score with a linebreak his only big attacking stat. Despite his strong form and potential for more points and price rises he probably makes way this week for a lot of teams with Blake Taafe set for some quick price rises at HFB.

Rabbitohs 36-16 Bulldogs

Highs: Damien Cook, 121, had three tries, two linebreaks, four tackle busts and 38 in base stats. Alex Johnston, 94, scored two tries, had two linebreaks, a try assist, linebreak assist and 17 in base stats. Luke Thompson, 77, had 69 base stats in 68 minutes with three tackle bust s and an offload. Another dual FRF/2rf who covers the first bye. He’s dropped about $100k after a slow start to the season with this his first score over 50 since a 64 in Round 1. Cameron Murray, 73, had 51 in base stats, five tackle busts, a forced dropout and try contribution.

Lows: A nasty headclash ruled Braidon Burns, 14, and Chris Patolo, 18, out of the game after 35 minutes. Josh Mansour, 15, out of the attacking points on the right wing. Taane Milne, 20, went off after 63 minutes.

Watchlist: Blake Taaffe, 62, kicked 6/6 goals for 24 points of his tally. Otherwise he had a try assist, linebreak assist and just 18 in base stats. Liam Knight, 53, played 40 minutes and had 37 points in hit-ups. With Mark Nicholls out long-term Knight could be a downgrade option with dual 2RF/FRF at just $300k. Isaiah Tass, 40, scored a try on his NRL debut and will be a cheapie to pick up if he forces Milne out of the starting team. Tevita Pangai, 40, missed seven tackles and had just one effective offload. Cody Walker, 44, wasn’t far off a couple extra big attacking plays and had a try assist, two try contributions and three errors. Brent Naden, 51, finally found some points after scores of 11 and 4 have sent his value plummeting, he scored a try, had two linebreaks but also had five errors.

Panthers 40-12 Broncos

Highs: Nathan Cleary, 151, had three try assists, a try contribution, 6/7 goals, five tackle busts, three forced dropouts, a linebreak, a linebreak assist, a 40/20 and 35 in base stats. Scott Sorensen, 104, scored a try, had two linebreaks, two try contributions, three tackle busts and 54 in base stats in just 36 minutes. A crazy outlier of a game. He’s played similar minutes in the first five rounds but not score more than 42 points. Kotoni Staggs, 102, scored his second century after averaging just 32 in the first four rounds. He dropped a ball over the line so could have gone even higher but was still super busy with a try, try assist, six tackle busts, an offload, a linebreak, two linebreak assists and 32 in base stats. He started in 39.8% of teams, how many will go back for him though after being burnt in the first four rounds? Liam Martin, 93, scored his fourth try in five games which is maybe masking his low base and three past games in the 60 minutes. Still running off Nathan Cleary is one of the best places to be and he also picked up a linebreak, try assist, linebreak assist and four tackle busts. Isaah Yeo, 87, had a try and linebreak assist on top of 63 in base stats. He had an early rest last week but was back to 75 minutes in this one. Api Koroisau, 80, returned to attacking form after a couple quiet weeks with a linebreak, linebreak assist, three tackle busts and 51 in base stats.

Lows: Dylan Edwards, 32, was sin-binned and also had an early rest playing just 61 minutes. Billy Walters, 16, missed five tackles and is getting cheap but hasn’t looked like repeating the 65 point game from Round 1. Jake Turpin, 32, and Cory Paix, 20, shared the minutes at hooker. Turpin didn’t have a single run and Paix had just one.

Watchlist: Tesi Niu, 48, scored a try, had a linebreak and four tackle busts before going off injured at 34 minutes. Niu’s injury forced Selwyn Cobbo to move to fullback and he should be much more involved there than he has been on the right wing so far. Delouise Hoeter, 35, was a late in at centre for the Broncos with Herbie Farnworth out injured. The cheapie was solid and could be a downgrade option if he holds onto a spot. Jarome Luai, 53, had a try and a linebreak in his score. His numbers are dropping with Cleary back in the team and taking charge. Keenan Palasia, 45, had 57 in base stats in 60 minutes, but was also sin binned.

Sea Eagles 26-18 Titans

Highs: David Fifita, 120, back to back centuries and he’s returned to his starting price and top of the 2RF points scored table. Fifita scored a try, had a try assist, five tackle busts, four offloads, a linebreak a linebreak assist and 47 in base stats. Haumole Olakau’atu, 92, scored two tries to make it four in the past three games and had 45 in base stats. He’s getting plenty of quality ball running off Daly Cherry-Evans, 69, and could easily have scored another try. One to look at for bye coverage and as a POD at just 5% owned. Kieran Foran, 85, bounced back from last week’s zero in 80 minutes with a try, try assist, linebreak, linebreak assist, four tackle busts and a forced dropout. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, 77, had a try and linebreak on top of 50 in base stats. Reuben Garrick, 76, had a try, linebreak, kicked 4/4 goals and has come down in price by about $150k. One to target for the Tigers match in Round 9 and to cover the first bye.

Lows: Sean Keppie, 15, went off for a HIA after playing just 20 minutes. Karl Lawton, 13, played 26 minutes off the bench. Jason Saab, 21, hasn’t scored a try or above 30 this season and has lost $150k. Tom Trbojevic ignited Saab’s try scoring last year, wait for Turbo to return and Saab to get even cheaper before you jump on.

Watchlist: Manly cheapies Tolutau Koula, 34, Christian Tuipulotu, 27, were both solid. Koula went close to scoring but fell just short of the line and was forced off for a HIA after that play.

Storm 34-18 Sharks

Highs: The Sharks left edge duo Ronaldo Mulitalo, 125, and Siosifa Talakai, 114, terrorised the Storm with both players scoring centuries with impressive attacking stats. Mulitalo is now one of the best averaging CTW and had two tries, nine tackle busts, four linebreaks and 30 points from hit-ups. Talakai, sits behind just David Fifita, Cameron Murray and Isaiah Papali’i in 2RF for total points and had a try, two try assists, six tackle busts, a linebreak, two linebreak assists and 37 in base stats. The Sharks CTWs are putting up ridiculous numbers across the board thanks to their expansive style of play and they are super PODs with Mulitalo the highest owned at 2.4% ownership. Cameron Munster, 96, took charge of the Melbourne attack with most of their play going down the left side. He had a try, try assist, two linebreaks three tackle busts and a linebreak assist. Harry Grant, 86, had a try, linebreak six tackle busts and 47 in base stats. He’s been remarkably consistent so far with a low of 79 and high of 92. Justin Olam, 84, scored two tries and could have had a third dropping another ball over the line.

Lows: Dale Finucane, 6, failed a HIA after seven minutes. Xavier Coates, 18, missed seven tackles struggling against Mulitalo and Talakai and didn’t get much ball with just eight hit-ups. He averaged 64 in the first three weeks and then posted back to back scores in the teens. This is what you get from Storm wingers. I expect he’ll be a popular trade-out. Braden Hamlin-Uele, 18, played 32 minutes before going off injured. Nicho Hynes, 35, had his lowest score of the season and it’s probably no surprise his former teammates knew how to nullify him.

Watchlist: Brandon Smith, 30, should drop a stack of value after scores of 33 and 21 before this one. He’ll become an option at some point but he’s not showing much at the moment. Josh King, 31, played 66 minutes and missed out on attacking stats after three weeks in a row of jagging a nice bonus for owners. He’s ready to be sold this week or next. Cameron McInnes, 41, played his first 80 minute game of the season taking the edge spot of Briton Nikora who was out with Covid.

Roosters 22-14 Warriors

Highs: Sam Walker, 81, followed last week’s 87 with another try and swag of goals. He kicked 5/5 goals this week after 3/3 last week. He’s definitely improving that area and his number of missed tackles which were both hurting his scores. Addin Fonua-Blake, 73, had 51 in base stats, a linebreak and seven tackle busts in 61 minutes. Daniel Tupou, 66, scored his fourth try in six games this season. Not much is clicking for the Roosters but the sweep to Tupou works most of the time.

Lows: Joey Manu, 27, after back to back centuries he reverted to more familiar scores for him. Jesse Arthars, 14, crashed back to earth after three tries in his last two games. Shaun Johnson, 15, didn’t have any attacking stats.

Watchlist: James Tedesco, 57, had a try assist, linebreak assist, two offloads, three tackle busts and was very lucky not to have been sin binned. Josh Curran, 59, was all base stats and played just 69 minutes having a spell for a leg injury. Angus Crichton, 48, returned to the starting team and played 80 minutes on the right edge. He’s mighty tempting at the low $500k price if he’s locked back in to big minutes after three weeks coming off the bench. Joseph Suaalii, 26, is already in 13% of teams he made a solid first outing of the season.

Dragons 21-16 Knights

Highs: Kalyn Ponga, 122, scored more points in this game than his first three this season combined and made more hit-ups in this game than all but one game in his career. That strong running game produced a ridiculous seven offloads and nine tackle busts. He also had a try, try assist and two linebreak assists. In just 4% of teams Ponga is a super POD but you’d want to see him do it again against a better defensive team. David Klemmer, 94, returned after playing just Round 1 so far this season and had 62 in base stats, a linebreak and linebreak assists. Mat Feagai, 92, followed his impressive 76 last week with two tries, two linebreaks, a linebreak assist and five tackle busts. Dane Gagai, 89, bounced back to his best after 35 last week. He had 47 in base stats, seven tackle busts, a try and a linebreak.

Lows: Mikaele Ravalawa, 18, missed out on attacking stats. Talatau Amone, 15, continued coming off the bench.

Watchlist: Moses Suli, 79, has struck up a nice combination with Feagai. Suli had a try assist, linebreak assist and eight tackle busts. Brodie Jones, 50, played 67 minutes putting up a solid score for a bunch of new owners. Chris Randall, 67, secured a longer run of price rises for owners with 50 tackles and a few attacking stats. Leo Thompson, 31, has made almost $100k now and can probably be sold in the coming weeks. Jack Bird, 42, scored his fourth try in six games. He’s been solid but you’d hope for some bigger scores with those tries, the best he’s done is 69.

Eels 20-21 Tigers

Highs: David Nofoaluma, 89, scored two tries as he showed his SuperCoach scoring best with three offloads and five tackle busts. If he finds form again he’s a steal for low $400k mark. Isaiah Papali’i, 85, had a try, linebreak, six tackle busts and 49 in base stats to keep up his impressive scoring. He’s the top scoring and averaging FRF and is mixing it with Cam Murray and David Fifita in 2RF. Reed Mahoney, 83, had a try, try assist, linebreak assist and 54 in base stats before going off after 67 minutes. Alex Twal, 81, pumped out an incredible 41 tackles and 32 points from hitups in 63 minutes. Noted for his inability to score a try in his career so far he picked up four tackle busts. He came off the bench at the 17 minute mark and didn’t stop working. He had similar minutes earlier in the season and only scored in the 50s so I wouldn’t go early on him as impressive as his output was. Luciano Leilua, 76, always a solid option at the Tigers, picking up the opening try and the usual 40 in base stats with tackle busts and offloads. Mitchell Moses, 72, was one of the most popular captaincy options of the week and delivered but not as much as probably expected. He had two try assists, two forced dropouts and a linebreak. Jackson Hastings, 70, was in everything for the Tigers with a try assist, two try contributions, two forced dropouts, two offloads, a linebreak assist and of course the game-winning field goal. He started the season in 23% of teams but only 10% held him over his three game suspension. Expect him to be a popular downgrade target for any other half who has hit their price peak.

Lows: Jock Madden, -2, showed promising signs filling in for Hastings but he was always going out of the team on his return. Worst case scenario for owners with Madden coming off the bench for the final stages and producing nothing more than a couple errors wiping out the value he’d gained. Tom Opacic, 35, went off for a HIA with 15 minutes to go. Jake Simpkin, 33, went off with an ankle injury with 22 minutes to go.

Watchlist: Kelma Tuilagi, 47, finally played out 80 minutes after an injury hit start to the season. He had just five hit ups with the positive takeaway being three of those runs he produced an offload on. Marata Niukore, 54, took the right centre role on return from injury and bagged a try and five tackle busts. Cheap and dual CTW/2RF he could come into contention as a downgrade target. Dylan Brown, 69, is in career best form and produced a try assist, linebreak, two forced dropouts and two tackle busts. Question for owners is do you trade out the top scoring 5/8 now after he’s made almost $250k in cash or continue to ride his incredible form. Cameron Munster is a downgrade from Brown and Nathan Cleary isn’t too much of a stretch to get to if you’re carrying the right duals in the halves. Ryan Matterson, 59, moved back into the middle with Shaun Lane’s return from inury and played just 56 minutes. He was all base stats with a couple offloads. Solid numbers but he doesn’t have much attacking upside in this role compared to on the edge. Will Penisini, 68, had nine tackle busts, a linebreak and two offloads. He still hasn’t scored a try but is averaging about 50PPG regardless.

Originally published as KFC NRL SuperCoach 2022 Round 6 wrap: High, lows and trade targets