NRL teams Round 3 2022: KFC SuperCoach teams analysis

Injuries at reigning premiers the Penrith Panthers have opened up a perfect opportunity for a cheapie — and he should be on everyone’s wishlist.

Reverse trades now.

Melbourne superstar Harry Grant was the fourth most popular KFC SuperCoach purchase this week after a brilliant 92 against the Sea Eagles, but he has been ruled out due to Covid.

He should only miss one week so those who already own should stick strong, but it’s a bitter pill to swallow for those who held through his round one suspension.

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Harry Grant has Covid (Photo by Kelly Defina/Getty Images)

WINNERS

* Nathan Cleary - The KFC SuperCoach great has been named on an extended bench for the Panthers and is gunning for inclusion after off-season shoulder surgery. One to monitor given he’s 30 points better than the next best halfback in KFC SuperCoach based on last season.

* Taylan May – The boom youngster scores the wing spot of Brian To’o at the Panthers. To’o is out for 6-8 weeks and May could therefore become a cheapie option in the next few weeks at $252,500, particularly with Cleary due back to spice up Penrith’s attack. May is a high-workrate tackle buster in a good attacking side - the perfect formula for KFC SuperCoach success. Should be on everyone’s radar.

* Brad Schneider - The popular cheapie is owned by over 35 per cent of teams and makes a timely return from a Covid absence. He has been thrust straight back into the starting side for the Raiders and don’t be scared to play him in your 17 given he notched a more-than-decent 45 in round one without any attacking stats.

* Joseph Suaalii - Expected to be named to return from a serious foot injury through NSW Cup for the Roosters. Hardly a winner in terms of this week, but a good sign for the 15 per cent who own him and a potential cheapie target down the track for those who don’t. Hopefully back in the top grade in a matter weeks.

* * * * * Scroll down foor Round 3 teams* * * * *

LOSERS

* Kelma Tuilagi - The popular cheapie suffered a head knock last week and has been ruled out due to the five-day turnaround. Hold until further information emerges.

* Angus Crichton - Already the fifth most sold player going into teams day and that number is likely to rise after the NSW Origin representative was relegated to the bench for the Roosters.

* Brian To’o - Sixth most popular sell after being ruled out for 6-8 weeks with a knee injury.

* James Schiller - The popular Raiders cheapie drops out of the 17 due to the returns of Jordan Rapana (suspension) and Nick Cotric (quad). Big blow for the 35 per cent who got on as a cheapie at the start of the season.

* Jackson Hastings - The popular money-maker has been named but faces a nervous wait. He has accepted the early guilty plea for his dangerous throw offence, but will contest the grading at the judiciary on Tuesday night, which could reduce a three-week ban to just a fine.

*** Update: Hastings is out for three weeks.

Jackson Hastings has copped a suspension (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

ROUND 3 TEAMS

DRAGONS v SHARKS

Thursday, 8.05pm, WIN Stadium, Wollongong

Dragons

1. Tyrell Sloan, 2. Cody Ramsey, 3. Moses Suli, 4. Zac Lomax, 5. Mikaele Ravalawa, 6. Talatau Amone, 7. Ben Hunt, 8. Francis Molo, 9. Moses Mbye, 10. Blake Lawrie, 11. Jack Bird, 12. Jaydn Su’A, 13. Tariq Sims

Bench: 14. Jack de Belin, 15. Josh Kerr, 16. Jackson Ford, 17. Jack Gosiewski

Reserves: 18. Tautau Moga, 19. Poasa Faamausili, 20. Daniel Alvaro 21. Mathew Fegai 22. Jaiyden Hunt, 23. Michale Molo 24. George Burgess

Team Talk: Andrew McCullough (elbow) is OUT with Moses Mbye shifting from the interchange to hooker. George Burgess escaped with a fine following his dangerous contact charge and has been named in the reserves.

Sharks

1. Will Kennedy, 2. Sione Katoa, 3. Jesse Ramien, 4. Connor Tracey, 5. Matt Ikuvalu, 6. Matt Moylan, 7. Nicho Hynes, 8. Toby Rudolf, 9. Blayke Brailey, 10. Braden Hamlin-Uele, 11. Briton Nikora, 12. Siosifa Talakai, 13. Dale Finucane

Bench: 14. Aiden Tolman, 15. Cameron McInnes, 16. Braydon Trindall, 17. Andrew Fifita

Reserves: 18. Luke Metcalf, 19. Royce Hunt, 20. Jack Williams, 21. Lachlan Miller 22. Franklin Pele, 23. Jenson Taumoepeau 24. Thomas Hazelton

Team Talk: Teig Wilton copped a one match ban for his dangerous contact on Mitchell Moses, Siosifa Talakai starts in his place. Ronaldo Mulitalo failed a HIA test against the Eels and has not been named with Matt Ikuvalu replacing him on the wing. Braydon Trindall returns from suspension and is named at number 16 which sees Royce Hunt relegated off the bench.

TIGERS v WARRIORS

Friday, 6pm, Campbelltown Sports Stadium, Sydney

Tigers

1. Daine Laurie, 2. David Nofoaluma, 3. James Roberts, 4. Oliver Gildart, 5. Ken Maumalo, 6. Jackson Hastings, 7. Luke Brooks, 8. James Tamou, 9. Jacob Liddle, 10. Stefano Utoikamanu, 11. Luke Garner, 12. Luciano Leilua, 13. Joe Ofahengaue

Bench: 14. Tyrone Peachey, 15. Alex Twal, 16. Zane Musgrove, 17. Jake Simpkin

Reserves: 18. Thomas Mikaele, 19. Jock Madden, 20. Alex Seyfarth, 21. Starford To’a, 22. Tukimihia Simpkins, 23. Austin Dias, 24. Rua Ngatikaura

Team Talk: Jackson Hastings has been named after opting to front the judiciary over his dangerous tackle. Luke Garner comes into the starting side in place of Kelma Tuilagi (HIA, 5-day turnaround). Jacob Liddle returns from injury and is named to start at hooker pushing Jake Simpkin to the interchange and Alex Seyfarth to the reserves.

Warriors

1. Reece Walsh, 2. Adam Pompey, 3. Jesse Arthars, 4. Rocco Berry, 5. Marcelo Montoya, 6. Chanel Harris-Tavita, 7. Kodi Nikorima, 8. Addin Fonua-Blake, 9. Wayde Egan, 10.Matt Lodge, 11. Euan Aitken, 12. Eliesa Katoa, 13. Josh Curran

Bench: 14. Jazz Tevaga, 15. Bunty Afoa, 16. Aaron Pene, 17. Bayley Sironen

Reserves: 18. Jack Murchie, 20. Ben Murdoch-Masila, 21. Taniela Otukolo, 22. Pride Patterson-Robati 23. Valingi Kepu, 24. Junior Ratuva, 25. Edward Kosi

Team Talk: One change to the team from last week with Kodi Nikorima coming into the halves for an injured Ash Taylor. Addin Fonua-Blake suffered a late hand injury in the loss to the Titans, but has been named.

RABBITOHS v ROOSTERS

Friday, 8.05pm, Accor Stadium, Sydney

Rabbitohs

1. Latrell Mitchell, 2. Alex Johnston, 3. Taane Milne, 4. Campbell Graham, 5. Jaxson Paulo, 6. Cody Walker, 7. Lachlan Ilias, 8. Tevita Tatola, 9. Damien Cook, 10. Mark Nicholls, 11. Keaon Koloamatangi, 12. Jai Arrow, 13. Cameron Murray

Bench: 14. Jacob Host 15. Siliva Havili, 16. Thomas Burgess, 17. Liam Knight

Reserves: 18. Josh Mansour, 19. Michael Chee Kam, 20. Richard Kennar , 21. Davvy Moale, 22. Dean Hawkins, 23. Peter Mamouzelos, 24. Isaiah Tass

Team Talk: Cameron Murray returns to the starting side after starting from the bench last week. Liam Knight returns from injury and is named on the interchange bench.

Roosters

1. James Tedesco, 2. Daniel Tupou, 3. Paul Momirovski, 4. Joey Manu, 5. Billy Smith, 6. Sam Walker, 7. Luke Keary, 8. Lindsay Collins, 9. Connor Watson, 10. Siosiua Taukeiaho, 11. Nat Butcher, 12. Sitili Tupouniua, 13. Victor Radley

Bench: 14. Drew Hutchison, 15. Fletcher Baker, 16. Angus Crichton, 17. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves

Reserves: 18. Lachlan Lam, 19. Daniel Suluka-Fifita, 20. Freddy Lussick, 21. Naufahu Whyte, 22. Adam Keighran, 23. Renouf Atoni, 24. Kevin Naiqama

Team Talk: Big news is the benching of Origin star Angus Crichton in favour of last week’s two try star Nat Butcher. Sitili Tupouniua has overcome concussion protocol to take his part in the game. Joey Manu and Connor Watson have been named despite copping knocks last week against Manly.

Penrith youngster Taylan May is a looming cheapie. Picture: NRL Imagery

PANTHERS v KNIGHTS

Saturday, 3pm, Carrington Park, Bathurst

Panthers

1. Dylan Edwards, 2. Charlie Staines, 3. Izack Tago, 4. Stephen Crichton, 5. Taylan May, 6. Jarome Luai, 7. Sean O’Sullivan, 8. Matthew Eisenhuth, 9. Api Koroisau, 10. James Fisher-Harris, 11. Viliame Kikau, 12. Liam Martin, 13. Isaah Yeo

Bench: 14. Mitch Kenny, 15. Scott Sorensen, 16. Spencer Leniu, 17. Jaeman Salmon

Reserves: 18. J’maine Hopgood, 19. Chris Smith, 20. Robert Jennings, 21. Lindsay Smith, 22. Soni Luke, 23. Kurt Falls, 24. Nathan Cleary

Team Talk: One big out for the premiers with Brian To’o (knee) replaced by Talan May.

Somewhat surprisingly both James Fisher-Harris (shoulder) and Scott Sorensen (wrist) have been named. Only other slight point of interest is NATHAN CLEARY IS BACK. The star half has been named in jersey 24 and so must be some chance to play.

Knights

1. Kalyn Ponga, 2. Dominic Young, 3. Dane Gagai, 4. Bradman Best, 5. Enari Tuala, 6. Jake Clifford, 7. Adam Clune, 8. Jacob Saifiti, 9. Chris Randall, 10. Daniel Saifiti, 11. Tyson Frizell, 12. Mitch Barnett, 13. Kurt Mann

Bench: 14. Phoenix Crossland, 15. Jirah Momoisea, 16. Leo Thompson 17. Mat Croker

Reserves: 18. Simi Sasagi, 19. Tex Hoy, 20. Edrick Lee, 21. Sauaso Sue, 22. Dylan Lucas, 23. Brayden Musgrove, 24. Jaron Purcell

Team Talk: Two big ins for the Knights with Kalyn Ponga and Daniel Saifiti returning.

Lachlan Fitzgibbon (knee) is out replaced by Mitchell Barnett with Mat Croker coming on to the bench. David Klemmer is still not ready to return.

STORM v EELS

Saturday, 5.30pm, AAMI Park, Melbourne

Storm

1. Ryan Papenhuyzen, 2. Dean Ieremia, 3. Reimis Smith, 4. Justin Olam, 5. Xavier Coates, 6. Cameron Munster, 7. Jahrome Hughes, 8. Jesse Bromwich, 9. Harry Grant, 10. Nelson Asofa-Solomona, 11. Felise Kaufusi, 12. Kenny Bromwich, 13. Josh King

Bench: 14. Tyran Wishart, 15. Alec MacDonald, 16. Trent Loiero, 17. Tepai Moeroa

Reserves: 18. Chris Lewis, 19. Nick Meaney, 20. Jonah Pezet, 21. Jayden Nikorima, 22. William Warbrick, 23. Brandon Smith, 24. Sualauvi Faalogo

Team Talk: There will be just one change to the side that defeated the Rabbitohs in Round 2, with Harry Grant set to miss out (despite being named) after testing positive to Covid. Tyran Wishart will likely move into the starting side, however Brandon Smith has been named among the reserves and is an outside chance of returning.

Eels

1. Clint Gutherson, 2. Waqa Blake, 3. Will Penisini, 4. Tom Opacic, 5. Bailey Simonsson, 6. Dylan Brown, 7. Mitchell Moses, 8. Reagan Campbell-Gillard, 9. Reed Mahoney, 10. Junior Paulo, 11. Shaun Lane, 12. Isaiah Papali’i, 13. Nathan Brown

Bench: 14. Makahesi Makatoa, 15. Wiremu Greig, 16. Ray Stone, 17. Oregon Kaufusi

Reserves: 18. Bryce Cartwright, 19. Brendan Hands, 20. Ky Rodwell, 21. Hayze Perham, 22. Solomone Naiduki, 23. Luca Moretti, 24. Samuel Loizou

Team Talk: Nathan Brown starts at lock following a successful return from injury last week, with Oregon Kaufusi dropping to the bench. Wiremu Greig comes onto the interchange in place of Jake Arthur.

RAIDERS v TITANS

Saturday, 7.35pm, GIO Stadium, Canberra

Raiders

1. Charnze Nicholl-Klokstad, 2. Nick Cotric, 3. Matt Timoko, 4. Semi Valemei, 5. Jordan Rapana, 6. Jack Wighton, 7. Brad Schneider, 8. Josh Papalii, 9. Tom Starling, 10. Joseph Tapine, 11. Hudson Young, 12. Corey Harawira-Naera, 13. Elliott Whitehead

Bench: 14. Matt Frawley, 15. Emre Guler, 16. Adam Elliott, 17. Corey Horsburgh

Reserves: 18. Xavier Savage, 19. Ryan Sutton, 20. Adrian Trevilyan 21. Sebastian Kris, 22. Sam Williams, 23. Trey Mooney, 24. Harry Rushton

Team Talk: Brad Schneider (Covid) returns in place of Matt Frawley in the halves, with Frawley dropping to the bench. Jordan Rapana (suspension) and Nick Cotric (quad) are big inclusions in the backline. James Schiller and Seb Kris drop out. Josh Hodgson (ACL) is out for the season, gifting Tom Starling the starting hooking role.

Titans

1. Jayden Campbell, 2. Phillip Sami, 3. Brian Kelly, 4. Patrick Herbert, 5. Greg Marzhew, 6. AJ Brimson, 7. Toby Sexton, 8. Moeaki Fotuaika, 9. Erin Clark, 10. Isaac Liu, 11. David Fifita, 12. Beau Fermor, 13. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui

Bench: 14. Will Smith, 15. Sam Lisone, 16. Jaimin Jolliffe, 17. Kevin Proctor

Reserves: 18. Herman Ese’ese, 19. Esan Marsters, 20. Jarrod Wallace 21. Sam McIntyre, 22. Jamayne Isaako, 23. Paul Turner, 24. Sosefo Fifita

Team Talk: Unchanged 1-17. New signing Jamayne Isaako has been listed among the reserves following a hasty switch from the Broncos.

BRONCOS v COWBOYS

Sunday, 4.05pm, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane

Broncos

1. Tesi Niu, 2. Corey Oates, 3. Kotoni Staggs, 4. Herbie Farnworth, 5. Selwyn Cobbo, 6. Albert Kelly, 7. Adam Reynolds, 8. Keenan Palasia, 9. Jake Turpin, 10. Payne Haas, 11. Kurt Capewell, 12. Jordan Riki, 13. Pat Carrigan

Bench: 14. Ryan James, 15. Kobe Hetherington, 16. TC Robati, 17. Billy Walters

Reserves: 18. David Mead, 19. Rhys Kennedy, 20. Tyson Gamble, 21. Jordan Pereira, 22. Corey Paix, 23. Brenko Lee, 24. Corey Jensen

Team Talk: No changes at the Broncos following an unbeaten start to the season.

Cowboys

1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, 2. Kyle Feldt, 3. Valentine Holmes, 4. Peta Hiku, 5. Murray Taulagi, 6. Tom Dearden, 7. Chad Townsend, 8. Jordan McLean, 9. Reece Robson, 10. Coen Hess, 11. Tom Gilbert, 12. Jeremiah Nanai, 13. Jason Taumalolo

Bench: 14. Jake Granville, 15. Helium Luki, 16. Reuben Cotter, 17. Griffin Neame

Reserves: 18. Emry Pere 19. Scott Drinkwater, 20. Connelly Lemuelu, 21. Brendan Elliot, 22. Ben Condon, 23. Jamayne Taunoa-Brown , 24. Daejarn Asi

Team Talk: Mitchell Dunn (ACL) is out for the season, replaced by Reuben Cotter on the bench. No other changes to the 17 after Tom Gilbert escaped with a fine for his crusher tackle on Semi Valemei. Jamayne Taunoa-Brown (leg) has been included in reserves as he aims for a comeback.

SEA EAGLES v BULLDOGS

Sunday, 6.15pm, 4 Pines Park, Sydney

Sea Eagles

1. Tom Trbojevic, 2. Jason Saab, 3. Brad Parker, 4. Morgan Harper, 5. Reuben Garrick, 6. Kieran Foran, 7. Daly Cherry-Evans, 8. Sean Keppie, 9. Lachlan Croker, 10. Martin Taupau, 11. Haumole Olakau’atu, 12. Ethan Bullemor, 13. Jake Trbojevic

Bench: 14. Dylan Walker, 15. Karl Lawton, 16. Andrew Davey, 17. Taniela Paseka

Reserves: 18. Toafofoa Sipley, 19. Morgan Boyle, 20. Tolutau Koula, 21. Jorge Taufua, 22. Alec Tuitavake, 23. Christian Tuipulotu, 24. James Roumanos

Team Talk: Same 17. Dylan Walker suffered a head knock in the loss to the Roosters, but with an extended nine-day turnaround he has been named.

Bulldogs

1. Matt Dufty, 2. Jayden Okunbor, 3. Braiden Burns, 4. Brent Naden, 5. Josh Addo-Carr, 6. Matt Burton, 7. Jake Averillo, 8. Luke Thompson, 9. Jeremy Marshall-King, 10. Paul Vaughan, 11. Jack Hetherington, 12. Tevita Pangai Jr, 13. Josh Jackson

Bench: 14. Bailey Biondi-Odo, 15. Corey Waddell, 16. Max King, 17. Ava Seumanufagai

Reserves: 18. Aaron Schoupp, 19. Chris Patolo 20. Brandon Wakeham, 21. Joe Stimson, 22. Kyle Flanagan, 23. Reece Hoffman, 24. Josh Cook

Team Talk: Same 17 as last week with Tevita Pangai Jnr free to play despite being placed on report.

Originally published as NRL teams Round 3 2022: KFC SuperCoach teams analysis