SuperCoach NRL: 10 things learnt from Roosters vs. Dragons, Warriors vs. Knights, Storm vs. Rabbitohs

A clear standout in the fullback ranks stood tall on the Anzac Day stage, while it’s time to say goodbye to some of the game’s most popular players. Here are the 10 things we learned from Friday footy.

An epic Anzac Day is in the books.

The Roosters made a statement as their rollercoaster season reached its high point after dominating St George Illawarra.

New Zealand climbed up to third on the ladder after heaping more pain on Newcastle, and Melbourne overcame a brave South Sydney to hold second spot.

But what are the takeaways with a SuperCoach lens? Here are 10 things we learnt from the Friday triple-header.

IT PAYS TO HODL

Those who have held onto Sandon Smith and avoided the temptation of taking their profits from the cash cow were handsomely rewarded.

He was absolutely outstanding in a man of the match performance against the Dragons, notching his best score of the season.

3525 SuperCoaches opted to trade him out heading into round eight, and he is now set for another price rise.

GUTHO-MANIA IS OVER

The fleeting summer of Gutho has well and truly run its course.

After averaging 130 from his first two outings, prompting a flurry of buyers, Clint Gutherson has now posted his third-straight score under 60 – with a 36 sending a scare to his owners.

Hitting a peak price of $828,500, the King is set for another drop this coming round.

TEDDY TIME

One fullback that is coming into contention is James Tedesco.

Availability through the Origin period is likely given the incumbency of Dylan Edwards, and he is on a bit of a tear at the moment.

His monster tally of 134 gives him three tons for the season and five of 83 and above.

The top scores from Friday footy

JETS COOLED

Billy Smith and Dylan Egan have been popular buys over the last couple of weeks.

But it’s safe to say it wasn’t their night, with scores of 31 and 28 respectively.

Both are set for nice price rises, but it’s tough to get enthused about their prospects if they’re not in your team already.

UNDER THE RADAR

After starting the year in at $391,200, Erin Clark continues to exceed expectations as a high workrate middle forward.

He hasn’t scored below 47 all season and raised the bat with the lone century in the second fixture of the night.

Clark is flying under the radar and his dual-status as an edge and middle forward could see him attract attention, particularly around the Origin period.

TIME FOR A CHANGE

Not to harp on about Newcastle’s attacking woes.

But surely the calls for Jackson Hastings to get a run will grow louder.

They didn’t look good with Jack Cogger steering the ship. Their raids were rudderless and it was tough to watch.

Cogger’s SC score of 27 included a late try assist.

Erin Clark has been strong this season for the Warriors. Photo: Joe Allison/Getty Images

PULL THE TRIGGER?

The hunt for HOK1 is still on (for yours truly at least) with Harry Grant out.

Wayde Egan piled on a big score, continuing his good form against the Knights.

While consistency has been an issue at times, games against the Cowboys and Dragons over the next fortnight are favourable.

STAYING THE COURSE

Just under 900 staunch SuperCoaches have stuck with Sua Faalogo, waiting for him to get the call-up from Craig Bellamy.

He repaid that faith with an impressive score of 62, and you get the feeling it could’ve been more had he not been forced from the field with a failed HIA.

Sadly he’ll miss next week, and it’s impossible to predict when we’ll next see the livewire in first grade.

Jack Wighton had a blinder in a loss. Photo: Robert Cianflone/Getty Images

BACK TO HIS BEST

How good did Jack Wighton look tonight?

He scored a double and looked dangerous with every touch of the ball, and that was reflected in his SC score as he cracked the century.

It’s the first time he’s posted better than a half-century this season and he’ll be a potential buy with the Rabbitohs facing Newcastle next week.

LIKE HE NEVER LEFT

We can expect Jye Gray with the number one on his back after Latrell Mitchell looks set for another stint on the sidelines.

His high shot coupled with a poor judiciary record will mean at least a week or two suspended.

That will see Gray at the back, where he has posted some impressive scores this season.

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Originally published as SuperCoach NRL: 10 things learnt from Roosters vs. Dragons, Warriors vs. Knights, Storm vs. Rabbitohs