10 things we learned from the NRL pre season

OUR 2014 SuperCoach champion Dave Von Kotze is back with 10 things we learned from the 2016 NRL pre season.

NRL Rd 10 - Cowboys v Broncos

YOU hear that SuperCoaches?

That's the sound of a brand new season fast approaching. In fact, we’re just three sleeps away from the Parramatta-Brisbane blockbuster on Thursday night.

The first Teamlist Tuesday is just one day away and if you’re anything like us you’re frantically trading players in and out like a mad thing before the bomb drops and the season gets well and truly underway.

If you’re at a loose end then fear not, the 2014 SuperCoach mac daddy Dave Von Kotze to give you the edge you need for the upcoming season with 10 things we learned from this year’s pre season.

1) SHOT CLOCK WILL CHANGE THINGS

The reduced interchange rule coupled with the introduction of the shot clock this season will definitely have an impact on SuperCoach.

Last weekend’s trial between Penrith and Parramatta used the ‘shot clock’ and the referees ran a tight ship in regards to keeping the game moving.

More game time obviously means more SuperCoach points and coaches will definitely have to factor this into their team selections. Crafty hookers, halves and fullbacks will be eager to prey on tiring defensive lines.

2) LOAD UP ON EELS

Love them or hate them, there is no denying that the Parramatta Eels have momentum heading into this season after winning the Auckland Nines and beating the Panthers 22-8 last weekend.

Michael Gordon is a popular cheapie option.

Parramatta players are very relevant from a SuperCoach point of view due to their excellent State of Origin bye schedule and Corey Norman is spearheading a potent left side attack consisting of Manu Ma’u, Michael Jennings and last year’s top-try scorer Semi Radradra.

Throw in popular CTW/FLB choice Michael Gordon sniffing around these weapons and there is some serious potential for big points.

3) NINES REVEAL ROOKIES

The Auckland Nines always whet the SuperCoach appetite and showcase some of the serious talent that will one day feature in our teams. Some of those excitement machines that could become relevant this season include Bevan French (Eels), Latrell Mitchell (Roosters), Gideon Gela- Mosby (Cowboys), Te Maire Martin (Panthers), Lachlan Crocker (Raiders) and Curtis Scott (Storm) and these young guns will be worth keeping a close eye on.

4) ROLL THE DICE ON JOHNSON?

Shaun Johnson has been one of the most dynamic and exciting players to watch in the last five years rolling out triple- figured SuperCoach scores with ease when running hot.

However, when he suffered a season ending ankle injury late last year, many of his loyal followers feared they would have to part ways with the former golden boot winner this season, that was until he lit up the Auckland Nines and showed no long lasting ill effects of the injury.

Shaun Johnson scores during the Auckland Nines.

He may give you 19 on one week, but then give you 119 the next, leave him out at your own peril. Those leaving SJ out of their initial teams will aim to get him in for round 13 after the Warriors have their first bye.

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5) GET AROUND BURGESS

He’s back, and will take his place in all serious overall and head-to-head teams. Sam Burgess is back in Bunnies colours and comes with a discount that not even the most dedicated Roosters supporter can pass up, but remember, “It’s not cheating when it’s SuperCoach.”

6) ROOSTERS CASH COWS A MUST

Jackson Hastings and Jayden Nikorima combined well in the World Club Challenge and helped steady a Roosters ship that has had its fair share of rocking over the pre-season due to controversy and injuries.

At this point in time it looks as if the pairing will have plenty of time to strike up a combination and turn into a couple of lovely cash cows in the process.

7)HUNT DOWN BRONCOS PAIR

After a shaky start, Ben Hunt and Anthony Milford finished last season as one of, if not the best halves combination in the business.

Anthony Milford’s exclusion from Origin make him a SuperCoach must.

Due to off-field issues during a pre-season Queensland camp, the pair will not be eligible for State of Origin this year meaning that they have become set and forget SuperCoach options until round fifteen when they have their first bye.

8) CHEAPIE CITY

If pre-season predictions from those in the know are correct, when round one teams drop on Tuesday afternoon, SuperCoaches will have a huge array of cheapies to choose from.

Recent mail suggests over twelve players in the cheapie price range could take the field next weekend leaving coaches with numerous options to increase their team value.

Coaches will have to choose wisely because a poor decision on a failed cash cow can lead to precious trades being burnt at a rapid rate early in the season.

9) CHOOSE WISELY

A horrific injury and suspension list has opened up plenty of doors for players in the mid-priced range to step up to bigger minutes and increase their value. SuperCoaches will need to do their research and keep a close eye on the first few rounds to see what players benefit from a SuperCoach perspective as a result of these injuries.

10) GET PAID

By far the biggest news to come out of the off-season is the HUGE increase in prize money. There is some serious cashola up for grabs this season with the overall winner walking away with a massive $50,000.

As well as this, for the first time all of the top ten overall SuperCoaches will take home some cold hard cash. Also, don’t forget to get your mates involved because the top league after round one will start the season off with a bang and $20,000, giving each member $1000 of cool, hard cash.

Originally published as 10 things we learned from the NRL pre season