NRL SuperCoach Final Word for round one

WITH the NRL season about to kick off, get your last minute SuperCoach lowdown with Tom Sangster. Analysis, video, blog from 1pm AEDT.

THE final day leading up to the SuperCoach season start is usually spent scrounging for cheapies, but this year the problem is fitting them all in.

A total of 31 players were named for round one in the $87,000 to $127,000 price range.

And given the average SuperCoach team contains 12 players of this price, plenty of bargain buys will have to be left out.

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That said, there is a definite death of genuine $87,500 and $94,300 cheapies. Only seven have been named for round one, with only five in the actual 17 - Jack Buchanan (Tigers), Tim Browne, David Klemmer (Bulldogs), Tohu Harris (Storm) and Jesse Sene-Lefao (Sea Eagles).

But even so, there are more than average bargains on offer.

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* Front row
This position faces the biggest cheapie logjam, with 16 players named in the price range, but a maximum of four cheapie spots available. Six players can automatically be ruled out, with Charlie Gubb (Warriors), Jack Stockwell (Dragons), Scott Anderson (Broncos) and Steve Rapira (Warriors) named out of the 17, and Cameron King (Dragons) and Matt McIllrick (Raiders) named back-up hooker - a notoriously bad position for SuperCoach.

* Back row
Five of the 12 players in the price range named for round one can be immediately eliminated, leaving seven genuine buys. Jack Stockwell (Dragons), Adam Docker (Panthers) and Steve Rapira (Warriors) have been named out of the 17, while Bodene Thompson (Tigers) and Sebastine Ikahihifo (Warriors) have two of the worst points per minute rates in the NRL.

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* Halfback and five-eighth
Albert Kelly (Titans)and Jacob Miller (Tigers) are the only two options in the cheapie price range here. Both have good job security and points potential, making them great buys.

* Centre/wing:
Of the eight players in the price range named in this position, three can be ruled out, leaving five genuine buys. Peta Hika (Sea Eagles) and Mitch Brown (Bulldogs) missed the 17, while Bodene Thompson (Tigers) has workrate issues (see above).

* Fullback
Mahe Fonua (Storm) is the only cheap option here, with Mitch Brown (Bulldogs) named out of the 17.

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Player of Round
Trent Merrin
Named at lock and a chance for 80 minutes, Merrin has the potential to join Gallen and co in the SuperCoach elite this year.

Buy
Jamie Buhrer
With Glenn Stewart (knee, round seven) and Tony Williams (Bulldogs) out of the picture, former NSW Origin star Buhrer been named to start in the back row and could even play 80 minutes.

Hold
Kurt Gidley
The naming of Tyrone Roberts on the bench isn’t ideal for Gidley given it could cut his goalkicking and game time. But even so, Gidley’s at such a juicy price that he’s hard to ignore.

Sell
Sonny Bill Williams
While the star Sydney Roosters’ recruit will no doubt be back in the starting side soon, his naming on the bench for round one is a serious blow. Hold off, see how he goes, then maybe buy later.

Hot
Tohu Harris
The Melbourne Storm youngster has scored a starting back row spot after dominating the opposition in the World Club Challenge in place of Kevin Proctor (knee, round four).

Cold
Mitch Rein
The star Dragon’s SuperCoach stocks have plummeted after back-up hooker Cameron King was named on the bench for round one, meaning Rein won’t play 80 minutes. 

WINNING TIPS:

* "Those who are new, or learning the ropes of Supercoach, try and ensure you have 25 scoring players in your squad. Players who don't make your 17 are not only there as backup, but to earn you money so you can purchase more gun players in the future." Martin Bigg - 2011 winner

* "Ensure your first 17 are in the starting team and all 25 are named to play." Ken Billingham – 2012 winner

* "With a lack of $87K centre/wing cash cows named don’t fall into the trap of naming non-players in your 25. Make a few sacrifices in your starting 17 to ensure your bench is growing cash." Matt Mullen – 2009 winner