NRL SuperCoach Insider: Cronulla Sharks

GIVEN Cronulla's recruitment successes, there's plenty of SuperCoach action at the Sharks this year - both good and bad (mostly bad).

GIVEN Cronulla's unprecedented recruitment successes, there will be plenty of SuperCoach action at the Sharks this year - both good and bad (mostly bad).

But let’s start with the good. Prized recruit Michael Gordon is possibly buy of the season.

He is the best fullback in SuperCoach (because of his high-workrate and goalkicking), but costs $100,000 less than more illustrious rivals following two injury-ruined seasons (and plenty of time on the wing at former club Penrith).

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Now for the bad. Cronulla’s all star forward pack will be its biggest strength in actual NRL, but its great weakness in SuperCoach.

The fact coach Shane Flanagan can afford to rest star forward Paul Gallen will shave 10-15 points per week off the best player in SuperCoach.

And the new hit-up scoring will cost him another 10 points (the new system awards two points for hit-ups +8m and one point for hit-ups -8m. The old system awarded every hit-up two points). So with a 20-25 drop in average, Gallen’s price could drop $100,000 over the opening weeks, at which point he’ll be a great buy.

Cronulla’s only other SuperCoach-relevant forwards – Luke Lewis, Chris Heighington and Andrew Fifita – will also suffer from increased forward rotation.

Todd Carney is a no-go this year because he’s returning from a serious injury. And regardless of his dodgy Achilles, law of averages says he will struggle to keep up his great stats from last year.

On the rookie front, Toyota Cup hooker Michael Lichaa is highly-rated in the Shire and could get a first grade crack this year, especially if there are injuries.

The stud: Michael Gordon
The dud: Paul Gallen