NRL SuperCoach round one teams analysis

TRENT Merrin is the winner, Sonny Bill is the loser. Check out Tom Sangster's in-depth analysis of the round one teams, including live blog from 11am AEDT.

SONNY Bill Williams' SuperCoach appeal plummeted when the star Roosters recruit was named on the bench for round one.

With Williams now highly unlikely to play more than 50 minutes and possibly much less, SuperCoaches are rushing to trade him out of their sides.

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In other news from the team announcements:

•    STAR Dragon Trent Merrin was named at lock, where his average minutes could increase from 54 last year to somewhere near 80 minutes this season;

•    JUSTIN Horo and Jamie Buhrer were named in the back row for Manly following the absences of Glenn Stewart (knee, round seven) and Tony Williams (Bulldogs);

•    WESTS Tigers young gun Jack Buchanan was named to start at prop, with Aaron Woods (knee) named 19th man and racing to be fit;

•    PENRITH'S Nathan Smith, just $121,300, was named to start in Luke Lewis's vacated starting back-row spot;

•    STORM cheapies Mahe Fonua and Tohu Harris will start after injuries to Sisa Waqa (hand, round eight) and Kevin Proctor (knee, round four);

•    CANTERBURY'S David Klemmer, Martin Taupau, Tim Browne and Dale Finucane loom as cheapies after all were named in the 17 following injuries to Sam Kasiano (shin splints), Frank Pritchard (leg) and the suspension of James Graham;

•    ROOSTERS cheapie Daniel Tupou beat recruit Michael Oldfield to a vacant wing spot;

•    POTENTIAL bargain Drury Low was named on the wing for the Bulldogs following Ben Barba's suspension;

•    SHAUN Johnson, a serious buy this year after inheriting the kicking duties, was a shock inclusion for the Warriors despite an elbow injury;

•    FLYERS Anthony Don (Titans) and Jordan Kahu (Broncos) failed to make their respective line-ups;

•    SOUTHS' Ben Lowe was named starting lock ahead of Michael Crocker.

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REPLAY TOM SANGSTER'S LIVE COVERAGE OF THE TEAM ANNOUNCEMENTS

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THURSDAY

SYDNEY ROOSTERS v SOUTH SYDNEY RABBITOHS at Allianz Stadium, 8.05pm

ROOSTERS: Anthony Minichiello (capt), Daniel Tupou, Michael Jennings, Shaun Kenny-Dowall, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, James Maloney, Mitchell Pearce, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, Jake Friend, Sam Moa, Aidan Guerra, Mitchell Aubusson, Frank-Paul Nuuausala. Interchange: Daniel Mortimer, Martin Kennedy, Sonny Bill Williams, Luke O'Donnell, Boyd Cordner, Michael Oldfield (two to be omitted).
Unavailables: Tautau Moga (knee, indefinite), Jack Bosden (hip/wrist, indefinite), Lama Tasi (knee, round three)
Comment: Sonny Bill Williams’ demotion to the bench is a blow for the player himself, as well as the man expected to run off him - Shaun Kenny-Dowall. SuperCoaches will be hoping Roger Tuivasa-Sheck moves to fullback sooner rather than later. Daniel Tupou is a great cheap buy after beating Michael Oldfield to a wing spot. James Maloney will be a popular buy, while Jake Friend is a no-no given Daniel Mortimer has been named on the bench.

RABBITOHS: Greg Inglis, Nathan Merritt, Dylan Farrell, Beau Champion, Andrew Everingham, John Sutton, Adam Reynolds, Sam Burgess, Issac Luke, Roy Asotasi, Chris McQueen, Ben Te'o, Ben Lowe. Interchange: Nathan Peats, Michael Crocker (capt), Jeff Lima, George Burgess, Dave Tyrrell, Jason Clark, Bryson Goodwin (three to be omitted).
Unavailables: Matt King (arm, indefinite), Luke Burgess (shoulder, round 12), Shaune Corrigan (foot, indefinite)
Comment: Greg Inglis is a genuine keeper under the new points system and was on fire during the trials. Sam Burgess will play front row, which isn’t perfect, but probably not a deal breaker for those who want him. Steer clear of Issac Luke given the presence of Nathan Peats, while George Burgess and Ben Lowe offer value. Lowe, at just $164,900 but a former $280,000 player, has been named to start at lock ahead of captain Michael Crocker.

FRIDAY
BRISBANE BRONCOS v MANLY SEA EAGLES at Suncorp Stadium, 8.05pm

BRONCOS: Corey Norman, Josh Hoffman, Jack Reed, Justin Hodges, Lachlan Maranta, Scott Prince, Peter Wallace, Josh McGuire, Andrew McCullough, Sam Thaiday (capt), Alex Glenn, Matt Gillett, Corey Parker. Interchange: Ben Hunt, Ben Hannant, Mitchell Dodds, David Stagg, Scott Anderson (one to be omitted).
Unavailables: Dale Copley (knee, indefinite), David Hala (knee indefinite), Jharal Yow Yeh (ankle, indefinite)
Comment: Scott Prince will play five-eighth and has been kicking goals during the trials, which will cut into Corey Parker’s scores. Those hoping for Jordan Kahu to emerge as a wing cheapie have had their hopes dashed after Corey Norman was moved to fullback and Josh Hoffman relegated to the wing.  Sam Thaiday’s move to the front row creates a starting back row spot for Matt Gillet, who has showed plenty of form in the trials (and has always displayed plenty of SuperCoach potential without ever becoming a keeper). Justin Hodges will again bust out plenty of huge scores this year, with injury his perennial nemesis. Ben Hannant’s dumping to the bench rules him out as a SuperCoach buy.

SEA EAGLES: Brett Stewart, Jorge Taufua, Jamie Lyon (capt), Steve Matai, David Williams, Kieran Foran, Daly Cherry-Evans, Brenton Lawrence, Matt Ballin, Brent Kite, Anthony Watmough, Justin Horo, Jamie Buhrer. Interchange: Ritchie Fa'aoso, Joe Galuvao, David Gower, Jesse Sene-Lefao, Peter Hiku, George Rose (two to be omitted).
Unavailables: Glenn Stewart (knee, round seven), Jason King (shoulder, round two)
Comment: Justin Horo and Jamie Buhrer have emerged as juicy buys, named in the back row following the absences of Glenn Stewart (knee, round seven) and Tony Williams (Bulldogs). Brenton Lawrence also looms as an interesting purchase. At $196,400, his price is tricky, but he was the best points per minute player in the comp last year. Rookie back rower Jesse Sene-Lefao must come into consideration after being named in the 17, while young back Peter Hiku also deserves a mention after being named 18th man.

SATURDAY
PARRAMATTA EELS v NZ WARRIORS at Parramatta Stadium, 5.30pm

EELS: Jarryd Hayne (capt), Ken Sio, Ryan Morgan, Jacob Loko, Cheyse Blair, Luke Kelly, Chris Sandow, Darcy Lussick, Matt Keating, Tim Mannah, Reni Maitua (capt), Ben Smith, Joseph Paulo. Interchange: Ben Roberts, Fuifui Moimoi, Mitchell Allgood, Matt Ryan.
Unavailables: Willie Tonga (shoulder, indefinite), Taniela Lasalo (broken arm, round 10)
Comment: Jarryd Hayne is the best fullback in SuperCoach history and close to a must-have. Jacob Loko is a great cheap buy after being named at centre, while Chris Sandow’s stocks are set to rise after inheriting the kicking duties off the retired Luke Burt. There will no doubt be a game time winner from Nathan Hindmarsh’s retirement, but identifying the player to benefit most is difficult, so steer clear.

WARRIORS: Kevin Locke, Glen Fisiiahi, Dane Nielsen, Konrad Hurrell, Manu Vatuvei, Thomas Leuluai, Shuan Johnson, Sam Rapria, Elijah Taylor, Ben Matulino, Feleti Mateo, Simon Mannering (capt), Todd Lowrie. Interchange: Ben Henry, Jacob Lillyman, Sebastine Ikahihifo, Pita Godinet, Steve Rapria, Charlie Gubb (two to be omitted).
Unavailables: Carlos Tuimavave (hand, round five), Sam Lousi (foot, round six), Sione Lousi (knee, season), Nathan Friend (shoulder, round five), Russell Packer (bicep, round five)
Comment: Shaun Johnson, who is set for a price surge this year after inheriting the kicking duties off James Maloney (Roosters), has been named despite being initially ruled out with an elbow injury. Forwards Sam Rapira, Sebastine Ikahihifo and Charlie Gubb (if he makes the 17) loom as great cheap purchases given the injuries to Sam Lousi (foot, round six), Sione Lousi (knee, season) and Russell Packer (bicep, round five). Feleti Mateo is an all-time SuperCoach great and wouldn’t look out of place in any side. Glen Fisiiahi has scored a wing spot ahead of Bill Tupou, but is priced at an awkward $134,300.

CANTERBURY BULLDOGS v NORTH QUEENSLAND COWBOYS at Bluetongue Stadium, 7.30pm

BULLDOGS: Steve Turner, Drury Low, Josh Morris, Krisnan Inu, Sam Perrett, Josh Reynolds, Kris Keating, Aiden Tolman, Michael Ennis (capt), Martin Taupau, Tony Williams, Josh Jackson, Greg Eastwood. Interchange: Dene Halatau, Dale Finucane, Tim Browne, David Klemmer, Mitch Brown (one to be omitted).
Unavailables: Ben Barba (disciplinary suspension, indefinite), Sam Kasiano (shin splints, indefinite), Frank Pritchard (leg, indefinite), James Graham (suspension, round nine)
Comment: With Steve Turner to play fullback in the absence of Ben Barba (disciplinary suspension, indefinite), winger Drury Low emerges as a great cheap buy. With Sam Kasiano (shin splints, indefinite), Frank Pritchard (leg, indefinite) and James Graham (suspension, round nine) out, serious opportunities open up for Martin Taupau, Dale Finucane, Tim Browne and David Klemmer. But how many of these cheap buys can you run in your side at the same time? Aiden Tolman will be hard hit by the new 8m rule and attacking points system, even if his minutes increase due to forward injuries.

COWBOYS: Matthew Bowen, Ashley Graham, Brent Tate, Kane Linnett, Antonio Winterstein, Johnathan Thurston (capt), Ray Thompson, Matt Scott (capt), Scott Moore, James Tamou, Gavin Cooper, Glenn Hall, Dallas Johnson. Interchange: Rory Kostjasyn, Ashton Sims, Tariq Sims, Jason Taumalolo, Scott Bolton, Robert Lui (two to be omitted).
Unavailables: Michael Morgan (broken jaw, round three)
Comment: Johnathan Thurston will be a must-have at some stage, while former England hooker Scott Moore could offer value at $160,000. Tariq Sims is worth far more than his $159,600 starting price, but won’t see big rises until he returns to the starting team. Matt Scott and James Tamou could be options down the track, but the new 8m rule may see early price drops.

SUNDAY
PENRITH PANTHERS v CANBERRA RAIDERS at Centrebet Stadium, 2.00pm

PANTHERS: Dean Whare, Josh Mansour, Wes Naiqama, Brad Tighe, David Simmons, Lachlan Coote, Luke Walsh, Sam McKendry, Kevin Kingston (capt), Tim Grant, Sika Manu, Lewis Brown, Nathan Smith. Interchange: James Segeyaro, Nigel Plum, Clint Newton, Jeremy Latimore, Adam Docker (one to be omitted).
Unavailables: Cameron Ciraldo (knee, indefinite), Mose Masoe (unknown, indefinite)
Comment: The departure of Luke Lewis creates massive opportunities for Nathan Smith and Lewis Brown. Wes Naiqama has taken Michael Jennings’ (Roosters) centre spot and could be an intriguing buy, but Kevin Kingston’s days as a SuperCoach keeper are over following the recruitment of James Segeyaro.

RAIDERS: Reece Robinson, Sandor Earl, Jack Wighton, Blake Ferguson, Edrick Lee, Josh McCrone (capt), Sam Williams, David Shillington (capt), Shaun Berrigan, Dane Tilse, Josh Papalii, Joel Thompson, Shaun Fensom. Interchange: Matt McIllwrick, Joel Edwards, Mark Nicholls, Tom Learoyd-Lahrs, Brett White (one to be omitted).
Unavailables: Josh Dugan (infection, round two), Jarrod Croker (knee, round two), Glen Buttriss, (ankle, round two), Terry Campese (knee, indefinite)
Comment: Reece Robinson could score huge this week after being moved to his favourite fullback position and inheriting the kicking duties from Jarrod Croker (knee, round two). But with Josh Dugan (infection, round two) back next week, Robinson’s honeymoon could be short-lived. Blake Ferguson is a definite point of difference after being moved closer to the action at centre. Shaun Fensom will be one of the most disadvantaged forwards in the competition from the new points system, but keep him up your sleeve for later on. 

MELBOURNE STORM v ST GEORGE ILLAWARRA DRAGONS at AAMI Park, 3.00pm

STORM: Billy Slater, Matt Duffie, Will Chambers, Justin O'Neill, Mahe Fonua, Gareth Widdop, Cooper Cronk, Jesse Bromwich, Cameron Smith (capt), Bryan Norrie, Tohu Harris, Ryan Hoffman, Ryan Hinchcliffe. Interchange: Jason Ryles, Lagi Setu, Siosaia Vave, Junior Moors, Brett Finch (one to be omitted).
Unavailables: Sisa Waqa (hand, round eight), Kevin Proctor (knee, round four)
Comment: The Storm offer some serious opportunities this year. Mahe Fonua is a great bargain backline purchase following the injury to Sisa Waqa (hand, round eight). Likewise, Tohu Harris has been named to start following a brilliant World Club Challenge performance in place of Kevin Proctor (knee, round four). Junior Moors and Lagi Setu also offer value. Cameron Smith is a must-have due to the predicted price drops of SuperCoach Gods Paul Gallen and Corey Parker. Billy Slater will be an option at some stage, but bank on a WCC hangover to bring his price down over the opening rounds.

DRAGONS: Gerard Beale, Brett Morris, Chase Stanley, Matt Cooper, Jason Nightingale, Jamie Soward, Nathan Fien, Dan Hunt, Mitch Rein, Michael Weyman, Tyson Frizell, Ben Creagh (capt), Trent Merrin. Interchange: Bronson Harrison, Leeson Ah Mau, Matt Prior, Cameron King, Jack Stockwell (one to be omitted).
Unavailables: Kyle Stanley (knee, season), Bronx Goodwin (pectoral, round 14)
Comment: The big news is Trent Merrin’s move to lock. The positional switch could bring him 80 minutes, in which case he’d join Gallen, Parker, Smith and co in the SuperCoach elite. Mitch Rein’s stocks have dropped after Cameron King was named on the bench. As expected, Nathan Fien beat cheapie Josh Drinkwater to the halfback spot vacated by Ben Hornby (retired). Gerard Beale remains a value option in the backline despite a poor Charity Shield showing.

CRONULLA SHARKS v GOLD COAST TITANS at Sharks Stadium, 6.30pm

SHARKS: Michael Gordon, Jonathan Wright, Ricky Leutele, Matthew Wright, Beau Ryan, Todd Carney, Jeff Robson, Andrew Fifita, Isaac De Gois, Ben Ross, Luke Lewis, Wade Graham, Paul Gallen (capt). Interchange: Chris Heighington, Jon Green, John Morris, Anthony Tupou, Jayson Bukuya, Mark Taufua, Chad Townsend (three to be omitted).
Unavailables: Bryce Gibbs (Achilles, round 10), Ben Pomeroy (groin, round three), Michael Lichaa (hamstring, round three)
Comment: Michael Gordon is close to buy of the year and will kick goals. Todd Carney is a no-no returning from serious injury. Paul Gallen will see some serious price drops due to the new points system and coach Shan Flanagan’s promise to rest his star forward for 10-15 minutes in most matches. Snap him up cheap in about round five.

TITANS: William Zillman, Kevin Gordon, Brad Takairangi, Jamal Idris, David Mead, Aidan Sezer, Albert Kelly, Luke Douglas, Matt Srama, Nate Myles, Greg Bird, Ben Ridge, Ashley Harrison. Interchange: Dave Taylor, Luke Bailey, Ryan James, Beau Falloon, Luke O'Dwyer (one to be omitted).
Unavailables: Matt White (knee, season)
Comment: Albert Kelly has been named at halfback and will be a very popular purchase. His halves partner Aidan Sezer should also see a price rise after inheriting the kicking duties off Scott Prince. Avoid Matt Srama after back-up hooker Beau Falloon was named on the bench. Dave Taylor is a risk after being named on the interchange. Nate Myles will be a great buy in a few weeks, but expect the 8m rule to take its toll on most forwards.

MONDAY
NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS v WESTS TIGERS at Hunter Stadium, 7.00pm
KNIGHTS: Darius Boyd, James McManus, Dane Gagai, Anthony Quinn, Akuila Uate, Jarrod Mullen, Kurt Gidley (capt), Kade Snowden, Travis Waddell, Willie Mason, Beau Scott, Chris Houston, Jeremy Smith. Interchange: Tyrone Roberts, Neville Costigan, Robbie Rochow, Alex McKinnon, David Fa'alogo (one to be omitted).
Unavailables: Timana Tahu (foot, round three), Matt Hilder (hand, round five), Danny Buderus (back, round three)
Comment: Kurt Gidley is cheap this year and could return to the SuperCoach stratosphere, although he may spend some time at hooker given Tyrone Roberts is on the bench (plus the injuries to Matt Hilder and Danny Buderus). Travis Waddell has the hooking spot for at least a few weeks, but is not quite priced as a cheapie. Expect Chris Houston’s minutes to drop this year following the recruitment of Jeremy Smith and Beau Scott. Darius Boyd had a shocker last year, but could return to his best in 2013.

TIGERS: Tim Moltzen, Matt Utai, Blake Ayshford, Chris Lawrence, Marika Koroibete, Benji Marshall, Jacob Miller, Jack Buchanan, Robbie Farah (capt), Keith Galloway, Braith Anasta, Liam Fulton, Adam Blair. Interchange: Matt Bell, Ben Murdoch-Masila, Bodene Thompson, Eddy Pettybourne, Joel Reddy, Aaron Woods (two to be omitted).
Unavailables: Lote Tuqiri (broken arm, indefinite), Curtis Sironen (shoulder, round three), Matt Groat (ankle, indefinite), James Gavet (ankle indefinite)
Comment: Benji Marshall and Robbie Farah loom as great purchases once again. Jacob Miller is a decent cheap purchase in the halves, although Albert Kelly is preferred. Young prop Jack Buchanan has been named to start at prop and is therefore a serious purchase, although star front rower Aaron Woods is breathing down his neck after being named 19th man as he attempts to beat a knee injury.