NRL SuperCoach: 15 things we learned from Dragons vs Rabbitohs, Cowboys vs Sharks, Raiders vs Broncos
Super Saturday unearthed plenty of surprises, while one playmaker will have SuperCoaches scratching their heads this week. Here’s the big takeaways from Super Saturday.
Super Saturday unearthed plenty of SuperCoach surprises with a Canberra debutant tonning up, while an old veteran scored big in a losing side.
But one star playmaker will leave plenty of SuperCoaches scratching their heads this week.
See the big takeaways below and scroll down to replay our live coverage.
RAIDERS VS BRONCOS
1. WHO ON EARTH IS MATTY NICHOLSON?
There were about as many texts asking that question as they were SuperCoach points he racked up in his NRL debut.
But Nicholson, the former Warrington second-rower, may be the man on every SuperCoach’s lips.
Valued at $336,000, Nicholson tonned up with two tries, 26 tackles and 10 points in tackle breaks in what was an eye-catching NRL debut.
The only question will be about future selection, but his performance on the field will surely make him a keeper in Sticky Stuart’s squad.
2. RETURN OF THE RAIDERS
Tm Starling and Corey Horsburgh, take a bow.
You can chuck Matthew Timoko in there too.
The trio were phenomenal in a superb Raiders performances, and they were rewarded with massive SuperCoach scores which far outstripped their projected totals.
Starling scored 97, Horsburgh, who was facing an early end to his NRL career, maintained his roaring form with a big 79, while Timoko scored 74.
All three were boosted by tries or assists, but they’re monster efforts which makes them much more attractive propositions into the future – particularly if this Raiders team punches above their weight.
3. AWESOME ARTHARS
A quarter of SupeCoaches have enjoyed Jesse Arthars’ massive contributions so far and there’ll be plenty more onboarding the Broncos winger this week.
The once-maligned Arthars has all but sealed his place in this team, and plenty of SuperCoach squads, with a massive 94 off the back of a hat trick.
That’s exactly what he scored in round one, and he’s set for a big price rise.
4. RHYS FRIGHTENING
A moment of silence for the 26,900 SuperCoaches who kept the faith with Reece Walsh.
After Kalyn Ponga’s massive 129, James Tedesco’s 117 and Tommy Trbojevic’s injury-affected 57, there were high hopes Walsh would be the fullback to strike.
But he fared worse than injury-hit Dylan Edwards (47), finishing with just 17 points as his impact was virtually non-existent.
5. JACK NO-SIEWSKI
Pardon the awful play on words but Jack Gosiewski owners have come crashing to earth after that one.
He’s in 20 per cent of teams, with 12,867 SuperCoaches bringing him in this week after a sensational 66 in round one, but he registered the Broncos’ lowest score with just 15 points.
It puts his place in those teams moving forward under the microscope.
COWBOYS VS SHARKS
1. THE NICHO HYNES CONUNDRUM
What do we do with the great Shark?
He’s been one of the best halfbacks in SuperCoach for the past few seasons but he hasn’t set the world on fire through these opening rounds.
Hynes was on 26 points at halftime, and while he shot up to 81 by the end of 80, there are lingering questions over his impact.
Cronulla dominated on the field, and the scoreboard, against the Cowboys but there were several Sharks well ahead of the No.7.
He’s worth $735,500, had a 100 breakeven before round two, and will lose a fair bit of cash unless he tears the Bunnies apart next week.
2. DRINKY’S DUE
A fullback rated a classy POD by 8 per cent of SuperCoaches was lucky to chalk up a half-century on a brutal afternoon for the Cowboys.
An opportunistic try in the final few minutes and his 2/2 goalkicking added to his team-high 57, but that score does not match the $770,100 price tag in such a crucial position.
With games to come against the Broncos, Raiders and Penrith in the next three weeks, that 8 per cent may well drop to either shore up some cash or strengthen the position with some proven scorers like James Tedesco, Reece Walsh and 2025 favourite, Kalyn Ponga.
3. PURDUE PAIN
More than half of all SuperCoaches have the young gun in their team, but Jaxon Purdue could very well be jettisoned for literally any other cheapie CTW with this start.
He scored 28 in round one, and 26 in round two despite a try (the sin bin didn’t help), and while he made some good covering tackles, he’s another not catching the eye.
A big decision awaits: slow burn, or punt to greener pastures.
4. STONESTREET SMARTS
Sam Stonestreet, a CTW smokey who could decide your league.
Sounds outrageous, probably is, but the Sharks winger tonned up for the first time on the back of his two-try effort, and if not for some superb Cowboys cover defence, could’ve had a few more to his name.
He won’t be first or second cab off the rank, and at $509,000 is worth a pretty penny, but the man can find a try (or two).
5. KAYAL BUY-RO
Two tries, 24 points in tackle breaks, 16 tackles and a heavy base workload: Kayal Iro sure is a tempting switch.
It’ll cost a pretty – he’s worth $640,700 – but the 2 per cent of owners with him in their sides benefited from a bit 110 before updates.
He’s always been a workhorse CTW, and while he faces tough competition for the best SuperCoach CTWs in the game, he’s presented a compelling case.
DRAGONS VS RABBITOHS
1. MORE THAN BICEPS
Jamie Humphreys will hold on to the No.7 jersey at Souths for a long time. Wayne Bennett has shown faith in the man with the big biceps and he proved to be the match winner against St George Illawarra. Souths were missing multiple key men and had their backs against the wall but Humphreys latched on to an awkward pass and sealed the win with a drop goal. Cooper Cronk said he was in awe of the playmaker who has been told by Wayne Bennett to keep it simple and help your mates.
2. VETERAN CENTURIAN
Gutherson is still at his peak. The Dragons fullback was immense and his ability to offload and create space for his teammates played a huge role in St George’s ability to gain momentum.
3. THE GRAY MAN
Jye Gray is set for another big year. The pocket rocket from Souths was a creative mastermind for the Rabbitohs and caused havoc nearly every time he touched the ball. He is as reliable as they come.
4. DRAGONS OUT OF PUFF
St George needs to arrest its second half fadeouts. It was hot at Wollongong and players were cramping but their inability to close out the game when 12 points up is gravely concerning.
5. KICKED WHILE DOWN
Valentine Holmes could have iced the game with his boot but he missed three of five conversion attempts. The added points would have put the game to bed and ensured Souths were buried.
Originally published as NRL SuperCoach: 15 things we learned from Dragons vs Rabbitohs, Cowboys vs Sharks, Raiders vs Broncos
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