KFC SuperCoach NRL 2021: Round 9 teams analysis

Bye round PODs are the order of the day and KFC SuperCoaches should look no further than this man, writes TOM SANGSTER.

WINNERS

* Zachary Cini – Most popular cheapie this week after 59 on debut. That included a try and two linebreaks so the pure base (including negatives) of 14 is a bit of a worry. The job security is decent in the short term at least with Tommy Talau (suspension, round 10), James Roberts (shoulder, indefinite) and Asu Kepaoa (knee, season) all out, while Roberts will surely find it difficult to break back into the side following a poor start to the season. That said, the safe bet is always to wait a week.

* Josh Curran – If you missed out last week, you simply HAVE to get on this week. The Warriors’ revelation may even end up being a season long keeper and is still at a cheapie price, albeit after a massive $90,300 rise. Break even of -15 and projected rise of +$45,000.

* Brian To’o – With Brett Morris out for the season, To’o is a clear leader at CTW by a massive 80 points and therefore the most popular player this week. The pure base of 41 is off the charts for a winger and more resembles the work rate of a forward. While Origin talk is getting louder, he’s surely only an outside chance for the Blues and therefore should cover the Round 13 bye.

* Tevita Pangai – Second most popular player this week as KFC SuperCoaches prepare for the Round 13 bye. After starting the season in the middle, Pangai has played 80 minutes on the edge in the last three weeks for an average of 77.3. That’s full-season keeper territory for just $562,300, with a projected rise of +$24,100.

Tyrone Peachey dives over for a try during Round 8 (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

* Kurt Capewell – The 15th most popular player in KFC SuperCoach has been named despite failing to finish due to a rib injury last week. The Panthers play the second game of the round so we will know early in the weekend if he makes the team sheet.

* Max Feagai – Looming cheapie for next week. The popular early-season bargain scored 51 on season debut without a try. The job security looks OK in the short term at least given the Dragons’ dearth of backline players — Zac Lomax (thumb, TBC), Cody Ramsey (ribs, TBC), Brayden Wiliame (calf, round 10), Mikaele Ravalawa (suspension, round 10), Jordan Pereira (suspension, round 11). Best to wait a week, as always.

* James Tedesco – Back from concussion in great news for the 27 per cent who still own him.

LOSERS

* Brett Morris – The top CTW in KFC SuperCoach is out for the season and will likely be forced into retirement due to an ACL injury. Morris to To’o is by far the most popular trade this week.

* Zac Lomax – Set to miss four weeks due to a thumb injury and therefore the fourth most sold player.

* Cameron Murray – Fifth most sold player after confirmation he’ll miss 6-8 weeks due to an ankle injury.

* Ben Condon – Has peaked (BE 48) after a very handy +$164,100 rise. Scored just 23 in 71 minutes last week, which is about what we expected without a try (he’d scored three in three games before last week).

* Ryan James – Dropped to the extended bench. Between two injury-affected matches and his game time falling off a cliff (only 23 minutes last week), James is starting to leak cash. That said, missing the 17 is probably better than making it given he won’t leak cash while not playing.

* Joseph Suaalii – Has missed the Roosters’ 17 despite speculation he’d earn an NRL debut in place of the injured Morris. Still, speculation is strong he’ll find a way into the 17 somewhere so 31.3 per cent of KFC SuperCoaches will have their eyes glued to the Roosters’ final team announcement.

* Ryan Papenhuyzen – Misses out for the Storm for the third week in a row due to a shoulder injury. Still owned by 27 per cent of teams.

Ryan Papenhuyzen is out again with a shoulder issue. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

RABBITOHS

Team news: Adam Reynolds (thumb, two weeks), Cameron Murray (ankle, 4-6 weeks), Jaxson Paulo (hand, 6-8 weeks) and Campbell Graham (hand, four weeks) are all out after suffering injuries on the weekend. A massive backline reshuffle includes Braidon Burns in the centres, while Steven Marsters and Taane Milne are on the wings. Cody Walker returns to the halves to partner Benji Marshall. That allows Alex Johnston to shift to fullback. Junior Tatola is back after a concussion rest with Jai Arrow switching to lock. Josh Mansour is a week or two away from returning from hamstring injury.

KFC SuperCoach analysis: It doesn’t seem to matter for KFC SuperCoach if Cody Walker plays fullback or five-eighth (he switches back to five-eighth this week). He’s averaged 78.5 at fullback over the past two weeks compared to at 71.8 five-eighth to start the year. After starting as by far the most expensive hooker in KFC SuperCoach, Damien Cook sits just seventh for average in the position and has lost $100,000. Definite sell as Origin looms. Keaon Koloamatangi has been on fire since returning from suspension, notching 114 and 83 in successive weeks and now sitting with a BE of -40. See Cameron Murray analysis above.

STORM

Team news: Welcome back both Nelson Asofa-Solomona and Robert Jennings after they missed the Sharks game due to concussion. Jennings replaces Dean Ieremia on the right wing with Asofa-Solomona coming onto the bench for Chris Lewis. Harry Grant has again been named to start but suffered sternum and hand injuries during the game on Friday and could be in some doubt. Ryan Papenhuyzen (shoulder) miss out again with Nicho Hynes to continue at fullback.

KFC SuperCoach analysis: KFC SuperCoach chat at the Storm this week centres on Reimis Smith (7th most popular buy) and Harry Grant (8th). Reimis started the season as a popular borderline cheapie but had a rough start to his Storm stint and actually lost $7,100 by round six. But successive tons have led to $135,000 in rises over the last fortnight and he now sits with a BE of -60 and projected rise of almost $100,000. The $465,800 price is awkward, but he does cover Round 13. Personally, I’d prefer to wait a week for Cini.

Harry Grant has averaged an incredible 75 since returning from injury, the best of any hooker behind the red-hot Reed Mahoney. Grant is not a realistic option for overall players as Origin is looming, but head-to-head players should seriously consider.

Nelson Asofa-Solomona returns on the bench for Melbourne Storm. Picture: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images

PANTHERS

Team news: No changes. Kurt Capewell (ribs) has been named despite failing to finish last week and will need to prove his fitness. James Fisher-Harris (hamstring) is also in some doubt. Matt Burton is free to play after only being charged with grade one careless high tackle for his hit on Martin Taupau and escaping with a fine.

KFC SuperCoach analysis: Charlie Staines is the second most sold player after yet another poor score (19). That’s the fifth time he’s scored under 25 this year. James Fisher-Harris has hardly set the world on fire this year but has averaged a handy 62.3. Keep him on the watchlist as a bye coverage option for Round 13. After a solid start, Spencer Leniu is starting to leak cash, but could be a crucial number in Round 13, presumably with increased minutes given both Kurt Capewell and Isaah Yeo are in Origin contention. See Brian To’o and Capewell analysis above.

SHARKS

Team news: Without Braden Hamlin-Uele (ankle) after he suffered a syndesmosis injury which will keep him out for an extended period. Jesse Ramien (glute) returns at centre with Teig Wilton switching to the bench to replace Hamlin-Uele. Matt Moylan (quad) remains on the extended bench. Wade Graham (concussion/eye) is right to go despite failing to finish.

KFC SuperCoach analysis: Wade Graham at $322,600 has certainly crossed the mind of the Sangster’s Paradise coaching staff. He has bottomed out after a number of injury-affected games, but doesn’t cover Round 13. Teig Wilton appears to have topped out after a $165,500 rise (BE 50) and needs to be sold before the Round 13 bye.

EELS

Team news: Same 17 with lock Nathan Brown (hip) remarkably named despite appearing to suffer a serious injury last week. King Gutho was given an early shower on the weekend and is not injured.

KFC SuperCoach analysis: Clint Gutherson is coming off his third century in a row and is now the top scoring fullback, yet somehow only in 15 per cent of teams. The match-up this week is tough against the Roosters so avoid as captain. Isaiah Papali’I sits behind only David Fifita in total points this season. He’s also the sixth most purchased player this week despite an astronomical price tag of $760,000, but the horse has well-and-truly bolted. After injury affected games, KFC SuperCoach Plus predicts Ryan Matterson to drop to just $508,000 for round 13 coverage, essentially a $160,000 discount on his starting price. Plan ahead.

ROOSTERS

Team news: Hit hard by injury with Brett Morris and Lindsay Collins (both ACL) ruled out for the rest of the season. But in some good news James Tedesco returns at fullback after missing the Knights game, allowing Joseph Manu to move back to right centre to replace the injured Morris with Matt Ikuvalu to continue on the right wing. Siosiua Taukeiaho starts at prop for the injured Collins with Daniel Suluka-Fifita coming onto the bench. Sitili Tupouniua will miss one week after pleading guilty to a shoulder charge with Nat Butcher to start on the right edge and Fletcher Baker coming onto the bench. Lachlan Lam (knee) has been named on an extended bench and is aiming to return. Ben Marschke has been called up from the interchange to slot in at hooker for Sam Verrills and Adam Keighran inherits the No. 14 jersey.

KFC SuperCoach analysis: Sam Walker is simply insane, with his 95.8 average actually BEATING Nathan Cleary in the position. Walker has ignited Daniel Tupou and he’s a seriously serious POD at just 2.2 per cent ownership. “The Giraffe’s” base of 34 is elite for a winger and tries appear a given outside Walker. See Joseph Suaalii, James Tedesco and Brett Morris analysis above.

RAIDERS

Team news: Two big inclusions with prop Josh Papalii (rested) and halfback George Williams (hamstring) both returning. Papalii replaces Ryan James, who drops out of the squad entirely. Josh Hodgson (calf) and Jarrod Croker (shoulder) miss out again but are hopeful of playing next week.

KFC SuperCoach analysis: Corey Harawira-Naera is worth a serious look this week at $302,300. He’s played 80 minutes in the last two weeks for an average of 55. The big drawbacks are “Rotation Ricky”, as Rob Sutherland puts it, and lack of Round 13 coverage. Bailey Simonsson is a sell before the round 13 bye. Hopefully he can nab some tries in the next fortnight against the Knights and Bulldogs, but then has two very tough games against Storm and Roosters. See Ryan James analysis above.

KNIGHTS

Team news: Blake Green (ribs) is replaced in the halves by Phoenix Crossland. Hymel Hunt (hamstring) resumes on the wing with Starford To’a dropping to the reserves. Lachlan Fitzgibbon (shoulder) and Tex Hoy (hamstring) have been named on the extended bench and are aiming for returns.

KFC SuperCoach analysis: Bradman Best is a POD option for Round 13 coverage. His 38 points in base per week rivals To’o at 41 and To’o is the most popular buy this week. Of course the Knights are struggling so Best won’t get as many tries as To’o and the BE of 76 suggests you can wait, but keep him on the radar. Popular players Connor Watson, Jayden Brailey and Mitch Barnett all offer glorious Round 13 coverage, while David Klemmer looms as a massive smokey for the byes after averaging 60.6 this season and seemingly being on the outer with NSW.

WESTS TIGERS

Team news: Tommy Talau (suspension) is replaced at centre by Moses Mbye. This sees Jacob Liddle come onto the interchange which will likely place game time pressure on KFC SuperCoach cheapie Jake Simpkin. James Roberts (shoulder) remains sidelined.

KFC SuperCoach analysis: Jake Simpkin saw a significant drop in minutes last week to 53 and now has Jacob Liddle lurking on the bench. Simpkin did a great job in making $53,000 in the last week, but with a BE of 1 SuperCoach Plus predicts the rises will stop sooner rather than later. Hopefully for owners he can hang on until the Round 13 bye. Daine Laurie last week bounced back from his lowest score of the season with 119. He’s a hold at least until Round 13, maybe longer. There are plenty of bye round targets at the Tigers including David Nofoaluma (hopefully after more price drops with the BE 102) and Shawn Blore as a potential cheapie. See Zac Cini analysis above.

TITANS

Team news: Tino Fa’asuamaleaui (suspension) returns at prop, pushing Moeaki Fotuaika to the interchange bench. Corey Thompson (ankle) is out long-term. Phillip Sami moves from centre to wing with Beau Fermor earning a start in the No. 4. Jaimin Joliffe replaces Sam McIntyre on the interchange. Sami (ankle), Jarrod Wallace (shoulder) and AJ Brimson (ankle) all need to be checked after suffering minor injuries on the weekend.

KFC SuperCoach analysis: David Fifita came back to earth with a measly 66 on the weekend. Clearly that sentence was written by a cranky non-owner and the real take should be something like “66 is basically his floor, he’s almost 100 points ahead at the top of the SC leaderboard and a captaincy option every week, especially against the Tigers”. Tyrone Peachey is a massive POD for those looking to sell Morris, Lomax etc. He has the seventh most points in the position, averages 66 and covers Round 13. What’s more, the coach has resisted the urge to move him to centre this week despite the injuries to Patrick Herbert (calf, round 12), Jonus Pearson (knee, round 15) and Corey Thompson (ankle, round 15-16), with Beau Fermor preferred. KFC SuperCoach translation: The coach is keen for Peachey to continue in the on-ball middle role that has made him so successful for KFC SuperCoach this year. The dual CTW/2RF positioning is just a bonus. Get on at just seven per cent ownership.

Titans enforcer Tino Fa'asuamaleaui will add spark to Gold Coast’s pack. Picture: Matt Roberts/Getty Images

COWBOYS

Team news: Ben Hampton (pectoral) is replaced in the halves by Jake Clifford. Mitch Dunn (suspension) has been named in the reserves. Javid Bowen comes into the centres in place of Justin O’Neill.

KFC SuperCoach analysis: Former KFC SuperCoach great Jason Tauma-low-low now sits with a huge BE of 158 after averaging just 37.5 points and 47 minutes in his two games. He could become a bargain buy at any moment with a change in tactics from coach Todd Payten. That said, Payten looks a stubborn man and Lolo doesn’t cover Round 13. In an ideal world, Payten comes to his senses in exactly Round 14, at which point Lolo will cost just $400,000 and resumes his 60 minute middle role from previous seasons, with Round 17 coverage to boot, and we all live happily ever after. It may sound like fairytale stuff, but this is fantasy sport. See Ben Condon analysis above.

BRONCOS

Team news: No changes. Anthony Milford and Tyson Gamble continue in the halves with Jesse Arthars at right centre. Kotoni Staggs (knee) and Alex Glenn (calf) are aiming for next week.

KFC SuperCoach analysis: Jamayne Isaako is coming off a career best 156. He is therefore the fourth most purchased player this week with a projected rise of $61,300 and added Round 13 coverage. But for the same price you can buy Bradman Best, Tyrone Peachey, Daniel Tupou or David Nofoaluma. Or stretch the budget and get Brian To’o. All are better options. Jesse Arthars and Tyson Gamble are both cheapies to watch especially given Round 13 coverage. See Pangai analysis above. Payne Haas is also an amazing bye buy if he misses Origin.

SEA EAGLES

Team news: Key forwards Josh Aloiai (wrist) and Martin Taupau (concussion) are both out. Sean Keppie moves to the front row and Haumole Olakau’atu goes from the interchange into the second row. Centre Moses Suli (back) joins the interchange bench and is aiming to return from injury.

KFC SuperCoach analysis: Tommy Turbo came “back to earth” with 68 against the toughest SC side to score against in the Panthers. He now has Warriors and Broncos, so look out for some big scores and consider as captain both weeks. Jason Saab has finally found some form and SC Plus predicts he will peak at a $85,000 rise just in time for a pre-round 13 trade out.

WARRIORS

Team news: Eliesa Katoa, Chanel Harris-Tavita and Euan Aitken could all return. Katoa has been named to start in the second row with Ben Murdoch-Masila (concussion) out. Harris-Tavita (foot) and Aitken (ankle) have been named on the extended bench and will push for inclusion.

KFC SuperCoach analysis: Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (112) produced his third century of the season last week and is now the second top scoring fullback. In a red-hot position, not many would have predicted in pre-season that Gutho and RTS would lead the position after eight rounds. Young gun Reece Walsh has annihilated the eye test over his first two NRL games, but doesn’t quite have the game for KFC SuperCoach (base of just eight points when negative stats are taken into account). Plus he’s only available at fullback so a definite pass. See Josh Curran analysis above. Must-have.

DRAGONS

Team news: Zac Lomax (dislocated thumb) is replaced in the centres by Tyrell Fuimaono with Poasa Faamausili coming onto the bench. Cody Ramsey (ribs) has been named but is in doubt with Mathew Feagai in the reserves as cover.

KFC SuperCoach analysis: Josh McGuire has averaged 64.3 and 65 minutes since joining the Dragons. With a pure base of 50 this year, he’s a well-under-owned POD for Round 13 at just 0.9 per cent ownership. While someone like Pangai is clearly ahead for now, put McGuire on your Round 13 watchlist alongside the likes of James Fisher-Harris and David Klemmer. See Zac Lomax and Max Feagai analysis above.

BULLDOGS

Team news: Dallin Watene-Zelezniak and Nick Meaney switch positions, with DWZ to play fullback and Meaney on the wing. Dylan Napa (shoulder) has been named but is in doubt.

KFC SuperCoach analysis: Luke Thompson still chugging along OK, but realistically there is very little doing at the Bulldogs. No attack, no Round 13 coverage, no relevance.

Originally published as KFC SuperCoach NRL 2021: Round 9 teams analysis