NRL SuperCoach teams analysis round 12

SUPERCOACHES are rushing to sell Viliame Kikau after he was named on the bench, but two youngsters have emerged as genuine cheapie candidates.

WINNERS

* Cameron Smith - The most popular hooker in SuperCoach returns from a one-week suspension.

* Sam Burgess - Played just 30 minutes last week but has been cleared of serious injury and named for the Rabbitohs.

* Mahe Fonua - The star cheapie returns for the Tigers after missing last week for disciplinary reasons.

* AJ Brimson - The most popular buy this week, attracting EIGHT times as many trades as the next player. The boom Titans five-eighth ticks all boxes we expect from a top cheapie - point scoring potential, price rise potential and job security. He’s therefore a strong downgrade option for Lachlan Croker, Ryley Jacks, Jeremy Marshall-King, Bryce Cartwright etc. Note however, Brimson misses round 13.

* Te Maire Martin - Somehow just the 15th most purchased player but should sit alongside Brimson as buy of the week. Martin has played as a bench utility this year and therefore dipped almost to bottom dollar. But he has again been named to start in the halves for the Cowboys with Michael Morgan at fullback, as per last week’s late change. Martin has averaged over 50 in 80 minute games in the past, but perhaps most importantly, he plays the round 13 bye and Brimson doesn’t.

Te Maire Martin has switched to five-eighth for the Cowboys. Picture: Zak Simmonds

LOSERS

* Shaun Johnson - The highest averaging halfback in SuperCoach will miss another week due to an ankle injury and is aiming to return after the bye. He then misses round 16 due to the Denver Test.

* Nathan Brown – The hardworking lock has missed the Parramatta side despite a mooted return from an ankle injury.

* Robbie Rochow - The early-season cheapie has been dropped by the Tigers.

* Esan Marsters - The recall of Tuimoala Lolohea may see Marsters relinquish the goalkicking duties.

* Viliame Kikau - Named on the bench yet again for the Panthers and therefore the third most sold player after $313,100 in price rises.

Viliame Kikau has again been named on the bench.

BRONCOS vs EELS

Thursday, May 24th, Suncorp Stadium, 7:50pm

Broncos: 1 Darius Boyd (c), 2 Corey Oates, 3 James Roberts, 4 Jordan Kahu, 5 Jamayne Isaako, 6 Anthony Milford, 7 Kodi Nikorima, 8 Matthew Lodge, 9 Andrew McCullough, 10 Sam Thaiday, 11 Tevita Pangai jnr, 12 Jaydn Su’A, 13 Joe Ofahengaue

Interchange: 14 Sam Tagataese, 15 George Fai, 16 Kotoni Staggs, 17 Patrick Mago

Reserves: 18 Tom Opacic, 19 Troy Dargan, 20 Josh McGuire, 21 David Fifita

Team news: Tom Opacic (concussion) is replaced at centre by the returning Jordan Kahu (broken jaw). Korbin Sims (broken jaw) is replaced on the bench by George Fai. Josh McGuire (ankle) may get a final chance to push for an Origin spot after being named on the extended bench. Impressive debutant Kotoni Staggs retains his bench spot.

SuperCoach analysis: Tevita Pangai Jnr is on the verge of becoming the SuperCoach gun we all predicted. He played 79 minutes on the edge last week for 84 points, which would have been a whole lot better if not for a sin bin in the final moments. The injuries to Tom Opacic and Korbin Sims may have been factors in the increased game time, but if Pangai continues along this path he’ll be a SuperCoach gun of the highest order.

Jamayne Isaako pulled off the matchwinning play against the Roosters to notch his highest score of the year (96). Only Josh Addo-Carr has a better three-game average at CTW and Isaako may well be a hold through the round 13 bye. That said, keep an eye on whether Isaako retains the kicking duties with Jordan Kahu back (he should). Kotoni Staggs scored 65 in 77 minutes in a stunning debut but the fact he is the fourth most purchased player is absolutely ludicrous. As a bench utility, his game time is questionable, while he has the bye in round 13. Put him on your watch list for round 14 and take another look this week.

Eels: 1 Corey Norman, 2 Bevan French, 3 Michael Jennings, 4 Brad Takairangi, 5 George Jennings, 6 Clint Gutherson (c), 7 Mitchell Moses, 8 Daniel Alvaro, 9 Cameron King, 10 Siosaia Vave, 11 Manu Ma’u, 12 Tepai Moeroa, 13 Peni Terepo

Interchange: 14 Will Smith, 15 Suaia Matagi, 16 David Gower, 17 Marata Niukore

Reserves: 18 Raymond Stone, 19 Jaeman Salmon, 20 Kane Evans, 21 Josh Hoffman

Team news: Clint Gutherson and Corey Norman switch positions, with Gutherson to play five-eighth and Norman to play fullback. The season-ending injury to Beau Scott (ACL) sees Manu Ma’u move to back row, Peni Terepo to lock and Siosaia Vave recalled at prop.

SuperCoach analysis: Nathan Brown (ankle) misses out again in a major blow for his 8297 owners. He remains chance for next week’s bye, but even so he likely attracts limited minutes after nearly two months out. Clint Gutherson is warming up nicely after a slow start, notching successive 60s. He moves closer to the action at five-eighth this week and is therefore a POD to watch for next round, although he’d be much more appealing if he kicked goals ahead of Mitchell Moses. George Jennings is chugging along very nicely and will be sold in round 14 at a predicted profit of $170,000. Jennings to Jarrod Croker will cost just $92,000.

George Jennings is one of the cheapies of the season.

RAIDERS vs SEA EAGLES

Friday, May 25th, GIO Stadium, 6:00pm

Raiders: 1 Jack Wighton, 2 Nick Cotric, 3 Jarrod Croker (c), 4 Joseph Leilua, 5 Jordan Rapana, 6 Blake Austin, 7 Aidan Sezer, 8 Dunamis Lui, 9 Siliva Havili, 10 Shannon Boyd, 11 Josh Papalii, 12 Elliott Whitehead, 13 Iosia Soliola

Interchange: 14 Ata Hingano, 15 Luke Bateman, 16 Charlie Gubb, 17 Liam Knight

Reserves: 18 Emre Guler, 19 Michael Oldfield, 20 Sam Williams, 21 Craig Garvey

Team news: The suspension of Joe Tapine has caused a reshuffle with Josh Papalii shifting to the edge, Sia Soliola to lock, Dunamis Lui to prop and Liam Knight added to the bench.

SuperCoach analysis: The Raiders are relatively bland from a SuperCoach perspective due to the looming bye, but Jarrod Croker and Jordan Rapana will be popular targets from round 14 onwards. SuperCoaches also have their fingers crossed the suspension of Joe Tapine, a noted non-passer, sees Rapana get more ball on the right wing. With Tapine and Blake Austin inside him, Rapana’s most brilliant moments are currently limited to kick returns, dummy half runs and quick taps.

Sea Eagles: 1 Tom Trbojevic, 2 Jorge Taufua, 3 Moses Suli, 4 Brian Kelly, 5 Akuila Uate, 6 Trent Hodkinson, 7 Daly Cherry-Evans (c), 8 Addin Fonua-Blake, 9 Lewis Brown, 10 Martin Taupau, 11 Joel Thompson, 12 Shaun Lane, 13 Jake Trbojevic

Interchange: 14 Matthew Wright, 15 Frank Winterstein, 16 Lloyd Perrett, 17 Toafofoa Sipley

Reserves: 18 Thomas Wright, 19 Bradley Parker, 20 Jack Gosiewski, 21 Tevita Funa

Team news: Trent Hodkinson starts at five-eighth for Dylan Walker (broken eye socket). Lewis Brown starts at hooker for Apisai Koroisau (suspension). Winger Jorge Taufua (broken collarbone) returns from a long lay-off in place of Matt Wright, who drops to the bench.

SuperCoach analysis: Tom Trbojevic is a certainty for Origin, it’s just a matter of what number he wears. However, he possesses the second highest average of any SuperCoach player and is therefore a hold. If you need to sell a fullback, James Tedesco goes first. Martin Taupau is the second most purchased player this week as SuperCoaches move to sell Viliame Kikau. Taupau’s output has gone to another level in recent weeks. He has averaged 60 minutes over the last month, up from 51 for the year, but his crazy-good PPM of 1.25 has remained steady. Taupau will be called on to play massive minutes in round 13 when Jake Trbojevic is out, not to mention their currently overflowing casualty ward.

Martin Taupau’s minutes have increased. Picture: Brett Costello

COWBOYS vs STORM

Friday, May 25th, 1300 Smiles Stadium, 7:55pm

Cowboys: 1 Michael Morgan, 2 Kyle Feldt, 3 Justin O’Neill, 4 Ben Hampton, 5 Antonio Winterstein, 6 Te Maire Martin, 7 Johnathan Thurston (c), 8 Matthew Scott (c), 9 Jake Granville, 10 Scott Bolton, 11 Gavin Cooper, 12 Coen Hess, 13 Jason Taumalolo

Interchange: 14 Enari Tuala, 15 Shaun Fensom, 16 Corey Jensen, 17 Francis Molo

Reserves: 18 Ethan Lowe, 19 Lachlan Coote, 20 Sam Hoare, 21 Javid Bowen

Team news: No changes with Te Maire Martin again named at five-eighth and Michael Morgan at fullback, as per last week’s late change. Matt Scott (knee) has been named after being cleared of serious injury.

SuperCoach analysis: Te Maire Martin is the buy of the week, despite sitting a lowly 15th in the most purchased list. Jason Taumalolo is a must for round 13 if you don’t already own him.

Storm: 1 Billy Slater (c), 2 Suliasi Vunivalu, 3 Will Chambers, 4 Young Tonumaipea, 5 Josh Addo-Carr, 6 Cameron Munster, 7 Ryley Jacks, 8 Jesse Bromwich, 9 Cameron Smith, 10 Nelson Asofa-Solomona, 11 Felise Kaufusi, 12 Joe Stimson, 13 Dale Finucane

Interchange: 14 Brandon Smith, 15 Tim Glasby, 16 Kenny Bromwich, 17 Sam Kasiano

Reserves: 18 Jahrome Hughes, 19 Christian Welch, 20 Patrick Kaufusi, 21 Justin Olam

Team news: Cameron Smith (suspension) returns at hooker, pushing Brandon Smith back to the bench and Harry Grant out of the team. Curtis Scott (suspension) is replaced at left centre by Young Tonumaipea. Jesse Bromwich (knee) returns at starting prop, bumping Christian Welch to the extended bench. Joe Stimson starts in the back row for Ryan Hoffman. Sam Kasiano returns to the top grade on the bench.

SuperCoach analysis: Cameron Smith returns from suspension and is now a hold for the season after announcing his representative retirement. Ryley Jacks is the second most sold player as SuperCoaches load up on AJ Brimson and Te Maire Martin.

Cameron Smith (L) was forced to look on from the coaching box last week due to suspension.

ROOSTERS vs TITANS

Saturday, May 26th, Allianz Stadium, 3:00pm

Roosters: 1 James Tedesco, 2 Joseph Manu, 3 Latrell Mitchell, 4 Mitchell Aubusson, 5 Blake Ferguson, 6 Luke Keary, 7 Cooper Cronk, 8 Siosiua Taukeiaho, 9 Jake Friend (c), 10 Dylan Napa, 11 Boyd Cordner (c), 12 Ryan Matterson, 13 Isaac Liu

Interchange: 14 Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, 15 Zane Tetevano, 16 Kurt Baptiste, 17 Victor Radley

Reserves: 18 Nat Butcher, 19 Sitili Tupouniua, 20 Eloni Vunakece, 21 Mitchell Cornish

Team news: No changes.

SuperCoach analysis: Latrell Mitchell is a serious chance for Origin, which would make him a definite sell next week for the 30 per cent who own him. James Tedesco is close to an Origin certainty. He’s a sell before Tommy Turbo, but any fullback trade hinges entirely on whether Kalyn Ponga makes the Queensland side. Ryan Matterson is the fifth most purchased player at a $57,000 discount on his peak price.

Titans: 1 Michael Gordon, 2 Anthony Don, 3 Dale Copley, 4 Brenko Lee, 5 Phillip Sami, 6 AJ Brimson, 7 Ashley Taylor, 8 Jarrod Wallace, 9 Nathan Peats, 10 Ryan James (c), 11 Kevin Proctor, 12 Keegan Hipgrave, 13 Jai Arrow

Interchange: 14 Mitch Rein, 15 Max King, 16 Jack Stockwell, 17 Bryce Cartwright

Reserves: 18 Moeaki Fotuaika, 19 Konrad Hurrell, 20 Kane Elgey, 21 Morgan Boyle

Team news: Kevin Proctor (groin) returns on the right edge, pushing Ryan James to prop, Max King to the bench and Moeaki Fotuaika to reserves.

SuperCoach analysis: Those who have already purchased AJ Brimson this week should seriously consider Te Maire Martin. Sangster’s Paradise have purchased both, creating a massive war chest for the likes of Martin Taupau, Jason Taumalolo, Gareth Widdop and Jarrod Croker. In a massive boost for SuperCoaches (but not the man himself), the Origin chances of Jai Arrow have taken a hit with Josh McGuire aiming to return for the Broncos this week to stake his claim for the Queensland lock spot. Bryce Cartwright is the fifth most sold player as SuperCoach flock to the two halves cheapies, or go a week late on Rhyse Martin.

WARRIORS vs RABBITOHS

Saturday, May 26th, Mt Smart Stadium, 5:30pm

Warriors: 1 Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (c) 2 David Fusitu’a, 3 Peta Hiku, 4 Solomone Kata, 5 Ken Maumalo, 6 Blake Green, 7 Mason Lino, 8 James Gavet, 9 Issac Luke, 10 Agnatius Paasi, 11 Simon Mannering, 12 Tohu Harris, 13 Adam Blair

Interchange: 14 Jazz Tevaga, 15 Chris Satae, 16 Bunty Afoa, 17 Isaiah Papali’i

Reserves: 18 Gerard Beale, 20 Karl Lawton, 21 Albert Vete, 22 Anthony Gelling

Team news: Roger Tuivasa-Sheck returns at fullback, which sees Peta Hiku move back to centre and Gerard Beale drop out of the 17. Shaun Johnson (ankle) remains sidelined and is aiming for round 14.

SuperCoach analysis: Shaun Johnson misses out once again. He has the bye next week and is aiming to return in round 14, but will then miss round 16 due to the Denver Test. That means he misses three of the next five, on top of the five he has missed already. Even so, he has averaged 14 points more than the next best halfback and is essential from the round 17 bye onwards.

Rabbitohs: 1 Greg Inglis (c), 2 Campbell Graham, 3 Adam Doueihi, 4 Dane Gagai, 5 Hymel Hunt, 6 Cody Walker, 7 Adam Reynolds, 8 Thomas Burgess, 9 Damien Cook, 10 George Burgess, 11 John Sutton, 12 Angus Crichton, 13 Sam Burgess

Interchange: 14 Cameron Murray, 15 Mark Nicholls, 16 Jason Clark, 17 Tevita Tatola

Reserves: 18 Robbie Farah, 19 Robert Jennings, 20 Braidon Burns, 21 Kyle Tuner

Team news: Greg Inglis will continue at fullback following the injury to Alex Johnston (hamstring), with young utility Adam Doueihi to play centre. Sam Burgess (glute) has been named despite playing just 30 minutes last week. Mark Nicholls earns a recall on the bench.

SuperCoach analysis: Sam Burgess has been named and is set to play — a massive relief for 26 per cent of SuperCoaches as we head into the bye. Big Sam’s inclusion is bad news for Cameron Murray, who has averaged just 48 minutes since Burgess’s most recent comeback. Murray owners should therefore already be scouting targets for a round 14 trade. The 13 per cent who own Angus Crichton have a nervous wait following confirmation the barnstorming backrower is in serious contention for the Blues.

Cameron Murray is a sell in round 14.

PANTHERS vs DRAGONS

Saturday, May 26th, Panthers Stadium, 7:35pm

Panthers: 1 Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, 2 Christian Crichton, 3 Tyrone Peachey, 4 Dean Whare, 5 Tyrone Phillips, 6 James Maloney (c), 7 Nathan Cleary, 8 Trent Merrin, 9 Sione Katoa, 10 Reagan Campbell-Gillard, 11 Corey Harawira-Naera, 12 Isaah Yeo, 13 James Fisher-Harris

Interchange: 14 Wayde Egan, 15 Jack Hetherington, 16 Viliame Kikau, 17 James Tamou

Reserves: 18 Jarome Luai, 19 Kaide Ellis, 20 Tyrone May, 21 Thomas Eisenhuth

Team news: No changes.

SuperCoach analysis: Nathan Cleary (BE 121) is set to bottom out beautifully in round 14 at a $130,000 discount on his starting price following an injury-affected 13 in the opening rounds. Note however, he didn’t kick goals on weekend. Viliame Kikau (BE 68) has been named on the bench again and is therefore the third most sold player after $313,100 in price rises. Tyrone Phillips notched a massive $73,000 rise last week for the 5,522 who jumped on the Penrith cheapie.

Dragons: 1 Matt Dufty, 2 Nene Macdonald, 3 Euan Aitken, 4 Tim Lafai, 5 Jason Nightingale, 6 Gareth Widdop (c), 7 Ben Hunt, 8 James Graham, 9 Cameron McInnes, 10 Paul Vaughan, 11 Tyson Frizell, 12 Tariq Sims, 13 Jack De Belin

Interchange: 14 Jeremy Latimore, 15 Kurt Mann, 16 Leeson Ah Mau, 17 Blake Lawrie

Reserves: 18 Reece Robson, 19 Zachary Lomax, 20 Luciano Leilua, 21 Hame Sele

Team news: Unchanged. The Dragons’ blessed run continues.

SuperCoach analysis: Gareth Widdop will be available in round 14 at a $200,000 discount on his peak price. He will therefore be the most purchased player that round, even with the Dragons set to miss plenty to Origin and Widdop himself to play the Denver Test. Likewise, Tim Lafai looms as an intriguing POD for round 14 at a $140,000 discount on his starting price. Just over 10 per cent of SuperCoaches have their fingers and toes crossed Euan Aitken misses NSW selection.

PODCAST!!! The bye season is just around the corner and two great cheapies are on offer. Get the teams lowdown with Tom Sangster and Nick Campton.

KNIGHTS vs SHARKS

Sunday, May 27th, McDonald Jones Stadium, 2:00pm

Knights: 1 Kalyn Ponga, 2 Ken Sio, 3 Sione Mata’utia, 4 Nathan Ross, 5 Shaun Kenny-Dowall, 6 Connor Watson, 7 Jack Cogger, 8 Herman Ese’ese, 9 Slade Griffin, 10 Daniel Saifiti, 11 Lachlan Fitzgibbon, 12 Mitchell Barnett, 13 Aidan Guerra (c)

Interchange: 14 Danny Levi, 15 Chris Heighington, 16 Jamie Buhrer (c), 17 Josh King,

Reserves: 18 Jacob Lillyman, 19 Luke Yates, 20 Cory Denniss, 21 Brent Naden

Team news: Brock Lamb (cheekbone) is replaced in the halves by Jack Cogger. Jamie Buhrer replaces Jacob Saifiti (shoulder) on the interchange. Herman Ese’ese starts at prop with Josh King moving to the bench.

SuperCoach analysis: Every SuperCoach in the universe is hanging on Queensland’s team announcement to see if Kalyn Ponga makes the side. Most mail suggests the Newcastle young gun will just miss out, which is great news for the 50 per cent who already own him, while those who own Teddy and/or Turbo will need to scramble to bring Ponga in. Connor Watson (BE 6) is the 10th most purchased player but that ship has already sailed, especially with two great cheapies on offer this week.

Sharks: 1 Josh Dugan, 2 Edrick Lee, 3 Jesse Ramien, 4 Ricky Leutele, 5 Valentine Holmes, 6 Matt Moylan, 7 Chad Townsend, 8 Andrew Fifita, 9 Jayden Brailey, 10 Matt Prior, 11 Luke Lewis, 12 Wade Graham, 13 Paul Gallen (c)

Interchange: 14 Joseph Paulo, 15 James Segeyaro, 16 Ava Seumanufagai, 17 Jayson Bukuya, 18 Kurt Capewell

Reserves: 19 Jack Williams, 20 Sosaiai Feki, 21 Braden Uele

Team news: Luke Lewis (calf) and Wade Graham (hamstring) are huge inclusions. Joseph Paulo moves to the bench, while Kurt Capewell and Jack Williams drop out of the 17.

SuperCoach analysis: Keep an eye on Paul Gallen (BE 112) as he may emerge as a sneaky POD for next week. The best player in SuperCoach history is owned by just three per cent (presumably all “Zombie” players from the start of the year) and is predicted to be available at a $180,000 discount on his starting price. He returned from injury on the weekend with a solid 56 in 53 minutes, entirely in base stats. 14 per cent of SuperCoaches are sweating on Scott Sorensen recovering from a broken thumb in time for next week.

Paul Gallen returned from injury against the Bulldogs last week. Picture: Brett Costello

TIGERS vs BULLDOGS

Sunday, May 27th, ANZ Stadium, 4:00pm

Tigers: 1 Tuimoala Lolohea, 2 David Nofoaluma, 3 Esan Marsters, 4 Mahe Fonua, 5 Corey Thompson, 6 Benji Marshall, 7 Luke Brooks, 8 Russell Packer, 9 Jacob Liddle, 10 Ben Matulino, 11 Chris Lawrence (c), 12 Michael Chee-Kam, 13 Elijah Taylor,

Interchange: 14 Alex Twal, 15 Josh Reynolds, 16 Matthew Eisenhuth, 17 Sauaso Sue

Reserves: 18 Josh Aloiai, 19 Chris McQueen, 20 Tim Grant, 21 Kevin Naiqama

Team news: Coach Ivan Cleary has overhauled his backline. Tuimoala Lolohea returns at fullback with Corey Thompson switching to the wing and Malakai Watene-Zelezniak dropping out. Mahe Fonua (disciplinary) is back with Michael Chee-Kam moving to the back row and Robbie Rochow out of the squad. Big-money recruit Josh Reynolds (shoulder) returns on the bench in place of Chris McQueen.

SuperCoach analysis: The return of Mahe Fonua is massive for SuperCoach and he’s a top 17 player every week. Those who held Robbie Rochow for round 13 coverage are kicking themselves with the star early-season cheapie dropped by coach Ivan Cleary. Rochow’s decline has been abrupt. He averaged 77 minutes over the opening nine rounds, but dropped back to 48 minutes in the last fortnight and has now lost $90,000 on his peak price. Esan Marsters faces a serious test of his worth this week with the recall of Tuimoala Lolohea, who could take over goalkicking duties.

Bulldogs: 1 Moses Mbye, 2 Brett Morris, 3 John Olive, 4 Will Hopoate, 5 Marcelo Montoya, 6 Matt Frawley, 7 Kieran Foran, 8 Aaron Woods, 9 Jeremy Marshall-King, 10 David Klemmer, 11 Josh Jackson (c), 12 Raymond Faitala-Mariner 13 Rhyse Martin

Interchange: Adam Elliott, 15 Clay Priest, 16 Renouf Toomaga, 17 Kerrod Holland

Reserves: 18 Greg Eastwood, 19 Reimis Smith, 20 Asipeli Fine, 21 Michael Lichaa

Team news: Josh Morris (knee) is out for eight weeks, replaced at centre by John Olive. Raymond Faitala-Mariner (knee) returns after a late withdrawal last week, pushing Adam Elliott to the bench and Asipeli Fine to reserves.

SuperCoach analysis: Jeremy Marshall-King is a sell this week for Brimson or TMM after making a very handy $100,000. Raymond Faitala-Mariner has been one of the buys of the year but is now a sell after making $215,000. He missed last week with a knee injury, doesn’t play 13 and doesn’t quite sit in the top echelon of SuperCoach backrowers (he ranks 12th for average). Rhyse Martin is a must-have even if you missed the boat last week.

Originally published as NRL SuperCoach teams analysis round 12