NRL SuperCoach Buy, Hold, Sell round 9: James Tedesco v Scott Drinkwater

It’s a strange week. The injury list is small, the cheapie batch is poor-to-mid. But the Origin buys are calling which brings us to Teddy vs Drinky.

It’s a strange week.

The injury list is small in SuperCoach terms with Mawene Hiroti the big issue (although he was a sell anyway after peaking and with Kayal Iro likely back).

The cheapie batch is poor-to-mid with no clear must.

But the Origin buys - and byes - are calling.

BUY

* James Tedesco (128) - His monster tally gives him three tons for the season and five of 83 and above. If he misses Origin again, Teddy’s the best buy over the bye period. If he makes Origin he misses 5/8 rounds. Which brings us to ...

* Scott Drinkwater (132) - Teddy or Drinky? It’s a huge decision and they both fired big shots over the weekend. The issue is Teddy is playing so well he may play Dylan Edwards out of an Origin spot. Drinky doesn’t play Origin and has a great schedule, although it must be noted he misses the first big bye in round 12.

* Hugo Savala (65) - A cheapie we’ve been monitoring for weeks finally got some attacking stats and is now set for a decent price rise, with delightful dual 2RF/HFB flexibility. It’s far from a slam dunk, but no cheapie is this week.

* Sione Finau (33) - We were hoping he’d be the buy of the week with job security good following injuries to Christian Tuipulotu and Mat Feagai. But only 33 points with a try is not what we were looking for. Plenty will still go there.

* Robert Derby (135) - A decent quick cash grab for those inclined for mid-range madness. Three tries and four tackle busts.

* Jeremiah Nanai (131) - A former Origin player available in the mid $500s. It’s a great play for head-to-head players, but his recent form warrants Origin selection.

* Wayde Egan (86) - The hunt for HOK1 is still on for many with Harry Grant out and others in the position just mehhh. Egan piled on a big score, continuing his good form against the Knights. While consistency has been an issue at times, games against the Cowboys and Dragons over the next fortnight are favourable.

* Jayden Brailey (53) - Who knows how the Knights line up every week but Brailey is now starting at hooker after playing off the bench for most of the year. One to monitor as he’s been an 80 minute guy in the past and plenty are looking for a cheapie hooker.

James Tedesco v Scott Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

HOLD

* Savelio Tamale (76) - Hopefully you held and played. The now standard base for him - six tackles busts and nearing 20 runs - plus a try. Covers the first bye.

* Sandon Smith (129) - Absolutely outstanding in a man of the match performance against the Dragons, notching his best score of the season. This latest cash push makes him a potential hold through the Origin series given his great schedule.

* Dylan Egan (30) - Only 48 minutes even when starting is a huge deviation from previous weeks. He hit his BE quite nicely but may need to be sold soon given he doesn’t cover round 12.

* Billy Smith (35) - Very solid but not what we were hoping for in a side that put on 46 points. There was plenty going on around Smith but the big attacking stats somehow passed him by, with two try contributions both encouraging and frustrating. Eye test has been great so hold and hope for more attacking stats, especially given his great bye schedule.

Mawene Hiroti wont return today for the Sharks after suffering a suspected MCL injury.

Contact mechanism matches that (camera angle wasn’t great) - heavy contact + inability to stay on brings concern for multi-week recovery (eg moderate grade MCL sprain usually 3-6 week return) pic.twitter.com/YvUE7KI59I

— NRL PHYSIO (@nrlphysio) April 27, 2025

SELL

* Mawene Hiroti (16) - Injured for the Sharks and now a serious sell for SuperCoaches after making a huge profit.

* Clint Gutherson (44) - The fleeting summer of Gutho has well and truly run its course. After averaging 130 from his first two outings, prompting a flurry of buyers, Clint Gutherson has now posted his third-straight score under 60 – with a 44 sending a scare to his owners. Hitting a peak price of $828,500, the King is set for another drop.

* Matty Nicholson (68) - Was heading towards a sell but a late try may have saved him. Even so, he only just hit his BE of 58 so only expect and insignificant rise. Still playing 80 minutes even with Zac Hosking in the side, but relies on attacking stats and is therefore not a keeper. Cash in at the appropriate time for your side, which is likely now, although he could also be a handy hold for the first bye.

* Thomas Cant (31) - Back to the bench with the return of Dylan Lucas so it’s time to cash in at a big profit.

* Lachlan Hubner (DNP) - Popular sell after last week’s concussion and will be a popular out once again after peaking in price.

* Naufahu Whyte (38), Robert Toia (41), Thomas Jenkins (30) - Peaked cheapies ripe for selling.

Originally published as NRL SuperCoach Buy, Hold, Sell round 9: James Tedesco v Scott Drinkwater