NRL teams round 5: Cash in on SuperCoach injury crisis, top Tom Trbojevic replacements

Teams are in for round 5 and SuperCoaches have mass casualties to deal with including Tom Trbojevic, but also a host of great opportunities.

Teams are in for round 5 and SuperCoaches have mass casualties to deal with, but also a host of great opportunities.

WINNERS

• Nathan Cleary - Confirmed to return from concussion in a boost for almost 60,000 SuperCoaches.

• Tom Jenkins - Must-have. Buy of the week and potential cheapie of the year.

• Adam Doueihi - Named and hoping to play despite a late withdrawal last week due to a groin injury in warm-up.

• Jacob Kiraz - The SuperCoach stud has been named on the Canterbury extended bench as he aims to return from a back injury.

• Lachlan Hubner - The round one cheapie returns from suspension at starting lock and will finally earn his first price rise, predicted to be almost $50,000.

• Hamish Stewart - The popular prop cheapie has been cleared of a facial injury and named for the Dragons.

LOSERS

• Tom Trbojevic - Out for a month with a knee injury and therefore the most sold player by a long way.

• Latrell Mitchell - Returns from a hamstring injury for the Rabbitohs but at left centre, where he averages far less for SuperCoach than at fullback.

• Luke Metcalf - The Warriors are on the bye this week with Metcalf the third most popular sell.

• Brian To’o - Ruled out for a month with a hamstring issue.

• Tom Gilbert, Jarome Luai, Sitili Tupouniua - All popular mid-rangers, all out for a week through suspension, all sells.

Nathan Cleary returns from concussion this week. Picture: Daniel Pockett/Getty Images

ROB’S ROUND 5 MUSINGS AND Q&A

Let me begin with an honest appraisal of my trades last week ... not great.

I moved Kalyn Ponga out to grab a piece of the Storm attack, and once the news broke that Ryan Papenhuyzen was carrying an ankle niggle I ditched him and brought in Cam Munster. Then the Dragons (and, to be fair, some horrendous weather) – who had conceded a combined 53 points to the Bulldogs/Rabbitohs in the opening two rounds – held Melbourne to just eight points. Munster scored 57 SuperCoach points and Papenhuyzen 65.

Then there was my call to swap out the injured Roger Tuivasa-Sheck for Paul Alamoti. Coming in to the match with an average of 83.7PPG, and with the kicking duties due to Nathan Cleary’s absence, I had Alamoti pencilled in for 75+. He scored 41 with the Panthers diabolical in the opening half and Cleary’s replacement Trent Toelau (who was the half inside Alamoti) having a shocker thus starving my guy of any ball.

Oh and I captained Tommy Turbo. Yay.

All of this is my way of saying – SuperCoach is a cruel bugger sometimes. You can make well reasoned trades only for the vicissitudes of rugby league to kick you in the butt.

But we’re a resilient lot us SuperCoaches and we’ve plenty of trades (and a dwindling supply of boosts) to play with so let’s forget last week’s failures and move on to this week’s moves.

Re-live Rob’s Q&A via the comments section below...

NRL Round 5: Teams List Tuesday SuperCoach Team Talk.

And so to this week. I’m boosting again.

I don’t want to, because Tom will get all sententious about it in the podcast, but the injury to Tom Trbojevic, the availability of a gun cheapie and the desire to cash in on a CTW cash cow has me using my third boost this week. No more until Origin – I swear!

OUT

Tom Trbojevic – A four week injury is enough for me to sell the big man.

Jesse Arthars – Has made $160K and now at $510K he needs to average 55-60 every week to hold that value. This is a man who averaged a very consistent 37 across 59 games 2021-2024. He may hold value if he keeps scoring but I don’t see much more increase coming.

Luke Metcalf – I’ve had enough of this rollercoaster and the sell allows me to move Cam Munster from flex to five-eighth and buy a fullback.

IN

Ryan Papenhuyzen – The injury history (Paps has played just 42 regular season games 2021-2024 inclusive) is still a big concern. But it’s early in the season so I’ve trades to use if disaster strikes, and if anyone deserves a little bit of luck in this regard it’s Papenhuyzen so fingers crossed. Has a pretty tasty draw ahead of Manly/Warriors/Dolphins and Rabbitohs.

Tom Jenkins – One of the few Panthers who can hold his head high after the losses to Storm and Rabbitohs and comes into this week as a MUST buy with an average of 80PPG and a BE of -94.

Kalyn Ponga – With over $1 million to spend and a flex spot to fill I can have any player I want here. A fullback is the best fit for my team as at some point in the next fortnight I want to move on Isaiah Iongi and having a FLB at flex makes that easier. Jayden Campbell is the player I considered – $90K cheaper and a nice short term draw, but ultimately Ponga’s history of massive scores has won me over.

Kalyn Ponga is being welcomed back to the Beasts. Picture: Getty Images

OTHER POPULAR TRADES

Jayden Campbell – If I already had Ponga (yeah I know) then I’d happily buy Campbell after being a happy owner in 2024. The Titans are scoring lots of points and Campbell is both instrumental to their attack and also slotting goals at a tremendous rate. Could go 150+ against the Dolphins this week.

Gehamat Shibasaki – I was shocked to see Shibasaki so high on the ‘buy’ list this week. Not that it’s a bad move, rather I just figured he’d be in lots of teams already. With a ‘floor’ of 40 (runs, tackles and average tackle busts) and a BE of -50 there’s still money to be made here. Just be aware that once his price hits $550K+ he is going to need to average 65+ to hold it. Don’t let that put you off, there’s still a good $150K profit to be had here, but also don’t expect the good times to roll forever.

Latrell Mitchell – This is an interesting one eh? Mitchell is set to play his first game of the season and as we’ve all been told many times already he has never looked fitter. However, despite Wayne Bennett telling the media that Mitchell is his fullback and would slot into the No. 1 jersey when back, he has been training at centre. Now Mitchell is, or at least was, a great centre when at the Roosters. But, he averages far more as a fullback so the potential positional switch has me listing Mitchell as a ‘Watch’ not a ‘Buy’. One other question is will Mitchell resume goalkicking duties or will the role stay with Jamie Humphreys – who has slotted 12/16 at a very reasonable 75%. Two reasons to wait I feel.

Cam Munster – Was one dodgy bunker call away from scoring 69 against the Dragons and was definitely the focus of the attack in Jahrome Hughes’ absence. Manly will prove a reasonably stiff challenge this week but then a run of Warriors (at home), Dolphins and Rabbitohs (at home) appeals.

Naufahu Whyte – My Roosters were sloppy against the Gold Coast last round but one player who could hold his head up high was Nauf Whyte who punched out 57 points in pure base in 50 minutes. That was no fluke, Whyte had 58 in base in round three too. There’s still some money to be made here, but at $500K there’s not HEAPS. I don’t hate this buy but don’t love it either.

Jacob Preston – I really like Preston as a player but this one feels like chasing last week’s points to me. Averaging mid 40s in base (good for a 2RF) Preston is very dependent on attacking stats to maintain his value at an already steep price of $630K. Luckily for Bulldogs fans and Preston SC stans, he runs a lovely line. But my issue with this buy is that I see little price upside. My bigger issue is that the Dogs have a round 6 bye. I feel you’re buying at the top of price plus at the wrong time.

Re-live Rob’s Q&A via the comments section below...

TIGERS UNVEIL YOUNG HALVES PAIRING

Latu Fainu and Lachlan Galvin will form one of the youngest halves pairings in recent history as the Wests Tigers turn to youth in the absence of Jarome Luai against the Brisbane Broncos this weekend.

Fainu, who has been coming off the bench for the resurgent Tigers, has been handed the No.7 jersey in place of Jarome Luai, who is suspended for a week.

Remarkably, 15 years separate Fainu and Brisbane general Adam Reynolds – Fainu was six years old when Reynolds made his debut for South Sydney in 2012.

Now his partnership with fellow teenager Galvin is likely to play a huge role in dictating the outcome of Saturday night’s game at Suncorp Stadium.

Another teenager - Luke Laulilii - has been named on the wing for the Tigers as they head to Brisbane to face off against former coach Michael Maguire.

—Brent Read

KNIGHTS PROP BACK AHEAD OF SCHEDULE

Newcastle prop Leo Thompson is poised to make his return from injury this weekend against the club he will join next season - the Bulldogs.

Thompson suffered a knee injury against the Dolphins in round two but has been named in the Knights’ side to meet the Dogs.

Thompson has agreed to join the Bulldogs next season on a lucrative deal for the next four seasons.

—Brent Read

Leo Thompson is set to return a week early from a knee injury. Picture: NRL Photos

NRL ROUND 5 TEAMS

RAIDERS V SHARKS

8pm Thursday April 3rd, GIO Stadium, Canberra

Raiders

1. Kaeo Weekes 2. Savelio Tamale 3. Matthew Timoko 4. Sebastian Kris 5. Xavier Savage 6. Ethan Strange 7. Jamal Fogarty 8. Josh Papali’i 9. Tom Starling 10. Joseph Tapine 11. Hudson Young 12. Matt Nicholson 13. Corey Horsburgh

Interchange: 14. Owen Pattie 15. Simi Sasagi 16. Morgan Smithies 17. Ata Mariota

Reserves: 19. Jed Stuart 18. Danny Levi 20. Pasami Saulo 21. Trey Mooney 22. Adam Cook

Sharks

1. William Kennedy 2. Samuel Stonestreet 3. Jesse Ramien 4. Mawene Hiroti 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo 6. Braydon Trindall 7. Nicho Hynes 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Oregon Kaufusi 11. Briton Nikora 12. Teig Wilton 13. Cameron McInnes

Interchange: 14. Daniel Atkinson 15. Thomas Hazelton 16. Toby Rudolf 17. Tuku Hau Tapuha

Reserves: 18. Jayden Berrell 19. Chris Veaila 20. Hohepa Puru 21. Jesse Colquhoun 22. Billy Burns

PANTHERS V COWBOYS

6pm Friday April 4th, CommBank Stadium, Sydney

Panthers

1. Daine Laurie 2. Paul Alamoti 3. Izack Tago 4. Thomas Jenkins 5. Casey McLean 6. Jack Cole 7. Nathan Cleary 8. Moses Leota 9. Mitch Kenny 10. Lindsay Smith 11. Isaiah Papali’i 12. Liam Martin 13. Isaah Yeo

Interchange: 14. Brad Schneider 15. Matt Eisenhuth 16. Liam Henry 17. Luke Garner

Reserves: 18. Blaize Talagi 19. Mavrik Geyer 20. Luron Patea 21. Luke Sommerton 22. Jesse McLean

Cowboys

1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Robert Derby 3. Jaxon Purdue 4. Viliami Vailea 5. Murray Taulagi 6. Tom Dearden 7. Jake Clifford 8. Jordan McLean 9. Reece Robson 10. Jason Taumalolo 11. John Bateman 12. Kai O’Donnell 13. Reuben Cotter

Interchange: 14. Sam McIntyre 15. Jeremiah Nanai 16. Griffin Neame 17. Coen Hess

Reserves: 18. Harrison Edwards 19. Zac Laybutt 20. Thomas Duffy 21. Karl Lawton 22. Thomas Mikaele

RABBITOHS V ROOSTERS

8pm Friday April 4th, Accor Stadium, Sydney

Rabbitohs

1. Jye Gray 2. Isaiah Tass 3. Jack Wighton 4. Latrell Mitchell 5.Mikaele Ravalawa 6. Cody Walker 7. Jamie Humphreys 8. Sean Keppie 9. Peter Mamouzelos 10. Tevita Tatola 11. Keaon Koloamatangi 12. Jai Arrow 13. Lachlan Hubner

Interchange: 14. Jayden Sullivan 15. Siliva Havili 16. Tallis Duncan 17. Davvy Moale

Reserves: 18. Liam Le Blanc 19. Fletcher Myers 20. Lewis Dodd 21.. Salesi Ataata 22. Thomas Fletcher

Roosters

1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Mark Nawaqanitawase 4. Robert Toia 5. Dominic Young 6. Sandon Smith 7. Chad Townsend 8. Lindsay Collins 9. Connor Watson 10. Naufahu Whyte 11. Angus Crichton 12. Siua Wong 13. Nat Butcher

Interchange: 14. Zach Dockar-Clay 15. Salesi Foketi 16. Blake Steep 17. Spencer Leniu

Reserves: 18. Hugo Savala 19. Makahesi Makatoa 20. Ethan King 21. Billy Smith 22 Taylor Losalu

EELS V DRAGONS

3pm Saturday April 5th, CommBank Stadium, Sydney

Eels

1. Isaiah Iongi 2. Sean Russell 3. Will Penisini 4. Zac Lomax 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Dylan Brown 7. Dean Hawkins 8. Joe Ofahengaue 9. Ryley Smith 10. Junior Paulo 11. Shaun Lane 12. Kitione Kautoga 13. J’maine Hopgood

Interchange: 14. Dylan Walker 15. Luca Moretti 16. Sam Tuivaiti 17. Dan Keir

Reserves: 18. Joash Papalii 19. Charlie Guymer 20. Bailey Simonsson 21. Brendan Hands 22. Ronald Volkman

Dragons

1. Clinton Gutherson 2. Tyrell Sloan 3. Moses Suli 4. Valentine Holmes 5. Christian Tuipulotu 6. Kyle Flanagan 7. Lachlan Ilias 8. Toby Couchman 9. Damien Cook 10. David Klemmer 11. Luciano Leilua 12. Jaydn Su’A 13. Jack de Belin

Interchange: 14. Jacob Liddle 15. Blake Lawrie 16. Hamish Stewart 17. Dylan Egan

Reserves: 18. Mathew Feagai 19. Raymond Faitala-Mariner 20. Sione Finau 21. Lyhkan King-Togia 22. Loko Pasifiki-Tonga

TITANS V DOLPHINS

5:30pm, Saturday April 5th, Cbus Stadium, Gold Coast

Titans

1. Jaylan De Groot 2. Tony Francis 3. Brian Kelly 4. Phillip Sami 5. Jojo Fifita 6. AJ Brimson 7. Jayden Campbell 8. Moeaki Fotuaika 9. Chris Randall 10. Reagan Campbell-Gillard 11. Klese Haas 12. Beau Fermor 13. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui

Interchange: 14. Sean Mullany 15. David Fifita 16. Jaimin Jolliffe 17. Brock Gray

Reserves: 18. Arama Hau 19. Tom Weaver 20. Jacob Alick-Wienke 21. Tuki Simpkins 22. Josiah Pahulu

Dolphins

1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Jake Averillo 4. Herbie Farnworth 5. Jack Bostock 6. Kodi Nikorima 7. Isaiya Katoa 8. Daniel Saifiti 9. Jeremy Marshall-King 10. Felise Kaufusi 11. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki 12. Connelly Lemuelu 13. Max Plath

Interchange: 14. Kurt Donoghoe 15. Mark Nicholls 16. Ray Stone 17. Kenny Bromwich

Reserves: 18. Sean O’Sullivan 19. Josh Kerr 20. Oryn Keeley 21. Max Feagai 22. Junior Tupou

BRONCOS V WESTS TIGERS

7:35pm, Saturday April 5th, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane

Broncos

1. Reece Walsh 2. Selwyn Cobbo 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Gehamat Shibasaki 5. Jesse Arthars 6. Ben Hunt 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Patrick Carrigan 9. Cory Paix 10. Payne Haas 11. Jack Gosiewski 12. Brendan Piakura 13. Kobe Hetherington

Interchange: 14. Billy Walters, 15. Corey Jensen, 16. Xavier Willison, 17. Jaiyden Hunt

Reserves: 18. Tyson Smoothy 19. Deine Mariner 20. Martin Taupau 21. Benjamin Te Kura 22. Jock Madden

Wests Tigers

1. Jahream Bula 2. Sunia Turuva 3. Adam Doueihi 4. Starford To’a 5. Luke Laulilii 6. Lachlan Galvin 7. Latu Fainu 8. Terrell May 9. Apisai Koroisau 10. Fonua Pole 11. Samuela Fainu 12. Alex Seyfarth 13. Alex Twal

Interchange: 14. Tallyn Da Silva 15. Royce Hunt 16. Jack Bird 17. Sione Fainu

Reserves: 18. Heath Mason 19. Kit Laulilii 20. Solomona Faataape 21. Reuben Porter 22. Tony Sukkar

SEA EAGLES V STORM

4:05pm, Sunday April 6th, 4Pines Park, Sydney

Sea Eagles

1. Lehi Hopoate 2. Jason Saab 3. Tolutau Koula 4. Reuben Garrick 5. Clayton Faulalo 6. Luke Brooks 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Nathan Brown 9. Jazz Tevaga 10. Siosiua Taukeiaho 11. Haumole Olakau’atu 12. Ben Trbojevic 13. Jake Trbojevic

Interchange: 14. Jake Simpkin 15. Corey Waddell 16. Ethan Bullemor 17. Toafofoa Sipley

Reserves: 18. Aaron Schoupp 19. Jake Arthur 20. Dean Matterson 21. Caleb Navale 22. Gordon Chan Kum Tong

Storm

1. Ryan Papenhuyzen 2. William Warbrick 3. Jack Howarth 4. Grant Anderson 5. Xavier Coates 6. Cameron Munster 7. Tyran Wishart 8. Stefano Utoikamanu 9. Harry Grant 10. Josh King 11. Shawn Blore 12. Eliesa Katoa 13. Trent Loiero

Interchange: 14. Bronson Garlick 15. Alec MacDonald 16. Tui Kamikamica 17. Lazarus Vaalepu

Reserves: 18. Joe Chan 19. Kane Bradley 20. Sualauvi Faalogo 21. Moses Leo 22. Jahrome Hughes

BULLDOGS V KNIGHTS

6:15pm, Sunday April 6th, Accor Stadium, Sydney

Bulldogs

1. Connor Tracey 2. Blake Wilson 3. Bronson Xerri 4. Stephen Crichton 5. Marcelo Montoya 6. Bailey Hayward 7. Toby Sexton 8. Max King 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Daniel Suluka-Fifita 11. Josh Curran 12. Jacob Preston 13. Jaeman Salmon

Interchange: 14. Kurt Mann 15. Harry Hayes 16. Jack Todd 17. Kurtis Morrin

Reserves: 19. Lipoi Hopoi 20. Blake Taaffe 21. Jake Turpin 22. Luke Smith 23. Jacob Kiraz

Knights

1. Kalyn Ponga 2. James Schiller 3. Dane Gagai 4. Bradman Best 5. Greg Marzhew 6. Fletcher Sharpe 7. Jack Cogger 8. Jacob Saifiti 9. Phoenix Crossland 10. Leo Thompson 11. Thomas Cant 12. Tyson Frizell 13. Adam Elliott

Interchange: 14. Jayden Brailey 15. Jack Hetherington 16. Jermaine McEwen 17. Mathew Croker

Reserves: 18. Brodie Jones 19. Kyle McCarthy 20. Matthew Arthur 21. Jackson Hastings 22. Tyrone Thompson