NRL SuperCoach: 10 things we learned from Warriors vs Sea Eagles, Panthers vs Roosters

Tom Trbojevic’s hamstring is cruelling the gun fullback, but a forgotten star could be ready to take his place after a starring performance. Here are 10 things we learned from Friday footy.

Tom Trbojevic had plenty of hearts in mouths as he came off with another hamstring injury.

But for SuperCoaches there could be a ready-made replacement ready to regain his form as one of the game’s best.

See the big takeaways below and scroll down to replay our live coverage.

1.NEVER OVERREACT AFTER ONE ROUND

Luke Metcalf etched himself into SuperCoach debate as one of the most divisive players following a high ownership coming into round one and a subpar performance.

He looked as good as the reason why he was picked by so many with a starring role at halfback for the Warriors, picking up 99 points in the process.

Metcalf is now well ahead of his break-even and the 12,971 SuperCoaches who traded him out will be having instant regret.

2.THAT DAMN HAMSTRING

Hamstring tightness looks the reason why Tom Trbojevic left the game early and everyone is hoping it is nothing more than that.

He’s had a horrid run with hamstring injuries over the course of his career, capping off a tough night where he scored just 59.

Does the lingering concern mean the likes of Reece Walsh come into calculations? Or maybe it could be……

James Tedesco was in electric form. Photo: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

3.TEDDY TIME IS BACK

The WWE has Tiffy Time, and Roosters fans are setting their clocks to Teddy Time.

James Tedesco could also come into the fold for SuperCoach despite his $900,000+ price tag after he put on a show against the Panthers.

He scored 117 points to score the most of the night across both games and with a few winnable games on the radar, he will serve as a very attractive option.

4. SAAB IS THAT GUY

Whether he got the ball down or not, Jason Saab broke the century mark for the second-straight week.

There’s no doubt he benefits from Tommy Turbo sweeping down his side to form a lethal partnership with the duo and Reuben Garrick.

But with the form he’s in, he could become too good to not trade in.

5. EGAN THE TOP RAKE

Wayde Egan is just in 4% of teams, but I’d suggest that number will be higher by the time the next lockout comes along.

He played 80 minutes once again and put together a 90-point effort as he showed his class.

With his price under $500k, he is shaping as a genuine HOK1 option.

The top SuperCoach scores from Friday Night Footy.

6. TOO BAD TO BE TRUE

We spoke about forgiveness of Luke Metcalf after one bad outing – it might be wise to use that approach with a host of Panthers.

They missed 43 tackles and made 13 errors. They also had their chances with an 8-3 penalty country and 2-1 set restart count in their favour.

Isaiah Yeo and Brian To’o both finished with just 39 SC points, with the latter scoring a try.

7. SANDON’S LONG TERM VISION

Many have Sandon Smith in their team to make some money, but he’s putting forward a compelling argument to remain as HOK2 or HFB2.

His 72 points continues a strong start to the year and it’s obvious to anyone watching that he is the dominant half, with Chad Townsend scoring just 25.

He’s locked down a spot in this side even when the reinforcements come back.

8. MARKY HITTING THE MARK

Mark Nawaqanitawase continues to get better with every outing.

He was a genuine menace for the Panthers defenders tonight with his size really coming to the fore on a number of occasions.

We’ll even let his forward pass for a try assist slide. A good mid-range option going forward.

No captaincy for you Mr Cleary. Photo: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

9. CLEARY’S CAPTAINCY DAYS NUMBERED

The partnership with Jack Cole is still forming, but something seems a bit off with Nathan Cleary as a captain option.

87 points is nothing to lose sleep over, but with Dylan Edwards facing a potential stint on the sideline he could be without another attacking weapon.

The days of just setting and forgetting him as captain are done.

10. IT’S TIME FOR A TOUGH CONVO

Mitch Barnett is as tough as they come.

But expect him to be among the most traded out players heading into round three after another average SuperCoach performance.

Front row partner James Fisher-Harris played four less minutes and scored 23 more points, packing plenty of punch into his first stint.

Originally published as NRL SuperCoach: 10 things we learned from Warriors vs Sea Eagles, Panthers vs Roosters