KFC SuperCoach teams analysis Round 25: Resting risk of SuperCoach players rated
Plenty of players are confirmed to be rested for the final round – and a host of others up in the air. We rate players’ chances of actually taking the field.
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Teams are in for the final round of KFC SuperCoach and as usual plenty of players are confirmed to be rested.
Kudos to the NRL coaches who have made these decisions early and kept KFC SuperCoaches out of their misery (ie: yay to Ivan Cleary for telling us in advance that 13 Panthers will be rested).
But not all coaches are that kind and plenty have left us in SuperCoach limbo.
Which is the reason for this column.
Regardless of today’s team announcements, the final make-up of almost every NRL side this week – and the destiny of KFC SuperCoaches – hinges on a litany of factors.
These include match-ups, niggles, prior results, Covid and the level of relaxation on the farm in Taree.
To put simply, this week is a complete brain bender. So below we try to make sense of it all, of course with the caveat that we really have no idea this far out so keep a keen eye on Late Mail.
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WINNERS
* Latrell Mitchell - Named for the Rabbitohs despite missing training on Tuesday to relax on his farm in Taree. Will be back for the blockbuster clash against foundation rivals the Roosters for the grand opening of the new Allianz Stadium.
* Harry Grant - Rightly the most popular replacement for Damien Cook, who looks set to miss this week due to Covid.
* Selwyn Cobbo - Back from a controversial resting last week. After being one of the top cheapies to start the season, Cobbo is still relatively popular and could be a crucial extra number for KFC SuperCoaches who copped restings.
* Adam Reynolds – Named for the Broncos but in doubt due to concussion.
LOSERS
* Panthers players – Penrith have rested a host of stars including KFC SuperCoach relevant players Izack Tago, Taylan May, Viliame Kikau, Apisai Koroisau, Isaah Yeo and Dylan Edwards.
* Damien Cook - Will miss his second game in a row due to Covid and therefore the most sold player.
* Ezra Mam - Very popular KFC SuperCoach player at 27 per cent, but dropped by the Broncos for their sudden death clash against the Dragons.
* Thomas Dearden - Likely given another week off to recover from a ruptured testicle, although he’s still a chance after being named in reserves.
DANGER, DANGER
* Nicho Hynes - The most popular captain by a long way yet again. But the Sharks will have literally nothing to play for except momentum if the Cowboys lose the game immediately before them on Saturday night. Definite risk of missing the final team or being given an early shower (more below).
* Jordan Rapana, Joe Tapine - Rapana is the fourth most popular buy this week, Tapine ninth. Both would be great buys on normal rounds, but the Raiders may have eighth spot wrapped up depending on the Broncos’ result before them (more below). Raiders are therefore a huge resting risk and KFC SuperCoaches won’t be able to react given Canberra play the last game of the round.
RESTING CANDIDATES BY GAME
Eels v Storm
Thursday, 7.50pm, CommBank Stadium, Sydney
This game is clear-cut. The winner makes the top four and gets a potential two shots, while the loser finishes fifth and faces a sudden death fixture in week one of the finals.
Resting risk: Very low, almost nil. Both teams desperately want to win and it’s the first game of the round, meaning coaches can’t react to other results falling their way. KFC SuperCoaches can therefore safely bank on the likes of Isaiah Papali’i, Cameron Munster (VC option after last week’s rough game), Harry Grant, Dylan Brown, Jahrome Hughes and late-season POD plays Shaun Lane and Clint Gutherson.
Bulldogs v Sea Eagles
Friday, 6pm, Accor Stadium, Sydney
Both teams have literally nothing to play for so expect an open, attacking match. A definite game to target.
Resting risk: Low. Nothing to play for so don’t expect any mind games from the coaches. Attacking players like Matt Burton, Daly Chery-Evans and maybe even Jacob Kiraz are plays given the predicted expansive game.
Roosters v Rabbitohs
Friday, 7.55pm, Allianz Stadium, Sydney
Both teams are guaranteed a top eight spot regardless of the result and may be tempted to rest stars. However, the winner could finish as high as fifth and the game is a sell out for the opening of Allianz Stadium, and a foundation local derby no less. In short, plenty of competing factors so watch Late Mail intently.
Resting risk: High to moderate. Don’t expect mass resting but equally there is no reason to take risks on players carrying niggles. Keep a close eye on Late Mail if you own Joseph Manu, James Tedesco, Latrell Mitchell, Joseph Suaalii, Cameron Murray, Angus Crichton, Isaiah Tass, Alex Johnston, Cody Walker and Sam Walker.
Warriors v Titans
Saturday, 3pm, Mt Smart Stadium, Auckland
Like the Bulldogs v Sea Eagles clash, both clubs have nothing to play for so expect all-out attack from both sides.
Resting risk: Low. Definite game to target. Coaches have no reason to play silly buggers with their teams and expect big attacking stats for the likes of AJ Brimson, Beau Fermor, Reece Walsh, Tino Fa’asuamaleaui and co.
Dragons v Broncos
Saturday, 5.30pm, Jubilee Stadium, Sydney
The Broncos must win to be any chance of eighth spot so need all hands on deck including popular KFC SuperCoach players Payne Haas (likely big minutes), Kotoni Staggs and Selwyn Cobbo. Note though, Adam Reynolds (concussion) is in doubt, while Ezra Mam has been dropped.
Resting risk: Very low, almost nil. Must-win game for the Broncos, while the Dragons will be out to end their season on a high, especially with coach Anthony Griffin facing his old club.
Cowboys v Panthers
Saturday, 7,35pm, QCB Stadium, Townsville
Penrith have rested 13 players but at least we know early. Cowboys must win to regain second spot and a home semi. They could drop as low as fourth, so expect all hands on deck.
Resting risk: Low. We know what Penrith has done ahead of time, and it’s a must-win game for the Cowboys who will therefore want all stars available – great news for Valentine Holmes, Scott Drinkwater, Jeremiah Nanai and other popular players.
Knights v Sharks
Sunday, 2pm, McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle
Plenty hinges on the game immediately beforehand. The Sharks could be guaranteed second spot before this game even starts and may opt to rest players.
Resting risk: High. This game is the big unknown as it is affected by previous results from less than 24 hours before. Resting is a genuine concern, both prior to the game and within the game. Be wary of popular Sharks players like Nicho Hynes (probably not a captaincy choice this week), Siosifa Talakai and Ronaldo Mulitalo (most purchased player).
Tigers v Raiders
Sunday, 4.05pm, Leichhardt Oval, Sydney
By this time, the Raiders could be guaranteed eighth spot, pending Brisbane’s result on Saturday, and may therefore decide to rest players. Conversely, they could be fighting for eighth spot and need a full squad.
Resting risk: High, pending earlier results. Definitely leave trades late on popular Canberra players Jordan Rapana (fourth most popular this week) and Joe Tapine (ninth).
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