NRL SuperCoach 2016: Trent Copeland reveals the best captain choices for round two

ALL those injuries! And to big players too. Our number one captain choice last week was Paul Gallen and he’s gooooone.

ALL those injuries! And to big players too. Our number one captain choice last week was Paul Gallen and he’s gooooone, so hopefully this article isn’t cursed!

Did you score well last week? If not, a quick fire way to improve that is picking the right bloke to lead your team on field with the armband on, for double points.

You should be aiming for 80+ points from your captain, meaning 160 or more for your team, so lets have a look at this week’s best choices to get you those numbers.

Andrew Fifita could benefit from the injury to Paul Gallen.

After explaining the captain’s loophole last week, injuries have no doubt curtailed many a plan for early season success - however, it does present us with an opportunity to loophole our VC option using one of the likes of Ben Henry, Chanel Mata’utia etc if you haven’t traded them out. Bear in mind though that this early in the season, your auto emergency will likely score under 20 points (think Feeney, Fisher-Harris etc) so you would want your VC to score 100+ to activate it.

A risky ploy, but when you get two chances at picking the right skipper, why not I say…

VC OPTIONS

I’ll start here, remembering that your VC should always play in the early games of the round (Thurs or Fri), so always select your VC first.

I always like to have someone a bit unique as if it pays off, you’ll be getting a leg up on the whole competition.

Bryce Cartwright 2RF | 5/8 (Panthers) vs. Bulldogs

Cartwright played 80 minutes last week (thank god no more Ivan Cleary), meaning that if this continues we are going to see some MONSTER scores and if form from last year is anything to go by, we’re in for something special. 47 points in round one, but a previous high score of 127 against the Bulldogs at Pepper Stadium is enough to lock him in as my VC this week.

Bryce Cartwright is a solid VC option this week.

James Graham FRF (Bulldogs) vs. Panthers

Normally the ‘safe’ guys aren’t relevant when it comes to VC options with the need for a 100+ score. But, last week Graham registered 71 minutes, scored 80 points in pure base stats and if he manages any attacking stats this week he could be the man for the job! Beware a minutesM, decrease is likely.

Anthony Milford 5/8 (Broncos) vs. Warriors

If you’re planning on using Ben Henry for the loophole, then forget about this one as he plays in the same game. If not, then Milf is a great option! The Warriors defense was about as good as an ice bath in Hobart last week… Therefore you would expect the Broncos to put a few points on the board, expect Milf to be heavily involved.

Other options… Shaun Johnson, Moses Mbye, Josh Mansour.

COPES’ CAPTAINS

Some of the usual suspects here, with some very good matchups for the big guns of SuperCoach.

Sam Burgess FRF | 2RF (Rabbits) vs. Knights

Yes, Burgess only played 53 minutes last week, but he still managed to score 65 points. His brother is back in the team this week, and with Sutton now out long term, expect Burgess to play bigger minutes at Lock. Marry that with an inexperienced Knights outfit and you have yourselves a tasty, tasty option.

Corey Parker FRF | 2RF (Broncos) vs. Warriors

A lot of people were not happy with Parker’s 62 point effort last week, but I tell you what, had he not been converting every try from right on the sideline and successfully kicked all his goals we would’ve been talking about a 80 point game. If you want safety, lock GOD in this week with a career average of 78.90 points against the Warriors.

All hail God AKA Corey Parker.

Andrew Fifita FRF (Sharks) vs. Dragons

Man I was filthy when Gal got injured last week. The silver lining? I already owned Fifita who we all know significantly increases his average without Gallen there. 66 points in round one from 49 minutes is good, but if past form is anything to go by expect him to play 55+ minutes and his score to go through the roof this week! My captain choice for sure.

Other options… Johnathan Thurston, Cameron Smith, Simon Mannering.

Good luck to all of you this week, may the armband fall on the right man!

LISTEN TO OUR ROUND TWO SUPERCOACH PODCAST

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Originally published as NRL SuperCoach 2016: Trent Copeland reveals the best captain choices for round two