NRL SuperCoach round 5: Rolling coverage of weekend action

KEEP up to date with the weekend’s SuperCoach action in our weekend rolling coverage. Highlights, lowlights, injuries — it’s all here.

KEEP up to date with the weekend’s SuperCoach action in our weekend rolling coverage.

Highlights, lowlights, injuries, judiciary dramas and talking points — it’s all here.

Bookmark this page and keep coming back throughout the weekend so you never miss a big SuperCoach moment.

BULLDOGS V RAIDERS

Injuries/reports:

* Sia Soliola suffered a suspected broken arm and didn’t return.

* Chase Stanley went off with a hamstring injury and didn’t return.

* Tony Williams and Sam Kasiano were both placed on report for pressure to the head/neck following an incident in the same tackle.

Talking points:

* The injury to Chase Stanley is set to open the door for SuperCoach cheapie Kerrod Holland, who scored 44 on debut and may also be available for the first bye in round 12.

* Bye-season must Shaun Fensom (58) produced a typically solid game. Those worried about how the returns of Blake Austin and Aidan Sezer would affect his game time (especially with Elliott Whitehead back on the fringe) can breathe a sigh of relief. The injury to Soliola may also boost his minutes.

Highlights:

* Jarrod Croker (94) notched two tries and five goals, showing why he is the best centre/wing in SuperCoach in the last three years. A near-must for the round 12 bye.

Moses Mbye had a night to forget at Belmore.

Lowlights:

* Moses Mbye (6) was the fifth most popular captain. But he produced an absolute shocker with two missed goals, five missed tackles and an error. On the plus side for those who don’t own him, he is likely to see huge price drops and could be available at a bargain for the first bye.

* Elliott Whitehead (30) had averaged 67 over the opening rounds, playing plenty of five eighth. However, with Sezer and Austin back from injury, Whitehead produced two errors in his worst game for the Green Machine.

Final teams:

Bulldogs: 1 Will Hopoate 2 Curtis Rona 3 Josh Morris 4 Chase Stanley 5 Sam Perrett 6 Josh Reynolds 7 Moses Mbye 8 Aiden Tolman 21 Michael Lichaa 10 James Graham (c) 11 Josh Jackson 12 Tony Williams 13 Greg Eastwood. Interchange: 14 Sam Kasiano 15 Tim Browne 16 David Klemmer 17 Adam Elliott

Raiders: 1 Jack Wighton 2 Edrick Lee 3 Jarrod Croker (c) 4 Joseph Leilua 5 Jordan Rapana 6 Blake Austin 7 Aidan Sezer 16 Paul Vaughan 9 Josh Hodgson 10 Frank-Paul Nuuausala 11 Josh Papalii 12 Elliott Whitehead 13 Shaun Fensom. Interchange: 14 Kurt Baptiste 15 Iosia Soliola 8 Shannon Boyd 17 Joseph Tapine.

Bryce Cartwright celebrates the matchwinner.

EELS V PANTHERS

Injuries/reports:

* None

Talking points:

* Five-eighth Te Marie Martin (32) was generally quiet but will still score a very handy price rise. However, James Segeyaro was spotted at the game without a cast on his arm, leading to speculation he could be back next week. This could see Martin drop out of the side, with Peter Wallace potentially moving back into the halves.

Highlights:

* Backrower Bryce Cartwright (105) crossed for two tries, including the matchwinner on the siren. Also notched six tackle busts, a linebreak and an offload.

* Prop Junior Paulo (70) scored his second try in consecutive weeks. He has now averaged 65 so far this year and therefore looms as a genuine option for the byes.

* Fullback Michael Gordon (55) notched a try and three goals in another solid SuperCoach performance.

* Winger Josh Mansour (77) scored a try, linebreak, five tackle busts and a massive 38 points from runs.

Lowlights:

* Semi Radradra (29) produced another down day by his standards. When the new prices drop on Tuesday, Radradra will be available for more than $50,000 less than his starting price, with more falls to come - great news for SuperCoaches as the byes loom.

Final teams:

Eels: 1 Michael Gordon 2 Semi Radradra 3 Michael Jennings 4 Brad Takairangi 5 Clint Gutherson 6 Corey Norman 7 Kieran Foran (c) 8 Junior Paulo 9 Isaac De Gois 18 David Gower 11 Manu Ma’u 12 Beau Scott 13 Tepai Moeroa. Interchange: 14 Kaysa Pritchard 15 Peni Terepo 16 Danny Wicks 17 Ken Edwards

Tim Mannah (shoulder) is out, replaced at starting prop by David Gower in the only change.

Panthers: 1 Matt Moylan (c) 2 Josh Mansour 3 Waqa Blake 4 Peta Hiku 5 Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 6 Te Maire Martin 7 Jamie Soward 8 Sam McKendry 9 Peter Wallace 10 Reagan Campbell-Gillard 11 Bryce Cartwright 12 Isaah Yeo 13 Trent Merrin. Interchange: 14 Tyrone Peachey 15 Leilani Latu 17 James Fisher-Harris 21 Jeremy Latimore

Suaia Matagi and Elijah Taylor drop off the extended bench.

Roger Tuivasa-Sheck had a blinder against his old club.

ROOSTERS V WARRIORS

Injuries/reports:

* Manu Vatuvei (hamstring) - went off late and didn’t return.

* Solomone Kata (knee) aggravated an injury he brought into the match, but played on.

Talking points:

* The injury to Vatuvei could open a starting backline spot for former SuperCoach gun Konrad Hurrell (13), who is set for some huge price drops after playing from the bench in the last two weeks.

* Jayden Nikorima (17) was relegated to the bench once again. However, unlike last week where he played just 19 minutes, he played the best part of 55 minutes and showed he may have some price rises to come if he can notch some attacking stats, despite a looming price drop this week.

* Jackson Hastings (54) notched 24 points from kicks at goal, missing just one attempt.

Highlights:

* Shaun Johnson (91) was awesome in attack, notching three try assists, a linebreak and linebreak assist.

* Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (97) scored the matchwinning try against his former club to compliment his two try assists. He will see huge price rises from here, so this is the week to get on at a $40,000 discount on his starting price.

* Solomone Kata (89) notched two tries in a powerful display.

* Jacob Lillyman (77) notched 20 runs and his first try assist since 2009 - only the second of his career.

Lowlights:

* Simon Mannering (51) again played on the edge due to the injury to Bodene Thompson (ribs), with his base stats suffering.

Final teams:

Roosters: 1 Latrell Mitchell 2 Daniel Tupou 3 Brendan Elliot 4 Blake Ferguson 5 Shaun Kenny-Dowall 12 Aidan Guerra 7 Jackson Hastings 8 Sam Moa 9 Jake Friend (c) 10 Dylan Napa 11 Mitchell Aubusson 13 Sio Siua Taukeiaho 14 Isaac Liu. Interchange: 6 Jayden Nikorima 15 Kane Evans 16 Mitchell Frei 17 Eloni Vunakece

Aidan Guerra starts at five-eighth, with Jayden Nikorima switching to the bench.

Warriors: 1 Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 2 Tuimoala Lolohea 3 Blake Ayshford 4 Solomone Kata 5 Manu Vatuvei 6 Shaun Johnson 7 Jeff Robson 8 Jacob Lillyman 9 Issac Luke 10 Ben Matulino 11 Simon Mannering 12 Ryan Hoffman 13 Albert Vete. Interchange: 14 Jazz Tevaga 15 Sam Lisone 16 Charlie Gubb 17 Konrad Hurrell

No changes.

COWBOYS v DRAGONS

Johnathan Thurston gets a kick away for the Cowboys. Picture: Scott Radford-Chisholm

Injuries/reports

* None

Talking points

* Dragons forward Jack de Belin (57, including 37 tackles) keeps putting his hand up and we keep ignoring him. With some of the highest base statistics of any forward, job security and only owned by 2% of coaches, de Belin is shaping as a genuine POD optionif you can’t afford a superstar.

* Is there another Mango ripening in North Queensland? Matt Bowen’s nephew Javid (61) made a strong case as a downgrade option in the CTW position after a sparkling debut for the Cowboys. Kane Linnett is out until at least Round 9 and the young speedster looked at home in the NRL.

Highlights:

* Coming off a week he’d rather forget against the Broncos Johnathan Thurston (92) reminded us that he’s the best half in the competition. His haul included 36 points from try assists, 20 from goals and 12 from forced dropouts. This week may be the lowest price he gets to this season.

* Almost 10% of SuperCoaches are on the Ethan Lowe (64) bandwagon and it’s not hard to see why. He made the most runs and the most metres of any player and while his score didn’t reach the lofty heights of previous weeks, the fact he can still pick up very solid points purely on base stats is food for thought if you have an underperforming forward.

Lowlights:

* It’s either feast or famine with Michael Morgan (21) and owners went hungry again this week. With a break-even of 0 he’ll still go up in price this week but 5% of SuperCoaches are crying out for more consistency.

* The tryless Dragons.

Final teams:

Cowboys: 1 Lachlan Coote 2 Kyle Feldt 3 Justin O’Neill 4 Javid Bowen 5 Antonio Winterstein 6 Michael Morgan 7 Johnathan Thurston (c) 8 Matthew Scott (c) 14 Rory Kostjasyn 10 James Tamou 11 Gavin Cooper 12 Ethan Lowe 13 Jason Taumalolo Interchange 9 Jake Granville 15 John Asiata 16 Scott Bolton 17 Ben Hannant

As we’ve come to expect, Jake Granville drops to the interchange with Rory Kostjasyn starting at hooker.

Dragons: 1 Josh Dugan 2 Peter Mata’utia 3 Euan Aitken 4 Tim Lafai 5 Jason Nightingale 6 Gareth Widdop (c) 7 Benji Marshall 8 Leeson Ah Mau 9 Mitch Rein 10 Russell Packer 11 Tyson Frizell 12 Joel Thompson 13 Jack De Belin Interchange 14 Mike Cooper 15 Will Matthews 16 Siliva Havili 17 Jake Marketo.

The Dragons are 1-17. Josh McCrone drops off the extended bench.

Tiger James Tedesco scores a try against the Sharks. Picture: Getty Images

TIGERS v SHARKS

Injuries/reports:

* James Tedesco left the field in the first minute after copping an accidental knee to the head but was back on (and firing) at the 16-minute mark.

* Sauaso Sue came off the field at the 10-minute mark for a concussion test but came back on shortly after.

* Tigers winger Tim Simona was placed on report for a dangerous tackle late in the second half.

Talking points:

* James Tedesco (102) had 33% of SuperCoaches with their heads in their hands when he left the field in the first minute after a knock to the head. Those hands were soon raised in elation when he returned to the field at the 16-minute mark and notched a try assist within 30 seconds. He scored a try soon after and added another in the second half in a dominate display.

* SuperCoach stalwart Paul Gallen (73 from 60 minutes) made a solid return from injury for the Sharks, albeit starting from the bench. He’s usual strong base stats where boosted by a try but he should be better for the run. Gallen only managed 53 points in 48 minutes in his first match so his price will drop after next week. He is currently owned by just 3% of coaches.

Highlights:

* Popular Tigers prop Aaron Woods (63) looks to have put his early-season misfires behind him with his second solid score in row. He seems to have responded well to the return of Robbie Farah. Most of his haul was from base stats, including 32 tackles.

* Ben Barba (41) continued to reward his owners with another solid score, although without a late try it would have been a different story. He is still earning decent coin and is a definite hold for now.

Lowlights:

* Tigers forward Joshua Aloiai (19), hasn’t been the cash cow many had hoped for and with scores like this he certainly doesn’t look to be a long-term option.

* Much to the disappointment of 12% of SuperCoaches Jordan Rankin (21 including 4 points from tackle breaks) failed to reach his break-even of 23 this week. His lack of strong base stats means when he has a quiet game this sort of score is the result and he may have reached close to his top price.

Final teams:

Tigers: 1 James Tedesco 2 David Nofoaluma 3 Tim Simona 4 Kevin Naiqama 5 Jordan Rankin 6 Mitchell Moses 7 Luke Brooks 8 Aaron Woods (c) 9 Robbie Farah 10 Tim Grant 11 Chris Lawrence 12 Dene Halatau 13 Sauaso Sue Interchange 14 Ava Seumanufagai 15 Kyle Lovett 16 Joshua Aloiai 17 Manaia Cherrington 18 Jack Buchanan

The Tigers are 1-17 from Tuesday.

Sharks: 1 Ben Barba 2 Sosaia Feki 3 Jack Bird 4 Ricky Leutele 5 Valentine Holmes 6 James Maloney 7 Chad Townsend 8 Andrew Fifita 9 Michael Ennis 16 Matt Prior 11 Luke Lewis 12 Wade Graham 14 Jayson Bukuya Interchange 10 Sam Tagataese 13 Paul Gallen (c) 15 Chris Heighington 17 Joseph Paulo

Returning SuperCoach stalwart Paul Gallen and Sam Tagataese will start on the bench, with Matt Prior and Jayson Bukuya into the starting side.

STORM v KNIGHTS

Injuries/reports:

* Knights centre Sione Mata’utia copped a heavy knock from Richie Kennar early in the match and he didn’t return.

* Knights starting hooker Danny Levi left the field with lower back spasms midway through the first half and didn’t return.

Talking points:

* Those who jumped on young Knights CTW Cory Denniss after his stunning debut in Round 3 have been left hanging. After scoring 91 points in that match, he followed it with 9 points in Round 4 and was relegated to the Holden Cup on Saturday, with Akuila Uate returning from injury. With a -36 BE Denniss’ owners will be sweating on a return to first grade before cashing in on his expected $49k rise.

* The Storm’s game plan of searching for a try after penalties in front of goal rather than taking the two points cost popular SuperCoach hooker Cameron Smith (59) at least 6-8 points from goals.

Highlights:

* Knights second-rower Jacob Safiti (50) continues to pump out solid scores for 42% ofSuperCoaches and he remains a great cash cow. Many coaches would have been kicking themselves for not playing him on the field after he scored his first NRL try early in the match.

* Although he’s dropped $48k in price this season the Storm’s Tohu Harris (55) continues to provide output and consistency for owners in the CTW position. Due to injuries and suspension he again started at centre against the Knights but with a move into the back row sure to come this season he is well worth holding on to.

* Knights workhorse Sam Mataora (47) just keeps on rewarding his owners. His price sky rocketed in the last two rounds on the back of tries and although he couldn’t find the line against the Storm his base stats were enough for a decent score. With an increase in minutes the consistent Mataora should peak at around $320k. His lowest score this season has been 44.

* Jesse Bromwich (67) continued his great start to the season. A workhorse in attack and defence, he is fast-becoming a must have.

Jesse Bromwich continued his great start to the season. Picture: Getty Images

Lowlights:

* A low scoring match in terms of SC points with the three top scorers Cooper Cronk (78, two tries), Dale Finucane (74) and Richard Kennar (73) also only owned by 1-2% of SuperCoaches.

* After a sparkling start to the season the brakes have gone on Pat Mata’utia (33). With no attacking stats, Mata’utia’s scored 33 on the back of 30 last week. With a BE of 1 at the start of the round and if you’ve had him from the start you’re still laughing all the way to the bank. He’s already made $111k and isn’t expected to top out until he hits $300k.

Final teams:

Storm: 1 Cameron Munster 2 Young Tonumaipea 3 Will Chambers 12 Tohu Harris 22 Richie Kennar 6 Blake Green 7 Cooper Cronk 8 Jesse Bromwich 9 Cameron Smith (c) 10 Jordan McLean 11 Kevin Proctor 16 Felise Kaufusi 13 Dale Finucane Interchange 4 Ben Hampton 14 Kenny Bromwich 15 Tim Glasby 18 Nelson Asofa-Solomona

Richie Kennar replaces the suspended Marika Koroibete on the wing from Tuesday’s team list. Not great news for SuperCoaches with Tohu Harris, having initially been named in the back row, now starting at centre. Ben Hampton will shift to the bench and Felise Kaufusi starts in the back row. Nelson Asofa-Solomona replaces Christian Welch on the interchange.

Knights: 1 Dane Gagai 2 Nathan Ross 3 Sione Mata’utia 4 Pat Mata’utia 18 Akuila Uate 6 Jarrod Mullen 7 Trent Hodkinson (c) 8 Sam Mataora 14 Danny Levi 12 Robbie Rochow 10 Korbin Sims 11 Jacob Saifiti 13 Jeremy Smith (c) Interchange 9 Tyler Randell 15 Mickey Paea 17 Pauli Pauli 20 Jack Stockwell

Popular Supercoach cheapie Cory Denniss makes way for Akuila Uate, who returns from injury. Danny Levi will start at hooker with Tyler Randell shifting to the bench, while Korbin Sims and Robbie Rochow switch between front and second row. Lachlan Fitzgibbon drops off the bench, replaced by Jack Stockwell.

TITANS v BRONCOS

Injuries/reports:

* The Titans were rocked by an injury to David Shillington in the pre-game warm-up. The former Test and Origin prop tore his quad.

* Tyrone Roberts was a late withdrawal with a knee injury.

* Centre Josh Hoffman copped a knock to his jaw early in the second half.

* Halfback Ashley Taylor picked up a shoulder injury and is doubtful for next round.

* Broncos centre James Roberts limped his way through the back end of the first half with a hip injury. He returned for the second half.

* Broncos winger Jordan Kahu was seen clutching his left shoulder in the 53rd minute.

Talking points:

* Hulking winger Corey Oates made a return from a shoulder injury after three weeks on the sideline but he was unable to continue his run of big scores. He only managed 16 points, which wasn’t helped by the fact a huge chunk of the Broncos’ attack was directed down their right side.

* SuperCoach God Corey Parker scored 58 points from 54 minutes of play. Once again he’s down on minutes but still doing plenty of work while on the field. He did hand over kicking duties to Jordan Kahu after kicking one goal which no doubt would have impacted his score.

Highlights:

* Zeb Taia (93) played with plenty of impact from the backrow. He scored two tries, made two line breaks, two tackle busts and 14 tackles for the Titans.

* Upfront Ryan James (74) and Agnatius Paasi (60) continued their good form. James made 44 tackles and three line breaks. Paasi finished with a try assist, 23 tackles, two tackle busts and an offload.

* Broncos halfback Ben Hunt (73) took control of Brisbane’s attack and directed it down the right side. As well as crossing for his own try, Hunt made 23 tackles, three tackle busts, one line break and forced two drop outs.

Lowlights:

* Anthony Milford finished with a low 18 points. Much of the Broncos play was directed down the right, with halfback Hunt doing most of the work in attack.

Final teams:

Titans: 1 David Mead 2 Anthony Don 3 Josh Hoffman 4 John Olive 5 Nene Macdonald 6 13 Greg Bird 7 Ashley Taylor 14 Luke Douglas 9 Nathan Friend (c) 10 Ryan James 11 Zeb Taia 12 Chris McQueen 15 Agnatius Paasi. Interchange: 16 Leivaha Pulu 17 Daniel Mortimer 18 Eddy Pettybourne 20 Lachlan Burr

Broncos: 1 Darius Boyd 2 Corey Oates 3 Jack Reed 4 James Roberts 5 Jordan Kahu 6 Anthony Milford 7 Ben Hunt 8 Josh McGuire 9 Andrew McCullough 10 Adam Blair 11 Alex Glenn 12 Matt Gillett 13 Corey Parker (c). Interchange: 14 Jarrod Wallace 15 Sam Thaiday 16 Joe Ofahengaue 17 Kodi Nikorima

SEA EAGLES v RABBITOHS

Injuries/reports:

* Manly lost another big gun before the game, with Jake Trbojevic a late withdrawal.

* Bryson Goodwin was a late withdrawal for the Rabbitohs, replaced at centre by Michael Oldfield

* The Rabbitohs’ Damien Cook (concussion) and Michael Oldfield (concussion) were both taken off for assessments

Talking points:

* Sam Burgess returned from injury to lead the Rabbitohs pack but after a fast start his impact stalled and he finished with 42 points

* Api Koroisau took the playmaking reins for Manly in the absence of Daly Cherry-Evans and exploded thanks to his smart running game, crossing for a try and almost scoring another as he racked up 104 points

Highlights:

* Rabbitohs hooker Cameron McInnes darted over for two tries in the opening 11 minutes and had nearly cracked the SuperCoach ton by halftime. He finished on 113 points

* Rabbitohs five-eighth Cody Walker scooted over for a try, and in a bonus for his owners picked up goalkicking duties to tally 71 SuperCoach points

Lowlights:

* Rumours that Paul Carter would make a stunning return were just that, with the popular SuperCoach buy missing from the Rabbitohs team sheet.

Final teams:

Sea Eagles: 1 Brett Stewart 2 Jorge Taufua 3 Jamie Lyon (c) 4 Steve Matai 5 Tom Trbojevic 6 Dylan Walker 7 Apisai Koroisau 8 Nate Myles 9 Matt Parcell 10 Brenton Lawrence 11 Martin Taupau 12 Feleti Mateo 16 Darcy Lussick. Interchange: 14 Lewis Brown 15 Josh Starling 17 Siosaia Vave 18 Blake Leary

Rabbitohs: 1 Greg Inglis (c) 2 Kirisome Auva’a 19 Michael Oldfield 4 Hymel Hunt 5 Aaron Gray 6 Cody Walker 7 Luke Keary 8 George Burgess 9 Cameron McInnes 10 Sam Burgess 11 Chris Grevsmuhl 12 Kyle Turner 13 Nathan Brown. Interchange: 14 Damien Cook 15 Jason Clark 16 David Tyrrell 17 Thomas Burgess 18 Paul Carter

LISTEN TO OUR ROUND 5 SUPERCOACH PODCAST

Originally published as NRL SuperCoach round 5: Rolling coverage of weekend action