SuperCoach NRL: Where opportunity lies over the Origin and major bye rounds

Origin selections and bye schedules combine at this time of the season to create SuperCoach traps and opportunities – we’re here to help you not just survive, but thrive over the period.

Origin I is under a month away which means now is the time for SuperCoaches to start planning their trades for this tricky period.

The gold standard is a cheapie who will come into the NRL to cover for Origin players and then will return to the NSW Cup/Hostplus Cup so they do not become an ‘AE nightmare.’

We run the rule over every club looking at which players are likely Origin selection contenders, the possible replacements and how their bye schedule could impact selection too.

This article will be updated as selection news comes in so be sure to bookmark it and have a read before making trades.

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NRL SuperCoach bye planner 2025.

For a full analysis of the best teams and players to target over the major bye rounds check out Max Bryden’s article HERE.

BRONCOS

Origin contenders: Payne Haas, Selwyn Cobbo, Pat Carrigan, Ben Hunt, Reece Walsh

NRL replacements: Corey Jensen, Jaiyden Hunt, Benjamin Te Kura and Martin Taupau will be relied upon when Haas and Carrigan go to Origin camp. Ezra Mam’s return from suspension will offset Hunt’s departure. Josiah Karapani should be next in line if outside backs like Cobbo and Walsh are unavailable.

Bye schedule implications: The Broncos have byes in round 12, round 15 and round 20. Brisbane’s Origin players will also be unavailable in round 18 and could well have their minutes reduced in the post-Origin rounds. In round 13 (they play on Saturday three days after Origin 1 – in Brisbane), round 16 (they play on Sunday four days after Origin II – though note that match is in Perth so will have very limited preparations) and round 19 (the Broncos play Sunday four days after the decider in Sydney).

Ben Te Kura might be called on to fill some big gaps upfront at the Broncos. Picture: Getty Images

BULLDOGS

Origin contenders: Stephen Crichton, Reed Mahoney, Jacob Kiraz

NRL replacements: Blake Wilson stands to be next up should Crichton keep his Origin spot, but it’ll get tough if Kiraz gets the call for an NSW Origin debut. That’ll bring Blake Taaffe and Jonathan Sua into reckoning, although forgotten signing Enari Tuala may have recovered from a foot fracture by then. Jake Turpin would be a straight swap if Mahoney has to deputise for Harry Grant though the club has shown a preference for utility Bailey Hayward in that role in 2025.

Bye schedule implications: The Bulldogs served one bye in round six and will then sit out rounds 13 and 16. Origin replacements will have plenty of opportunities with Origin selections unavailable for round 12, miss round 13 (bye), are unavailable in round 15, miss round 16 (bye) and are unavailable again round 18. Bulldogs’ Origin players will be available in round 19 post-Origin though will have just a three-day backup.

COWBOYS

Origin contenders: Murray Taulagi, Reuben Cotter, Tom Dearden, Reece Robson, Jeremiah Nanai

NRL replacements: Zac Laybutt is the likely wing replacement for Taulagi, Sam McIntyre should play big minutes deputising for Cotter, while Thomas Duffy could be an option in place of Dearden. Karl Lawton will slot in for Robson should he keep his NSW No.9 jumper, and Kai O’Donnell has established himself as the next second-rower in line for Todd Payten. This is all likely to result in an NRL debut for Kaiden Lahrs, son of former Blues forward Tom Learoyd-Lahrs.

Bye schedule implications: The Cowboys had their first bye in round seven, serve their second in round 12 and then have their final bye in the final regular season round of the season – round 27. Origin players are unavailable in round 12, have just under a three day turnaround from Origin I into round 13, are unavailable in round 15, have a four day turnaround from Origin II before round 16 (though that includes travel from Perth), are unavailable in round 18 and have a three day turnaround from Origin III (in Sydney) to their round 19 game against the Bulldogs in Townsville.

Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow is a hard act to follow at the Dolphins. Picture: Getty Images

DOLPHINS

Origin contenders: Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Tom Gilbert, Felise Kaufusi

NRL replacements: With Trai Fuller on the long-term injury list, Jamayne Isaako or Jake Averillo are the likely suitors to move to fullback to cover for Tabuai-Fidow, with Max Feagai a wing benefactor. Mark Nicholls and Kenny Bromwich give Kristian Woolf the experience he needs should Gilbert and/or Kaufusi go to Origin camp, with Oryn Keeley a likely fresh bench face.

Bye schedule implications: The Dolphins have their first bye in round 13, second in round 18 and third in round 21. Origin players miss round 12, round 13 (bye), round 15, have a three day turnaround ahead of round 16 (though crucially both Origin II and this game are being played in Perth so Origin players will not have to travel), miss round 18 and have just a two day turnaround from Origin III to their match against the Sharks in round 19.

DRAGONS

Origin contenders: Valentine Holmes, Jaydn Su’A

NRL replacements: With Mat Feagai out with a fractured fibula, all eyes are on whether Christian Tuipulotu (hamstring) can return in time for Holmes should he leave for Origin. Rugby union convert Nathan Lawson is another option. Su’A is another well in contention for the Maroons, paving the way for Raymond Faitala-Mariner to play solid minutes over Origin.

Bye schedule implications: The Dragons had an early bye in round three and then have their remaining byes in rounds 12 and 16. Origin players will miss rounds 12, have just a two-day turnaround in round 13 after Origin I, miss round 15, round 16 (bye) and round 18. Origin players have a three-day turnaround between Origin III and the round 19 match against the Roosters.

Dean Hawkins could deputise for Mitch Moses at the Eels. Picture: Getty Images

EELS

Origin contenders: Zac Lomax, Mitchell Moses

NRL replacements: Dean Hawkins will be a straight swap for Moses if he’s selected, while Sean Russell or Bailey Simonsson will be recalled should Lomax recover in time and retain his Blues spot on the wing.

Bye schedule implications: The Eels had their first bye of the season in round eight, their subsequent byes are in rounds 15 and 18. Origin players are unavailable in round 12, have an almost four-day turnaround before round 13, miss round 15, have another four day turnaround before round 16 (though once again note this requires travel back from Perth, miss round 18 and then enjoy another four-day turnaround between Origin III and round 19.

KNIGHTS

Origin contenders: Kalyn Ponga, Bradman Best

NRL replacements: Fletcher Sharpe is the logical fullback replacement when Ponga goes to Origin camp, meaning a call-up for either Tyson Gamble or $800K a year NSW Cup star Jackson Hastings. A second option would be to hand goalkicking NSW under-19s representative Connor Votano a debut. Another rookie, Hong Kong’s own Kyle McCarthy, is another that could get his first taste in the NRL should Best retain his Blues spot.

Bye schedule implications: The Knights had their first bye in round four then do not have another bye until round 18 before their final bye in round 22. Newcastle’s Origin contingent miss round 12, have a brief two-day turnaround from Origin I to round 13, miss round 15, have a three-day turnaround between Origin II and round 16 (again this match is in Perth so no travel for Origin reps), miss round 18 and then have a three-day turnaround between Origin III and hosting the Storm in round 19.

Daine Laurie would compete with Tom Jenkins for the number one jersey at Penrith if Dylan Edwards is in Blue. Picture: Getty Images

PANTHERS

Origin contenders: Nathan Cleary, Isaah Yeo, Dylan Edwards, Brian To’o, Liam Martin

NRL replacements: Brad Schneider will be the frontrunner for Cleary’s No.7 jumper, while there are ready-made replacements in Daine Laurie (for Edwards) and Matt Eisenhuth (for Yeo). Casey McLean and Tom Jenkins will vie for To’o’s spot if he recovers in time, while Mavrik Geyer should step in for Martin. That could open the door for Luron Patea to be a new face on the bench.

Bye schedule implications: Despite languishing at the bottom of the table the Panthers look set to provide a significant number of the NSW team which should create plenty of opportunity elsewhere – though sadly for SuperCoaches that opportunity looks like it won’t fall on bottom-dollar cheapies. Penrith’s first bye is in round 11 and is followed by byes in rounds 15 and 18. Origin selections will miss round 11 (bye), round 12, have the best part of four days between Origin I and round 13, miss round 15, face a mammoth road trip after Origin II with just three days to get to Auckland for round 16, miss round 18 and then have the best part of four days between Origin III and round 19.

RABBITOHS

Origin contenders: Latrell Mitchell

NRL replacements: Mitchell played just the one game under Michael Maguire last year but will always come under consideration if he’s fit and available. The good thing is the Bunnies are used to being without him – Jye Gray will wear the No.1.

Bye schedule implications: The Rabbitohs have their firs bye in round 12 followed by byes in round 19 and 26. Any Origin selections will miss round 12, have a three-day turnaround before round 13, miss round 15, have another three-day turnaround (plus travel back from Perth) before round 16 then miss round 18 and 19.

Trey Mooney is a quality replacement for the Raiders. Picture: Getty Images

RAIDERS

Origin contenders: Hudson Young, Corey Horsburgh

NRL replacements: Zac Hosking will be the straight replacement for Young, opening up some bench time for Simi Sasagi. And if Billy Slater looks at Horsburgh, then expect Trey Mooney (who scored 89 points when playing 43 minutes in round three) to get more minutes too.

Bye schedule implications: The Raiders have their first bye of the season in round 15 followed by byes in rounds 19 and 24. Origin selectees will miss round 12, enjoy a four-day turnaround between Origin I and round 13, miss round 15, have less than two full days between Origin II (in Perth) and the round 16 clash in Sydney making it unlikely that players will back-up, then would be unavailable for round 18 and on a bye in round 19.

ROOSTERS

Origin contenders: James Tedesco, Daniel Tupou, Connor Watson, Spencer Leniu, Angus Crichton

NRL replacements: Should Tedesco beat Edwards to the No.1 jumper, the smart money will be on Mark Nawaqanitawase getting his shot at fullback, with Dominic Young an easy answer on the wing and young gun Tom Rodwell another option in the outside backs. Ethan King is another fullback option, having played four games at fullback in NSW Cup this year where he averaged 186 metres and four tackle breaks per game. Young bucks Salesi Foketi and Taylor Losalu should be the winners of Leniu and Crichton’s expected call-ups.

Bye schedule implications: Origin replacements will get a good run at the Roosters (and Origin squad members should probably be avoided or sold) with Origin selectees missing six of a possible 10 matches between rounds 10 and 19 (inclusive). The Roosters have their first bye of the season in round 10 and then their remaining byes in rounds 14 and 17. Origin squad members will be unavailable for round 12, have an almost four-day break between Origin I and their round 13 match against the Raiders, miss rounds 14 and 15, enjoy another solid break between Origin II and their round 16 clash, miss round 17 and 18 then have three days between Origin II and round 19.

Tom Rodwell is ready to step up for the Roosters. Picture: Warren Gannon Photography

SEA EAGLES

Origin contenders: Tom Trbojevic, Haumole Olakau’atu, Daly Cherry-Evans

NRL replacements: Lehi Hopoate (to fullback) and Tommy Talau (into the side on the wing) will be major beneficiaries if Trbojevic is picked while Corey Waddell and Caleb Navale will see more minutes if Olakau’atu goes to the Blues. Jakob Arthur, who has 12 try assists in the NSW Cup, is the most likely to step in for Cherry-Evans.

Bye schedule implications: The Sea Eagles miss Magic round in their first bye of the season then sit out rounds 16 and 19. Origin selections are SuperCoach poison as they will miss round 12, have three days between Origin I and round 13, miss rounds 15 and 16, then miss rounds 18 and 19.

SHARKS

Origin contenders: Cameron McInnes

NRL replacements: Siosifa Talakai is the likely replacement if McInnes gets an unlikely call-up.

Bye schedule implications: With their first bye in round 13, then subsequent byes in rounds 18 and 25 the Sharks would provide solid opportunity for Origin replacements – if only they were likely to provide any players. Origin selectees miss round 12 and 13, miss round 15 then have four days to get back from Perth and up to Brisbane ahead of round 16, miss round 18 and have a brief two-day turnaround between Origin III and round 19.

STORM

Origin contenders: Xavier Coates, Cameron Munster, Harry Grant

NRL replacements: Coates’ expected selection means Sua Fa’alogo will get more time, Tyran Wishart will again deputise for Munster, as will Bronson Garlick for Grant, pending fitness.

Bye schedule implications: The Storm had their first bye in round two then have the remainder in rounds 12 and 15. Melbourne’s Origin cohort miss round 12, have three days between Origin I (in Brisbane) and the round 13 clash against the Titans (on the Gold Coast), miss round 15, have three days to get from Perth to Sydney between Origin II and round 16, miss round 18 and then enjoy another three-day turnaround between Origin II and their round 19 clash.

David Fifita could find himself back in favour at the Titans over Origin. Picture: Getty Images

TITANS

Origin contenders: Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, Beau Fermor, Moeaki Fotuaika

NRL replacements: If there was ever a time for David Fifita to stand up for the Titans, it’d be when his skipper in Fa’asuamaleaui goes off for his state – but will he be selected? And if Fermor and Fotuaika go with Tino, then the likes of Jacob Alick-Wiencke, Iszac Fa’asuamaleaui, Josiah Pahulu and Tukumihia Simpkins will be in contention to get some more time on ground.

Bye schedule implications: The Titans started the season with a bye and have their remaining breaks in rounds 12 and 18. Origin players miss round 12, have three days to recover ahead of the Storm in round 13, miss round 15, enjoy a four-day break before round 16, miss round 18 and then four days between Origin III and round 19.

WARRIORS

Origin contenders: Mitch Barnett, Wayde Egan

NRL replacements: 

Barnett’s possible Origin selection will test the depth of a Warriors side already without James Fisher-Harris. Jackson Ford and Bunty Afoa will be the frontrunners to start, opening some bench minutes for Tom Ale, Jacob Laban and maybe an uncapped Tanner Stowers-Smith. Should Egan be picked for the Blues then Freddy Lussick or Sam Healey are hooking options.

Bye schedule implications: The Warriors had their first bye in round five and face subsequent breaks in rounds 15 and 18. Origin selections will miss round 12, have a three day break (but only must travel from Brisbane to Sydney) ahead of round 13, miss round 15, have just three days between Origin II in Perth and their round 16 game in Auckland and then miss round 18 ahead of a four-day gap (with travel back to Auckland from Sydnay) between Origin III and the round 19 game against the Wests Tigers.

WESTS TIGERS

Origin contenders: Jarome Luai, Api Koroisau, Terrell May

NRL replacements: Latu Fainu should be back by the time Origin I rolls around and would deputise for Luai isn’t in Concord, while Tallyn Da Silva and Tristan Hope will be the one-two punch if Koroisau goes too. Terrell May though seems the most likely to be away, opening up minutes for the likes of Royce Hunt, Sione Fainu, and Kit Laulilii.

Bye schedule implications: The Tigers have byes in rounds 12, 15 and 23. Origin players will miss round 12, have three days between Origin I (in Brisbane) and round 13 against the Cowboys in Townsville, miss round 15, have just two days to get back from Perth ahead of round 16, miss round 18 and then have four days between Origin III (in Sydney) and their round 19 game against the Warriors in Auckland.

Originally published as SuperCoach NRL: Where opportunity lies over the Origin and major bye rounds