Struggling to pick a team for NRL SuperCoach? Without seeing the team lists for round 1, I’ve gone through every position and highlighted some top guns, bargain buys and valuable cheapies you can pick to carry you to SuperCoach glory this season.
Hookers
Top Gun: Damien Cook (Rabbitohs – $726,000)
Was the top scoring SuperCoach player last year, and starts as the most expensive player this year. Not sure how he will go under Wayne Bennett, but should still score plenty of points regardless.
Alternatives: Cameron Smith (Storm – $594,400) / Josh Hodgson (Raiders – $592,100)
Bargain Buy: Victor Radley (HOK/2RF Roosters – $400,700)
Will likely be playing increased minutes at lock for the Roosters this year, so his price and average will jump considerably.
Cheapies: Kurt Mann (HOK/CTW Knights – $258,900) / Wade Egan (Panthers – $232,200)
Front Row Forwards
Top Gun: Andrew Fifita (Sharks – $634,300)
A beast in the front row. His offloads and tackle busts are almost certain to see him return as the top-scoring prop in the game.
Alternatives: Martin Taupau (FRF/2RF Sea Eagles – $605,100) / Josh Papalii (FRF/2RF Raiders $595,900)
Bargain Buy: Tevita Pangai Jr (2RF/FRF Broncos – $495,000)
A rampaging young forward who should get starting minutes at lock in Brisbane with the departure of Josh McGuire.
Cheapie: Payne Haas (Broncos – $181,100)
Second Row Forwards
Top Gun: Jake Trbojevic (Sea Eagles – $667,600)
Has finished second in SuperCoach scoring two years running. Plays big minutes every week and is always a threat to score attacking stats.
Alternatives: Jason Taumalolo (Cowboys – $657,400) / Angus Crichton (Roosters – $646,900)
Bargain Buy: Cameron Murray (Rabbitohs – $458,000)
Should be starting at lock for the Bunnies this year. Has a big motor and has proven with more game time he can score 50-60+ points consistently.
Cheapie: Briton Nikora (2RF/CTW Sharks – $168,100)
Halfbacks
Top Gun: Shaun Johnson (HLF-5/8 Sharks – $603,000)
Not entirely sold on Johnson and how he will play at the Sharks, but should still score plenty of points if he manages to snag goal kicking duties.
Alternatives: Nathan Cleary (Panthers – $577,000) / Daly Cherry Evans (Sea Eagles – $577,400)
Bargain Buy:ย Michael Morgan (HLF-5/8 Cowboys – $409,200)
Starts a bit cheaper due to missing most of last season with injury. Should take over lead playmaking duties in the absence of Johnathan Thurston.
Cheapies: Adam Keighranย (HLF-5/8 Warriors – $168,100) / Chanel Harris-Tavitaย (HLF-5/8 Warriors – $168,100)
Five-Eighth
Top Gun: Kalyn Ponga (5/8-FLB Knights – $614,300)
Was a sensation last year at fullback for the Knights, and despite moving the halves should still be one of the top scoring SuperCoach players again.
Alternatives: Cody Walker (Rabbitohs – $569,200) / Gareth Widdop (Dragons – $553,400)
Bargain Buy: Matt Moylan (5/8-FLB Sharks – $483,500)
Switching to fullback after the departure of Valentine Holmes. If he can get a combination going with Johnson, he could be the buy of the year.
Cheapie: Dylan Brown (5/8-HLF Eels – $168,100)
Centre/Wings
Top Gun: Latrell Mitchell (Roosters – $595,000)
Mitchell has evolved into one of the premium choice CTW options. Consistent attacking stats plus goal kicking duties make for a lethal SuperCoach combination.
Alternatives: Blake Ferguson (Eels – $611,700) / Esan Marsters (Tigers – $568,000)
Bargain Buys: John Bateman (CTW/2RF Raiders – $400,000) / Kurt Capewell (CTW/2RF Sharks – $340,200)
Both great value picks in the CTW, as both should get plenty of game time playing in the forwards for their respective clubs.
Cheapies: Zac Lomax (Dragons – $196,900) / Albert Hopoate (CTW/FLB Sea Eagles – $168,100)
Fullbacks
Top Guns: James Tedesco (Roosters – $689,000) / Tom Trbojevic (Sea Eagles – $691,200)
The top two fullbacks in the game = points galore. Try your best to get both these guys in your team.
Bargain Buy: Clint Gutherson (FLB/CTW Eels – $439,300)
With goal kicking he may be worth a look, but be wary of playing him over the two guys mentioned above.
Cheapie: Scott Drinkwater (Storm – $219,400)
