NRL 2023 SuperCoach Round 4 preview, top trades & best buys

Round three of the NRL Premiership is in the books for 2023 with plenty of players making their impacts in Supercoach, as well as injuries and suspension news.

With the conclusion of round three also comes the price changes coaches have been looking for to build team value. The focus now shifts for the next fortnight towards keeping players until they reach their ceiling price to maximise on increases in value. Supercoaches should be very aware of increased frequencies in byes as well as changes to concussion protocols and the impacts those factors will have on their side moving forward.

Lets look at the ‘must-have’ players moving forward, along with ones that need to be avoided until a later date.

Super Coach Must Buys

Reece Walsh (FB)
If coaches haven’t already, the trade for Walsh needs to be made now for a variety of reasons. A soft upcoming draw for the Brisbane Broncos in South-East Queensland with no byes until round 16 gives coaches stability in their fullback position and best 17 side. Further, Walsh’s two enormous scores to begin the season coupled with low ‘break-even’ scores making a great option for building team value for possible trades deeper in the season.

Tom Trbojevic (FB)
‘Turbo’ Tom Trbojevic is another option at fullback for very similar reasons to Walsh. Low ‘break-even’ scores mean if Trbojevic continues to put big scores on oppositions, his value will increase and give coaches more flexibility and options in their side. Trbojevic also has an extended run without byes for Manly Sea Eagles which will be imperative for coaches to consider. The only concern with ‘Turbo’ is his injuries. If injured, it’s unknown how long he will be out for. If he stays injury free, he is liable to play for New South Wales in the State of Origin, which would see him missing club games for Manly.

Tom Starling (HOK)
The horrific injury to starting Canberra Raiders hooker Danny Levi has boosted the stocks of team mate Starling enormously in Supercoach respects. In 77 minutes against the Sharks Starling recorded 95 points as he laid on two try assist, two line break assists and made a whopping 54 tackles. Zac Woolford has been named to start for the Raiders; however, Starling should play roughly 60 minutes a game and as his minutes increase, so should his overall value with a couple of low ‘break-even’ matches coming up.

Reuben Garrick CTW/FB
Reuben Garrick is back to his damaging best for the Sea Eagles to start the 2023 season. The return of ‘Turbo’ Tom Trbojevic along with the improvements made by the Manly forward pack has given Garrick more try scoring and goal kicking opportunities. Garrick also does not appear to be nursing an injuries, as he was towards the end of the 2022 season, which hampered his scoring output. If coaches don’t pick up Garrick now, they could pay for it heavily down the line.

Super Coach Who To Sell

Isaiah Papali’i (2RF)
The former Eels back-rower is yet to hit his straps at his new club; however, he has done well to average 56 so far this season. Patience is key for Papali’i for two reasons. Firstly, he will need more time to continue building into his role and work for the Wests Tigers. At the same time, high break-evens will mean his value will drop significantly. If the former Dally M Second Rower of the year can make improvements in his game on the field, coaches may be able to pick him up very cheaply in the next fortnight.

Nicho Hynes (HFB)
Since rumours began to circulate that Hynes would return this round, which was confirmed when the Cronulla Sharks submitted their team list on Tuesday afternoon, Hynes has become the third most traded in player in Supercoach. Hynes is one of the biggest traps to date in 2023, and as difficult as it may be to watch Hynes take the field for the Sharks, patience is again key. While the Dragons and Warriors are two teams Hynes scores well against historically, the return from a soft-tissue injury needs to be monitored to ensure he does not re-aggravate or worsen his calf. Hynes also has a bye in round six, meaning we will not see any prices changes until his round seven game against the Roosters. As tough a wait as it may be, Hynes may become a better buy option in a month once he returns fully from the calf injury and his price inevitably drops.

Tom Chester (FLB)
While Chester was brilliant for the North Queensland Cowboys in a losing match against the Warriors, he is another that looks to be a big trap for Supercoaches. Although he has low break-even scores coming up, and is expected to increase in value, the jump in price may not be worth it given the Cowboys upcoming draw. Two of his next three matches including playing the Bulldogs in Sydney as well as the Dolphins, who have started the season in brilliant fashion. Chester may struggle to continue performing at the top level which could see a trade spent without great increase in player value.

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