NRL Round 9 SuperCoach preview, top trades & value buys

Injuries and suspensions have again heavily impacted the NRL SuperCoach landscape as the competition continues towards the State of Origin period, where byes and representative football could decimate the sides of those who fail to plan. Here’s a look at the possible moves SuperCoaches could make to shore up their sides for the coming weeks.

TRADE-OUTS

Payne Haas (FRF)
Payne Haas is the most owned FRF in Supercoach which is not surprising, but what will surprise coaches it the need to trade him out of their side. Upon his return, Haas will have matches against the Sea Eagles and Panthers as well as a road trip to take on the Storm, all prior to his call up to the New South Wales Blues side for State of Origin. This situation for Haas, and injuries to other forwards around the league, gives coaches the option of freeing up cash for their side and making a trade to cover the all-important bye/representative football window.

Tohu Harris (FRF/2RF)
Although Tohu Harris is not a player owned by many in SuperCoach, the reasons for trading/avoiding this Warrior run deeper than the injury he sustained on Anzac Day. Harris has already missed multiple weeks this season through injury, while also being named to start on a Tuesday, only to be dropped from the side prior to kick-off. Not only is his return to play yet to be confirmed, but his first game could come much later depending on his recovery.

Josh Schuster (2RF/5/8)
The most patient of SuperCoach players who took Josh Schuster at the start of the season will have finally been rewarded following his performance against the Tigers last week. The concern for Schuster is, over the last month alone, he has bee named to play four times and only taken the field once. The concern for Schuster and his owners is that he is out again through injury this week without knowing when he will return. SuperCoaches should cut their losses now and move Schuster on for someone who is more reliable.

TRADE-INS

Addin Fonua-Blake (FRF)
Addin Fonua-Blake has been in incredible form starting the 2023 NRL season and is one of the key figures in the Warriors success. Fonua-Blake has now lost fellow forwards Tohu Harris and Jazz Tevaga over the weekend along with Mitchell Barnett, meaning he will need to step up over the coming month for his side. Despite a bye in round 12, Fonua-Blake has upcoming matches against the Roosters in Auckland as well as an under-strength Panthers and Bulldogs side before hosting the Broncos in Napier. The Warriors prop will also provide cover in round 19 which will be brilliant when the time comes in the season.

Jeremy Marshall-King (HOK)
Jeremy Marshall-King has stepped up to claims he made in 2022 to be one of the best hookers in the NRL. Despite the bye in round 11, the Dolphins have the Raiders and Dragons coming up which will be big for his scoring potential. All the while, the former Bulldog will be the centre of the Dolphins attack in big games against the Storm and Sharks. Marshall-King will also be available in round 13 and 19 for the State of Origin rounds which will be incredibly important.

Ryan Matterson (2RF)
Ryan Matterson may need to be the first target for SuperCoaches as cover for the round 13 and 19 byes coming up in the season. Matterson has a current three round average of 75 with upcoming matches against the Knights, Titans, Raiders, Cowboys and Bulldogs, the scoring potential for the former Blues forward is through the roof. Matterson can also move between the middle and edge will guarantee him big minutes in the coming weeks which will sure up sides enormously.

Mitchell Moses (HFB)
Mitchell Moses is a prime candidate for SuperCoaches in the upcoming months for many reasons. Having dropped almost $100k since the start of the season, he is a smarter financial decision for players who may be looking to move on someone like Nicho Hynes or Nathan Cleary. The upcoming soft draw for the club means that, along with his goal kicking, Moses should score incredibly well for sides. Moses may also be a long term player in the position, saving trades down the track and creating more flexibility for the rest of their team.

Dallin Watene-Zelezniak (CTW/FLB)
Dallin Watene-Zelezniak is a left-field option for SuperCoaches in the centre-wing/fullback position that could end up being a brilliant buy. With Charnze Nicholl-Klokstad suffering a concussion with his return yet to be confirmed, Taine Tuaupiki moving to the fullback position, he is a better playmaker than Nicholl-Klokstad who can provide more scoring opportunities. DWZ will also be able to maintain and even elevate his work rate which should equate to more SuperCoach points.

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