NRL SuperCoach R15 preview, top trades & bargain buys
Round 15 of the NRL brings SuperCoaches several problems that require solutions at a difficult time in the season. With the injuries stacking up, it is important SuperCoaches target trades that will cover the byes in rounds 16 and 19 to maximise the number of players in their sides before the run home to the finals.
TRADE OUT
Nathan Cleary (HFB)
The biggest news in the NRL for the last week has been the grade two hamstring injury to Nathan Cleary, ruling him out until round 21. The Penrith Panthers halfback is priced at over $850k with matches against the Sharks, Storm and Sea Eagles upon his return, which will likely dimmish his scoring potential. Cleary is a must-trade for the 73,000+ owners.
Cameron Murray (2RF)
South Sydney Rabbitohs captain Cameron Murray was rumoured to have finished Origin I with a groin issue, only to back up in the NRL a few days later and fail to finish the match. Although Murray is scheduled to return in round 17, he will be pushing for a spot in the Blues side on June 21, which would only increase the risk of further injury. Murray’s value has already dropped immensely, and coaches need to look for a cheap replacement to build their squad value for the back end of the season.
Soni Luke (HOK)
Panthers hooker Soni Luke has teased SuperCoaches all year as the possible long-term replacement of Apisai Koroisau. He has spent much of the season coming off the bench for minimal minutes, but in recent weeks he has been left out of the side completely. Coaches should move on from Luke for a more reliable option with the possibility of increasing in value.
Latrell Mitchell (FLB)
A calf injury sustained while on Origin duty is set to rule out Rabbitohs star Latrell Mitchell for the exact same period as his club captain. Mitchell will also be pushing for a return to the Blues side for the State of Origin decider – which, again, will increase his chance for re-injury. At over $800k, coaches should move on with an eye to bringing him back into their side for the back end of the season.
TRADE IN
Matt Burton (5/8, HFB)
Matt Burton has been building brilliantly over recent weeks in the halfback role for the Canterbury Bulldogs and is only improving, particularly in his combination with Jacob Preston. Burton offers excellent bye coverage with the Doggies facing the Sharks in round 16 and the Knights in round 19.
John Bateman (2RF)
Wests Tigers forward John Bateman produced an incredible return to form against Canberra in Campbelltown with his stellar 102-point performance. The former Raider is priced close to $650k with a low breakeven which will see his value increase. Bateman has a relatively soft run coming up with the Titans and Cowboys coming up.
Blayke Brailey (HOK)
Cronulla Sharks hooker Blayke Brailey shapes as a brilliant buy for the coming month. After facing the Storm this week, the Sharks will take on the Bulldogs, Dragons, Tigers and Warriors with matches where halfback Nicho Hynes will be missing. This could create a scenario where Brailey becomes more responsible for creating plays from the dummy-half position, which will make him brilliant coverage for the remainder of the Origin period.
Clint Gutherson (FLB)
Parramatta skipper Clint Gutherson looms as excellent coverage in rounds 16 and 19 with the Eels set to host an Origin-affected Sea Eagles side and the Warriors at CommBank Stadium. The Eels also face the Bulldogs and Titans over the next six weeks, and Gutherson has strong scoring averages against both. He looks a great option for SuperCoaches looking to bring Mitchell back into their side upon his return from injury.
No tags for this post.