NRL SuperCoach R21 preview & trade tips

Round 21 of the NRL Premiership kicks off this Thursday night with NRL SuperCoach players beginning to build into their finals runs.

The 2023 season is slightly different to previous years with all leagues playing a four-week finals series from rounds 23 to 26. Coaches will need to plan their trades over this period to maximise their salary cap and squad value.

Let’s look at the players that coaches should avoid trading in this week, as well as those that should be moved on.

WAIT/HOLD

Latrell Mitchell (CTW) returns to the starting fullback role for the Rabbitohs for the first time since round 12. His return comes against the Brisbane Broncos, who have maintained brilliant form despite having to manage several stars throughout the State of Origin period. The concern for Mitchell as the third-most traded-in player is taking on a fully rested Broncos side when he has a high breakeven. A low score would reduce his value majorly and make him an easier trade in round 22.

Addin Fonua-Blake (FRF) is the third-most traded-in front-row forward in SuperCoach following news that Tino Fa’asuamaleaui has been suspended for four weeks. However, coaches should instead look to players like Joseph Tapine, Corey Horsburgh and Moeaki Fotuaika, who are all fully fit an available to play every game remaining for the season.

TRADE OUT

Valynce Te Whare (CTW) has become an obvious trade-out at 20% ownership. With growing uncertainty around his role in the Dolphins side and high breakeven projections for the rest of the season, it is highly unlikely his scoring opportunities and value will increase.

Tino Fa’asuamaleaui (FRF/2RF) has been suspended and is not expected to return until round 24. Three of the Titans’ last four matches for the season are against the Sharks, Panthers and Storm, which could heavily restrict his scoring output.

Siosifa Talakai (CTW) has been named on the interchange bench for the Sharks after coach Craig Fitzgibbon made changes to his left-edge defence on Tuesday. Without five-eighth Matt Moylan as the chief playmaker on his edge, and with no guarantee that Talakai will play large minutes off the bench, coaches should look for other options for the run to the finals.

Ronaldo Mulitalo (CTW) has become the third-most traded-out player in SuperCoach following the changes of coach Fitzgibbon to the Sharks’ left edge. Again, without Moylan creating plays, and without Talakai on his inside to attract defenders, it is unclear how many opportunities Mulitalo will have to score.

TRADE IN

Nathan Cleary (HFB) has been traded in by more than 10,000 SuperCoach players this week. The Panthers halfback was rested for another match last weekend against the Dolphins, along with his New South Wales Blues teammates, which provides reassurance that the Panthers will be fully fit for the run home. Five of Penrith’s last seven matches for the season are at home, including games against the Bulldogs, Sharks and Cowboys – teams that Cleary scores well against historically.

Izack Tago (CTW) has been in incredible form over the last three rounds, averaging over 98 points per game. With stars returning to the Panthers side and a brilliant draw to finish the season, could be a strong point of difference for coaches with the salary cap space to bring him in.

More sports betting tips