NRL SuperCoach R23 trade tips & best buys

Round 23 of the NRL Premiership kicks off this weekend and the SuperCoach competition is heating up as players progress towards the finals series.

The recent poor form of the Cronulla Sharks, Parramatta Eels and Sydney Roosters is having a major impact on trades across the competition. Meanwhile, the Newcastle Knights, Penrith Panthers and New Zealand Warriors are all in great form with plenty of players that coaches can look to target.

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

Joseph Manu (5/8, CTW) is the fourth-most traded-out player in SuperCoach so far this week. His 18-point performance last week for the Roosters against the Broncos coupled with an incredibly high breakeven has coaches looking to move him on. However, Manu averages 50 points per game against the Sea Eagles, who are on the short turnaround after playing the Dragons on Sunday. And with matches against the Dolphins, Eels, and Tigers to finish the season, he should close the year out strong.

Harry Grant (HOK) is owned by 48% of SuperCoaches, yet he is still one of the 10 most traded-in players following his 149-point performance for the Storm against the Eels last weekend. Coaches looking to bring Grant in should wait another week given the Storm are playing the Panthers in Penrith. He will be a better target in round 24 to finish the season with games against the Raiders, Dragons, and Titans.

TRADE OUT

Nicho Hynes (HFB) has struggled for form in recent weeks as the Sharks have slumped. Several changes to the side’s left edge, as well as injuries in the forwards and to fullback William Kennedy, have greatly reduced the halfback’s scoring output. Hynes will be taking on the Rabbitohs this weekend as well as the Cowboys and Knights over the final month of the season. All matches are away from home, so Hynes’ form may only get worse. Nathan Cleary and Shaun Johnson are the logical replacements here.

Valentine Holmes (CTW) has been suspended for four weeks following a high shot on Titans centre Jojo Fifita last weekend. Given the Cowboys have the bye in round 24, Holmes has played his last game for the SuperCoach season. Coaches need to move him on for players like Reuben Garrick or Campbell Graham to maximise their squad’s value.

TRADE IN

Kalyn Ponga (5/8, FLB) is a must-have player to finish the SuperCoach season. The Knights fullback has averaged more than 130 points per game over the last four weeks, with just one score below 100. The Knights play most of their remaining games at home, against the Dolphins, Bulldogs, Sharks, and Dragons. Although Ponga comes at a hefty price, his dual-position status makes him easier to trade in and coaches simply have to find a way to get it done.

Izack Tago (CTW) has been battling injury in recent weeks but has been named in the reserves for the Panthers to take on the Storm in Penrith. If he is a late inclusion, Tago could be a brilliant point of difference for coaches given his overall ownership is below 5%. Three of Tago’s last four scores this season have exceeded 90 points, and with upcoming matches against the Sea Eagles, Titans, Eels, and Cowboys, the Panthers centre should be able to continue his strong form to close out the season.

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