Our NRL SuperCoach Round 18 team analysis breaks down team list changes, cash cows, trade targets and key insights for every game.
Panthers vs Rabbitohs – Friday 8:00PM at CommBank Stadium
Panthers
Jack Cogger comes in for Nathan Cleary. Papali’i, Yeo and Martin all miss out due to concussion and Blues duty respectively, with Sorensen, Garner and Smith taking their places in the run on side.
Rabbitohs
Jack Wighton returns at centre, pushing Tallis Duncan back into the back row. Dayne Jennings will be on the left wing, covering the injured Alex Johnston. Lachlan Hubner starts at lock in place of Cam Murray.
SuperCoach Analysis
Only really interested in Tom Jenkins currently, and with a bye next week this trade can wait.
I will be looking to move on Cody Walker soon, but is an easy hold for this week. Duncan is a must have, while Fifita and Koloamatangi can be considered pending team balance.
Dragons vs Wests Tigers – Saturday 5:30PM at St George Venues Jubilee Stadium
Dragons
Dragons are 1-13
Wests Tigers
Luai is out with concussion, which sees Jock Madden come in. Taylan May looks set for an extended stint on the sidelines after another shoulder injury, which grants Makasini a start at centre. Alex Twal returns at lock.
SuperCoach Analysis
The Couchman brothers are the truth.
May is a must have, while Twal will be in a week or two once we have confirmation his minutes are expected to continue as they were pre injury. I love Adam Doueihi but unsure I can recommend as a buy – even if he did look great in his return last week.
Broncos vs Sharks – Saturday 7:35PM at Suncorp Stadium
Broncos
Walsh, Carrigan, Haas, Tawha, Karapani and Gosiewski are all missing. Shibasaki comes in at centre, Anderson slides to the wing, Perham is fullback, Mariner is on the wing and Vaa Semu starts at prop. Willison has been named despite a concussion, with the Broncos attempting to get an exemption from concussion rules.
Sharks
Fonua-Blake and Brailey are both with NSW, while Nikora is with the Maroons. Berrell, Burns and Tom Hazelton start in their places.
SuperCoach Analysis
No interest in the Broncos this week.
Iro & Mulitalo interest me. Hynes is a must have. The Sharks have a very soft run home and could score mega points in the lead up to finals.
Eels vs Sea Eagles – Sunday 2:00PM at Commbank Stadium
Eels
Pezet returns at halfback, covering for Moses while on Origin duty.
Sea Eagles
Joey Walsh takes over at 5/8, after Brooks tore his ACL last week. Faulalo and Garrick come in for Koula and Feledy. Kobe Hetherington returns at prop, while Corey Waddell comes in for Haumalo Olakau’atu.
SuperCoach Analysis
No interest at the Eels.
Walsh should make some decent cash, though I don’t believe many teams will be looking to generate cash at this stage of the season. I am ready to be hurt again, so will almost certainly buy Tom Trbojevic this week. Olakau’atu is a must for the run home, but obviously not this week.
Knights vs Dolphins – Sunday 4:05PM at McDonald Jones Stadium
Knights
Fletcher Sharpe again covers Ponga at fullback, while Fletcher Hunt comes in at centre for Bradman Best. Sandon Smith starts at 5/8.
Dolphins
Fuller replaces Tabuai-Fidow, while Naufahu and Kaufusi come in for Cobbo and Flegler. Katoa has fractured his wrist, so Brad Schneider will play halfback. Jake Averillo and Tom Gilbert return from injury.
SuperCoach Analysis
I like Fletcher Sharpe and Dylan Lucas for the run home. Ponga will be a hold.
Herbie Farnworth & Jamayne Isaako are no brainers for the run home. Finefeuiaki tempts me, so can be considered pending team structure.
