Our NRL SuperCoach Round 25 team analysis breaks down team list changes, cash cows, trade targets and key insights for every game.
Storm vs Panthers – Thursday 7:50PM at AAMI Park
Storm
Captain Harry Grant returns from a hamstring injury at hooker, pushing Tyran Wishart back to the interchange. Jack Howarth is also back from a shoulder injury in the centres, with Trent Toelau handed the No.7 jersey in place of Hayden Watson. Alec MacDonald returns from concussion on the interchange.
Panthers
Casey McLean returns from a hand injury and takes over in the centres from Paul Alamoti, who is out with a hamstring injury. Jack Cole comes onto the interchange in place of Jaxen Edgar.
SuperCoach Analysis
Minimal interest at the Storm. There are better options available with better fixtures to come.
Jenkins and Cleary remain the supreme picks here. McLean & Papali’i can be considered pending team makeup.
Raiders vs Broncos – Friday 6:00PM at GIO Stadium
Raiders
Simi Sasagi returns from a shoulder injury in the centres, pushing Savelio Tamale to the interchange. Morgan Smithies is out with a head knock, with Ata Mariota shifting to lock and Josh Papalii moving into the starting front row. Corey Horsburgh is recalled to the bench.
Broncos
Reece Walsh is out for the season with a syndesmosis injury, with Hayze Perham taking over at fullback. Ben Hunt is promoted to starting halfback, with Thomas Duffy moving back to the interchange.
SuperCoach Analysis
Sasagi continues to score amazingly when he plays, but the impending off season surgery has me looking elsewhere. I love Tapine, but with the bye next week I cannot recommend buying any Raiders.
I am putting a line through Broncos options. Haas & Carrigan are fine to hold if you already own.
Dolphins vs Eels – Friday 8:00PM at Suncorp Stadium
Dolphins
Connelly Lemuelu is out with a hamstring injury, with Max Plath promoted into the starting side. Jake Averillo and Brian Pouniu are the new faces on the six-man interchange.
Eels
Just the one change, with Jack de Belin returning at lock and Saxon Pryke shifting to the interchange. Dylan Walker is out with a wrist injury.
SuperCoach Analysis
Isaako & Farnworth remain the top picks here and are must haves. The Dolphins have a soft run home, so I couldn’t blame anyone looking at Finefeuiaki, Cobbo or Tabuai-Fidow.
No interest at The Eels. Jack Williams is a hold if you already own.
Knights vs Sea Eagles – Saturday 3:00PM at McDonald Jones Stadium
Knights
Bradman Best returns after two games out with a calf injury, taking the place of Dane Gagai (hamstring). Jacob Saifiti is also back after six matches out with a hamstring injury, pushing Cody Hopwood to the interchange. Tyson Frizell moves into the starting side for Francis Manuleleua (concussion symptoms).
Sea Eagles
Tom Trbojevic returns after three games out with a hamstring injury. Clayton Faulalo shifts to five-eighth after Joey Walsh suffered a jaw fracture. Ben Trbojevic is also cleared to return from concussion, pushing Corey Waddell to the bench.
SuperCoach Analysis
Overall players will need to avoid the Knights, considering their R27 bye. If H2H finals end in R26 like most comps, I like Ponga, Best, Marzhew, Young & Sharpe.
Minimal interest at Manly considering their form. I would never rule out myself being burned by bringing Tom Trbojevic in for the 57th time in my SC career though. Olakau’atu is the exception and remains a must own.
Rabbitohs vs Warriors – Saturday 5:30PM at Accor Stadium
Rabbitohs
Latrell Mitchell is named among the reserves as he closes in on a return after 11 games out with nerve issues in his lower back — a potential late boost. Euan Aitken is promoted to the starting side in the second row with Adam Elliott out through a groin injury, and Liam Le Blanc comes onto the interchange. Jayden Sullivan remains at halfback alongside Cody Walker.
Warriors
Big changes in the Warriors spine. Luke Metcalf is out for the rest of the regular season with a hamstring injury suffered against the Broncos, with Chanel Harris-Tavita shifting to halfback and rookie Luke Hanson handed just his second NRL game at five-eighth. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad is unavailable through suspension, so Taine Tuaupiki returns at fullback.
SuperCoach Analysis
Tough fixture this week for the Bunnies. I really only like Koloamatangi and Fifita in this one.
Minimal interest at The Warriors.
Dragons vs Bulldogs – Saturday 7:35PM at Allianz Stadium
Dragons
Clinton Gutherson is out with a knee injury, with Daniel Atkinson taking over at fullback and Mathew Feagai coming in on the wing. Just the one change on the bench, with Josh Kerr in for Blake Lawrie.
Bulldogs
Jethro Rinakama is out for the rest of the season with knee and ankle injuries. Enari Tuala shifts to the wing and Bronson Xerri starts in the centres. Sean O’Sullivan is the new face on the bench.
Supercoach Analysis
Still only interested in the Couchman brothers.
Kiraz is a hold.
Titans vs Sharks – Sunday 2:00PM at Cbus Super Stadium
Titans
Arama Hau is recalled in the back row after a stint in Queensland Cup. Josh Patston is sidelined with a concussion, and Cooper Bai starts at lock with Chris Randall moving to the bench.
Sharks
Braydon Trindall is out with a shoulder dislocation, bringing Niwhai Puru into the halves alongside Nicho Hynes. Addin Fonua-Blake returns from suspension to reclaim his spot in the starting front row, pushing Oregon Kaufusi to the bench.
Supercoach Analysis
Campbell and Fa’asuamaleaui remain the picks at the Titans.
Load up on the Sharks for their fixtured in R25 (Titans) and R26 (Eels). Hynes, Brailey, Iro, Mulitalo, Brailey & Fonua-Blake are your best bets.
Roosters vs Wests Tigers – Sunday 4:05PM at Allianz Stadium
Roosters
James Tedesco returns after missing Round 24 with an ankle injury, a big boost at fullback. Daly Cherry-Evans and Sam Walker continue in the halves, with Reece Robson at hooker and Victor Radley at lock.
Wests Tigers
Adam Doueihi is out for the season and headed for shoulder surgery, with Jock Madden coming in at halfback for his first game since Round 18. Jarome Luai continues at five-eighth. Solomone Saukuru keeps his place in the centres after his Round 24 debut.
Supercoach Analysis
Tedesco, Walker & Nawaqanitawase remain the picks at the Roosters.
No interest outside May & Twal.
