TCT SuperCoach: Your Weekly Guide to Surviving the Season

(League Code: 704791)

Another year of NRL in Vegas is in the books, and we’ve already got plenty to unpack. Some players showed serious SuperCoach promise, while others left owners with more questions than answers. Two games are down, but with six still to come starting Thursday, the carnage is only just beginning.

My Team

On a personal note, I was pretty happy with how most of my Vegas players performed. Kalyn Ponga (116 points), Heilum Luki (95 points), and Trey Mooney (94 points) got me off to a flyer. Unfortunately, Scott Drinkwater (21 points) was also in my side. I had the VC on him, so any thoughts of looping him were quickly put to bed.

Round 1 (Vegas) Review

Let’s break down what actually mattered from the opening two games. Beyond the scores, there were role changes, unexpected rotations, and players who secured an 80-minute role, all crucial indicators for SuperCoach players.

Premium Guns

• Kalyn Ponga (FLB – $607.8k – 116 points): An incredible showing against the Cowboys. Every time Ponga touched the ball, something looked likely to happen. He popped up on both sides of the field and even drifted into a halfback role at times. Importantly, he retained goal-kicking duties, even with Sandon Smith on the field. Owners will be thrilled, and non-owners may already be planning a way to bring him in.
• Dylan Lucas (2RF – $744.4k – 73 points): Barring injury, Lucas looks locked into an 80-minute role on the edge. Scoring 73 points of pure base and power is enticing, especially given how often he can find attacking stats.
• Jacob Kiraz (CTW – $746.7k – 99 points): Kiraz got through a mountain of work and finished with a try. His shoulder looked hampered, but if he’s right, he’s a top target for any SuperCoach side. The Doggies have the Round 2 bye, so monitor his fitness before pulling the trigger.
• Viliame Kikau (2RF – $650.3k – 98 points) and Jacob Preston (2RF – $684.6k – 97 points): Both Doggies second rowers were on fire. I’ll be looking to bring in one eventually, and I’m currently leaning towards Preston simply for the combination he showed with Lachlan Galvin.

Mid-Range Movers

• Trey Mooney (2RF/FRF – $442k – 94 points): If you followed my tip to lock Mooney in your side, you were well rewarded! In just 49 minutes, Mooney produced 69 in base and power, plus a try to cap it off. If his minutes rise, comparisons to last year’s Terrell May won’t be far-fetched.
• Heilum Luki (2RF – $404.1k – 95 points): Despite the Cowboy’s struggles, Luki delivered an 80-minute effort on the edge, including a try and 68 points in base and power. If he maintains this role and stays fit, he edges into genuine must-have territory. Scoring ability has never been the issue; durability has.
• Dom Young ($510.6k – 94 points), Murray Taulagi ($648k – 88 points), and Greg Marzhew ($611.2k – 73 points): These CTWs reminded us that wingers are far from dead, despite the new SuperCoach scoring system.
• Reed Mahoney (HOK – $418.1k – 52 points): No attacking stats, but a plus for owners as he delivered an 80-minute effort despite Soni Luke on the bench.
• Damien Cook (HOK – $526.5k – 105 points): A dominant 90-minute display, notching 68 points from tackles alone. He’s worth considering if Jacob Liddle was to be sidelined long-term, though Liddle is expected to return in Round 2.

Cheapies to Monitor

• Ryan Couchman (2RF – $235.6k – 71 points): The cheaper twin, Ryan, came off the bench to deliver 71 points of base and power in 56 minutes. Not in my team yet, but he’s firmly on the watchlist.

Players of Concern

• Fletcher Sharpe (5/8 – $730.7k – 61 points): As mentioned last week, things tend to happen around Sharpe. Unfortunately, a knee injury cut his night short after 26 minutes. Reports suggest a PCL injury, sidelining him for 2-3 weeks. With the Vegas sides getting an extra week off, that could translate to just 1-2 missed games. Owners should hold.
• Scott Drinkwater (FLB – $793.4k – 21 points): A frustrating performance for owners. Drinky left the field early with a rib issue and returned after pain injections, but never looked comfortable. If he lines up in Round 2 against the Tigers, I’ll be holding. However, another low score would make him a serious trade consideration given a looming high breakeven.

Team List Watch

Melbourne v Parra:

• Joe Chan (2RF – $309.9k) / Ativalu Lisati (2RF – $269.4k): Both named to start on the edges. Solid cheapie options, but job security is shaky with Shawn Blore and Trent Loiero due back. Proceed with caution.
• Moses Leo (CTW – $235.6k): Cheap CTW starting in the centres, with Nick Meaney shifting to the wing. Cheap price and playable, especially in a Melbourne Storm outfit.
• Brian Kelly (CTW – $550.4k): Starts at centre with the Foxx sidelined (thumb). Elite attacking upside at 1% ownership. Short-term POD depending on how long he holds the spot.

Warriors v Roosters:

• Benaiah Ioelu (HOK – $248.9k): Starts at hooker with Reece Robson out. The big question: does Connor Watson eat into his minutes? Monitor closely.
• Jacob Laban (2RF – $299.9k): Starting edge under $300k. Attractive price, but minutes will determine everything.
• Leka Halasima (2RF – $502.4k) / Taine Tuaupiki (CTW/FLB – $502.9k): Both benched. Avoid starting. Could become targets later once their prices dip.

Broncos v Panthers:

• Paul Alamoti (CTW – $643k): Wins the wing spot. Just 1% owned and averaged 100+ during the 2025 Finals. Tough draw but serious POD potential.
• Isaiah Papali’i (2RF/FRF – $579.9k): Beware owners, Ipap has been named on the bench. It’s now hard to justify starting him in your side.

Sharks v Titans:

• Siale Faeamani (CTW – $201.4k): Another cheap CTW starter. Workrate player. I’m hoping for a strong output in base and power.
• Jayden Campbell (HFB – $711.4k): OUT (hamstring, 2–4 weeks). Immediate trade. Nathan Cleary or Sam Walker are the obvious pivots.
• Tino Fa’asuamaleaui (2RF – $687.6k): Named at prop. Dual (2RF/FRF) likely incoming, which is a major boost.
• Arama Hau (FRF – $235.6k): A surprise starter on the edge. Joshua Patson owners in shambles. Hau is now firmly in cheapie conversation.

Manly v Raiders:

• Noah Martin (2RF – $250.8k): Starts on the edge, but Matty Nicholson looms on the extended bench. Job security watch.

Dolphins v Rabbitohs:

• Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow (FLB – $702.3k): Back at fullback, with Fuller shifted to the bench. Fuller is a clear no-go at this stage.
• Euan Aitken (2RF – $542.8k): Starts on the edge over Tallis Duncan. Duncan owners should now be on alert.

Captaincy

As mentioned last week, Payne Haas is my captain; a safe, strong choice. If your VC has already scored 90+, looping is the way to go in the opening weeks! Simply choose a captain who won’t play due to injury, selection, or a bye so that your VC can become your captain. Big congrats to everyone who VC’d Ponga!

The Cumberland Throw has its own SuperCoach league (code: 704791). Jump in and see how your squad stacks up against me and the rest of the community!

I’m keen to hear your thoughts and questions – drop them below. See you next week!

SC Adrian

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