An overall solid week for most Supercoaches won't cause much panic, but there is always room for improvement.
Scroll down to see what moves you need to make this round. Judge us on our assessment from last round .
WHO TO BUY IN SUPERCOACH
James Fisher Harris FRF 2RF - $543,000
Round 5 score: 102
Average: 72
Breakeven: 10
Why: Who said the 80-minute lock was dead? Fisher-Harris has been in beast mode since round one but most people have failed to take notice until he posted a century in round five. The triple figure score isn't what caught our attention though, it's the significant minutes bump and increase in base stats as a result. Now in a full-time role in the No.13 jumper, the Kiwi forward's workload has skyrocketed in the middle, producing an average of 62.5 base stats in the past two weeks. With that kind of output, he's impossible to look past this week. Also provides bye coverage.
Alex Twal 2RF - $503,000
Round 5 score: 75
Average: 63
Breakeven: 33
Why: Another base stat weapon, Twal too has benefited from increased game time, making the most out of his starting role. Usually more minutes translates into a reduced PPM, however Twal has managed to maintain a PPM of 1.09, averaging 63 points. Still a POD at 2.5% ownership, Twal is a consistent FRF option that has proven to Michael Maguire he can play decent minutes. A safe bet, although no bye coverage.
Chanel Harris-Tavita - $168,100
Round 5 score: 67
Average: 73
Breakeven: -89
Why: The popular pick of the round, Harris-Tavita is a ready Supercoach replacement for the man he in fact replaced, Adam Keighran. The Junior Kiwi will even squeeze into the 17 of some Supercoaches, posting scores of 79 and 67 in his first two NRL appearances. No-brainer.
Bronson Xerri CTW - $168,100
Round 5 score: 28
Average: 39
Breakeven: -21
Why: A heap of people will be keen to slingshot Xerri into their side, but I'm not labelling him a must-have purchase. If there are issues in your team that need addressing elsewhere, prioritise that. Xerri can wait and there will still be money to come in the future.
Our buy selections from last week that paid off: Rhyse Martin (69 points), Ryan Matterson (50 points), Kalyn Ponga (81 points), Jayden Okunbor (107K price rise)
Our buy selections from last week that hurt: Corey Harawira-Naera (39 points, 23K price rise), Angus Crichton (44 points)
WHO TO HOLD IN SUPERCOACH
Dylan Brown HFB 5/8 - $232,800
Round 5 score: N/A
Average: 48
Breakeven: -27
Why: Brown has made up 5% of trades this week, most likely for Harris-Tavita. The uncertainty around his injury may be a turn off, but to give some clarity there is an estimated six weeks until he returns. With a breakeven of -27 and bye coverage, he's worth stashing for future use. Every player with round 12 bye coverage has value.
Maika Sivo CTW - $344,800
Round 5 score: 28
Average: 43
Breakeven: 51
Why: Another trade target, Sivo has been given a boot for those with a hard-on for Xerri. While he is try-dependent for his scores, Sivo also boasts bye coverage and isn't set to lose heaps of money...yet. I believe he will soon hit his peak, but it's worth waiting another week.
Our hold selections from last week that paid off: Shaun Lane (56 points), Reuben Garrick (56 points)
Our hold selections from last week that hurt: Jacob Host (27 points)
WHO TO SELL IN SUPERCOACH
Jai Arrow 2RF - $570,400
Round 5 score: 47
Average: 64
Breakeven: 88
Why: Personally, I sold Arrow for Junior Paulo a fortnight ago and I am having no regrets. Minutes have been the key issue for the Titans lock, falling short of the 65+ we were hoping for. As Ryan James moves back into the middle forward rotation, you have to think Arrow's minutes will stay around the 55 mark.
Jacob Host 2RF - $286,000
Round 5 score: 27
Average: 37
Breakeven: 45
Why: Has reached his peak and made a handy $90K in the process. Would have been nice to have a few more weeks in the starting side.
Our sell selections from last week that paid off: Tom Trbojevic (DNP)
Our sell selections from last week that hurt: Te Maire Martin (52 points, with a try)
WHO TO WATCH IN SUPERCOACH
Mitch Barnett 2RF - $460,400
Round 5 score: 95
Average: 57
Breakeven: 22
Why: Replacing the injured Sione Mata'utia, Barnett starred in an 80-minute edge role with a try and score of 95. If he can keep the role, watch this space. Barnett has averaged 67 and 57 in 2016 and 2017 respectively in a similar position.
Anthony Milford 5/8 - $418,300
Round 5 score: 22
Average: 39
Breakeven: 90
Why: Milford is leaking cash quicker than my betting accounts, but surely, surely he bounces back. This may be a personal man crush on the bloke, but historically Milford is one of the premier 5/8's around. I'm trusting him on history, but we have plenty of time to assess first.
