NRL Supercoach 2022: Who to buy - analysis of every position

Sporting News Australia

NRL Supercoach 2022: Who to buy - analysis of every position image

With player prices confirmed for the 2022 edition of NRL Supercoach, we can analyse each position and offer insight into which of the highest-priced stars are worth selecting and areas you can avoid paying big bucks but still achieve great results with your team.

MORE: How to play Supercoach 2022 | Cheapie bible | POD bible

Hooker

Top five HOK prices

Player 2021 avg. 2022 price
Harry Grant 73.5 $644, 700
Brandon Smith 68.0 $596, 600
Reed Mahoney 67.8 $594, 600
Damien Cook 65.7 $575, 700
Cameron McInnes 0.0 $535, 400

Melbourne Storm players Harry Grant and Brandon Smith are the two most expensive hookers in Supercoach this season and for good reason. Grant is likely to play as starting hooker this year, as Smith moves to the lock position to fill the departure of Dale Finucane. Regardless of where the pair play, points should be consistent for the entire season.

Damien Cook will be required to step up as a senior player at the Rabbitohs in the absence of Adam Reynolds. An increase in his 65.7 point average from last year is not out of the question.

Cheaper options include Kodi Nikorima ($471, 800) at the Warriors and Jayden Sullivan ($388, 200) who could feature more regularly in a young Dragons team.

Props

Top five FRF prices

Player 2021 avg. 2022 price
Isaiah Papali'i 78.5 $688, 100
Payne Haas 68.0 $595, 800
Luke Thompson 66.5 $582, 700
Tevita Pangai 65.0 $569, 900
James Fisher-Harris 62.0 $543, 100

Isaiah Papali'i was one of the revelations of the 2021 NRL season, and his performances were reflected in his Supercoach points. He is set to play a major role for the Eels this year and could be worth the significant price tag.

Despite an ownership rate of 52 per cent, Payne Haas is still an attractive Supercoach asset. The Broncos appear to be on an upward trend, and the 22-year-old will likely be at the heart of their efforts. Reduced minutes mean he is priced below $600, 000, but there is still plenty of bang for your buck there.

Sio Siua Taukeiaho ($502, 800) appears to be good value this season, with Francis Molo ($351, 200) a potential lower-cost option.

Second-Row/Lock

Top five 2RF prices

Player 2021 avg. 2022 price
David Fifita 85.0 $745, 200
Isaiah Papali'i 78.5 $688, 100
Angus Crichton 74.5 $653, 200
Cameron Murray 70.1 $614, 800
Tohu Harris 68.6 $601, 500

The fifth highest points scorer last year, David Fifita is a Supercoach weapon. His brute strength saw him make 22 line breaks in 2021, and there's no reason as to why he will regress this year. Only 21-years-old, his value could rise even further.

Cameron Murray is another reliable option, who should receive consistent playing time as the Rabbitohs' new captain. He is certainly more budget-friendly and could be a useful part of any Supercoach team.

Recently made captain of the Titans, Tino Fa'asuamaleaui ($493, 500) could be an underrated selection. Although not typically as prolific on Supercoach as his teammate Fifita, his captaincy could mean he plays more minutes this season and offer more value.

Halfback

Top five HFB prices

Player 2021 avg. 2022 price
Nathan Cleary 108.3 $949, 600
Daly Cherry-Evans 79.3 $695, 400
Nicholas Hynes 78.2 $685, 900
Jahrome Hughes 73.0 $640, 000
Ben Hunt 67.3 $590, 300

Nathan Cleary stands out of the pack this year, with the recent premiership winner aiming to claim a second title with the Panthers. At the centre of almost everything his team does, his value could easily rise to $1 million if his strong form continues.

Age is no barrier for Daly Cherry-Evans, with the Sea Eagles' halfback the second most expensive option this season. The 33-year-old is about as reliable as they come and appears to be good value at just under $700k. He is only owned by 4% of Supercoach players, too. 

There aren't too many reliable cheap halfback alternatives, but Chanel Harris-Tavita ($318, 000) is a decent option if he is given an opportunity in the halves at the Warriors.

Five-eighth

Top five 5/8 prices

Player 2021 avg. 2022 price
Cody Walker 83.8 $734, 900
Adam Doueihi 77.0 $675, 500
Cameron Munster 74.1 $649, 800
Matt Burton 65.7 $576, 300
Alexander Brimson 60.9 $533, 800

Cody Walker comes into 2022 as the most expensive five-eighth on Supercoach. However, he will be without Adam Reynolds in the halves. Will this be a help or a hindrance to his points output?

Following a breakout season at Penrith, Matt Burton has moved to Canterbury and will be looking to stamp his influence on the newly-assembled team. He's only 21-years-old and could be at the heart of the Bulldog's 2022 campaign.

Jack Wighton ($412, 500) stands out as a cheaper option and could be a smart selection if he returns to his Dally M form from 2020.

Centre/Wing

Top five CTW prices

Player 2021 avg. 2022 price
Reuben Garrick 87.5 $767, 500
Brian To'o 84.0 $736, 500
Adam Doueihi 77.0 $675, 500
Alex Johnston 72.8 $638, 200
Dane Gagai 68.4 $599, 700

Reuben Garrick had an outstanding 2021 season kicking goals and scoring tries, but will his impressive run continue? Assuming he isn't included in the NSW Blues squad again, he should be available for all of the Sea Eagles' games.

Now back in Newcastle, Dane Gagai could be a strong veteran figure at the Knights this season. At just under $600k, he's definitely a consideration.

There are plenty of cheaper options this season. Xavier Coates ($358, 400) has the potential to be a try-scoring machine in Melbourne, whilst Will Penisini ($255, 700) could also integrate himself into Parramatta's starting lineup.

Fullback

Top five FLB prices

Player 2021 avg. 2022 price
Tom Trbojevic 143.3 $1, 256, 100
James Tedesco 86.7 $760, 100
Latrell Mitchell 82.2 $721, 000
Ryan Papenhuyzen 79.2 $694, 700
Nicholas Hynes 78.2 $685, 900

If Tom Trbojevic plays anywhere near the level he did last season, Supercoach owners will be in for a lot of points again. However, that seven-figure price tag is daunting and needs to be considered. There's every chance he will be worth it, but your team may have to suffer elsewhere.

Ryan Papenhuyzen ($694, 700) is a popular option this year with 47% of Supercoach players selecting him. He may miss the opening round with an injury, however, so it could be worth holding off a week or two.

There aren't too many reliable cheaper options, but Fanitesi Niu ($511, 300) and Xavier Savage ($286, 400) have the potential to be difference-makers if they receive regular playing time.

MORE: How to play Supercoach 2022 | Cheapie bible | POD bible

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