Parramatta forward Shaun Lane has emerged as a shock choice as the most popular player in NRL SuperCoach.
While a constant in POD discussions over the years, Lane’s ownership rarely rises into double figures.
Now the lanky forward is the talk of the town, selected by almost half of SuperCoaches.
His 43 per cent ownership is well above his previous peak ownerships per season:
2023 – 1.19%
2022 – 7.8%
2021 – 1.7%
2020 – 4.0%
2019 – 18.7%
2018 – 1.1%
2017 – 13.5%
1 Shaun Lane 2RF $446,200 — 43.2% ownership
Well-underpriced. Lane’s worth is based on a season average of 44 – well down due to injury – but he has averaged as high as 69 the past. More here
2 Nathan Cleary HFB $912,500 — 42.3% ownership
Not hard to figure this one out. Cleary is a great of SuperCoach, having not averaged below 80 in the last four seasons. Knee surgery has disrupted his off-season so do you dare go the anti-POD? It’s a big risk.
3 Jayden Brailey HOK $330,000 — 42% ownership
The tough-as-nails Newcastle hooker starts cheap after an ACL injury limited him to an average of just 40 last season. He averaged 58, 59 and 58 in the previous three seasons. More analysis here
4 Ethan Strange 5-8/CTW $238,900 — 40.9% ownership
The young gun starts at close to bottom dollar and is a serious contender for either the five-eighth or centre spot at the Raiders. More analysis here
5 Nicholas Hynes HFB $970,000 — 40.9% ownership
Last year’s top point scorer and highest-averaging player. He therefore starts as the most expensive man in SuperCoach 2024. But he’s worth it given a relatively soft draw to start the year including the Bulldogs and Tigers in the opening three weeks.
6 Kayal Iro CTW/FLB $219,900 — 40% ownership
Son of Kevin Iro and nephew of Tony Iro, the former NSW Cup Player of the Year should play NRL at some stage this season. Realistically though, with a settled backline in the Shire, Iro needs at least one injury to make the round one squad. Unless of course Siosifa Talakai is moved to the forwards or bench, which has been mooted in many quarters. More here
7 Kaeo Weekes FLB/5-8 $273,400 — 37.7% ownership
Goes from exciting yet inconsistent impact player at the Sea Eagles to – hopefully – an 80 minute five-eighth at the Raiders. That means an increase in minutes from 45 to 80. More here
8 Taylan May CTW $458,800 — 37.5% ownership
The 2022 premiership winner has been priced on a $200,000 discount after missing the entirety of last season with an ACL injury. Set to play centre for the Panthers following the exit of Stephen Crichton. More here
9 Kalyn Ponga FLB $892,800 —37% ownership
It’s a simple numbers game here. Ponga’s worth is based on a season average of 87.44, which is down after a slow start at five-eighth and numerous concussion issues. But he averaged 105 once moving to fullback and that’s more what we can expect in 2024. More here
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10 Bronson Xerri CTW $345,100 — 34.2% ownership
Returns after four years out due to a doping ban. Tempting price and a genuine chance of a starting centre spot at the Bulldogs who have lost Jake Averillo (Dolphins) and Paul Alamoti (Panthers).
11 Josh Curran 2RF $421,700 — 33.4% ownership
It never quite clicked for Curran at the Warriors and his price is therefore based on a season average of 41. He has averaged as high as 67 in the past and is a serious contender for the No. 13 role at Canterbury.
12 Payne Haas FRF $750,400 — 32.2% ownership
The most consistent prop in SuperCoach, averaging 74, 63, 68, 75 and 78 over the last half decade.
13 Tallis Duncan 2RF $321,600 — 31.2% ownership
The kid named after Gorden Tallis is one of the most talented young forwards in the NRL and made a serious mark in seven games last season. Yet he still starts in relative cheapie range after averaging just 29 minutes. More here
14 Dylan Brown 5/8 $780,800 — 28.2% ownership
Averaged five points more per game than the next best five-eighth in SuperCoach last year and has a point to prove after letting his team down through an ill-timed disciplinary suspension last season. More here
15 Ryan Papenhuyzen FLB $645,600 — 26.2% ownership
The injury list is getting loooong but the numbers make sense. Paps starts at a discount of over $300,000 this season after playing just two regular season games.
16 Brendan Piakura 2RF $426,800 — 26% ownership
Mainly a bench player last year, Piakura is favourite to score the starting edge back row spot vacated by Kurt Capewell at the Broncos.
17 Samuel Hughes FRF $238,900 — 24.8% ownership
The Bulldogs look a tad thin in the pack with Tevita Pangai Jnr, Franklin Pele, Luke Thompson and Corey Waddell all having left the club. Hughes is therefore being backed for a bench spot.
18 Chevy Stewart CTW/FLB $204,300 — 24.8% ownership
The young gun is a serious contender for the fullback spot at the Raiders and is a SuperCoach must-have if that eventuates.
19 Harry Grant HOK $750,000 — 24.1% ownership
The best hooker in SuperCoach last year by a massive 8.5 points per game.
20 Jayden Campbell 5-8/FLB $456,200 — 23.5% ownership
After averaging only 57 minutes last year, SuperCoaches are backing the son of Preston Campbell to become a full-time fullback this year, which should happen given AJ Brimson’s move to centre.
