SuperCoach NRL trade talk: The best buys and latest team news ahead of Magic Round
There are some really interesting trade targets up for grabs this week so I'll cut back on the waffle and get straight into it.
As always, please join me via the comments section below to talk trades, captaincy picks and how Tom Starling was absolutely robbed of a try assist last week...
POPULAR BUYS
Robert Derby: The Cowboys winger is the most popular buy of the round with plenty of SuperCoaches looking for some quick money following Derby's three-try 135 point effort against the Titans. I don't hate the move - a BE of -46 guarantees you profit this week and (almost certainly) next week too. I don't hate this buy, but just be aware that:
1. Derby is very capable of a quiet game - he averaged less than 30 points per game in the fortnight before his bumper Titans score despite the Cowboys scoring four tries in each of those games, and as a result
2. You will want to time your exit move as Derby will quickly lose cash once he peaks.
Scott Drinkwater: The move I am not making which is creating the most FOMO. 'Drinky' was a very popular buy last week and despite having a quiet first half against the Titans he had a big back end to finish with 132 points. Not a monster worker - he's well outside the top-10 fullbacks in terms of runs - Drinkwater makes up for that with his playmaking skills (fourth best at position for try assists and second for linebreak assists) and solid goalkicking. I wouldn't talk anyone out of this move but will be going a different way and I explain why below.
Beau Fermor: I hate to say I told you so, but a few weeks ago I wrote that those dropping Fermor after he had a couple of quiet games due to being played out of position were making a mistake and boy were they. Yes I know his try came from a forward pass, but his 61 in pure base was nothing to sneeze at and there was another try disallowed due to a different player being off-side. Fingers crossed there are no more injuries in the centres at the Titans and we get to see Fermor stay at 2RF.
Hugo Savala: I feel this might be a mistake. Don't get me wrong, I rate the kid. Love his kicking game, think the job security is solid and his DPP (2RF/HFB) is handy. But I fear last week's 65 point effort is more an outlier than a sign of things to come. Which is not a criticism of Savala. Rather it is what he is being asked to do. Defend well, kick long and when in attack look for Tedesco.
Dylan Lucas: This is the upgrade/buy I'm making. The hard working Knight probably won't ever score 120+, but his reliable 55-65 points in base is elite for a guy who is available in the centres and I love the draw (the Knights play every week from here until their round 18 bye). Plus this move is about team structure. I have a reasonably loaded CTW at the moment of Garrick/Kiraz/Marzhew/Purdue/Fermor/Tamale and Smith. Purdue is set to hit around $650K next week and my plan is to cash him in, move Lucas down to CTW and buy a premium 2RF.
James Tedesco: It was only a matter of time before 'Teddy' crossed for a try, and much to my delight one become two as the Roosters demolished the Dragons once again on Anzac Day. There's a fear that Tedesco could be playing himself back into a NSW jersey which given the Roosters draw would be a disaster for Teddy owners. But should that happen then owners can at least console themselves knowing he would have delivered a bundle of points before needing to be traded.
Herbie Farnworth: Averaging 60.8PPG in base and power - behind only Lucas (62.7PPG) at the position - and still under 10% owned, Farnworth is a superb POD. The price is no bargain and I think Lucas at $70K less is better value, but I wouldn't talk anyone out of the move.
Sandon Smith: The 3% of SuperCoaches who sold Smith between round six and his 129 point thumper in round eight are probably kicking themselves right about now. With five tries to his name (the most of any halfback) and an improving goalkicking game (Smith has slotted 14/15 over the last three rounds) Smith looks poised to break through the $600K price mark in the next fortnight. I'm planning on holding Smith right through the Origin/major bye period then cashing in and at under $500K I can see why some are buying too.
Mitch Moses: Absolutely starred on his return to the NRL with four try assists against the Tigers in round seven. Fresh off the bye I can understand why some are making this move - even if I disagree with it. Central to everything the Eels do, Moses could be a great POD, but I'd wait this week at least and take one more free look.
Jack Wighton: Two tries, three linebreaks and eight tackle busts for 123 points - against the Storm - means Wighton is set to make plenty of cash over the next fortnight. Or is he? The Rabbitohs attack has been anaemic in 2025 (the third least points of any team this season) and Wighton failed to reach the 30 point mark in each of the three games before his Storm masterclass. Pass.
Erin Clark: I strongly considered Clark this week before going with Lucas. The former Titan seems happy back at the Wahs and his role seems to be growing with him getting 60+ minutes in each of his last two games. That said, outside of true outliers like his 108 points last week I think Clark is a 55-65 points kind of guy and so not someone I would have in my best 17 most weeks. Also at $577K there's little upside in his price.
Addin Fonua-Blake: If I'm being harsh I would say AFB looks to be carrying a little more timber now than he was at the start of the season, but that's certainly not impacting his workrate with the big unit punching out 67 in base in 62 minutes last week. The stunning form of Haas and May has made AFB into a little bit of a luxury buy but one I can get around. Averaging 70PPG, covering the first two byes and with plenty of attacking upside I was very close to going with AFB this week and would not talk anyone else out of doing so.
Viliame Kikau: The Bulldogs pump the majority of their attack down the left edge and 'Big Billy Kiks' is a major reason why. Averaging just 37PPG in base Kikau is nevertheless rocking the fifth best average of any 2RF this year thanks to his four try assists and six linebreak assists. Still available for under $600K, Kikau is not as 'safe' as many at his position but he has plenty of upside.
POPULAR SELLS
Mawene Hiroti: Injured, got to go.
Thomas Cant: On the bench now and will start leaking money. Take your profits.
Dylan Egan: His minutes took a beating against the Roosters in a worrying sign for those hoping to see the young Dragon's price hit $500K. With a climbing BE it's time to take your profits.
Thomas Jenkins: Another who feels like he has peaked, cash in.
Clint Gutherson: Was always a regression candidate after an unsustainably hot start to the season. Those who cashed out at $800K did well, those who have held this long still have a profit albeit a much smaller one.
Isaiah Iongi: The one popular sell who I think should be a hold. The return of Mitch Moses improves the Parramatta attack and Iongi is one player who I think will benefit considerably there. Provides cover for the first big bye round of the season and I expect we'll be able to sell him for $500K+ after that.
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