Berkeley_Eagle
Current Status: 24/7 Manly Fan
It’s great to be back. Just to confirm, the salary cap this year is unchanged - $5m. Catch you on Friday, when I’ll reveal the player prices to watch on launch day (8th Feb).
Here’s a rundown of the NRL off-season player movement. Vapormedia have been kind enough to show me some of the pricings for 2011, which I’ve revealed below where I know. There’s good news and bad news. The good news is Dallas Johnson ($158K) and Chris Houston ($94K) are absolute bargains. The bad news is that players who have returned to the NRL have not automatically been given a $135K price-tag – as they were last year.
NOTE TO EVERYONE: THE SUPERCOACH SEASON WILL LAUNCH ON FEB 8TH
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BRONCOS
IN: Ben Hannant, 25, prop (Bulldogs): Hannant will start relatively expensive (about $250K), but should see improvement now he’s injury free (he carried an Achilles problem last year).
Dane Carlaw, 30, back row (Catalans Dragons): The former Test and Origin star returns for a swansong. May struggle for big game time in Brisbane’s bumper pack, but could be worth a crack if he’s less than $150K.
OUT: Israel Folau (GWS Giants), Ashton Sims (Cowboys), Korbin Sims (Knights), Tariq Sims (Cowboys), Antonio Winterstein (Cowboys), Lagi Setu (Mormon mission).
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BULLDOGS
IN: Aiden Tolman, 22, prop (Storm): Was shunned by the Storm late last year after revealing his exit. Will start around $250K, but is a great worker who could become a $300K player now he is No. 1 prop at the Bulldogs.
Frank Pritchard, 27, back row (Panthers): Word out of Belmore is that Frank the Tank has been training up a storm in a bid to improve game time and consistency. Even so, Pritchard is an impact player who is a nightmare for SuperCoach.
Grant Millington, 24, back row/prop (Sharks): Great worker who could be a very solid SuperCoach player given game time. But he may struggle for minutes considering he’ll be jostling for space with Frank Pritchard, Greg Eastwood, David Stagg, Andrew Ryan etc.
Greg Eastwood, 23, back row/prop (Leeds Rhinos): Eastwood is in a similar boat to Pritchard – brilliant impact player, but not so great at racking up stats. Nonetheless, he could be an OK buy, particularly in the front row, if he starts less than $150K. May miss the first round with wrist issues.
Jonathan Wright, 23, centre/wing (Eels): Will start around the $200K mark, which is too much for a player who may continually be on the fringe of selection.
Kris Keating, 22, five-eighth (Eels): It’s hard to know where he’ll fit in given the overload of halves at the Bulldogs (Ben Roberts, Trent Hodkinson, Ben Barba etc).
Michael Lett, 23, centre/wing (Dragons): The highly-rated former Dragons should start cheap. But you’ll have to wait for the round one teams to see if he gets a start.
Trent Hodkinson, 22, halfback (Manly): Will start expensive (approx $220K) after a brilliant debut season at Manly. Unlikely to see much improvement in price this year given how much he rose last year.
OUT: Ben Hannant (Broncos), Nathan Massey (Raiders), Daniel Harrison (Sea Eagles), Luke Patten (Salford City Reds), Brett Kimmorley (Retired), Blake Green (Hull Kingston Rovers).
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COWBOYS
IN: Antonio Winterstein, 22, wing (Broncos): Should start the season around the $170K mark – which is about what he’s worth.
Ashton Sims, 25, prop (Broncos): Should start pretty cheap ($180K) and may see a decent rise given he’s a 100-game veteran at a club that’s lost almost an entire forward pack (Steve Rapira, Anthony Watts, Luke O’Donnell, Carl Webb, Willie Mason). That said, he’s hardly the most consistent player.
Ben Jones, 20, centre/five-eighth/hooker (Roosters): Will start very cheap, but we’ll have to wait for the round one teams to see how he’s used – if at all. Will he take Anthony Watts’ role as bench hooker, or Brent Tate’s centre spot, or none of the above?
Blake Leary, 20, back row (Storm): Former Storm Toyota Cup captain who could get game time in a depleted pack.
Brent Tate, 28, centre (Warriors): The Test and Origin star is unlikely to play in 2011 due to severe injury.
Dallas Johnson, 28, back row (Catalans Dragons): The Origin tackling machine returns from the Super League as buy of the year. I can exclusively reveal Johnson will start the year at $158K. He’s worth about $300K.
Gavin Cooper, 25, back row (Panthers): The former Panther is a great worker who should see good game time in a depleted pack. Could be a decent buy if he is available at centre/wing.
Glenn Hall, 29, prop/back row (Bradford Bulls): The former Manly star is hardly going to set the world on fire, but looks set for decent game time and could be a good buy if he starts less than $140K.
Kalifa Fai-Fai Loa, 20, centre/winger (Dragons): This bloke could be a SuperCoach gun. But the news is bad – very bad. I’ve seen his price and he’ll start at $255K.
Rick Thorby, 25, back row/prop (Dragons): Will start very cheap after limited opportunities at the Dragons. Round one teams will be the key, but Thorby could see a big price rise given the Cowboys’ forward exodus.
Tariq Sims, 20, prop: (Broncos): Toyota Cup Player of the Year who will start at $87K. Could be one of the best rookie buys of the season.
OUT: Steve Rapira (Warriors), Anthony Watts (Roosters), Luke O’Donnell (Huddersfield Giants), Ty Williams (Retired), Carl Webb (Eels), Nick Slyney (Released), Willie Mason (Hull Kingston Rovers), Arana Taumata (Panthers), John Williams (Sharks).
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DRAGONS
IN: Adam Cuthbertson, 25, back row/prop (Sharks): Cuthbertson would be a massive risk considering his woeful showings at the Sharks, but if anyone can return him to the form of his Manly days, it’s Wayne Bennett. There are plenty of spots up for grabs given the departures of Jeremy Smith, Neville Costigan, Ricky Thorby and Jarrod Saffy.
OUT: Jarrod Saffy (Melbourne Rebels), Beau Henry (Knights), Neville Costigan (Knights), Kalifa Fai-Fai Loa (Cowboys), Jeremy Smith (Sharks), Michael Lett (Bulldogs), Luke Priddis (Retired), Ricky Thorby (Cowboys), Junior Paulo (Panthers).
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EELS
IN: Brad Murray, 20, halfback (Roosters): Murray was named in the Toyota Cup Team of the Year last season and looks a legitimate chance to nail a spot in the Eels halves. Should start on rookie rates ($87K).
Carl Webb, 29, prop (Cowboys): An impact player who has no place in anybody’s SuperCoach team.
Casey McGuire, 30, hooker/five-eighth (Catalans Dragons): Very solid former Brisbane star who returns from four years in the Super League. It’s hard to know where he’ll be used (perhaps starting hooker), but he should be available in a few positions in SuperCoach, which is always a bonus. One to keep an eye on.
Chris Hicks, 33, wing (Warrington Wolves): Hicks is hardly a spring chicken, but tallied 76 tries in 81 games at Warrington. Parramatta have plenty of backline spots to fill (Eric Grothe, Krisnan Inu, Jonathan Wright and Timana Tahu), meaning Hicks could be a great pick-up if he starts at rookie rates.
Chris Walker, 30, centre/wing (Catalans Dragons): The sometimes-brilliant but very inconsistent former Origin star returns from the Super League. Will have to start very cheap to be considered for SuperCoach given he performs very little work.
Paul Whatuira, 29, centre (Huddersfield Giants): Very solid centre who is likely to take Timana Tahu’s spot.
Reni Maitua, 28, back row (Suspension): The one-time Kangaroo should start cheap and has everything to prove after a doping ban. His ban ends in late May, so don’t jump the gun.
OUT: Nathan Cayless (Retired), Eric Grothe (Retired), Feleti Mateo (Warriors), Krisnan Inu (Warriors), Kris Keating (Bulldogs), Jonathan Wright (Bulldogs), Timana Tahu (Released).
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KNIGHTS
IN: Beau Henry, 20, halfback (Dragons): The 2009 Toyota Cup Player of the Year. He will start very cheap and should partner Jarrod Mullen in the halves, but could lose his spot at any time if the Knights choose to shift Kurt Gidley to playmaker.
Chris Houston, 25, back row/prop (Suspension): Firstly the bad news: Houston returned from drug exile (the charges were dropped) 5kg under weight, meaning he may start the season slowly. Now the good news: He costs only $94K. He’s been a $270K player in the past.
Kyle O’Donnell, 20, back row (Sharks): The brother of Luke O’Donnell is a highly-rated Junior Kangaroo. The round one teams will be the key, but O’Donnell could be one of the better rookie buys this year.
Neville Costigan, 25, back row/prop (Dragons): The Origin star and premiership winner is undoubtedly a brilliant player, but doesn’t produce the stats required for SuperCoach.
Siuatonga Likiliki, 22, centre (Warriors): Named in the Toyota Cup Team of the Year for both 2009 and 2010. The former Warrior will be a great rookie buy if he can snare Cooper Vuna’s starting spot.
Steve Southern, 28, back row (Cowboys): Should start very cheap, but has struggled for game time at the Cowboys in the past few seasons.
OUT: Cooper Vuna (Melbourne Rebels), Scott Dureau (Catalans Dragons), Ben Cross (Leeds Rhinos), Steve Simpson (Retired).
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PANTHERS
IN: Arana Taumata, 21, five-eighth (Cowboys): May score Wade Graham or Travis Burns’ starting spot, but is high risk considering his disciplinary record.
Michael Worrincy, 24, back row (Bradford Bulls): Pommy import Worrincy has been compared to the great Ellery Hanley, but hardly set the world on fire at Bradford. Nonetheless, he may get some game time given the exits of Gavin Cooper and Frank Pritchard.
Junior Paulo, 27, prop (Dragons): Barely cracked a start at the Dragons – and may struggle for game time yet again.
Tim Winitana, 23, centre (Bulldogs): Only played three games for the Dogs in 2010 – and you wouldn’t put your house on him getting a regular gig at the Panthers.
Yileen Gordon, 23, centre/back row (Bulldogs): May get some game time in the absence of Frank Pritchard, but he will start at about $200K – which is about what he’s worth.
OUT: Wade Graham (Sharks), Frank Pritchard (Bulldogs), Gavin Cooper (Cowboys), Josh Bateman (Cowboys), Maurice Blair (Storm), Daniel Penese (Dragons).
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RABBITOHS
IN: George Burgess, 18, prop (Bradford Bulls): The brother of Sam Burgess has been signed mainly as a Toyota Cup player, but may get a crack in the NRL if there are injuries.
Greg Inglis, 23, centre (Storm): We haven’t seen too many images of the marquee signing lately, but it would be tough to pick him for SuperCoach given the shape he was in a few months ago. Nonetheless, he should start fairly cheap ($220K) and could be a bit of a smokey.
OUT: Colin Best (Sharks), Luke Capewell (Titans), Jaiman Lowe (Storm), Beau Champion (Storm), Jamie Simpson (Huddersfield Giants).
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RAIDERS
IN: Blake Ferguson, 20, wing (Sharks): An incredibly talented player who was starved of tries at Cronulla. Should start quite cheap and may see some considerable price improvement as a replacement for Joel Monaghan.
Brett White, 28, prop (Storm): An impact-style player who is only mediocre at SuperCoach.
Matt Orford, 32, halfback (Bradford Bulls): Could be a decent buy as back-up half given his job security.
OUT: Justin Carney (Roosters), Scott Logan (Retired), Troy Thompson (Storm), Adam Mogg (Retired), Marc Herbert (Bradford Bulls), Joel Monaghan (Warrington Wolves).
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ROOSTERS
IN: Anthony Watts, 24, hooker (Cowboys): Will be stuck behind Jake Friend and possibly Mark Riddell. A serious leg injury means he won’t play the first half of the year.
Justin Carney, 22, wing (Raiders): Could start at rookie prices given he’s barely played in the last few seasons due to injury. If so, he will make a great buy. This kid can play.
Mark Riddell, 30, back row/hooker (Wigan Warriors): The veteran larrikin returns for an NRL swansong. Riddell should get decent game time as back-up to Jake Friend or in the back row, but he’s hardly a worker.
OUT: Ben Jones (Cowboys), James Aubusson (released), Lopini Paea (Catalans Dragons), Nick Kouparitsas (Harlequins).
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SEA EAGLES
IN: Daniel Harrison, 22, prop (Bulldogs): Had big wraps at the Bulldogs, but injury has ruined the party so far. Will start at $94K and could be a good cheap buy if he jags a spot for round one.
Liam Foran, 22, five-eighth (Newtown Jets): Will face plenty of competition from younger brother Kieran, Daly Cherry-Evans and possibly Jamie Lyon.
OUT: Chris Bailey (Harlequins), Josh Perry (St Helens), Trent Hodkinson (Bulldogs), Ben Farrar (Catalans Dragons).
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SHARKS
IN: Andrew Clayton, 20, prop (Broncos): Made the Toyota Cup Team of the Year following a stellar season at Brisbane. Could crack the NRL at some stage given Cronulla’s weaker roster.
Colin Best, 32, centre/wing (Rabbitohs): Did OK in a great attacking team at Souths last year, but it’s hard to see him improving at the rebuilding Sharks.
Jeremy Smith, 30, back row (Dragons): Will start fairly cheap (low $200K’s) because he was used only lightly by the Dragons at the end of the regular season. Smith is a class player who will carry much more responsibility at the Sharks. His price should rise over the $250K mark if his injury curse doesn’t strike.
John Williams, 25, wing (Cowboys): Has never set the SuperCoach world on fire – and that’s unlikely to change at the Sharks.
Wade Graham, 20, five-eighth (Panthers): Looks set for a starting role and could make a good back-up half or five-eighth for SuperCoach.
OUT: Kyle O’Donnell (Knights), Grant Millington (Bulldogs), Blake Ferguson (Raiders), Adam Cuthbertson (Dragons), Trent Barrett, Luke Covell, Reece Williams (All retired), Josh Lewis (Tolouse), Lancen Joudo (Cowboys), Luke Harlen (released).
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STORM
IN: Adam Woolnough, 29, prop (Out of retirement): Handy former Newcastle and Penrith prop who should start cheap and see good game time in the absence of Aiden Tolman, Jeff Lima and Brett White.
Beau Champion, 24, centre (Rabbitohs): Should start extremely cheap after a poor end to 2010. May see a decent rise as Greg Inglis’ replacement.
Elijah Niko, 20, wing (Warriors): Former Warriors youngster who will start at rookie prices and could trump Champion to take Inglis’ spot.
Jaiman Lowe, 27, prop (Rabbitohs): Another veteran who will start cheap. May get decent game time in a depleted forward pack.
Maurice Blair, 26, centre/five-eighth (Panthers): Blair has never really shone in the NRL – or SuperCoach - but now has the chance under one of the best coaches in the business.
Troy Thompson, 31, prop (Raiders): The former Canberra star will probably start around $200K, which doesn’t leave much room for improvement – even with the Storm’s prop exodus.
OUT: Aiden Tolman (Bulldogs), Jeff Lima (Wigan Warriors), Ryan Hoffman (Wigan Warriors), Brett Finch (Wigan Warriors), Brett White (Raiders), Greg Inglis (Rabbitiohs).
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TIGERS
IN: None
OUT: Daniel Fitzhenry (Retired), Tame Tupou (Redcliffe).
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TITANS
IN: Luke Capewell, 21, fullback/five-eighth (Rabbitohs): Coach John Cartwright says Capewell is going head-to-head with youngster Jordan Rankin for Mat Rogers’ five-eighth spot.
OUT: Jordan Atkins (Eels), Mat Rogers (Retired), Ryan Tongia (Sharks), Selasi Berdie (Released), Aaron Cannings (Released), Marshall Chalk (Released), Josh Graham (Released).
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WARRIORS
IN: Krisnan Inu, 23, centre (Eels): A hot-and-cold player who will start fairly expensive ($200K) after mixed stint at the Eels. The return to native New Zealand should do him good, but his high starting price doesn’t leave much room for improvement.
Feleti Mateo, 26, five-eighth/back row (Eels): Prized signing who dominated the end of 2010 at Parramatta despite playing only 50 minutes per game. He should get better game time at the Warriors – and his starting price ($305K) is incredibly low considering his barnstorming end to last year.
Shaun Berrigan, 32, hooker (Hull FC): Berrigan should take the No.1 hooking spot from Aaron Heremaia, while the team’s other 2010 rake, Ian Henderson, has left the club. The former Test and Origin star is no spring chicken, but would be a steal at anything under $150K.
Steve Rapira, 22, back row (Cowboys): Back with his brother Sam after two years in Townsville, but has plenty of back row competition.
OUT: Brent Tate (Cowboys), Siuatonga Likiliki (Knights), Ian Henderson (Catalans Dragons), Elijah Niko (Storm), Patrick Ah Van (Bradford Bulls), Mark Ioane (Raiders), Nafe Seluini (Panthers), Steve Price (Retired), Jesse Royal (Retired).
Here’s a rundown of the NRL off-season player movement. Vapormedia have been kind enough to show me some of the pricings for 2011, which I’ve revealed below where I know. There’s good news and bad news. The good news is Dallas Johnson ($158K) and Chris Houston ($94K) are absolute bargains. The bad news is that players who have returned to the NRL have not automatically been given a $135K price-tag – as they were last year.
NOTE TO EVERYONE: THE SUPERCOACH SEASON WILL LAUNCH ON FEB 8TH
*************
BRONCOS
IN: Ben Hannant, 25, prop (Bulldogs): Hannant will start relatively expensive (about $250K), but should see improvement now he’s injury free (he carried an Achilles problem last year).
Dane Carlaw, 30, back row (Catalans Dragons): The former Test and Origin star returns for a swansong. May struggle for big game time in Brisbane’s bumper pack, but could be worth a crack if he’s less than $150K.
OUT: Israel Folau (GWS Giants), Ashton Sims (Cowboys), Korbin Sims (Knights), Tariq Sims (Cowboys), Antonio Winterstein (Cowboys), Lagi Setu (Mormon mission).
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BULLDOGS
IN: Aiden Tolman, 22, prop (Storm): Was shunned by the Storm late last year after revealing his exit. Will start around $250K, but is a great worker who could become a $300K player now he is No. 1 prop at the Bulldogs.
Frank Pritchard, 27, back row (Panthers): Word out of Belmore is that Frank the Tank has been training up a storm in a bid to improve game time and consistency. Even so, Pritchard is an impact player who is a nightmare for SuperCoach.
Grant Millington, 24, back row/prop (Sharks): Great worker who could be a very solid SuperCoach player given game time. But he may struggle for minutes considering he’ll be jostling for space with Frank Pritchard, Greg Eastwood, David Stagg, Andrew Ryan etc.
Greg Eastwood, 23, back row/prop (Leeds Rhinos): Eastwood is in a similar boat to Pritchard – brilliant impact player, but not so great at racking up stats. Nonetheless, he could be an OK buy, particularly in the front row, if he starts less than $150K. May miss the first round with wrist issues.
Jonathan Wright, 23, centre/wing (Eels): Will start around the $200K mark, which is too much for a player who may continually be on the fringe of selection.
Kris Keating, 22, five-eighth (Eels): It’s hard to know where he’ll fit in given the overload of halves at the Bulldogs (Ben Roberts, Trent Hodkinson, Ben Barba etc).
Michael Lett, 23, centre/wing (Dragons): The highly-rated former Dragons should start cheap. But you’ll have to wait for the round one teams to see if he gets a start.
Trent Hodkinson, 22, halfback (Manly): Will start expensive (approx $220K) after a brilliant debut season at Manly. Unlikely to see much improvement in price this year given how much he rose last year.
OUT: Ben Hannant (Broncos), Nathan Massey (Raiders), Daniel Harrison (Sea Eagles), Luke Patten (Salford City Reds), Brett Kimmorley (Retired), Blake Green (Hull Kingston Rovers).
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COWBOYS
IN: Antonio Winterstein, 22, wing (Broncos): Should start the season around the $170K mark – which is about what he’s worth.
Ashton Sims, 25, prop (Broncos): Should start pretty cheap ($180K) and may see a decent rise given he’s a 100-game veteran at a club that’s lost almost an entire forward pack (Steve Rapira, Anthony Watts, Luke O’Donnell, Carl Webb, Willie Mason). That said, he’s hardly the most consistent player.
Ben Jones, 20, centre/five-eighth/hooker (Roosters): Will start very cheap, but we’ll have to wait for the round one teams to see how he’s used – if at all. Will he take Anthony Watts’ role as bench hooker, or Brent Tate’s centre spot, or none of the above?
Blake Leary, 20, back row (Storm): Former Storm Toyota Cup captain who could get game time in a depleted pack.
Brent Tate, 28, centre (Warriors): The Test and Origin star is unlikely to play in 2011 due to severe injury.
Dallas Johnson, 28, back row (Catalans Dragons): The Origin tackling machine returns from the Super League as buy of the year. I can exclusively reveal Johnson will start the year at $158K. He’s worth about $300K.
Gavin Cooper, 25, back row (Panthers): The former Panther is a great worker who should see good game time in a depleted pack. Could be a decent buy if he is available at centre/wing.
Glenn Hall, 29, prop/back row (Bradford Bulls): The former Manly star is hardly going to set the world on fire, but looks set for decent game time and could be a good buy if he starts less than $140K.
Kalifa Fai-Fai Loa, 20, centre/winger (Dragons): This bloke could be a SuperCoach gun. But the news is bad – very bad. I’ve seen his price and he’ll start at $255K.
Rick Thorby, 25, back row/prop (Dragons): Will start very cheap after limited opportunities at the Dragons. Round one teams will be the key, but Thorby could see a big price rise given the Cowboys’ forward exodus.
Tariq Sims, 20, prop: (Broncos): Toyota Cup Player of the Year who will start at $87K. Could be one of the best rookie buys of the season.
OUT: Steve Rapira (Warriors), Anthony Watts (Roosters), Luke O’Donnell (Huddersfield Giants), Ty Williams (Retired), Carl Webb (Eels), Nick Slyney (Released), Willie Mason (Hull Kingston Rovers), Arana Taumata (Panthers), John Williams (Sharks).
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DRAGONS
IN: Adam Cuthbertson, 25, back row/prop (Sharks): Cuthbertson would be a massive risk considering his woeful showings at the Sharks, but if anyone can return him to the form of his Manly days, it’s Wayne Bennett. There are plenty of spots up for grabs given the departures of Jeremy Smith, Neville Costigan, Ricky Thorby and Jarrod Saffy.
OUT: Jarrod Saffy (Melbourne Rebels), Beau Henry (Knights), Neville Costigan (Knights), Kalifa Fai-Fai Loa (Cowboys), Jeremy Smith (Sharks), Michael Lett (Bulldogs), Luke Priddis (Retired), Ricky Thorby (Cowboys), Junior Paulo (Panthers).
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EELS
IN: Brad Murray, 20, halfback (Roosters): Murray was named in the Toyota Cup Team of the Year last season and looks a legitimate chance to nail a spot in the Eels halves. Should start on rookie rates ($87K).
Carl Webb, 29, prop (Cowboys): An impact player who has no place in anybody’s SuperCoach team.
Casey McGuire, 30, hooker/five-eighth (Catalans Dragons): Very solid former Brisbane star who returns from four years in the Super League. It’s hard to know where he’ll be used (perhaps starting hooker), but he should be available in a few positions in SuperCoach, which is always a bonus. One to keep an eye on.
Chris Hicks, 33, wing (Warrington Wolves): Hicks is hardly a spring chicken, but tallied 76 tries in 81 games at Warrington. Parramatta have plenty of backline spots to fill (Eric Grothe, Krisnan Inu, Jonathan Wright and Timana Tahu), meaning Hicks could be a great pick-up if he starts at rookie rates.
Chris Walker, 30, centre/wing (Catalans Dragons): The sometimes-brilliant but very inconsistent former Origin star returns from the Super League. Will have to start very cheap to be considered for SuperCoach given he performs very little work.
Paul Whatuira, 29, centre (Huddersfield Giants): Very solid centre who is likely to take Timana Tahu’s spot.
Reni Maitua, 28, back row (Suspension): The one-time Kangaroo should start cheap and has everything to prove after a doping ban. His ban ends in late May, so don’t jump the gun.
OUT: Nathan Cayless (Retired), Eric Grothe (Retired), Feleti Mateo (Warriors), Krisnan Inu (Warriors), Kris Keating (Bulldogs), Jonathan Wright (Bulldogs), Timana Tahu (Released).
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KNIGHTS
IN: Beau Henry, 20, halfback (Dragons): The 2009 Toyota Cup Player of the Year. He will start very cheap and should partner Jarrod Mullen in the halves, but could lose his spot at any time if the Knights choose to shift Kurt Gidley to playmaker.
Chris Houston, 25, back row/prop (Suspension): Firstly the bad news: Houston returned from drug exile (the charges were dropped) 5kg under weight, meaning he may start the season slowly. Now the good news: He costs only $94K. He’s been a $270K player in the past.
Kyle O’Donnell, 20, back row (Sharks): The brother of Luke O’Donnell is a highly-rated Junior Kangaroo. The round one teams will be the key, but O’Donnell could be one of the better rookie buys this year.
Neville Costigan, 25, back row/prop (Dragons): The Origin star and premiership winner is undoubtedly a brilliant player, but doesn’t produce the stats required for SuperCoach.
Siuatonga Likiliki, 22, centre (Warriors): Named in the Toyota Cup Team of the Year for both 2009 and 2010. The former Warrior will be a great rookie buy if he can snare Cooper Vuna’s starting spot.
Steve Southern, 28, back row (Cowboys): Should start very cheap, but has struggled for game time at the Cowboys in the past few seasons.
OUT: Cooper Vuna (Melbourne Rebels), Scott Dureau (Catalans Dragons), Ben Cross (Leeds Rhinos), Steve Simpson (Retired).
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PANTHERS
IN: Arana Taumata, 21, five-eighth (Cowboys): May score Wade Graham or Travis Burns’ starting spot, but is high risk considering his disciplinary record.
Michael Worrincy, 24, back row (Bradford Bulls): Pommy import Worrincy has been compared to the great Ellery Hanley, but hardly set the world on fire at Bradford. Nonetheless, he may get some game time given the exits of Gavin Cooper and Frank Pritchard.
Junior Paulo, 27, prop (Dragons): Barely cracked a start at the Dragons – and may struggle for game time yet again.
Tim Winitana, 23, centre (Bulldogs): Only played three games for the Dogs in 2010 – and you wouldn’t put your house on him getting a regular gig at the Panthers.
Yileen Gordon, 23, centre/back row (Bulldogs): May get some game time in the absence of Frank Pritchard, but he will start at about $200K – which is about what he’s worth.
OUT: Wade Graham (Sharks), Frank Pritchard (Bulldogs), Gavin Cooper (Cowboys), Josh Bateman (Cowboys), Maurice Blair (Storm), Daniel Penese (Dragons).
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RABBITOHS
IN: George Burgess, 18, prop (Bradford Bulls): The brother of Sam Burgess has been signed mainly as a Toyota Cup player, but may get a crack in the NRL if there are injuries.
Greg Inglis, 23, centre (Storm): We haven’t seen too many images of the marquee signing lately, but it would be tough to pick him for SuperCoach given the shape he was in a few months ago. Nonetheless, he should start fairly cheap ($220K) and could be a bit of a smokey.
OUT: Colin Best (Sharks), Luke Capewell (Titans), Jaiman Lowe (Storm), Beau Champion (Storm), Jamie Simpson (Huddersfield Giants).
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RAIDERS
IN: Blake Ferguson, 20, wing (Sharks): An incredibly talented player who was starved of tries at Cronulla. Should start quite cheap and may see some considerable price improvement as a replacement for Joel Monaghan.
Brett White, 28, prop (Storm): An impact-style player who is only mediocre at SuperCoach.
Matt Orford, 32, halfback (Bradford Bulls): Could be a decent buy as back-up half given his job security.
OUT: Justin Carney (Roosters), Scott Logan (Retired), Troy Thompson (Storm), Adam Mogg (Retired), Marc Herbert (Bradford Bulls), Joel Monaghan (Warrington Wolves).
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ROOSTERS
IN: Anthony Watts, 24, hooker (Cowboys): Will be stuck behind Jake Friend and possibly Mark Riddell. A serious leg injury means he won’t play the first half of the year.
Justin Carney, 22, wing (Raiders): Could start at rookie prices given he’s barely played in the last few seasons due to injury. If so, he will make a great buy. This kid can play.
Mark Riddell, 30, back row/hooker (Wigan Warriors): The veteran larrikin returns for an NRL swansong. Riddell should get decent game time as back-up to Jake Friend or in the back row, but he’s hardly a worker.
OUT: Ben Jones (Cowboys), James Aubusson (released), Lopini Paea (Catalans Dragons), Nick Kouparitsas (Harlequins).
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SEA EAGLES
IN: Daniel Harrison, 22, prop (Bulldogs): Had big wraps at the Bulldogs, but injury has ruined the party so far. Will start at $94K and could be a good cheap buy if he jags a spot for round one.
Liam Foran, 22, five-eighth (Newtown Jets): Will face plenty of competition from younger brother Kieran, Daly Cherry-Evans and possibly Jamie Lyon.
OUT: Chris Bailey (Harlequins), Josh Perry (St Helens), Trent Hodkinson (Bulldogs), Ben Farrar (Catalans Dragons).
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SHARKS
IN: Andrew Clayton, 20, prop (Broncos): Made the Toyota Cup Team of the Year following a stellar season at Brisbane. Could crack the NRL at some stage given Cronulla’s weaker roster.
Colin Best, 32, centre/wing (Rabbitohs): Did OK in a great attacking team at Souths last year, but it’s hard to see him improving at the rebuilding Sharks.
Jeremy Smith, 30, back row (Dragons): Will start fairly cheap (low $200K’s) because he was used only lightly by the Dragons at the end of the regular season. Smith is a class player who will carry much more responsibility at the Sharks. His price should rise over the $250K mark if his injury curse doesn’t strike.
John Williams, 25, wing (Cowboys): Has never set the SuperCoach world on fire – and that’s unlikely to change at the Sharks.
Wade Graham, 20, five-eighth (Panthers): Looks set for a starting role and could make a good back-up half or five-eighth for SuperCoach.
OUT: Kyle O’Donnell (Knights), Grant Millington (Bulldogs), Blake Ferguson (Raiders), Adam Cuthbertson (Dragons), Trent Barrett, Luke Covell, Reece Williams (All retired), Josh Lewis (Tolouse), Lancen Joudo (Cowboys), Luke Harlen (released).
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STORM
IN: Adam Woolnough, 29, prop (Out of retirement): Handy former Newcastle and Penrith prop who should start cheap and see good game time in the absence of Aiden Tolman, Jeff Lima and Brett White.
Beau Champion, 24, centre (Rabbitohs): Should start extremely cheap after a poor end to 2010. May see a decent rise as Greg Inglis’ replacement.
Elijah Niko, 20, wing (Warriors): Former Warriors youngster who will start at rookie prices and could trump Champion to take Inglis’ spot.
Jaiman Lowe, 27, prop (Rabbitohs): Another veteran who will start cheap. May get decent game time in a depleted forward pack.
Maurice Blair, 26, centre/five-eighth (Panthers): Blair has never really shone in the NRL – or SuperCoach - but now has the chance under one of the best coaches in the business.
Troy Thompson, 31, prop (Raiders): The former Canberra star will probably start around $200K, which doesn’t leave much room for improvement – even with the Storm’s prop exodus.
OUT: Aiden Tolman (Bulldogs), Jeff Lima (Wigan Warriors), Ryan Hoffman (Wigan Warriors), Brett Finch (Wigan Warriors), Brett White (Raiders), Greg Inglis (Rabbitiohs).
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TIGERS
IN: None
OUT: Daniel Fitzhenry (Retired), Tame Tupou (Redcliffe).
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TITANS
IN: Luke Capewell, 21, fullback/five-eighth (Rabbitohs): Coach John Cartwright says Capewell is going head-to-head with youngster Jordan Rankin for Mat Rogers’ five-eighth spot.
OUT: Jordan Atkins (Eels), Mat Rogers (Retired), Ryan Tongia (Sharks), Selasi Berdie (Released), Aaron Cannings (Released), Marshall Chalk (Released), Josh Graham (Released).
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WARRIORS
IN: Krisnan Inu, 23, centre (Eels): A hot-and-cold player who will start fairly expensive ($200K) after mixed stint at the Eels. The return to native New Zealand should do him good, but his high starting price doesn’t leave much room for improvement.
Feleti Mateo, 26, five-eighth/back row (Eels): Prized signing who dominated the end of 2010 at Parramatta despite playing only 50 minutes per game. He should get better game time at the Warriors – and his starting price ($305K) is incredibly low considering his barnstorming end to last year.
Shaun Berrigan, 32, hooker (Hull FC): Berrigan should take the No.1 hooking spot from Aaron Heremaia, while the team’s other 2010 rake, Ian Henderson, has left the club. The former Test and Origin star is no spring chicken, but would be a steal at anything under $150K.
Steve Rapira, 22, back row (Cowboys): Back with his brother Sam after two years in Townsville, but has plenty of back row competition.
OUT: Brent Tate (Cowboys), Siuatonga Likiliki (Knights), Ian Henderson (Catalans Dragons), Elijah Niko (Storm), Patrick Ah Van (Bradford Bulls), Mark Ioane (Raiders), Nafe Seluini (Panthers), Steve Price (Retired), Jesse Royal (Retired).
