Tom Sangster's team for NRL SuperCoach Finals - week 1

With no salary cap, a new team every week, triple points for captain and double points for vice-captain, it’s sure to keep your fantasy obsession rolling for another month during the actual NRL play-offs.

Here’s my side for week one of action.

HOOKER

Harry Grant

I’m not a huge fan of the Bulldogs v Storm match-up as both defences are strong (best and second best in the NRL).

But Harry Grant is a different beast in big games, as he showed in Origin this year. He also takes on more attacking responsibility when Jahrome Hughes isn’t in the side - he’s averaged 70 this season with Hughes out compared to under 60 when Hughes is playing.

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FRONT ROW

Payne Haas

There’s no better prop in SuperCoach, let alone of the eight teams to pick from in SuperCoach Finals. Don’t overthink this, Haas is match-up proof.

SECOND ROW

Hudson Young

The NSW Origin star is fresh from a rest and the best attacking forward in the NRL (based on SuperCoach stats). He will get plenty of opportunities to display those attacking skills against the Broncos, who have the worst defence of top four sides.

HALFBACK (and captain)

Nathan Cleary

Cleary’s finals record is crazy and his form since the Origin 3 disappointment has been just as crazy, averaging over 100 in his last six games. He’s therefore the trusted captain of Sangster’s Paradise this week, earning triple points.

The Panthers are primed for a big finish to the season after a full-team rest two weeks ago. The match-up against the depleted Warriors is a good one on paper, the fact it’s in New Zealand is the only drawback.

FIVE-EIGHTH

Blaize Talagi

As with Cleary above, the Panthers v Warriors match-up is one to target. Talagi, while inconsistent, has the talent to go as large as anyone.

CENTRE/WING

Mark Nawaqanitawase

Averaging 101 over the last five rounds, Marky Mark is the form winger of SuperCoach. It’s rare to see so much attack revolve around a winger, but expect plenty of ball to go his way again this week either through the hands or off the boot.

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FULLBACK (and vice-captain)

James Tedesco

My vice-captain, earning double points. The Roosters’ attack is red-hot and Teddy has averaged 115 over his last five games. Only one player averages more and he’s next on the list.

FLEX

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Reece Walsh

The form player in SuperCoach with a five-game average of 124.8. Walsh has taken full control of the Broncos attack since the injuries to Adam Reynolds and Ezra Mam - and he’s thriving on the responsibility.

He also seems to thrive amid scandal - the bigger the spotlight the better he goes. Note, your Flex player will replace the lowest scoring player from your starting seven. I think it’s essential to have a fullback in Flex as it’s by far the hottest position in SuperCoach, meaning you can essentially play two fullbacks.

Originally published as Tom Sangster's team for NRL SuperCoach Finals - week 1