NRL SuperCoach Round 23 players to watch, match centres, weather and tips
We're now into NRL SuperCoach head-to-head finals and this is where you need a point of difference - if you have a trade. Here's some of the players who should be on your radar if you want to win your Round 23 matchup.
Thursday, August 6
Gold Coast Titans vs North Queensland Cowboys, Cbus Super Stadium, 7.50pm AEST
Gold Coast weather - game time: Partly cloudy. 0-10% chance of rain.
Player of interest: Those who have tired of Reece Walsh may be looking at Scott Drinkwater as an alternative on the run home. He obviously struggled last week, but this week he's got a Titans side who many still consider a plus matchup. While the Titans conceded 40 last week, it was only the second time this season, so the Cowboys attack will need to be on song. If it is, Drinkwater has a massive ceiling as it seems he's taken over the goalkicking for good, making him an ideal VC candidate.
Friday, August 7
New Zealand Warriors vs Penrith Panthers, Go Media Stadium, 6pm AEST (8pm local time)
Auckland weather - game time: Partly cloudy. 10% chance of rain.
Player of interest: Owners of Isaiah Papali'i will be hoping Ice is back to 80 minutes this week in what could be a slug fest between two top quality teams. The former Warrior didn't even get 80 last week for his 98 and he almost crashed over for a second try to really blow up. The Ballr projections have him at 69 but that's in 65 minutes, so there's only upside.
Sydney Roosters vs Canterbury Bulldogs, Allianz Stadium, 8pm AEST
Sydney weather - game time: Clear. 0-10% chance of rain.
Player of interest: Viliame Kikau is back and firing in as good a role as ever for the Dogs. With Stephen Crichton feeding him early ball, Big Billy Kiks is being given the scope to run rampant and give the Dogs the spark they need. His three round average is just 68 but he has been slowly building his fitness toward 80 minutes and could be one to watch.
Saturday, August 8
Melbourne Storm vs Manly Sea Eagles, HBF Park, 3pm AEST (1pm local time)
Perth weather - game time: Showers. 50-75% chance of rain. Approx 6mm expected between 8am-2pm local time.
Player of interest: There's two players of equal interest here in Sua Fa'alogo and Haumole Olakau'atu as VC prospects for some coaches. Sua has developed an exceptional floor and the Sea Eagles just can't stop conceding points. It hasn't stopped big Ola from accumulating big scores, so imagine what he could with some attack, especially running at Cameron Munster again. But if they're on your VC radar, keep an eye on the Perth rain radar as there is plenty predicted, so you might want to have a plan B.
Dolphins vs Brisbane Broncos, Suncorp Stadium, 5.30pm AEST
Brisbane weather - game time: Clear. 0-10% chance of rain.
Player of interest: Selwyn Cobbo seems to be the fourth choice SuperCoach backline option from the Dolphins - but should he be higher? Owned by around 60 people in the top 10%, he should have had 150 last week if not for some own goals with Herbie putting in scoring positions. While he often goes in and out of motivation, his base power is a handy 43 and this week he’s got a revenge games against his old club, in which he is projected 71.
South Sydney Rabbitohs v Parramatta Eels, Allianz Stadium, 7.35pm AEST
Sydney weather - game time: Clear. 0-10% chance of rain.
Player of interest: Campbell Graham has had a wretched injury run of late but looks to have shaken off his latest issue and started finding the form that put him on the cusp of Origin with 98 and 103 in the past 2 weeks. At 593k, Graham presents as a good way to have a reliable piece of a great attacking side with a few good matchups and there's not many better than the Eels.
Sunday, August 9
Canberra Raiders v Newcastle Knights, GIO Stadium, 2pm AEST
Canberra weather - game time: Rain. 75-90% chance of rain. Approx 6mm expected 10am-4pm.
Player of interest: Ballr podcast OG Tubes has always been a trend setter and he's been an owner of Matt Timoko for a while now. He made a mark with 99 against the Panthers and has a trend of turning up for big games. The season is well and truly on the line for the Raiders, so he should be at his tackle breaking best every week, and is rocking a 48 base+power this season.
St George-Illawarra Dragons vs Cronulla Sharks, Jubilee Stadium, 4pm AEST
Sydney weather - game time: Shower or two. 50-75% chance of rain. Approx 3mm expected 10am-10pm.
Player of interest: Valentine Holmes has been one of the biggest disappointments of the year but he showed last week with 105 he could be an upside play in some head-to-head finals matchups. He’s an avoid vs Sharks this week but has Tigers, Bulldogs and Sea Eagles for the others, and the Dragons seem to have found some spark in attack.
Make sure you enjoy every moment of Round 23 thanks to the fantastic in-game experience of the updated Ballr NRL Match Centre, including the My Team feature to follow your scores, key team stats and a match timeline so you don't miss a thing!