Sunday Snap NRL Round 16 review: Ballr SuperCoach Winners, Losers and Trade Targets
The latest Sunday Snap episode from the Ballr NRL SuperCoach podcast saw hosts Jono and Cracker break down every key NRL SuperCoach storyline from Round 16.
Trade advice was on the agenda, with SuperCoaches now scrambling to replace Jackson Ford after he suffered an apparent pec injury on Sunday, in addition to general player watch notes for coaches building their run-home squads.
Rage Trade Candidates
Several SuperCoach favourites disappointed this week. Greg Marzhew managed just 35 points despite 19 runs, while Oliver Pascoe raised eyebrows after being subbed off at the 29-minute mark and not returning, with no clear injury explanation.
Erin Clark and Joe Tapine also drew scrutiny, with the hosts leaning toward trading both out in favour of premium back-rowers like Hudson Young or Alex Twal.
Ready to Explode
On the positive side, there were several breakout performers that had Jono and Cracker cheering, headlined by Sua Fa'alogo, who smashed out 143 (adjusted to 139 after updates) SuperCoach points including a try, two assists and two line breaks — fully justifying his price tag after a mid-season dip.
Jayden Campbell also impressed with 81 points and a season-best output in runs and tackle breaks, sparking debate over whether non-owners should chase him ahead of his expectedly availability in the five-eighth slot once dual-position status is awarded.
Mark Nawaqanitawase's 106-point haul (adjusted to 101 after updates) against the Sharks was also a clear highlight of the round and he will be popular with an expected low breakeven despite missing Round 18.
Injury Watch and Returns
Jacob Kiraz continues to play through a calf injury but keeps producing huge scores, while Haumole Olakau'atu shook off a shoulder issue to post a solid 74.
Tom Trbojevic also impressed on return from his latest hamstring injury with plenty of involvement, although it didn't turn into points.
It wasn't such a great return for Nicho Hynes (calf, 61 [BE 143]) and Blayke Brailey (arm, 54 [BE 128]), leaving those who held frustrated and those who traded away licking their lips at the oncoming price drops.
A new injury emerged with Jackson Ford. Jono and Cracker discussed direct replacements like Alex Twal, who is a chance or returning this week, or strengthening CTW stocks via players like Tolu Koula and James Tedesco, who passed the eye test after a quiet few weeks in the Origin period.
Key Takeaways for SuperCoach Managers
This week reinforces why it's so important to have a good plan to time you trades to perfection and keep as many up your sleeve as possible ready for the post-Origin run home.
It's why it is so important to consult the tools on ballr.live each week - along with the Ballr podcasts - to make sure you're making to right call on all the big decisions.
You can also use join the conversation anytime in the Ballrs Only Discord.
Catch the full episode of this week's Sunday Snap in the player above or watch the YouTube Premiere from 5.30pm AEST to help get your mind ticking over the Round 17.