Jerseys
Predicted Line Up
1. Matt Moylan, 2. Sosaia Feki, 3. Josh Dugan, 4. Josh Morris, 5. Sione Katoa, 6. Chad Townsend, 7. Shaun Johnson, 8. Andrew Fifita, 9. Jayden Brailey, 10. Matt Prior, 11. Kurt Capewell, 12. Scott Sorensen, 13. Paul Gallen. Interchange: 14. Aaron Woods, 15. Ava Seumanufagai, 16. Jayson Bukuya. 17. Kyle Flanagan.
Key Player
Shaun Johnson – Johnson is a former Golden Boot winner for World’s Best Player, and he’ll be looking to make an immediate impact at the Sharks. Playing with Chad Townsend should provide SJ with freedom to run the ball and break the defensive line, something that will be vital with the loss of Valentine Holmes.
One To Watch
Matt Moylan – Expected to wear the #1 jersey in 2019, Moylan grew into the five-eighth role as last season went by. It’ll be interesting to see how he re-adjusts to the fullback role in 2019.
Rising Star
Bronson Xerri – Former coach Shane Flanagan said he would have played this kid in 2018, but he wasn’t old enough. That says a lot about how good the young centre is.
Predicted Top Try Scorer
Sosaia Feki (10)
Goal Kickers
1. Shaun Johnson, 2. Chad Townsend, 3. Kyle Flanagan.
SuperCoach
The Guns
Shaun Johnson ($603,000 | HFB/5/8) – In the past five seasons, the lowest SJ has averaged is 64. Although his base is low, he kicks goals, break tackles and is an attacking superstar, especially if he runs the ball more. Despite having to find his feet in a new spine combination, expect Johnson to still score well in SuperCoach.
Andrew Fifita ($634,300 | FRF) – Fifita averaged nearly 50 in pure base PPG and just under 20 evasive PPG last season, which is exceptional. With a PPM of well over 1.0, the NRL’s most prolific offloader is guaranteed points, as long as he gets the minutes.
The PODs
Matt Moylan ($483,500 | FLB/5/8) – From 2015-2018, Moylan has provided 56 try assists and scored 16 tries in 74 games – that equates to almost one try or try assist per game. With a move back to the #1 jersey on the cards, Moylan will gain greater freedom without having to worry as much about defence as last season, boosting his SuperCoach potential.
Josh Dugan ($497,400 | FLB/CTW) – Dugan will almost certainly line up at centre this season. Last year, he averaged 60.0 PPG at centre, thanks to a solid base of 27.5 PPG. Interestingly, Dugan didn’t blank in any of his four matches at centre last season. With a favourable early draw, Dugan is a great POD.
The Cheapies
Briton Nikora ($168,100 | CTW/2RF) – After scoring 10 tries and providing 4 try assists in the NSW ISP last season, Nikora could earn a start on the left edge with Wade Graham injured. However, Scott Sorenson is the clear favourite to start there at the moment.
Bronson Xerri ($168,100 | CTW) – There has been a bit of talk lately about Dugan potentially shifting to the wing. This would free up a centre spot for Xerri.
Avoid
Paul Gallen ($539,000 | 2RF) – Gallen’s SuperCoach points fell off a cliff last season, largely due to a huge drop in his PPM. Worryingly, his minutes per game didn’t drop by much. I think it’s safe to say that Paul Gallen is done as a SuperCoach gun. Thanks for the memories.
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