Targeting matchups at this point of the season is always key in Supercoach, but it’s far from an easy trick to master.
The Sharks were very poor last week in a loss to the Dragons and have had an up-and-down season—both in reality and in NRL Supercoach terms.
This week, however, they’re back at home against an improved but still bottom-of-the-table Gold Coast Titans outfit, who could find the trip to the Sutherland Shire a challenge.
It shapes as a target matchup for astute Supercoaches and one where you could win your crucial head-to-heads with some well-timed trades, especially with the Sharks playing the fourth game of the round, giving you time to assess the early results.
The only caveat is the Sharks will be on a bye week in round 25, so you will need to plan accordingly.
There are a number of intriguing options this week if you believe the Sharks will bounce back at home and get their attack firing against a Titans side that can leak points.
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The Guns
Nicho Hynes | HFB | $676,400 | 31.4% Owned
Put simply: if you do not own Nicho Hynes, make him your number one priority this week.
While Hynes isn’t having his best season, if he produces a strong finish he can still improve on last year’s 75-point average — and with a five-round average of 84, he’s well on his way.
In Round 19, Hynes posted a season-best 137 points against the Dolphins, which was his third tonne of the season so far and what he is capable of this week.
With goal-kicking duties and the ability to rack up multiple try assists — something he’s been doing regularly of late — he’s not only a player you should be purchasing, but also a potential captaincy option for the round.
Blake Brailey | HOK | $701,300 | 14.6% Owned
In a week where the trade market is flocking to pick up Harry Grant at hooker, the best counter is to grab the Sharks rake and never look back.
Grant is already in over 23% of teams, with that figure likely to grow to 25–30%. Brailey is in just over half as many sides, with 14.6% ownership representing tremendous value this week.
Brailey currently boasts an 86 five-round average and is scoring at 66 points per game on the season, already outperforming the more fancied Grant.
Since Round 15, the in-form hooker has flicked a switch, averaging over 84 points in that eight-game run — and he has registered at least one attacking stat in every match in that stretch.
Against a leaky Titans side at PointsBet Stadium, Brailey could be in for another huge game and it is rare to be able to nab the best player in a position at his ownership level.
The PODs
Ronaldo Mulitalo | CTW | $583,300 | 6.6% Owned
Mulitalo remains one of the most dangerous finishers in the competition, and the Titans’ right edge has leaked tries all season.
He’s also in strong form, with a three-round average of 83 and three tries in as many games.
At this price point he offers value, and his past season finishes show he can be a serious weapon — he averaged 92 points between Rounds 19–27 last year.
With two tonnes already this season and one of his top five all-time career scores coming against the Titans, he shapes as a risk-reward pick who looks likely to cross the stripe.
Sione Katoa | CTW | $415,700 | 0.5% Owned
Katoa is often the less talked about winger in Supercoach, but given the right opportunities, he can be the most devastating finisher in the Sharks’ backline.
Unlike Mulitalo, Katoa has been down on form — which is exactly what makes him an intriguing option for those chasing an uber POD at just 0.5% ownership.
He’s also significantly cheaper and has enjoyed playing the Titans, with the Gold Coast one of only five sides he has posted 100+ points against in his career.
With just nine games under his belt this year, he hasn’t found much rhythm, but his 107-point effort against the Dragons in Round 15 (scoring two tries) was a reminder of his upside that could easily be a preview for this week.
High risk, high reward — Katoa isn’t as safe as the other options, but almost nobody owns him, and he has the potential for multiple tries this week.
The Budget Option
Mawene Hiroti | CTW | $373,500 | 2.3% Owned
If you’re scraping the barrel for a downgrade or cheapie, Hiroti is a plug-and-play option this week.
With Jesse Ramien ruled out for the rest of the season, Hiroti has job security and, importantly, can free up enough cash for a second big upgrade elsewhere.
In games where he has started and played 80 minutes this year, Hiroti has scored in four of five — each time posting 70+ Supercoach points when crossing for a try.
He does have a low floor and is heavily reliant on tries, but against the Titans this week he’s a strong chance. In future weeks, you can bench him and enjoy the upgrade his price tag allowed.
Final Word
Targeted matchups don’t always go to plan in the NRL or in Supercoach — but when they do, they can change your season in spectacular fashion. This week’s clash shapes as one of those opportunities.
With the Sharks at home, backs against the wall, and a Gold Coast outfit that can leak points, investing in Cronulla could be the move that wins you your head-to-head or surges you up the rankings, just know the risks.