NRL Supercoach 2023: The best five cheapies to buy
Cheap ones have the ability to make or break a supercoach team. Getting your picks right is crucial so you don’t have to burn those all-important trades early on to chase the money machines.
Under, The sports news runs the rule on the five best cheap options available for NRL Supercoach in 2023.
Stefano Utoikamanu (FRF) – $319,000
After a disappointing last season plagued by injuries that limited the promising prop to just nine appearances, the 22-year-old is arguably the best prop available this season at a great price.
MORE: Can Reece Robson become an elite supercoach option at Hooker in 2023?
When Stefano Utoikamanu established himself as a starter in 2021, he was on average in the 50s. There’s no reason to think he can’t match and even surpass that he’s now part of a rejuvenated Tigers pack led by fellow Tigers David Klemmer.
J’maine Hopgood (2RF) – $298,800
Even disregarding the mess Parramatta’s backrow will be in early in the season, with Isaiah Papali’i transitioning to Concord, Ryan Matterson getting suspended and Shaun Lane suffering a broken jaw in Trials, the Eels’ recruit would be a great one Choice.
A starting spot for his side’s clash with Melbourne is sure to make him a lock on pretty much every Supercoach roster.
J’maine Hopgood’s heavy workload and ability to outsource has been specially developed for Supercoach, and his job security comes after his superb preseason form, which included excelling in the All-Stars match before earning 59 points in Parramatta’s final exam scored, firmly anchored.
Josh Schuster (2RF/5-8) – $241,200
Was pretty much the most popular player in the game before an early injury ruled him out for the first few weeks.
Manly has the bye in round two, meaning we won’t see Josh Schuster’s move to five eighths until round three when the Sea Eagles meet Parramatta before then traveling to face the Bunnies.
As a result, its price won’t change for a while, so the decision revolves around whether to start with the Samoan international and potentially save a trade, or skip it first before drawing it in at a later date.
Minus his poor season in 2022, in which he played just 13 games for a 22.9 PPG average, Schuster hit 60.9 PPG two years ago while playing at left rim. He has the ability to produce something similar this year.
Sunia Turuva (FLB/CTW) – $275,000
The Fiji airman quickly became a super coach after Taylan May’s unfortunate ACL injury ruled him out for the full season. In another important development, Turuva was also given double-header status after initially being named only as an FLB option.
At the end of a deadly Penrith backline who will be looking to take the treble in 2023, Turuva is a must.
Isaiya Katoa (5-8/HFB) – $216,100
Since Wayne Bennett told Anthony Milford to pull his socks up otherwise, Isaiya Katoa has risen in popularity and is the second most voted halfback in Supercoach behind Nathan Cleary.
The new franchise is unlikely to offer much in attack but the former Panthers’ prodigy is one of the most hyped talents in years and made a few nice gestures during his side’s final review last month.
Bennett has a history of picking rookies and then staying with them for at least a month, so a starting playmaker at a bargain price is too good a prospect to pass up for many.