The Final Word | Round 7 NRL Supercoach Trades & Captains

We’re just hours away from kick-off to NRL Supercoach round 7, the Easter long weekend edition.



It’s one of my favourite rounds of the year, namely because we all get a four-day weekend and everyone is naturally in a good mood as a result.



I’ll be camping, with the TV set up next to the fire pit and the local bowlo around the corner to ensure all eight games are available.



It’s not the roughest camping conditions of all-time…



Dez and Clementine are prepping for long weekends of their own, so I’m stepping in for a combined Final Word and Captaincy Call article prior to kick-off.



Here’s a few last thoughts ahead of NRL Supercoach round 7.



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<h3 class="wp-block-heading">NRL Supercoach Round 7 Strategy</h3>



The Spy today released <a href="https://blog.scplaybook.com.au/2025/04/17/spy-talk-nrl-supercoach-squad-balance/" title="a great article around squad balance">a great article around squad balance</a> which is worth checking out.



It relates to my moves this week also, and ties back to the debate of cash vs points when considering trades.



Balance is also vital.



Harry Grant is likely to come into my squad this week, while I’ll have an injured Christian Tuipulotu at $640k sitting on my bench doing little.



My cash could be spent elsewhere and potentially to better use, but my hooking slot is quite weak and I want to strengthen it with Grant to relieve myself of a headache with Sandon and Ryley Smith.



While trading for cash generation and points potential are vital, strengthening the weaker areas of your squad to create balance is just as important.



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<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Super PODs to monitor</h3>



Here I’ll follow on from the SC Playbook subscriber exclusive podcast where I outlined the sub 5% owned super POD players (among top 10% ranked coaches overall) that have caught my eye.



I also took a deep dive into the buy prospects of David Fifita based on historical scoring averages in different minutes on field.



If you’re a subscriber and haven’t checked out the new weekly podcast, it’s housed in an article with video and audio included.



Fletcher Sharpe – 5.8% owned



Rather than this week, this is probably one to monitor in coming rounds.



Sharpe is averaging 63 points per game in a side averaging 9.5 points per game which is quite impressive.



He’s $596k with dual CTW-FLB positioning.



With a breakeven of 89 and a tough clash with Cronulla we can have another look at him this week, but he’s one I’ve got my eye on.



The Knights have scored two tries in the past three games, yet he’s still averaged 50 points in that period.



After this week their draw softens against the Warriors, Rabbitohs, Titans, Eels and then the Origin impacted Panthers on the first major bye round.



I wouldn’t buy until we see the Knights attack improve, but if it does in the next week or two get ready to pounce.



Mark Nawaqanitawase – 3.3% ownership



The Roosters flyer returns to the squad this week with Billy Smith suspended for one week.



Don’t move this week as there’s a chance he drops out when Smith returns, however there’s also a possibility Dom Young drops and Nawaqanitawase moves to the wing which would be gold.



He’s averaging 65 points per game in a struggling Roosters outfit that are beginning to find a bit more touch.



He’s averaging just under 4 tacklebusts and 2 offloads per game.



He’s a special player in my eyes and is naturally only going to improve with every game since making the shift from union to league.



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<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Round 7 Captains</h3>



Ryan Papenhuyzen&nbsp;



Papenhuyzen is currently the most captained player at 41% among top ranked teams.



Papy is in excellent form, but to be honest I feel he’s only scratching the surface on return from numerous injuries.



Thriving in a rampant Storm attacking outfit he’s averaging 93.2 points per game.



He’s scored five tries this season and kicked 16 goals at 94.1%.



There’s the risk that the Dolphins get up for the clash, or the attack comes through the other star members of the Storm spine.



On the flipside, the Dolphins may not show up, the Storm could put on a cricket score and Papy could be involved in everything.



He looks extremely hard to pass up for me.



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Nathan Cleary



Cleary is flying under the radar due to the Panthers poor form, sitting at just 9% captained.



I feel there’s a real opportunity to stray from the crowd this week for anyone bold enough to do so.



Penrith have been ordinary, you can bet Cleary will take it upon himself to lift them out of their rut.



He put 80 on the Roosters in round 2 in what could have been a far higher score, and that week he was considered an absolute lock captaincy play.



I remember because I was a non-owner and was terrified watching on.



The Roosters defence is fairly ordinary, and their left edge which Cleary is attacking is conceding the majority of their tries at 43% compared to 32% on the right.



Huge play…



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Others to consider



Eliesa Katoa gets an absolute dream match-up running at Kodi Nikorima, good luck with that little fella!



Non-Papenhuyzen owners could easily captain him, or perhaps just VC to be safer.



Payne Haas always presents a reliable option with upside, bolstered by the fact the Warriors are missing key enforcer James Fisher-Harris.



Do you ever feel uneasy with how much you’re gambling with? You’re not alone, sport fans love a punt, but sometimes it can get a bit out of control. There’s help available with Gareth Wyatt and the team at CECAL. Contact here:&nbsp;<a href="https://bit.ly/3L2yG1W">https://bit.ly/3L2yG1</a>



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Terrell May is averaging 80 points per game and hasn’t scored below 69 this season.



While you may sit there and want to chase upside, Terrell is yet to score a try or assist one this season.



Any major attacking stat sends almost all of his scores this season to 100+, it’s coming…



Those captaining Papenhuyzen will have to vice-captain a player from the first two games of the round.



Clint Gutherson is a great vice-captaincy play against Manly tonight, while Reuben Garrick is the other option with upside.

The Final Word | Round 7 NRL Supercoach Trades & Captains

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