Moneyball preview: Saturday fixtures

• FINAL WORD: Key Round 2 trade advice
• CHAMPION PODS: Unique picks to set you apart

It was a huge opening week of NRL Moneyball action, with a few strong picks now setting up a tidy profit for the remainder of the season.

I was able to nail the Thursday night Eels v Bulldogs clash, winning the entire pot against 811 opponents to claim $400 in winning.

To cap off a very tidy opening to the Round, I upped my entry to $15 for the Broncs v Cowboys Queensland derby and finished equal first to net another $485 in winnings.

Let’s hope it can continue on in Round 2, here’s my selections for the Saturday fixtures.

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RAIDERS v TITANS

Hooker – Josh Hodgson looks the best option at hooker and could have a field day against this Warriors outfit.

Forwards – Eliesa Katoa is an absolute must at his price while starting in the second-row. He busts out enormous points per minute and shouldscore well.

Likewise Jamayne Taunoa-Brown who scores at a quick rate and will provide plenty of value.

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Halves – Chanel Harris-Tavita looks a decent option at his price with the goal-kicking duties, but George Williams also presents value and is a decent option.

Backs – Bailey Simonsson looks at great pick on the left edge outside Jarrod Croker. It’s the same edge as Jack Wighton which should see plenty of ball. After him it’s again a bit of a lottery, with several options of similar credentials.

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ROOSTERS v SEA EAGLES

Hooker – Jake Friend surprisingly played big minutes last week with Sam Verrills on the bench and is a strong pick while given increased game time.

Forwards – Angus Crichton starts in the back-row and is discounted having played off the bench in the past, get him in while likely playing 80. Sio Siua Taukeiaho is at a reasonable price and showed last week he’s capable of jagging attacking stats to combine with his hefty work rate.

Halves – Luke Keary is enormous value following a poor week in Round 1.

Backs – Tom Trbojevic and James Tedesco are the obvious ones to pick here. It’s worth forking out the big cash to get them in your side. There’s not lots of decent value in the forwards so you may have to pick one and go cheap in the other two outside back positions.

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SHARKS v STORM

Hooker – Blayke Brailey is dirt cheap and looks the viable option here.

Forwards – Jack Williams is cheap after playing reduced minutes last season. He should see 60-minutes and is another forward capable of producing vital attacking stats. Braden Hamlin-Uele is in the same boat and present value.

Halves – Shaun Johnson went big last week, but it’s a different story against the resilient Storm. For that reason, I like Cam Munster who produces decent numbers against any opposition and can go very large on his day.

Backs – Ryan Papenhuyzen is costly but you can save money elsewhere and load up on him. He gets through enormous work for a fullback and is an outstanding pick. Jesse Ramien looks a solid option at an affordable price given he’s playing outside Shaun Johnson on the right edge.