Croker’s Call: Brutal reality of being a coach

• CHAMPION PODS: Unique players to give you an edge
• DECISION TIME: Answering the week’s big questions

Things a dire at Stockmen headquarters.

Injuries have torn my side apart, and I’m coming off a small drop in rank from last weekend.

We put together a score of 1,181 and fell out of the top 20,000, bugger.

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The drop was the least of my worries, with Smith, Grant, Matterson, Best and Papenhuyzen all out of action this weekend.

I’ve got some depth in my squad, so I should get out of it okay, but it’s hard yakka.

Recruit Maika Sivo knocked out a whopping 7 for me in Round 12, while Luke Keary wasn’t much better with 23.

Of the positives, Jason Taumalolo hit over 100, Eliesa Katoa 85, Jake Trbojevic 95 and Mitch Aubusson 76, so it wasn’t all bad.

Here’s what’s on the cards for Round 13.

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CAMERON SMITH – JAZZ TEVAGA

Unfortunately Smith is out for a few weeks, and I need quality numbers, so I’ll trade him out at the big price. He’s had a short stint for me, but at least it was effective.

I’m excited to recruit Jazz Tevaga at the Warriors. The utility forward is a serious footballer that brings plenty of energy to his side. His ability to generate second phase play is something the side look to really be targeting at the moment.

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JAROME LUAI – MITCHELL MOSES

I’ve had Luai all year and he’s been handy for my depth, but I’m looking to build a stronger 25 man squad for the remainder of the year. Thanks for your services Jarome.

Mitch Moses is ridiculously cheap so I couldn’t pass up at the price. To be honest I wanted Cody Walker, but I couldn’t make it happen with Luai playing halfback for me.

Parramatta are building towards something special at the moment, and Moses will be at the centre of everything as they continue to improve on the run to the finals.

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CAPTAIN

I’ve been well informed of the vice-captain loophole tactic by a few SC Playbook advisors, and I may be able to use it this week on James Tedesco if he scores well as my vice-captain.

My skipper will be Cameron Munster who will lead the charge for Melbourne against the Bulldogs on the Sunshine Coast.

Hopefully Munster can go large and fling me up the rankings with a big score.

Good luck to everyone in Round 13.

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