Spy Talk: Answering the big questions ahead of Rd 1

<p>Pre TLT i had ctw kelly, sauce and to&#8217;o. I have downgraded all 3 and upgraded to Paulo, Leota, Ofa and Fogarty and a CTW NPR, I know 3 into 4 isn&#8217;t good maths! upgraded a couple of Benchies &amp; NPR&#8217;s :). Reasoning is 3 FRFs who will be 60/60 and a HLF on the pine with good upside.<br />
Now i write this my conviction is wavering&#8230;oh SC!</p>



<p>Troops,</p>



<p>I’m sitting here having a whiskey watching a movie with the better half, dreaming of next weekend when the 5:30 game is about to end, and the young exciting Penrith Panthers are about to take on the Cowboys..</p>



<p>Look don’t get me wrong, I’m happy now, but come Thursday night the dream will be real!</p>



<p>With that being said let’s jump into some of the key questions keeping us SuperCoaches up at night…</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is there merit in leaving out Teddy?</strong></h2>



<p>With such a high price tag on James Tedesco I can understand why people would be hesitant to include him in their initial squads, but based on last year I can tell you first hand that not owning him could ruin your season.</p>



<p>See his 199 v the Dogs in Round 5, and three scores above 175 and four tons in five matches as the reason why he can destroy you if you don’t own.</p>



<p>On the flipside, his worst stretch of the year saw him average 61PPG over a five week period mid season.</p>



<a id="6n15EzL_QCRF0Bq5ePAPwQ" class="gie-single" href="http://www.gettyimages.com.au/detail/1264276914" target="_blank" style="color:#a7a7a7;text-decoration:none;font-weight:normal !important;border:none;display:inline-block;" rel="noopener">Embed from Getty Images</a><script>window.gie=window.gie||function(c){(gie.q=gie.q||[]).push(c)};gie(function(){gie.widgets.load({id:'6n15EzL_QCRF0Bq5ePAPwQ',sig:'cMM-5bFObwm8ZSuK3S3KjVqKlhEVbXufspaAF9Q12L4=',w:'594px',h:'396px',items:'1264276914',caption: true ,tld:'com.au',is360: false })});</script><script src="//embed-cdn.gettyimages.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8" async=""></script>



<p>For mine, Trent Robinson tactically asked Tedesco to take a semi back seat at this time to freshen him up before finals, and following this lull he averaged 114.5PPG over the final four regular season games heading into finals.</p>



<p>When it boils down to it there are even more rules in place this year to suit Teddy.</p>



<p>Whilst there is a chance he starts off with an average of 65-70 over the first month, it’s unlikely and the risk of leaving him out just isn’t worth it over simply putting him in to start with and leaving him for the season (possibly minus Origin period).</p>



<p>The only question really is do you captain him every single week or pick your matchups?</p>



<p>I’ll captain Angus Crichton in Round 1 and be close to Teddy every week from there on out once I see how the Chooks are looking.</p>



<p>For anyone that does leave him out, I hope the SuperCoach Gods are kind and perhaps the anti-pod works…</p>



<a id="-m9Gb45hR_NwuOhH7gVw_Q" class="gie-single" href="http://www.gettyimages.com.au/detail/1276739195" target="_blank" style="color:#a7a7a7;text-decoration:none;font-weight:normal !important;border:none;display:inline-block;" rel="noopener">Embed from Getty Images</a><script>window.gie=window.gie||function(c){(gie.q=gie.q||[]).push(c)};gie(function(){gie.widgets.load({id:'-m9Gb45hR_NwuOhH7gVw_Q',sig:'Sgqh6gRyG5hxtbpL5vwr3yreKoINg6tjVuC4KO6C-ig=',w:'594px',h:'396px',items:'1276739195',caption: true ,tld:'com.au',is360: false })});</script><script src="//embed-cdn.gettyimages.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8" async=""></script>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Go cheap or strength at centre/wing?</strong></h2>



<p>This is the toughest question of the pre-season for mine.</p>



<p>Many a good judge will tell you to start cheap in the centres as traditionally this works.</p>



<p>There is ABSOLUTELY nothing wrong with this, but the more I look at it and the anxious memories of watching cheap centres score me 20s in the opening weeks, the more I want a little shake up.</p>



<p>Nothing crazy, but this year you can get Brian To’o in a stacked Penrith team for well below top price and someone like Brian Kelly is similar.</p>



<p>There is also the likes of Jordan Rapana, Reimis Smith and Jake Averillo above bottom dollar who could be serious value.</p>



<p>When it comes down to it for mine, it’s all about your best 17 for Round 1 as points are vital.</p>



<p>For example, I am currently looking at picking To’o and potentially dropping Kelly.</p>



<p><strong><em>GET ONBOARD WITH TOPSPORT!</em></strong> <strong><em>Back your knowledge, and follow our NRL market previews throughout the season. Use the code SCPLAYBOOK when signing up.&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.topsport.com.au/?Referrer=SC%20Playbook" target="_blank">Check them out here ahead of season kick off.</a></em></strong></p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="575" src="http://13.210.220.211/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/TopSport-SC-Playbook-Rugby-2048x1149-No-SuperCoach--1024x575.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1948538" srcset="https://blog.scplaybook.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/TopSport-SC-Playbook-Rugby-2048x1149-No-SuperCoach--1024x575.jpg 1024w, https://blog.scplaybook.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/TopSport-SC-Playbook-Rugby-2048x1149-No-SuperCoach--300x168.jpg 300w, https://blog.scplaybook.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/TopSport-SC-Playbook-Rugby-2048x1149-No-SuperCoach--768x431.jpg 768w, https://blog.scplaybook.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/TopSport-SC-Playbook-Rugby-2048x1149-No-SuperCoach--1536x862.jpg 1536w, https://blog.scplaybook.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/TopSport-SC-Playbook-Rugby-2048x1149-No-SuperCoach--2048x1149.jpg 2048w, https://blog.scplaybook.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/TopSport-SC-Playbook-Rugby-2048x1149-No-SuperCoach--640x359.jpg 640w, https://blog.scplaybook.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/TopSport-SC-Playbook-Rugby-2048x1149-No-SuperCoach--1200x673.jpg 1200w, https://blog.scplaybook.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/TopSport-SC-Playbook-Rugby-2048x1149-No-SuperCoach--800x450.jpg 800w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 98vw, (max-width: 1199px) 64vw, 770px" /></figure>



<p>The answer for me will be this &#8211; if I drop Kelly, is the upgrade I get elsewhere plus a cheaper centre going to outscore Kelly and my worst forward who (would otherwise be upgraded)?</p>



<p>We won’t know until team lists give us our depth and final rosters, but I would love to chat about this. As it stands, I can go Kelly and Lodge or Roberts and Paulo/TKO? Discuss please..</p>



<p>As of right now I’m locking in To’o, Laurie and Staines (BOOM!) whilst my fourth playing centre is TBC.</p>



<p>Adding weight to my decision to start some more expensive centres is the emergence of a bunch of mid-range forwards in the last two seasons which has freed up some cash elsewhere.</p>



<p>Also the fact that the man Tim Williams started with semi expensive centres in his side last year and that got him to 2<sup>nd</sup>, so it obviously worked!!</p>



<p>Happy to discuss and I think both options have merit…</p>



<a id="ZYSyltcCQK1DJIHHIOF9fg" class="gie-single" href="http://www.gettyimages.com.au/detail/1209446939" target="_blank" style="color:#a7a7a7;text-decoration:none;font-weight:normal !important;border:none;display:inline-block;" rel="noopener">Embed from Getty Images</a><script>window.gie=window.gie||function(c){(gie.q=gie.q||[]).push(c)};gie(function(){gie.widgets.load({id:'ZYSyltcCQK1DJIHHIOF9fg',sig:'R4yZk45DFDNSOrp7qN19-0qPQcapV81gHRHgy2xAiPA=',w:'594px',h:'396px',items:'1209446939',caption: true ,tld:'com.au',is360: false })});</script><script src="//embed-cdn.gettyimages.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8" async=""></script>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>A key note…</strong></h2>



<p>One thing to always do in SuperCoach is try and determine who underperformed last year either due to injury, team situation, lack of minutes or the like.</p>



<p>If you can do this well, then you will be able to pick guys who will be able to both score you points and make money by averaging 10+ points more than last year..</p>



<p>Examples include Matt Lodge (injury effected), Connor Watson (injury effected), Charlie Staines (price slashed due to only playing two games), Ryan Papenhuyzen (now goal-kicking) and so on who could all improve…</p>



<a id="3BRUdy94RBFhrqS_NlRXzA" class="gie-single" href="http://www.gettyimages.com.au/detail/1304483362" target="_blank" style="color:#a7a7a7;text-decoration:none;font-weight:normal !important;border:none;display:inline-block;" rel="noopener">Embed from Getty Images</a><script>window.gie=window.gie||function(c){(gie.q=gie.q||[]).push(c)};gie(function(){gie.widgets.load({id:'3BRUdy94RBFhrqS_NlRXzA',sig:'WgbUv6VhbWZ0_aEd9wi7dvWrDJW_y5eZJPVW4YzjJeI=',w:'396px',h:'594px',items:'1304483362',caption: true ,tld:'com.au',is360: false })});</script><script src="//embed-cdn.gettyimages.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8" async=""></script>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Spy&#8217;s pick</strong></h2>



<p>I simply can’t go past Angus Crichton as my pick of the season to start things off.</p>



<p>Unless for some reason he loses his 80 minute role, he is going to be an absolute SuperCoach superstar.</p>



<p>He is only 25-years-old and with a PPM of 1.07 last season that would lead to an average of 85.6PPG across 80 minutes. For mine he could even improve. Just get him!!</p>



<a id="zDhOqiHmRVR4h12h3FwAVQ" class="gie-single" href="http://www.gettyimages.com.au/detail/1280484614" target="_blank" style="color:#a7a7a7;text-decoration:none;font-weight:normal !important;border:none;display:inline-block;" rel="noopener">Embed from Getty Images</a><script>window.gie=window.gie||function(c){(gie.q=gie.q||[]).push(c)};gie(function(){gie.widgets.load({id:'zDhOqiHmRVR4h12h3FwAVQ',sig:'tBdeU7yqFkZS-13N3QRUsbBr6SG4J2MxxciMhxnDy0s=',w:'594px',h:'396px',items:'1280484614',caption: true ,tld:'com.au',is360: false })});</script><script src="//embed-cdn.gettyimages.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8" async=""></script>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Mid-range madness</strong></h2>



<p>It is becoming increasingly important to nail not only the correct cheapies, but the correct mid-rangers.</p>



<p>Last year it was Zac Lomax, Api Koroisau, Corey Horsburgh, Luciano Leilua, Pat Carrigan and so on.</p>



<p>With the amount of young talent coming through, they are becoming more and more options as guys build into bigger roles. Who will it be this year?</p>



<p>For the record, I currently have Welch, Lam, Watson, Moylan, Brandon Smith (early).</p>



<p>Additionally, Lodge is someone I may well start with, but I currently have him upgraded to Junior Paulo by downgrading Kelly at centre. Decision to make there!</p>



<a id="zFIwXiGQRgNk9-NjRuzoTw" class="gie-single" href="http://www.gettyimages.com.au/detail/1304355430" target="_blank" style="color:#a7a7a7;text-decoration:none;font-weight:normal !important;border:none;display:inline-block;" rel="noopener">Embed from Getty Images</a><script>window.gie=window.gie||function(c){(gie.q=gie.q||[]).push(c)};gie(function(){gie.widgets.load({id:'zFIwXiGQRgNk9-NjRuzoTw',sig:'Io5g040Ro3kqTC70g4mXMeIadBvYYeev49DtHMke7OE=',w:'424px',h:'594px',items:'1304355430',caption: true ,tld:'com.au',is360: false })});</script><script src="//embed-cdn.gettyimages.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8" async=""></script>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Another key note…</strong></h2>



<p>For anyone who is new to SuperCoach, it’s important to make sure you pick enough guys who are as close to bottom dollar as possible.</p>



<p>I often see new starters pick household names who are worth around $300-400k and are only average at SC instead of getting themselves bottom dollar cheapies who have set roles.</p>



<p>It is absolutely vital to get these cheapies (as well as viable mid-rangers) to allow to you pick up the likes of Tedesco, Cleary, Crichton, Matterson and co. <a href="http://13.210.220.211/2021/02/23/bargain-buys-cheapies-to-target-for-round-1/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">See this link for the best crop of cheapies</a> available and plug some of them into your side.</p>



<p>As a reference, I currently have 12 guys in my full squad below $300k and eight below $250k. Not all will play in my 17 though!</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">David Fifita&#8230; Take a Bow 😤 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TelstraPremiership?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TelstraPremiership</a> Moment of the Match <a href="https://t.co/0wfL7vVkhA">pic.twitter.com/0wfL7vVkhA</a></p>&mdash; NRL (@NRL) <a href="https://twitter.com/NRL/status/1238422144284950528?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 13, 2020</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Fifita to join the game&#8217;s elite</strong></h2>



<p>I’m just basically footy chatting now because I’m that excited, but I can’t help but think if he can stay healthy then David Fifita is going to be near on impossible to contain across 2021.</p>



<p>If he can string together consistent games and build combinations I can see the Titans giving him plenty of early ball and D Fifita absolutely killing them.</p>



<p>I’m not sure what average to expect, but I’m hopeful of 70+, if not 75-80+ PPG.</p>



<p>In any draft squad I’ve build in the past two weeks I simply can’t leave him out…</p>



<p>Are these expectations just coming from my footy passion and genuine buzz or am I on the money? I think only a lack of early ball can thwart him..</p>



<a id="33X1JBRYQBxYtTS_3TC8Sw" class="gie-single" href="http://www.gettyimages.com.au/detail/1304333809" target="_blank" style="color:#a7a7a7;text-decoration:none;font-weight:normal !important;border:none;display:inline-block;" rel="noopener">Embed from Getty Images</a><script>window.gie=window.gie||function(c){(gie.q=gie.q||[]).push(c)};gie(function(){gie.widgets.load({id:'33X1JBRYQBxYtTS_3TC8Sw',sig:'iNn1jRDLWdqVeF36OaMuy5URaAYLW3em7yxx7yBHSe8=',w:'594px',h:'396px',items:'1304333809',caption: true ,tld:'com.au',is360: false })});</script><script src="//embed-cdn.gettyimages.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8" async=""></script>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Luai looms as early POD play</strong></h2>



<p>One of the other young guys I’m keen on. Not just because he is a star, but because his confidence is up and he is playing in such a good team that it’s near impossible to target him if you are a defensive side.</p>



<p>I’m taking him to start the year over Cody Walker and Cam Munster due to Penrith’s early draw and the discount on price to allow upgrades early.</p>



<p>I must say I’m terrified not to own Cody and I’m going to do everything I can to get him in from Round 4 when Souths draw opens up.</p>



<p>Side note &#8211; I’m not sure I can watch Souths v Manly Round 2 purely because of this, but at least Penrith and Luai play a new look Bulldogs who will still be building combinations.</p>



<p>Here’s to Latrell stealing Cody’s points!!</p>



<p>Alright team, that’s it from me until teams drop. Let me know what you think on Twitter @SCSpy1 or reply to this article on Facebook or the website and I’m keen to discuss.</p>


Spy Talk: Answering the big questions ahead of Rd 1

Discussion (1)

NBA Supercoach Team Reveal | Spy’s squad + analysis

NBA Supercoach Spy Talk | Building a starting squad

Spy Talk | NRL Supercoach finals week two team reveal

SpyTalk | Round 27