Croker’s Call: Stockmen rebound after slow start

Canberra Raiders captain Jarrod Croker reveals his NRL SuperCoach trades and tactics for Round 3.

Croker's Call

The Stockmen bounced back in Round 2 after a slow opening to the new SuperCoach season.

We pulled out a score of 1,232 for a round ranking of 5,434 which moved me into the top 20,000, so there’s progress!

My trades of Mitchy Barnett and Jayden Brailey both delivered, as did my unique fullback pick of Roger Tuivasa-Sheck.

James Tedesco scored another century which was ideal as my skipper once again.

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Kurt Capewell was a downside to the week, but he more than made up for it with the match-winner against the Storm in that incredible clash to begin the new round.

Let’s take a look at Round 3.

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TRADES

RYAN MATTERSON to DAVID FIFITA

Unfortunately Matterson copped another head knock in Round 2 and will sit out this week. With a history of concussions let’s hope he’s okay as he’s a great talent to watch.

With him out, I’ll bring in David Fifita who looks very affordable coming off two tries against his old club. The trades frees up plenty of cash and I’m not losing a star SuperCoach player in doing so.

Fifita was the focal point of Brisbane’s attack last season and was perhaps a little over relied upon.

He’ll be a key man at the Titans again, but sometimes less is better when you have a strike-weapon like Fifita.

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DAVID FUSITU’A to BLAKE FERGUSON

Fusitu’a will likely make me some cash in time, but I’m fairly happy with my side so far, especially the money-makers.

I have a habit of going towards my former club mates, possibly at my own detriment in SuperCoach at times, but it worked for Mitchy last week so I’ll stick to the plan.

Blake Ferguson will come in to strengthen my centres. Fergo has a huge work rate for an outside back, and he looks to be back in the tries this season, so hopefully they continue for the Stockmen.

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CAPTAINS

James Tedesco hasn’t let me down yet, so I’ll stay strong with the superstar fullback.

This doesn’t leave me many options for a vice-captain, but I’ll go with Jake Trbojevic who has made a solid start to the season in my back-row.

Attacking stats are just around the corner for the Manly lock, so hopefully this is the week and I can get a sneaky loop in.

Good luck to everyone in Round 3, and as always, hit me up with any feedback on my weekly trades.

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