Final Word: Rd 4, key trade + tactical advice

• STAT ANALYSIS: Vital numbers to beat the best
• STRATEGY PLAYBOOK: When is the right time to take risks?

Did I say it was carnage last week? 

This week took it to a whole new level! The injuries and suspensions have opened up some interesting SuperCoach predicaments though leading into what is shaping as a lopsided Round 4 in the NRL.  

Whilst on paper some of these match-ups look very one-sided, it does sometimes pay to do your homework and look deeper into how each side has lost games and how that plays out moving forward for this week’s games and beyond. 

I’m currently pondering whether Josh Schuster is a must-have for cash generation or if I can wait a week or bypass him altogether. 

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I’ve got a huge wrap on Schuster as a player but he is playing out of position in a very ordinary team at the moment and even though he has played two good games the standard of opposition really lifts this Thursday. 

Brian To’o, Stephen Crichton, Cody Walker and Alex Johnston are all on my radar for potential trade-ins. 

Something tells me this weekend could be really pivotal for SuperCoaches moving forward. Do your research and back your gut instinct in your trades and hope for the best!

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PODs & Super PODS 

After three rounds, here’s the players I’ve identified as PODs (Point of Difference players – less than 10% owned) and Super PODS (less than 2% owned) that should be on your radar. 

I’ve listed them in ranking order of who I believe is the best to take the risk on.

PODs (My top-5 ranked) 

1. Tohu Harris – Rock solid and his role this year is conducive to even bigger scores. Running off Nikorima on the right edge and spending time in the middle, massive!

2. Josh Schuster – Seemingly a no brainer if you can fit him in your side. 

3. Dane Gagai – Intriguing option on the lethal left side of Rabbitohs. 

4. Kodi Nikorima – Career year. Currently the top-scoring HLF/5-8 

5. Tyson Frizell – Set for solid scores all year. Attacking upside. 

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Super PODs (My top-5 ranked)

1. Adam Elliott – It is truly outrageous that Elliott is averaging 72.7 after 3 rounds in a team that hasn’t scored a point for two games. He is an elite backrower and the move to the edge from Barrett has really unleashed his SuperCoach scoring potential.  
2. Tyrone Peachey – Could Peachey be the solid CTW scorer we are looking for to accompany Capewell, Laurie and the like? He’s certainly making a case, but I would like to see his minutes lift from 40 to 60 minutes soon. 
3. Marata Niukore – Averaging 66.5 points from two games at centre since Waqa Blake has been injured and looks awesome doing it. He might have found his position. There’s some risk to the play but also huge upside if he continues in the same vein of form. 
4. Ben Condon – Why not go early on this cheapie? It’s become pretty apparent fairly quickly the Cowboys are going to bottom right out before they get better. We are talking a full rebuild. This bloke is part of the future and if he can play well enough he could be a mainstay in the team for years to come. 
5. Adam Doueihi – Forget Schuster, Cody Walker and Munster. Want a Super Pod in the 5/8^th position that can set you aside from the majority of other teams? Doueihi is your man. 

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ROUND 4 MATCHUPS 

There looks to be some potential bloodbaths this weekend that could make for HUUGE  SuperCoach scores. The players I think matchup well Supercoach wise are: 

To’o, Staines, Crichton, Kikau, Luai and Cleary v Sea Eagles. 

Cody Walker, Johnston, Gagai and Mitchell v Bulldogs

Papi and Munster v Tigers

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CAPTAIN

The captain pick is back in play now with many SuperCoaches weighing up their options with the injuries to the Roosters causing uncertainty around how it will affect Tedesco’s SuperCoach scoring. Teddy is still being captained by over 30% of SuperCoach players, however Nathan Cleary, Jarome Luai, Papi, Munster, Latrell Mitchell and Cody Walker are all viable options for the VC and C this weekend. 

At this stage, I’ll have the VC on Cleary and C on Teddy.

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TOPSPORT BETs of the WEEK

2021 – ROI (Return on Investment) = +25% 

• • 2021 Results based on $10 per bet. $140 bet. $175.20 return. 

$35.20 profit. 

Round 3 Recap 

Brandon Smith and Zac Lomax both got the try anytime (ironically both first try-scorers), however the value multi and the multi were off the mark again this week.  

Round 4 

Cody Walker  3+ tries @ $23

Jarome Luai 2+ tries @ $16

Nelson Asofa-Solomona Anytime try-scorer @ $4.20

Multi – Rabbitohs -21.5/Storm -19.5/Sharks win/Raiders win = $7.59

Value Multi – Rabbitohs -29.5/Storm -29.5/Warriors +6 = $19.33

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