Croker’s Call: Stockmen add strike to bolster top 8 bid

Canberra Raiders captain Jarrod Croker reveals his NRL SuperCoach trades and tactics for Round 19.

Croker's Call

After a big run of rank rises the Stockmen took a little hit last week, but it was nothing to be concerned about.

A score of 1,247 saw a small drop to 9,000th overall, so we’re still positioned okay for the final stretch of the season.

Nicho Hynes was terrific as usual with 166 points, while Ryan Matterson also went large with 135 points.

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Unfortunately the squad has hit a few stumbling blocks this round with injuries to Alex Johnston, Tohu Harris, a HIA to Campbell Graham which has him doubt, and the benching of Taane Milne at South Sydney.

I’ve got the depth to cover it and six trades left to work with, so I’m feeling okay about it and will be holding Johnston.

Unfortunately I was knocked off in the SC Playbook head-to-head league by the Spy and dropped out of the eight, which is my main goal in SuperCoach 2021. A victory this week is needed big time.

Let’s take a look at trades and captains for the coming round.

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TRADES

TAANE MILNE to DAVID NOFOALUMA

Milne has been outstanding for me making stacks of cash since getting him at a bargain price a while back, but the fact he’s been benched is cause for concern.

It’ll stunt his money making in time and I’m a little thin on depth in the centre position, so I need to sure up that spot.

Even more so due to the fact Campbell Graham is in some doubt this week having to pass concussion protocol.

If Milne was to come back into the Rabbitohs team for the game with the Warriors I’d hold onto him and give him a run.

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Normally I make my trades early in the round to avoid forgetting, but this week I’ll hold fire for as long as possible. Being in the NRL bubble on the Gold Coast gives me no real excuse to forget making the trade.

In coming will be David Nofoaluma, one of the game’s best finishers. 

He’s very cheap for a prolific try-scorer and gives me far better options to play in my centres.

That’ll be my only trade this week in an attempt to conserve the final five at my disposal.

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CAPTAINS 

Tom Trbojevic is back for Manly and will slot straight in as skip for the Stockmen.

Not a lot to elaborate on here as he’s every chance at putting on another three digit score this week … or four, I’d hate to doubt Tommy.

My vice-captain will be Nicho Hynes who also has a nice match up with the Cowboys.

Melbourne are relentless this season and have shown no signs of slowing down even with players rested.

Add in the return of Ryan Papenhuyzen and there’s no reason why they won’t be putting a decent score on again.

That’s it for this week, good luck to everyone in Round 19!

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