- WEEKLY WRAP: Highs, lows and shocks, Round 19
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Another week, another major blow to the depth of SuperCoaches.
Injuries to Brian To’o, Shaun Johnson, Addin Fonua-Blake and Isaah Yeo (HIA), along with looming suspensions to Matt Lodge, Cam Murray and Luke Thompson have SuperCoach squads looking decimated with a whopping six rounds to play!
Don’t say you weren’t warned…
Those with depth and a few trades up the sleeve will be quietly optimistic for the run home, those without will be getting very nervous as top 17s get thinner on quality with every passing week.
Plenty of squads won’t be able to field 17 players this week, and many will achieve it by burning their final trades.
The Cooma Stallions were a bit disappointing in Round 19 with 1,342 points to slide down a few more spots to 1,327th overall.
I’m banking on the depth to lead to big charge in the final rounds, so we’ll have to wait and see.
Let’s take a look at the Round 20 squads, noting that references to overall player stats come from Adam Driussi’s weekly article leading into the prior round.
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Embed from Getty ImagesROOSTERS v EELS
Thursday, 7.50pm, BB Print Stadium, Mackay
Roosters: 1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Josh Morris 4. Adam Keighran 5. Joseph Manu 6. Drew Hutchinson 7. Sam Walker 8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves 9. Sam Verrills 10. Isaac Liu 11. Angus Crichton 12. Sitili Tupouniua 13. Victor Radley
Bench: 14. Lachlan Lam 15. Nat Butcher 16. Egan Butcher 17. Siosiua Taukeiaho
Reserves: 18. Ben Marschke 19. Fletcher Baker 20. Moala Graham-Taufa 21. Naufahu Whyte
Analysis: The Roosters have a tough fortnight ahead with games against the Eels and Panthers.
Afterwards, it opens up for SuperCoach head-to-head finals with games against the Broncos, Dragons, Rabbitohs and Raiders.
This makes their contingent decent choices, but far more so for head-to-head focused players.
James Tedesco repaid the faith of patient owners over a cruel Origin period with 146 points against the Knights.
At $644k with a breakeven of 54 he’s a great buy this week for the run home at a barely believable 4% ownership among the top 100 ranked teams overall, and 9% among the top 1,000.
He looked sublime and could have easily had another try-assist to Daniel Tupou that was disallowed.
He’s far from a must-have with limited trades and stacks of quality options at fullback – including cut-priced Papy/Ponga – but he does look a good buy.
Tupou remains a strong buy, as expected the return of Teddy was huge for his attacking output, crossing for one try and almost another only to be overturned due to a questionable forward pass decision that had the fullback seething.
Yes I know, bitter owner…
Angus Crichton is the best second-row pick behind David Fifita by some margin, get him in.
Sitili Tupouniua remains a decent POD following his monster 125 against the Knights.
However, he’s fairly attack dependant for a big minute back-rower. If tries don’t come in a tough fortnight ahead he could easily knock out back-to-back 40s.
He’s probably more of a head-to-head buy for that nice finals draw.
While it’s probably somewhat of a luxury trade this week, Victor Radley is finally putting out SuperCoach scores we’ve always expected.
He’s rocking a 3RA of 74PPG and most encouragingly has played 80, 71 and 70 minutes the past three weeks. Most of those points came in great base, averaging 54BPG in the past three weeks.
He’s just $428k and is available as dual 2RF-HOK which will be handy for the run home as depth is tested.
Minutes were likely inflated in recent weeks due to injuries though.
Siosiua Taukeiaho has again been named on the bench as per last week, owners will be praying he runs out this weekend for an extra number.
Embed from Getty ImagesEels: 1. Clint Gutherson 2. Maika Sivo 3. Tom Opacic 4. Waqa Blake 5. Blake Ferguson 6. Dylan Brown 7. Jakob Arthur 8. Reagan Campbell-Gillard 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Junior Paulo 11. Isaiah Papali’i 12. Ryan Matterson 13. Nathan Brown
Bench: 14. Bryce Cartwright 15. Shaun Lane 16. Oregan Kaufusi 17. Will Smith
Reserves: 18. Haze Dunster 19. Ray Stone 20. Will Penisini 21. Joey Lussick
Analysis: Parramatta have one of the toughest runs home with games against the Roosters, Rabbitohs, Sea Eagles, Cowboys, Storm and Panthers.
King Gutho has been tremendous this season, but it’s time to move him on for a fullback with a softer draw, there’s stacks of options.
Reed Mahoney is less of an issue as most of his stats come via his huge base. I wouldn’t be buying as attacking stats are likely to drop, but he’s more than fine to hold.
Ryan Matterson punched out 80 minutes against the Raiders, and with that tough run home as the Eels look to hold onto a top four spot I can’t see him playing many less each week.
He’s still a fine buy and with his monstrous base he should finish strongly, although attacking stats are likely to drop also.
Embed from Getty ImagesTIGERS v WARRIORS
Friday, 6pm, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Tigers: 1. Daine Laurie 2. David Nofoaluma 3. Moses Mbye 4. Tommy Talau 5. Ken Maumalo 6. Adam Doueihi 7. Luke Brooks 8. Stefano Utoikamanu 9. Jacob Liddle 10. James Tamou 11. Shawn Blore 12. Luciano Leilua 13. Joe Ofahengaue
Bench: 14. Alex Twal 15. Tom Amone 16. Tui Simpkins 17. Michael Chee-Kam
Reserves: 18. Kelma Tuilagi 19. Jock Madden 20. Zac Cini 21. Jake Simpkin
Analysis: The Tigers run home is amazing with games against the injury hit Warriors, Sharks, Bulldogs, Broncos, Raiders and Titans.
I’m still not convinced they’ll necessarily win many games due to their flimsy defensive unit, but they have shown they can rack up points which is all we really care about in SuperCoach.
Adam Doueihi got through his final real test of the season against Manly with 80 points.
He’s now $649k with a breakeven of 13.
He has a 3RA of 110PPG and has been outstanding at five-eighth this season. He looks a great replacement for Shaun Johnson and is still in relative POD territory.
I do think this is probably the last week to jump on, especially with Nathan Cleary to become a priority in coming weeks.
For all the reasons above David Nofoaluma remains a great buy at just $430k with a breakeven of 15.
He scored 68 on the weekend almost all in workrate, consisting of 15 runs, five tacklebreaks, five offloads and a linebreak, weapon!
His 26BPG this season has been down significantly on previous season though.
Luciano Leilua remains a POD for the run home at 7% ownership in the top 100 ranked SuperCoach teams overall and 5% of the top 1,000.
However, I prefer the likes of Fifita/Crichton/Matterson.
Shawn Blore starts in the back-row which may be incredibly timely for those who still own the promising youngster, amazing for depth!
Embed from Getty ImagesWarriors: 1. Reece Walsh 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 3. Adam Pompey 4. Euan Aitken 5. Marcelo Montoya 6. Peta Hiku 7. Sean O’Sullivan 8. Jamayne Taunoa-Brown 9. Taniela Otukolo 10. Ben Murdoch-Masila 11. Eliesa Katoa 12. Bayley Sironen 13. Josh Curran
Bench: 14. Kodi Nikorima 15. Bunty Afoa 16. Kane Evans 17. Jazz Tevaga
Reserves: 18. Viliami Vailea 20. Edward Kosi 21. Pride Petterson-Robati
Analysis: After being fairly SuperCoach relevant in past weeks the Warriors have dropped off the radar due to no real fault of their own.
They’ve had their season cruelled by injuries, with the most recent casualties being Addin Fonua-Blake, Tohu Harris and Roger Tuivasa-Sheck.
For that reason I can’t really entertain buying any of them despite a very soft run home.
Their top eight hopes are in tatters and without key players on deck it’ll be a mammoth task for them to get up for the run home.
Fonua-Blake can be turned into Payne Haas, provided he is out for an extended period.
Tread very cautiously with AFB in the future, I’ve been burned by him the past two seasons late on in the piece.
In his defence, he’d been tremendous when actually playing. The injury was pretty gruesome, but wait till we get more information on him before deciding to hold or sell.
Barring an increase in time with AFB out, put a line through Jazz Tevaga as an option who played just 41 minutes against the Bunnies for 35 points and has been named on the bench.
Matt Lodge will miss one week due to suspension which makes the FRF position slim for many this week.
Embed from Getty ImagesBRONCOS v COWBOYS
Friday, 8.05pm, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Broncos: 1. Tesi Niu 2. Corey Oates 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Herbie Farnworth 5. Jamayne Isaako 6. Tyson Gamble 7. Brodie Croft 8. Keenan Palasia 9. Jake Turpin 10. Payne Haas 11. Alex Glenn 12. Jordan Riki 13. Kobe Hetherington
Bench: 14. Danny Levi 15. Rhys Kennedy 16. Ethan Bullemor 17. TC Robati
Reserves: 18. Xavier Willison 19. Jesse Arthars 20. Albert Kelly 21. Xavier Coates
Analysis: Brisbane are showing a glimmer of fight to end the season, and after a tough period they have a nice draw to come with games against the Cowboys, Knights, Roosters, Warriors, Sharks and Knights.
Payne Haas has returned to the form we expected all year with a 3RA of 95PPG.
I wrote last week that the attacking stats likely won’t continue, and while he again had a linebreak against the Panthers to bolster his score above 100, I’ll retract that statement as he’s looking exceptional and has turned a corner since Origin.
He had 14 tackle breaks against Penrith!!!
He’s still affordable at $589k and is a terrific trade in target once again this week, although not a must-have as trades are so scare.
With injuries/suspensions hitting FRF hard this week he’ll be coming into plenty of sides.
Even more encouraging was the fact he played 72 minutes against Penrith.
Kotoni Staggs is averaging a slightly underwhelming 52PPG since returning from injury, with many writing him off as a buy.
In reality, it was a lengthy layoff due to a horror ACL injury, and he only just played his first 80 minute game against Penrith of all teams.
With that run home at minuscule ownership he’s a Super POD at an affordable $489k with a huge ceiling.
Embed from Getty ImagesCowboys: 1. Jake Granville 2. Kyle Feldt 3. Murray Taulagi 4. Connelly Lemuelu 5. Kane Bradley 6. Scott Drinkwater 7. Tom Dearden 8. Francis Molo 9. Reece Robson 10. Jordan McLean 11. Shane Wright 12. Mitch Dunn 13. Jason Taumalolo
Bench: 14. Tom Gilbert 15. Heilum Luki 16. Coen Hess 17. Ben Hampton
Reserves: 18. Lachlan Burr 19. Daejarn Asi 20. Peter Hola 21. Ben Condon
Analysis: Not a lot to speak of here.
Disregard Jason Taumalolo’s 41, I basically put a line through any performance against Melbourne when assessing a player’s SuperCoach credentials.
He remains a decent buy for anyone looking to move on Tohu Harris at a similar price.
Embed from Getty ImagesDRAGONS v RABBITOHS
Saturday, 3pm, Browne Park, Rockhampton
Dragons: 1. Tyrell Sloan 2. Mat Feagai 3. Corey Norman 4. Talatau Amone 5. Gerard Beale 6. Jayden Sullivan 7. Ben Hunt 8. Josh Kerr 9. Andrew McCullough 10. Poasa Faamausili 11. Billy Burns 12. Tyrell Fuimaono 13. Tariq Sims
Bench: 14. Adam Clune 15. Jaiyden Hunt 16. Jackson Ford 17. Kaide Ellis
Reserves: 18. Cody Ramsey 19. Matt Dufty 20. Jordan Pereira 21. Brayden Wiliame
Analysis: As per last week’s analysis, and probably next week’s, no interest at the Dragons aside from Ben who remains a solid hold, but I wouldn’t be buying.
Embed from Getty ImagesRabbitohs: 1. Latrell Mitchell 2. Josh Mansour 3. Dane Gagai 4. Campbell Graham 5. Jaxson Paulo 6. Cody Walker 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Mark Nicholls 9. Damien Cook 10. Thomas Burgess 11. Keaon Koloamatangi 12. Jaydn Su’A 13. Jai Arrow
Bench: 14. Blake Taaffe 15. Liam Knight 16. Patrick Mago 17. Jacob Host
Reserves: 18. Taane Milne 19. Davvy Moale 20. Dean Hawkins 21. Braidon Burns
Analysis: The Bunnies continued their stunning run of form by putting 60 on the Warriors.
It’s hard to believe they’re just a win off the Storm and Panthers having lost just three games all season.
Their incredibly easy string of games ends after this week, but it’s not a bad draw by any means, just mixed.
On the run home they face the Dragons, Eels, Titans, Panthers, Roosters and Titans.
You can comfortably play every player in every game except the Panthers.
Dane Gagai remains a great buy and he’s dropping nicely in price to $583k with a breakeven of 83.
He’s averaging 67PPG this season and is an ultra reliable scorer due to his brilliant base of 32BPG.
He hasn’t scored a try in the past three weeks but has continued to punch out decent scores.
At 10% ownership among the top 100 ranked teams overall and 6% among the top 1,000 he’s a serious POD option.
The Bunnies have a tendency to finish the season with a bang as they lift heading into finals.
Everyone already owns Cody Walker, while Latrell is a left-field super POD for anyone moving on Gutho. He has the potential to go nuts on the run home and may prove a premiership winning (or losing) move.
It’s beautiful to see my boy Cam Murray hit his straps, if he didn’t get injured he’d have still been in my side since Round one.
He’s a strong buy in coming rounds after missing this week due to suspension.
Damien Cook has been so hard to catch this season as he mixes low scores with tonnes.
He belted out 148 points in the win over the Warriors.
He has four tonnes this season, while every other score has been 64 or below, including eight scores under 50.
Make of that what you will when considering him as a buy at $500k.
He’s owned by 10% of the top 100 overall ranked coaches and 9% of the top 1,000.
Missing the 17 entirely, Taane Milne can be cashed in at $488k with a breakeven of 104 before his price begins to plummet. Really cruel news for those who own and needed him as a number this week.
Embed from Getty ImagesKNIGHTS v RAIDERS
Saturday, 5.30pm, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Knights: 1. Kalyn Ponga 2. Enari Tuala 3. Kurt Mann 4. Bradman Best 5. Hymel Hunt 6. Phoenix Crossland 7. Jake Clifford 8. Jacob Saifiti 9. Jayden Brailey 10. Daniel Saifiti 11. Tyson Frizell 12. Mitchell Barnett 13. Connor Watson
Bench: 14. Sauaso Sue 15. David Klemmer 16. Josh King 17. Brodie Jones
Reserves: 18. Jirah Momoisea 19. Simi Sasagi 20. Tex Hoy 21. Mitchell Pearce
Analysis: Newcastle’s draw begin to open up dramatically with games against the Raiders, Broncos, Sharks, Bulldogs, Titans and Broncos.
With a breakeven of 163, Kalyn Ponga will be ripe for picking next week at sub $550k.
However, SuperCoach is all about taking opportunities when you see them.
Owned by 4% of the top 100 ranked overall teams and 3% of the top 1,000, you could easily go early on the Knights star fullback.
He could easily go 140+ this week and somewhat hold his value, but more importantly giving owners a vital edge over those who will inevitably jump on next week.
That being said, logically speaking next week probably makes sense.
It’s the words we’ve been waiting to say, Connor Watson played the full 80 minutes in the forwards!
I believe it was all in the forwards, although he may have temporarily shifted to the backs for a small period.
He smashed out 73 points, including 41 tackles and six tackle breaks.
I probably wouldn’t buy due to uncertainty over job security every week, but owners can watch with pure excitement for the remaining six weeks. He has some big scores in him…
All of Watson, Ponga and Barnett are in some doubt though so monitor late mail closely.
Embed from Getty ImagesRaiders: 1. Jordan Rapana 2. Harley Smith-Shields 3. Jarrod Croker 4. Sebastian Kris 5. Semi Valemei 6. Jack Wighton 7. Sam Williams 8. Josh Papalii 9. Josh Hodgson 10. Emre Guler 11. Corey Harawira-Naera 12. Elliott Whitehead 13. Hudson Young
Bench: 14. Tom Starling 15. Matt Timoko 16. Sia Soliola 17. Joe Tapine
Reserves: 18. Matt Frawley 19. Ryan James 20. Bailey Simonsson 21. Dunamis Lui
Analysis: A shout out to Jordan Rapana who had seemingly lost his SuperCoach aura in recent years only to belt out a 63PPG average thus far this season.
He’s been rock solid and scored 97 in his first game at fullback this year against the Eels.
He’s back to his best tackle breaking form and while he’s lost a bit of speed, he’s in everything.
In the past two weeks he’s had 24 tacklebreaks and 40 runs, incredible numbers.
The Raiders looked to have turned a corner in recent weeks, but you couldn’t buy Rapa with confidence they’ll maintain the form.
He may revert back to the wing when Bailey Simonsson returns from injury, and with a few tougher match ups against the Storm, Sea Eagles and Roosters during head-to-head finals you probably wouldn’t want him in your 17 anyway.
Corey Harawira-Naera continued his great form with 88 points against the Eels to take his 5RA to 79PPG.
With his tackle busting and offloading ability he remains a great buy.
I also feel the need to wrap Tommy Starling who was outstanding against the Eels, more in defence than his regular attacking heroics, he could be something special…
Embed from Getty ImagesSTORM v PANTHERS
Saturday, 7.35pm, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Storm: 1. Nicho Hynes 2. Dean Ieremia 3. Reimis Smith 4. Justin Olam 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Cameron Munster 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Jesse Bromwich 9. Brandon Smith 10. Christian Welch 11. Felise Kaufusi 12. Kenny Bromwich 13. Dale Finucane
Bench: 14. Aaron Pene 15. Tui Kamikamica 16. Chris Lewis 17. Ryan Papenhuyzen
Reserves: 18. Tom Eisenhuth 19. Harry Grant 20. Jordan Grant 21. Isaac Lumelume
Analysis: This is going to be a cracker! Harry Grant may return having being named on the extended bench. I have no doubt he will repay the faith of owners when he does return, but most will need him as a number this week.
After this week once he has minutes under his belt he should be a priority trade in target, I can see him finishing with multiple tons this season.
Ryan Papenhuyzen is on the bench again. Playing only a handful of minutes last weekend, he scored 10 points which led to a $141k price drop and a breakeven of 223!
He will likely be sub $500k in a few weeks and may be one of the all-time PODs for the run home when regaining his starting role.
Unfortunately due to various external circumstances many SuperCoaches may be forced to make a play on their second fullback this week or next before he bottoms out. But you obviously wouldn’t go early on Papy.
Nicho Hynes remains a hold, probably for the season the way things are playing out, even if benched at some stage.
Cam Munster, Jahrome Hughes, Josh Addo-Carr are all terrific options. Initially I was going to advise waiting until next week, but with Penrith missing so many stars this contest may be very one-sided, so going early on any of the above now looks a very viable move.
Munster in particular looks like a superb POD play at five-eighth for anyone moving on SJ. He’s owned by 7% of the top 100 ranked SuperCoach teams overall and 9% of the top 1,000.
Embed from Getty ImagesPanthers: 1. Dylan Edwards 2. Charlie Staines 3. Stephen Crichton 4. Brent Naden 5. Robert Jennings 6. Matt Burton 7. Jarome Luai 8. Moses Leota 9. Mitch Kenny 10. Liam Martin 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Kurt Capewell 13. Matt Eisenhuth
Bench: 14. Izack Tago 15. Scott Sorensen 16. Spencer Leniu 17. J’maine Hopgood
Reserves: 18. Paul Momirovski 19. Jaeman Salmon 20. Lindsay Smith 21. Kurt Falls
Analysis: Like the above with Melbourne, I’ll take an in-depth look at Penrith’s run home options after this brutal clash is out of the way which should coincide with the likely return of Nathan Cleary.
I wouldn’t look to be buying any Penrith players this week, but that may all change from next week despite Penrith having a tough run home. The injury toll is very concerning though.
I wouldn’t want to be playing any of my Penrith players in my top 17 this week unless forced to (which I assume everyone now will), that includes Jarome Luai, Matt Burton and Stephen Crichton. Sitting these players was an option until today’s potential season-defining news came through, that being that Brian To’o is out for 4-8 weeks with an ankle injury.
At least with Tyrone May out injured Matt Burton will play in the halves this week, but it may not matter much.
It means a few things, firstly for those who still own Alex Johnston you may as well hold him now. To’o looks to be a sell as he may not play another regular season game.
Embed from Getty ImagesBULLDOGS v TITANS
Sunday, 2pm, Cbus Super Stadium, Gold Coast
Bulldogs: 1. Corey Allan 2. Nick Meaney 3. Will Hopoate 4. Aaron Schoupp 5. Jayden Okunbor 6. Jake Averillo 7. Kyle Flanagan 8. Jack Hetherington 9. Jeremy Marshall-King 10. Luke Thompson 11. Corey Waddell 12. Adam Elliott 13. Josh Jackson
Bench: 14. Bailey Biondi-Odo 15. Dylan Napa 16. Ava Seumanufagai 17. Matt Doorey
Reserves: 19. Lachlan Lewis 20. Joe Stimson 21. Chris Patolo 22. Falakiko Manu
Analysis: I have to eat my words in regards to Luke Thompson who I’ve knocked as a buy all season due to his lack of ceiling.
I was on the money every week until now, but he delivered a monumental performance against the Sharks.
He was incredible, threatening the line running flat strap, with some nifty late footwork for a big man each time.
He scored 116 points which included a sin-bin. I won’t have ‘lack of ceiling’ and Luke Thompson in the same sentence ever again…
In a week where front-row stocks are depleted, it’s a cruel blow for owners that he faces a stint on the sidelines due to suspension. He fights his charge at the judiciary on Tuesday night and may miss three matches.
Embed from Getty ImagesTitans: 1. AJ Brimson 2. Greg Marzhew 3. Brian Kelly 4. Esan Marsters 5. Corey Thompson 6. Ash Taylor 7. Toby Sexton 8. Jarrod Wallace 9. Mitch Rein 10. Moeaki Fotuaika 11. Kevin Proctor 12. David Fifita 13. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui
Bench: 14. Tyrone Peachey 15. Sam Lisone 16. Beau Fermor 17. Jaimin Jolliffe
Reserves: 18. Sam McIntyre 19. Sam Stone 20. Anthony Don 21. Jamal Fogarty
Analysis: David Fifita, must-have, genuine skipper option this week, moving on…
AJ Brimson continued his exceptional SuperCoach form with 69 against the Dragons and is a minor super POD option for Gutho owners, but I still prefer others.
While only knocking out 48 points, Corey Thompson reminded us of his SuperCoach potential with eight tacklebusts from 15 runs.
With a run home against the Bulldogs, Cowboys, Rabbitohs, Storm, Knights and Warriors he’s worth a thought at a bargain price of $438k.
I think he’s more of an overall buy rather than head-to-head as he takes on the Rabbits and Storm in the first two weeks of finals.
If you have depth at CTW and can sit him those rounds than he’s a head-to-head option also.
Embed from Getty ImagesSHARKS v SEA EAGLES
Sunday, 4.05pm, Moreton Daily Stadium, Redcliffe
Sharks: 1. Will Kennedy 2. Sione Katoa 3. Will Chambers 4. Jesse Ramien 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo 6. Connor Tracey 7. Braydon Trindall 8. Aiden Tolman 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Aaron Woods 11. Briton Nikora 12. Siosifa Talakai 13. Toby Rudolf
Bench: 14. Braden Hamlin-Uele 15. Royce Hunt 16. Jack Williams 17. Andrew Fifita
Reserves: 18. Matt Moylan 19. Luke Metcalf 20. Billy Magoulias 21. Jonaiah Lualua
Analysis: Ah SJ, so loveable, so damn frustrating.
After one sole down week that had his haters sharpening their knives once again for no just reason, he came out and put on a first half masterclass against the Dogs.
He had two try-assists in 35 minutes, then injured his hamstring while constructing another try.
Fortunately for owners he managed 61 points in the short space of time he was on the field.
Even if he does return this season you’d be pretty scared playing him in 17s, so move him on now or use him as your ticket to Nathan Cleary in coming weeks.
Siosifa Talakai was my biggest regret trade this season, but after smashing out 88 points in 80 minutes against the Dogs there’s hope he can resurrect some credibility.
With Teig Wilton out he started and went the distance, so hopefully there’s more of this to come for frustrated owners.
The fact Wilton is out again this week is enormous as Talakai will become a vital play in 17s with depth so scarce.
The four middle forward bench is encouraging for Talakai playing 80 minutes again.
However, with outside back Mawene Hiroti at 14 last week it wouldn’t surprise me to see Matt Moylan (named on the extended bench) come onto the bench to play a few minutes on return from injury, which would be even better for Talakai.
With Wilton due back soon I’d avoid buying Talakai as there are job security issues.
Embed from Getty ImagesSea Eagles: 1. Tom Trbojevic 2. Jason Saab 3. Brad Parker 4. Morgan Harper 5. Reuben Garrick 6. Kieran Foran 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Taniela Paseka 9. Lachlan Croker 10. Marty Taupau 11. Haumole Olakau’atu 12. Josh Schuster 13. Jake Trbojevic
Bench: 14. Dylan Walker 15. Karl Lawton 16. Curtis Sironen 17. Toafofoa Sipley
Reserves: 18. Moses Suli 19. Cade Cust 20. Jack Gosiewski 21. Kurt De Luis
Analysis: Manly have a tough few weeks ahead, before a great head-to-head finals run.
They play the Sharks, Storm, Eels, Raiders, Bulldogs and Cowboys.
Tommy Turbo looks the standout skipper option again.
At just 7% ownership among the top 100-1,000 ranked SuperCoach teams overall, Daly Cherry-Evans is proving a shrewd trade in of late with a 3RA of 125PPG and 5RA of 115PPG.
At $767k I find it hard to see how people will get him in, and anyone who does will almost certainly be foregoing Nathan Cleary this season. A masterstroke from owners.
Reuben Garrick has a 3RA of just 56PPG, leaving him at $753k with a breakeven of 168.
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Non-owners, including yours truly, should be eyeing him off after next week’s Storm clash at a much more affordable rate. He could go huge in those final three rounds.
In saying that, should he go down injured at any stage it’d be a massive anti-POD play for non-owners with trades so scarce.
Josh Schuster is a gun, and those who held will be happy to have him, but I wouldn’t trade him in as I prefer five-eighths with higher ceilings.
Curtis Sironen and Karl Lawton return from injury on the bench, so it’ll be interesting to see the minutes of both Schuster and Olakau’atu.
I suspect Schuster plays 80, Lawton spends time at hooker, and Sironen may give Olakau’atu a rest at some stage.
Jason Saab has a 3RA of 17PPG, crikey…
However, now at $414k I wouldn’t entertain the idea of trading. He’ll be important depth for the run home and still has big scores in him against weaker opposition.
After all, Manly did put 44 points on the Tigers, he just didn’t get involved in the action.
SUPERCOACH TERMINOLOGY KEY
MPG = Minutes per game
PPG = Points per game
PPM= Points per minute
BPG = Base per game (point accrued in tackles + runs + missed tackles)
POD = Point of difference
3RA = Three round average
5RA = Five round average
BREAKEVEN (B/E) = The score a player must record to earn a price rise.
*Please note all our stats are taken from the geniuses at nrlsupercoachstats.com
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