Captain's Challenge: Round 13, skippers to target and avoid

Who would win in a fight between a shark and a rooster on dry land?



Philosophers have been pondering this question for thousands of years.



I myself, a renown philosopher of history who has philosophised on such historical moments as:



<ul><li>Moses leading the eels through the sea of tigers,</li><li>the downfall of <s>Munster</s> Samson when he lost his strength after cutting off his beautiful hair, and of course,</li><li>that historical moment when Mariah Carey copped a Kotoni Snagg in the eye &#8211;</li></ul>



I have often lain awake at night philosophising over this very question. In fact, I posed that very question to you in last week’s Captaincy article.



And on Saturday night we finally had our answer.



James Tedesco.



James Tedesco would win the fight.



Because not only did the Roosters win on Saturday night, but the great Teddy, aka my crispy bacon, aka the co-starring fullback of my Great Fullback Debate from way back when I was still a chance of winning SC 2022 because the season hadn’t started yet &#8211; was the absolute SC winner of the whole damn round.



144 points. And. Oh. My. God.



Who Sir Captained him? Because I bow at your very feet. You absolute Oracle.



Of course, my Captains fell a bit flat last weekend. We managed a one(ish) out of five.



<a id="_IchniGLT2dfNPwOkn4_Gw" class="gie-single" href="http://www.gettyimages.com/detail/1399817273" 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:'_IchniGLT2dfNPwOkn4_Gw',sig:'Mj97jB4C8D5ApZH8pVx7Pctsi1Vt6dHGFIAGYAnVnSM=',w:'396px',h:'594px',items:'1399817273',caption: true ,tld:'com',is360: false })});</script><script src="//embed-cdn.gettyimages.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8" async=""></script>



And look, I’m no NRL coach, but even I can see that Prince Nicho Hynes NEEDS WET HAIR TO WIN THE SHARKS THEIR GAMES.



And please, Fitzy. On behalf of Prince Nicho Hynes owners everywhere:



Can you just get the man a stipulation in his contract that he receives a constant supply of Gatsby Hair Styling Gel WG Holding Power Water Gloss SOFT Wet Look Men, and can you please make sure he uses it every time he runs out on the field when it is not raining?



We must insist.



I can even send you a link for purchasing to make it easy for you.



Now without further ado, to this week’s Captains we go!



And of course, this is a weird week of Captains because nobody we normally Captain is actually playing. But going off my track record, that might be a good thing &#8211; so let’s give this a whirl.



With only four games this round (what will we do for the rest of the weekend?) you really need to think about your Vice Captains, because if one of the limited players we have to play with goes big before your Captain – well, you’ll definitely want to have the option to loop.



For the sake of this article, I’ll choose a handful of Vice Captains who can also be Captains and a couple of Captains.



And a little look at the stats shows me that everyone should have at least two or more of these guys in their Round 13 teams, apart from the ghost ships who are still floating around the place manned by Sir Captain Tommy T.



P.S The evil sniper teams will likely have all of them. And also, a whole team of 17 players and whole bunch of NPRs. But let’s just ignore them and pretend they don’t exist…they’ll be ghost ships by Round 14 anyway.



And so, to our Vice Captains we go…



<a id="jZCUduisRaZQuqs-bqp0Xw" class="gie-single" href="http://www.gettyimages.com/detail/1394371233" 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:'jZCUduisRaZQuqs-bqp0Xw',sig:'_CbjLU6GACoh1j50ArrFsz12_EWm5uKqOKVJyAKLCfM=',w:'396px',h:'594px',items:'1394371233',caption: true ,tld:'com',is360: false })});</script><script src="//embed-cdn.gettyimages.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8" async=""></script>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Vice Captains who can also be Captains for Round 13</h2>



Thirsty Thursdays call for a man named Drinkwater



Last time Scotty D played the Titans, he completely carved them up. He scored 102 SC points, including a try and two assists.



That was back in Round 7, when Holbrook decided his 1-million-dollar player might like to <s>hang even further out on the side to wave his arms in the air</s> play in the centres.



It truly was a performance for thirsty thirsts.



Vice Captain friends, and be prepared to loop.



Taylan May for the Friday shout



Back in Round 5, when Taylan May played the Bulldogs, he scored an 86.



Despite a few lower scores in the last few weeks and a three-round average of a 51, he is still a solid Vice Captaincy option against a Bulldogs side who love to leak a SC point or two to left-side wingers.



Vice Captain him like the confident Vice Captainer you are sir/madam, this game’s on him.



Need extra cash to help buy a new car or take your business to the next level?&nbsp;Whatever the goal, Pat and George from Mortgage choice are here to help you know your numbers.&nbsp;&nbsp;Message them via Instagram ‘Pat and George Mortgage Choice’ or give them a call on (02) 9521 1611.&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.mortgagechoice.com.au/peter.k.johnson/" target="_blank">Mention ‘SC PLAYBOOK’&nbsp;for your FREE numbers consult.&nbsp;</a>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="1024" src="http://13.210.220.211/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Captains-challenge-2-1024x1024.png" alt="" class="wp-image-1956003" srcset="https://blog.scplaybook.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Captains-challenge-2-1024x1024.png 1024w, https://blog.scplaybook.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Captains-challenge-2-300x300.png 300w, https://blog.scplaybook.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Captains-challenge-2-150x150.png 150w, https://blog.scplaybook.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Captains-challenge-2-768x768.png 768w, https://blog.scplaybook.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Captains-challenge-2-640x640.png 640w, https://blog.scplaybook.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Captains-challenge-2.png 1080w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 98vw, (max-width: 1199px) 64vw, 770px" /></figure>



Saturdays with the Manly boys



Manly are playing the Warriors, and whilst I am very much gunning for my Warriors to win – we must of course remember that despite having a couple of key players out for the match, Manly are definitely a good chance here at Brookvale.



Garrick



Playing fullback against the team who’ve leaked 63 points to fullbacks, I’d say there’s a good chance Garrick goes large here.



This year he’s averaged 68 at fullback in 2022, including a 67 vs the Storm last week.



He is absolutely a Vice Captaincy option should you be Captaining a Sunday player.



Olakau’atu



Well, here’s a bit of a poddy move. An average score of 64 and a three-round average of a 57 might have a few SuperCoachers thinking twice about putting the Vice Captaincy on big Ola.



BUT



A 70 in last week’s game vs the Storm saw our Ola bounce back nicely, and should he decide to terrorise my Warriors and get over the line twice like he’s did vs the Titans back in Round 6…



Well. You’ll wish you popped that Vice Captaincy on him. Especially if you’ve got the safety net of a Manu or a Crichton playing in Sunday’s game.



<a id="_cXW0FguSxJazm-9czZ6Hg" class="gie-single" href="http://www.gettyimages.com/detail/1397306157" 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:'_cXW0FguSxJazm-9czZ6Hg',sig:'97KskqIk8XF_Y9X7K6lGSeJW02pQDqR0C2xAdoQvnGI=',w:'594px',h:'396px',items:'1397306157',caption: true ,tld:'com',is360: false })});</script><script src="//embed-cdn.gettyimages.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8" async=""></script>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Sunday Sesh</h2>



Obviously playing the finale of Round 13, we can only Sir Captain these two. So, if you own them and your Vice Captain didn’t ton up in the preceding rounds, just scull another beer or have a shot of whisky or something. It’s completely out of your hands now…



Joey Manu



Did you hear the news? If Manu does not score at least an 80, the great Dezzy is going to eat a hat.



And by God I am that torn between wanting my glorious Kiwi to ton up as my Sir Captain this week, and wanting to watch footage of Dezzy one-third of his way through a boiled Akubra.



Starting at fullback just like last year &#8211; whilst our hero Teddy goes off and does Origin things &#8211; we can cast an eye back to 2021 and see that our glorious Manu scored a 97, a 79, and an 81.



He also has an average of 82 in all 9 games he has started at fullback. Plus, he’s coming off a three-round average of 70.



So, all these statistical stats line up to tell us one thing:



Sir Captain the Great Kiwi, Mr Joey Manu.



Angus Crichton



Here’s a safe and solid Captain choice with potentially some upside.



Whilst it’s not been a dream season for his SuperCoachers who’ve had to deal with reduced minutes and NO TRIES from the normally safe Gus – the last two weeks have seen scores of 73 and 84 – well above his season average of 57.



And this upward trend combined with missing out on Origin selection, leads me to believe that we might see an absolute belter of a game out of Gus vs the Raiders.



Think about a Captaincy on him this week (especially if you don’t have Manu).



Because he will score a try this round. I have foreseen it. It will basically happen.



And you are very welcome.



FANCY A SAME-GAME MULTI? Topsport offer the best in the business, where the market odds ACTUALLY add up. Give it a try, compare to other bookies, and see the difference for yourself!&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.topsport.com.au/?Referrer=SC%20Playbook" target="_blank">Use the code ‘SCPLAYBOOK’ when signing up</a>.



<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/2022/01/TopSport-SC-Playbook-NRL-2048x1149-V2-1024x575.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1953950" srcset="https://blog.scplaybook.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/TopSport-SC-Playbook-NRL-2048x1149-V2-1024x575.jpg 1024w, https://blog.scplaybook.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/TopSport-SC-Playbook-NRL-2048x1149-V2-300x168.jpg 300w, https://blog.scplaybook.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/TopSport-SC-Playbook-NRL-2048x1149-V2-768x431.jpg 768w, https://blog.scplaybook.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/TopSport-SC-Playbook-NRL-2048x1149-V2-1536x862.jpg 1536w, https://blog.scplaybook.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/TopSport-SC-Playbook-NRL-2048x1149-V2-640x359.jpg 640w, https://blog.scplaybook.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/TopSport-SC-Playbook-NRL-2048x1149-V2-1200x673.jpg 1200w, https://blog.scplaybook.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/TopSport-SC-Playbook-NRL-2048x1149-V2-800x450.jpg 800w, https://blog.scplaybook.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/TopSport-SC-Playbook-NRL-2048x1149-V2.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 98vw, (max-width: 1199px) 64vw, 770px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Verdict</h2>



It is tough because it’s going to depend on who you have in your team, but if you have at least one of the above guys, Sir Captain them. My choice is Manu for his upside.



If you do have Manu, a nice Vice Captaincy on a Scotty D, a May, a Garrick, or an Ola &#8211; would be my way to go in the game leading up to the Sunday finale. Just be prepared to loop.



But if you have a special feeling, you can absolutely risk it for the biscuit and straight Captain one of those guys, because we’re not here to fornicate with spiders or something like that, which was a new saying I learnt in the SC Playbook WhatsApp Group this week.



The education I am receiving.



Well.



Now. A moment of your time please.



<a id="4rVtIoOnS717JBHcV_54hQ" class="gie-single" href="http://www.gettyimages.com/detail/1399544364" 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:'4rVtIoOnS717JBHcV_54hQ',sig:'2bJHxsf9n3Vg3XnJ_O1A-qWYzUCYLom5d4YGvp1H2eQ=',w:'594px',h:'397px',items:'1399544364',caption: true ,tld:'com',is360: false })});</script><script src="//embed-cdn.gettyimages.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8" async=""></script>



For those who don’t belong to the great SC Playbook WhatsApp Group (and why not please?), you would have missed out on the breaking news that I am trading my sweet Kotoni Snaggs this week.



It is a gut-wrenching decision, but after riding the highs and the lows, the food fights and the support groups, the copious amounts of whisky, the snags, and the …ahhh lows …for 12 whole rounds, it is time to give him the flick.



And so, inspired by that love story for the ages, Romeo and Juliet, and the heartfelt Shakespearean line “parting is such sweet sorrow,” I decided to write him a little poem to let him know.



And it goes like this:



‘Tis said that parting is such sweet sorrow



But this is not goodbye until tomorrow,



This is farewell until the end,



The sweetness comes in trading you friend.



The sorrow comes because I held on



My heart said hold, my head said he’s gone,



But as always my heart won through



Although you only averaged fifty-two.



And whilst fifty-two is not too bad



Seven scores under forty made me sad,



So now I’ll whisper my final goodbyes



I’ll always remember your three sweet tries.



And maybe I’ll trade you back in one day



Should you become the run-home payday,



But now it’s time to welcome another



Goodbye sweet Staggs…



Hello new lover.



(Who is Manu btw. The glorious Kiwi Mr Manu who has stolen the hearts of many this Bye Round, with his sweet promises and whispers of a tantalising ton. We are definitely not exclusive).



And on that note &#8211; May your team score you at least 700 points this week, may your Captain double ton up, and may your weekend be just glorious…



Clementine x

Captain’s Challenge: Round 13, skippers to target and avoid

Discussion (0)

Clem’s Captains: Finals Week 1 NRL Supercoach Skippers

Clem’s Captains: Round 27 NRL Supercoach Skippers

Clem’s Captains: Round 26 NRL SuperCoach Skippers

Clem’s Captains: Round 25 NRL SuperCoach Skippers