Draft Breakdown: Rd 13 waiver-wire, trade targets

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It looks like yet another week of injuries has opened up some opportunities on the waiver-wire.

Players are falling down at incredible rates, throwing Draft comps into disarray. If you’re lucky enough to have avoided the carnage, congrats!

However, with injury comes plenty of opportunity for cheap pick ups.

This week I would focus on the opportunities in the Storm, Manly, Roosters and Knights after a few of their injuries and their matchups this week.

Here’s what’s around for Round 13.

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WAIVER-WIRE TARGETS

Cade Cust (5/8)

Walker is out for 6+ weeks and Cust will score well in that time.

This year he is averaging 60PPG in the three games he started at 5/8, helped by a monster score against the Cowboys.

He looks the goods, has 30BPG and has proven he can score well with an average of 57PPG last year.

Brandon Smith (HOK/2RF)

Cameron Smith is looking at 2 to 3 weeks on the sideline.

Brandon should score 60+ as the starting hooker and is a great option in both HOK and 2RF.

This week he is up against the Bulldogs and even though they have been better in recent weeks, I am predicting the Big Cheese to muscle his way over for a try.

Chanel Harris-Tavita (HFB -5/8)

Green’s departure from the Warriors will see CHT take over as the starting half.

Although CHT does have a low game in him, he should get the goal-kicking duties and has a natural attacking game.

When playing 5/8 last year, CHT averaged 50PPG.

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Nat Butcher (2RF) or Sitili Tupouniua (2RF)

One or both of these players could be named on the edge.

They are worth a play in a Roosters team, despite being a little flat, who should score well against the Dragons.

Watch out for the late centre swap in final team lists.

Bayley Sironen (2RF)

He was worth a waiver a few weeks ago and is definitely someone I’d grab if I needed a second-row spot filled.

He has started on the left edge over the last two weeks, but has had to shift to the centre and right half very early in the game.

Despite the shift, he has scored 41BPG over the last two weeks and that number should only increase in a game where he stays on the edge.

Jaxson Paulo (CTW)

Paulo hasn’t exactly set the world on fire, but I like him as a plug and play option against the Broncos this week.

Tim Lafai (CTW)

A Bulldogs CTW isn’t the most exciting prospect, but Lafai had 35 base points in his first game back with the Dogs and was offloading well.

He can rack up some good points with his offload if he is let of the leash.

Averillo should still be picked up before him, but Lafai isn’t the worst option for a plug and play against the weaker sides.

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TRADE IN TARGETS

Kalyn Ponga (FLB)

Ponga isn’t putting up those huge numbers like he was at the start of the season.

With Green coming into the Knights team, I believe this can only help in setting up Ponga rather than having Mann in the halves who is more of a runner.

The Knights have a decent run home with the Sharks, Roosters, Dragons and Titans as their final four matches for the Draft finals.

Brian Kelly (CTW)

Kelly has increased his workload over the last two weeks averaging 44BPG.

He is a reliable option in a Titans team that are building something.

The Titans don’t have the worst run home for Draft finals, playing the Bulldogs, Broncos, Eagles and the Knights.

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