Draft Breakdown: Waiver-wire, free agent options

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Sorry this article is a little late this week, I was too busy celebrating my undefeated start to the season.

This week I’ve looked at players still available in 65% of leagues that you can pickup as free agents or waiver depending on when your waiver period is.

Last week we had some success with Isaiah Papali’I and Lindsay Collins, but had some shockers in Jake Turpin and Herbie Farnsworth.

I still think there is potential as long as Turpin keeps playing 80 minutes and Tom Opacic is still a pickup with those base stats and comes up against easier opposition.

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WAIVER-WIRE / FREE AGENCY TARGETS

Chad Townsend (HFB)

Townsend has played two games in wet conditions and is averaging 54PPG.

HFB is a shallow position and Townsend is a decent option at least until SJ comes back.

He is orchestrating most of the Sharks’ attacking plays and surely can only go better in drier conditions.

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Luke Thompson (FRF/2RF)

Thommo is due back from suspension in round 5.

Last year he averaged 51PPG and with a full pre-season this year his scores can only get better.

Reimis Smith (CTW)

I was surprised to see Reimis was picked in only 24% of leagues.

If you have great CTW choices he may not be a play this week against the Panthers, but last week he had 37 base points and is part of a great attacking team.

There are far worse options to rely on each week.

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Dylan Walker (5-8/CTW)

I will be the first to admit Walker at fullback for Manly hasn’t looked great the first two rounds against the Roosters and Souths.

Walker comes up against a much easier opposition in the Dragons at home this week and Manly are using him a lot in attack, even if he is knocking the ball on most of the time.

The potential for a good score is there if he gets the glue out this week and he is worth a start.

Corey Waddell (2RF)

Raymond Faitala-Mariner is out long-term with an injury, meaning Waddell starts in the back-row.

This could free up as many as 80 minutes for him at the Bulldogs, and he should be available in most leagues.

In 59 minutes per game so far he’s had 44 in base which is very strong, with more game time he could be a very solid starter/reserve in your back-row.