Draft Breakdown: Waiver-wire + trade targets, Rd 20

• DRAFT BREAKDOWN: Finals fixture analysis + key strategies
• SQUAD BREAKDOWN: Round 20 team news + SuperCoach insights

Every week we will be looking at players still available in 65% of leagues. 

There may be better options still available in your league, but this article will be focusing on the players that are likely to be available in most leagues.

We are coming down to the business end of the season with the Draft finals looming and it’s important to look at the finals draw of the players you are considering trading or wavering.

Regular columnist Steve Heavener put together an outstanding Draft finals match ups and strategy focus last week, check it out here.

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WAIVER OPTIONS

Josh Curran

The Warriors are depleted following a host of injuries to the pack. Tohu Harris is out for the season, while Leeson Ah Mau has returned to New Zealand.

Already playing decent time, Curran is set for big minutes on the run home.

His 46BPG is excellent for a wires pick up and he’s more than capable of adding attacking stats to his scoring.

Tom Starling

Used primarily in a 25 minute super sub role this season for the Raiders, Tom Starling is now an integral part of their game plan in a 50-60 minute role.

He comes off the bench into hooker, shifting Josh Hodgson to a ball-playing lock role.

Since moving to the role Starling has a 3RA of 55PPG with 38BPG in that time.

He’s an explosive dummy-half with serious potential to accrue attacking stats.

Anyone looking for a hooker should be looking to Starlo.

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Siosifa Talakai

Talakai played his first 80 minute game of the season last week, scoring 88 points which included a try.

With Teig Wilton out with a hamstring injury he should go close to playing 80 minutes again this week.

Available as dual CTW-2RF, he has great upside with his tackle busting ability and he should be helped by Cronulla’s soft run home.

Greg Marzhew

Surprisingly Marzhew is still available in 75% of leagues.

I suppose that’s due to his recent injury and missed month of footy.

He’s made for SuperCoach with his solid workrate and tackle busting ability.

The Titans have an okay run home and have plenty of attack in their  weaponry.

Marzhew is averaging 66PPG in four games this season, and in three of those he’s based from 34-37.

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TRADE TARGETS

These are the under or overperforming players you may be able to pick up in a trade cheaply, or sell while peaking in SuperCoach form.

IN

Corey Thompson

On return from injury Thompson has a 3RA of just 43PPG.

Prior to injury though he was one of the elite CTWs with an average of around 70PPG.

The Titans are getting troops back from injury and have plenty of points in them.

Thommo looked outstanding on the weekend and should finish with a flurry of points.

He may be one you can pick up cheaply in a trade.

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OUT

Haumole Olakau’atu

Olakau’atu has been exceptional since becoming a starter with a 5RA of 71PPG.

He gained a starting opportunity due to injuries and took it with both hands.

He’s more than fine to hold and he should continue to deliver strong scores, but there is an opportunity to trade for a gun as his scores may have been a bit inflated.

Josh Schuster, Karl Lawton and Curtis Sironen are all back from injury meaning huge competition for back-row minutes.

The way I see it, Schuster will play 80, Lawton will spell Lachy Croker at hooker, and Sironen will spell Olakau’atu for a period.

While speculative, I see Olakau’atu playing a 60 minute roll with everyone on deck.

In any blow out wins Dez Hasler will be keen to spell Olakau’atu and give Sironen more time to build match fitness leading into finals.

He’s also scored five tries in his last six games which surely won’t continue, despite how good he’s looking.

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