Draft Breakdown: Round 3, waiver-wire targets

It’s been horrible to see an extensive list of injuries early on in the NRL season.

In particular, there’s been plenty of season-ending ACL injuries.

It’s not something you ever want to see, but purely from a SuperCoach Draft perspective it opens up plenty of opportunities on the waiver-wires.

Sign up to SC Playbook for stacks of extra premium articles across the NRL season, including access to our contributor inclusive Whatsapp group where your SuperCoach dilemmas can be answered minutes before kick off!

Embed from Getty Images

For any rookie Draft players out there, the emergence of a player like Tom Starling due to Josh Hodgson’s season ending knee injury, shows the value of being patient with your selections to see yourself in prime position atop the order to give yourself priority in weeks like this.

Every week I 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. Below are some good options for this week.

Priority waivers

Taylan May

This is based on May getting a starting spot at the Panthers due to Brian To’o’s injury that is set to see him sidelined for 6-8 weeks.

May is battling with Robert Jennings for the spot, who is also a viable selection if he gets it.

May would be the preference though as he’s a hard ballrunner who looks very suited to SuperCoach scoring.

Tom Starling

With Hodgson having sadly played his last game for the Raiders, Starling’s initiation into the hot seat at the Raiders has come early.

Starling averaged just 44 minutes last season for 39 points, he’s set to play at least 65 now, and some weeks potentially as many as 80.

His running game opens up stacks of SuperCoach scoring potential, he’ll be a great pick up for anyone lucky enough to land him.

Embed from Getty Images

Taane Milne

South Sydney have started the season poorly, and things don’t get a lot easier with games against the Roosters and Panthers to come.

Ideally Milne plays left centre, but anywhere in this exciting backline provides point scoring potential.

He may not necessarily be a play over the next two weeks, but as South Sydney lead into easier games there could be plenty of points on offer for Milne, so it may be worthwhile going early to lock him in.

Value waivers

Jeremy Marshall-King

I’ve always liked Marshall-King as a footballer and SuperCoach player.

Playing in an ordinary Bulldogs side, along with persistent injuries, hasn’t helped him in recent years.

But with the Dogs showing plenty more already this season with a fresh roster, JMK could be a big benefactor.

He played 70 minutes in Round 1 which would have been 80 if not for a HIA.

He played 61 on the weekend, but big minutes should be around the corner. He scored 100 in that time!

Embed from Getty Images

Herbie Farnworth

Somewhat like JMK above, Farnworth is class but has been limited in SuperCoach scoring due to the side around him in recent years.

Well Brisbane are 2/2, and Herbie is averaging 57 points with 80 on the weekend.

He passes the old ‘rugby league eye test’, and could be set for a breakout year.

If Brisbane can continue their strong form, he should score well on a consistent basis.

Kenny Bromwich

Bromwich has always been up and down from year to year despite his role never really changing.

The fact is, he’s an 80 minute player in one of the competition’s best teams, and he’s very capable at producing attacking stats.

He’ll be a handy depth addition to any squad, and a fairly safe play with some upside in starting teams when required.

PLAYER PERFORMANCE MARKETS ARE HERE! Topsport are offering markets based on fantasy NRL scoring, we’ll be previewing them all season long. Check them out, and use the code ‘SCPLAYBOOK’ when signing up.

Max/Josh King

It’s a bit harsh to lump these two together based on having the same last name, but realistically they’re very similar SuperCoach players.

Both are playing decent minutes and are very base stat reliant. But in a fairly unexciting FRF position they can plug a hole nicely each week.

Max King in particular could be anything if greater game time comes due to his huge work ethic.

Jesse Bromwich

This one is very speculative, and I’m sure there will be moans and groans around, but Draft is all about the speculative pick, especially as they don’t have to hang around your team for long if not performing.

With Dale Finucane and Christian Welch gone and Brandon Smith injured, Bromwich may get more game time this season.

Albeit aided by a few extra minutes of extra time, he played a promising 62 minutes for 59 points in his first game of the season.

Worth a little flyer…