Sit v start: Who to play in your final 17, Rd 3?

• SQUAD BREAKDOWN: Round 3 SuperCoach teams analysis
• DRAFT BREAKDOWN: Round 3, waiver-wire targets

So we now have two rounds of data to help with our start/sit decisions. Still not a lot, but we’re getting a clearer picture.

For round 3, I’ve picked various popular fringe 17 players, around $350k or less. I’ve categorised them in start / consider / sit, then ranked them in the priority order that I’d play them.

First off, thanks to nrlsupercoachstats.com, whose awesome website I’ve utilised for position vs team analysis and various stats breakdowns.

A general note as always to keep an eye on the weather leading into the round and across the weekend. For rain affected matches I’d slightly favour forwards over backs. I haven’t factored this into the rankings, so please adjust accordingly.

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Play

1.     Izack Tago

Lock him in, same as the first two weeks. 

2.     Brad Schneider 

Schneider’s floor was excellent in round 1, scoring 45 without any attacking stats. I think it won’t be long until he jags a try or assist behind a strong forward pack. Not to mention he plays the Titans this week. Straight into my 17.

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3.     Max King

Skips straight from the sit category to the start category. The reason for this upgrade (besides me eating humble pie), is the three effective offloads last week. 

The extra benefit of offloads are they also give him upside through potential for linebreak assists and try-assists. Provided he continues to free the arm, Maxy could be a starter for many weeks to come. 

4.     Eliesa Katoa

Owners are probably still lamenting the SJ injury. Nonetheless, Eli has a nice matchup vs the Tigers this week. Floor is around 40-45 and we know he has attacking stats in him.

5.     Chris Randall

Will continue to be a solid starter in our 17s, chalking out 37 in 69 minutes last week. No attacking upside so far but would have to think it will come eventually through a sneaky try or assist from dummy half. 

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Consider

6.     Selwyn Cobbo 

Has another decent matchup on paper against the Cowboys this week. Albeit that the Cows have been better in defence so far this season.

The key factor is probably more so when the Broncos right side attack clicks into gear. I want to be on that ride when it happens, so Cobbo is a start for me this week.

7.     Taylan May

In his only first grade game last year May notched 48 points, including a linebreak and 8 tackle busts! Brian To’o 2.0, anyone? 

Ok, maybe that’s asking a bit much, but May looks a serious Supercoach prospect.  I’d wait on trading him in for now, but if you do, he’s a mighty tempting play vs the Knights.

8.     Tom Gilbert / Jeremiah Nanai

Interesting that both Cowboys edges scored poorly last week, whilst the team got the win. It’s still a small sample size and the minutes are there. I expect last round will be a bit of an anomaly and still consider both solid plays.

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9.     Xavier Coates

Looked more at home on his favoured right wing last weekend. The Eels matchup isn’t the best, although the Sharks did put a try past that wing (Waqa Blake) last week. 

Coates is an excitement machine, who will have a few ups and downs. Again, I think we just enjoy the ride and start him most, if not all weeks.

10.  Will Penisini

Strongly considered putting him in the sit category vs the Storm. However, it’s hard to argue with a 48 average in base + power stats.

Worth noting Campbell Graham jagged a try on that edge last week (even though Penisini doesn’t yet have the same attacking prowess). I think it’s fine to play him in 17’s this week.

11.  Josh King

More big minutes last week (67). Only negative is he’s yet to register a tacklebreak, offload or attacking stat. Can be played, but I prefer others with more upside.

12.  Billy Smith 

I still really like Billy given his move to the Roosters coveted right wing position. The only reason I don’t have him higher is that CTWs have scored miserly against Souths this year (12th for SC points conceded) and last (13th for SC points conceded). Fine to play if you need, but prefer others.

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Sit

13.  Talatau Amone

Had a nice try-assist last week, but with another tough matchup (v Sharks this week), I wouldn’t be starting.

14.  Ethan Bullemor 

Struggled on the edge last week by all reports, so with minutes uncertain I wouldn’t be starting him this week.

15.  Oliver Gildart

Think we need to see more from the Tigers before he can be played in 17s.

16.  Lachlan Ilias 

On a steep learning curve at the moment and no need to risk playing him in a tough matchup vs the Roosters.