Sit v start: Who to play in your final 17, Rd 7?

It’s an interesting time for reserve selections, with cheapies peaking, squad structures changing and 17s getting stronger. There’s also the added complexity of the impact of trade decisions on reserves.

Here are my thoughts for this week, with plays listed in priority order. 

Thanks as always to the legendary nrlsupercoachstats.com, whose website I’ve utilised for position vs team analysis and various stats breakdowns.

A general note to keep an eye on the weather leading into the round and across the weekend (looking ominous). For rain affected matches I’d slightly favour forwards over backs.

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Play

1.     Reuben Cotter

If you own Cotter, I think he’s a solid play for you week-in-week-out. It would be nice for peace of mind if he was named to start rather than the usual late swap. Nonetheless, given the Cowboys bench make up, he looks a play in any case.

2.     Will Penisini

Penisini’s SC output rose notably with the move to the wing last week. Unfortunately he goes back to the centres. Nonetheless, I expect his strong running game to continue to score well. Up against the Knights who concede the most of any team to CTWs. Eels on a bounce back game. Lock and load.

3.     Jackson Hastings

Hard not to be romantic about rugby league with a story like Hastings last week! Matchup is tough vs the Rabbits (concede the least of any team to halfbacks). I’m assuming he takes the goalkicking after nailing the clutch sideline conversion last week. I think he’ll continue to fill the stat sheet. With a -4 B.E. he could make a nice trade-in for the likes of Ilias if you don’t have other priorities.

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Consider

4.     Chris Randall

Has played 80 minutes three games in a row now. Registered his first creative stat last week with a linebreak assist to go with an offload. Eels rank 5th in points conceded to hookers. Randall could be your guy if you’re looking for a last reserve or two.

5.     Helium Luki

Another trade-in option for this week. I’d have him in the play column if he wasn’t matching up vs Fifita. That being said if he can keep up a base + power PPM above 0.8, as he did over 80 minutes last week, he could actually be entering keeper territory. 

It’s early days and there are job security risks, but with a -18 B.E. and round 13 coverage on offer, he could well be worth a punt. I think he’s likely a play in 17s for anyone who buys or owns.

6.     Blake Taaffe

Whilst Taaffe won’t put up the monster scores of top tier fullbacks, he’s looking a very reliable option. Hitting them well with the boot and has a nice pass on him to nab try-assists. Nice matchup vs the Tigers, albeit they may be an improved side. 

7.     Xavier Coates

Potentially a trade out with a 96 B.E. 

If you do hold I’d be tempted to play based on the expectation Coates will be amongst the tries vs the Warriors. The Kiwis concede the 4th most to CTWs and Coates has a nice matchup against young Edward Kosi. Upside is definitely there as we saw with his 87 vs the Dogs three weeks ago.

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8.     Joseph Suaalii

Would be a speculative pick but could go massive IF the Roosters attack can click. Going to be a great battle between he and young Feagai from the Dragons. Saints have been conceding the most of any team to CTWs, which boosts Suaalii’s play stocks.

9.     Josh King

Time could be nigh for Josh in our SC sides, but what a legend he’s been to start the season. Still a solid start if you hold, as he continues to get big minutes and is always a chance of an attacking stat in that Storm side.

10.  Brad Schneider 

I would’ve had him as a sit vs the Panthers, but he accumulated 65 against the Storm only two weeks ago. Away to the Panthers is arguably a tougher task. My guess is that the Raiders will be up for the fight in a battle to turn their season around. Schneider is therefore middle of the range in the consider category for me.

11.  Jeremiah Nanai

His try-scoring record this season is incredible for a rookie back-rower, with five in six games. Unfortunately though his SC scoring is too reliant on this. Most have probably traded out by now, but can be played if needed.

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12.  Kelma Tuilagi

Played his first 80 minute game last week and still looks monstrous with ball in hand. So-so matchup vs the Rabbits but if Tigers can continue last week’s form, Kelma could be a chance of his first attacking stat of the season. 

13.  Max King

Still pumping out 50s and plays the Broncos who’ve been conceding plenty of SC points to forwards. Attacking stats unlikely but you never know. Not the worst play. 

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14.  Brodie Jones

His best SC output of the season last week as he continues his return from injury. Tough matchup vs the Eels has him a way down the pecking order for me. 

15.  Selwyn Cobbo 

Nice matchup vs the Dogs but the low base means that I’d only consider him as a 4th CTW. The Fox had him covered last time they met. Only thing that might have changed is Staggs’ form, but there’s still no guarantees the ball gets to Selwyn. 

Sit

16.  Lachlan Ilias

I’ve said before that I’ve loved watching Ilias’ game develop as the seasons gone on. However, all the evidence indicates his SC output won’t match the eye test. Matchup vs the Tigers is decent, but he only scored 25 last week vs the Dogs. Prefer others.