Final word: Strategy, skippers, trades, Round 16

Feels like a few weeks since I’ve had the Final Word article out on the SC Playbook network.

It’s typically a busy time of the year for myself and as happens with many Supercoaches, it can slip down the priority list somewhat.

However, I have been reinvigorated after posting my biggest score of the season – a huge 1488 on the back of some great 100+ performances.

If you haven’t heard already through the SC Playbook channels, Timmy has let me off the chain and given me my own solo podcast that drops Sunday evenings basically wrapping up the round that was and discussing all things Supercoach and NRL.

Check it out if you get a chance. Any and all feedback is welcomed.

Rito, let’s have a look at Supercoach this week.

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Strategy/Trades  

I can’t remember a season like 2023 in supercoach where there has been such a dearth of decent hooker options.

I was very close to selling Harry Grant last week because he had been performing moderately and had a huge break even but as I examined the position deeper I realised there was absolutely no one decent to go to.

With all due respect, Damien Cook and Jeremy Marshall-King have had solid seasons averaging over 64, but Cook had that origin selection looming and JMK is battling the shoulder injury.

Thankfully Grant came out and vindicated my decision to stick with him with a huge 123.

I feel barring an injury, Harry is a hold in the HOK position and what you have on the bench in that position is only really relevant when he’s not playing.

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So those that are regular readers of this article will know that along with the SC Spy, I went with a tactic of front-loading my trades early in the season.

Sitting in 12,172^nd position, let’s be honest – it hasn’t really paid off so far for me. So, currently I’m sitting with 18 trades left coming into Round-16. That appears to be a bit skinny and still may be but looking at my side, I have a lot of keepers and should be able to get through the season with those trades remaining.

This week I want to be aggressive after such a good week to try to make up further ground.

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The players I’m considering bringing in are Nicho Hynes, Clint Gutherson, Joey Manu, Bryce Cartwright and Briton Nikora. Trade out options are Jackson Ford, Dylan Brown, Nathan Cleary and possibly Greg Marzhew.

I’m going to remain fairly fluid with my trades as the round goes on because it doesn’t make a lot of sense to bring in too many more than 13 players.

Soni Luke is like a thorn in my side. He’s been in my team since the start and hasn’t got hot all season and now on a week like this where the VC loophole is a genuine option I think he will sabotage any thought of that Thursday night. No doubt many other Supercoaches are feeling the same pain.

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Best Value Propositions

Maybe the time for cheapies is over but if you’re still in search of some value here’s some for you:

Junior Pauga – Hardly setting the game alight on the end of an impotent Roosters backline but if you do see the Roosters coming good Pauga could certainly benefit.

Karl Oloapu – Sure 5/8^th is a pretty stacked position but this kid is special and he showed great signs last week of why he so highly touted

Jake Simpkin – Surely with Api out long-term Simpkin gets the bulk of the minutes at dummy-half. Talented player in his own right and extra time on the field should benefit his supercoach scoring.

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PODs & SuperPODS

Here’s the players I’ve identified as PODs (Point of Difference players – less than 10% owned) and SuperPODS (less than 2% owned) that should be on your radar:

PODs

1. Haumole Olakau’atu – we know he can go on a Supercoach tear? Is now the time to invest in him? DCE is bringing that confidence back after origin to the Sea Eagles and the whole Manly right side is benefitting. Don’t rule him out as an option!  
2. Ronaldo Mulitalo – Sharks are coming into a very soft part of the draw playing the Bulldogs, Bye, Dragons, Tigers in the next 4 weeks. Sharks are as flat-track as they come and can rack up scores. Ronnie will be one of the chief beneficiaries!
3. Clint Gutherson – King Gutho turned it on last Monday and there is no threat of State of Origin selection. Parra’s next 5 games include Manly, Dolphins, NZ, Titans and Cowboys. Pretty decent match ups.   

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SuperPODs

1. Sitili Tupouniua – just $402k. Crazy when you consider some of his output in Supercoach in previous years. I was impressed with him in the Panthers game and expect he’ll finish the season strong.   
2. Dane Gagai – Out of favour for Origin and most of us Supercoaches have the extra money to pay up for him. Averages 70.3 this season with 7/12 scores over 75 this year. Food for thought.  

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CAPTAIN

Safe Plays

Nicho Hynes – bounceback game surely. Sunday afternoon game at Shark Park after missing out on origin selection on the back of his worst NRL performance of the year and possibly his whole career. Expect a serious bouncback here from Nicho and the Sharks.

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Left-field options

Kalyn Ponga – very impressive against the highly rated Broncos side last week. Confidence is well and truly back. This week gets a down-on-confidence Roosters team on a Saturday afternoon in Newcastle. Could go ballistic.

Joey Manu – has been a quiet year for Joey but no matter what, nothing sparks up Manu like a game at fullback. He’s set to cut loose like a caged lion sent off into the wild.

NRL Fantasy betting? Yep, you heard that right! This week for our betr SC Playbook multi, we’ve got Nicho Hynes to rack up 75+ NRL Fantasy points into a Ronaldo Mulitalo try FOLLOW HERE

BETR BETs of the WEEK

Please Gamble Responsibly

Multi – Sharks 13+/Panthers win/Knights Win = $5.18

Sitili Tupouniua Anytime Tryscorer @ $3.60

Haumole Olakau’atu Anytime Tryscorer @ $3.50

Moses Leota First Tryscorer @ $41

SGM – Kennedy,Nikora, Hynes Anytime Tries + Mulitalo 2+ tries@ $101