Positional watchlist: Five-eighth targets for 2025

It’s fair to say it’s relatively slim pickings for cheapie/value options at number 6 currently.

There could be a few emerge, but I’m not opposed to locking in a couple of reasonably priced guns (who also have the benefit of dual position) to save trades and look for value elsewhere.

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Targets

Dylan Brown – Eels – $651.8k (HFB/5-8)

Cody Walker – Rabbitohs – $559.8k (HFB/5-8)

I’ve pondered a few concerns about Dylbags and settled in my mind that he’s still a good option.

My first concern was how an increased role for Mitch Moses has impacted him.

This is somewhat warranted, as Dyl averaged 62 when playing with Moses, as opposed to his season long average of 66.

However, that season long average includes a 160-point game without Mitch. Outside of that his average hovered around the 60-point mark anyway.

Ultimately, it remains to be seen how the team sets up under Ryles, but I’m confident Dyl should generate enough attacking opportunities. With both a high floor and high ceiling, along with no Origin commitments, he could be a season long hold.

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Cody is somewhat of an exception to what I usually look for in a player. His floor can be very low, but attacking stats come easily to him. He’s also 35 years old, but was a late bloomer and relies more on skill than a young player’s power game.

I expect him to get more attacking opportunities under an improved Souths team.

When last coached by Bennett in 2021, Cody averaged 84 points per game. Being much older now this is probably unrealistic, but it goes to show Cody’s potential compared to last season’s 57-point average.

My only concern is the combination with a new halves partner, such as UK recruit Lewis Dodd. However, I expect Cody to be given plenty of reigns to do his thing.

The dual position value of both Dyl and Cody shouldn’t be understated either. When this enables a trade or injury coverage, it could conceivably be worth a few additional points to their averages.  

PREDICTED TEAMS: Every club’s round 1 starting 17

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Form watch

Te Maire Martin – Warriors – 663.2k (HFB/5-8)

Lachlan Galvin – Tigers – $624.2k

Cameron Munster – Storm – $609k

Jarome Luai – Tigers – $582.2k (HFB/5-8)

Blaize Talagi – Panthers – $562.6k (CTW/5-8)

Te Maire Martin gets a spot on the form watchlist thanks to averaging 82 points when playing halfback last season. He looked fantastic in this role but does have some competition for the spot in the likes of Tanah Boyd and Chanel Harris-Tavita.

The Warriors lack a long kicking game, which could work against TMM. In any case, I’d like to see how they start the season before investing. This also provides the opportunity to avoid an attack reliant player for the usually low scoring early rounds of the season.

Lachie Galvin is an intriguing option. RL Guru has highlighted on many occasions how Jarome Luai adapts his game to benefit his halves partner. Could this improve Galvin’s SC output in a significantly better Tigers outfit?

Second-year syndrome is a concern, but Galvin has proved to have an SC friendly game with an incredible 41-point base + power average (hit-ups, tackles, tackle breaks and offloads), the best of any 5/8 last season except for Max Plath and Dylan Walker, who were playing out of position. 

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Luai himself presents another option, having averaged 79 when playing halfback last season. This includes a purple patch in the middle of the season in which he averaged 99, mostly when playing with Jack Cole at 5/8.

In round 15 he scored 130 with Brad Schneider as his halves partner, but Jarome had the reigns in the rounds prior, so perhaps this continued. I’d like to see how the Tigers go before investing, but I don’t hate the play.

Cameron Munster registered his lowest averaging SC season in recent memory, with 62 points. Returning from double hip surgery I’d find it hard to buy him to start. His regression was also likely impacted by the prominence of Jahrome Hughes, but I’d still expect a fit and firing Munster to average 70+.

Blaize Talagi appears to have the inside running for the Panthers’ 5/8 spot. As a player of immense talent in a gun side, he warrants a spot on the watchlist, particularly given his dual position status. At $560k though, I’d find it hard to start him without seeing how he goes for an extended run.

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Job watch

Jayden Sullivan – Rabbitohs – $480.9k (HFB/5-8)

Luke Metcalf – Warriors – $431.7k

Adam Doueihi – Tigers – $431.7k (5-8/CTW)

Chanel Harris-Tavita – Warriors – $329.6k

Tanah Boyd – Warriors – $329.6k (HFB/5-8)

Will Pryce – Knights – $310.1k

If Jayden Sullivan jags the Rabbitohs vacant halfback position, he’ll be worth considering. He was the next big thing coming through juniors and Bennett could be the perfect mentor for him.

Metcalf and Doueihi are both a watch for goalkicking duties. Although we could be forced to look more closely at them anyway if no genuine cheapie options appear.

As mentioned when discussing Te Maire Martin, CHT and Tanah Boyd are both contenders for a Warriors halves spot. If either earn a starting gig and the goalkicking to go with it, they’ll be close to a must have.

Will Pryce is a very talented attacking player and will be a contender for the Knights’ 5/8 spot.

However, as we saw last season, there is plenty of competition in the Knights halves. This would present job security concerns, even if he did get a starting jersey.