Spy Talk: Vegas reflections, TLT tweaks and avoids

G’day Troops,

There are plenty of talking points already and we are only 2 games in. Combined with Team List Tuesday and it really is go time. Lets tuck in!

Hynes Conundrum

Nicho Hynes started quite well. A 50 v Penrith in round 1 is absolutely fine for owners but it’s the underlining factors that may become a cause for concern.

For one he didn’t goal kick which is an absolute dagger. This would drop his average but around 10-15 points per game if it was to stay like this long term. But the good news is that he is a much better goalkicker then Trindall so there is every likelihood that he is simply managing a niggle. Round 2 will tell us more and if he doesn’t kick again there is extra concern given there will likely be no indication of when he could kick again.

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Secondly Trindall took roughly the same amount of touches as Hynes which was commonplace the last 2 months of last season as oppose to Hynes’ previous role which often saw him touch the footy 20+ more times then his halves partner.

This in turn will see less of the accumulation stats for Hynes which he thrives off but this is offset but the fact his second receiver role could lead to more direct try assist and even tries is he shows and goes.

Perhaps it balances out, perhaps it doesn’t but we should get another indication in round 2 v the Nth Qld Cowboys.

The short of it is that Nicho is 100% a hold and he could still score well but there is some cause for concern. The good news is that he isn’t priced at $900k this year so to add value to our squads he can average less the previous seasons when the bar was set very high. So lets watch Cleary and Duffy and reassess prior to round 3 (or even 4 if warranted).

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Tino Fa’asuamaleaui

I flagged an idea on the podcast last night around Tino and Second row forwards.

Basically, with front row cheapies not offering much I have decided to start Tino in my 2RF position and start my FRF bench as Royce Hunt & a Dual position (FRF/2RF) non player.

This allows me to have Corey Horsburgh partnered with Terrell May as starters and despite the lack of depth on the bench Tino Fa’asuamaleaui can flip down and back at any stage as cover. The alternative is Tino in the front row and therefore potentially limiting 2RF depth.

Luke Metcalf 

I couldn’t go through my article today without mentioning him.

A score of 12 in a Wahs side who looks pretty poor to be frank which the issues of last year rolling into round 1. It is just round 1 however and of course things may improve quickly but for me Metcalf could already be a trade out after only just starting with him.

I will watch him very closely from a footy perspective in round 2 and will be looking to see if he looks likely to be able to score well which may be more important than his actually score (We need him looking likely/dangerous)

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I want to see a few things:

1. Some forward momentum from his forwards to allow him to go to the line and run/pass on the front foot
2. Does he have a run the ball mentality or is he in setup/old school Halfback mode
3. How often he gets touches on both sides of the field (sweeping as 2^nd receiver is ideal)
4. How well he strikes his goal kicks especially if they are from the sideline (its all good and well having the kicking role but he needs to be able to get more then he misses)

My fear is that the Warriors will lack points again in 2025 which would dramatically impact Metcalf.

He isn’t in a 5-8 role anymore either where he can just run the footy at will. Hopefully the Wahs can show some spark and he profits from this otherwise he could be gone for whoever looks best out of Galvin, Brown, Munster, Campbell, Brimson and co. I’m even tempted to hold the cash for a round 2 trade if Galvin kills it.

My Avoids

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I wanted to finish with players I am not personally keen on and these include in no particular order –

1. Sydney Roosters wingers – Dom Young & Daniel Tupou (Lots of points last year which will be difficult to replicate given key injuries and losses) I can only see them losing value.
2. Cory Paix (Unless he gets you a gun elsewhere I’d prefer Sandon Smith / Peter Mamouzelos)
3. Kelma Tuilagi – He could pay off no doubt so don’t just drop him because I say so but his defence can be frail and I question how many minutes he actually plays. 80 would be amazing but I’m not convinced and would prefer to watch and strike if he impresses)
4. Iongi – He is only an avoid for me. I have no qualms if you start him as you can set your side up well but be wary of no Mitch Moses on his inside and games again Melbourne & the Bulldogs in rounds 1 and 3) I’m targeting round 4 or 5. I wouldn’t play him on my bench round 1 aaginst Melbourne unless your other option is pretty poor.
5. Whyte & Wong – Im staying away from Roosters middles until we get some more info however Whyte is the play if you need one. He is capable!
6. Gosiewski – With Piakura on the bench I’m not taking him given the emergence of Hubner and even Guymer as 2RF options. BUT, he is basement price so its not the worst option just be prepared to lose him soon potentially.
7. Jack Bird – Lands straight in the wait and see basket given he is coming off the bench and a tough injury history.

That’s all for me for today. Fire up everyone round 1 continue very soon!! Good luck and as always BACK YOURSELF but don’t go to mad early,

Spy