Spy Talk | Papi Goal-Kicking, Drinkwater v Ponga & More

G’day all,

It’s that time of the week again when we dive into the big issues that we Supercoaches need to sort through.

At times, I tend to do tactical pieces, but this week, I am going to jump into a bunch of separate issues as things are all over the place, and there are different things to discuss.

Let’s do it.

Embed from Getty Images

Melbourne Goalkicking and Ryan Papenhuyzen

This one is critical and will impact Captaincy choices.

Lil Papi has goal kicked for Melbourne during Meaneys‘ absence with a broken jaw and, to no one’s surprise, he absolutely brained it.

What has come as a minor surprise is the fact he seems to have now turned into Hazem El Magic after landing 17 of 18 during this period, with not many from in front.

He seems to have taken a very good kicking technique to even greater levels, and that time of writing has suggested on his podcast that he is enjoying kicking and signs point to him continuing.

If this is the case, there are no issues and he is a hold for as long as he is healthy (all season, thanks mate!)

HOWEVER, Meaney was kicking pre-injury, so for those throwing the armband on Lil Papi will have a few nerves up until Melbourne’s first try.

The facts are that Papi is a good skipper option regardless of the kicking but it certainly lowers his floor if he was to miss out and if he even has a niggle it is easy for him to hand over the duties on a whim.

There are season-long implications whichever way it goes, and given Papi is #1 on My Boyz list, I really don’t want to have to even think about trading him out.

I just want to enjoy the show! Demand the tee, Ryan!

Embed from Getty Images

Billy Smith

Here is an interesting one. Billy has started the season on fire and is a downgrade option who will make money, is playable if needed and has a cracking Origin draw. It seems all too easy and lots will boost to make sure they get him.

But let me present you with reasons why you may not need to trade him in:

• There are so many good centre options, do you have a spot for him? Especially when we will want to start adding in multiple guns across the position now or soon? 
• On top of the guns, there are blokes like Finau on the left wing for St George, and many grabbed Hiroti last week. Just on roster spots, are you forcing the trade to someone you could keep? Take a look.
• He has a horrific injury track record. Will he last until Origin to give you the planned bye coverage? I bloody hope so, but it’s hard to rely on with still a month to go. Anything can happen.
• Do you need the cash injection given the amount of cheapies and mid-rangers emerging this year?
• 3 tries in 2 matches can’t be sustained, but even the odd try should see him do well. Lower expectations, however.

These are the questions I am asking myself, and I have landed on no in terms of trading him in.

I prefer to double upgrade this week and save a boost, but everyone will be different, so make your own decision for your team.

He is a super solid option, providing you actually need him.

For what it’s worth, my centres are below:

From the above, I still need to find space for Garrick, Dylan Lucas and potentially Herbie as well.

If I need a downgrade, I am keen to get Finau on the St George left wing, whilst Toia isn’t really worth trading, I’ll just keep him as a number through Origin.

Even Purdue may be a hold, but will otherwise be a straight flip to a gun.

So with all of those options to fit in, and my money-making at all time levels, I am bypassing Billy Smith, who would cost me my last boost, but really rate him as a buy for anyone who needs him.

Embed from Getty Images

Boosting

This is one of the more common questions in terms of when to use them, do we save any, etc

My case this week is a perfect example of holding off.

My last boost isn’t worth using in my opinion to get Billy Smith as I’d be forcing the trade of someone I don’t really need to let go.

On the flipside, if getting Billy in meant that the downgrade allowed me 2 dual upgrades for my side, I’d be all for it.

As luck would have it, I can do my 2 upgrades without the need to downgrade also.

Boost saved.

Essentially, it really is team-dependent.

There is no need to force a boost, but if it adds value and point scoring to your side, then go for it because we want to maximise point scoring potential as soon as possible before others start to catch up and get their sides in order.

Embed from Getty Images

Kalyn Ponga v Scott Drinkwater

This is just a personal duel that, in terms of Supercoach, could not be more interesting due to their differing circumstances.

Ponga, who is in my side, has fallen completely out of form on the back of Newcastle’s current struggles and has averaged only 40ppg over the last month.

As a result,t he is down to $590k.

Drinkwater, on the other hand, is $700k and his side is finding form with the Cowboys starting to hum.

He also offers excellent bye coverage during Origin.

But he also hasn’t gone over 80 yet this season, but I get the feeling it is his time. Surely a ton is coming, however.

In this scenario, I am going to back in Ponga to bounce back over the next 4 weeks and in turn get his price back up to at least $650-700k worst case.

At this stage, I am happy to look at Drinkwater following the first major bye, which he misses, but I tell you what I can see, the trade is paying off now if you wanted to pull the trigger.

Just be warned that Ponga could ignite at any moment, and after his trip across the ditch (where he will want to deliver in the country he spent some time in as a kid) he runs into Souths, Gold Coast and Parramatta.

I need him to repay the faith, and let’s not forget he was a captaincy option just last month.

He could also be a hold through origin with Newcastle struggling, he will be needed.

Things turn quickly in this game. Decision time for owners.

Ok troops, thank you and good luck this long weekend!

Spy