Positional Watchlist: NRL Supercoach Round 19 Rising and Falling Player Stocks

As we enter the home stretch, it’s worth remembering that over the last few years, we’ve seen some mammoth individual play scores at this time of the season.

This leans me towards targeting backs over forwards, except for the essential (Payne Haas) types.

This is all trade-dependent, of course, and for most of us who are short on trades, needs to be weighed against preparing for possible restings in the final rounds.

Note: This article was written pre-team lists. Check out Tim’s weekly teams’ article for post-team lists analysis.

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Fullbacks

With Papenhuyzen nursing a calf injury, all eyes will be on whether he plays and goal kicks.

Meanwhile, the sample size of Drinkwater performing exceptionally well with Clifford in the side continues to grow.

He’s very much looking like a top 3 fullback.

Targets:

• James Tedesco 
• Scott Drinkwater (Moved from form watch)

Job watch: 

• Ryan Papenhuyzen (Moved from targets)

Form watch:

• Dylan Edwards 
• Reece Walsh 
• Latrell Mitchell 
• Clint Gutherson 
• Tom Trbojevic 

Removed: Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, Kalyn Ponga

Note: Fullbacks with dual are listed elsewhere, as they’re generally best selected in their other position.

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CTW

It’s probably not too late to get on Marky Mark ($690k, BE -3), given he plays the Dragons this week. 

Lomax ($694k, BE 72) would be at the top of most Supercoaches’ shopping list, but with Panthers (H), then Raiders (A) coming up, I see no rush to get him. 

Despite carrying a knee injury, Brian To’o ($610k, BE 106) could be a huge play for the run home.

The Panthers’ form is turning around, and Bizza could be in for a big ceiling game soon.

He has a run of Eels, Bunnies, and Tigers (all at CommBank) from rounds 19 to 21.

This is followed by a Titans matchup on the GC in round 22.

Targets:

• Herbie Farnworth 
• Reuben Garrick 
• Dylan Lucas (CTW/2RF) 
• Jacob Kiraz 
• Mark Nawaqanitawase 
• Beau Fermor (CTW/2RF) 
• Zac Lomax (Moved from form watch)
• Brian To’o (Added)

Job watch:

• Nick Meaney (Added – option if confirmed to keep the kicking)
• Siosifa Talakai (2RF/CTW) 
• Dane Gagai 
• Lehi Hopoate (CTW/FLB)
• Greg Marzhew
• AJ Brimson (CTW/5-8)

Removed: Kane Bradley (2RF/CTW) (base is too low)

Form watch:

• Gehamat Shibasaki 
• Valentine Holmes 
• Bradman Best 
• Jamayne Isaako 
• Alex Johnston 
• Jaxon Purdue (CTW/5-8)
• Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 
• Connor Tracey (CTW/FLB)
• Blaize Talagi (CTW/5-8)

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5/8

I removed Kaeo Weekes from the Watchlist a few weeks back due to his low base – he sure showed me.

After his bye, he’ll face the Eels (H), Knights (H), Dragons (A), Sea Eagles (H) and is still under $600k with a -64 BE.

Given Munster and Campbell are available at a similar price, it’s probably hard to justify grabbing him, unless you’re looking for a POD or a short-term (cash grab) play. 

Targets:

• Kaeo Weekes (Added) (5-8/FLB)

Form watch:

• Latu Fainu (Moved from targets)
• Ezra Mam (Having his best ever SC season. Decent POD but with the bye next week, I’d prefer to look at Campbell or Munster, given there higher floors)
• Jayden Campbell (5/8-FLB) 
• Tom Dearden (Possible late season POD if his form continues)
• Jaxon Purdue (CTW-5/8)
• Matt Burton 
• Dylan Brown (HFB-5/8) 
• Cameron Munster (Origin impacted)
• Blaize Talagi (5/8-CTW)

Job watch:

• Lachlan Galvin 
• AJ Brimson (CTW-5/8)
• Te Maire Martin (HFB/5-8) (Added)
• Tanah Boyd (HFB/5-8) (Added)

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Halfbacks

Last week’s Playbook Podcast convinced me of the merits of holding Hynes over Hughes, particularly given the Sharks’ draw.

Nicho also has the higher base + power + kicking of the two, which bodes well if the Sharks can turn their form around. 

I’m pondering a move of Hughes to Cleary this week, given the Panthers play the Eels, whilst the Storm play the defensively strong Knights.

The safe play is probably to wait a week though, in case Nath is a late out or has any kind of Origin hangover.

Targets:

• Nathan Cleary (Moved from form watch)
• Nicho Hynes (Moved from form watch)

Form watch: 

• Jahrome Hughes (Moved from targets)
• Dylan Brown (HFB-5/8)

Job watch: 

• Sandon Smith (HK/Half) 
• Te Maire Martin (HFB/5-8) 
• Tanah Boyd (HFB/5-8) 

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2RF

Angus Crichton is now firmly on the radar at just $584k, with Origin coming to an end.

He’ll be even more appealing if he lands outside Sam Walker.

At the price, I don’t think you can go too far wrong in any case, as Angus can still punch out 70’s without much attack.

He’s probably more of a round 20 play, but if you need a backrower and he’s confirmed to back up I think it’s fine to move now.

Targets:

• Eliesa Katoa 
• Dylan Lucas (CTW/2RF) 
• Erin Clark (FRF/2RF) 
• Viliame Kikau 
• Beau Fermor (2RF/CTW) 
• Briton Nikora 
• Angus Crichton (Added)

Job watch

• Siosifa Talakai (2RF/CTW) 
• Jack Williams (FRF/2RF) 
• Chris Randall (HK/2RF) 

Form watch 

Priced 650k+

• Hudson Young 
• Jacob Preston 
• Tino Faasuamaleaui (FRF/2RF) (Origin affected)
• Corey Horsburgh (FRF/2RF) 
• Isaah Yeo 

Removed: Kai Pearce Paul, Euan Aitken, J’maine Hopgood 

Looping options:

• Myles Martin (FRF/2RF) 
• Ethan Roberts (FRF/2RF) 
• Tukimihia Simpkins (FRF/2RF) 

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FRF 

Haas and Tino are both nursing injuries, meaning there’s no rush to bring them in whilst they’re backing up from Origin.

Haas still looks like a must-have.

If Tino can recover from his sternum injury, he offers great value at sub $600k. 

Targets:

• Terrell May 
• Erin Clark (FRF/2RF) 

Form watch:

• Addin Fonua-Blake 
• Joseph Tapine 
• Payne Haas (Origin affected)
• Tino Faasuamaleaui (FRF/2RF) (Origin affected)

Job watch: 

• Jack Williams(FRF/2RF) 

Looping options 

• Myles Martin – Raiders (FRF/2RF)
• Ethan Roberts – Roosters (FRF/2RF)
• Tukimihia Simpkins (FRF/2RF)

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Hooker

Provided Sandon Smith is named to start again (with Walker nearing a return), he’ll be a handy number this week with a matchup vs the Dragons.

If not, there’ll be an urgent need for a lot of teams to grab a hooker, and Watson could be the guy.

He’s easily the top averaging hooker this season with 67 points per game. 

Harry Grant is certainly capable of averaging similar.

However, I think there are a few points in favour of the Roosters’ no. 9, specifically:

• Likely fewer Origin minutes this week  
• Dual position 
• No chance of a rest in the last few rounds

Targets: 

• Harry Grant 
• Connor Watson (HK/2RF)

Job watch:

• Api Koroisau 
• Chris Randall (HK/2RF) 
• Sandon Smith (HK/HFB) 
• Kurt Donoghoe (HK/2RF) 

Form watch:

• Cameron McInnes (HK/2RF) 

Looping options

• Kalani Going (HOK/2RF)