SpyTalk | Round 26 (Head to Head Grand Finals)

G’day troops,

After what happened to me last week, I’ll tell you what I’m showing some just ticker fronting up for this article!

Things were flying with Lehi going bananas and Tino crashing over was nice, but how is this for a series of unfortunate events (just let me get it out before we move on!)

1. With 2 trades left I traded in Harry Grant to match my head to head opponent as I liked my other players. Result – Gone for the season and 28 points scored with a sin bin. Cheers Harry
2. Sold Connor Watson instead of Nikora, who is out for the season because I really wanted Doueihi (7 points and season over)
3. Now badly need Connor this week after the utter carnage
4. Took the VC off Lehi to match my opponent with Cleary in H2H.
5. Then Captained Teddy for 40
6. Oh and I sat Drinkwater to play Doueihi, trying to win my H2H clash.

In case you didn’t figure it out, I lost H2H and now I have 0 trades and 16 players + Royce Hunt after the teams list left out Kikau, Katoa, Cleary, Edwards, on top of Harry/Doueihi.

Do you ever feel uneasy with how much you’re gambling with? You’re not alone, sport fans love a punt, but sometimes it can get a bit out of control. There’s help available with Gareth Wyatt and the team at CECAL. Contact here: https://bit.ly/3L2yG1

Anyway, now that my rant has ended and I have that off my chest, let’s try and win you lot some Grand Finals / Overall titles!!

For anyone who missed out, hit me up with some stories of woe because I know I’m not the only one!

Then we will move onwards and upwards together..

Games to Targets/Avoid Ranked

I am going to once again go game by game and let you know where I think the points will be at and which games to avoid.

This doesn’t mean you don’t play your good players if you need to but I wouldn’t be bringing in players from certain games.

I will give a rating out of 10 for each, with the higher rating being the better for points.

Embed from Getty Images

Canterbury v Penrith – 8.5

This is tailor-made for the Dogs (Canterbury) with 16 restings for Penrith.

I’m fascinated to see how it actually plays out, but it bodes well for the backlines and someone like Jacob Preston, who will be keen for a try or 2.

Kiraz of course, is always capable of going well and more so tonight.

Crichton is a standout pick if he can get plenty of touches and nail a heap of goals.

The weather is good so that’s a plus also.

I do wonder if points get shared a bit around the Dogs players?

Embed from Getty Images

NZ Warriors v Parramatta – 5

8pm game in Auckland with rain around, and the home team has plenty to play for, doesn’t scream points.

Play the good players you own, but I wouldn’t be targeting anyone in this clash!

Embed from Getty Images

Melbourne v Sydney Roosters – 6.5

Another match I’d be reluctant to target.

Exact same advice as the previous game. 

For those lucky b*stards with sit v start decisions, Melbourne resting 5 or 6 helps Tedesco/Marky Mark and co, who could have really struggled potentially.

Now they are a sniff but not guaranteed to go well.

Embed from Getty Images

Canberra Raiders v Wests Tigers – 8

A good target, as the weather should be dry and the track fast.

Points should be scored, but both teams can aim up on their day or be a little leaky from time to time.

I’d rate it somewhere between middle and great, or 7.5 out of 10.

Interesting to see if the Tigers can find some energy over the last 2 rounds or if they hit the wall.

Embed from Getty Images

St George v Manly – 7.5-8

2 teams that are about as hard to read as a book on the speeds at which different grasses grow.

There could be no defense, there could be spice and ticker, or there could be all of it/none of it.

Either way, it’s a late arvo match in dry weather and has the chance to open up, so it’s an ok game to target.

But I would be lying if I said I knew how it would play out, which means I’d approach with some caution, but don’t be afraid to go for it if you are keen.

Embed from Getty Images

Nth Qld Cowboys v Brisbane – 8.5-9

Screams points! 31 degrees that day and sunny.

Plenty of attack in both teams.

Some questionable defence at times for Brisbane, whilst we know the Cowboys don’t love to grind out a defensive win.

A fun game to watch this one will be, and any players you have in it could go bloody well.

Embed from Getty Images

Cronulla Sharks v Newcastle – 9 & 4

Well it’s a 9 rating for Cronulla because Newcastle are simply out of juice and a 4 rating for Newcastle.

Do they have 1 more lift in them before the season’s end, and with their coach leaving?

We know Cronulla can be very up and down, so who knows, but on the surface your Cronulla players have a chance for a day out.

Dry weather as well! Cronulla could be looking to peak into finals!

Embed from Getty Images

Dolphins v Titans – 11 out of 10

Just load up on this game and let the points roll in, especially backline players!

Dry, not much defence, Suncorp Stadium (fast) and a heap of attacking talent.

Get around it if you need a H2H last gasp throw at the stumps!

Players 1-7 (backlines minus Foran) for both sides, plus Tino, are great options.

I love Trai Fuller in this one if you need a POD move late.

The Sum Up

As always do what you need to do to win a H2H grand final.

Wait on decisions where possible, and if trading in, do it in the higher scoring games for max opportunity.

I will be VCing Nicho Hynes with the C on Jayden Campbell if needed!

Cheers and good luck!