NRL SuperCoach 2019: Tim Williams’ team revealed
The Cooma Stallions playing group are primed for an immediate assault on the 2019 SuperCoach season and are ready to improve on last year’s ranking following a high-intensity preseason.
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The Cooma Stallions playing group are primed for an immediate assault on the 2019 SuperCoach season and are ready to improve on last year’s ranking of 1,600th following a high-intensity preseason.
HOOKERS
Damien Cook ($726,000)
The case to risk Damien Cook at a huge price is fairly strong, but at just 19 per cent ownership the game’s best player is somehow in POD range. Lock in the South Sydney rake for a valuable edge on rivals early in the season. Value in SuperCoach is key, but sometimes we can overthink trades at our own peril.
Wayde Egan ($232,000)
If Kurt Mann starts in Round 1 he’ll be in, but my gut feel says the Newcastle recruit will play a 30-minute bench role as he acclimatises to his new position. For a slight reduction in price I’ve gone with Penrith young gun Wayde Egan. Such are the wraps on Egan that he’s a chance to leapfrog Sione Katoa into a starting role.
LISTEN! Resident SuperCoach experts Tom Sangster and Tim Williams have the lowdown on the players to target and avoid in 2019.
FRONT ROWERS
Sam Burgess ($560,000)
Andrew Fifita was tempting, but at a $74k discount you can lock in SuperCoach great Sam Burgess who’s guaranteed big minutes. Burgess will likely spend time on the edge throughout the year which bodes well for the attacking stats that eluded him last season.
Tevita Pangai Jnr ($495,000)
SuperCoach killer Wayne Bennett is out, attack minded Anthony Seibold is in. A fully fit TPJ looks all but assured of increasing his 53 minutes of game time from last season. The powerhouse forward could be an elite player by the end of the year so jump on while he’s affordable.
Payne Haas ($181,100)
Little needs to be said of young giant Payne Haas, he should be in all teams to start the season.
Patrick Carrigan ($168,100)
Brisbane have an overabundance of quality back-rowers, meaning there’s a bench spot up for grabs for a middle forward. Patrick Carrigan is highly regarded at the club having played for the Junior Kangaroos and Queensland U20s last season. Should he jag the spot he could be a valuable slow-burning cash cow.
SECOND ROW FORWARDS
Jai Arrow ($598,000)
Jai Arrow is my second player picked. Provided he stays fit, Arrow will become an elite star of SuperCoach this season. Gold Coast have very little depth in the forwards meaning Arrow could be set for a 65+ minute role. With a relentless work ethic, Arrow is a set and forget for the entire year.
Cameron Murray ($458,900)
If set for a 70+ minute role, Cam Murray is a lock for Round 1. With Angus Crichton out of the frame there are big minutes available in the South Sydney pack. Murray averaged 48 minutes last year that could increase to as many as 80 this season.
Viliame Kikau ($570,400)
Well priced, a big motor, and continually developing after his debut season, Viliame Kikau looks an enticing prospect once again. The Fijian giant can comfortably hit three-figure scores making him the perfect man to get an edge on rivals to begin the season.
Joe Stimson ($352,900)
A favourite of Craig Bellamy’s, Joe Stimson averaged 53 minutes last season but looks set for an 80 minute role in 2019. Stimson looks one of the safer mid-rangers that can be easily upgraded to a keeper once maxing in price.
Corey Waddell ($168,100)
Manly’s back-row stocks are very weak, meaning the highly regarded Corey Waddell could earn a bench role.
Briton Nikora ($168,100)
Cronulla have lost several outside backs as well as second-rower’s Luke Lewis (retired) and Wade Graham (ACL). Enter Nikora, a dual CTW/2RF at basement price. Fingers crossed John Morris fancies the youngster enough to promote him to the top grade.
HALFBACKS
Nathan Cleary ($577,000)
I’ve been burnt early on in the past by stacking my halves with risky playmakers that have high ceilings. For this reason, I’m going with the reliable Nathan Cleary who has arguably the best base stats of any halfback.
Chanel Harris-Tavita ($168,100)
My bench halfback role is reserved for the New Zealand Warriors No. 7, be it Chanel Harris-Tavita, Adam Keighran or Hayze Perham.
FIVE-EIGHTHS
Kalyn Ponga ($614,300)
Last year we were forced to pick two out of James Tedesco, Tom Trbojevic and Kalyn Ponga. This year, Nathan Brown’s bold ambitions for his star playmaker have allowed us to select all three. Don’t get cold feet about Ponga’s five-eighth switch, just lock him in and enjoy the ride.
Dylan Brown ($168,100)
Likely starting five-eighth, basement price, jackpot.
CENTRE/WINGS
Esan Marsters ($568,500)
The breakout centre of 2018 is the most likely to be culled from the Cooma Stallions prior to Round 1. The consistency of Esan Marsters is appealing and he’s accurately priced, but if any other genuine CTW cheapie emerges it could free up $400k to spend elsewhere.
John Bateman ($400,000)
Bateman is a quality purchase in the back-row, as a CTW he’s a near must-have. Bateman was a Super League star and has a strong work ethic with attacking upside. If as expected he locks in a 60+ minute role he’ll provide tremendous value.
Kurt Capewell ($340,200)
There are big minute roles in both back-row slots for Cronulla, meaning Capewell could be a terrific mid-range option. A reliable 50+ points in an unpredictable position, with a price rise virtually assured, looks an enticing prospect.
Zac Lomax ($196,900)
A peaked Zac Lomax to a bottomed out Latrell Mitchell will likely be a very popular trade between Rounds 6-8.
Morgan Harper ($168,100), Albert Hopoate ($168,100) and Bronson Xerri ($168,100)
All three youngsters are place-holders until we get confirmation of certain Round 1 starters. All look well-placed for debuts at the beginning of the year in relatively weak backlines.
FULLBACKS
Tom Trbojevic ($691,200)
Lock in Tommy Turbo or risk being left behind.
James Tedesco ($689,000)
Teddy is my first player picked. Last season I considered gluing the captain’s armband on him in Round 1. One slightly below score and I went cold on the idea, he finished the season with an average of 74. His combination with Luke Keary and Cooper Cronk will only get better in 2019, meaning his average could soar.
MORE SUPERCOACH:
Full SuperCoach News section / Cheapie Bible / Predicted round one teams / Sangster’s team / Champ’s team / Wilfred’s team / Tallis’s team / Copes’ team / Huge rule change / Top 10 rookies in NRL
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