NRL SuperCoach POD Watch Round 18
TEAMS are starting to look the same. Here’s your chance to set yourself apart with the best point of difference players in NRL SuperCoach.
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TEAMS are starting to look the same, meaning it will be tough to make up ground on the run home.
Here’s your chance to set yourself apart with the best point of difference players in NRL SuperCoach — presented by hipages.
ROUND 18: SuperCoach teams analysis
BARGAINS: Trent Copeland’s Cheapie Bible
Cody Walker ($538,900 / 12 per cent ownership)
The Rabbitohs five-eighth is a regular customer in POD Watch, but an ownership of just 12 per cent means he remains a great pick-up. The halves are having a rare down year in SuperCoach, opening the door for Walker – who averages a slightly underwhelming 58.9PPG – to roar into contention for the run home. Walker has orchestrated the Rabbitohs’ relentless attack in recent weeks, giving him a 3 RD average of 80 and 5 RD average of 64.6. South Sydney play their next five games at ANZ, with his upcoming three matches against the Bulldogs, Tigers and Eels, very enticing.
Jordan Rapana ($473,100 / 5 per cent ownership)
The Raiders flyer was a highly popular purchase prior to sustaining what was supposed to be a serious hamstring injury. His initial diagnosis of 10 weeks was reduced to just three, but in the meantime he was sold by almost all coaches. Rapana now sits with just 5 per cent ownership making him a super option for the run home. Rapana has had a tough season to date averaging just 49.7PPG, but his averages of 71 and 65 over the past two seasons suggests he will hit his straps at some point. Coming back from a hamstring injury is always a concern, and he has a breakeven of 89, so the trade can wait if he peaks anyone’s interest.
Nick Cotric ($537,500 / 8 per cent ownership)
Jack Wighton’s six week ban (currently under review by the NRL) has opened the door for Canberra winger Nick Cotric to shift to fullback. There’s uncertainty surrounding the move as we’re yet to see Cotric in the number one jumper, but the fact this gun youngster will get more ball in hand can only mean good things. Cotric averages 52.4PPG which isn’t stunning on face value, but in a weak CTW position in 2018 he could be an option to edge ahead of the pack for the run home.
Josh Papalii ($625,300 / 4 per cent ownership)
The 2RF position is stacked this season with many players offering strong but similar value. Raiders enforcer Josh Papalii offers an alternate option with strong base stats and a monster ceiling. Papalii has a 61.6PPG average and is sure to step up with the Raiders clinging onto a slim hope of playing finals football. The Maroons forward played limited minutes in Origin so he should be set for close to an 80 minute performance against the Cowboys, particularly with fellow prop Shannon Boyd sidelined for several weeks.
Tim Lafai ($451,600 / 3 per cent ownership)
Lafai is a player I thought would have far greater representation in teams following his role in the tough Round 17 bye week. Lafai has a 3 RD average of 59.3PPG and has formed a formidable combination with five-eighth Gareth Widdop. Lafai has a strong SuperCoach pedigree averaging 64.8 in a far weaker Dragons outfit last season, and he can reach those heights on the run home this year. The gun Red V attacking unit could pile on a mountain of points on the run home where they face six sides from outside the top eight, as well as the struggling Warriors.
Marata Niukore ($242,500 / 1 per cent ownership)
One for the real brave players is Eels back-rower Marata Niukore. The young gun is a favourite of coach Brad Arthur and has seemingly locked in big minutes on an edge as the club look to build for next season. Niukore is only available at CTW despite playing in the forwards. Niukore played 74 minutes in Round 16 for 59 points in pure base and looks to be in the Ryan Matterson mould if he maintains the game time. Not only is he cheap, but Niukore could be a genuine top 4 CTW for the run home IF he gets the minutes.
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