Wacko’s Whispers: NRL SuperCoach pre-season mail 2019

The man with the best mail in the business has joined our stable of SuperCoach writers for 2019. Check out his first instalment.

The man with the best mail in the business has joined our stable of SuperCoach writers for 2019.

Rookie Watch – Hearing that either Reuben Garrick or Albert Hopoate or both will be selected in the Manly starting team come Round 1.

Signing News – Keep an eye on Manly, whispers are around that they will sign a Pommy forward either before Round 1 or in opening month of season.

Wacko's Whispers has joined our SuperCoach writing team.

Second Year Forwards – Keep an eye on forwards in their second year of first grade. There always seems to be a forward who progresses leaps and bounds in their second season, it’s just a matter of finding that nugget of gold.

A Prediction for 2019 – Sandor Earl to make club debut for Melbourne Storm at some stage during 2019 season, completing comeback from drugs suspension and ACL knee reconstruction.

Top 3 Rookie’s per position for 2019

• Hooker – Blakye Brailey, Kyle Schneider, Zac Woolford

• Front Rowers – Thomas Mikaele, Emry Pere, Stefano Utoikamanu

• Second Rowers – Billy Burns, Briton Nikora, Corey Waddell

• Lock - Patrick Carrigan, Thomas Flegler, Corey Horsburgh

• Halves – Dylan Brown, Adam Keighran, Brandon Wakeham

• Centre – Reuben Garrick, Morgan Harper, Brian Too

• Wing – Albert Hopoate, Murray Taulagi, Bronson Xerri

• Fullback – Corey Allan, Will Kennedy, Patrick Herbert

Names you don’t know now but will by end of season

Maika Sivo (Eels) and Mikaele Ravalawa (Dragons) – Two Fijian flyers who just need an opportunity in first grade to prove their try scoring feats will outweigh their liability in defence and under the high ball.

LISTEN! Resident SuperCoach experts Tom Sangster and Tim Williams have the lowdown on the players to target and avoid in 2019.

Position Change - Billy Magoulias

He’s seen as a lock with potential to be Paul Gallen’s successor in retirement but don’t be surprised to see him make NRL from bench at some stage during 2019 season as bench hooker after spending time training there this preseason.

New rule change will affect SuperCoach

A change to the rule on NRL development contracted players will allow any player on an NRL development contract to play NRL without exemption permission post June 30.

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