The CTW position has changed in 2018, why it’s time to take a risk and play it safe
WITH no quality dual-position workhorses available at CTW this season the position carries more risk than ever before. Here are two ‘risky’ picks that will reward your SuperCoach team in 2018.
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THE tightening of dual-position availability criteria this season marks a big change in how NRL SuperCoaches will construct their team.
In years gone by the rocks around which we assembled our CTW cohort were edge second-rowers that were dual position eligible 2RF/CTW.
The likes of Tohu Harris, Bodene Thompson and — flashback alert — Jamal Idris, offered us base stat reliability with attacking upside that was worth investing in.
Those days are gone my friend.
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The highest averaging 2RF/CTW available in 2018 are Ryan Matterson (47.5PPG) and Mitchell Aubusson (46.9PPG) from the Roosters — and neither should be in your team for 2018.
In fact while it’s early doors yet, with the trials sure to offer up some cheapies here and there, I have just the one 2RF/CTW in my team at this stage — the T om Sangster approved cheapie Taane Milne.
With our security blanket gone, picking the CTW position is as risky as it has even been.
Below I review the ‘risky’ pick I expect to deliver on his potential and the ‘safe’ option that many have overlooked so far.
LATRELL MITCHELL (CTW $483,100)
2017 total points: 1143
2017 average: 54.4
Pros: Blessed with a massive frame and still just twenty-years-old, Mitchell enters his third season in the NRL this year and looks set to fulfil his massive potential. In 2017 Mitchell played 21 games and posted eight scores over 60PPG with a high of 103 (and two 95s). The Roosters have recruited well, okay exceptionally well, and Mitchell will thrive with the game’s master of the try-assist Cooper Cronk playing inside him as Cronk’s ability to land pinpoint kicks and cut-out passes should ensure more attacking stats for his outside backs.
Speaking of outside backs, the other new recruit James Tedesco will be slashing and burning through defensive lines and Mitchell will no doubt earn a few tries and try assists as he teams up with Teddy.
Lastly, Mitchell is battling it out with Sio Siua Taukeiaho for the goalkicking duties. He’s no sharp shooter but if he can lock in that job you can factor in 6-10 points per game for the kid.
Cons: Nobody’s idea of a base-stat monster, Mitchell posted four sub-30PPG scores in 2017. His conditioning has been questionable in the past and the extra defensive work he will be expected to get through in the centres will test his fitness.
Conclusion: Mitchell is that ‘risky’ talent ready to breakout in 2018. With Cronk inside and Tedesco outside he has the talent around him to add 10 PPG to his 2017 average and I’m tipping him to finish in the top five for his position at the end of the season.
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EUAN AITKEN (CTW $470,400)
2017 total points: 636
2017 average: 53.0
Pros: Workrate, Aitken has it in spades. As a result, and with the absence of dual position edge second-rowers available for selection at the position in 2018, he has one of the safest floors at his position this season. In 2017 Aitken scored at least 40 points in over two thirds of his games, in 2016 he passed the mark an exceptional 81% of the time. Last season he average double digit hit-ups and tackles and at least one busted tackle each hit up.
Cons: In a word ‘injuries’. Aitken played just 12 games last season and played the full 80 minutes in just seven of those games. He underwent an epidural injection in the off-season in an attempt to remediate back tightness which was causing him to suffer chronic hamstring injuries. He also underwent a shoulder reconstruction in the off-season after suffering a shoulder dislocation in round 24 last season.
Conclusion: The base stats and tremendous appetite for work make Aitken a ‘safe’ choice in a position that has become riskier than ever before. The horrible run of injuries put a big caveat on that ‘safe’ appellation. That said, all reports are that Aitken is progressing well with all rehab and is back in training with the Dragons and ready for round one 2018. He’s in my team until I hear anything to the contrary.
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