Queenslanders Only: Dane Gagai can be breakout POD candidate

After Blake Ferguson came from nowhere to become one of SuperCoach’s best players, there’s another Origin star who can make the same leap in 2019. Here’s why.

When the 2018 season began, no one thought Blake Ferguson was a SuperCoach keeper.

In his first three seasons with the Roosters, the Vodka Cruiser enthusiast had averages of 49, 51 and 49.

When he started last season hot, no on thought it would last. He would finish the season with an average of 65PPG, finishing only behind Valentine Holmes (RIP) in the CTW position.

The reason I mention is there is another State of Origin rep I believe is ready for a breakout SuperCoach season: Dane Gagai.

Like Ferguson, he has averaged about 50PPG most of his career. Now Wayne Bennett is sending him to the wing, which could send his value soaring.

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Blake Ferguson had a breakout SuperCoach season with the Roosters last year. Picture: Mark Kolbe/Getty Images

With the Round 1 teams announced and the season finally upon us, it’s time to look at the Queenslanders who can help your SuperCoach team.

CHEAPIE

Tom Opacic ($245,200)

The former Bronco has been unexpectedly vaulted above Ben Hampton to be named at centre for Round 1. Opacic averages about 40PPG when he plays the full 80 minutes, so there’s some money to be made here before you move him on. A word of warning: there seems to be a lot of players of roughly similar quality competing for the centre spots at the Cowboys. Paul Green could experiment for a while until he finds the right combination, so Opacic’s place is far from guaranteed.

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This way to a cheapie: Tom Opacic starts in Round 1 for the Cowboys. Picture: Alix Sweeney

MID-RANGER

Hymel Hunt ($320,200)

Another surprise selection at centre, Hunt could see plenty of action down the Knights’ left hand side, where Kalyn Ponga and Lachlan Fitzgibbon will be in full effect. The Redcliffe junior was never a huge scorer during his time at the Rabbitohs, but he averaged about 44PPG in the 12 games he played 80 minutes last season and you’re only paying for a 34-point average. A value pick in an uncertain position.

GUN

Dane Gagai ($475,900)

While bad news for Corey Allan owners, Gagai’s move from centre to the wing has me intrigued. If Wayne Bennett is trying to recreate his form from State of Origin - where he’s looked unstoppable — then I’m 100 per cent on board. Gagai has been a borderline keeper for some time now but has suffered from a serious lack of tries at club level, where he’s typically played at centre or fullback. In the past three seasons he’s scored 8 times in 70 regular season games. In Origin over that same period: 8 tries in 9 games. Currently only owned by 4 per cent of SuperCoaches.

Dane Gagai has been unstoppable in Origin, now in the NRL please. Picture: AAP Image/Jono Searle

IN

Brendan Elliot ($233,100)

A risk/reward cheapie, Elliot will only spend limited time at fullback for the Sea Eagles until Tom Trbojevic comes back from injury (1-3 weeks, depending on who you listen to). But if the journeyman performs well in that time, he could slide over to wing in place of Reuben Garrick instead of out of the team. Elliot has averaged close to 40PPG over his career, so could make you some money as long as he gets enough games.

OUT

Rhyse Martin ($634,300)

From bona fide SuperCoach gun in the second half of last season to reserve grade: Martin’s fall from grace has been as rapid as his rise in 2018. ‘God 2.0’ was a certainty for my team but Dean Pay had other ideas. The best case scenario now is Martin forces his way back on to the bench and drops in price before winning his starting spot back (insert praying emoji here).

WATCH

Corey Allan ($168,100)

Allan being named on the Rabbitohs bench might be a step up in his career but it’s terrible news for SuperCoaches. Unless he gets some meaningful attacking stats, you’re just as likely to lose money here as you are to make some, even with a meagre BE of 19. Stay away until he cracks the starting team.

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Rabbitohs recruit Corey Allan will start the season on the bench. Picture: Gregg Porteous/NRL Photos

OUTSIDER

The non-Queenslander of the week: Briton Nikora ($168,100)

I’m calling it right now: Briton Nikora is the must have cheapie of 2019. The Kiwi young gun will start in the second row for the Sharks and get as many minutes as he can handle until Wade Graham returns from injury mid-season. Even better: because he has dual position flexibility, you can line him up at CTW, where there’s a serious dearth of cheapies with job security.

Originally published as Queenslanders Only: Dane Gagai can be breakout POD candidate