SuperCoach NRL: Reigning champion identifies three cheapie PODs

The countdown is on to kick-off, and with Team List Tuesday (TLT) just around the corner, reigning champion Guy Feeney has found some underloved bargains to round out your squad.

The countdown is on to kick-off, and Team List Tuesday (TLT) is just around the corner. I have been looking at some cheapies to round out my side particularly in the front row.

The current SuperCoach Gold stats has Payne Haas still sitting around 26% ownership, and for those holding him it’s a smart idea to see what is happening on TLT.

Reigning SuperCoach Champion has his eye on these under-owned cheapies.

It would be a dangerous move to hold Haas through his suspension as he may not be a certain starter upon returning. The young Broncos forwards are talented and looking for an opportunity. On the other hand, starting with a Broncos cheapie could see him be dropped out on Hass’ return. I have therefore identified a number of players with low ownership (all currently under 10%) that I have my eye on.

JACOB HOST ($196,900) FRF/2RF, OWNERSHIP: 9%

Host is currently owned by 9% of Super Coach players. I expect that this will sky rocket if he is named to start in the second row. To be honest he isn’t much to write home about. But he has served his apprenticeship coming off the bench and at only 22 he may be ready to take the step up. In 2016 he played eight games in the NRL at an average of 40 MPG and 35 PPG. In 2017, Host played 11 games in the NRL averaging 37 MPG and 27 PPG. Last season, Host played six games in first grade averaging 21 MPG and 11 PPG.

Jacob Host of the Dragons is tackled by Junior Tatola (left) and Liam Knight of the Rabbitohs during the Charity Shield. Picture: AAP Image/Dan Himbrechts

This doesn’t make for good reading; however, St George coach Paul ‘Mary’ McGregor’s rotations were crazy last year, and he will need to change them to keep his Origin players fresh for the back end of the season. If Host starts, he should get around 50 minutes, and this should see enough production to make a significant amount of money. Hosts’ ISP stats show that he is a decent defender averaging 23 tackles on an edge and 141 running metres per game across his 12 games. His attacking stats are a little underwhelming with just the two tries, four line breaks, one line-break assist and three offloads. If he gets the opportunity, he would be a good little money maker to downgrade to Hass when the time comes.

TUI KAMIKAMICA ($196,900) 2RF/FRF, OWNERSHIP: 4%

The best thing to say about Kamikamica is he is trending up. The big man from the Storm played averaged 12 MPG for nine PPG across two games in 2017 and then 18 MPG for 17 PPG over five games in 2018. Coach Craig Bellamy tends to bring young players along very slowly. I have seen predicted lineups that have new recruit Albert Vete beating Kamikamica out for a spot, but I can’t see that happening.

Tui Kamikamica of the Storm is bent back by a Darren Nicholls tackle. Picture: Michael Dodge/Getty Images

With the decline of Jesse Bromwich and Nelson Asofa-Solomona not having the greatest motor, Tui should get some increased minutes this year. Generally, when choosing FRF cows you know you are in for a slow burn and upon reflection maybe not even worth bothering. But the sheer size of Tui makes him a threat of a try anywhere near the opposition line. While Cameron Smith is slowing down, he is still great at counting the numbers and directing his forwards where to run to take advantage of mismatches on short balls close to the line. Definitely one worth keeping an eye on if named in the Storm 17.

PATRICK HERBERT ($168,100) CTW, OWNERSHIP: 1%

I have told people this bloke will get a run at some stage for the Warriors. Herbert was recently upgraded to their 30 man squad, was solid in the trials and has some decent ISP stats. From 22 games (for the Dragons) in 2018 Herbert;

• Scored 12 tries (fourth overall)

• Led the ISP with 127 tackle breaks

• Made 21 offloads (13th overall)

• Made the second most runs and run metres

• Made 10 line break assists (12th overall), and

• Had 14 try assists (fourth overall)

Herbert is able to play wing or centre and with guys in front of him in; Fusitu’a Hiku, Kata and Maumalo not renowned for their ability to play out a full season or for getting nominated for the Golden Boot any time soon. Herbert is a massive shout. Someone I have a close eye on and you should too.

Originally published as SuperCoach NRL: Reigning champion identifies three cheapie PODs