SuperCoach NRL 2019: 10 POD picks including a new dual CTW gun
SuperCoach NRL fans won’t want to miss this one — Wilson Smith lists 10 POD picks for 2019 — with updated prices and one important positional change.
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Although the focus may be all over SuperCoach BBL at the moment, the NRL off season is starting to get to SuperCoaches hungry for the 2019 season.
Prices and positional changes for players are now out and we have broken down the data to bring you some early potential PODs for 2019.
While staples like Jason Taumalolo and the Trbojevic brothers delivered for SuperCoaches in 2018, there was value to be found, with players like Daly Cherry-Evans (the 11th highest scoring player with 1,481 points last season) at just 10% ownership.
To put that stat into perspective, usual SuperCoach gun Shaun Johnson finished the season on just 1,160 points despite his 40.1% ownership.
With that in mind, here are 10 players that could set you aside from the other teams and win you your league, or maybe even the prize money in Supercoach 2019. (Trigger warning: there aren’t many New South Welshman on the list).
1. MATT GILLETT (BRO) 2RF $432,900
Starting off strong with one of my favourite picks, the Broncos’ forward firms as potentially a great POD and won’t cost too much either after missing most of 2018 with a broken neck. Gillett has historically been a great SuperCoach player, averaging 66 in 2014 and 2017, and 57 in 2015 and 2016. Averaging close to 80 minutes a game in the past, Gillett could be a great pick-up if he manages to play in a similar role in 2019.
2. MICHAEL MORGAN (NQC) 5/8, HFB $409,200
Like Gillett, the Cowboys playmaker missed most of 2018 due to injury, after suffering a torn bicep in the lead up to Origin II. As a result, Morgan has dropped over $100K from his 2018 starting price and should have opportunity to score decent points leading the Cowboys attack following the retirement of Johnathan Thurston. Averaging just below 60 PPG since 2014, Morgan could be a decent alternative to some of the more expensive gun halves if you want to save money at either halfback or 5/8.
3. JAMES ROBERTS (BRO) CTW $433,600
James Roberts played through most of the 2018 season clearly struggling with injuries that hampered his SuperCoach production. One of the Broncos best attacking weapons in past seasons, he unfortunately became pretty dependent on tries and was a bit of a bust. But with time to recover from injuries over the off-season, the star centre could see an uptick in 2018, especially if allowed to inject himself in the games more under new coach Anthony Seibold.
4. AJ BRIMSON (GCT) FLB, 5/8 $462,200
Just getting all the players from Queensland teams out of the way early, no more after this I promise! AJ Brimson came onto the NRL scene in 2018 slowly at first, before looking explosive after a positional switch to fullback. The youngster will be in a battle with veteran Michael Gordon for the No. 1 jersey, but should he win the role and looks to be a SuperCoach winner in 2019. With respectable scores of 26, 84, 73 and 58 at fullback, a full pre-season at the position will do wonders for Brimson.
5. KURT CAPEWELL (SHA) 2RF, CTW $340,200
Kurt Capewell has not really been a SuperCoach relevant player in past years, but with the retirement of Luke Lewis and the ACL injury to Wade Graham, there is plenty of opportunity in 2019. The former bench utility should see an uptick in points with a starting spot in the forwards all but guaranteed, and you can also select him at the CTW position if you’d prefer. As Tom Sangster put it, he could be the Ryan Matterson of the 2019 season, which would make him an awesome POD to start off with.
6. ELLIOT WHITEHEAD (CBR) 2RF, CTW $457,700
While overshadowed by the emergence of Joe Tapine as an 80 minute player in 2018, Whitehead was still a decent option for SuperCoaches. But after earning back his dual eligibility status in 2019, I really think the Englishman is another good potential POD who you can select in your CTW. The departures of front rowers Junior Paulo and Shannon Boyd, and a possible move for Josh Papalii to prop, could also work out in Whitehead’s favour.
7. JOE STIMSON (MEL) 2RF $352,900
While mostly coming off the bench in 2018, an injury to Ryan Hoffman gave Stimson a great opportunity to show us what he could do, producing a solid average of 52.7 when starting. Now Ryan Hoffman has retired, meaning Stimson should have the starting role locked in for the start of 2018, assuming he stays fit. A sneakily low season average could mean Stimson falls under the radar for some players and he shapes as a decent POD for 2019.
8. AIDEN TOLMAN (BUL) FRF $471,400
While the presence of Aaron Woods at the Bulldogs really hurt Aiden Tolman, the ever reliable front rower was a good pick up once Woods was out of the picture. Moving back to big minutes, Tolman is a base points machine and can be counted on to get at least 50 points a game, averaging 57.1 after Aaron Woods left. Meanwhile at under $300k, Dylan Napa could also be an interesting pick-up, as he looks tries to fill a significant hole left by the departure of David Klemmer.
9. CAMERON MCINNES (STG) HOK $561,800
Just to cover all positions, Cameron McInnes is a good POD to bring in at hooker if you decide to opt against starting with Damien Cook. As the 15th best player in Supercoach 2018, the 4.6% of teams who owned McInnes would have been very happy (even if he wasn’t the best performing hooker). The Dragons No.9 is a well-rounded option, with high base and creative points, and should continue with his solid scores in 2019.
10. MICHAEL OLDFIELD (CBR) CTW $376,600
Now for some spice at the end of the list, the injury lay-off for Jordan Rapana will see Michael Oldfield getting a great opportunity at the second best attacking team in 2018. While not a household name, Oldfield won’t cost you much but could certainly score some points for your team until Rapana gets back on the field. If Michael Oldfield is a bit too risky for your liking, Nick Cotric is good option at $451,100 and won’t lose a starting spot when Rapana returns.
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Originally published as SuperCoach NRL 2019: 10 POD picks including a new dual CTW gun
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