Hey team. I needed to get some of my thoughts in writing so I thought I would share some of it with you all. I have kept some POD's and other thoughts in house for better or worse, but apart from that, I hope someone gets something from this. For every position, I have named someone in my team, someone I strongly considered/am considering and someone who won't be in my team.
HOK:
Best Buy - CLARK, Erin (412k)
Was an out and out gun coming through the ranks and fell out of love for the game. He looked a touch overweight last season, but by all reports, has slimmed down coming into '22. He has been told that it's his team which would fill him with confidence, and drive, knowing that the Titans are capable if he performs. Absolute worst case he averages 60 minutes a game for 43.
Alternative - GRANT, Harry (+285k)
Slightly underpriced IMO. Will be seeking redemption after a somewhat average 21' season. I still believe that Smith will start the first 20 minutes at hooker and Grant will see out the game. If I am wrong and he plays 80, this is a crucial mistake on my behalf.
Wasn't considered - SMITH, Brandon (+266k)
An absolute RL gun coming off an unreal '21. Scored 11 tries, most of which were via means of burrowing over from dummy half. He will score a few, but take a few from last years total. I get why people are taking him (DPP and Storm having questionable MID depth), though won't be in my team.
MID:
Best buy - KING, Max (240k)
With TPJ and Hetherington looking to play edge this year, it has left the bulldogs relatively short up front. Issue is Jackson and Thompson could play 80, though both probably won't. He appears to be first drop and I expect thirty minutes from him. There is risk. If he scores at a very solid PPM of .8, he only represents five points of value. His basement price and reasonable job security find him in my side.
Alternative - KING, Josh (+79k)
This is the player i'm struggling with the most to leave out of my side. He seemingly takes Finucane's role who averaged 39 points in 57 minutes (1min HIA excluded). He isn't the player Finucane is, but even rid him of 17 minutes, leaving 40, and I see him averaging 36 representing 10 points of value.
Wasn't considered - FIFITA, Andrew (null)
Has pedigree. In the NRL Fantasy Hall of Fame. PPM is great. But nope.
EDG:
Best Buy - NANAI, Jeremiah (350k)
I admittedly haven't seen him play but he's cheap, starts on an edge in all likelihood makes 100k. There is a bidding war going on for his services. Best case, the Cowboys want to keep him happy and give him 80 and re-sign him, seeing him as their future and continue to give him big minutes. On the contrary, he signs elsewhere and ends up in oblivion.
Alternative - FIFITA, David (+450k)
I'll be quaking in my boots not owning him. He plays bigger minutes. His average will rise over the duration of the season. He's the best edge, but I don't trust his fitness early season and Parra typically contain him well (matchup round 1). I prefer a certain DPP player who is around his price range instead. EDG is stacked whereas MIDS are thin.
Not considered - Euan AITKEN (+190k)
Don't like his job security on the edge, nor his starting price, but I won't like his high ownership if he remains there. DPP centre very valuable, though that position is stacked with cheapies who represent value.
HLF:
Best Buy - SCHNEIDER, Brad (240k)
A no brainer. A halfback partnered with Wighton who is a mediocre long distance kicker. Goal kicker. Expect 30's.
Alternative - WALTERS, Billy (Null)
I really wish I knew his position was solid. If he gets the gig season long, he will be the biggest money maker of '22. A gamble, but it could pay off in spades.
Not considered - HYNES, Nicho (+312k)
I'm not elaborating here. Go with your gut. Trap in my eyes.
CTR:
Best Buy - CRICHTON, Stephen (350k)
DPP. Data on him playing in the centres; a good team of that. Will goal kick early. One of my first picked.
Alternative - PAULO, Jaxson (-23k)
DPP with WFB is very valuable this year. Playing in Gagai's spot next to Walker which means attacking stats galore. I'm on the fence very much so between he and Tago. He's not Gagai, but his predecessor averaged 45 there last year.
Not considered - VAILEA, Viliami (-110k)
He's near basement and could represent value, though doesn't have DPP and his job security is questionable. Like Walters, you could be laughing all the way to the bank if it pays off.
WFB:
Best Buy - PAPENHUYZEN, Ryan (636k)
Early exits from games and being weaned back in mean that he is excellent value; not that you all don't know that already. Even if he misses a couple of games, you'd be brave not to run him. Priced at 51 and will average 65+.
Alternative - MITCHELL, Latrell (+35k)
If you think Papenhuyzen will be rested, Mitchell could be a huge POD pick. He picks up goal kicking and will have a greater role to play without Reynolds. He's back a round earlier than expected, too.
Not considered - TRBOJEVIC, Tom (+364k)
I don't like his price. He's coming off arguably one of the greatest individual seasons of all time. He will still be the best WFB, though I don't see value here. Like Fifita, it won't be fun if i've got it wrong.
I'll most likely be going into the season with around 100k ITB. If anyone care's to see, i'll disclose my team after round 1.
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