Best Options for the Week
Latu Fainu (5/8) – 6% ownership
My number one pick-up of the week. This bloke looks the goods. He has solid base stats for a half, and things just seem to happen when he has the ball. The 5/8 position lacks rock-solid options, and I’m backing him to be a great choice for the run home.
Siosifa Talakai (2RF/CTW) – 38% ownership
Kurt Donoghoe (HOK) – 44% ownership
Josiah Karapani (CTW) – 21% ownership
These guys were on this list last week, and all proved they deserve to be picked up. They’re still available in plenty of leagues-it’s only a matter of time before someone in your league uses their brain and grabs them. So jump on it ASAP!
Free Agent Pick-ups / One-Week Plays
Keano Kini (FLB) – 42% ownership
This one’s a little left-field, but rumours are going around that he could return from injury in about a month. Going early and stashing him on your bench could win you your league. Running the AE tactic in the finals and having Kini instead of a plodder FRF or hooker? Sign me up.
Alex Johnston (CTW) – 36% ownership
This try-scoring record will be broken in the coming weeks, and you know Latrell Mitchell will be firing cut-outs to AJ any chance he gets. With games against the Dolphins and Manly over the next fortnight, there’ll be plenty of try-scoring opportunities for him.
Jake Clifford (HB) – 19% ownership
Todd Payten has finally turned his brain on and realised the Cowboys are a better side with Clifford in the halves and Purdue at left centre. It’s hardly a sexy pick-up, but if you need a halfback, Clifford, looking to prove a point against the disgusting Titans, is your best bet.
Jazz Tevaga (HOK / 2RF) – 29% ownership
He had a seven-round average of 62 before the game against the Titans, where he suffered a head knock and only played 30 minutes. He’s been named to start at hooker, with Anthony Seibold shaking things up. I expect him to get solid minutes shifting between hooker and lock, and he should score reliably.
Best Options by Position
Hooker
Kurt Donoghoe
Jazz Tevaga
FRF
Alex Twal
Fonua Pole
2RF
Siosifa Talakai
Kitione Kautoga
Simi Sasagi
HB
Jake Clifford
Cody Walker (if he can make it through the whole game)
5/8
Latu Fainu
Cody Walker (as above)
CTW
Siosifa Talakai
Josiah Karapani
Alex Johnston
Fullback
Keano Kini **
Heath Mason
