Hooker
Bronson Garlick – 7.3% ownership
This week, Garlick is the pick of a pretty thin bunch, filling in for the injured Harry Grant. I’m not overly keen on this one, as he won’t play the full 80 minutes with Tyran Wishart expected to share time at hooker. That said, if you’re desperate for a hooker, he’s your best option this week—especially with a favourable match-up against the Rabbitohs.
Free Agent Smoky – Ryley Smith 11.7% ownership
Not one to waste a waiver on, but a player to watch. If he can lock in the 80-minute role like he had on the weekend—and with the Mitchell Moses factor in play at Parramatta—he’s one to monitor closely.
FRF
Xavier Willison – 18.9% ownership
Willison has landed the starting edge back rower spot for the Broncos. Big fan of this bloke—he’s a wrecking ball and has a knack for the try line. Tough match-up this week against the Bulldogs, but still a worthwhile pickup. He could hang onto that spot for up to eight weeks with Jack Gosiewski sidelined.
2RF
Jeremiah Nanai – 48.3% ownership
Yes, his ownership is a bit higher than I’d usually include here, but it’s worth noting he’s been dropped in many leagues by frustrated owners. Has Todd Payten finally seen the light? Nanai is a SuperCoach gun when playing 80 minutes and loves a meat pie. Great match-up this week against the Titans. If he’s on your waiver wire, don’t overthink it—grab him.
Also worth noting: Dylan Egan is still only owned in 45.4% of leagues. If you passed on him last week and he’s still floating around—just get him. Simple as that.
Halfback / Five-Eighth
No change from last week—I still don’t like any of the halves’ options, and would be leaning on the AE tactic. Look for a CTW with high upside instead. If you have to pick up a halfback, Jake Clifford is probably your best bet. Owned in 37.7% of leagues, he should be available in most waiver wires. He’s got a very favourable match-up against the Titans, who couldn’t tackle a fish in a bathtub right now.
Free Agent Smoky – Ezra Mam 24.3% ownership
I don’t mind stashing Ezra Mam as a free agent this week. With Ben Hunt struggling and the current spine combo not clicking in Brisbane, Mam could walk straight back into the 5/8 jersey once his suspension is over. One to stash and hold.
CTW
Billy Smith – 37.8% ownership
Smith has secured the left centre spot at the Roosters with Dom Young being dropped—a move most people saw coming. It also means Smith is severely under-owned. He’s a gun; you’ve just got to hope he finally gets some injury luck. He’s due for a good run and is worthy of a top waiver.
Bailey Simonsson – 10.7% ownership
Big fan of Simonsson both as a player and as a SuperCoach draft option. He’s a great third CTW with good base power, and he’ll be lining up on the right wing outside Mitchell Moses for at least the next month while Zac Lomax is out injured. Definitely waiver-worthy.
Free Agent Smoky – Izack Tago 25.2% ownership
Tago’s drop-off these past two years has been staggering. He was a SuperCoach gun in 2023, averaging just under 70, and now he’s sitting on free agent lists across the board. I’m wondering if being dropped to the bench last week could spark a turnaround? Not holding high hopes, but he’s worth a cautious watch. Proceed with care.
Fullback
Jaylan De Groot – 12.3% ownership
He’s about the only viable option if you’re in strife at fullback. Showed a bit of promise last week, scoring 51 with a couple of line breaks. Hopefully he can build on that performance. More of a Hail Mary play, but you could do worse.
