The big news from the round was Manly winger David Williams injuring his knee against the Knights and will be out for the rest of the season, Anthony Minichiello will play after being cleared of a striking charge. He will get to play his 250th match against the Tigers and Issac Luke has been dropped and Nathan Peats will get to start for the Rabbitohs.

BULLDOGS ALERT: Make sure you have active reserve in positions where you have Canterbury players. There are rumours suggesting that they will rest players against Canberra – most notably Ben Barba, Krisnan Inu & Michael Ennis

OUTSIDE BACKS

Brett Stewart, $334,000 – 3.4%

Round 24 Points: 74 (Top Outside Back)

The Snake charmed the home crowd with an epic performance and was instrumental in the first-half demolition of the Knights. He has now scored five tries in his last three games at ‘the Fortress.’ Stewart averages just over 60 points in his last four games at Brookie and has to be considered in your team.

Lachlan Coote, $247,000 – 13.1%

Round 24 Points: 70

Its a shame it took Ivan Cleary until Round 20 to find out the value of having Lachlan Coote at five-eighth. He has been one of the Panthers best over the past five weeks and has been a quality fantasy option during that time:

Points this season – 699 (average 31.7)

Points at Fullback – 488 (average 28.7)

Points at five-eighth – 211 (average 42.2)

Beau Ryan, $222,000 – 14.8%

Round 24 Points: 12

The last three weeks have not been fruitful for teams with Beau Ryan in their side, having scored only 45 points over this time. However, in the four games he has played at fullback, he averages just under 29 points per game. With a matchup against the Roosters, he could be a handy addition for the home stretch.

Jason Nightingale, $297,000 – 9.2%

Round 24 Points: 9

On the decline, last six Rounds: 32, 27, 21, 17, 15, 9

The Dragons have had a disappointing season – especially in attack and Nightingale stats show he has been directly affected, averaging only 20 points per game in his past six weeks. However, the Kiwi international enjoys playing the Warriors, having scored five tries in six games.

INSIDE BACKS

Josh Morris, $338,000 – 25.3%

Round 24 Points: 21

Continues to put up relatively low scores for his fantasy owners, although his team continues to win. The Bulldogs centre has scored an average of 16 points per game in the last four games.

Konrad Hurrell, $159,000 – 18.2%

Round 24 Points: Did Not Play

The barnstorming rookie centre has been named on a five-man bench for the Warriors this week and barring injury, could again sit on the sidelines. Hurrell was a great player for fantasy owners this season and with the Warriors officially out of finals contention, Its time to trade him out of your side.

Justin Hodges, $291,000 – 13.1%

Round 24 Points: 77 (Top Inside Back)

Hodges has been in and out of the Broncos side since Origin and his scores have been all over the shop. In his second game back from his recent injury, Hodges put up a position-high 77 points against heavyweights Melbourne. He has scored a try in all three games he has played at Brookvale and could continue to provide points for his fantasy owners

Tautau Moga, $74,000 – 10.8%

Round 24 Points: 40

The Roosters rookie has started to show some good form in recent weeks. Moga scored his fifth try this season and put up 40 fantasy points. A tough match-up ahead against the Tigers this week, however Moga’s confidence is high and we could be in for some more decent scores to close out the season.

Jack Reed, $215,000 – 15.2%

Round 24 Points: 15

Reed hasn’t really impressed since returning from injury, scoring only 23 points in his past two matches. Manly’s defense will improve from last week after finishing with only 13 men.

Chris Lawrence, $260,000 – 4.4%

Round 24 Points: Did Not Play

The Tigers centre is back in the side against the Roosters. Prior to being injured, Lawrence . I’m always hesitant in including players returning from injury into your side, however Lawrence is an important part to the Tigers and might be an exception to the rule. He scored 31 points earlier in the season against the Roosters.

COWBOYS BACKS

You really can’t go wrong having one or two of these guys in your Outside Backs.

Ashley Graham, $215,000 – 13.5%

Last three games: 23, 59 & 33

He has a great record at Dairy Farmers Stadium this season, having scored nine tries in nine games.

Kane Linnett, $250,000 – 12.6%

Last three games: 45, 58 & 70

The form centre in the competition, Linnett has scored 10 tries in his previous nine matches, averaging 50 points per game.

Brent Tate, $227,000 – 6.4%

Last three games: 24, 67 & 32

Tate’s recent record at Townsville is noteworthy averaging 41 points in his past 5 home matches.

Cheap Option – Dean Whare, $124,000

Replaces David Williams on the Sea Eagles wing and having Jamie Lyon on his inside is not necessarily a bad thing.

HALVES

Johnathan Thurston, $432,000 – 13.6%

Round 24 Points: 47

Thurston is the catalyst for the effectiveness of the Cowboys attack. In the past two weeks, he has scored 93 points in two solid victories. He has averaged just over 40 points in the past six weeks. His goal kicking adds to his

Todd Carney, $308,000 – 15.5%

Round 24 Points: 22

Sam S from Sans Souci wrote in asking whether he should keep Todd Carney in his side.

Sam, I cannot see Carney scoring many points against the Storm in Melbourne. If the Sharkies steal the victory it will be a chard-fought, low scoring encounter.

Carney scored 41 against the Storm in Round 10, but the Storm can be brutal at home. Scott Prince scored -2 two weeks ago at AAMI Park.

I suggest trading him out. An option like Aidan Sezer will save you money and still get you 30 points.

Adam Reynolds, $221,000 – 15.5%

Round 24 Points: 15

Most Rabbitohs players have seen a drop off in fantasy points in recent weeks It is evident with their halfback Adam Reynolds who has seen his numbers see-saw over the past five weeks. Scores of 16, 41, 18, 30 and 15 in his past five matches have turned me off including the soon to be crowned ‘Rookie of the Year’. With the Rabbits playing the Eels this week, the trend will likely continue with a spike up in points. Hold

HALVES PLAYING FULLBACK

Corey Norman, $228,000 – 12.1%

Round 24 Points: 29

Norman has slotted back in nicely in the back field producing 40 and 29 in the past two weeks. He will face one of the best kicking games in the league at Brookvale on Friday night. He would need to score a try to put up a decent score.

Carlos Tuimavave, $82,000 –  1.0%

Round 24 Points: 30

Like Norman, The 20-year-old will be tested with the strong kicking game of Soward and Hornby. If the wind is strong, it could be a nerve-racking game for the youngster playing his fourth NRL game of his career. Tuimavave has scored two consecutive 30-plus games and is a handy addition to your squad – even as an interchange option

SECOND ROWERS

Paul Gallen, $395,000 – 40.7%

Round 24 Points: 52

Last week was his seventh in 13 games this season. He didn’t play against Melbourne in Round 10. He is yet to score less than 38 when he plays 80 minutes. I was a bit concerned with Gal post-Origin but two solid weeks later, I am convinced he will continue to produce for fantasy owners.

Corey Parker, $465,000 – 14.3%

Round 24 Points: 46

The Broncos now have their forward pack back in tact with the return of Alex Glenn and Josh McGuire this week. Parker made 51 tackles last week against the Storm and couple be up for similar numbers against the Sea Eagles. Parker loses some points production with Peter Wallace taking over the kicking duties. I’d probably hold off on Parker this week.

Tony Williams, $260,000 – 9.2%

Round 24 Points: 64

T-Rex was destructive in attack down the left side against the Knights, scoring two tries and assisting another on his way to a season-best 64 fantasy points. Manly are a better team with him in the side winning eight of 11 matches compared to six wins and five losses without him.

Nate Myles, $284,000 – 7.1%

Round 24 Points: 56 (season-high)

Proved he will be an option down the home stretch getting through a heap of work. Averaged just over 37 points per game in his past seven matches. Gets through plenty of runs and tackles per game. As a prop, he played 62 minutes last week against the Eels.

Dave Taylor, $308,000 – 40.6%

Round 24 Points: 26 (lowest score since Round 2)

I am making the controversial move this week of trading him out of my side for Nate Myles. Taylor is a streaky player and Maguire might rest Taylor more often in the next couple of weeks to save his strike force for the finals.

Liam Fulton, $281,000 – 4.8%

Round 24 Points: 32

Fulton has been Tim Sheens’ utility filling in where necessary. Previously is was five-eighth and now it is at hooker for the injured Robbie Farah. Fulton filled in for Farah at hooker in Rounds 4 and 5 scoring 20 and 26 respectively. Masada Iosefa has been named on the bench and Fulton is likely not to play the full 80 minutes.

Jayson Bukuya, $145,000 – 19.9%

Round 24 Points: 10

Last three weeks: 17, 22, 10

It is time to get him out of your side with only 49 points in his last three weeks. The return of Anthony Tupou and the development of Tyson Frizell has meant that Bukuya’s fantasy value has taken a hit.

Matt Robinson, $77,000 – 0.9%

Round 24 Points: 42

Scored well against the Warriors – the team that let him go at the end of last year.  He has averaged 37 points per game in the last five weeks and has showed he can cross the line in recent games. A decent cheap option for the last two rounds.

Robbie Rochow, $58,000 – 4.5%

Round 24 Points:  26

On the rise – last three weeks: 16, 18, 26

A quiet achiever in the Knights pack, Rochow’s points were bumped up by a line-break against the Eagles prior to being flatted out. Rochow has had some decent scores in recent weeks and could be a cheap and respectable reserve.

HOOKER

Mitch Rein, $248,000 – 5.1%

Round 24 Points: 60

His jumped up to two on the Hooker power rankings with another solid performance adding 60 points against the Cowboys to the 53 he scored against the Tigers. His main points of accrual are tackles and runs. He can bust tackles and create line-breaks out of dummy half. He could be on Laurie Daley’s radar next season for Origin. A definite buy.

Nathan Peats, $165,000 – 2.9% & Issac Luke, $367,000 – 10.8%

Last two weeks: Peats: 18, 24 & Luke: 21, 8

Peats will get some valuable minutes with Issac Luke being dropped for the match. It is probably not a long-term option but still if you need to replace Issac Luke or Nathan Friend, then he is another option to consider.

FRONT ROWERS

James Graham, $245,000 – 36.5%

Round 24 Points: 40

It was another solid score from the big Englishman last week against the Tigers. It was the suixth time this season where he has scored 40 or better. Graham has not scored less than 26 since Round 7 and should definitely be consideration as he could be right at home on a cool Friday night in Canberra.

Dan Hunt – $224,000 – 4.8%

Round 24 Points: 54

It was a big week for the Dragons prop against the Cowboys scoring a season-high 54 points. Is yet to register a sub-20 score and has scored at least 30 points in eight of his last ten matches. A solid contributor that is a must for your side.

Kade Snowden, $253,000 – 8.8%

Round 24 Points: 21

A disappointing season for Snowden He moved back to Newcastle looking to earn a spot back in the New South Wales Origin team under Wayne Bennett. Hasn’t scored well since coming back from injury with 25 and 21 – his second lowest score this season. Last week against the Eagles. Scored 26 against the Cowboys in Round 10 so we could expect more of the same from Snowy. Hold

Adam Blair, $237,000 – 6.0%

Round 24 Points: 18

In a similar situation to Snowden, Blair hasn’t produced to what the Tigers would have expected from a player of his caliber. The Tigers forward has posted consecutive 18 point performances the past two weeks. With the Roosters followed by the Storm, there are better options out there for the remaining weeks

Josh McGuire, $221,000 – 13.7%

Round 24 Points: Did Not Play

McGuire is back from an eye injury and will be coming off the bench for the Broncos at Brookvale. After a solid run of performances where he registered 20 points or less only once in the first 19 rounds, he scored 19, 33, 20 and 14 in his past four matches. I think he is one to watch this week and look to get in your side for the last week and finals.

Please note that Corey Parker has been cleared to play. He is becoming that girl that just keeps flirting with you as if  you have a chance with them and then smashes a handful of vodkas and ends up being escorted into a cab by her friends. Tip: Don’t put all your eggs in one basket – let Corey go in the cab and start looking for a back-up plan.

OUTSIDE BACKS

Nathan Merritt, $305,000 (5.7%)

I had a question from Terry Q from Neutral Bay asking me ‘With G.I. returning to the back, is it time to get rid of Merritt out of my life?’ The answer: Not yet. I see where you are coming from Terence – only 71 points in the three games at the back during Greg Inglis’ suspension. However, Merritt has been quite prolific on the wing this season having scored ten tries in nine games. The Sharks defence has been quite respectable this year, but Merritt could benefit from the return of Inglis who favours the left side in attack. Hold Terence, Hold

Michael Gordon, $328,000 (2.1%) & Billy Slater, $450,000 (30%)

Last week signalled the return of two Fantasy favourites. Although both had ‘returned’ to the field in recent weeks with decent results, they piled on the points for their owners. Gordon was a beast with a position-high 74 points, which included a ridiculous 15 tackle busts and a meat pie. Slater, still not 100% put in a great effort of his own against the Titans with 49 points. It was Slater’s 10th 40-plus game this season (15 games played) and he has scored 106 points in the last two weeks. At $450,000 though, is he really worth it, with cheaper options like Gordon, Ben Barba, Matt Bowen and Akuila Uate available?

Brett Morris, $360,000 (32.5%)

Plenty of managers would have dropped B-Moz out of their squad after a disappointing 11-point performance against the Roosters. He then, to those managers dismay, put up a tasty 64 against the Tigers. Take out that 11 and Morris has put up two 63′s and last weeks 64 – 190 points over the past 4 weeks. Let’s hope that Morris has taught you patience last week and that you should stick by your gun players through thick or thin. He is back to the ‘Gong against the Cowboys, who have improved on their defence. He has scored five tries in four appearances at WIN averaging nearly 47 points per game. If there is one Dragons player to be in your side, it should be him.

David Williams, $233,000 (3.7%)

I am a closet ‘Wolfman’ fan. I think he is a funny dude and pulls plenty of fans through the gate at Brookie Oval – especially on a Sunday Afternoon or whenever there is a full moon. He has a great try-scoring record, especially at Brookvale Oval – 24 tries in 24 games. He is another inconsistent fantasy option, having scored 88, 61 and 54, as well as recording 12 or less in half of  his games played this season. Risky move

INSIDE BACKS

Greg Inglis, $350,000 (15.8%)

It’s been four weeks since Greg Inglis was tearing apart the teams we follow, yet provide our fantasy teams some sweet, sweet action. I feel sorry for the Sharkies, who will feel the brunt of the most destructive ball runner of our time fresh off a three week suspension. He is at his original price and it’s time to get back on G.I. and break-even.

He is yet to score less than 20 points in a game this season and his highest score was a mammoth 90 points against (who else but) Cronulla on the back of a hat-trick. Hmmm…

Jamie Lyon, $339,000 (20.6%)

Lyon, in my opinion is the best attacking centre in the game and can read whatever the defence throws up against him. What bugs me is that he is ten times the player Matt Gidley ever was yet Gidley has a pass named after him. He is the back equivalent to Cameron Smith. He puts up solid numbers week-to-week, just check his profile and see for yourself. He has posted two scores below 25 all season (17 & 23) and recently has scored at least 32 points in his last eight matches. His points come from try assists, line-break assists and tackles, stats with which he leads all centres in the NRL as well as being Manly’s goal kicker. A must have in your team!

GAME, SET & MATCH GARETH WIDDOP 6-0 6-0

Well Gareth Widdop did a number on me from last week’s sheet with a lazy 61 points against the Titans. If the Storm can keep scoring the way they have (80 points in their last two games) then the Brit pivot should be considered.

Scott Prince, $314,000 (1.5%) & Aiden Sezer, 116,000 (9.6%)

Prince? -2? Well it was against the Storm and we can forgive him for that one. I’m gunna throw it out there and say BUY Scotty Prince. I like this move purely because of the matchups and the fact that he is going from an away game against one of the better defenses in the league, to being back on the coast with the most against the swiss cheese-like defense of the Eels. If Prince is too expensive, I think five-eighth Aiden Sezer will score well and for nearly $200,000 less

Carlos Tuimavave, $80,000 (0.4%)

Great start (21 and 31) to his fantasy career for the dual Toyota Cup winner. Tuimavave has been named at fullback to replace the injured Kevin Locke this week. He will be keen to impress at fullback to finish the year off in the top grade and help the Warriors get back in the winner’s circle as well as getting his first taste of an NRL victory.

Michael Morgan, $74,000 (13.7%)

Raise your bat Michael! After some consistent knocks, the Cowboys five-eighth chalked up his maiden half-century against the Warriors. I like him as your backup in the halves but should warrant some consideration as a starter.

BACK ROWERS

Feleti Mateo, $427,000 (20.3%)

On a team that lost by 40 points, Feleti Mateo was huge for fantasy owners racking up a tidy 60 points against the Cowboys. As I mentioned last week, he needed to help fill the void in the halves and he did assisting in both Warriors’ tries. Two big losses have ended their finals chances but a return home to play the struggling Panthers could be just what the Warriors need and provide Mateo owners with another good week.

Nate Myles, $280,000 (6.1%)

Myles played 80 minutes last week in the loss to the Storm, with Ashley Harrison and Luke Bailey getting injured early in the match. He replaces Bailey in the front-row but should still play a large part of the game. The biggest forehead in the NRL needs to be considered in your backrow with the Titans playing cellar-dwellers Parramatta and Penrith in the next two weeks and could cross for a cheeky try or two.

Gavin Cooper, $275,000 (26.9%)

If Mr Cooper has not been Hangin’ in your team this season, then you have missed out on some serious points. Cooper likes to lurk out in the centre throughout the game and his size (197 cms) makes him one of Johnathon Thurston’s favourite targets.  He is yet to score 20 points or less in a game this season and it would be a big call inserting him into your side now, especially against a defensive-minded side like the Dragons, a team he only scored 22 points against earlier in the season.

Ben Ridge, $169,000 (0.3%)

It seems as though the cheap backrower market is flooded with some good options at the moment with Josh Jackson, Dayne Weston, Brad Takairangi and Matt Robinson just to name a few. You can now add Titans backrower Ben Ridge to the list. If you don’t know who Ben Ridge is, you probably will remember him from his previous job. Ridge could be a quality buy for the final weeks of the season. He plays similar to Melbourne’s Kevin Proctor and has the ability to sniff out a try and bust through tackles. He could be that X-Factor in the backrow learning off such Origin stars as Harrison, Greg Bird and Myles.

Josh Jackson, $98,000 (1.6%)

If you don’t have this guy in your team, get him in now. He is cheap and found in only a few teams (including mine).  He worthy of a spot in your backrow. 40 points a game in his last four matches, including a nice 47 against the Broncos should be the kicker.

HOOKERS

One of the following three hookers SHOULD be your starting hooker:

Cameron Smith, $441,000 (35.1%), Mitch Rein, $248,000 (4.9%), Josh Reynolds, $195,000 (29.8%)

I can’t seem to go past Cameron Smith, Josh Reynolds and Mitch Rein as your top hooker options. With Peats now in the mixer for the Rabbitohs, Issac Luke loses all his appeal.

Smith added to his stellar season with a season-high 72 points last week against the Titans. Yet to score under 30 points, he is a solid captain option.

Reynolds scored well in the Bulldogs’ eleventh consecutive victory. He set up two tries and busted through seven tackles. It was his sixth 40-plus score in his last nine games.

Dragon hooker Mitch Rein scored his third 50-plus score in the last six weeks with a handy 53 points against the Wests Tigers.  If the Dragons can manage to get near the opposition goal-line, then the nuggety Rein is always a chance of darting over from dummy-half.

Question: Reynolds or Rein?

I prefer Reynolds because he has the ability to setup and score more tries than the Dragons hooker, however Rein gives you the consistency of tackle points. Rein made 51 tackles last week and that only 5% of teams have Rein compared to that of Reynolds’ appearance in just under 30% of teams, gives you some reasons to take Rein instead

Buy Nathan Smith,  $80,000 (3.3%) as your backup

He has put up two decent scores in the last three weeks (43 & 34) and at 80,000, needs to be your back-up hooker.

FRONT ROWERS

Luke Douglas, $269,000 (6.2%)

Having played 162 games since his debut, he is the ‘ultimate warrior.’ With Luke Bailey out for the rest of the season, he will need to play some big minutes. He has scored 26 points in each of the last three games. With games against Parramatta and Penrith in the next fortnight, Douglas is the guy you need in your team to finish off the season.

Ben Hannant, $260,000 (12.5%)

The Bundy Bear stepped up last week against his old side scoring 38 points. Josh McGuire is out this week and will be the main option in the front row this week. He is looking at playing similar minutes and will be an important part of the Broncos upsetting the Storm.

Bryce Gibbs, $191,000 (4.4%)

A late inclusion for the Sharks last Monday night, Gibbs put up some solid numbers in the loss registering 34 points. Gibbs made a season-high 40 tackles and might be up for a similar workload with the Rabbitohs coming to the Shire.

Players to consider selling who are in more than 10% of teams:

Josh Morris, Jayson Bukuya, Konrad Hurrell, Beau Ryan, Anthony Minichiello, Issac Luke, Reece Robinson,

Players to consider buying who are in less than 3 % of teams:

Chrsi McQueen, Josh Mansour, Glenn Stewart, Chris Heighington, Joseph Paulo, Tim Grant, Sebastine Ikahihifo

Outside Back to replace Jarryd Hayne

Akuila Uate

The Knights winger has really taken the snub from Origin three in his stride, having scored seven tries in five games. He has made a league-high nine linebreaks during that span. His enthusiasm to run the ball on kick returns and early in the tackle count gives him great fantasy value having made 77 runs and busted through 28 tackles.

Nathan Merritt

The Rabbitoh winger is coming off a three-try effort against the Dragons, extending his recent try-scoring record to eight tries in five games. He will now shift to the fullback position for the next three weeks with their superstar Greg Inglis suspended. His runs will increase through kick returns and rhis recent history at fullback (17 tries in eight games over the last two seasons) makes him a must buy and should be tossed up for captain consideration.

Billy Slater

Players with knee injuries tend to take a couple of games to settle back and word has it that Slater is not fully fit. His record against the Dragons or WIN Stadium for that matter doesn’t jump off the page for me – four tries in 13 games and two tries in three games in Wollongong. As much as you want a piece of him and his 11 tries in 12 games so far this season, hold off on Billy – for now!

Chris McQueen $188,000

Playing in the backrow, he should get through quite a bit of work. In the nine games he has played more than 40 minutes, he has scored 20 points or more eight times and has averaged just over 32 points per game in his last six matches.

Inside Back to replace Greg Inglis

Michael Jennings

The Panthers centre has been quite impressive in the past three games statistically – 37 runs, 27 tackle busts, four line-breaks and two line-break assists. He has a great record against the Sharks having scored nine tries in his eight games. The kicker is his record at Shark Park – five tries in three games.

If you already have three players from the combination of Jennings, Jamie Lyon, Joel Thompson, Josh Morris, and Konrad Hurrell, here are two options that could produce short-term and make some money to spend elsewhere:

Chase Stanley $164,000

The Dragons and scoring points go together just as good as Clover Moore and Paul Keating, but you can not ignore the Dragons centre this week. Against the Sharks and Rabbitohs, they shifted their attack down the right side and if it wasn’t for the strength of Greg Inglis, he would have been a top five scorer last week. What really scratches the itch is he will come up against Dane Nielsen who has looked very average in defence during the Storm’s current four game losing streak.

Ricky Leutele

At $59,000 he is one of the cheapest players in the game and definitely worth consideration for your bench position at Inside Back.  Ben Pomeroy is expected to miss two weeks so if he plays well against the Panthers, he could be a nice backup in case of a late withdrawal over that time.

Half to replace Benji Marshall*

* Update: It looks as though Benji WILL play. He is looking at one of his worst fantasy years to date and with so many players unavailable for the Tigers this week, it might be a good idea to trade in one of the Souths halves below:

Adam Reynolds and John Sutton

Reynolds is having a great first season in the top grade and his goal kicking has been sublime. He has stood up throughout the year and has won his side numerous games. Reynolds season really took off in Round 5 against the Tigers with a man of the match performance, scoring a try and kicking the game tying conversion late in the match. Sutton has really started to take control of the Rabbitohs attack and has grown in confidence in recent weeks. Both will be great value this week with the Rabbitohs coming together after the controversial suspension of their best player, Greg Inglis.  Look for the Rabbitohs to show no remorse against the injury-plagued Tigers.

If money is tight, pick Reynolds but if you can afford Sutton, pick him. Sutton in previous years has been quite streaky when it comes to fantasy. He has scored at least 29 points in his last five games and scored 62 points last week. He had a decent outing in against the Tigers in Round 5, scoring 32 points.

Backrows

Paul Gallen

At the start of the season I would have said leave him out at your peril. The Sharks captain is back after missing the last six games due to Origin and injury.  Gal scored 62 points in the one-point win against the Panthers in Round 5 and has averaged just over 50 points per game.  However at $371,000, he might be eased back into the NRL this week and in his last two games during the Origin period, he averaged 35 points. Caveat emptor!

Corey Parker

The Broncos backrower could be out of Monday’s game against the Eels with a leg injury. If he plays, he should maintain his recent average of 40 points in his last two games. If you have Parker, ensure you have an active interchange player.

Options:

Josh Papalii

Has to be in your five backrowers somewhere.  At $145,000 he is great value and has scored at least 20 points in his last 15 games. He has become a consistent performer for the Raiders and has made at least 30 tackles in the last four games. Last week he scored a season-high 68 points and will no doubt gain some confidence from that performance.

Josh Jackson $94,000

Starting in the second-row this week against the Cowboys, the rookie scored 29 points (including 34 tackles and 13 runs) in 76 minutes last week against the Sea Eagles.

Boyd Cordner $116,000

This guy is the future of the Roosters pack. Averaged just under 40 points per game over the last five weeks.

Props

James Graham and Aiden Tolman

With Sam Kasiano out, Graham and Tolman will be playing some big minutes against the Cowboys. Both prop forwards have been impressive in the Bulldogs’ current eight game winning streak and will have to setup against two of the best in Matthew Scott and James Tamou. Graham has scored at least 29 points in his last 11 games and Tolman has yet to score less than 23 points in a game this season.

Aaron Woods

The second-year prop will have to step up with his side depleted through numerous injuries. Without Keith Galloway in the side, his run total should go up and should score at least 30 points – Woods has scored at least thirty points in nine out of the last ten games.

Ben Hannant

 ‘The Polar Bear’ has stepped up since the State of Origin period. He has been great in defense making at least 40 tackles in his last three games – including a season-high 47 last Friday against the Gold Coast. Hannant could be a great buy with a matchup against the Eels. He scored 43 points against the Eels in Round 1.

Hookers

Nathan Peats

Short-term, Peats is the key buy at hooker. In his last four games has averaged 40 points per game.  Last week he scored 46 points without a try and could continue his solid production with a handy matchup against the Tigers.

Mitch Rein

With Nathan Fien and Dean Young out, he maybe asked to play the full 80 minutes against the Storm, which should equate to some solid points. He has scored 153 points in 3 games that included five line-breaks, 14 tackle-busts and three tries.

Here, I intend to name a XIII of players who should not play for NSW, possibly ever, but have been touted as possibilities by guys who love their club a little too much.

Note: I’m not saying any of the below players are bad, but origin? I think not.

Fullback – Tim Moltzen

After his performance against the Broncos a few weeks back I was surprised he was even in the running to be on the Wests Tigers contracted players list. I was even more surprised when a Tigers fan threw his name in the ring to be NSW fullback in a forum situation. Maybe if NSW wanted a fullback who didn’t take ownership of high balls and relished in making basic errors, Moltzen would be your guy.

Winger the first - Andrew Everingham

You’d have to be more than a passionate Bunny supporter to put this guy in sky blue; you’d have to have Russell Crowe tattoos, Holmes-a-Court shaped shlong piercings and an addiction of some sort (I don’t discriminate). His name may sound like ET’s, but he ain’t ET. One does not simply play origin in one’s first year of NRL. Sam Thaiday might not be Sauron, but don’t think he would miss Everingham the first time he took it up. He has an eye for puny wingers who don’t know what time it is.

It’s origin football, people!

Winger the second – Andrew Ettinghausen

Apparently this guy, as publicity for his new show coming out, has come out of origin retirement. He’d probably still do better than Everingham, even at 108 years old. Experience counts for a lot, ladies tell me.

Also, he’s played origin football before, and knows what origin football is about. He and Gus Gould could fucking tell you about it too.

Centre – Ben Pomeroy

A specialist line-breaker and bike-pant-wearer at the Sharks, what harm could possibly come in exposing old lopey-Pomeroy to the origin arena? The only harm I could think of is that he will be hopelessly caught out in defense, time and time again. He will resemble less a turnstile and more an empty space as the Queensland centre rolls past him on his way to he and his winger scoring three tries each; the winger scoring three only because Hodges was feeling generous and a little embarrassed for Pomeroy, so he tried unsuccessfully to shift some of the blame onto his winger. But we all know the winger wasn’t to blame.

Another Centre – Beau Scott

I love his attitude in defense! He is tough as they come and the first guy I would have next to me in the trenches were I ever engaged in war. Unfortunately there are no trenches on a football field, and centres are supposed to be able to attack. The fact that he runs as if he were on a treadmill makes me want NSW to pick him, just so I can laugh while Inglis orders a coffee, waits for it, eats a piece of banana bread, has a cigar, then decides to tackle Beau just as he reaches the gain line.

Also, he probably wouldn’t get on well with Tim Moltzen, being a staunch Dragons man. Cough.

Five Eighth – Jarry Mullen

As I recall, Jarry didn’t do too well on his origin debut. Despite everyone from Newcastle saying he was a better, drug free version of Andrew Johns, he didn’t play that way. What we unveiled was a drug free version of Andrew Johns who played nothing like Andrew Johns and had an allergy to the number 7 shirt. The fact that he has youth on his side doesn’t help either, with no one under thirty likely to get a run while Ricky Stuart attempts to build an arthritic spine for the future.

Note # Jarry spelled Jarry on purpose. Jarry’s a big fan of this blog. #

Halfback – Sam Williams

I saw a comment on Fox Sports that said the decision to pick Sam Williams was “easy.” I agree. He wasn’t even playing the starting XIII for the Raiders while McCrone and Campese were there. He didn’t get picked for City Country, but McCrone did. He has played about two games for the Raiders so far this year, and is only in his second year of NRL, and has not really done that much of note when he has played. Easy to pick though.

Props – Nothin’ but respect

Not being a fat man myself, I have a lot of respect for the big boppers of the NRL, mostly due to the fact that they could sit on me while I sleep and I wouldn’t wake up the next morning. I think it was Wayne Bennett who said that no prop in the NRL should be paid more than $350,000 (I do believe that comment came after Justin Poore got sold to the Eels for around $400,000. Bargain). Well let me be the first to say that any prop could play origin and not be out of place. Even you, George Rose.

Hooker - Mitch Rein

I know you like the Dragons, Dragons fan. Yes… yes, I know! You’ve said it ten times already. I realise you like the look of your players, and the way they scrub up in their fancy ‘Red V,’ whatever that means. Yes. Yes. I know. Just hang on a minute, you’re going to give yourself a contusion. But let me just say this. Mitch Rein may be playing well, and he may be fast, strong, and a tough-as-nails defender, but I will put my house on the fact that he will not play State of Origin this year or next. And no, Ben Hornby should not be NSW captain.

Back Row -

Unfortunately, I find it extremely difficult to make a joke about the ridiculous number of talented second-rowers at NSW’s disposal. As a Queensland fan, I’m just… jealous. Last year they had so many second-rowers that they picked a bunch of them as props and they won the game! Laughably people then considered this the end of  the big bopper and Queensland dominance. That was until origin three, where Matt Scott and Petero Civoniceva kept NSW pinned in their half for the first thirty minutes of the fixture. There was no coming back from that, no matter how many second-rowers NSW picked. I have, though, compiled a list of what I would think would be a pretty handy origin side made up entirely of eligible NSW second-rowers.

1. Tariq Sims  2. Blake Ayshford 3. Ben Creagh 4. Ryan Hoffman 5. Tony Williams  6. Feleti Mateo 7. Luke Lewis 8. Paul Gallen 9. Ryan Hinchcliffe 10. Nathan Hindmarsh 11. Anthony Watmough 12. Tom Leahroyd Lars 13. Glenn Stewart

I would put that team on the park and back it to do pretty well. Sure I took a few liberties, but who hasn’t in this prostitute infested world of ours?

Also, how good would Tariq Sims be at fullback?