Papenhuyzen is set to be out for a month, with State of Origin approaching Papali’I looks to be a buy, and a couple of key players should be on your watchlist. Let’s look at some of the key players to keep an eye out this Magic Round weekend - Round 10.
BUY, BUY, BUY
Isaiah Papali’i:
Before the 2022 season, Isaiah Papali’I was looked at as a big avoid. With his impending departure to the Tigers in 2023, it was expected that Papali’i would fall down the pecking order and his minutes would suffer. Yet 2022 has seen Papali’I pick up where he left off, averaging 77.3 minutes, 35.7 tackles, 4.6 tackle busts and 154.3 metres. With an average of 65.3, he looks to be the most viable captaincy option during the origin period as all other non-origin players average well below 60. If you can’t pick him up now, look to get him after the round 13 bye.
Adam Elliot:
Adam Elliot looks to be a revelation since starting at hooker. He has averaged 64.5 minutes, 31.5 tackles and 131.5 metres gained. This has allowed him to have an average of over 50 for his first two appearances in the position. Furthermore, for $447K, he looks set to make coaches around $150K if he keeps up this form. One concern for coaches is whether Ricky Stuart keeps Elliot in this position long term or whether it’s a temporary approach. If you are okay taking a little risk, Elliot is worth a pickup.
Joe Ofahengaue:
Ofaehengaue has been the most under the radar player in 2022 with an ownership of just 1.61%. The 2021 season wasn’t his best fantasy-wise as he only averaged 49 minutes and was unable to get the output needed in that time. Yet 2022 has seen him nail down the lock position and average 62 mins for an average of 51.2 points over the season. He scores largely through base stats in tackles and metres gained, yet he can also produce tackle busts and offloads. With the consistency and reliability of base stats, he looks set to be in the realm of Taumalolo and Josh Jackson, as forwards who can be kept throughout the season. The concern with Ofaehngaue is potential origin selection that could hamper his ability to contribute during the period and bye rounds.
Ben Trbojevic:
After training the whole week at centre, a late shift to the second row on game day saw Ben Trbojevic play in an unfamiliar position, yet he made it look seamless. His first start saw him get 2 tries, 1 try assist, 2 line breaks, 14 tackles and 3 tackle busts leading to a score of 64 points. At a bargain-basement price, he could potentially make coaches a significant amount of money. With the unfortunate news of a partial ACL tear for Brad Parker, Ben Trbojevic looks to have secured his sport for the foreseeable future and is a good pickup
Ones to Watch
Tohu Harris:
As a former fantasy gun, Tohu Harris returns to the forefront off the back of an ACL injury. He is one to watch until he gets his minutes and output back to his lofty standards.
DROP
Ryan Papenhuyzen:
Papenhuyzen has been a revelation through 2022, yet a PCL injury and a hamstring tear will see him sit on the sidelines for 4-6 weeks. Trade him out. Brad Schneider:
Schneider has been one of the best cash cows of 2022, making coaches $230K so far. Yet his recent form has seen his scores dip away on the back of lower tackles, an increase in his missed tackles and the loss of goal kicking. Consolidate your gains and either upgrade him or get a cheapie.
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