Captains Call: Round 1
Welcome to the first edition of Captains Call for 2019.
What an off season its been!
They say any publicity is good publicity but there comes a certain point where its too much and that point was the Jack de Belin case. Whether you like the call the NRL made or not, it’s the call that needed to be made. The stand down of players due to off field discretion’s or the loss of sponsorship and fans made it a no brainer for the NRL. I won’t talk much more about it but whether he gets founds guilty or not, the question needs to be asked, why put yourself in that position when you have a pregnant partner at home?
Looking ahead to the 2019 season and I think it will be a bumper year even with all the off-season controversy. With many players finding new clubs and a few coaching moves it makes for an interesting one. Can the Roosters go back to back? Hasn’t been done since the Broncos of 97, 98. In NRLCEO terms, will Cook be the man to catch or will there be a surprise bolter?
Remember, when selecting a captain its best to pick the player in your team who is the most consistent. Sometimes though, you know you will be behind the eight ball from the start, so you need to pick a player who has a higher ceiling, usually a back line player, who has the ability to score multiple times in a game like Josh Addo-Carr. Pick wisely, as it could mean the difference between a win and a loss.
Here are five to start the year. Please don’t forget to vote or leave a comment below.
Damien Cook
The best player in the competition last year. Not much needs to be said about a player who averaged nine points a game last year. I can’t see this year being too much different so Cook would be the safest best this week.
Jake Trbojevic
Having the front row position added to him this year it makes him even more valuable. Averaged six points a game last year and is the heart and soul of the Manly pack. Will be another player who won’t miss a beat this year.
Ryan James
James also has the front row and lock positions and with the pending start on the edge he could very well be dual position after the third week. He was just as consistent as Jake Trbojevic with the potential to score a few more tries. Hard to see a downfall in James this year.
Josh Addo-Carr
Probable the best finisher in the competition, Addo-Carr has the ability to score multiple times in a game, he had seven games last year where he scored two or more, that’s about one in every three he scored more than one. I can’t see his output dropping too much if at all this year, he will be up there come season end in the try scoring area.
Shaun Johnson
Bit of a left field one here but they say a change of jobs can be as good as a holiday and a change of teams for Johnson may just be the same. Already with the ability to change games off his own back, he’s now playing with a team who has Grand Final experience which will only improve his game. Against the Knights this week he could really show the Warriors what they lost.
Your call
Adam Hewat
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