Captains Call: Round 4
Welcome to week four of Captains Call.
Another very interesting week of football marred by some contentious refereeing decisions, most notably the awarding of a penalty for the Broncos deep into Golden Point which was 30 out right in front. I feel sorry for the Tigers because even though they can’t score points, their defence has been outstanding.
Roosters, Dragons and Storm all put on a masterclass performance, with all three backlines really clicking into gear. This may very well be the top three by the end of the year. Although Storm put 30 on the Cowboys it still seems like out of the three they have a little bit more to go in terms of rhythm which is scary when you think about how many points they put on the Cowboys. One thing is for sure though, Suliasi Vunivalu would have copped an absolute spray for his effort last week, one of the worst games I’ve seen him play.
On a positive, Paul Gallen was back in the workhorse frame, the down side to that is he only played 54 minutes which is trending downwards for him. Both front rowers are playing 60 plus minutes so if either is still available in you comp pick them up.
Let’s review last weeks five and what a sad day it was for the Panthers and anyone who has Cleary in their team. Not only did he score zero (with two goals) but he is out for an extended period of time with a MCL injury. The question is what to do with him if you didn’t handcuff Maloney or don’t have a kicker with one kicker point? E.g. Ponga and Townsend. I don’t have an answer because whether you drop him or not you’re taking a risk.
David Fusitua had another quiet game against the Raiders posting just the one line break assist. He was well marked by Cotric, pity the same couldn’t be said about Hiku who used Croker as a speed bump.
Both Jackson and James got a workhorse and that was it. Jackson is doing it quite comfortably averaging 37 tackles a game. James did well also, with a game that had 62 points scored to still manage a workhorse is a great effort.
The best of the lot and the best in NRLCEO land at the moment was Cook. For the third straight week he has notched a double workhorse. Cook is set for a huge year and it would be very easy to Captain him every week.
Lets look at five more for the coming week and don’t forget to vote or leave a comment below.
Aidan Guerra – safe bet
Guerra has been a rock on the right side for the Knights. He is averaging 38 tackles a game and what helps his situation is he’s playing the full 80. He’s already scored two tries for the year as well which is only two off last years tally. He lines up against Tariq Sims this week who has shown his defence can be suspect at times.
Andrew Fifita – safe bet
A front row forward playing 60 plus minutes is always going to rack up the involvements. While he only averages 32 tackles a game, his 17 runs per games surely make up for it. Could be the year we see Fifita crack another double workhorse, his first since round 21, 2013.
Forward Pack for Tigers & Eels – safe bet
This game could be a war of attrition. Both teams attack has been dreadful, the Eels have only scored four tries this season with the Tigers doing worse with only three. There could very well be 10 to 12 workhorse tries scored in this game with the likes of Alvaro, Brown and Packer a chance for doubles. If you have a Tigers or Eels forward, safe be is they will get a workhorse.
Gareth Widdop – risk and reward
There’s a reason Widdop is equal top scorer. One try, two line breaks, seven line break assists and a massive nine try assists have Widdop sitting pretty. Dragons come up against a Knights team that was picked apart by a very good Roosters team. Will the Knights defence stiffen up or will they let Widdop have his way like he did against the Titans?
Anthony Milford – risk and reward
Milford has been very poor to say the least. One line break and one line break assist in three games is very low for Milford. Against the Titans that could all change. The Titans gave the Dragons halves a lot of room and if they do the same against the Broncos then Milford will have a day out.
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Adam Hewat
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Wheres Damien Cook haha
Haha he’s a given every week now at this rate.
Lack of Damien Cook is a ridiculous call.