2019 Mock Draft
Fear of drafting is a pretty natural reaction. People can be fearful of selecting a player in the first round due to the potential of it going badly and everyone else hammering them.
So we asked 10 brave and addicted NRLCEOs to step up to the plate and do their own mock draft so that you can get an idea of who they are thinking for the top drafting spots.
So thanks to Nick, Marcho, Pato, Spides, Joe, Jez, Scott, Rob, Mikey and Hewie for stepping up to the plate.
They have given their insights on who they selected and why. Enjoy.
Round 1 |
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| 1. Cameron Smith | Will be the Storm’s #1 kicker, will play 80 minutes each week and now has no Origin duties to miss a week. I have also never seen an MVP dominate two years in a row. No Cook for #1. |
| 2. Damien Cook | Clearly Pick 1 is an idiot and Cook would be filthy he didn’t go first overall. |
| 3. Jake Trbojevic | Has Lock/Front Row status, is a consistent scorer and a lock for a workhorse every week with the defence Manly will have to do. If they do score he will be involved somewhere. |
| 4. Latrell Mitchell | Premiership winning team’s goal kicker and star centre. He scored well last year and he’ll be strong again this year. |
| 5. Ryan James | Good to lock in a top echelon front rower early and James is exactly that. Averaged over 50 involvements last year and is a FR/Lock dual. With the chance of playing BR this year he may become a ‘triple-threat’. |
| 6. Cameron McInnes | Hooker is always my #1 pick with not many 80 minute hookers around and Cook gone first in most leagues so it was an obvious choice! Always a consistent scorer each week with a guaranteed workhorse each week to add to anything else he scores on top of that… |
| 7. Andrew Fifita | You need to have at least one gun front rower and Fifita has proven to consistently be one of the best. No Lewis and no Graham (for the start of the year) should mean more tackles and hit ups to go around the pack. |
| 8. Jamayne Isaako | You need a kicker to win comps. There has been lots of uncertainty in recent years and I can’t see this year being any different. Isaako is a guaranteed kicker for Brisbane and can find the line. New coach could turn Brisbane into more of a attacking focused team which could mean more points. |
| 9. Sam Burgess | Primed for a big year and should be stationed on an edge. Can play back, front and lock so versatility is a massive plus for me. |
| 10. Andrew McCullough | Good hookers going fast and McCullough is a very reliable and consistent option. Anthony Seibold showed last year his desire for one hooker only. |
Round 2 |
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| 11. Jason Taumalolo | Not the most consistent workhorse but did manage 16 last year. His points come from his meter eaters where he made 22 last year and would expect that to be more this year. |
| 12. Josh Hodgson | What he lacks in work rate makes up for in try assists. High scoring team and will be in the action a lot. |
| 13. David Klemmer | Need a good forward pack and Klemmer is looking for a big year. Newcastle have been in desperate need for some quality front rowers and Klemmer could be the answer. With a new lease on life I am expecting a big work rate and some metre eaters.
Also duel position of lock and front row an added bonus. |
| 14. Josh Papalii | Versatility is key and besides Surgess he is the best triple threat (LK/BR/FR) available. |
| 15. James Tedesco | Absolutely weapon in all star backline and things can only get better in his second preseason gelling more within the team. Can score big and consistently especially with the back line Roosters have! My prediction for 2019 Dally M winner. |
| 16. Tom Trbojevic | Very good chance he’ll be in the top 3 overall CEO scorers this year and will only get better with age. Regardless of how well Manly do he’ll be certain to create plenty of points. |
| 17. Angus Crichton | A proven workhorse at the Rabbitohs. The attacking style of the Roosters will only improve his chances to cross the stripe an and improving his scores further. |
| 18. Kalyn Ponga | I wanted a decent kicker and he is a superstar player in an up and coming team. Dual position and only six kicker points gives me some versatility. |
| 19. Daniel Alvaro | Surprised many CEO’s with a huge 2018. He averages 52 involvements which is huge (I dare say the most out of any forward in 2018) plus he has no Origin and Parra look like having another sub par forward pack and another shit year. |
| 20. Aiden Tolman | One of the main big man in the Dogs pack and a dual position as well which will come in handy! |
Round 3 |
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| 21. Elliott Whitehead | Dual position plus he usually gets close to 80 minutes a game and often gets a try or assist on the Raiders edge. |
| 22. Josh McGuire | Biggest grub running around in the NRL and an overall shit bloke too! But that doesn’t affect the Australian and QLD Locks CEO output one bit! Dual position and a consistent work rate is all I care about. |
| 23. Jair Arrow | Dual Position Front Row/Lock played most of last season half busted and still punched out workhorse after workhorse. I expect his minutes to increase again this year. |
| 24. Lachlan Fitzgibbon | Had a strong 2018 and can hit in every category. In an improving Newcastle side, look for Fitzgibbon to be an even bigger threat in 2019 |
| 25. Jake Friend | Not the most exciting choice but was a choice between him and Api as the best of the remaining hookers. Friendy is more likely to be a guaranteed 80min player and he tackles anything that moves. |
| 26. Nathan Brown | An absolute workhorse and can play big minutes to push for a double workhorse. With the addition of the new lock position, Brown is a handy addition. Will score consistently each week especially with an almost guaranteed workhorse and meter eaters each week. |
| 27. Api Koroisau | The guy scored 68 points past year and spent half the season injured. Manly are going to be doing plenty of tackling this year, and hopefully he’s a big contributor. |
| 28. Tohu Harris | Forwards win comps and even the Warriors curse couldn’t stop Harris. Some injuries last season but strong average and with Mannering retired he will be the leader of warriors pack. With Johnson gone there is upside that he may take some kicking duties if Luke goes down and he is not carrying any points. |
| 29. David Fusitua | Even with no Shaun Johnson, the Fus knows his way to the try line. Came of age last year, expecting big things this year. |
| 30. Paul Vaughan | Injury interrupted 2018, will be fresh and looking to get back to his 2017 form where he averaged over 5 points a game. |
Round 4 |
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| 31. Matt Eisenhuth | Generally starts from the bench but that doesn’t stop him. Only missed two workhorses last year and will look to do the same this year. |
| 32. Herman Ese’ese | Big Herman got big minutes last year. The Knights forward pack is stacked but Herman has secured his spot. One of the best up and coming props in the game with a high work rate. |
| 33. Josh Addo-Carr | Nothing much changed at the Storm for 2019 which means the Fox should continue to score points. With Cronk gone last year the Storm seemed to prefer attacking this side so I am hoping for more of the same. Plus I love watching him – he is electric! |
| 34. Ben Barba | His Super League stats last year were INSANE and hopefully 2019 is Barba’s redemption story. |
| 35. Jarrod Wallace | An Qld Origin representative that can play big minutes in the middle of the park and a handy dual position especially with the new lock position. Can score well especially since he can play big minutes. |
| 36. Aidan Guerra | Averaged over 50 involvements last year and should be dangerous running some lines in an improved Knights team. He has Lock/Backrower dual position which may come in handy too. |
| 37. Corey Oates | Strike winger that has been a consistent performer over the years. With Siebold’s attacking style of play, it could be raining tries for Oates this year. |
| 38. Matt Gillett | Taking a bit of a punt on Gillett given his shocking injury last year but is a very solid back rower who runs good lines and can pick up the odd meat pie. |
| 39. Nathan Cleary | An attacking halfback who will take on the line and one of the best goal kickers in the business. A fine young talent who holds the current NSW #7 Blues jersey in one the most exciting teams to watch in the NRL. |
| 40. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck | With Johnson gone a lot of pressure on his shoulders. He played really well last year and I am hoping he stays fit for the majority of the season which will give him potential NRLCEO MVP opportunities. |
Round 5 |
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| 41. James Roberts | The Jet will get a bit more attacking ball this season with a new coach at the Broncos and with his speed and ability to beat almost anyone, could well be looking at top try scorer this year. |
| 42. Kyle Feldt | He is my choice to kick goals for the Cows. Had to go early on him and it’s a risk but the potential for two first choice goal kickers was too hard to pass up! A flying winger who scores them on the ground or via the air. No Cowboys fan will ever forget his GF heroics, just ask Mig. |
| 43. Ash Taylor | The Titans are always a hot and cold team but they have a massive pack and I think this will be Taylor’s break out year. Also think they will move Brimson to fullback which means Taylor will be first choice goal kicker. |
| 44. Waqa Blake | Was flying at the back end of 2018. Has never really been a consistent scorer but if the Panthers can have an injury free run for once, their back line is sure to flourish. |
| 45. Shaun Johnson | I wanted to grab a kicker before there was another kicker run. I think the Sharks will have more points in them with Moylan/SJ linking up. New club could mean a big year for the enigma. |
| 46. Felise Kaufusi | Running edge 80 minute backrower who who averaged five points a game in 2017 and four points a game in 2018 since starting. If he can gel with Croft he can go even bigger in 2019. |
| 47. Joey Leilua | One of the top centres for the past few years. Yes Rapana is out for a while but BJ’s consistency should pull him through alongside Michael Oldfield. |
| 48. Dylan Edwards | Edwards was having a breakout year before injury. Expect big things from him playing under one Cleary and running off the other Cleary. |
| 49. Suliasi Vunivalu | Anyone on the end of the Melbourne back line will score points, be it Steve Turner or the flying Fijian! |
| 50. Josh Jackson | He is the heart and soul of the Dogs forward pack. Generally very consistent and will continue that this season as the veteran of the pack. |
Round 6 |
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| 51. Luke Keary | Had a very consistent year last year averaging four points a game and will only get better this year being surrounded by a team of stars. Will look to increase on his 19 try assists from last season. |
| 52. Jack de Belin | Thoroughly deserves his Origin spot. He is tough and ultra consistent. Always knocks up great CEO numbers year in year out. |
| 53. Jesse Ramien | He is gun and only going to get better. Looking forward to see him in a full strength knights team. Can’t believe the Sharks let him go! |
| 54. Anthony Milford | He’s apparently trimmed down over the off season, and having Seibold there makes Milford’s potential points mouth-watering. The guy had a down year in 2018 but had still averaged over 100 points over the last three seasons. |
| 55. Cody Walker | Big x-factor can do something out nothing. With Wayne Bennett there could become even more of freak then he already has been – averaging five a game last year. |
| 56. Martin Taupau | Picked because he scares me. Huge unit, I needed another FR as the depth is drying up. Even better in a metre eater comp as he can crack 200m occasionally. |
| 57. AJ Brimson | Finished 2018 on fire and a full season at fullback could yield some big points. Downside is he may play in the halves which reduces his NRLCEO value. |
| 58. Michael Morgan | He had a horrible season last year but has averaged five PPG for the previous five years in a row. No JT means more responsibility. |
| 59. Dale Finucane | A no frills classic Storm forward. Finucane plays big minutes and tackles everything that moves. Injuries interrupted his 2018 but if fit he will no doubt be a 100+ player. |
| 60. Cameron Munster | Without Billy the Kid there now looks like it could be a big year for Munster. Whether he plays at five-eighth or fullback he should produce for the Storm as he’ll have more responsibility. |
Round 7 |
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| 61. Cameron Murray | Was a gun whenever he was given a chance last season. With Crichton going to the Roosters expect to see Murray looking for 80 minute games which would put him in a great spot for regular workhorses and the occasional double. |
| 62. Matt Moylan | A classy player who always seems to have time. If Moylan returns to fullback expect more line breaks and tries as well as the usual try assist and line break assists that we have come to expect. I’m excited to see how Moylan links up with Shaun Johnson. |
| 63. Tevita Pangai-Junior | With McGuire gone to the Cows, will look to make lock his own. He has dual position in BR/Lock will get increased minutes and can score a sneaky meat pie. |
| 64. Joe Ofahengaue | If he nails down the lock position he’ll bang out a comfortable four points each week at least. |
| 65. James Maloney | A human turnstile in defence but he’ll pump out his three point average. A big bonus being the trade leverage you’ll have if Cleary is injured and can’t kick. |
| 66. Kodi Nikorima | Yet to reach his full potential but hopefully Seibold brings the best out in him and if he does he will be up there with top halfbacks in the game. Averaged almost seven points in the last seven games. |
| 67. Blake Ferguson | I hate the guy but fuck me if he ain’t Radradra 2.0. He will lose points in the try scoring department being at the Eels but will still get to 100 anyway. He’ll be carrying the Eels on his back. |
| 68. Leeson Ah Mau | Front rower stocks are running very low so through I better grab what I consider could be candidate for most improved FR this year. Has excelled at dragons when given the minutes and should get those minutes in the warriors pack. Bit of a risk but with front row stocks low plenty of potential. |
| 69. Ben Hunt | A halfback in a high scoring team with no kicking points. He can be maligned in the media but performs well in NRLCEO (especially early in the season making a potential trade chip as well). |
| 70. Nick Cotric | The Raiders winger is only getting better. With it unlikely he will move to fullback due to his size and fitness, I expect Cotric to dominate on that left edge for the Raiders and will lead their tries scored come season end. |
Round 8 |
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| 71. Mitch Pearce | Pearce averaged four per game in an injury interrupted season. With a better team behind him expect bigger things this season. |
| 72. Coen Hess | Expecting a massive return to form for the Ivan Drago lookalike and he knows how to sniff out a try. I expect he will get more ball now JT has retired. |
| 73. Greg Inglis | Just announced retirement so will be looking to have a big final two years. Bennett has indicated he will build team around where Inglis wants to play so he may slot into fullback and become duel position. Either way still a impact player, big, strong and will find the try line. |
| 74. Jarrod Croker | Needed a kicker. He is a proven scorer, is their go to in attack and tends to hog it when running at the line. There are many records that he will break. |
| 75. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves | No Dylan Napa so JWH minutes may increase but the Roosters big man is definitely an enforcer and can make workhorses and big metres in the middle of the park. |
| 76. Paul Gallen | Can’t stand the bloke but he’ll keep putting in this year and rack up the workhorses and metre eaters. Potentially will be on the park more too with the loss of experience in Luke Lewis retiring and Wade Graham out for half the season. |
| 77. Jazz Tevaga | Super underrated player with an excellent work rate. Mostly used as a 50 minute player, if he gets a sniff of more time on the park he’ll be one of NZ’s best |
| 78. Aaron Woods | Aaron Woods More out of hope than anything. Prop options looking thin, hoping Woods takes a starting spot off Prior or Fifita gets his contract torn up and Woods goes back to dominating NRLCEO |
| 79. Isaah Yeo | The Dubbo junior might slip under a few radars this year, he is flashy or brilliant but gets through 80min and was a very consistent back rower in 2018 scoring 90+ points. Yeo is the type of player every CEO team needs. |
| 80. Robert Jennings | He was one of the top try scorers last year and hopefully can produce some more super points efforts this season. Even if not at the Rabbitohs, he will be picked up. |
Round 9 |
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| 81. Luke Brooks | Brooks has the potential to score plenty of points for the Tigers through some try assists and the occasional try too. Looking for Brooks to have a bumper season this year. |
| 82. Daniel Tupou | Always helps to have wingers from the best teams and the Roosters are the best of the best. With his height and Cronk’s pinpoint kicking, all this tall giraffe has to do is worry about catching the footy… On his day he can win you a game or drop the ball with the line wide open and have you swearing and carrying on. |
| 83. Isaiah Papalii | Looks to have secured a back row spot at the Warriors and has shown consistency scoring 13 workhorse last year. As a 20 year old he will only get more minutes and become a better player. |
| 84. Corey Allan | This kid has plenty of potential and could end up as the Rookie of the Year. He may not be in the starting side in Round 1 but once he makes his debut, it’ll be points galore. |
| 85. Ryan Matterson | Will have to do plenty of tackling and Matto froths on the tough stuff. Will be out to make an impact at his new club and will be given significant minutes as a key recruit. |
| 86. Joseph Tapine | Another 80 minute edge back rower that can score tries and make workhorses. Still waiting on that big breakout season for Tapine so this year could be the year that he goes big…. |
| 87. Tyson Frizell | The backbone of the Dragons forward pack. Had a bit of a down year in 2018 but will be looking to step up with everything surrounding de Belin. |
| 88. James Fisher-Harris | Solid without being great in NRLCEO. He is a duel position which tipped the scales and am in need of forwards. |
| 89. Alex Johnston | If GI moves to fullback AJ is a point scoring machine on the wing. |
| 90. Anthony Don | Best ever haul last year and with a team getting better each year, Don will be on the end of those back line plays. Titans top try scorer 2019 |
Round 10 |
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| 91. John Bateman | Bit of a unknown risk but if he turns out as good as everyone thinks, the runner up Man of Steel will have a cracking year which will equate to some quality points in 2019. |
| 92. Clint Gutherson | The heart and soul of Parra – king of the downtrodden, hope for the hopeless. Let’s just hope his ACL holds up this year. |
| 93. Boyd Cordner | Nsw captain and all round good guy. He was pretty busted last year but is consistent and does the hard yards. Risk he will lose minutes due to Angus but the Chooks need forwards. |
| 94. Shaun Lane | Don’t know much about the guy but he cemented a regular spot for the Sea Eagles last year and came away with 80 odd points. He’s gone to the Eels and god knows they need all the fucking help they can get. |
| 95. Brett Morris | Was scoring tries at Bulldogs so what do you think he will do in an all star Roosters outfit?? Top try scorer could be on his agenda so get ready for a lot of meat pies because this winger is in for a big season! |
| 96. Josh Mansour | Finished last year strongly after a long layoff with injury. Will be fitter and more confident this year. Panthers should score plenty of points and he’ll finish many of the plays. |
| 97. Robbie Farah | Has one year left until retirement and showed last year that he is still capable of scoring points. Given there were fuck all hookers left to pick from I’m hoping for a final big year from the NSW reject. |
| 98. Tyrone Peachey | The genuine utility. Think he will play centre for Titans but with three NRLCEO positions he covers many roles. Hopefully starts and gives my team some balance. |
| 99. Kevin Proctor | A decent back rower who you can’t expect to score big, but he’ll never let you down. He’s never scored over 100 points in NRLCEO but he’s never scored below 70 in the last five years either. |
| 100. Joseph Manu | Excellent centre for the champion Roosters. He will only get better this year and can looking at his end of season form and looked great in a Kiwi jersey too. |
Round 11 |
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| 101. Manu Ma’u | Ma’u was averaging 4-5 points per game until he got injured late in the season. Should be a gun this year and a good pick up for any side. |
| 102. Solomone Kata | A true ball hog which means more tries and line breaks but virtually no try assists. The most he has ever got in a season is 3! Josh Dugan is even better than that! I mean I can’t remember him ever passing the ball?! |
| 103. Nathan Peats | Needed a hooker – still punches out good numbers, moves into the back row when Rein comes on so chance to grab the odd metre eater. |
| 104. Reimis Smith | Finished the year strongly for the Bulldogs and looks like he will lock down one of their wing spots. If the Dogs can continue on from their form at the back end of 2018, Reimis should be in for a decent amount of points. |
| 105. Nene Macdonald | Dual centre/winger and will lock in a weekly metre eater. He is a big unit who may finally live up to his potential. |
| 106. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak | Playing for a Panthers outfit that can score a lot tries so any winger in that outfit is valuable and with a new coach and a fit strong spine anything is the limit. |
| 107. James Graham | The ever reliable Englishman might be in the twilight of his career but he still puts out solid numbers. As potentially my third front rower I’m very happy with him. |
| 108. Jake Granville | ….coz there is a hooker position that needs to be filled. |
| 109. Rhys Martin | Small sample size at the end of last year but looked the goods. Workhorses, scores, assists and kick goals. He’s a quadruple threat. |
| 110. Euan Aitken | Has a good year last year scoring 10 tries, also has the ability to get those meter eaters registering 16 last year. He will only improve. |
Round 12 |
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| 111. Gareth Widdop | Already have a five-eighth but needed a kicker and with the potential to move back to fullback and get that dual position will make his very handy. If he doesn’t move back I can always use my other five-eighth as trade bait. |
| 112. Will Hopoate | Versatility is great, if he is at the back will chew up metres. Never hurts to have a fullback in your centres. |
| 113. Cooper Cronk | Last year before retirement and still looks the goods. Took some time to gel at the Roosters but quality team and will rack up the try assist. Even when he can’t catch, pass, kick or tackle he still influences the game. |
| 114. Sosaia Feki | With three quarters of the Sharks back line moving on, Feki becomes the grizzled veteran who is more than capable of crossing the line. The new players around him should also help him get there. |
| 115. Elijah Taylor | A worthy lock that can knock out workhorse after workhorse and with his extra ball work can add a try assist every now then. |
| 116. Joe Stimson | Hopefully cements a back rower spot and gives me a bit more depth in that position. Has one kicker point so a small chance to kick if Smith gets injured. |
| 117. Chad Townsend | Will likely get first crack in the halves alongside Shaun Johnson and is an even money chance to grab the goal kicking duties. The Chad had a reasonable points return last year and will be required to up his game following the departure of Val Holmes |
| 118. Tautau Moga | A beast if he can stay on the park. Can’t wait to see him running off Ponga and breaking the line. Only hope his knees don’t give out on him! |
| 119. Connor Watson | A natural runner of the footy fullback will suit his game more so than organising in the halves. Running off the likes of Ponga and Pearce means he could a very good mid teen pick up. Unfortunate that he has one kicker point. |
| 120. Jesse Bromwich | Not one of his best seasons last time around, but hopefully he can stay fit (and not do anything stupid off the field) and can get some extra minutes and get back to his rampaging best. |
Round 13 |
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| 121. Phillip Sami | A speed demon for the Titans and a step that would make even Shaun Johnson look silly. Should score plenty of points out wide for the Titans. |
| 122. Gavin Cooper | Won’t be running off his mate JT but the fact he was still available in Round 13 I could not resist picking him up. Despite getting on in age no one can doubt he is still one of the best hole running back rowers in the game and will be a handy backup for my team. |
| 123. Ryan Hall | Comes off injury but will take on Fergos wing and hopefully his metre eater potential and try scoring ability. The England international is a big unit and a good focal point in attack. Just needs to get on the park. |
| 124. Nick Meaney | Meaney will get first crack at the fullback role at the Dogs. He has shown enough in his limited time in first grade to suggest that he may turn into a decent scorer in the future. |
| 125. Shaun Kenny-Dowall | My team is made up of many Former roosters so another one will add cohesion to the group. Makes some terrible decisions but his job will be to backup Ponga on the outside and put the ball down. Easy? Not always for Skiddy. |
| 126. Jahrome Hughes | No Billy Slater so Hughes will take over his fullback role and score plenty in position he will make his own. |
| 127. Michael Lichaa | He’s averaged 100 points over the last four years and he’s still available in Round 13 of the draft? Sure, he’ll do as a backup hooker I suppose. |
| 128. Corey Norman | New team, new start, old videos. Hopefully he can hit the highs expected of him on the field, not off it. |
| 129. Brodie Croft | Showed enough at the end of last year to have the halfback spot to start this year and it never hurts to have a backup half. |
| 130. Curtis Scott | A centre in one of the top teams and it was the last position I needed to fill. Plus he shut Dylan Walker up. |
Round 14 |
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| 131. Jack Wighton | Needed a fullback until Widdop get dual position (hopefully). He did average four points per game last year until he was suspended. |
| 132. Tariq Sims | Clearly the best Sims of them all. It is a stacked Dragons pack but he hits a good line. The best of the back rowers left in my eyes. |
| 133. Viliame Kikau | Started to have a real impact last year. Hopefully this continues and he doesn’t rest on his laurels after signing a big contract. |
| 134. Gideon Gela-Mosby | Should be positioned nicely on Winterstein’s edge. Will have Nene Macdonald inside him and will make up and exciting back three for the Cowboys along with Feldt on the other side and Barba at the back. |
| 135. Josh Morris | Needed some centres and with a new team could score consistently with Shaun Johnson in the team making more opportunities for him and the outside backs. |
| 136. Ben Hampton | Wagga boy! Versatile and will give me a Hooker backup but will probably play in the centres. Hope he doesn’t get stuck on the bench. Tipping him for an improved year. |
| 137. Sia Soliola | Soliola has always been an average NRLCEO scorer but with the departures of Boyd and Paulo, Sia may be forced into the front row where he’ll have to take on more responsibility and may be forced to play bigger minutes |
| 138. Michael Oldfield | Looks to have the front running for the fullback role with Wighton to play in the halves. So it gives me cover in that position should he get an upgrade. At a minimum he is guaranteed minutes while Rapana is out. Showed last year has the potential to score big from time to time. |
| 139. Campbell Graham | Campbell Graham is a young, modern day winger with speed, strength and height in a team capable of putting on a cricket score. Did enough to hold onto his spot and will only continue to develop his game. |
| 140. Reed Mahoney | I thought I’d take on the youngster Reed. I need a backup hooker and see that he’s wanting to play 80 minutes and is training the house down, so here’s hoping he has plenty of workhorses coming! |
Round 15 |
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| 141. Bevan French | I thought I’d take the ultimate punt here. He has plenty of potential to score plenty of points with his speed and footwork, but who knows if his head is in the right this year. Here’s hoping for a cracker! |
| 142. Jack Bird | Bird may be the word in 2019. After a completely dog shit year, I would have been utter gobsmacked if he went any higher than Round 13! But the kid is on a packet at Brisbane and is good enough to play Origin if he is on song. |
| 143. Kurt Capewell | Without Luke Lewis there is a spot open in the Cronulla back row. The whispers are that its out of Capewell and Sorenson, but with Wade Graham out as well to start the season I think they will both start. Capewell hits good lines and is a decent worker so I expect him to get some decent points should he cement his starting role. |
| 144. Alex Twal | This guy is a point per minute beast. With a new coach at the helm, he has the opportunity to increase his minutes which could have him primed for a breakout season. |
| 145. Brian Kelly | Returns to the Gold Coast and closer to family. I expect he’ll play centre, either with Peach or Copley/Brenko. Can sniff a try out and great acceleration off the mark. |
| 146. Dylan Walker | Another grub in the sport but hopefully Des Hasler can pull him into gear because he can be a superstar when he pulls his head in and definitely can score some points on NRLCEO. |
| 147. Chanel Harris-Tavita | Let’s get CRAZY. By far the biggest roll of the dice in my team. His scorpion kick and the possibility of being goal kicker while Luke is out was enough to make it worth the risk. |
| 148. Blake Green | Will need to be main play maker with Johnson gone so hopefully he steps up with the try assist tally. |
| 149. Dane Gagai | Due for a more productive year as I expect Souths to vary their attack more than last year. |
| 150. Siosiua Taukeiaho | Need some depth on the front row/lock position and with Napa gone it should mean more minutes for him. |
Round 16 |
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| 151. Tim Lafai | After hearing today Aitken may start in NSW Cup i thought I’d go one of the other Dragons centres. Lafai had a good 2017 and I am just hoping for something similar. |
| 152. Moeaki Fotuaika | Massive work rate last year. He looks a prop on the rise. An injury could see big minutes for him for the Titans. |
| 153. Jayden Brailey | Needed a backup hooker and there was not much going around. Hopefully he holds off his brother and Seggy leaves before June 30. |
| 154. Reagan Campbell-Gillard | The spearhead of the Panthers pack will be looking to take on a more senior role as he gets another year older and with the departure of Merrin. The rep front rower should continue to improve and is a very handy backup option. |
| 155. Victor Radley | A superstar in the making!! No Ryan Matterson means he could play more minutes and make more workhorses. Plus he can create something out of nothing so a valuable player in my team especially picking him up so late in the draft! |
| 156. Dylan Napa | New club and needs some huge performances to take the attention of his viral performances. Has a big game in him and will hopefully get near-Klemmer minutes. |
| 157. Bryce Cartwright | The myth. After showing huge potential at the Panthers a few years ago, Cartwright has spent the past few seasons seemingly wasting that potential. Coming off the worst season of his career, many question whether he will ever fulfill his potential. I remain a believer and have owned him every year he has played first grade, if I were to miss out on him coming good I would never forgive myself. Bryce Cartwright has now been drafted because I am locked in for life. |
| 158. Matt Lodge | Not a fan of his personally but I needed some front row depth and has the potential to pump out workhorses and metre eaters sporadically. Another pre-season under his belt hopefully means more minutes. |
| 159. Darius Boyd | I have already said enough. |
| 160. Corey Thompson | He always puts in 100% and has a knack of finding the line from impossible situations. Look for him to be scoring a few poles this year again. |
Round 17 |
|
| 161. Corey Harawira-Naera | A new club and a fresh new start for this guy. Hopefully he can see a few more minutes on the park this season and get some more workhorses plus some metre eaters too. |
| 162. Jordan McLean | Injuries ruined his 2018 but he did finish with three workhorses and five metre eaters in his last six games of the year. Solid back-up prop/bench player as I can’t see Matt Scott lasting a full season |
| 163. Kurt Mann | Rumored to get first crack at the Knights hooker role. A bit of an unknown there but will see how he goes. Great versatility with wing and centre and soon to be hooker. Needed a backup hooker option. |
| 164. Edrick Lee | Found form again playing on the wing for the Sharks which ultimately earned him a contract along with Ramien at the Knights for 2019. With the Knights playing squad looking stronger this year, expect wingers like Cedrick the Entertainer to reap the benefits |
| 165. Matt Dufty | Too good not to get a crack. He’s always in the action. Only a matter of time until Norman does something stupid and Gareth has to go back into the halves. |
| 166. Sione Katoa | Needed a backup hooker and he was the only one that starts with decent minutes. New coach could mean more minutes only time will tell but will get workhorses from time to time so someone is better then no one. |
| 167. John Sutton | In his final season of his career, Sutton will be looking to go out with a bang. Has always been a solid point scorer and continues to be reliable. |
| 168. Ryan Sutton | Bit of an unknown for me but I needed another prop for when Leeson Ah Mau turns into a 30 minute bencher. Seems to have received the nod for starting prop at Canberra and hopefully with the big boppers gone they will play faster and starting props get longer minutes. Fingers crossed for some workhorses. |
| 169. Jordan Rapana | Will score a lot of points when he returns from injury. He is too good to leave on the board this late. |
| 170. Si Katoa | Will play on the wing with the departure of Lee. He has speed to burn. |
Round 18 |
|
| 171. Jaydn Su’A | Will be on the bench in the forward rotation for the Broncos but has a decent stats per minute so could make a workhorse once every two games. Needed a backup back rower. |
| 172. Tepai Moeroa | His major issue is staying on the park. When fit, he is a workhorse machine. |
| 173. Alex Glenn | Glenn has ok numbers last year and seems reasonable for this late in the draft. Hopefully plays big minutes on an edge to keep experience on park. |
| 174. Josh Dugan | You know he has a starting spot and he managed to get 40 odd last year despite injury getting in the way. Worth a shot. |
| 175. Aidan Sezer | With Sam Williams on the outer, Sezer will be the soul experience half so more try assists could be on its way for this season. Plus he can kick goals if Croker gets injured. Definitely a worthy backup five-eighth. |
| 176. David Fifita | Beast. Will probably start on the bench but works his way into more minutes across the year. Can go big. Quality, quality young back rower. |
| 177. David Nofoaluma | Should start on the wing for the Tigers. With Maguire taking over the coaching, the Tigers should find a new edge this year and if he can get the best out of Brooks, the wingers should benefit. |
| 178. Kerrod Holland | Had an outstanding end to the 2018 Season averaging over five points for the last six rounds. Multiple sources have also claimed that Rhyse Martin isn’t assured of getting first crack at back row with competition from CHN. This means Holland is a genuine chance to kick goals too. Potential late round sleeper. |
| 179. Will Chambers | Another solid wanker who makes his way into team. The main difference between Chambers and McGuire is Moose is CEO relevant. No doubt he still has nightmares about Latrell Mitchell schooling him on four occasions last year. He should squeeze out around 50 points and add back line depth in you squad come the late teens. |
| 180. Jorge Taufua | Jorge can find the line when given the chance so hopefully we can see some barnstorming efforts from him. |
Round 19 |
|
| 181. Peni Terepo | He has shown good workhorse ability when given the minutes so here’s hoping he can get some points this season. |
| 182. Sione Mata’utia | Another bloke who has been given the dreaded “training down the house” curse. It still seems hard to believe he will notch up 100 games before he turns 23, provided injury doesn’t get in the way. Sione always manages to find his way into the starting line up and very well could provide some late value in the draft, despite a stacked Knights pack |
| 183. Joel Thompson | Was a regular workhorse and sporadic try scorer at the Dragons. His first season at Manly was crippled by injury which has hurt his stats. As a results I feel he will slip a lot lower in the draft than he should. To take him at pick 183 is gold. |
| 184. Scott Sorensen | Looks to be the beneficiary of the retirement of Luke Lewis. Played a few 80 minute games last year and showed he is a capable worker. If he gets the gig full time, this will be his breakout year. |
| 185. Scott Drinkwater | Not only a good reminder in this heat but also Cam Smith’s tip for Storm fullback front runner. Will need to watch the second Storm trial closely. |
| 186. Tim Glasby | What I am hearing out of Newcastle they are looking to play Glasby big minutes in the middle of the park so if them rumours are true Glasby could be in for a massive season and pump out metre eaters and consistent workhorse and the odd double workhorses. Trials could be a big indicator. |
| 187. Benji Marshall | Good ol’ Benji. 2019 is his swansong, along with Farah, so let’s hope they can pull off something magical one last time. Benji also has a chance at becoming a DPP if anything happens to Brooks. Benji shifts to HB and Reynolds slots in at #6. |
| 188. Michael Chee-Kam | Very unlikely to hold a back row position but had utility value in both the NRL and NRLCEO. |
| 189. Peta Hiku | Wing/centre dual position in a traditionally high scoring team. I love the versatility. Coming off a bad year CEO wise and could bounce back. |
| 190. Ken Maumalo | Starting winger bound to have a season high on the try scoring list. Maybe. If he can fix his hands. |
Round 20 |
|
| 191. Mitch Rein | Backup hooker if and when Peats gets injured. Reins output will be starting hooker worthy. |
| 192. George Jennings | Can sniff out a try. Parra are woeful but he should have done enough last year to earn a shot at the start of this year. |
| 193. Moses Mbye | Fullbacks getting thin and need a backup for Edwards in case he doesn’t get the nod. If something happens to Marsters, Mbye will likely take over kicking so for 2KP not a bad option. |
| 194. Kieran Foran | Sigh… Maybe he’ll be good? |
| 195. Curtis Sironen | Needed a backup back rower and definitely could be valuable if he stays fit. Will scores tries on the edge as an 80 minute back rower and the occasional workhorse. |
| 196. Mitchell Barnett | He mightn’t start the year or even make the top 17 but I’ll take a punt and stash him for five rounds to see what happens. |
| 197. Brenko Lee | He should grab a centre spot and has had a strong preseason so far. Has shown glimpses of his unrealised potential but maybe this year is when he confirms his talent |
| 198. Albert Hopoate | Apparently the best of the Hopoate clan if he can stay out of trouble. Chance to get a wing spot for Manly. Just adding depth to fullback/winger positions hopefully. |
| 199. Jordan Pereira | Looked the goods late last year and with the departures on Nightingale and Macdonald, Pereira will get first crack at a wing spot. |
| 200. Lachlan Lewis | The Prince was impressive late last season, so with a bit more experience could be a bargain late round pick up. |
Round 21 |
|
| 201. Sean O’Sullivan | I’m not 100% sure the Broncos will stick with Nikorima as starting halfback if he doesn’t perform early so there is a good chance Sean could see plenty of minutes this season. |
| 202. Danny Levi | My final pick up for the draft. He has potential but rumours of him being shopped around or having a poor attitude towards training simmer just below the surface at all times with this Kiwi kid. Worth a late round punt as the Hooker position at Newcastle is far from decided. |
| 203. Kaysa Pritchard | Needed some hooking depth. Still a toss up between Mahoney and Pritchard so if he can jag the starting spot he normally gets a workhorse. |
| 204. Dylan Brown | Reports suggest this guy is the goods and will get first crack in the halves alongside Moses. If he can earn his spot as a first grade half he should be able to get at least an average return this season. |
| 205. Chris Lawrence | Back row depth. Pretty consistent. I wouldn’t start him but hopefully Madge does. Don’t judge me. |
| 206. Mikaele Ravalawa | Hearing Aitken is on the outer so if he gets debut in Round 1 watch this flyer impress plus being a dual position in the backs he is definitely a good pickup if he starts… |
| 207. Adam Blair | The laziest bastard in NRLCEO has to step up in the absence of Mannering. Scored decently last season and I hope he can crack the 50 mark in 2019. |
| 208. Adam Douiehi | Bennett loves a bench utility and it could be this guy. Personally I would have four forwards in rotation and use Sutton as utility but whatever. When (not if) Reynolds goes down he may also be given the kicking tee and with no KP it’s worth a late shot |
| 209. Wade Graham | Due out until Round 10-12. So everyone else left him. |
| 210. Bailey Simonsson | The word is that the former All Black 7s star is going to get a starting spot on the wing for the Raiders. The last time a winger returned from rugby union to the Raiders, he turned out to be Jordan Rapana. Good player to shadow? |
Round 22 |
|
| 211. Christian Crichton | Last selection, just went for someone who I think will start. Will be lucky to get a run in my 17. |
| 212. Matt Prior | Big work rate, but getting the minutes is his issue. With no Lewis and Graham (a walking basket case who I also drafted) someone just needs to make the tackles. |
| 213. Liam Knight | Just needs minutes and Bennett loves a bad boy. |
| 214. Dean Whare | With Peachey out of the way he is now a definite starter (one of the few left in the draft at this late stage). Mansour came back strong at the end of 2018, so with him outside Whare and a new coach at Penrith, I predict big things for Deano this year. |
| 215. Daly Cherry-Evan | Everyone else had full kicker points so I stashed this. Absolute steal to pick such a quality halfback as your last draft pick sets tries up, scores tries and kicks goals what more do you need from a halfback and has average of four points a game for the last four seasons so you know you’re going to gets points from him every round! |
| 216. Aaron Gray | Dual centre/winger and though there are a few options for the Sharks, at Round 22 I thought he’s a chance to nab a wing spot or hold fo a few rounds in case on injury. |
| 217. Raymond Faitala-Mariner | Earned a starting back row position in 2018 before missing the second half of the season with injury. With some new faces added to the squad this year it remains to be seen whether he will get his spot back. If he does he could prove to be a handy scorer. |
| 218. Te Maire Martin | Taking a bit of a punt, hoping the Cowboys go with the proven half over the rookie. No JT will mean added responsibility for the halves. |
| 219. Ben Matulino | Maybe with a grueling off-season and a new coach Ben Matulino could see more minutes. There are a few props have also been moved on so more minutes could fall his way. |
| 220. Mahe Fonua | The Mullet is good chance for regular metre eaters each week and with his strength can look at getting some more tries and line breaks this season. |
619s
Marcho’s Nachos
Big Papi
Drunken Slurries
Mock-a-doodle-doo
Wallalong Emus
Mocking (Jay) Bee
Costanza’s Mocking You
Fighting Mongooses
Hewies XIII
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JB
A Founder of NRLCEO. Jamie spends far more time on running the site than his own team and is therefore a perennial struggler, much to the delight of his mates. He is a former Bears, now Raiders tragic. A rangy lock who avoided running the ball at all costs, he once tackled (flopped on) John Hopoate. Web geek by day, web geek by night.
Latest posts by JB (see all)
- 2022 NRLCEO Position Updates - August 24, 2022
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