Captains Call: Round 9
Welcome to week nine of Captains Call.
Firstly, I just want to say Dylan Napa is a curse, ever since I picked him up four weeks ago I haven’t won a game since. Should I drop him? One more week I think…
I’ve been the kiss of death for the Warriors of late. Two weeks ago, I picked Tohu Harris, only for him to get concussed. Last week I picked Issac Luke only for him to pick up a knee injury. Might just stay clear of the Warriors players for the moment.
Generally, the teams that have the least injury worries through the year end up higher on the ladder, which makes sense as your best team is on the park for longer periods of the year, e.g. Dragons (zero injures). What is interesting is the fact the Panthers are sitting second, and they have arguably the most key players out. Shows the depth there is at the foot of the mountains. The depth was evident again on the weekend when Dylan Edwards went off with a shoulder injury and Isaah Yeo was moved to centre, cruelling his chances of a workhorse. He did, however, cross for his second try in two weeks and in doing so picked up a line break.
As stated above, Issac Luke went off with an injury quite early so had zero affect on the game which means zero points. Robert Jennings had a quiet game but did manage a meter eater, not the return I was expecting out of him last week. Ben Hunts running game was on show last week and it was topped off by a brilliant running try. He didn’t add to his try assist column but did pick up another line break. The best off the week was Matt Eisenhuth with a try, line break and workhorse. It was the softest try he will ever score but coaches who hold Eisenhuth won’t be complaining. Three out of five is better considering one was injured and another playing out of position.
Lets preview five more and don’t forget to vote or leave a comment below.
Damien Cook – safe bet
The leading scorer is back. All though his numbers were down he was still only three involvements away from a double workhorse. Against the Knights, expect the numbers to be high again as Souths look to bounce back. This could be a very high scoring game for Cook.
Jake Trbojevic – safe bet
Although J Turbo was sin binned very late in last week’s game, he still managed a double workhorse. He is one of very few shining lights for Manly at the moment, putting in the effort every week. A double workhorse is very possible again as along as Manly don’t get blown off the park.
 
Ryan James – safe bet
James has been super consistent so far this season with a workhorse in every game. He won’t miss a workhorse this weekend but is this the week he crosses for his first try of the season or even his first double workhorse. Against the Raiders, anything is possible.
Sivila Havili – risk and reward
Havili is starting to step up for the Raiders and last week he produced his best game so far. The increased minutes have seen him pick up two workhorse tries in the last four weeks and miss out by two on one of those weeks. He has crossed for three tries and has three try assists. Against the worst defensive team in the Titans, those attacking stats could increase even more.
Corey Oates – risk and reward
Oates started the season slow and that was compounded by an injury. Since he has been back, Oates has crossed for three tries and four line breaks in the last four weeks. Against the Bulldogs, Oates could very well get his biggest haul of the year.
Adam Hewat
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- Captains Call: Round 24 - August 27, 2019
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