Captains Call – Warriors come to Play

Here Come the Warriors

It may have taken them 3 and a half rounds to spark into gear and who knows it could be short lived, but the Warriors have finally come out to play. Their first half was poor to say the least, having the majority of possession and territory they went even after snaking a late try to Ben Matulino. However took only 6 minutes for Blake Ayshford of all people to cross the line. This week they managed 5 players in the top 20 scores with Ben Matulino and Solomone Kata the only 2 in the top 10 with 12 and 10 points. They were joined by Blake Ayshford just outside the 10 and Shaun Johnson and RTS. Coming up against the Roosters who leaked 125 points in 4 weeks this could be a field day for their backs. Weather they are able to turn up 2 games in a row or for the full 80 is anyones guess but they really need to consolidate their win and get this away game to be any chance of bringing their season back on track. Having Manu and Luke back this week was a huge help to the warriors, unfortunately it was too late at that point to slot them into my side and bench which would have seen me win my Legends game and take first spot going down by 3 points.

Home Ground Hero

There is no denying teams turn it up on home turf, none more than Manly. There is no greater try scorer at Brookvale than Brett Stewart. Playing at home this week against Souths who have just been dismantled looks promising for the ‘prince of Brookvale’ needing 1 try to move up on the NRL all time greatest try scoring record to 5^th or 2 to sneak into 4^th. No better place than home to make your move on the top. Personally I hope he doesn’t as my side needs a win but that wont stop me from moving him off the bench to replace Lachlan Coote in my legends side. Hoping for a bunnies win with a Stewart try and assist.

Two Hookers are Better than One

While I’m off the idea of Captaining a hooker this year under the current point allocation I have to give credit where it is due. Has taken only 4 weeks for 2 hookers to make the top 10 with only 1 doing so before last week. Craig Garvey tied for 3^rd with a try and try assist against Souths to go with his Workhorse. Good effort but with Michael Lichaa back next week he should be out of the side soon. Has been a solid replacement but his time is almost over. Jake Granville was one of two players to get into the top 10 off the bench, the other being Ryan James whom I predicted and captained last week. Also managing a try and workhorse Granville just snuck in during extra time to 42 involvements. That being said both hookers managed the top 10 under less than usual circumstances being a thrashing and extra time.

Changing of the Guard

The top 10 scores this week saw a host of new faces and said goodbye to the king. James Tedesco lost touch with the top this week but didn’t suffer a zero making him still the best Captain choice for the moment, at home to the sharks this week should see his run of points continue but don’t expect that to come in the form of a try. Shaun Kenny-Dowall managed to score more than his previous games combined to top the list at 14 points. James Roberts also managed this feat scoring 13 points, having scored 2 last week which were his only points of the year. Roberts would have be high on many CEOs wish list this year and has thus far failed to excel under Wayne, lets hope he can continue to stay within reach of the top. Team mates Anthony Milford and Josh McGuire also graced the top. Milford for the second week in a row and McGuire getting his first double Workhorse this week.

King James and the gang

Ryan James off the bench as captain?

Was a question asked by Greg last week as I chose Ryan James as captain. 51 involvements, a try and 182meters off the bench was enough to score him 11 points and bring me within a whisker of winning my game. Being the top point scorer on my team I’m very happy with my choice even as I watched the final game Monday bring nothing but disappointment. With Sam Burgess back this week but in the front row I will persist with James who also starts in the front row this week. Sam will captain my supporters competition team though as all the souths injuries are leaving me rather short and I plan to play the long game and keep my players for a run in the finals. James Graham was looking like scoring a double workhorse and meter eater by the 60 minute mark last week until he went off injured, he did score 8 points though and I’ll be hoping this week for no injuries as he gets the nod at captain again. Aaron Woods has been faultless this year and continues to run the ball flat out for little meters, it all adds up though as he’s a solid tackling machine who flirts with the double workhorse every week.

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James Douglas

Dougie (or JD) has been playing NRLCEO for five years now. He actually played in the same Uni Footy team with NRLCEO Owner JB, the mighty UC Cows. When not selling you grog at the local bottle-o he is logged onto TheBench.

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