Stylebender lost his team tracker virginity

Long time lurker, infrequent poster. Trying to be more active with my posting this year so thought I'd give one of these a go!

Here's the team I went into R1 with:

Grant
Carrigan Haas Hopgood
EKatoa Loiero
Cleary (C) Douehi
Alamoti Talau
Ponga Miller Warbrick

BSmith, EButcher, Boyd, Ford
Doorey, Preston, HSS, IKatoa

7k in the bank.

Round 1 score:
838
Overall Rank:
5725

Pros:
- Harry Grant. Was my first player picked and he did not disappoint. Diehard Storm fan, but I'm expecting huge things from Harry this year. Dally M type season.
- The Broncos Props. Each of Carrigan/Haas/Murray/Tapine were in my team at some point in the preseason. Ultimately landed on the Broncos pair and I'm delighted so far.
- Jackson Ford. Was a bit of a gut pick as I personally see Curran as more of a middle rather than an edge. Liked what I saw, let's hope he keeps his role.

Cons:
- My centres. Can we just delete this position already? No matter what strategy I ploy, double cheapies, gun + cheapie, centres always find a way to fuck me deep in my ass. Need to fix this part of my team ASAP.
- Not receiving an invite to the Carty Party. Huge FOMO. However, I don't think I have the balls to pick him up now as I personally believe Matto returns on an edge.

Trade Out Options:
- Brandon Smith. I feel comfortable enough holding him, however if I do decide to trade, he's the one. Roosters form & lack of middle forwards, their upcoming bye in round 4 and Cheese's potential rib injury are all factors here.
- Tommy Talau/Isaiya Katoa. Happy to hold them for now, however I really don't like their fantasy potential. One of them could make room for a particular 'party'.

Trade In Options:
- Izaac Thompson. Didn't start with May/Tago last year and I'm getting a little déjà vu. While I don't think Thompson will reach the heights of them, he plays for a good team and gets through a decent amount of work. Money to make and improves my horrendous centre position.  
- Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow. Not overly confident in the Hammer, but as above, he sures up my centre position. Is he worth the extra 70k over Thompson? Not so sure about that.
- Bryce Cartwright. It's early in the season, why not take a risk on such a beautiful man?

Smith to Thompson looks like a good move given you already have 2 Hookers.

If you wanted to spend the cash could go Smith Talau to Thompson Hammer to really shore up the centres.

Im not overly confident on Hammer either at 400k. Thompson the pick out of the two for me.

Holzman wrote:Smith to Thompson looks like a good move given you already have 2 Hookers.

If you wanted to spend the cash could go Smith Talau to Thompson Hammer to really shore up the centres.

Im not overly confident on Hammer either at 400k. Thompson the pick out of the two for me.

Appreciate the feedback bro. I thought of that same option, however trading in double centres week 1 just feels gross.
I think if I do trade Smith, I'd sit on the cash for a week and probably look to upgrade next week.

any thoughts of getting a "GUN" centre if one such exists?

GarethEllisismyDad wrote:any thoughts of getting a "GUN" centre if one such exists?

If I could afford Smith to Bird, I’d probably do it. Other than Bird there’s no one that really stands out.

Hope you stuck it out with your cheap centres. Thompson already proving it’s an inconsistent position. Really like the balance in the rest of your team because you didn’t spend at CYR.

Maybe you can just hold trades. Think you have most of the good cows and no one really asking to be sold.

Smith + Butcher to Tohu and Carty seems a bit forced but might be the best way to get your guy. Just sucks you won’t get news on Smiths ribs until after Carty has played. But then you could always sell to BMM which would free up cash for upgrades in the next weeks.

Best of luck!

Cap'n Ranta wrote:Hope you stuck it out with your cheap centres. Thompson already proving it’s an inconsistent position. Really like the balance in the rest of your team because you didn’t spend at CYR.

Maybe you can just hold trades. Think you have most of the good cows and no one really asking to be sold.

Smith + Butcher to Tohu and Carty seems a bit forced but might be the best way to get your guy. Just sucks you won’t get news on Smiths ribs until after Carty has played. But then you could always sell to BMM which would free up cash for upgrades in the next weeks.

Best of luck!

Appreciate the feedback mate. I unfortunately did grab Thompson, but I got Carty too so I’m happy with that at least. Smith + Butcher to Tohu + Carty was my initial plan when I thought Butcher was going to be suspended. But once he was cleared that went out the window because I think Butcher will still go well.

Round 2 score:
729
Overall Rank:
14229

Trades:
1. Brandon Smith to Bryce Cartwright
2. Isaiya Katoa to Isaak Thompson

R2 squad:
Grant
Carrigan Haas Hopgood
EKatoa Loiero
Cleary (C) Douehi
HSS Thompson
Ponga Miller Warbrick

Cartwright, EButcher, Boyd, Ford
Doorey, Preston, Talau, Alamoti

Pros:
- My Brandon Smith to Bryce Cartwright trade. Stoked I pulled the trigger on this. Scored an extra 36 points while pocketing $280k. Loves a party.
- My front row of Carrigan, Haas & Hopgood. I feel like this is going to be a ‘pro’ each and every week. It’s so nice to have some consistency in a game full of craziness.
- Eli Katoa. Always thought he had potential at the Warriors, so as a Storm fan, I was super excited to see what he could do with us. Was one of my first picked and isn’t leaving anytime soon.
- Jacob Preston. What a man. Unfortunately didn’t play him this week, but I’ll happily take the price rises. Will comfortably play him in my 17 until the Bulldogs’ lineup/rotations change.

Cons:
- My Isaiya Katoa to Isaak Thompson trade. My first potential dud trade of the year. I knew there was a chance Thompson would produce a poor score this week, he is a centre after all. At least he won’t be playing Cleary every week. Let’s hope he keeps his spot in the team.
- Kalyn Ponga. I started the year with Kalyn fully understanding the risks attached to him, but he was a “I love watching that guy play footy” pick. Fantasy aside, feel horrible for the guy. As a fight fanatic, I understand the dangers of concussions and the long term effects on the brain. I really hope he thinks strongly about his future.                                                                                                                    
- Jackson Ford. Head knocks are becoming the trend this year, and I’m not enjoying it one bit.
- Tanah Boyd. I didn’t watch the game however by all accounts, Tanah was shit. With Ponga gone & Cleary on a bye, I need Tanah to keep his spot in order for me to field 2 halves this week.

Trade Out Options:
- Kalyn Ponga. Pretty self-explanatory. He’s gotta go.
- Tanah Boyd. If he gets dropped then I’m going to have to trade either him or Cleary in order to field 2 halves. There’s no one in Tanah’s price bracket I like, so hopefully he gets another chance.                                                                 
- Nathan Cleary. As above, I may need another half this week. With Penrith’s bye and Nathan’s sub-par scores, selling Nathan is an option. I would probably only pursue this option if Boyd is dropped.
- Egan Butcher. After the Chooks' game I was fairly set on getting rid of Egan. It’s amazing how much things can change after another 24 hours of bullshit. 44 points and a relatively secure role suddenly looks great. Will likely keep his place in my team for now, however he is an upgrade option.
- Tommy Talau. Really wish I had traded him instead of IKatoa last week. Oh well. If I bring in a cheapie, he's the most likely guy to go.

Trade In Options:
- Reece Walsh. Definitely passes the eye test, if you know what I mean. One of my favourite players in the comp to watch. Would've started with him instead of Ponga if he was playing R1. My most likely trade in candidate for Ponga.
- Hayze Perham/Tyrell Sloan. Don't love the thought of either of them in my 17 so would prefer if they were a trade in for Talau just to generate some cash and provide depth.
- Tohu Harris. Looking like pre-ACL Tohu and one that I would adore to have in my team. Unfortunately think the only way I can get him this week is via Cleary.
- Jack Bird. Pretty clearly the premier centre option for the year. Needs to be in everyone's team at some point. Just a matter of when.
- Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow. Big ragrets going Thompson over the Hammer last week. He's looking like a solid centre option. He's going to make money but at $450k he becomes a lot riskier proposition (unless you see him as a genuine keeper). I still think he's capable of some shocker scores once the Dolphins' honeymoon phase is over. Most likely going to be one I will have to deathride now.

As always, any feedback is much appreciated

No feedback other than really like the tracker, it’s great

Unlucky with Thompson, I do think he’ll bounce back a bit

One cool thing about this year is there are many potential options out and in, making for an interesting comp,

Good luck, keep posting

Not sure how much cash you have but Talau and Ponga to WFB of your choice (Walsh) and cow of your choice (Katoa, Sloan, Perham) is what I’d look at.

There is a cheeky option to use Talau to loop Alamoti and Thompson but think focus should be building cash at this stage.

If Boyd dissapoints I like moving him to a panthers hooker next week. No harm in seeing if he improves this week first + you need a half to play if you don’t trade in Katoa and I don’t think he’s playable in your/anyone’s 17 yet

Really like your team as a whole though! Would likely swap mine for yours so please take these as ideas from an inferior fantasy player

Cap'n Ranta wrote:Not sure how much cash you have but Talau and Ponga to WFB of your choice (Walsh) and cow of your choice (Katoa, Sloan, Perham) is what I’d look at.

There is a cheeky option to use Talau to loop Alamoti and Thompson but think focus should be building cash at this stage.

If Boyd dissapoints I like moving him to a panthers hooker next week. No harm in seeing if he improves this week first + you need a half to play if you don’t trade in Katoa and I don’t think he’s playable in your/anyone’s 17 yet

Really like your team as a whole though! Would likely swap mine for yours so please take these as ideas from an inferior fantasy player

Great minds think alike brother. I’ve got 175k in the bank. I’ve currently pencilled in Ponga & Talau to Walsh & Katoa (or BMM if we get news Carrigan is out). I could alternatively go Bird instead of Walsh, via Thompson. However I think I’d rather a WFB this week. Butcher may be my path to Bird next week.

Round 3 score:
836
Overall Rank:
7249

Trades:
1. Kalyn Ponga to Reece Walsh
2. Tommy Talau to Isaiya Katoa

R3 squad:
Grant (C)
Carrigan Haas Hopgood
EKatoa Loiero
Boyd Douehi
Alamoti Thompson
Walsh Miller Warbrick

Cartwright, EButcher, Preston, Doorey
Cleary, Ford, Katoa, HSS

Pros:
- Captain Harry. Never even considered taking the C off Harry this week. Managed to cut my rank in half while keeping Cleary. Gotta be happy with that.
- My centres. Shocker. It's immensely satisfying getting good scores from centre without spending much money there.
- Lachie Miller. Dudes just built for fantasy. Can't see myself dropping him anytime soon. The only bright spot in Newcastle.
- Reece Walsh. I missed the first 60 minutes of the game, got home rather intoxicated to see Reece dudding it up. Tuned in to the end of the game and I think Reece knew because he turned it fucking ON. May not have the safest base of them all but he's genuinely one of the best players in the comp, he's going to produce some great scores while being an absolute pleasure to watch.

Cons:
- Adam Doueihi. Had a shocker in real life. With the way the Tigers are looking and the potential for Doueihi to move around positions, he's no longer someone I enjoy having in my side.
- Will Warbrick. As a Storm fan, I knew a bit about Will coming into the season and I really thought he'd be a good fantasy scorer. Haven't seen it yet, I will likely keep the faith though.

Trade Out Options:
- Adam Doueihi. He's always been a far better fantasy player than an actual footy player, however the eye test has never looked quite this bad. Combine this with the fact he also plays for the worst team in the comp, he's a sell for me.
- Egan Butcher. While not being horrible, he's not the fantasy player I thought he would be. Watching the Roosters play, I think it's pretty clear he's not an edge. Good time to sell with the chooks bye this week.
- Matt Doorey. Definition of a plodder, however I don't want to sell just yet unless he's out for multiple weeks. Probably has another 100k in him if he continues to start on the edge.

Trade In Options:
- Jack Bird. Again, he's going to continue to be a trade in option until he's in my side.
- Adam Reynolds. Complete opposite of Doueihi, a super consistent scorer playing for arguably the best team right now. I would prefer an option with some value, however I like the Broncos draw and bye schedule.
- Shaun Johnson. Here's the potential value option. Looks to be enjoying himself this year and the results are showing. I nearly started the year with SJ, which is what's making it difficult to pay an extra 100k for him now.
- Tom Trbojevic. Probably at the cheapest he'll be this year (assuming he stays fit).
- Hayze Perham/Tyrell Sloan. If I ended up trading Doorey this week, it'd probably be to one of these guys. Unlikely to eventuate.

As always, any feedback is much appreciated

Stylebender wrote:Round 3 score:

- Reece Walsh. I missed the first 60 minutes of the game, got home rather intoxicated to see Reece dudding it up. Tuned in to the end of the game and I think Reece knew because he turned it fucking ON. May not have the safest base of them all but he's genuinely one of the best players in the comp, he's going to produce some great scores while being an absolute pleasure to watch.



As always, any feedback is much appreciated

so I have you to that for that exciting last 20 mins! thank you,

think you have a plethora of options this week, and a pretty nice team,

its very edge heavy and the way i see edge is you have it well and truly covered by E katoa, Preston and one other, (hopgood included and ford as well) so i would trade out which ever flavour of edge you don't need/want and upgrade elsewhere.

your centrees are passable, and warbrick has proven to me that i don't want him playable in my 17, so if you are deciding between bird and turbo I'd lean to turbo, walsh miller turbo is an awesome 3 way wfb combo,

with doorey being injured imagine you have a bit of grace with cartwright,

I don't own douehi, but with tigers being bad and under injury cloud its not looking good,

Id probably do something like

douehi and butcher out, turbo and whicever half you can afford/want in, that may not be possible with your money, but just a suiggestion

either way you are one or two trades away from having a GUN team and already a decent rank

keep posting too

GarethEllisismyDad wrote:

so I have you to that for that exciting last 20 mins! thank you,

think you have a plethora of options this week, and a pretty nice team,

its very edge heavy and the way i see edge is you have it well and truly covered by E katoa, Preston and one other, (hopgood included and ford as well) so i would trade out which ever flavour of edge you don't need/want and upgrade elsewhere.

your centrees are passable, and warbrick has proven to me that i don't want him playable in my 17, so if you are deciding between bird and turbo I'd lean to turbo, walsh miller turbo is an awesome 3 way wfb combo,

with doorey being injured imagine you have a bit of grace with cartwright,

I don't own douehi, but with tigers being bad and under injury cloud its not looking good,

Id probably do something like

douehi and butcher out, turbo and whicever half you can afford/want in, that may not be possible with your money, but just a suiggestion

either way you are one or two trades away from having a GUN team and already a decent rank

keep posting too

Appreciate the feedback mate! Good to hear that my initial thoughts are in line with your thinking.
I've penciled in Doueihi and Butcher to SJ and Turbo.

Stylebender wrote:

Appreciate the feedback mate! Good to hear that my initial thoughts are in line with your thinking.
I've penciled in Doueihi and Butcher to SJ and Turbo.

Seem like fantastic trades.

I agree, great trades.

Not at all influenced by the fact I'm doing the exact same I think they'll be popular ones this week

Doueihi + SJ/Reynolds gang reporting in.

Good trades mate and I agree with Gaz you should post more! Good luck this week, lets hit the TURBO

Appreciate the feedback and support boys! Doueihi & Butcher to SJ & Turbo ’d in.

Round 4 score:
984
Overall Rank:
3518

Trades:
1. Adam Doueihi to Shaun Johnson
2. Egan Butcher to Tom Trbojevic

R4 squad:
Grant (C)
Carrigan Haas Hopgood
EKatoa Loiero
Cleary SJ
Alamoti HSS
Walsh Miller Turbo

Cartwright, Boyd, Preston, Ford
Thompson, Warbrick, Katoa, Doorey

Pros:
- Nathan Cleary. Nathan has returned and doing Nathan things, the world is back to normality.
- My edges. Katoa, Loiero, Cartwright, Preston & Ford. All scoring very well whilst making me some coin.
- My trades. Although Turbo didn't go crazy this week, he passed the eye test and it could've easily been a 50+ if he wasn't robbed of a blatant try. He's slightly scary to own, but a lot scarier to NOT own. SJ was magnificent. Looks to have returned to his former gun status, praying he stays fit and the Warriors stay competitive.
- Payne Haas. What a fucking gun. Consistent as can be too. Stoked that I started the year with him.
- Lachlan Miller. 72 points from a Newcastle back? Man. He's looking better each week. He even kicked goals this week. Original plan was to turn him into Teddy, now I'm not so sure that he will leave my team.

Cons:
- Captain Harry. I probably flipped between Captain Harry/Cleary 50 times throughout the week. Landed on Harry purely because he hadn't disappointed me yet so I felt like I owed it to him. At least I know my captain going forward.
- Not playing Warbrick. I figured Warbrick was going to have a big game sometime soon, I was planning on playing him vs the Tigers, however that changed once I bought Turbo. Oh well, make that money William.
- My cheap shitters. Doorey, Isaak Thompson & HSS. Hopefully some fresh cashies pop up this week as I would love to get rid of these spuds. HSS likely stays as my starting centre for now.

Trade Out Options:
- Matt Doorey. If he's on the bench again he'll more than likely be traded for another cheapie this week. Can't see him making any more money.
- Isaak Thompson. Currently my only centre cover but I will happily get rid of him when an opportunity presents itself.

Trade In Options:
- Connelly Lemuelu. Would be great if I could find a way to bring in a solid scorer at centre so that I don't have to play one of HSS/Thompson each week. Don't have the cash to get him in a single trade from Thompson/Doorey which makes things a little difficult.
- TBC

Looks like my first boring trading week. I was expecting one of Boyd/Loiero to flop this week, but after both scoring well they'll be staying put at this stage, meaning I only have my cheap shitters to trade this week.
My initial thoughts are something along the lines of Doorey & Thompson to Lemuelu and Hands(?). The second player needs to be $288k or below which doesn't leave many options. However if there's no decent option then I will likely hold both trades this week.

Can't complain though, scoring well & I've halved my rank each week for the last couple weeks. No injuries/suspensions this week which is a nice change.

As always, any feedback is much appreciated

Saving both trades is a good idea, however, having nullnull and Alamoti as your centre pairing just makes an already strong squad seem stronger.