2018 NRL.com Fantasy thread part 3

Liverpool_Bulldog wrote:Which position can you go gun lite? Atm I'm thinking FRF or CTR?

Going for the 1 gun in each position strategy.

The free bench this year mates it less risky to go all-cheap at CTR.

Last year if you had 4 cheap centre's, and one was a dud, you couldn't bring in a more reliable player without sacrificing elsewhere.

This year if you have Hiku/Milne and you need to upgrade, you might be able to swap a spare HOK/FRF/other to a CTR age save a trade.
Might be a rare situation where this is needed, but the flexibility is nice to have

NRL predicted round 1 teams 2018! Check out our predicted round 1 teams for the 2018 season.

BRONCOS
Predicted team: 1. Darius Boyd 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Jack Bird (Tom Opacic) 4. James Roberts 5. Jordan Kahu 6. Anthony Milford 7. Kodi Nikorima 8. Korbin Sims 9. Andrew McCullough 10. Matt Lodge 11. Alex Glenn/Corey Oates 12. Matt Gillett 13. Josh McGuire. Interchange: 14. Corey Oates/Alex Glenn 15. Sam Thaiday 16. Joe Ofahengaue 17. Tevita Pangai Jnr
Who’s left: Troy Dargan, George Fai, Salesi Funaki, Payne Haas, Patrick Mago, Todd Murphy, Shaun Nona, Mosese Pangai, Jonus Pearson, Andre Savelio, Sam Scarlett, Marion Seve, Gehamat Shibasaki, Jaydn Su’A, Sam Tagataese, Jake Turpin
Analysis: Jack Bird (shoulder) is the biggest doubt for round one, with Tom Opacic in line to take the star recruit’s right centre spot. Matt Lodge is tipped to take the starting front row spot of the departed Adam Blair. Corey Oates is set to move into the back row, which creates wing spot for Jamayne Isaako. Kodi Nikorima takes over the halfback spot of Ben Hunt (Dragons). Andrew McCullough (ACL) and Anthony Milford (shoulder) are both looking good for round one. Barring mishaps, Darius Boyd (hamstring), Korbin Sims (broken arm), Jordan Kahu (knee/groin), Oates (groin) and Nikorima (appendix) are round one certainties.


BULLDOGS
Predicted team: 1. Moses Mbye 2. Brett Morris 3. Josh Morris 4. Will Hopoate 5. Marcelo Montoya 6. Kieran Foran 7. Matt Frawley 8. Aaron Woods 9. Michael Lichaa 10. David Klemmer 11. Josh Jackson 12. Raymond Faitala-Mariner 13. Adam Elliott. Interchange: 14. Fa’amanu Brown 15. Greg Eastwood 16. Danny Fualalo 17. Aiden Tolman
Who’s left: Francis Tualau, Asipeli Fine, Clay Priest, Ofahiki Ogden, Renouf Toomaga, Rhys Martin, Zac Woolford, Chase Stanley, Josh Cleeland, Kerrod Holland, Reimis Smith
Analysis: Moses Mbye switches to fullback with Will Hopoate moving to centre and Brenko Lee released to the Titans. Star recruit Kieran Foran (shoulder/back/hamstring) arrived at the club with existing injuries, but should be fit to take his spot at five-eighth. Matt Frawley, Fa’amanu Brown and Josh Cleeland are fighting to partner Foran in the halves. Greg Eastwood (heart surgery) is expected to be cleared for full training soon and therefore takes a spot on the bench. Coach Dean Pay has indicated David Klemmer will start at prop alongside great mate and star recruit Aaron Woods, with Adam Elliott switching to lock.


COWBOYS
Predicted team: 1. Lachlan Coote 2. Antonio Winterstein 3. Kane Linnett 4. Justin O’Neill 5. Kyle Feldt 6. Michael Morgan 7. Johnathan Thurston 8. Matt Scott 9. Jake Granville 10. Jordan McLean 11. Gavin Cooper 12. Ethan Lowe 13. Jason Taumalolo. Interchange: 14. Ben Hampton 15. Scott Bolton 16. John Asiata 17. Coen Hess
Who’s left: Te Maire Martin, Shaun Fensom, Sam Hoare, Shaun Hudson, Corey Jensen, Marcus Jensen, Kyle Laybutt, Francis Molo, Carlin Anderson, Javid Bowen, Josh Chudleigh, Jake Clifford, Mitchell Dunn, Gideon Gela-Mosby, Emry Pere, Murray Tualagi, Enari Tuala, Shane Wright
Analysis: Johnathan Thurston returns to the fold after missing most of last year with a serious shoulder injury. Storm recruit Jordan McLean starts in the front-row, while Ben Hampton’s ability to fill in at hooker is likely to win him the utility bench role over Te Maire Martin.


DRAGONS
Predicted team: 1. Matt Dufty 2. Nene Macdonald 3. Euan Aitken 4. Tim Lafai 5. Jason Nightingale 6. Gareth Widdop 7. Ben Hunt 8. James Graham 9. Cameron McInnes 10. Paul Vaughan 11. Tyson Frizell 12. Tariq Sims 13. Jack De Belin. Interchange: 14. Leeson Ah Mau 15. Hame Sele 16. Luciano Leilua 17. Kurt Mann
Who’s left: Jacob Host, Mitchell Allgood, Blake Lawrie, Jeremy Latimore, Jai Field, Zac Lomax, Tristan Sailor, Darren Nicholls, Jordan Pereira, Reuben Garrick, Patrick Herbert, Steven Marsters, Blake Lawrie, Jackson Ford, Reece Robson, Josh Kerr
Analysis: Matt Dufty is the frontrunner for the hotly contested fullback role ahead of Jai Field, Kurt Mann and highly regarded youngster Zac Lomax. Mann’s exceptional versatility is likely to cost him a starting role. Luciano Leilua, Jacob Host and Hame Sele will vie for the final two bench spots alongside Mann and Leeson Ah Mau.


EELS
Predicted team: 1. Clint Gutherson (Bevan French) 2. Bevan French (Josh Hoffman) 3. Michael Jennings 4. Jarryd Hayne 5. Kirisome Auva’a 6. Mitchell Moses 7. Corey Norman 8. Daniel Alvaro 9. Kaysa Pritchard 10. Tim Mannah 11. Manu Ma’u 12. Tepai Moeroa 13. Nathan Brown. Interchange: 14. Will Smith 15. Kane Evans 16. Beau Scott 17. Kenny Edwards
Who’s left: Greg Leleisiuao, Cameron King, Brad Takairangi, Josh Hoffman, David Gower, Siosaia Vave, Peni Terepo, Tony Williams, Marata Niukore, George Jennings, Nathan Davis, Suaia
Matagi.
Analysis: Brad Arthur has revealed that Clint Gutherson is expected to miss the opening few rounds, with Bevan French to deputise in his absence. Jarryd Hayne will play centre with the unlucky Brad Takairangi appearing the odd man out. Kirisome Auva’a is the frontrunner to fill Semi Radradra’s vacant wing spot, but has competition from Josh Hoffman and young guns Greg Leleisiuao and George Jennings.


KNIGHTS
Predicted team: 1. Kalyn Ponga 2. Nathan Ross 3. Tautau Moga 4. Sione Mata’utia 5. Shaun Kenny-Dowall 6. Connor Watson 7. Mitchell Pearce 8. Jacob Lillyman 9. Danny Levi 10. Daniel Saifiti 11. Aidan Guerra 12. Jamie Buhrer 13. Mitch Barnett. Interchange: 14. Chris Heighington 15. Herman Ese’ese 16. Jacob Saifiti 17. Brock Lamb
Who’s left: Brodie Jones, Josh King, Lachlan Fitzgibbon, Luke Yates, Pasami Saulo, Sam Stone, Slade Griffin, Tom Starling, Tyrone Amey, Zac Hosking, Brayden Musgrove, Brent Naden, Christian Hazard, Cory Denniss, Dylan Phythian, Jack Cogger, Jack Johns, Ken Sio, Nick Meaney, Pat Mata’utia, Tom Hughes, Trent Hodkinson
Analysis: A totally new-look team. Star recruit Mitchell Pearce slots straight into the halfback role. Coach Nathan Brown has confirmed Connor Watson will start in the five-eighth spot and be given an extended run. Brock Lamb is therefore likely to play from the bench or in NSW Cup. Recruit Kalyn Ponga and Tauatu Moga score starting backline spots, with Moga on track for round one following shoulder surgery. Sione Mata’utia will shift to centre after string of concussions as an edge back rower last year. Recruits Jacob Lillyman, Aidan Guerra and Herman Ese’ese score spots in the pack. Mitch Barnett (shoulder), Daniel Saifiti (shoulder) and Nathan Ross (elbow/finger/eye) are all on track for round one.
LISTEN!!! The podcast team dissect important pre-season news and reveal their early picks for 2018.


PANTHERS
Predicted team: 1. Dylan Edwards 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 3. Dean Whare 4. Waqa Blake 5. Josh Mansour 6. James Maloney 7. Nathan Cleary 8. James Tamou 9. Peter Wallace 10. Reagan Campbell-Gillard 11. Corey Harawira-Naera 12. Isaah Yeo 13. Trent Merrin. Interchange: 14. Bryce Cartwright 15. James Fisher-Harris 16. Tyrone Peachey 17. Viliame Kikau
Who’s left: Tyrone May, Corey Waddell, Jack Hetherington, Jed Cartwright, Kaide Ellis, Moses Leota, Nick Lui-Toso, Sam McKendry, Tim Browne, Wayde Egan, Jerome Luai, Tyrone Phillips, Sione Katoa
Analysis: Star recruit James Maloney is a straight swap for Matt Moylan at five-eighth, where the former Shark will form a promising combination with young gun Nathan Cleary. We have Corey Harawira-Naera scoring the right edge back row spot despite off-season shoulder surgery, although Bryce Cartwright is waiting in the wings. Tyrone Peachey and Dean Whare are battling it out for a backline spot, although Peachey has been linked to the Gold Coast. Tyrone May is due back a month into the season following an ACL injury. Waqa Blake (shoulder) and Dylan Edwards (groin) should be right for round one.


RABBITOHS
Predicted team: 1. Alex Johnston 2. Rob Jennings 3. Greg Inglis 4. Dane Gagai 5. Richie Kennar 6. Cody Walker 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Thomas Burgess 9. Damien Cook 10. Zane Musgrove 11. Sam Burgess 12. Angus Crichton 13. Cameron Murray. Interchange: 14. Adam Doueihi 15. John Sutton 16. Tyrell Fuimaono 17. George Burgess
Who’s left: Robbie Farah, Kyle Turner, Mark Nicholls, Siosifa Talakai, Jason Clark, Braidon Burns, Campbell Graham, Jacob Gagan, Dean Britt, Vincent Leuluai, Jesse Arthars, Billy Britain, Junior Tatola, Jesse Martin, Mawene Hiroti, Dean Hawkins, Ky Rodwell, Lucky Ta’avale, Sam Johnstone, Joshua Cook
Analysis: Greg Inglis (ACL) is racing the clock for round one and expected to be eased back at centre, with Alex Johnston at fullback. Sam Burgess is preparing to play an edge role, with young gun Cameron Murray tipped to play lock. Anthony Seibold has indicated Richie Kennar will score one wing spot, with Lebanon World Cup star Adam Doueihi to play off the bench. Robert Jennings (favourite), Braidon Burns, Jacob Gagan, Campbell Graham and Hymel Hunt are all contesting for the vacant left wing position. Seibold’s preference for an 80-minute hooker is likely to push Robbie Farah out of the 17. Adam Reynolds is currently in a moon boot but expected to resume training soon.

RAIDERS
Predicted team: 1. Jack Wighton 2. Jordan Rapana 3. Jarrod Croker 4. Joey Leilua 5. Nick Cotric 6. Blake Austin 7. Aidan Sezer 8. Junior Paulo 9. Siliva Havili 10. Shannon Boyd 11. Josh Papalii 12. Elliott Whitehead 13. Sia Soliola. Interchange: 14. Craig Garvey 15. Joseph Tapine 16. Luke Bateman 17. Charlie Gubb
Who’s left: Sam Williams, Liam Knight, Michael Oldfield, Brad Abbey, Sitiveni Moceidreke, Dunamis Lui, Bill Cullen, Jack Murchie, Makahesi Makatoa, Royce Hunt
Analysis: The long-term injury to Josh Hodgson (knee, round 20), along with the losses of Kurt Baptiste and Adam Clydsdale, has recruits Siliva Havili, Craig Garvey and Sam Williams contending for hooking duties. Havili is favoured to start with Garvey coming off the bench. Kiwi cult hero Charlie Gubb is expected to take Clay Priest’s position on the bench.


ROOSTERS
Predicted team: 1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Latrell Mitchell 4. Joseph Manu 5. Blake Ferguson 6. Luke Keary 7. Cooper Cronk 8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves 9. Jake Friend 10. Dylan Napa 11. Boyd Cordner 12. Mitch Aubusson 13. Sio Siua Taukeiaho. Interchange: 14. Ryan Matterson 15. Isaac Liu 16. Zane Tetevano 17. Victor Radley
Who’s left: Bernard Lewis, Brendan Frei, Lachlan Lam, Mitchell Cornish, Paul Momirovski, Reece Robinson, Brock Gray, Chris Smith, Eloni Vunakece, Joshua Curran, Lindsay Collins, Nat Butcher, Poasa Faamausili, Reuben Porter
Analysis: Star recruit Cooper Cronk slots straight into the halfback spot vacated by Mitchell Pearce. James Tedesco is the new fullback in a star-studded backline. Expect highly-rated young gun Victor Radley to score a bench spot following the exit of Connor Watson.


SHARKS
Predicted team: 1. Valentine Holmes 2. Sosaia Feki 3. Josh Dugan 4. Ricky Leutele 5. Aaron Gray 6. Matt Moylan 7. Chad Townsend 8. Andrew Fifita 9. Jayden Brailey 10. Matt Prior 11. Wade Graham 12. Luke Lewis 13. Paul Gallen. Interchange: 14. James Segeyaro 15. Ava Seumanufagai 16. Jayson Bukuya 17. Kurt Capewell
Who’s left: Bessie Aufaga-Toomaga, Edrick Lee, Isaac Lumelume, Jack Williams, Jesse Ramien, Josh Tuilagi, Kyle Flanagan, Sione Katoa, William Kennedy, Billy Magoulias, Blayke Brailey, Braden Uele, Briton Nikora, Brock Ilett, Daniel Vasquez, Eddie Faalua, Joseph Paulo, Josh Carr, Kurt Dillon, Scott Sorensen
Analysis: The Sharks have a high turnover of stars with James Maloney and Jack Bird exiting, while Matt Moylan and Josh Dugan join the club. Moylan is a straight swap for Maloney at five-eighth. Dugan is a straight swap for Bird at right centre, with Valentine Holmes tipped to hold the fullback spot despite doubts over his ball-playing ability. Aaron Gray, Jesse Ramien and Sione Katoa are fight for a wing spot. Andrew Fifita, Kurt Capewell (both ankle) and Moylan (knee) will be right for round one following off-season injuries.


SEA EAGLES
Predicted team: 1. Tom Trbojevic 2. Akuila Uate 3. Brian Kelly 4. Dylan Walker (Matthew Wright) 5. Jorge Taufua 6. Lachlan Croker 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Martin Taupau 9. Apisai Koroisau 10. Darcy Lussick 11. Curtis Sironen 12. Joel Thompson 13. Jake Trbojevic. Interchange: 14. Lewis Brown 15. Addin Fonua-Blake 16. Lloyd Perrett 17. Frank Winterstein
Who’s left: Jack Gosiewski, Kelepi Tanginoa, Shaun Lane, Taniela Paseka, Toafofoa Sipley, Brad Parker, Jackson Hastings, Tevita Funa, Tom Wright
Analysis: Lachlan Croker is the frontrunner for the five-eighth spot vacated by Blake Green, although Jackson Hastings is also in contention. Recruit Joel Thompson slots straight into the starting back row. Dylan Walker (ankle/leg) is unlikely for round one with Matthew Wright or Brad Parker the likely replacement. Jake Trbojevic (pectoral) and Johnathan Wright (finger) will be right for round one, while Jorge Taufua (ACL) is hopeful.


STORM
Predicted team: 1. Billy Slater 2. Suliasi Vunivalu 3. Will Chambers 4. Curtis Scott 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Cameron Munster 7. Brodie Croft 8. Jesse Bromwich 9. Cameron Smith 10. Tim Glasby 11. Felise Kaufusi 12. Ryan Hoffman 13. Dale Finucane. Interchange: 14. Ryley Jacks 15. Nelson Asofa-Solomona 16. Kenny Bromwich 17. Sam Kasiano
Who’s left: Billy Waters, Cheyse Blair, Jahrome Hughes, Justin Olam, Ryan Papenhuyzen, Sandor Earl, Scott Drinkwater, Young Tonumaipea, Brandon Smith, Christian Welch, Harry Grant, Joe Stimson, Lachlan Timm, Louis Geraghty, Patrick Kaufusi, Tui Kamikamica
Analysis: Brodie Croft is frontrunner for the halfback spot vacated by Cooper Cronk, although coach Craig Bellamy has hinted at a halves rotation policy. “To expect him (Croft) to play the whole season … I don’t know whether that is realistic, to be quite honest,” Bellamy said. Recruit Ryan Hoffman is a straight swap for Tohu Harris on the left edge. Tim Glasby replaces Jordan McLean in the starting front row with recruit Sam Kasiano added to the bench.


TIGERS
Predicted team: 1. Tui Lolohea 2. Kevin Naiqama 3. Moses Suli 4. Taane Milne 5. David Nofoaluma 6. Josh Reynolds 7. Luke Brooks 8. Russell Packer 9. Matt McIlwrick 10. Ben Matulino 11. Chris Lawrence 12. Chris McQueen 13. Elijah Taylor. Interchange: 14. Jacob Liddle 15. Alex Twal 16. Sauaso Sue 17. Matt Eisenhuth
Who’s left: Benji Marshall, Esan Marsters, Tim Grant, Michael Chee Kam, JJ Felise, Josh Aloiai, Robbie Rochow, Corey Thompson, Mahe Fonua, Pita Godinet, Malakai Watene Zelezniak, Tyson Gamble
Analysis: Trials are likely to have a huge impact on the Tigers’ 17 for round one. While likely to be the long-term solution, Jacob Liddle may be forced to contest for a bench role with Benji Marshall after badly dislocating his shoulder last season. Don’t be at all surprised if Mahe Fonua cracks a starting spot in the backline ahead of Moses Suli or Taane Milne. Fonua was superb during a two-year Super League stint. He headlines a stellar list of backline depth including Corey Thompson, Malakai Watene Zelezniak and Esan Marsters. Tui Lolohea shifts to his preferred fullback position, while Josh Reynolds replaces him at five-eighth.


TITANS
Predicted team: 1. Michael Gordon 2. Dale Copley 3. Brenko Lee 4. Konrad Hurrell 5. Brendan Elliott 6. Kane Elgey 7. Ashley Taylor 8. Max King 9. Nathan Peats 10. Leilani Latu 11. Ryan James 12. Kevin Proctor 13. Jai Arrow. Interchange: 14. Mitch Rein 15. Will Matthews 16. Joe Greenwood 17. Morgan Boyle
Who’s left: Jarrod Wallace, Anthony Don, John Olive, Karl Lawton, Alexander Brimson, Kiah Cooper, Phillip Sami, Tyronne Roberts-Davis, Ryan Simpkins, Tony Mata’utia, Jack Stockwell, Jai Whitbread, Keegan Hipgrave
Analysis: Anthony Don (shoulder) and Jarrod Wallace (suspension) are out until round three. Expect Brendan Elliott to score Don’s wing spot in a backline that also features fellow recruits Michael Gordon and Brenko Lee. Ryan James is set to move to an edge, while recruits Leilani Latu, Jai Arrow, Mitch Rein and Will Matthews are expected to score spots in the pack.


WARRIORS
Predicted team: 1. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 2. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 3. Peta Hiku 4. Solomone Kata 5. David Fusitua 6. Blake Green 7. Shaun Johnson 8. Adam Blair 9. Issac Luke 10. Albert Vete 11. Tohu Harris 12. Agnatius Paasi 13. Simon Mannering. Interchange: 14. Nathaniel Roache 15. Bunty Afoa 16. Sam Lisone 17. Leivaha Pulu
Who’s left: Bunty Afoa, Ata Hingano, James Gavet, Jazz Tevaga, Isaiah Papali’i, James Bell, Joseph Vuna, King Vuniyawa, Ligi Sao, Manaia Cherrington, Matia Love-Henry, Tevita Satae, Patrick Sipley, Anthony Gelling, Blake Ayshford, Chanel Harris-Tavita, Lewis Soosemea, Ken Maumalo, Junior Pauga, Hayze Perham, Mason Lino, Sam Cook, Zac Santo
Analysis: Star forward recruits Tohu Harris and Adam Blair slot straight into the starting pack. Shaun Johnson has a new halves partner with former Manly playmaker Blake Green to wear the No.6. Peta Hiku is expected to score a starting centre spot following the World Cup injury to Gerard Beale (broken leg, round 10), with Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad slotting onto the wing. Also expect forward recruits Agnatius Paasi and Leivaha Pulu to score spots in the 17.

On those predictions

Suli and Liddle unlikely for round 1. Fonua should get a run. Maybe Marshall as bench utility (or ET to spend time as hooker) I also wouldn't be surprised to see Aloiai in the 17. Marsters may beat Naiqama to a spot as well.

For Knights, reports were that Lachlan Fitzgibbon was training as left edge

For the Cowboys, I am amazed at how stable their team has been over the past few years. Easiest starting 13 to predict in the league.