The way the Roosters are playing should we still consider them in our GDS teams? Who are some solid non origin players to keep in mind over the rep period? Is Shaun Johnson the real deal? These are some of the questions that will be answered in the round 12 preview of buy, sell and hold. It’s essential to keep in mind that GameDay Squad is a dynasty fantasy football platform and that will be heavily taken into consideration in this article. Let us know your thoughts on who we have included below on all of our socials - twitter, facebook, instagram, discord.
BUY!
Shaun Johnson
New Zealand Warriors - Half (HLF)
SJ has been such a consistent scorer for the Warriors this season. With his past five scores of 68, 53, 49, 68 and 77 GDS fantasy points, Johnson has proven to coaches he is almost a must have during the origin period and has a very good bye schedule playing through all major bye rounds except round 16. His ability to score very well in a losing side (53, 49, 77) is very encouraging and shows the effort is there even when the warriors go down and against tougher opposition. We are definitely witnessing a vintage SJ and if you want a solid half over origin and the bye period Shaun Johnson is the best option.
Jack De Belin
St George Illawarra Dragons - Middle-Forward (MID)
Another player who has wound back the clock, JDB has been impressing for the Dragons through the middle, playing big minutes and registering some high base stats but also having the ability to mix in a good amount of attacking stats. Another positive thing about JDB is that he does not register a lot of negatives which in GDS can have an adverse effect on the good base and attacking stats generated. His past 3 scores of 74, 69 and 73 GDS fantasy points means JDB is someone you’ll want available over the coming weeks and I don’t think he plays origin, but, I could be wrong!
SELL
Shaun Lane
Parramatta Eels - Edge-Forward (EDG)
Unfortunately for the ‘Lane Train’ he picked up a hamstring injury that will rule him out of the next couple of games for the Eels. Lane was on track for a decent score after managing 21 points in just 29 minutes before succumbing to his injury. Move Lane back to your emergencies and wait a week or two before making a decision on playing him as hamstrings have a high injury recurrence rate.
Nelson Asofa-Solomona
Melbourne Storm - Middle-Forward (MID)
Big NASty had a rough night at the office against the table topping Broncos only managing a mere 11pts. Initially suffering a rib cartilage injury and having to be needled up at halftime, NAS returned only to be on the receiving end of a contentious hip drop tackle that caused a lower leg injury. Someone to be monitored over the coming weeks, Asofa-Solomona will be battling the pain barrier which is a big risk for owners as it only takes a decent knock to send the big man to his knees and likely out of the game. I wouldn’t risk Asofa-Solomona until we know he has overcome not only the leg injury but the rib cart injury also.
HOLD...
Joey Manu
Sydney Roosters - Centre (CTR)
27 points in 55 minutes was well under par for the Kiwi international and now, unfortunately for Joey Manu owners, the Roosters makeshift half has suffered an ankle injury which may rule him out for a week or two. A valuable option at centre and playing half, Manu seemed confused and a bit ‘out of his depth’ in round 11 and the Roosters showed why they’ll struggle to push for premiership status against a rampaging Panthers side. I will not be playing Manu on his return until the Roosters show some cohesion and consistency week to week.
Siosifa Talakai
Cronulla Sharks - Centre (CTR)
The hulking centre was ruled out of round 11 with a neck injury sustained at training. Hold him in your emergencies and wait for diagnosis of his neck injury. Talakai will be a valuable asset come bye/origin rounds if fit as he is in a purple patch and the Sharks seemed inclined to get him early ball and let him do his thing.