What do we do with JDB and Holmes after both being handed four-game suspensions? Will Hosking be fantasy relevant again this season? What do we do with Sam Walker with him nearing a return from injury? These are some of the questions that will be answered in the round 23 preview of buy, sell and hold. It’s essential to keep in mind that GameDay Squad isa 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!
Sam Walker
Sydney Roosters - Half (HLF)
Walker has been out of action since round 7 and going from what I’ve read in the media, it seems that we may see a possible return this season. I guess that comes down to if the Roosters still stand a chance of making the finals. If they don’t, they may keep him off the field until next season. Walker is a buy for me as I think he is one of the best dynasty prospects in GDS. He’s only 21 years old and already has over 50 games of first grade under his belt. His name has already been thrown around in Origin selection conversations as cover if Queensland required it. Why buy now? I believe Walker’s value at the moment is a rock bottom and he can be found for a steal on the TM. I wouldn’t be picking him up off theTM with the idea of playing him this season, I would be adding him to my squad due to the possible future upside that he possesses.
Jazz Tevaga
New Zealand Warriors - Middle-Forward (MID)
Jazz has been listed in the Warriors extended squad to return from injury this week. He may not see any action this week but the time to buy is now. I have Haas and Yeo as the only MIDs in my elite tier this season and they are both set and forget starters for me most weeks. The third MID position is always a bit of a lottery with many worthy candidates. A fit Jazz would join this list of candidates, but a few things need to go his way. The Warriors have a very good forward pack this season and there are a lot of mouths to feed when it comes to the minutes available. If Jazz can carve out a 50+ minute role, I believe he will be a 50+ point scorer. Over his career in games where he plays 50+ minutes, he averages 41 tackles per game and 100 running metres, that’s 52 points per game. Jazz is also very versatile and can play as a middle or a hooker. Whichever way you look at it, he will always be defending in the middle of the field. I wouldn’t rush out and start him as I would want to see how he works into the Warriors current forward rotation. The time to buy Jazz is now as he’s bound to rise in value if he’s to string a few decent performances together.
SELL
Jack De Belin
St George Illawarra Dragons - Middle-Forward (MID)
JDB has been having an excellent season and averages 52 points. He is the fourth ranked MID forward in GDS but the time to sell is now. JDB has been handed a four-game suspension due to a hip drop tackle and his season is all but over. He will be available for the Dragons round 27 clash against the Knights but who knows if he will suit up with the Dragons season already over. He’s 32 years old and from a dynasty point of view he may not hold too much future value. I believe he still has a couple of decent fantasy seasons left in him but under the new incoming coach Shane Flanagan, who knows what his job role will look like next season. Selling now may not give coaches the value they want from him but if you are limited for options at MID forward, it may be a smart choice to use JDB and try to acquire other playable MID forwards.
Zac Hosking
Penrith Panthers - Edge-Forward (EDG)
After bolting onto the scene in round 4 with a 98-point performance against the Eels, Hosking’s breakout season hasn’t lived up to the early promise it showed. Since this game, he has only managed three scores of 50+ plus and this just doesn’t cut it for GDS coaches that are after 50+ points each week from a starting edge forward. Now that Origin is over and the Panthers are at full strength, I just don’t see Hosking starting on the edge. With Martin locking up the right side and Sorensen on the left, it’s likely that Hosking won’t be any more than a depth piece for the Panthers this season. Don’t be fooled with him being namedat centre this week as Tago is lurking down in the reserves and may be a late inclusion before kick-off. As GDS is a dynasty platform it wouldn’t hurt holding Hosking as he’s a promising footballer that has shown us glimpses of the fantasy upside he can provide. If you are lacking depth at edge, I would look at selling and acquiring players that are able to provide you with more upside this season.
HOLD...
Brandon Smith
Sydney Roosters - Hooker (HOK)
The Cheese is a nuggety footballer that can be a home run hit for coaches every now and then. I thought we would see him perform better at the Roosters this season than he has done but I’m willing to hold and see what he can do in the future for the tri colors. It looks likehe will be in a job share at hooker for the remainder of the season and as coaches, we like to play 80-minute hookers. He has been dealing with a few injuries this season and I’m prepared to give him the benefit of the doubt and hope for an injury free 2024 season. He may be still a starting option this season, but I just can’t see it.
Valentine Holmes
North Queensland Cowboys - Centre (CTR)
Holmes has been having a great season and averages 50 points. He ranks as the best centre in GDS but unfortunately for the Cowboys and GDS coaches, he has been handed a four-game suspension for a shoulder charge on Jayden Campbell. Unlike JDB, Holmes is the best player in his position, a current Origin rep and has age on his side. Because of this, Holmes is a hold for me. When available he offers coaches the attacking upside we like to see and when the Cowboys are firing on all cylinders, he has the additional upside of being their goal kicker. As we saw in the NSW vs QLD competition, Holmes was one of the most sought-after cards due to his position. With him likely to be in the Queensland squad again next year, I wouldn’t be selling as he’s a usable card outside of the NRL competition. You might find some great deals on the TM for Holmes as some coaches may be scrambling to fill the void that has been left in their squad,