Concerns over Taumololo’s minutes, Cotter on the rise, and Wishart looking like a handy cash cow during the mid-season. Let’s look at some of the key players for NRL Round 11.
BUY, BUY, BUY
Reuben Cotter
Reuben Cotter has had a checkered injury history, yet 2022 has been a breakout year for him as he has secured a starting spot and managed big minutes for his side. His last 3 outings have seen him average 73 minutes for 66 points. With the Cowboys playing Round 13, Cotter seems to be an obvious target. The only concern is whether Cotter finds his way into the Origin squad and misses games during the period. Yet with an average of almost 55, Cotter looks like a season-long keeper.
Tyran Wishart
At fullback, Wishart averages 9.5 tackles, 5.5 tackle busts and 120 metres a game. With a fullback spot guaranteed while Papenhuyzen is out, Wishart is a cash cow to have in your team.
Ones to Watch
Jason Taumololo
Owners of Taumololo have been through a roller coaster throughout 2022. His start left much to be desired as he was eased into the minutes and his output left a lot to be desired. However, from Round 4 onwards he has hit five 50+ scores in succession. Yet his last two outings have seen him average just over 40 minutes, with a season-low 31 against the Tigers. Some guesses could be made that in games where the Cowboys are winning, Jason Taumololo gets reduced minutes. He plays the Storm and Panther in the following 2 rounds, so he should get large minutes, but an outing against weaker sides in the following weeks should give an indication of his long-term minutes.
Mitch Barnett
After a 1-point outing against the Panthers due to a send-off, Mitch Barnett returned to his best with 30 tackles, 7 tackle busts and almost 150 metres gained. His price is almost down $150K from the start of the season and is a good option for the round 17 bye. However, with a 45 break even, coaches can wait another week to see if Barnett can replicate his efforts.
DROP
Payne Haas
Payne Haas was the premier NRL fantasy player of the first 5 rounds and was the ideal captaincy option. The last 2 rounds have seen Payne Haas with an average of 55 minutes, potentially attributable to AC joint injury. With a break-even of 82 and with Origin impending, it may be time to move Haas on.