So you want to separate your team from the pack, or maybe you are struggling to balance your team and fit in all the guns you want without having to sacrifice points on your bench? Either way, I’ve got you covered. The below are a selection of 10 PODs under 10 percent ownership- as of the 3rd of March anyway. As a point of reference, I wouldn’t necessarily go ahead and pick all of the below, or even start them, rather, these are players that will help to plug a gap, or at the minimum, provide a handy NPR that should make you some cash over the season.



So let’s jump into it.

1. Gehamat Shibasaki- CTR/WFB – 324k

Shibasaki is not someone who I think is a premier backline player in NRL, but for Fantasy purposes, he’s an excellent option to start the season with if you are looking for a cheapie. As a starting centre playing over 80 minutes- which he will do at the Knights- he averaged almost 30 points in 2019. Interestingly, these are mostly base and consist of pretty much no attacking stats. With Newcastle favouring their right side in their trials (where Shiba plays), a long off-season where he has been training heavily in that position, and a new coach who thinks the world of him, Gehamat is every chance of jagging a few attacking stats this year. Priced at 22, and with a lack of cheapie centres, he’s a very good option.

2. Kallum Watkins- CTR – 316k.

Not pulling any punches here, Watkins was absolutely terrible last year, both in Fantasy and in the NRL. However, go back a few years, pre-injury, and he was one of the most damaging players in the SL. Yes it’s an inferior competition, but it’s still a data point. Now last year, coming over mid-year, and with the absolutely crap-shoot that was the Titans, Watkins still averaged 26 in four 80m games at centre. In the trials he’s looked fitter and faster, as have the whole Titans’ squad. With last years 26 average came literally 0 attacking stats, and traditionally, he’s an attacking player. With a proper off-season, a great coach, and a point to prove for him and the whole club, Watkins is a genuine option for your starting centre position.

3. Luciano Leilua – 2RF – 503k.

Luc is someone who has always been that frustrating player for both NRL and Fantasy coaches. On his day, he’s one of the best edge attacking weapons in the NRL but unfortunately, his own consistency, and fitness, has limited just how many ‘days’ he has had. Still, he forms an important part of the new-look Tigers right hand side, which in trials has looked pretty good- if a bit rusty. In each of the trials, he’s played big minutes, and I expect him to play at least 60 a game. Priced at 35 and with a career average of 54.8 when he plays over 60 minutes (average 75.9), he’s a very good person to have in your team and should hit mid to high 40’s most weeks.



4. Jamayne Taunoa-Brown- FRF- 228k.

Now this one is more of an NPR option rather than someone I would start. But, I’ve included him in this list due to the almost non existent middle stocks that the Warriors have for the first month of football (at least). Beyond this, he’s just a likely lump of a lad, big, strong, and has a Fantasy friendly game that with his expected 30 odd minutes off the bench, should make you some handy money.



5. Caleb Aekins- WFB – 335k.

The man who will likely play fullback for the first 6 rounds is a very attractive option to pad your WFB with. Over his four games at fullback over the last two years he has achieved a 37.3 average all without a try. Priced at 23 he’s a lock for my team and should be for yours, at least for the first month and a half of football.



6. Zane Musgrove- FRF- 246k.

Another man who will likely be a bench forward for his club, and should probably be in your NPRs if you choose him, Musgrove impressed me with his work ethic during the trials and looked one of the busiest in attack and defence. By all accounts he is highly rated by the coach as well, so I wouldn’t be surprised to see him get 40 minutes from the bench and make some slow consistent cash throughout the first two months of the comp.



7. Patrick Carrigan- FRF- 430k.

Look, in my opinion this guy is almost a must have. He’s cheap, will likely get DPP, and will probably play big minutes at lock, at least until Lodge returns- which is who knows when- or plays poorly- which I don’t think will happen. He’s young, tipped as a future captain and representative footballer, aggressive, gets through a lot of work in the middle and is priced at a 30 average. For reference, the one game he played last year over 60 minutes (61) he scored 54 in pure base stats. Lock him in now and thank me later.



8. Coen Hess- 2RF – 471k.

Now this one is probably the riskiest of the selections so far, another mid-range player, and in a position that has plenty of options. However, there’s no denying Coen has looked the fittest and fastest he’s ever been, particularly in the 9s and trials, and Hess could well be the starting edge backrower for round 1. The big question mark of course is Wright, who looked solid for most of last year, but Cooper is on his last legs, and the Cows are likely to run a second hooker on their bench which opens up plenty of minutes. The question really is which Hess will show up, 2019 or 2018?



9. Kurt Mann- HOK/HLF – 350k.

As much as I don’t think Mann should be Newcastles’ starting half, he probably will be, and that’s important for Fantasy purposes. Priced at 24, he averaged 36.6 from his five games as a starting half last year. There’s no reason he can’t maintain that same average and with his low ownership he’s worth considering as a POD option and someone cheap to partner your premier half.



10. Keaon Koloamatangi- FRF – 228k.

A cut price forward, Keaon is a very good option to have sitting in your NPRs. He’s a rampaging type player who loves to rack up the stats and with the thin stocks at the Bunnies he’s every chance to grab a bench spot and play a bit of middle or edge. He’s one to wait on for TLT but as things stand he’s a worthy inclusion to your team.



Well, there you have it, 10 PODs all under 10% ownership. All of my secrets, and all players who I’m seriously considering having in my team. So hopefully, you found the article useful, or if you didn’t please feel free to roast me on Facebook or Twitter at @NRL_Oracle or even give me a follow if you find my information useful.



All the best with your Fantasy endeavours and I welcome any and all challengers who would like to try their luck against me 🙂







