DT Market Watch: Round Eight

There’s a host of rookies making their way through the NRL ranks this week, but not all are value trades... yet. Give it a few weeks however, and we could have a bumper crop of cash cows on our hands. That being said, for now, there are still plenty to consider.

Let’s take a look at those players you should be investing in, holding or letting go, as well as some of the better captaincy options for Round 8.

The Tigers have been hit hard by injury. It’s a rough period for those at the club, and Wests fans everywhere. But with injury comes opportunity, and a host of young stars are being given their chance in the top grade, which in-turn means there are several potential cash cows. Bodene Thompson ($127,700), Curtis Sironen ($179,400), and Shaun Spence ($101,600) all have a negative BE, but the pick of the bunch is Sue. With a BE of -30, there’s a big price rise on the way. More importantly, he gets through plenty of work, even starting from the bench. Strongly consider.

Injury sidelined the Bulldogs halfback for much of 2012, and with Kris Keating making the no. 7 jersey his own, Hodkinson has found it difficult to return to the top side. But an injury to Keating has paved the way for Hodkinson’s return, and he is beginning to rediscover his groove. Historically scores well in DT - if the Bulldogs can fire, expect Hodkinson to score well. There aren’t too many starting halfbacks at that price point, so if you’ve got a HLF to downgrade this week, Hodkinson is your man.

Keep an eye on Mark Minichielllo ($269,500) too if you’re looking to make some quick cash.

Nine tackle breaks against the Panthers helped Loko to a season-high 56 (and in a beaten side, mind you.) But an injury in the local derby has kept the young centre out of the Round 8 match with the Cowboys. All signs point towards a return the following week, and with a BE of -5, you’d be best served hiding him away on the bench this week.

With James Graham ($361,600) returning this week, and Sam Kasiano ($246,900) not too far away, many Tolman owners might be tempted to hit the trade button. But as we saw last year when all three were rolling in the Canterbury-Bankstown front row rotation, Tolman can still produce the numbers. Unless you have your eyes on another premium prop, hold Tolman.

Initially, it was thought Mannah had sprained his ankle in the loss to the Panthers, but as the week has progressed, it’s been revealed that bone bruising will sideline the club captain for two-three weeks. Mannah has made a solid contribution to your finances, but it’s time to consider your options elsewhere.

Was a very popular cash cow a few weeks back, but with 9 DT points against the Eels, DT coaches will be expecting a better return from their charges. Has made $44,000, and with a plethora of options at both WFB and HLF, I expect plenty of coaches will be trading Humble out this week.

Cameron Smith | HOK | $523,200

Johnathan Thurston | HLF | $412,800

Robbie Farah | HOK | $518,200

Sonny Bill Williams | 2RF | $416,900

Shaun Fensom | 2RF | $465,600

Wildcard: Michael Jennings | CTR | $357,700