Round one of the 2013 season is here. You’ve organised the bulk of your team, you might want to make a few tweaks here and there, and perhaps the last thing you’re considering is your captain. Who is the best option?
That’s where our Captaincy Conundrum comes in. Each week we’ll be looking at the best five captaincy options for the upcoming round, as well as a wildcard if you feel like taking a punt.
From next week we’ll also be looking at players you should buy, sell and hold, but for now it’s all about your skipper.
So, who’s it going to be?
Cameron Smith | HOK | $533,200
Projected score: 75
The most consistent Dream Team player, if you’ve got Smith he is almost a shoo-in for captain every week. And at that price, you’d want him to be. Does it all - tackles, kicks goals, and creates plenty of opportunities for the Storm. Scores of 75 and 73 in his last two outings against the Dragons should tell you all you need to know. Make Smith your skipper and watch the points roll in.
Jarryd Hayne | WFB/HLF | $412,400
Projected score: 43
After his first uninterrupted pre-season in years, Hayne is poised for a big 2013. Handed the co-captaincy by new coach Ricky Stuart, the Hayne Plane/Train will be instrumental to the Eels’ success this season, and they’ll be keen to make an immediate impact against the Warriors. Doesn’t have a great record against the New Zealand-based side (averages just 27.57 against them), but all signs point towards a big points return this weekend.
Greg Inglis | WFB/CTR | $399,600
Projected score: 53
Another powerhouse fullback who will have a big say in the result of the opening game of the year, Inglis is also primed for a huge season. A modest return of 38 against the Roosters in the opener last year was followed by 53 in round 19, after he made the switch to fullback. If you think the Rabbitohs will win well against the Roosters, you could do far worse than Inglis.
Robbie Farah | HOK | $436,100
Projected score: 63
If you’ve got Smith, you might not have been able to squeeze Farah into your second hooker spot. But if you haven’t picked up the Melbourne skipper, this man is a pretty handy alternative, and one to consider as your captain. In his past three matches against Newcastle, he averages 63. The Tigers are an unknown quantity under new coach Mick Potter but you’d expect Farah to be amongst the points yet again as an 80-minute hooker.
Shaun Fensom | 2RF | $439,000
Projected score: 47
With the retirement of Nathan Hindmarsh, we lost a true DT legend. Fensom is likely to take over the reins as the competition’s premier workhorse after his emergence over the past few seasons. Has a solid record against the Panthers, averaging 44.25, and is capable of a huge round one score - just look at last year’s opening performance against the Storm.
Wildcard: Kurt Gidley | HLF | $231,300
Projected score: 29
If you feel like taking a risk, consider the returning Newcastle skipper. After injury ruined his 2012 season, he’s back and ready to lead the Knights to glory in 2013. Will start in the halves, but could move to hooker if Tyrone Roberts takes the field off the bench. If you think the Knights will put the Tigers to the sword (sorry), Gidley could be your man.
Others worth a look:
Sam Burgess | FRF/2RF | $378,900 - Projected score: 47
Trent Merrin | FRF | $385,500 - Projected score: 49
Josh Reynolds | HLF | $390,700 - Projected score: 62
