With the Representative weekend upon us, we thought it was an opportune time to look back on the first six rounds of the season from a DT perspective. Who’s made the most cash? Who’s dropped in value? Who have been the gun players, and why?
Cash cows
George Burgess | $296,900 | +$160,000
Burgess, or Gurgess (as he is affectionately known in some DT circles), has been a revelation for both the Rabbitohs NRL side and DT coaches who had him from Round 1 onwards. He exploded out of the blocks with 65 against the Roosters, and totals of 56 and 67 in Rounds 4 and 5 respectively has seen his price increase by a staggering $160,000. With a BE of 10 ahead of Round 7, there’s still more to come.
Albert Kelly | $308,900 | +$152,600
With the departure of Scott Prince, many DT coaches took a gamble on the Titans’ new no. 7, setting them back $156,300 prior to Round 1. Fast-forward six weeks and those coaches are laughing all the way to the bank. Kelly has been at the heart of the Titans’ success thus far in 2013, and doesn’t look to be slowing down anytime soon. A knee injury had coaches worried ahead of Round 6, but Kelly played and finished on 54. Still has a negative BE, and is incredibly consistent.
Tohu Harris | $251,100 | +$135,000
The reigning premiers lost both Todd Lowrie and Sika Manu following their 2012 triumph, meaning other players were always going to get their chance to stake a claim for those starting spots in the back row. Harris grabbed his opportunity with both hands in the World Club Challenge, and has kicked on from there, with 50 in Round 2 against the Cowboys a highlight.
Ryan James | $266,400 | +$104,900
Has done wonders with limited minutes, pulling off some handy totals. The Titans have been on a roll, and James has benefited from his seemingly permanent position in the final 17-man squad. Will need to produce some big numbers to continue his upward trend, but has certainly done well for those with him in their sides.
John Morris | $311,600 | +$102,100
This might surprise some, but Morris rounds out the top five for biggest price increases after six rounds. With an injury to Isaac De Gois, Morris was able to pump out more minutes, which resulted in an average of 47.4 after five rounds. While he’s most likely reached his price summit, it was a great start to the year nonetheless from the Cronulla hooker.
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Form drop
Matt Bowen | $246,300 | -$113,600
Bowen has been far from his DT best in 2013, with the lowest point thus far 8 against the Knights in Round 3. Injury forced him to sit out the Round 6 loss to the Broncos, but with another price drop likely, Bowen looms as one to strongly consider come Origin time.
Nathan Peats | $212,500 | -$105,900
An excellent DT scorer on his day, Peats has been given limited game time as of late, not playing a single minute against the Storm. Needs time on the paddock to produce, and has dropped significantly in value as a result.
Dene Halatau | $206,400 | -$96,700
Another victim of reduced minutes, Halatau is seeing nowhere near the game time he did last season.
Jarryd Hayne | $318,200 | -$94,200
Hayne was seen as one of the best premium WFB options prior to Round 1, and certainly lived up to the hype with 63 against the Warriors. 10 against the Roosters in Round 4 didn’t help his cause, and he has since bottomed out in price. A bargain at $318,200.
Kevin Kingston | $327,700 | -$86,800
The inclusion of James Segeyaro has been a big positive for the Panthers, but has impacted on Kingston’s scoring ability. No longer playing 80 minutes, the Penrith skipper has found it difficult to reproduce his impressive 2012 totals.
Top five players
Robbie Farah | $491,500 | Tot: 411 | Avg: 68.5
The top scoring player after six rounds, Farah has been immense for the Tigers. With Marshall missing, Farah took on even greater responsibility against the Dragons, scoring 90. Is involved in everything, and is set to break the $500k barrier for the first time in his DT career.
Cameron Smith | $534,900 | Tot: 391 | Avg: 65.2
Mr Consistent. The Melbourne, Queensland, Australia and (more than likely) your DT skipper, Smith continues to produce the goods. The Smith/Farah combo is likely to gain traction this season (for those who can afford it).
Daly Cherry-Evans | $491,500 | Tot: 372 | Avg: 62
The Manly halfback is fast becoming a DT favourite. His defensive work rate at halfback continues to amaze, while he offers plenty in attack. Add in the occasional try and you’ve got the complete package. Will push both Smith and Farah for top spot during the Origin period.
James Maloney | $444,900 | Tot: 341 | Avg: 56.8
Has fitted into the Roosters side with ease. His last two scores of 83 and 70 has seen his value skyrocket, and with another price rise on the way, Maloney is quickly joining the upper echelon of DT superstars.
Corey Parker | $449,700 | Tot: 336 | Avg: 56
A true DT hero, Parker has quietly gone about his business in 2013. Many coaches were turned off when he was stripped of goal-kicking duties, but his tackle count and run metres has seen him post some great totals, including a last-start 78 against the Cowboys. CP13 still has plenty to offer.
