NRL SuperCoach Waiver Watch round 19: Top Draft pick-ups as finals loom

Souths, Raiders and Manly are all on the bye this week, and with sides needing to field a full 17 the waivers this week are crucial.

Even if you’re sitting pretty on your run into finals it’s crucial to pay attention to 1) your finals matchups and ensuring your players have winnable games and 2) players that others are dropping in case there are some gems.

And as always, after our best waivers for this week, we will also share our picks for the best captaincy choices each round at the end of this article.

Let’s dive in!

ROUND 19 TARGETS

Tanah Boyd/Te Maire Martin | HFB / 5/8

The injury to Luke Metcalf - confirmed as season ending - opens the door for a new halfback and goal kicker at the Warriors.

Tanah Boyd is favoured to win the starters job, but either of these two could and both are worth investing in. Martin’s stats in NSW Cup alone would have him on the radars of other NRL clubs for a role.

Latu Fainu | 5/8 | 31.6 per cent owned

The young Tiger has made a name for himself in his handful of starts, and his efforts to help the Tigers upset the Roosters last round showed he’s a great long-term prospect in the halves.

Taine Tuaupiki | FLB / CTW | per cent owned

CNK is out for the Wahs for at least two games, maybe more. And young Taine will step into the vacated fullback jersey for games against the Tigers and Knights. His CTW eligibility is very handy, and he’s a chance to land a more permanent spot on the right wing once CNK is back which is great given the Warriors finals draw.

Tom Jenkins | CTW | 45.6 per cent owned

Milky has won the left wing job at Panthers and his ownership shocks me - it should be way higher. The Panthers have an incredible draw for the next four rounds and will be looking to string the wins together. He will be in the tries over this period. Definitely worth a waiver!

Xavier Willison | 2RF / FRF | 40 per cent owned

The injury to Corey Jensen and the expectation of a reduced workload for Haas this week post Origin (if he plays at all) spells an uplift for Willison who scored 77 last week mostly in base. He was awesome and hopefully can finish the season strongly and consistently.

Robert Toia | CTW | 47.7 per cent owned

He’s boasting a 58 average for the season and will be boosted by the return of Sam Walker either this week or next, which could see him run home even better than he started.

Sione Katoa | CTW | 42.2 per cent owned

The Sharks draw from 20-24 is elite, and when they score big points, the Tongan Fisherman usually has his hands involved. Definitely worth a punt in your CTW.

Casey McLean | CTW | 37 per cent owned

After a slow start to the year, Casey has shown in his last five games that he deserves a spot in first grade. That SuperCoach average in the period is 63 as well which isn’t too shabby. With the nice draw he’s a good option.

Leo Thompson | FRF | 37.1 per cent owned

Thompson’s a reliable FRF whose capable of banking a 55-60 average on the run home. His ownership reflects the recent long term suspension he’s served - if you need someone in FRF he’s rock solid.

Kitione Kautoga | 2RF | 37.2 per cent owned

A 3RA of 39 shows his upside. Kautoga has become a focal point of the Parra attack this year. There’s no doubting the draw is tough but he’s an offloader and can find line break and try assists with his skill in that area. A high risk high reward option at 2RF.

Jake Clifford | HFB | 35.4 per cent owned

Clifford’s role looks safe at the Cows and he is taking goal kicks from the left of the uprights as well. The Cows have a lot of afternoon games at home on the run home where there won’t be a lot of defence played.

Charlie Staines | CTW | 12.2 per cent owned

One for team lists, but there’s a chance Charlie Staines holds a spot in the Tigers lineup short term if Sunia Turuva stays at fullback. And while you might most associate the Forbes Ferrari with his speed, he’s transformed into a genuinely hard working winger this season whose base and power stats are respectable.

Braidon Burns | CTW | 18.7 per cent owned

Watch team lists - Burns is a perennial favourite of Draft coaches for his great base and power stats and ability to find the line. If Murray Taulagi misses game time, he’s the next man up and always scores well.

Mawene Hiroti | CTW | 4.2 per cent owned

Due back next week just in time for the soft part of the draw for the Sharks. If you’re playing the long game, consider the stash as he has almost averaged 70 in his full games playing left centre.

Victor Radley | 2RF | 26.7 per cent owned

If he’s getting big minutes, Radley is capable of pushing a 60 average at 2RF. Finding something like that on waivers this late in the season can be golden. You could wait a week and see his minutes, or you could go early with a stash.

Kyle McCarthy | CTW | 0.6 per cent owned

Another for team lists - if McCarthy gets a starting spot in the backline with the Ponga injury he’s got a great floor. His base stats were off the charts in his three games there so far with an average over 40 which is one of the best in the comp. If you value base (and you should) he’s a huge one to watch.

Samuela Fainu | 31.8 per cent owned

His two best games of the year have both occurred after Lachie Galvin left the Tigers. The new halves pairing of Jarome Luai and his brother Latu have opened up space for the athletic edge and he’s showing glimpses of the guy we thought he could be after a breakout 2024 season.

Jaimin Joliffe | FRF | 15.6 per cent owned

Joliffe is a sneaky SuperCoach beast when he gets minutes, and those minutes are starting to fall his way. Since round 13 he’s averaging close to 60 and the 5RA of 58 is a direct result. A great option whose flying well under the radar.

CAPTAINCY OPTIONS

Here are my picks for the best skipper options this week:

James Tedesco vs Dragons: One of the best in the game going against one of the leakier defences in the league. I like this one a lot.

Nathan Cleary vs Eels: Goal kicking or not, if Cleary plays this week he’s a huge chance of going big against the Eels.

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Reece Walsh vs Titans: The Broncos attack is running hot and they’ll be keen for a statement against their state rivals.

Terrell May vs Warriors: Already a dominant force, he will be in the thick of the action against a solid Warriors pack.