Fantasy cash cow watch: Aaron Gray
Former Rabbitohs centre/winger Aaron Gray played a single NRL game for Cronulla last season but is set for a new chance on the flank in 2019 after the departures of Edrick Lee and Valentine Holmes.
Positives
After making just one appearance (and a quiet one at that) for Cronulla in 2018 he starts very cheap going into 2019. He scored nine tries in 18 games in the centres for the Newtown Jets last season, with his performances worth about 36 Fantasy points per game, and scored between 25 and 30 points a game in his previous NRL seasons at South Sydney. His dual-position status also adds some welcome flexibility at the start of the year, particularly if you want to use him in the reserves covering both centre or winger/fullback.
Negatives
As a winger his ceiling as a Fantasy scorer isn't that high – mid-30s on a regular basis is probably the best you can expect – so he'd likely be a money-making option in your reserves rather than someone you'd necessarily want in your starting side, unless you're light for depth in the outside backs. Plus Gray's injury record is concerning, even for what would be one of the cheaper buys in your squad. There also remains the risk Gray is stuck in reserve grade with somebody like Sosaia Feki or Bronson Xerri preferred out wide.
Five key matchups of the Sharks' 2019 draw
To buy or not to buy?
The Sharks are set to run with a new-look backline this year and if Gray is one of those new faces come round one in Newcastle he'll be one of the cheapest starters on offer in Fantasy. There is still competition for spots on the wing and he can't be expected to produce massive scores, but if he can play the first six weeks and hit 25 points a game he'll be a handy cash cow.
