The POD: Round 26 Point-of-Difference Picks

Welcome back to The POD, your weekly rundown of point-of-difference picks across every position in GameDay Squad Fantasy. If you're looking to break away from the crowd and climb those leaderboards, these are the under-the-radar selections worth a serious look in Round 26.

Let's dive in.

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Hooker - Api Koroisau

If you're after a left-field option this week with many hookers currently scoring well, Koroisau could be your man. Looking at the Wests Tigers' interchange, there's no back-up hooker, so it looks like Koroisau should play the full 80 minutes.

He averages 43 points on the season, which improves to 49 when he plays 70+ minutes. Even though the Tigers face the Raiders, Canberra are actually a strong matchup for hookers:

| Timeframe | % Beating Average | Points Above Average |
|-----------|-------------------|---------------------|
| Last 3 weeks | 100% | +18 points |
| Last 5 weeks | 80% | +8 points |
| Season-long | 67% | +5 points |

There are plenty of good hooker options this week, but Koroisau should be in the conversation if you're chasing a POD.

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Middle Forward - Stefano Utoikamanu

Outside of Haas and May, Utoikamanu has been one of the form middle forwards over the past five weeks, averaging 62 points in 50 minutes per game. Earlier in the year, as a starter, he averaged just 42 points in 42 minutes.

The big lift has come from base stats—he's averaged 10 extra points per game in run metres and tackles across this stretch. The Storm are missing Grant, King and Katoa this week, which leaves their forward pack understrength.

I don't expect Utoikamanu's minutes to rise much, but he should still manage a 50-point floor. With Collins and Leniu bashing the Storm pack, Stefano should see plenty of work and continue his strong run.

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Edge Forward - Jaydn Su'a

Su'a returns from a knee injury this week. While it's always risky to pick a player straight back from injury, the Dragons wouldn't be naming him this late in the season if he wasn't ready.

He averages 45 points across the season, but if you exclude the three games where he didn't play the full 80, that number rises to 50. And this week he faces the best matchup for right edge forwards in the Sea Eagles:

| Timeframe | % Beating Average | Points Above Average |
|-----------|-------------------|---------------------|
| Last 3 weeks | 67% | +18 points |
| Last 5 weeks | 60% | +9 points |
| Season-long | 62% | +5 points |

The only concern is Luciano Leilua on the interchange—he could force some reshuffling. But with most coaches likely locking in Preston as their first edge, the door is wide open for a POD in the second slot. Risky, yes—but Su'a could be a difference-maker.

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Half - Matt Burton

With some big-name halves having appealing matchups this week, it may not be the best position for a POD play. Still, Burton has one of the strongest matchups on paper—especially with the Panthers resting almost their entire regular side.

The Panthers allow the following to five-eighths:

| Timeframe | % Beating Average | Points Above Average |
|-----------|-------------------|---------------------|
| Last 3 weeks | 100% | +24 points |
| Last 5 weeks | 80% | +13 points |

Burton only has five 50+ scores this season, which dents his appeal. But if you want to fade the popular picks, Burton's revenge narrative against his old club adds an extra layer of spice.

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Centre - Stephen Crichton

Crichton averages 45 points on the season, but his form has been much better since Round 9. From then, he's averaged 51 points, with 48+ in all but two games.

Up against an understrength Panthers side and an inexperienced opposing centre, Crichton looks primed for another solid showing. With goal-kicking duties also in hand, I don't see him dropping below 50 this week—and there's upside for more.

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Wing - Ronaldo Mulitalo

Wing is always a boom-or-bust spot, and Mulitalo fits that label perfectly. He averages 42 points on the season, but since Round 17 that's lifted to 52.

This week he faces the Knights, who sit as the 3rd-best matchup for left wingers:

| Timeframe | % Beating Average | Points Above Average |
|-----------|-------------------|---------------------|
| Last 3 weeks | 100% | +21 points |
| Last 5 weeks | 60% | +11 points |
| Season-long | 53% | +6 points |

With Newcastle in disarray and the Sharks capable of running up a score, Mulitalo could be one of the big beneficiaries.

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Fullback - Will Kennedy

Usually Kennedy wouldn't cross the radar—he averages just 37 points per game, with only five scores of 50+ and a season-high of 61. But his inclusion here is purely matchup-driven.

The Knights have been leaking to fullbacks:

| Timeframe | % Beating Average | Points Above Average |
|-----------|-------------------|---------------------|
| Last 3 weeks | 67% | +34 points |
| Last 5 weeks | 60% | +22 points |
| Season-long | 48% | +6 points |

Kennedy is extremely risky, but if you're after a fullback with a dream matchup, he's worth consideration as a POD swing.

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Final Thoughts

Round 26 gives us another chance to zig while others zag. With several popular players missing or under tough matchups, the opportunity to take advantage of form players and elite DvP spots is there.

Fade the crowd. Play the matchup. Trust your gut.

Let's make it count this week.