The What a Lad League: Round 9 Review
The Post-Match Review: Trade Masterstrokes and Selection Sin-Bins
Round 9 was the ultimate test of "The Beta-Test Backfire." With the heavy hitters returning from Bye-mageddon, we expected a selection frenzy. Instead, most of them treated the trade window like a 4:00 AM post-match rehab session, completely asleep. While Tino Nemani and James Marshall were busy refining their rosters, the rest of the league seemingly forgot that championship-winning teams aren't built on vibes alone.
This week, with only Quentin MacDonald scoring a win in the bottom four, we saw the buffer widen between the First XV and the tackle-bag holders.
To see how the Super Rugby experts play the game (James & Tom Marshall, Johnny McNicholl, Tino Nemani, Quentin MacDonald, Ben Searle, Jake & the Stats Man), navigate to the leagues menu and select the “What A Lad” League, or click HERE.
Round 9 Matchup Reviews
Jmacsmen’s vs. Jakeabernethy14’s Team
Result: 485 - 575
Jakeabernethy14 joyride continues, moving to a staggering 8-1 record. He did it with a clinical display from his Chiefs muscle Tyrone Thompson (88) and Quinn Tupaea (85). Jake identified the Moana defensive frailties and took full advantage.
It was a momentous occasion for Jmacsmen’s (Johnny McNicholl). He is officially the first ever Super Rugby player to both play fantasy and in a real-world starting 15 at the same time. He put up a brave 485, led by a vintage 70 from Cam Roigard, but Johnny’s lack of trade activity was a clear case of 'don't believe your own hype.' He essentially brought a knife to a gunfight. A solid score, but in the “What a Lad” penthouse, “solid” is just a polite word for relegation fodder.”
Rams Nation vs. What a Lad
Result: 495 - 507
A genuine “Squeaky-Bum Time” finish! James Marshall (What a Lad) proved why he’s the busiest man in the trade window. He swapped Treyvon Pritchard for Dylan Pietsch (33), a move that proved statistically vital in a 12-point win. George Bell (63) and Jamie Hannah (51) did the heavy lifting up front, with Warner Dearns (70) breaking the game open off his bench.
Rams nation will be absolutely sick, leading all weekend only to be pipped by a man who checks the trade window more often than his own Crusaders team sheet. Despite Callum Harkin (65) and Rob Valetini (51) showing heart, the “Rams” lacked the late-game trade-inspired bench depth to hold off the charge.
Onit26’s Team vs. Tojos Troops
Result: 259 - 443
Tino Nemani (onit26’s Team) was the only manager besides James to actually open the trade app this week, but even his masterstroke of snagging Filipo Daugunu couldn’t save him as he stumbled at the final hurdle. Daugunu put up a massive 80 points on the bench, with Nemani’s decision to start Codemeru Vai (2) haunting him as the final results came in.
Tom Marshall (Tojos Troops) didn’t even bother fielding a full XV. Starting with only 10 men and still winning by nearly 200 points is the ultimate 'sit down' to the rest of the league. Jeremy Williams (88), Kyren Taumoefolau (82), and Xavier Numia (74) feasted on a weakened opponent, securing a comfortable win that keeps him securely in the top four. If Tom can stop his roster from becoming a permanent resident of the Casualty Ward, he might just hunt his brother down for the title.
Qmix02’s Team vs. Searleytalkssport’s Team
Result: 457 - 354
In the “Battle of the Basement,” Quentin MacDonald’s (Qmix02’s) Team finally found some breathing room. Miracle Faiilagi (76) and Damian McKenzie (65) provided the spark.
Ben Searle (Searleytalkssport) remains winless at 0-9; proving that talking about sport and actually managing a roster are two very different skill sets. Despite a 45 from his draft-day darling Johnny McNicholl, the team is looking more like a provincial curtain-raiser than a First XV contender. He managed to leave Xavi Taele (55) on the bench, a move so strategically bankrupt he is now under permanent TMO review for 'Lack of Intent.' With league leader James Marshall now just 69 points away from doubling Ben’s total season score, we have to ask: Is Ben trying to win, or is he just auditioning for a pity interview on the What A Lad podcast?
Round 9 Fantasy Facts
Round MVP: Jeremy Williams/ Tyrone Thompson (88 points) – Tojos Troops/ Jakeabernethy14’s Team.
Best Free Agent: Liam Coombes-Fabling (88 points) - Chiefs.
Super Sub: Kyren Taumoefolau (82 points) - Tojos Troops.
The Bench Nightmare: Onit26’s started Codemeru Vai (2), leaving newly signed Filipo Daugunu (80 points) on the bench.
Suggested Rule Change:
With Johnny McNicholl taking the field for the first time, we think he should get double points if he can manage to get into his own fantasy team. What do you think?
The Table:
Written by Harrison Dale