Point of difference selections (PODs), strategies and plays are a really important part of any SuperCoach player’s season, whether it is chasing H2H matchup wins or climbing the overall ranks week to week.
It is always important not to make too many POD plays, but you will always need some to be successful — balance is key.
Each week when reviewing the NRL matches for a round there will undoubtedly be POD players in the top dozen scores, and several POD plays like benching a high-owned player or captaining someone few are considering.
This week’s POD play of the week focuses on the Dragons’ CTW option Valentine Holmes, who could deliver massive upside at his low ownership with a favourable run of games for SuperCoaches coming up.
MORE: NRL SuperCoach 2026: POD play of the week round 2 and beyond
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Valentine Holmes / CTW / $734,200 / 6% owned
Holmes has been one of the most electric attacking threats in the NRL when fit, and with goal-kicking duties, he remains a high-value SuperCoach option.
Last season, Holmes produced a 75-point SuperCoach scoring average, again placing him among the elite CTW keepers for the year, anchored by a strong 44 base + power scoring average and a net of almost 11 SuperCoach points per game just from goal-kicking.
While a 55-point scoring floor is high for a CTW, Holmes only crossed for six tries in 2025, his lowest total in three years — and he has already scored two tries in just two games in 2026.
With scores so far this season of 54 and 94, he has remained solid as a rock for SuperCoaches, and his upside ceiling — with a career-high of 150 points — could see him go on a strong run shortly.
Much of Holmes’ success will depend on how well the Dragons can compete, but the lack of quality team performances in prior years has not significantly watered down his SuperCoach output.
The Dragons are about to hit a draw from Round 3 that is arguably better than any team in the NRL for SuperCoach purposes.
While this week’s away game against the Eels is not ideal, given the Eels’ recent improvement, they still have outside backs who are susceptible to letting in points.
It is, however, the draw after Round 3 that coaches should salivate over, with an away game against the Titans followed by home matches against the Cowboys and Sea Eagles.
When you consider the draw, Holmes’ attacking output, and the fact he is a proven elite CTW option currently owned by only 6.5% of SuperCoaches, it is quite astounding he has not garnered more interest.
While he is an expensive investment, it appears to be a calculated one at his ownership level for a player with a high floor and a fantastic ceiling.
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