NRL Fantasy: The Week in Review
Round 8 of the NRL season delivered some thrilling matches and impressive fantasy scores, making it a crucial week for fantasy rugby league enthusiasts. Let's delve into the winners and losers, analyzing the key takeaways and providing expert commentary.
Winners
Adam Doueihi (93 points): The Anzac weekend opener showcased Doueihi's talent, with a stellar performance that solidified his fantasy relevance. His 93 points were a testament to his ability to deliver in high-pressure situations.
Alex Twal (93 points): Twal's return to form is a welcome sight for fantasy managers. His 93 points, similar to Doueihi's, indicate a potential resurgence in his performance, making him a valuable asset for the upcoming rounds.
** Terrell May (65 points)**: May's hard-running display is a cause for excitement. His potential Origin selection and consistent performance make him a must-have fantasy pick, especially after the Tigers' bye in Round 12.
Brother Taylan May (52 points): Another May brother making waves, Taylan's performance deserves attention. His good display adds to the family's fantasy success, and he's worth monitoring for future rounds.
Joseph Tapine (54 points): Tapine's performance was just enough to keep his price stable, but it's a reminder of his potential. Fantasy managers should consider him for future rounds, especially with his price likely to rise.
Zac Hosking (60 points): Hosking's return to the starting lineup was a positive sign for fantasy owners. His consistent performance over the years makes him a reliable choice, and his current form is a boost for those who held onto him.
Tom Dearden (75 points): Dearden's high-scoring performance against the Sharks is a positive sign for the Cowboys. His ability to lead the team to victory is a valuable trait, and his fantasy value is on the rise.
Scott Drinkwater (64 points): Drinkwater's performance is a testament to his versatility. His role as a POD WFB is a strategic choice, and his consistent output makes him a reliable fantasy option.
Tom Chester (62 points) and Heilum Luki (69 points): These players' unbelievable results are a clear indication of their fantasy value. Their cash rises and potential as keepers make them essential picks for long-term success.
Siosifa Talakai (70 points): Talakai's temporary placement is paying off, reminiscent of his 2023 form. His performance is a reminder of his potential, and fantasy managers should consider him for the tricky bye rounds.
Xavier Willison (79 points): Willison's big game for the injury-hit Broncos is a significant achievement. His try at the death was the highlight, and his performance makes him a top trade-in target.
Ben Talty (57 points) and Jack Gosiewski (58 points): These fill-in forwards stepped up, but with Pat Carrigan's return, they may not be worth trading in.
Lachlan Galvin (56 points): Galvin's performance is a solitary bright spot for the Bulldogs, who couldn't match the Broncos' determination.
Toby Couchman (61 points) and Hamish Stewart (54 points): These dual-position props held their own during a challenging match, showcasing their versatility and resilience.
James Tedesco (70 points): Tedesco's dynamic display on Anzac Day is a testament to his fantasy value. His ability to lead the Roosters to victory is a significant advantage for fantasy managers.
Sam Walker (81 points): Walker's performance against the Dragons is a reminder of his talent. His love for Anzac Day matches is a unique trait, and his fantasy value is on the rise.
Reece Robson (58 points) and Robert Toia (54 points): These players' performances did not go unnoticed, and their Origin chances are a real possibility.
Jackson Ford (87 points): Ford's career-best form is a positive sign, especially with the potential impact of a missed Origin camp selection.
Dylan Brown (96 points): Brown's personal high score and low break-even heading into Round 9 make him a must-have fantasy pick. His performance against a home crowd is a significant achievement.
Dylan Edwards (92 points): Edwards' response to last week's highlights is a positive sign for his Origin spot. His performance against the Dragons is a boost for his fantasy value.
Nathan Cleary (85 points): Cleary's consistent performance and fantasy value as a 'set and forget' option are a testament to his reliability.
Brian To'o (90 points): To'o's big game and potential as a fantasy option are a significant advantage for managers.
Paul Alamoti (75 points): Alamoti's performance is a positive sign for the Panthers, and his scheduled matches during the Origin period make him a tempting fantasy option.
Isaah Yeo (65 points): Yeo's consistent performance and role as a keeper are a reliable fantasy choice.
Losers
Apisai Koroisau (34 points): Koroisau's sin-binning and suspension are a setback for fantasy managers. His performance was otherwise impressive, but the disciplinary issues are a concern.
Patrick Herbert (1 point): Herbert's performance was a disappointment, and his replacement role didn't help his fantasy value.
Kai Pearce-Paul (30 points) and Noah Martin (23 points): These back rowers' injuries are a significant setback, especially with Martin hitting his peak in price.
Jaxon Purdue (28 points): Purdue's lowest score for the season is a concern, and the high-scoring match at Queensland Country Bank Stadium didn't help his fantasy value.
Jesse Colquhoun (35 points): Colquhoun's performance was impacted by the game script, and his fantasy value is a concern.
Brendan Piakura (19 points): Piakura's injury is a setback, and fantasy managers should consider trading him.
Bailey Hayward (22 points): Hayward's benched role is a sign of his declining fantasy value, and a trade is recommended.
Kade Reed (6 points): Reed's missed tackling demerits and disallowed try are a setback. His fantasy score reflects the challenges, but he's still a slow-burn option for emergencies.
Ryan Couchman (42 points): Couchman's performance was impacted by his defensive role, but his price rise is a positive sign.
Naufahu Whyte (25 points) and Connor Watson (20 points): The return of Victor Radley affected their game time, and a trade is necessary for both players.
Leka Halasima (23 points): Halasima's performance is causing concerns, and a trade is recommended.
Tanah Boyd (42 points): Boyd's quieter game is a temporary setback, and he remains a firm hold.
Ali Leiataua (31 points): Leiataua's injury and early exit are a concern, and his fantasy value is a question mark.
Isaiya Katoa (34 points): Katoa's inability to back up last week's performance is a concern, and he's a second-tier option for bye periods.
Joe Chan (32 points): Chan's potential decline is a sign for fantasy managers to reconsider their holdings.
Cameron Munster (36 points): Munster's low price makes him an attractive target, but his injury concerns are a risk.
Jahrome Hughes (37 points): Hughes' injuries and missed game time are a setback, and his fantasy value is a concern.
Brandon Smith (12 points): Smith's reaggravated calf issues are a significant setback, and a trade is necessary.
Cameron Murray (35 points): Murray's quiet performance and high salary are a concern, and his fantasy value is a question mark.
Trey Mooney (26 points): Mooney's fantasy fortunes mirror his team's struggles, and a trade is recommended.
Dane Gagai (17 points): Gagai's inability to contain the Panthers' backline is a setback, and a trade is necessary.
Fletcher Hunt (8 points): Hunt's poor performance is a concern, and a trade is recommended.
Tom Jenkins (31 points): Jenkins' quiet day and lack of attention from the Panthers are a setback.
Freddy Lussick (33 points): Lussick's performance is a hold but not buy option, despite his try.
Tolatau Koula (37 points): Koula's inability to capitalize on the Manly win is a concern, but he remains a strong hold.
Kobe Hetherington (30 points): Hetherington's inconsistency is a setback, and a trade is recommended.
Jack Williams (36 points) and Charlie Guymer (26 points): These players' performances were impacted by the game script, but they should bounce back.
Fantasy Team of the Week
- Dylan Edwards (WFB) - 92 points
- James Tedesco (WFB) - 70 points
- Paul Alamoti (CTR/WFB) - 75 points
- Latrell Mitchell (CTR/WFB) - 87 points
- Brian To'o (WFB) - 81 points
- Adam Doueihi (HLF) - 93 points
- Dylan Brown (HLF) - 96 points
- Xavier Willison (MID/EDG) - 79 points
- Blayke Brailey (HOK) - 71 points
- Jackson Ford (MID) - 87 points
- Tallis Duncan (EDG) - 91 points
- Haumole Olakau'atu (EDG) - 70 points
- Alex Twal (MID) - 93 points
- Nathan Cleary (HLF) - 85 points
- Sam Walker (HLF) - 81 points
- Jamal Fogarty (HLF) - 78 points
- Tom Dearden (HLF) - 75 points
This week promises tough decisions with players returning or missing. Fantasy managers should stay tuned to NRL.com for updates and make informed choices to maximize their fantasy success.
