NRL Fantasy Match Report: Storm vs Eels (Round 1)
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Storm Dominate Early, Eels Show Warning Signs
The Melbourne Storm came out firing, racking up early points before taking their foot off the gas in the second half. Meanwhile, the Eels were all over the place, struggling to string together any meaningful attack.
From a fantasy perspective, the first half saw huge numbers from key Storm players, but the drop-off in intensity led to some mixed scores. We also got a few surprise value performances, and some players already look like serious concerns.
Let’s break it all down.
🏆 The Big Fantasy Winners
These players stood out with strong fantasy performances, putting themselves firmly in the conversation for key buys.
Ryan Papenhuyzen – 70 Points (10.4% owned, $562k)
Papi looked electric, scoring two tries and constantly threatening with the ball. He only had 153 metres and 5 tackle busts, so his base wasn’t massive, but his attacking upside is undeniable.
The concern? If he doesn’t score, his floor is much lower. But given his talent, he’s the ultimate high-upside pick.
Jack Howarth – 60 Points (10.68% owned, $478k)
This could be the breakout game of the round. Howarth was heavily involved, racking up 249 metres and 7 tackle busts while adding 9 tackles.
What makes this so promising? No reliance on attacking stats. If he keeps getting minutes, he’s a fantasy goldmine.
Nick Meaney – 71 Points (4.88% owned, $581k)
Meaney kept finding ways to score well, finishing with a try, 190 run metres, 20 tackles, and 8 goals.
His goal-kicking keeps his floor solid, but he’s still attack-reliant. In a low-scoring Storm game, he could struggle—but for now, he’s an underrated option.
Eliesa Katoa – 64 Points (4.19% owned, $711k)
Katoa was excellent, building his score off pure base stats—31 tackles, 7 tackle busts, and 106 metres.
Playing next to Jahrome Hughes means attacking stats could come, making him a strong hold or potential buy if he maintains this level of work.
💰 Best Value Performances
These players outperformed their price tags or showed signs of future value potential.
Ryley Smith – 21 Points (53 Minutes, $233k)
Only 21 points, but the 53 minutes is a promising sign. He looked good in limited involvement, and if he can increase his work rate, he could be a slow-burn cash cow.
Sam Tuivaiti – 14 Points (Low Minutes, $230k)
A low score due to limited minutes, but he looked sharp when on the field. The problem? Eels have plenty of depth, so his role is uncertain.
If his minutes increase, he could become a handy cash option—but for now, he’s risky.
Isaiah Iongi – 28 Points (50.32% owned, $351k)
With high ownership, Iongi’s 28 points won’t thrill owners, but he had some solid base involvement.
He ran for 178 metres, made 3 tackle busts, and was heavily involved at fullback. The downside? 4 missed tackles.
Still, his job security is strong, and his score could climb in better attacking games.
🚨 High Ownership/Interest Watchlist
These players didn’t hit the huge scores but still need discussion due to high ownership or general interest.
Cameron Munster – 53 Points (13.67% owned, $597k)
Munster was steady without being spectacular, finishing with 20 tackles, 66 run metres, and a few attacking stats.
At this price, you want more upside—but he’s still one of the safest halves in fantasy.
J’maine Hopgood – 47 Points (6.31% owned, $731k)
A no-nonsense 47 points built entirely on work rate—70 minutes, 37 tackles, 115 run metres.
He won’t set the world on fire, but he’s a clear hold with this kind of workload.
Harry Grant – 40 Points (15.47% owned, $711k)
Not a disastrous score, but not what owners were hoping for. Grant had 28 tackles, 59 run metres, and 1 line break but didn’t get heavily involved in attack.
With a Round 2 bye, owners will have to hold and reassess when he returns.
⚠️ Cause for Concern
These players underwhelmed and may be early trade-out candidates if their performances continue.
Stefano Utoikamanu – 31 Points (4.26% owned, $582k)
Not what owners wanted. Only 42 minutes, just 23 tackles and 89 run metres—low involvement for a player priced this high.
His minutes may fluctuate, so he’s one to monitor.
Dylan Brown – 32 Points (1.6% owned, $630k)
It’s not just the score that’s a problem—it’s how invisible he was. He had no kicking duties, barely touched the ball in attack, and the Eels look completely lost.
With his departure looming, it’s hard to see his role improving. Easy sell.
Kelma Tuilagi – 18 Points (3.08% owned, $404k)
Not only did Tuilagi put up a terrible score, but he’s now been dropped from the team.
If you own him, he’s an instant trade-out. No further discussion needed.
📊 Final Fantasy Takeaways
✅ Jack Howarth looks like the best mid-range cash cow right now—keep an eye on his role.
✅ Ryan Papenhuyzen is all upside, all risk. If you like rolling the dice, he’s gold.
✅ Dylan Brown is an instant pass. No involvement, no kicking, no reason to own.
✅ Storm have a bye in Round 2, so hold off making trades this week.