NRL Fantasy Round 22 Recap

Article by Kieran

Welcome back to “The Casual Athlete,” where we dive into all the headlines and hot topics surrounding NRL Fantasy coaches' teams. With the major bye rounds behind us, we now approach the business end of what has been one of the most unpredictable seasons yet. Trades are limited, and this is the time for those who have held firm to push up the rankings, win head-to-head competitions, and make their final charge. In this article, we’ll recap all the action from Round 22, highlighting three players of note from each team.

Wests Tigers vs North Queensland Cowboys

The Cowboys continued their push towards the Top 8 with a high-scoring win over the Tigers. The match saw many outside backs put up big scores, including Jahream Bula (80), Scott Drinkwater (69), and Valentine Holmes (69).

Wests Tigers Players of Note:

• Jahream Bula ($465,000): Bula posted his highest score of the season, delighting the few who held onto him. While he presents value for coaches needing a budget WFB, his scoring has been volatile, and a bye is looming. I’m projecting an average of around 40 for the rest of the season, but I’ll be avoiding him. (Avoid)
• Samuela Fainu ($520,000): Fainu finally rewarded patient owners with a 60-point game, boosted by two tries and a line break. His solid base stats (27 tackles, 99 run meters) suggest he's worth holding. (Hold)
• Lachlan Galvin ($683,000): Galvin's fitness was in doubt all week, and his 41 points (including two try assists) might have disappointed coaches. Despite a tough matchup, I wouldn’t read too much into this game—he’s a hold for the rest of the season. (Hold)

North Queensland Cowboys Players of Note:

• Scott Drinkwater ($594,000): Drinkwater was heavily involved, scoring two tries, one try assist, eight tackle breaks, and a line break. He’s lost $121,000 from his starting price, making him a great value option if you’re looking for a proven performer. (Buy)
• Valentine Holmes ($577,000): Holmes is your man if you need an underpriced gun center. His goal-kicking adds to his appeal, along with his solid attacking stats and base numbers. (Buy)
• Jeremiah Nanai ($626,000): Nanai's performance was underwhelming in a high-scoring game. Given his inconsistent scoring and an upcoming bye, I’d hold but not buy at this stage. (Hold/Avoid)

New Zealand Warriors vs Parramatta Eels

In a surprising upset, the Eels defeated the Warriors at home, officially ruling the "Wahs" out of finals contention. Clint Gutherson (79) led the charge for Parramatta.

New Zealand Warriors Players of Note:

• Mitchell Barnett ($875,000): If you picked up Barnett early, you’re likely thrilled as he continues to deliver. Now the highest-priced player in Fantasy, Barnett is a must-own, putting up big numbers across multiple stat categories without needing attacking stats. (Buy)
• Shaun Johnson ($658,000): A return from SJ wasn't enough for the Warriors, and his 47 points may have left coaches wanting more. With a bye in the final round and the Warriors fading, he’s a pass for me. (Avoid)
• Addin Fonua-Blake ($727,000): After a hot streak, AFB had a quiet game with just 39 points. His inconsistent scoring and a Round 27 bye make him less appealing than Barnett. (Hold)

Parramatta Eels Players of Note:

• Clint Gutherson ($529,000): Gutherson was everywhere, racking up points in almost every stat category. However, his performance drops significantly when Mitch Moses is in the team, making him an avoid with tough matchups ahead. (Avoid)
• Dylan Brown ($607,000): Brown benefits from Moses' absence, and his base stats make him a reliable option. If you’re pairing someone with Cleary, Brown is a cheaper and consistent choice. (Buy)
• Brendan Hands ($413,000): After being offloaded by many, Hands has rewarded those who held with solid scores over the past three weeks. He’s worth holding as emergency cover. (Hold)

Dolphins vs Sydney Roosters

Sam Walker (65) led the Roosters to a high-scoring victory in Perth, overcoming a strong fightback from the Dolphins.

Dolphins Players of Note:

• Max Plath ($628,000): Plath's scoring dipped after moving to Hooker, but those who held him were rewarded with 56 points. His dual position makes him valuable as cover. (Hold)
• Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow ($598,000): The Hammer’s recent scores have been disappointing, but with trades limited, his upside warrants holding him. (Hold)
• Herbie Farnworth ($646,000): Farnworth is a super consistent option at center, offering a low floor and high upside. He’s a great pick for the rest of the season. (Buy)

Sydney Roosters Players of Note:

• Sam Walker ($595,000): Walker was the star with two tries, eight goals, and five tackle breaks. However, his inconsistency and upcoming bye make him an avoid. (Avoid)
• James Tedesco ($815,000): Teddy’s recent form has been inconsistent, but with favorable matchups ahead, I’d hold onto him. (Hold)
• Dom Young ($585,000): Young's second hamstring injury of the season saw him leave the field early. If you have more than four trades, it’s okay to sell. (Sell)

Gold Coast Titans vs Brisbane Broncos

The Titans delivered a masterclass, dealing a significant blow to the Broncos’ season and keeping their Top 8 hopes alive.

Gold Coast Titans Players of Note:

• Keano Kini ($648,000): Kini has exploded in the second half of the season. Even after being sin-binned, he managed 73 points. If he keeps the fullback spot, he’s a great option for the run home. (Buy)
• Jayden Campbell ($732,000): Campbell had a rare low game, but I wouldn’t be too concerned. His base stats were low, and his goal-kicking was off, but he remains a hold. (Hold)
• David Fifita ($801,000): Fifita was underwhelming in a game where many expected him to dominate. I’d hold steady, as he’s capable of big scores. (Hold)

Brisbane Broncos Players of Note:

• Payne Haas ($818,000): Haas’ injury in the 10th minute could end his season. If confirmed, he’s a sell. (Sell)
• Reece Walsh ($710,000): Walsh was electric in the first half, scoring two early tries. With an injury to Ezra Mam, Walsh might pick up additional kick meters, making him a top WFB option for the rest of the season. (Buy)
• Patrick Carrigan ($687,000): Carrigan stepped up after Haas' injury, playing 80 minutes and scoring 66 points. With heavy minutes likely ahead, he’s an underpriced gun option. (Buy)

Melbourne Storm vs St George Illawarra Dragons

The Dragons shocked everyone with an upset win over the Storm, firming their chances for finals football.

Melbourne Storm Players of Note:

• Harry Grant ($635,000): Grant returned to form with a monster game, including two tries and 46 tackles. He’s lost $153,000 from his starting price and is a great option if you can’t afford Damien Cook. (Buy)
• Eliesa Katoa ($629,000): Katoa’s recent form has been poor, and with an injury scare, he’s a candidate for selling if you have trades available. (Hold/Sell)
• Ryan Papenhuyzen ($570,000): If you bought Papenhuyzen for this matchup, his 7-point performance would have been frustrating. He’s a hold for now. (Hold)

St George Illawarra Dragons Players of Note:

• Ben Hunt ($679,000): Hunt bounced back with 62 points. He’s a solid POD option if you’re looking to climb the rankings. (Buy)
• Jacob Liddle ($702,000): Despite solid base stats, demerits held Liddle back from a great score. He’s a hold for now. (Hold)
• Jack De Belin ($597,000): De Belin’s minutes and output have decreased compared to last season, making him a sell. (Sell)

Cronulla Sharks vs South Sydney Rabbitohs

The Sharks proved too strong for a depleted Rabbitohs side, securing a Top 4 spot.

Cronulla Sharks Players of Note:

• Kayal Iro ($564,000): Iro scored another try, continuing his strong form. He’s a hold for the rest of the season and should be a mainstay in your center position. (Hold)
• Cameron McInnes ($695,000): McInnes is a reliable lower-priced option to replace Haas. His minutes may vary, but the Sharks need him on the field for long stretches. (Buy)
• Braydon Trindall ($551,000): Trindall scored again but left the field early with a hamstring concern. With a 6-day turnaround, he’s likely touch-and-go. (Hold)

South Sydney Rabbitohs Players of Note:

• Damien Cook ($764,000): Cook was everywhere, racking up points in all categories. With no byes left, he’s the best Hooker option for the run home. (Buy)
• Jye Gray ($430,000): Gray has made the most of his opportunity at fullback, but with Latrell expected back soon, his job security is low. I wouldn’t jump on him now. (Hold/Avoid)
• Keaon Koloamatangi ($799,000): Koloamatangi played reduced minutes but still put up 54 points. He’s a premium option if you need a middle or edge. (Buy/Hold)

Penrith Panthers vs Newcastle Knights

The Panthers, led by Nathan Cleary, outlasted the Knights in a hard-fought game. The Knights showed heart despite injuries and disruptions.

Penrith Panthers Players of Note:

• Nathan Cleary ($874,000): If you don’t have Cleary, you need to get him. (Buy)
• Izack Tago ($429,000): Tago finally rewarded owners with a strong performance. With 225 running meters and a try, he’s a hold or buy if you need a center. (Buy/Hold)
• Casey McLean ($314,000): McLean has delivered since taking the center spot. At under $350,000, he’s still good value as a cash-out option. (Buy)

Newcastle Knights Players of Note:

• Kalyn Ponga ($688,000): Ponga didn’t light up the scoreboard, but with the toughest matchups behind him, he’s an excellent buy for the run home. (Buy)
• Dylan Lucas ($663,000): Lucas has shifted to the centers but lacks base stats and scoring output, making him a sell. (Sell)
• Kai Pearce-Paul ($573,000): Pearce-Paul’s form has dipped, and his cash is plummeting. It’s time to move on. (Sell)

Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs vs Canberra Raiders

The Bulldogs edged out the Raiders in a nail-biter, solidifying their finals credentials, while the Raiders continue to fight for a Top 8 spot.

Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs Players of Note:

• Matt Burton ($727,000): Burton had another strong game with three goals, a try assist, and 27 tackles. He’s a buy. (Buy)
• Jacob Preston ($705,000): Preston played 80 minutes on the edge, scoring 50 points. He’s a great POD option, owned by just 2.6% of coaches. (Buy)
• Reed Mahoney ($695,000): Mahoney has been a consistent Hooker option, but recent form has been average. With trades limited, I’d persist with him and hope for a return to form. (Hold)

Canberra Raiders Players of Note:

• Joseph Tapine ($726,000): Tapine returned to his 2022 form with a monster 76-point performance. He’s a great option to replace Payne Haas. (Buy)
• Tom Starling ($500,000): Starling has regained Ricky Stuart’s trust and is now playing 80 minutes. He’s a buy. (Buy)
• Jamal Fogarty ($735,000): Fogarty’s score was disappointing, with kick meters being shared in this game. If Ethan Strange returns, there’s less worry, but for now, he’s a hold. (Hold)