NRL Fantasy Round 3: Payne Haas vs Isaah Yeo – Who Comes Out on Top?

The big question for NRL Fantasy coaches heading into Round 3 of 2025: Is Payne Haas too good to ignore, and should Isaah Yeo owners be worried?

Some coaches started the season with Yeo, expecting consistency and high scores. Instead, they were hit with a 30-point game in Round 2, his lowest since 2019. Others who backed Haas have been rewarded handsomely, with the Broncos prop averaging an incredible 83 points across two rounds.

So, is it time to sell Yeo and bring in Haas? Let’s dive into the stats.

Payne Haas ($880K - Increased $55K)

Haas’ 2024 numbers were already elite, averaging 61 points per game with the following per-game stats:

• 136 metres gained
• 30.9 tackles
• 0.6 missed tackles
• 1.6 offloads
• 5.3 tackle busts

But in 2025, he’s taken his game to another level:

• 165 metres gained
• 29 tackles
• 0 missed tackles
• 5.5 offloads
• 6.5 tackle busts
• 83-point average

The biggest change? Offloads. Haas has gone from 1.6 per game in 2024 to 5.5 in 2025, generating an additional 16 points per game. That alone makes up 75% of his 22-point increase in average.

It’s clear Michael Maguire is using him differently, giving him fewer minutes but more license to attack. He’s breaking tackles, offloading more, and creating opportunities. With upcoming games against the Cowboys, Dolphins, and Tigers, Haas could continue this form.

But can he maintain it? An 83 average over a full season is unlikely, and there will be games where he plays fewer minutes or doesn’t find attacking stats, bringing his scores back into the 50-60 range. However, his role suggests a high-60s to low-70s average is sustainable, making him an elite option.

Isaah Yeo ($826K - Decreased $40K)

• 159 metres gained
• 37 tackles
• 0.6 missed tackles
• 1.2 offloads
• 2.9 tackle busts

His 2025 numbers have dipped significantly:

• 136 metres gained
• 33 tackles
• 3.5 missed tackles
• 0 offloads
• 1.5 tackle busts
• 49-point average

The main concerns? His missed tackles have increased, his offloads have disappeared, and his work rate has dropped. He’s running the ball less and making fewer tackles, possibly due to Penrith playing in high-scoring games where his defensive workload has decreased.

That said, Yeo has been a consistent performer for years. It’s unlikely he’ll continue at a 49 average—he’s probably still a low-60s player. However, there is a genuine risk that he settles closer to 58-60 points per game, making his early-season price tag a bit steep.

The Big Question: Trade Yeo for Haas?

It’s the Fantasy dilemma of the week. Should Yeo owners make the switch to Haas?

Reasons to Trade Yeo for Haas:

• Haas is in career-best form with dominant stats across all key areas.
• He has a soft draw in the next few weeks, which could keep the scores rolling.
• If he maintains high offload and tackle-break numbers, he could average 70+.

Reasons to Hold Yeo:

• Yeo’s average will improve—he’s unlikely to remain a 49-point player.
• Trading now locks in a price drop, whereas holding could see him rebound.
• It’s possible to find other ways to bring Haas in without selling Yeo.

If you can get Haas without selling Yeo, that’s ideal. But if selling Yeo is the only way to afford Haas, it’s a tough call. Given Haas’ form and potential, it may still be worth making the trade, especially if you’re looking for a long-term premium scorer.

Final Verdict

• Haas is a must-have if he maintains this role. Even with expected regression, his floor looks like the high-60s, and his ceiling could push into the 70s.
• Yeo should recover, but he’s looking more like a 58-62 average player rather than the mid-60s weapon he was last year.
• If you can get Haas without selling Yeo, do it. If Yeo is your only way to get Haas, it’s worth serious consideration.

For Fantasy coaches, this is the big decision heading into Round 3. What will you do? Let us know in the comments!

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