NRL Fantasy Round 3: The Top Buys You Need to Consider
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Round 3 is here, and NRL Fantasy coaches are already scrambling to make the right trades. This is a crucial week where player prices start to move, and missing out on key buys could set your team back significantly. This week, we’ve identified five standout buys that could add points and value to your squad. Let’s break them down in detail.
Jamie Humphreys ($488K) – The Must-Have Halfback
If you don’t have Jamie Humphreys yet, this is your last real chance before his price skyrockets. He has stepped up as the dominant half for South Sydney, taking control of kicking duties and goal-kicking while Cody Walker plays more of a supporting role.
Key Notes:
- Back-to-back 70+ scores
- Kicked the match-winning field goal in Round 2
- Wayne Bennett publicly praised his impact
With Lewis Dodd now sidelined with a calf injury, Humphreys has secured his spot for the foreseeable future. His base stats are strong, putting up around 60 points in base last round before adding attacking stats on top. At this price, he is a near-essential pick-up and could be a potential stepping stone to a premium half.
Verdict: Must-buy. If you don’t own him, make the move now.
Matty Nicholson ($501K) – High Risk, High Reward Edge Forward
Nicholson exploded in Round 2 with an 82-point performance, featuring two tries and solid base stats. The major question here is his job security and whether his scoring can be sustained.
Key Notes:
- 82 points in Round 2
- Only 59 run metres, relying on attacking stats
- Hosking injury (3-6 weeks) opens a window
The biggest factor here is how long Zac Hosking is out. If Hosking’s return is closer to six weeks rather than three, Nicholson presents a great short-term cash injection. He fits the attacking mold of Canberra’s edge forwards like Hudson Young, who regularly get quality ball.
However, his base stats aren’t overwhelming. If he doesn’t score tries, he’s more of a 40-45 average player. That said, with Canberra in good form and feeding their edges well, he could still produce 50+ scores even without multiple tries.
Verdict: Buy with caution. Ideal for short-term gains, but keep an eye on Hosking’s return.
Payne Haas ($880K) – The Elite Forward Choice
We already broke down Haas vs. Yeo in depth, but the bottom line is this: Payne Haas is in incredible form, and if you can get him, you probably should.
Key Notes:
- 83-point average (up from 61 in 2024)
- 5.5 offloads per game (up from 1.6)
- 0 missed tackles this season
Michael Maguire is using Haas more aggressively, letting him play fewer minutes but with far more impact. His increase in offloads alone has generated 16 extra points per game, making up 75% of his scoring jump.
Can He Sustain It?
The realistic expectation is that Haas will settle into the high 60s or low 70s. He won’t average 83 all season, but even with some natural regression, he offers elite value. His upcoming draw (Cowboys, Dolphins, Tigers) is also favorable.
The only hesitation? He’s already expensive. If getting Haas requires completely gutting your team, it may not be the best move. But if you can get him while maintaining balance, he’s an absolute weapon.
Verdict: Buy if you can afford him without wrecking your squad.
Jack Howarth ($478K) – A Centre Solution
Finding a reliable centre in NRL Fantasy is always a headache, and Howarth presents a solid solution. After a dominant 200-metre performance in Round 2, he looks locked into a dual Centre/2RF role at the Storm.
Key Notes:
- 200 run metres vs. Parramatta
- Plays in a strong Melbourne attack
- Reasonably priced under $500K
The main downside? His next matchup is against Penrith, which is about as tough as it gets. If you’re considering Howarth, it may be worth waiting a week to see how he performs against stronger opposition.
That being said, with Melbourne’s attack firing, Howarth could easily become a 40+ average centre with upside—which would make him a valuable asset.
Verdict: Strong buy, but you could wait a week if you want to see more data.
Connor Watson ($731K) – The Risky Yet Rewarding Hooker Play
Connor Watson has been one of the most debated fantasy players this season. While his scores have been strong, his price has risen significantly from the preseason.
Key Notes:
- 731K price (now 54 average required to justify it)
- Preseason projection was a 57-58 average
- Victor Radley’s return could impact his minutes
Watson’s versatility is both a blessing and a curse. He can cover multiple positions, meaning he might shift around mid-game or be used differently based on team needs. If Radley stays fit, Watson may not keep playing 80 minutes.
While there’s still potential value at this price, you aren’t getting a massive discount anymore. If you need a hooker, he’s a good buy. But if you already have solid hooker coverage (Grant, Cook, etc.), there’s no need to force him into your team.
Verdict: Solid buy if you need a hooker, but the value is getting thinner.
Final Thoughts
These five buys all offer different benefits:
- Jamie Humphreys – Essential buy, last chance to get him cheap.
- Matty Nicholson – Short-term cash grab, depends on Hosking’s injury timeline.
- Payne Haas – Elite premium option, must-have if you can afford him.
- Jack Howarth – Centre coverage with potential, strong buy.
- Connor Watson – Good but not essential, only buy if you need a hooker.
Make sure to assess your team’s structure before making trades. Don’t force a buy just because it’s popular—find the right balance for your squad.
Who are you trading in this week? Let us know in the comments!