NRL Fantasy Season Review: Lessons Learned

Introduction

As the NRL Fantasy season draws to a close, it's time to reflect on the highs, lows, and most importantly, the lessons learned from this exhilarating year of Fantasy Rugby League. Whether you're a seasoned Fantasy veteran or just dipped your toes into the virtual waters, these insights will prove invaluable for the next season. Let's dive in.

Starting Team Strategy

Trust Dominant Halves: The adage that dominant halves rule NRL Fantasy couldn't be truer. Mid-priced halves like Townsend in 2021 and SJ in 2023 have become the bread and butter of Fantasy success. Their consistency and ability to accumulate points should make them a cornerstone of your squad.

Cash Cow Priorities: When it comes to cash cows, prioritize long-term job security and rookies with decent reserve grade stats. These players will be your cash generators in the early rounds, providing the financial foundation for your team's growth.

Early Round Tactics

Cash Generation: In the early rounds, focus on trading for cash generation rather than burning all your funds on high-priced keepers. Building a strong financial base will allow you to afford those premium players later in the season.

Pre-Origin Strategy

Trust Fallen Guns: When gun players experience a dip in form and price, trust that they can bounce back. Investing in fallen guns can often yield significant returns when they rediscover their Fantasy prowess.

Manage Trades: Be cautious with your trades leading up to the Origin period. Leaving trades for the bye rounds, as close to the bye schedule as possible, is wise. This approach prevents you from getting caught out by fringe Origin players, whose value can fluctuate dramatically based on team selection and injuries.

Bye Period Considerations

Quantity Over Quality: In the new scoring 13 format, having a greater number of playing players during the bye rounds can be more valuable than having the highest-scoring players. Don't be tempted to make trades solely based on byes six weeks into the future, as Origin team selections and injuries can disrupt even the best-laid plans.

Post-Origin Adjustments

CTR Dynamics: After the Origin period, the dynamics of Fantasy Rugby League shift. Out-of-position centers become less of a commodity, while top-eight teams can dominate weaker opponents. True centers like Tago, Gagai, and Holmes can shine, and goal-kicking centers like Lomax continue to provide a high floor.

WFB Buying Strategy: When it comes to buying fullbacks (WFB), avoid purchasing them at their peak price. Trust in regression to the mean and career averages. WFB is a volatile position, and even the best can have off weeks. Aim to acquire WFB players at their bottom value, taking advantage of their peaks and troughs throughout the season. Players like Ponga and Drinkwater exemplify this approach in action.

Regression to Averages: Finally, trust in regression to career averages for try-scoring and attacking stats. Players like Feldt, Coates, and Latrell may have hot streaks, but over the long haul, they tend to return to their career averages.

Conclusion

As we bid farewell to another NRL Fantasy season, these lessons should serve as guiding lights for the future. Remember, success in Fantasy Rugby League is built on strategy, patience, and the ability to adapt to the ever-changing landscape of the NRL. Until next season, happy strategizing!