Predicted Best NRL Fantasy Team for Round 15

Written by The Casual Turtle

With Round 12 now behind us, fantasy coaches are eager to upgrade from short-term cheapies like Thomas Jenkins to players with better matchups or long-term value.

Over the next few posts, I’ll cover the best buys during the Origin period — but let’s kick things off with a look at my predicted best team for Round 15. Each player comes with a verdict on whether I’d personally buy or pass based on upside, role, and risk.

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Hooker

Max Plath ($652k)
Before getting injured, Plath was shifted to lock and played just 56 minutes. He’s expected back in Round 13, but there are several unknowns:

• Will he play hooker or lock?
• Will he get 70+ minutes?
• Will he score well against a depleted Cowboys side?

He’s not popular, but if all the question marks break favourably, a 60+ is well within reach.

Verdict: Pass
Too many “ifs” make this a short-term gamble, especially with a bye in Round 18 and the rise of Erin Clark as a top hooker option.

Honourable Mention:
Jazz Tevaga ($502k) – Scored 65 with Jurbo out in Round 12. Played 80 minutes and made 50 tackles. Monitor Jurbo’s Origin selection before committing.

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Middle Forwards

Keaon Koloamatangi ($678k)
In two games starting at prop, Keaon scored 56 (71 mins) and 81 (80 mins). With a strong base (43 tackles, 249 MG), he can easily deliver 50+ each week.

• Dual position flexibility
• No bye until Round 19
• Underpriced for his upside

Verdict: Buy
Rock-solid and consistent. Plug him in and forget.

Toby Couchman ($735k)
Averaging 66.5 in six games where he’s played 50+ minutes. Strong defensive base (45 tackles, 1 miss), but injury concerns are real — knee and shoulder issues have disrupted his season.

Verdict: Wait and See
If you own him, hold. If not, give him a game or two to prove his fitness.

Addin Fonua-Blake ($706k)
Inconsistent performer with five games over 60 and five under 50. His try-scoring gives him upside, but his week-to-week scores are unpredictable.

Verdict: Pass
Avoid the volatility unless you’re chasing ceiling in head-to-head leagues.

Honourable Mentions:

• Victor Radley ($558k): Played 80 minutes and scored 58 in Round 12. Took on a leadership role with senior players out.
• Naufahu Whyte ($593k): Missed Round 12 due to injury but expected back for Round 15. Could play big minutes in a depleted side.

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Edge Forwards

Jacob Preston ($786k)
Averaging 60 this year, Preston is one of the elite edge forwards. Strong base, occasional try-scoring upside (4 tries in 8 games), and plays Round 18. Suspended now, but if he’s not picked for Origin, he’s a must.

Verdict: Buy
Season-long keeper. Get him when he's available again.

Euan Aitken ($621k)
In three games on the edge this year, Aitken is averaging 62.3 (lowest score: 55). At this price, he’s great value and plays the next major bye round. Only risk is moving to centre if injuries hit during games.

Verdict: Buy
Underrated option. A very solid play through the Origin period.

Honourable Mention:
David Fifita ($670k): May regain the left edge spot during Origin. Has top-tier potential, but Beau Fermor’s return could see him benched soon after.

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Halves

Isaiya Katoa ($762k)
Averaging 58 this season with big improvements in defence and running game. Now hits 100 MG per game, which aligns with the "100m rule" — a strong indicator for fantasy relevance.

Verdict: Neutral
Useful for Round 15, but the half position is getting crowded with players like Campbell being considered. Hold if you own him, but don’t rush to buy.

Jayden Campbell ($777k)
Averaging 60 with a repeatable scoring profile: tackles, kick metres, goal kicking, tackle breaks, and running metres. Plays Round 15 vs Manly, who just lost to a weakened Parra side. With no byes after Round 18 and dual-position flexibility, he’s a keeper.

Verdict: Buy
Strong captaincy option for Round 15. A top WFB option too — ideal for DPP coverage.

Honourable Mention:
Jamie Humphreys ($538k): With Latrell out, could take over kicking and dominant playmaking role. Watch for updates.

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Centres

Herbie Farnworth ($767k)
The best natural centre in fantasy. Brings run metres, tackle breaks, offloads, and try-scoring threat. Scored well in Round 12 despite a rough lead-up (hospital visit!). Faces a weakened Cowboys side in Round 15.

Verdict: Buy
Reliable and explosive. A clear standout at centre.

Dylan Lucas ($748k)
Dual-position edge/centre with strong base and recent hat-trick. However, he has the same shoulder issue as Couchman, which carries a high reinjury risk.

Verdict: Hold (if owned), Wait and See (if not)
Most already own him. If not, don’t jump on just yet — watch the injury risk.

Honourable Mentions:

• Kayal Iro ($695k): 9 tries in 8 games. Still value if Sharks stay full strength.
• Reuben Garrick ($580k): Scores 61.6 in Manly wins, but only 36.8 in losses — depends on your belief in Manly’s form.

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Wing/Fullbacks

Fletcher Sharpe ($733k)
Moved to fullback with Ponga on Origin duty and exploded for 98 points. 15 tackle breaks, 4 line breaks, 1 try — massive upside.

Verdict: Buy
Must-have. Also relevant at half, but more impactful at WFB.

Scott Drinkwater ($677k)
Averaging 49 with goal-kicking added to his scoring. No byes until Round 27. Scoring dropped with Purdue at half, but could rebound if Clifford returns.

Verdict: Wait and See
Good Origin option, but role and form need to stabilise.

James Tedesco ($708k)
Scored 51 in Round 12 thanks to a late try. Played well, but the price is high for someone with a shaky scoring floor.

Verdict: Neutral
Not bad if you already own him, but not great value at his current price.

Honourable Mention:
Clint Gutherson ($522k): Should gain goal-kicking while Holmes is out. Could spike in the Dragons-Sharks derby with added motivation.

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Cheap/Midrange Team – Best Value Under $700k

Hooker: Jazz Tevaga ($502k) or Blayke Brailey ($615k)
Mids: Hamish Stewart ($498k), Victor Radley ($558k), Naufahu Whyte ($593k)
Edges: Keaon Koloamatangi ($678k), Euan Aitken ($621k)
Halves: Jamie Humphreys ($538k), Jye Gray ($453k)
Centres: Kayal Iro ($695k), Reuben Garrick ($580k)
WFBs: Mark Nawaqanitawase ($593k), Scott Drinkwater ($677k), Clint Gutherson ($552k)