St George Illawarra Dragons: NRL Fantasy Season Review

As the NRL Fantasy season comes to a close, it's time to reflect on how the St George Illawarra Dragons performed from a Fantasy perspective. From standout stars to hidden gems, let's dive into the Dragons' Fantasy journey in 2023.

Ben Hunt: Consistency in the Halves

Fantasy Rating: 8/10

Ben Hunt had another consistent year in 2023, showcasing his reliability in the halves. Averaging 52 points from his 20 appearances, Hunt proved to be a solid Fantasy performer. What sets him apart is his status as a Point of Difference (POD) in the halves position, owned by less than 4% of Fantasy coaches. While there are other quality halves in the NRL, Hunt remains a reliable choice.

Blake Lawrie: Flying Under the Radar

Fantasy Rating: 7/10

Blake Lawrie may not have received the attention of many Fantasy analysts, but he quietly went about his work, producing consistent performances. Averaging 47 points from his 20 games with a solid Points Per Minute (PPM) of 0.89, Lawrie proved to be a valuable POD on many Fantasy benches. While he might not be a top-tier gun, he's a reliable asset in Fantasy Rugby League.

Jack De Belin: Regaining Form

Fantasy Rating: 8/10

Jack De Belin demonstrated that he's regaining the NRL and Fantasy form of years past. Despite being shuffled between the front row and lock, his scoring remained unaffected. With a solid PPM and an ability to accumulate attacking stats, De Belin was a valuable addition to Fantasy squads in 2023.

Jacob Liddle: Reduced Minutes Impact

Fantasy Rating: 5/10

Jacob Liddle played a reduced minutes role at the Dragons, which had an impact on his Fantasy scores. His awkwardly high starting price didn't change significantly throughout the season, and he averaged 40 points from 20 games. Liddle faced challenges, making him a mid-range option in Fantasy.

Zac Lomax: Reliable Choice in CTR

Fantasy Rating: 7/10

Zac Lomax has been a popular choice for Fantasy coaches in previous seasons, and he showed glimpses of that form in 2023. His goal-kicking ability and attacking stats make him a sought-after player in the tricky center (CTR) position. Averaging 45 points from 18 games, Lomax sits right on the keeper status for CTR. His highest score for the year was an impressive 91 in round 19.

Mikaele Ravalawa: Cash Generation

Fantasy Rating: 6/10

Mikaele Ravalawa started the season on the cheaper side and managed to increase his price by $121k for loyal Fantasy owners. Averaging 39 points from 19 games with 20 tries to his name, Ravalawa provided a reasonable return on investment.

Tyrell Sloan: Bargain Base Price

Fantasy Rating: 5/10

Tyrell Sloan's price started at a bargain base of $250k, making him an attractive proposition for Fantasy owners. Those who held onto him throughout the year were rewarded with a $244k increase in his starting price. Averaging 34 points from 21 games, Sloan's performance was solid for his price.

Mosese Suli: Inconsistent Year

Fantasy Rating: 5/10

Mosese Suli entered the season with an awkward price of $563k and had an inconsistent year. His struggles with missed tackles and errors affected his scoring ability, leading to a price decrease of $179k. Suli might start 2024 at a more affordable price, but his playing style could make him a risky Fantasy option.

Jack Bird: Injury-Plagued Season

Fantasy Rating: 6/10

Jack Bird's dual playing status made him a popular Fantasy choice in 2023, as he started in the back row for the Dragons. However, injuries plagued his season. Despite the setbacks, he managed to average 47 points from 14 games. If Bird returns injury-free in 2024 with a similar role, he could be one to watch in Fantasy.

Jaydn Su’a: Injury-Affected Year

Fantasy Rating: 6/10

Jaydn Su’a's 2023 season was impacted by injuries, and he averaged 46 points from 13 games in the back row. While Su’a consistently scored when he played, his awkward pricing and uncertain role make him a challenging Fantasy option.

Francis Molo: Flying Under the Radar

Fantasy Rating: 5/10

Francis Molo wasn't a popular Fantasy option in 2023, owned by only 0.23% of owners. However, he averaged 35 points from 16 games with a decent PPM of 0.89. Limited minutes affected his ability to produce high scores, but he remained a solid contributor.

Micheal Molo: A Player to Watch

Fantasy Rating: 5/10

In his second year in the NRL, Micheal Molo scored consistently. With a strong PPM, Molo has the potential to shine if he secures a larger role in the Dragons' squad. His performance in 2024 will depend on his price and playing time.

Mathew Feagai: Struggles in Fantasy

Fantasy Rating: 3/10

Mathew Feagai had a challenging season in Fantasy, struggling to make an impact. His lack of attacking stats, combined with errors and missed tackles, hindered his scoring ability. Feagai faced difficulties in Fantasy, earning a low rating for the season.

Ben Murdoch-Masila: Low-Priced Asset

Fantasy Rating: 3/10

Ben Murdoch-Masila's low starting price of $250k made him an attractive option for Fantasy owners. While he may not be a genuine gun in Fantasy terms, he rewarded owners who took the gamble with a $154k gain. Murdoch-Masila served as a valuable cash cow for those willing to take the risk.

Talatau Amone: Inconsistent Season

Fantasy Rating: 5/10

Talatau Amone experienced an inconsistent 2023 season in Fantasy. While he performed well in terms of attacking stats, his missed tackles and errors negatively affected his scoring. Amone's Fantasy future will depend on his role and price in the coming seasons.

Toby Couchman: Mid-Season Cash Cow

Fantasy Rating: 5/10

Toby Couchman emerged as a mid-season cash cow for those who bought him at his lowest price. With solid Points Per Minute (PPM), Couchman's price peaked with a gain of $158k. If he receives more game time, he could be a player to watch in the future.

Jayden Sullivan: Limited Impact

Fantasy Rating: 5/10

Jayden Sullivan managed to average 30 points from his 12 appearances in 2023. While his base stats are decent, a few missed tackles per game and sharing the field with primary kicker Ben Hunt limited his scoring potential in the halves.

Billy Burns: Late-Season Cash Cow

Fantasy Rating: 7/10

Billy Burns became a mid-season cash cow for Fantasy owners who brought him in at round 10. Despite not having a high PPM, Burns' low starting price of $230k allowed him to secure a starting position in the back row and play seven complete games. His Fantasy price surged to $561k with a gain of $235k, making him a valuable asset for those willing to take the gamble.

Moses Mbye: Position Versatility

Fantasy Rating: 3/10

Moses Mbye's official position in Fantasy is CTR/WFB, but his on-field versatility affects his Fantasy scoring. In 2023, he averaged 20 points from 15 games. While he can play various positions on the field, his Fantasy output has been inconsistent in recent seasons.

Zane Musgrove: Limited Game Time

Fantasy Rating: 4/10

Zane Musgrove played 10 games for the Dragons in 2023, primarily off the bench in the front row. His PPM isn't outstanding, but his limited game time hinders his ability to produce high scores. Musgrove lost $100k off his starting price, but if he secures a larger role in the squad, he could be a player to watch in the future.

Dan Russell: Late-Season Cash Cow

Fantasy Rating: 6/10

Dan Russell emerged as an end-season cash cow for the Dragons, playing five complete games in the back row and adding $238k to his starting price. Averaging 40 points from those five starts, Russell's PPM isn't outstanding, so Fantasy coaches should be cautious about his starting price next year if they expect him to be a cash cow again.

Max Feagai: Limited Game Time

Fantasy Rating: 5/10

Max Feagai featured in only five games for the Dragons but showed promise in the tough CTR position. With limited playing time, it's challenging to gauge his full potential, but he demonstrated good base stats, averaging 31 points from his five starts. Given more opportunities, he could become a player to watch in the future.

Tautau Moga: A Veteran's Return

Fantasy Rating: 5/10

Tautau Moga, a Fantasy veteran, returned to the field in 2023. Despite his injury history, he played three games for the Dragons, scoring six tries and averaging 45 points. Starting the season at a lower price, he added $94k to his value. While it's challenging to predict his future performance, Moga's experience could make him an interesting Fantasy option.

St George Illawarra Dragons Fantasy Prowess: 124

With a total Fantasy prowess rating of 124, the St George Illawarra Dragons had a mix of consistent performers, cash cows, and injury-affected players in the 2023 NRL Fantasy season. As the next season approaches, keep an eye on these players' performances and potential value in the ever-evolving world of Fantasy Rugby League.