Welcome to the world of NRL Fantasy, where the seventh Magic Round at Suncorp Stadium left fans buzzing and coaches strategizing. In this article, I'll take you through the winners and losers of Round 11, offering my insights and analysis on the players who shone and those who struggled. So, let's dive into the fantasy realm and uncover some intriguing tales.
Winners
Sharks' Redemption: The Sharks, eager to bounce back from their previous loss, took center stage. Their efforts paid off, especially for those who persisted with Jesse Colquhoun, who benefited from extra game time due to an injury. But it was Nicho Hynes who stole the show, reminding coaches why he's a must-have after the bye next week.
Canterbury's Fantasy Heroes: Despite a shorter scoreline, Canterbury's players dominated the fantasy landscape. Jacob Preston, the top gun for the Bulldogs, added another try to his tally, while Stephen Crichton celebrated his second four-pointer. Matt Burton, Lachie Galvin, Sitili Tupouniua, and Jaeman Salmon all managed impressive 50+ efforts, showcasing their value to fantasy teams.
Back-Row Dominance: Friday's game saw back-rowers Tallis Duncan and Euan Aitken dominate the field. Their performances will surely catch the eye of coaches, especially with the Origin period approaching. MID forwards Cameron Murray and Keaon Koloamatangi also returned to form, potentially securing their spots in the representative side.
The Phins' Fantasy Feast: The victory against the Sharks was a fantasy goldmine for the Phins. Herbie Farnworth, a potential alternate captain, was heavily involved, while his center partner, Jack Bostock, nabbed a late try. Isaiya Katoa, Max Plath, Connelly Lemuelu, and Kulikefu Finefeuiaki all contributed to the fantasy points haul, with some now moving on to Queensland ventures.
Wests Tigers' Struggle: The absence of key players like Apisai Koroisau and Adam Doueihi, along with other outs, affected the Tigers' performance. Terrell May stepped up, showcasing his potential as a great gun to own post-bye. Kai Pearce-Paul, despite a late try, is one to target in the upcoming rounds. Jock Madden, Luke Laulilii, and Patrick Herbert also polled well, with Herbert's suspension adding an interesting twist.
Manly's Flying Duo: Outside backs Clayton Faulalo and Jason Saab were instrumental in Manly's victory. Faulalo's performance in the starting fullback role was impressive, and he could be a good replacement for Tolu Koula. Haumole Olakau'atu, the top EDG player, is a hold for his smart owners, with Origin selection on the horizon. Taniela Paseka and Jamal Fogarty, while not tier one options, may attract some admirers.
Roosters' Upset and Cowboys' Surprise: The biggest upset of the Magic Round saw the Roosters fall to the Cowboys. Connor Watson and Naufahu Whyte shone, but Angus Crichton's late bid for an NSW spot fell short. Cody Ramsey's first NRL try in over 1000 days was a highlight. Jake Clifford, the new halfback, led the Cowboys in the absence of Tom Dearden, but his long-term prospects are uncertain due to the team's bye schedule. Braidon Burns' craft was on display, but a hamstring injury may keep him out for a while.
Melbourne's Fantasy Recovery: Melbourne's big win over Parramatta was a fantasy success. Harry Grant, the captain, led with back-to-back big outings. Ativalu Lisati, the hard-working edge forward, continues to impress. Cameron Munster and Jahrome Hughes dominated, with Hughes a reliable halves option during the Origin period. Cooper Clarke, the rookie, is a success story, having made over $200K for his coaches.
Titans' New Darling: The Titans started strong but couldn't maintain the momentum. Oliver Pascoe, the new cheapie darling, scored a smart dummy-half try and was a standout. Tino Fa'asuamaleaui finally got his minutes but departs for Queensland. Jayden Campbell owners were happier with his distribution, but more is expected. Newcastle's Justin Holbrook got the result, with Fletcher Sharpe and Sandon Smith enjoying their new roles. Dane Gagai showed improved form, but his up-and-down nature remains a concern.
Warriors' Diamond Games: The Warriors, playing in Brisbane's backyard, felt like the home team. Erin Clark took his game to new heights, and Dallin Watene-Zelezniak delivered one of his diamond-class games, scoring a double. The Broncos struggled, but Pat Carrigan and Xavier Willison managed decent scores. Willison, a dual-position player, is a hold through Brisbane's bye.
Panthers' Fantasy Cruise: The Panthers cruised to another victory, with Tom Jenkins and Isaiah Papali'i delivering as expected. Isaah Yeo hit par, but his injury concerns may see him sold. Nathan Cleary and Dylan Edwards are holds, with Cleary dominating the fantasy landscape and Edwards aiming to prove himself post-NSW selection. The Dragons, despite the loss, saw their top forwards deliver, with Toby Couchman, Ryan Couchman, Dylan Egan, and Hamish Stewart all coming through for their owners.
Losers
Sharks' Luck Runs Out: KL Iro owners had no luck, despite the Sharks' win. Jonathan Sua, again, failed to get above his break-even, making him a safe sell.
Bunnies' Low Output: Jye Gray, the recently returned fullback, had a quiet game in the Bunnies' loss. Latrell Mitchell's early departure and injury are concerns, while Jamayne Isaako's disappointing score is not unusual for wing fullbacks.
Tigers' Disaster: Taylan May's big loss and subsequent shoulder injury are a double blow for his owners. His season may be over, leaving a void in many fantasy teams.
Roosters' Quiet Game: The Roosters' lack of effort hurt James Tedesco and Scott Drinkwater owners, with low scores. Liam Sutton, in his first outing, was quiet but is still a cheapie to monitor.
Moses' Underwhelming Score: Mitch Moses, an Origin hopeful, delivered a moderate fantasy score, disappointing his owners. Sua Fa'alogo's individual brilliance wasn't enough to satisfy coaches.
Titans' Spine Struggles: The Titans' different spine didn't pan out for Keano Kini and Zane Harrison this week, but owners are advised to persist.
Warriors' Concerns: The Warriors' impressive win was overshadowed by Tanah Boyd's suspected ACL injury. Alofiana Khan-Pereira had a night to forget, while Ben Talty's starting role remains uncertain. He's a tough hold for those looking to benefit later in the Origin schedule.
Panthers-Dragons Clash: Even lower-scoring players like Freddy Lussick and Setu Tu exceeded expectations, with no real mentions of note.
Deeper Analysis
The Magic Round showcased the depth and talent in the NRL, with players stepping up to deliver fantasy gold. The upcoming Origin period will be a true test for fantasy coaches, separating the hopefuls from the elites. The bye schedules will play a crucial role in team selections, and coaches must navigate these challenges wisely.
Conclusion
Round 11 was a rollercoaster of fantasy performances, with winners and losers across the board. The upcoming weeks will be crucial, as coaches strategize and adapt to the challenges of the Origin period. It's a fascinating time in the NRL Fantasy world, and I, for one, am excited to see how the story unfolds. Until next time, keep strategizing and may your fantasy teams thrive!
