After seven rounds of the NRL season, we’re starting to see who’s hot and who’s not in 2024. Only two games went down to the wire, a stark contrast from previous weeks.
Here’s everything you need to know heading into round four of the NRL Fantasy season.
NRL Fantasy Round 8 preview
When does Round 8 kick off?
Thursday 25 April, 2:00 pm AEST
Our ANZAC Day rugby league feast kicks off in the early afternoon when the Gold Coast Titans travel to Auckland to clash with the Warriors. After years of serving their ANZAC Day match in Melbourne, it’s wonderful to see the Warriors, and New Zealand, celebrated on a special day in the calendar.
On the field, Andrew Webster’s side will be aiming to bounce back after an extremely disappointing showing against the Dragons. Their own worst enemy for much of the game, the Warriors were largely outworked by Shane Flanagan’s side.
Should their poor efforts repeat on ANZAC Day, the same outcome may be achieved given the Titans’ day out against Manly. Despite remaining winless this season, Des Hasler’s men put 30 points on against the Sea Eagles, a sign of their attacking potential.
Defensively, however, the Titans have more holes than Swiss cheese. If they want to secure the points on ANZAC Day they’ll need to tighten up and limit their leakiness without stifling their attacking output too much.
Best buys
Angus Crighton (477k I 22.4%) EDG
Zac Lomax (674k I 3.5%) WFB I CTR
Isaiya Katoa (508k I 4.7%) HLF
David Armstrong (230k I 4.8%) WFB
Best sells
Kalyn Ponga (774k I 28.9%) WFB
Jamal Fogarty (776k I 20.6%) HLF
Team list Tuesday highlights
New Zealand Warriors v Gold Coast Titans, Thursday 2:00 pm AEST
For the Warriors ANZAC Day clash, Kurt Capewell is out with Jacob Laban replacing him in the back row. Dylan Walker joins the bench, alongside NRL debutant Zyon Maiu’u. Otherwise, the side is unchanged from the one defeated by the Dragons in round seven.
Des Hasler has named the same 17 that went close to defeating Manly last week. AJ Brimson remains at fullback. Tanah Boyd will be the five-eighth. David Fifita has been named to start but don’t be surprised if he reverts to the bench on gameday.
St George Dragons v Sydney Roosters, Thursday 4:05 pm AEST
Who’d have thought the Dragons would be favourites in this blockbuster clash? Shane Flanagan’s side in unchanged from the one that beat the Warriors convincingly in round seven.
For the Roosters, Dom Young returns from suspension on the wing, which sees Joseph Sua’ali’i revert to the centres and Michael Jennings drop out of the side. Sam Walker is back at halfback, with Luke Keary moving to five-eighth. Is this the week that halves partnership finds the right balance? NRL Fantasy players will keenly observe how Trent Robinson utilises Terrell May (669k I 25.9%) this week.
Melbourne Storm v South Sydney Rabbitohs, Thursday 7:50 pm AEST
Craig Bellamy has named the same side as round seven. Christian Welch may switch to the starting line up on gameday in place of Nelson Asofa-Solomona, though that will have minimal Fantasy implications.
For the Rabbitohs, it feels as if much of the noise around Jason Demetriou’s future died down over the bye. After being dropped in round six, Damien Cook (769k I 5.9%) returns to the starting side with Pete Mamouzelos dropping to the bench. Jacob Gagai takes a place on the wing for the injured Tyrone Munro.
Surprisingly Jai Arrow returns from what was once feared to be a season-ending shoulder injury. Shaq Mitchell will start at front row too, with NRL Fantasy cheapie Davvy Moale (318k I 7.2%) coming off the bench. Tallis Duncan, another Fantasy favourite, has missed the 17 altogether.
Manly Sea Eagles v Parramatta Eels, Friday 8:00 pm AEST
For Manly, Josh Aloiai and Nathan Brown are back on deck, meaning Matt Lodge drops to the bench and Aaron Woods out of the 17.
Parramatta will hope their form slump without Mitch Moses ends this week. Rumours about Clint Gutherson shifting to the halves have proved unfounded, with young halfback Ethan Sanders named at five-eighth. Interesting timing to hand Sanders his debut given rumours he wants a release to the Raiders, who’ve just lost Jamal Fogarty (750k I 13.1%) for at least 12 weeks.
There is no room for Bryce Cartwright in Brad Arthur’s side. With no word on his absence, one must suspect it’s through injury. Ryan Matterson will start in the back row. Brendan Hands‘ presence on the bench should concern Joey Lussick’s (527k I 11.2%) owners.
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The Wests Tigers v Brisbane Broncos, Saturday 5:30 pm AEST
Solomon Alaimolo will make his NRL debut on the wing for the Wests Tigers, replacing the injured Junior Tupou. Samuela Fainu’s fine recent form has been rewarded with a starting back row berth, with John Bateman moving to lock and Fonua Pole reverting to the bench.
Adam Reynolds (741k I 3.5%), Brendan Piakura (361k I 22.8%) and Payne Haas (897k I 21.2%) are all back onboard for Kevin Walters’ Broncos, though they lose Ezra Mam (443k I 18.0%) and Selwyn Cobbo (621k I 11.9%). Jock Madden moves to five-eighth, with Jesse Arthars taking Cobbo’s place in the centres.
North Queensland v Penrith Panthers, Saturday 7:30 pm AEST
Despite a frankly embarrassing round seven outing against the Sharks, Todd Payten hasn’t wielded the axe. Jason Taumololo drops the bench, with Griffin Neame starting with Thomas Mikaele joining the bench.
The big man, Nathan Cleary (940k I 24.6%), is back on board for the Penrith Panthers following a hamstring history. Taylan May is also back in the centres, with Paul Alamoti unlucky to drop out after his fine showing in Bathurst against the Tigers. Otherwise, Penrith’s line up is as expected.
The Dolphins v Newcastle Knights, Sunday 2:00 pm AEST
There are no significant changes for Wayne Bennett’s Dolphins. The big question will be whether Max Plath can continue his round seven heroics this week.
The big out for Adam O’Brien’s Knights is Kalyn Ponga (757k I 20.7%), who will miss significant time with a foot injury. David Armstrong will make his NRL debut at fullback. New captain Dane Gagai returns to the centres, shifting Enari Tuala back to the wing. The same halves pairing, Tyson Gamble and Jackson Hastings, that was embarrassed by the Bulldogs have been named.
Canberra Raiders v Cronulla Sharks, Sunday 4:05 pm AEST
A massive blow for Canberra with Jamal Fogarty (750k I 13.1%) out for the next three weeks with a bicep injury. He’s been the heart of everything good about Canberra this season, with his kicking game particularly impressing each week. Kaeo Weekes will start at halfback in his place, though I wouldn’t be surprised if Canberra enter the halfback for a natural seven. Chevy Stewart (238k I 22.0%) will put a horror outing in Brisbane behind him when he runs out at fullback this week.
Braydon Trindall has been stood down for personal indiscretions, while Dale Finucane announced his immediate retirement from rugby league on Tuesday. Trindall drops out of the side, with Dan Atkinson coming in at five-eighth. Sione Katoa returns from suspension. Otherwise, it’s as expected for the Sharks.
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Round 8 preview notes
Are the Storm genuine Premiership contenders?
The wins aren’t pretty, but at least they’re wins. That would be the line of thinking in and around the Melbourne Storm’s camp this week. Two points are two points, no matter how it’s achieved. Fresh from defeating the Roosters in round seven, Craig Bellamy’s side are equal top of the NRL ladder.
A lack of polish from the Roosters meant the Storm entered halftime 12-6 up when many would argue they didn’t deserve their lead. But that’s the thing about the Storm. They get what they deserve and more often than not what they don’t deserve as well. Jahrome Hughes was outstanding. So too was Eli Katoa. Their combination on the right edge is fast becoming one of the competition’s most feared.
For their part, the Roosters lacked cutting-edge. There is no side in 2024 better at shooting themselves in the foot than the Roosters. In attacking field position, they constantly failed to capitalise on their chances, with their in-possession woes compounded by 12 errors. In defence, they were poor too, missing 45 tackles, and conceding 10 penalties. From an NRL Fantasy perspective, Angus Crighton’s (477k I 22.4%)good form continued, while Terrell May’s (682k I 26.4%) minutes were strangely reduced.
Top NRL Fantasy scorers:
Jahrome Hughes (76), Eli Katoa (71), Shawn Blore (56)
Dragons stun the Warriors
Few expected this one. The New Zealand Warriors, entering round seven without a loss in four games, lost to an improving Dragons side in Wollongong. After 11 minutes, it looked as if the prophecy would be fulfilled when Shaun Johnson (855k I 24.7%) crossed for the Warriors first of the night. It would be an hour before they scored again.
Shane Flanagan has instilled a grit and determination in this Dragons side that’s been lacking in recent years. Although, they’re not all grind. They can play footy too, with enough strike in their outside backs to capitalise on their effort. Zac Lomax, playing in his favoured centre role, was outstanding. His claim for an Origin debut this season strengthens each week.
And yet, despite the massive scoreline, this reeks of a missed opportunity for the Warriors, who had plenty of chances to turn the game’s momentum in their favour only to be met by some extraordinary Dragons defence.
It won’t be panic stations for the Warriors just yet. Though this game showed they’re not as perfect as once perceived. From an NRL Fantasy perspective, increased minutes for Tom Eisenhuth meant the Dragons lock’s points rose to 55 this week. In matches he’s played 50-plus minutes this season, Eisenhuth’s Fantasy average sits just shy of 50 points, making him one to watch in the coming weeks.
Top NRL Fantasy scorers:
Ben Hunt (69), Shaun Johnson (67), Addin Fonua-Blake (62), Tohu Harris (62)
Dolphins show Eels are rudderless without Moses
Would you believe me if I said Parramatta led 8-4 at halftime? Probably not considering the final scoreline: Dolphins 44 defeat the Eels 16. A point a minute in the second half shows Wayne Bennett’s side aren’t just in a purple patch of form.
Of course, this is the Mitch Moses-less Eels, who lack direction without their star halfback. For his part, Dylan Brown seems to be trying. He’s just not a halfback and never will be. Experienced forwards mean the Dolphins will always be in games. Their improving backline, led by Isaiya Katoa, a man who plays like someone twice his age, has enough strike to capitalise on their forwards’ efforts.
For Parramatta, 2024 is shaping like another write-off, unless they can find a way to win comfortably without Moses.
Top NRL Fantasy scorers:
Max Plath (72), Will Penisini (63), Jack Bostock (63), Jeremy Marshall-King (62)
Penrith overcome resilient Tigers
For an hour, the Wests Tigers were right in this clash. Benji Marshall, a mercurial player with a penchant for flair, has instilled a tough defensive edge to his Tigers side. And it showed in Bathurst, at a ground they shocked the rugby league world at in 2023.
For all their defensive determination, their attack lacked the final touch to secure the two points. This is to be expected against this champion Penrith side, arguably the greatest defensive side in modern NRL history. Ivan Cleary’s side always has a will, and therefore, they will always find a way.
Against the Tigers, it was Paul Alamoti breaking down the left edge just after the hour mark to make it 16-6. James Fisher-Harris, in the week his end-of-season departure was announced, added the icing on top of an ugly Penrith performance when he scored in the 71st minute. Even without Nathan Cleary (940k I 23.7%), Penrith are never leaderless. Brad Scheider, extremely lucky to not be sin-binned, steadied the ship, Jarome Luai and Dylan Edwards did what they do, while Isaah Yeo (890k I 16.3%) continues proving why he’s the best lock in the NRL.
Top NRL Fantasy scorers:
Isaah Yeo (74), John Bateman (72), James Fisher-Harris (62), Dylan Edwards (62)
So close, yet so far for the Gold Coast
Another week without a win for Des Hasler’s Titans. Their attack was inspired. Their defence was amateur, as it seems to always be. Until they improve the latter, the former will remain futile. This isn’t to suggest the Titans weren’t an improved side against Manly. They were. Just that the two points will continually evade them if their defence fails to tighten.
Shoutout to Jaimin Jolliffe who, in Tino’s absence, put in another fine shift, running for 137 metres and making 33 tackles without a miss.
Manly will be disappointed by this result. They seem to play to the level of their opponent, a factor of their play that will be their undoing at the pointy end of the season. So long as they have Tom Trbojevic (677k I 20.4%), Hamoule Olakau’atu (766k I 10.6%) and Daly Cherry-Evans (788k I 9.9%), they will be a threat, but only if they iron out their consistency issues.
Top NRL Fantasy scorers:
Tanah Boyd (63), Hamoule Olakau’atu (56), David Fifita (55)
Tough night at the office for Stewart and Stuart
In a decade, Chevy Stewart (239k I 21.7%) will be sitting on a podcast saying this game, round seven of 2024 against the Broncos, was his welcome-to-first-grade moment. In just his second NRL game, the Raiders’ teenage fullback was terrorised, notably by the boot of Jock Madden.
Stewart’s four errors cost Canberra in a wet first half, one which he will forget but shouldn’t. Games like these happen at some point for all young footballers, it’s about learning and growing from them, which he and Ricky Stuart both know.
Down 28-0 at half time, it’s a testament to the Raiders that Brisbane didn’t put 60 on them. Without inspirational halfback Jamal Fogarty (776k I 20.6%), who’s expected to miss at least 12 weeks with a bicep injury, the Raiders fought back. Only, it was too little, too late.
Top NRL Fantasy scorers:
Reece Walsh (73), Patrick Carrigan (69), Jordan Riki (55)
Rampant Dogs demolish Newcastle
Billed as an even contest in the days preceding, this game was anything but that. Except for brief spells, Newcastle hardly looked in it. The Bulldogs, whose season has been built on resilient defence, showed their attacking array at Homebush on Sunday.
Reed Mahoney (721k I 4.5%) was exceptional, laying on multiple try assists. So too was Matt Burton, whose kicking game was exceptional, and Conor Tracey, an exceptional ball-playing fullback seemingly built from granite. They scored down the left, they scored down the right, and they scored through the middle.
Sam Hughes (326k I 38.2%) and Josh Curran (607k I 26.0%) were extraordinary through the middle for Canterbury, so too was Kurtis Morrin, whose energy from the bench goes largely underappreciated by the NRL world. It’s hard to think of a single Bulldog who put a foot wrong.
For Newcastle, losing Kalyn Ponga (774k I 28.9%) in the second half was a major blow. With reports Ponga spent the afternoon in a moon boot, his injury is of great concern to Adam O’Brien and NRL Fantasy players alike. The Knights struggled to generate any foothold in this match, with their middle forwards overpowered by the Dogs.
Top NRL Fantasy scorers:
Dylan Lucas (60), Tyson Gamble (58), Bradman Best (56), Kai Pearce-Paul (56)
Are the Cowboys pretenders?
Shark Park on a Sunday is never an easy place to go. But for the Cowboys, a side with Premiership aspirations, it’s not a trip that should result in a 36-point loss. Yet, it did, meaning Todd Payten’s side remains the most confusing NRL side this season.
An unfortunate reality is that the Cowboys are, on paper, one of the most talented sides in the competition. As we’ve said before, paper doesn’t win matches. Players do. On this occasion, it was the Sharks who stood up.
Nicho Hynes (911k I 25.2%) stood up, providing two try assists and making 30 tackles with just one miss, while Ronaldo Mulilato’s brace rocketed him to the top of the NRL try-scoring ranks. If Cronulla play like this each week, there’s no reason why they cannot be serious Premiership contenders.
For the Cowboys, there is plenty of work to do. A side that prides itself on slick ball movement cannot make 12 errors a game and hope to win. They have more questions than answers at the moment, and they’re paying the price for that reality.
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Top NRL Fantasy scorers:
Nicho Hynes (86), Tom Dearden (52), Ronaldo Mulitalo (52)
