On average, 52 points were scored in each of the eight NRL matches that transpired over ANZAC round. A beautiful weekend of commemorating our fallen heroes was capped with some scintillating rugby league.
Here’s everything you need to know heading into round four of the NRL Fantasy season.
NRL Fantasy Round 9 preview
When does Round 9 kick off?
Thursday 2 May, 7:50 pm AEST
Best buys
David Armstrong (230k I 7.5%) WFB
Jaiman Jolliffe (634k I 11%) MID
Max Plath (369k I 3.9%) MID I HLF
Best sells
Trent Loiero (607k I 1.1%) MID I EDG
Terrell May (669k I 25.4%) MID
Team list Tuesday highlights
South Sydney v Penrith, 7:50 pm AEST
Taane Milne’s suspension opens the door for Izaac Thompson’s return to first grade. Keon Koloamatangi has been named to start in the front row alongside NRL Fantasy cheapie Davvy Moale, with his place in the back row taken by Michael Chee Kam. Suggestions Cody Walker and Jack Wighton would move into the halves together have not come to fruition, though this change could be on the cards when Latrell Mitchell returns to next week.
For Penrith, Sunia Turuva is back on deck after being rested against the Cowboys last week, with the impressive Paul Alamoti making way. Moses Leota is back on deck, while Nathan Cleary (906k I 29.6%) will look to go from strength to strength after returning from his hamstring injury last week.
Manly v Canberra, Friday 6:00 pm AEST
Daly Cherry-Evans (772k I 9.4%) has been named to play despite facing a judiciary hearing to determine whether he would succumb to the same fate as Haumole Olakau’atu (766k I 10.6%), who misses the next two games. Ethan Bullemor starts in the back row in place of Olakau’atu. Toafofoa Sipley returns to the bench, which should alter how Manly’s middle forwards rotate.
For Canberra, NRL Fantasy cheapie Chevy Stewart (264k I 22.6%) has been dropped, making way for Albert Hopoate to come in at fullback. Ethan Strange (446k I 50.6%) and Kaeo Weekes remain the halves despite a poor showing against the Sharks. Elliot Whitehead returns in the back row, with Simi Sasagi dropping out. Interesting to see how many minutes Morgan Smithies gets this week with the extra middle forward rotations on the bench.
James Schiller has also been dropped for Nick Cotric, though this has less Fantasy implications than Stewart dropping from the 17.
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Brisbane v the Roosters, Friday 8:00 pm AEST
With Selwyn Cobbo (622k I 9.2%) and Ezra Mam (443k I 14.3%) back on board, the Broncos are finally back to full strength, which is a frightening prospect for the rest of the competition.
As for the Roosters, they’re nearly full-strength themselves, with Victor Radley in the reserves and firming to replace Conor Watson at lock if he’s fit. In the event that happens, Watson will revert to the bench and share hooker minutes with Brandon Smith (565k I 22.4%), with Siua Wong (464k I 7.4%) likely dropping off the bench in this case.
Canterbury v the Wests Tigers, Saturday 3:00 pm AEST
It’s nearly a full-strength Bulldogs side, with the same backline who got the job done against the Knights two weeks ago named. Josh Curran (616k I 23.1%) has been promoted to a starting prop role, with Kurt Mann returning at lock. Mann’s involvement this week will provide a fair indication of whether he’ll be a Fantasy point of difference moving forward.
Jacob Preston has also been named in the reserves and is likely to return to the right back row spot, reverting Jaeman Salmon (425k I 31.7%) to the bench, most likely in place of Bailey Hayward.
Benji Marshall has stuck solid with the same 17 who were dominated by the Broncos in round eight, meaning Api Koroisau (594k I 11.3%) has been named to play despite a back injury forcing him from the field after an hour last week. Jake Simpkin has been named in the reserves in case fitness evades the Tigers skipper later in the week.
Gold Coast v Melbourne, Saturday 5:30 pm AEST
While the Titans picked up their first win of the season on ANZAC Day, coach Des Hasler has made two alterations to their back line from that win. Lofi Khan-Pereira and Aaron Schoupp drop out, with Phillip Sami and Harley Smith-Shields named instead. AJ Brimson continues at fullback, his best position according to many.
As has been the case in recent weeks, David Fifita has been named in the back row. Hasler isn’t fooling anyone though, with the Queensland forward likely revert to the bench for the opening spell of the game, as has been the case recently.
For Melbourne, star winger Xavier Coates is out with a hamstring injury. Tyran Wishart replaces him. Otherwise, it’s as expected for Craig Bellamy’s side.
Cowboys v the Dolphins, Saturday 7:35 pm AEST
A big one to watch for NRL Fantasy players is the return of Heilum Luki. How he performs, not only this week but in the coming weeks as well, should be monitored, considering his potential as a cheap option on the bench. Griffin Neame retains the starting role, though his minutes weren’t that of a starter last round.
Viliami Vailea has a chance to impress at right centre. Keep an eye on him, especially with the lack of quality centres around.
For Wayne Bennett, Felise Kaufusi returns to the back row, with Connelly Lemuelu also returning to the bench. NRL Fantasy favourite Max Plath (611k I 5.9%) retains his spot at lock. What a tough player he is. Other than that, there are no major changes for the Dolphins.
Newcastle v New Zealand, Sunday 2:00 pm AEST
This is a must-win for both sides in order to not slip further from the Finals football pack. David Armstrong (267k I 13.%), who was lively on debut, maintains his spot at fullback. There is no sign of Jack Cogger in the halves for the third week running with Newcastle’s lineup remaining unchanged from the one that downed the Dolphins. ‘
The Warriors will be hoping Kurt Capewell’s return to the back row can end their three-game losing streak. Capewell’s return sees Jacob Laban drop the bench. Otherwise, it’s as per usual for the Warriors.
Sharks v the Dragons, Sunday 4:00 pm AEST
It’s a local derby fuelled by Shane Flanagan’s comments following his side’s embarrassing ANZAC Day loss. Moses Suli is out with a concussion for the Dragons, with Jack Bird taking his place in the centres alongside the increasingly impressive Zac Lomax (680k I 5.0%). Luciano Leilua is named in the reserves and could make a first grade return this week.
As to be expected, Craig Fitzgibbon hasn’t felt the need to drastically tinker with the side that downed the Raiders 40-0. Dan Atkinson retains his place at five-eighth. Toby Rudolf joins the bench with Tuku Hau Tapuha dropping to the reserves.
Expect fireworks in this one.
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Round 9 preview notes
Dessie’s Titans are finally off the mark!
It took eight rounds but finally, the Des Hasler-era at the Gold Coast Titans has its first win. And against the Warriors, in Auckland, on ANZAC Day. Impressive. After going 12-nil down after eight minutes most Titans fans could be forgiven for expecting their side to roll over and wilt, as has been the case throughout much of the season.
Yet, Hasler’s side fought back, scoring five times between the minutes 13 and 54. A late mount by the Warriors was too little too late, the two points would be heading back to the Gold Coast. As impressive as the Titans’ attack was, particularly raids beginning in their half utilising Lofi Khan-Pereira’s lightning speed, their defence leaves them susceptible and weak. Improve that massively and they’ll go a long way to unlocking their potential.
For the Warriors, it’s another bitterly disappointing result. The polish that’s been constant throughout Andrew Webster’s reign was missing against the Gold Coast, as was their defensive resilience, particularly on the edge. At this stage, they’re a long way from being a serious Premiership threat.
Top NRL Fantasy scorers:
David Fifita (91), Addin Fonua-Blake (70), Tanah Boyd (68)
Roosters put Dragons to the sword on ANZAC Day
Coming into this one, the Dragons were considered a strong chance of beating a Roosters outfit who’ve opened the season indifferently. In the first hit-up of the game, Moses Suli was knocked out by Jared Waerea-Hargreaves. Five minutes later, Jaydn Su’a’s fine season continued as he crossed for a try and it looked as if the Roosters’ softness was being exploited again.
What followed was a rather unexpected onslaught. Sam Walker’s short-kicking was extremely problematic for the Dragons as the Roosters went into halftime 24 points ahead. More of the same continued in the second half. Walker kicked well, the Roosters dominated proceedings and the Dragons struggled to get hold of the game.
With much made pre-game about whether Walker and Luke Keary can co-exist, this clash proved there is a blueprint for the two similarly styled halves to feature in the same side. Walker’s 53 receipts far exceeded Keary’s 32 as he well and truly took control of the side, allowing Keary to pick his spots and moments to get involved.
Angus Crichton’s (515k I 23.6%) fine season continued, as did Brandon Smith’s (595k I 24.1%), while Conor Watson was tireless deputising for Victor Radley at lock. Unfortunately for NRL Fantasy players, Terrell May’s (669k I 25.4%) minutes were once again drastically reduced to 26. With Spencer Leniu’s NRL return soon, it may be time to part with one of Fantasy’s favourite sons before it’s too late.
Top NRL Fantasy scorers:
Sam Walker (90), Angus Crichton (86), Nat Butcher (73)
Melbourne compound South’s 2024 misery
I don’t think anyone seriously expected South Sydney to travel to Melbourne on ANZAC Day and walk away with a win. Their misery continued, as did their miserable performances. It’s hard to think of a single South Sydney player who played with any great motivation. Except Taane Milne, who was motivated to stake his claim as rugby league’s grubbiest player.
It was 32-4 at halftime but in reality, the game was buried well before the first 40 concluded. Cameron Munster, whose game has adapted with his calf injury, was exceptional with the boot, causing headaches for Jye Gray and Milne all night and laying it on a platform for Xavier Coates whenever the chance beckoned.
Four try assists and a try signify Munster is back. Around him, Melbourne’s all-star spine continues to click, while their forward pack hardly left second gear. Shawn Blore’s (607k I 6.8%) impressive start to life in the Victorian capital continued, while Christian Welch’s offloads proved too much for South Sydney too often.
Top NRL Fantasy scorers:
Cameron Munster (91), Cameron Murray (70), Jahrome Hughes (59)
Parramatta continue sad Moses-less life
We’ve learnt this weekend any NRL team missing their halfback is more likely to struggle than not. Parramatta continued proving this point in Mitch Moses’ absence, having succumbed to their fifth consecutive loss without their star halfback at the hands of Manly. Up 14-6 at halftime, this iteration of the Eels struggles to manage leads well.
An inspired Manly performance resulted in their comeback, with Daly Cherry-Evans (784k I 9.8%) and Reuben Garrick (537k I 6.4%) particularly standing out and standing up.
Top NRL Fantasy scorers:
Reuben Garrick (83), J’Maine Hopgood (59), Ryan Matterson (58)
Toothless Tigers have no answer for Brisbane
Arguably the play of the game was when Adam Reynolds, cramped up and hobbling on Brisbane’s right edge, taking an immaculate interception. It was a feat of impressive skill and judgement that capped an incredibly impressive evening for the Brisbane captain, who also laid on two try assists.
Against a Tigers outfit susceptible to edge attacks, Brisbane were rampant. Reece Walsh was electric, as was Jesse Arthars, deputising for the injured Selwyn Cobbo in the centres. Payne Haas and Patrick Carrigan powered through the middle, supported by impressive stints from NRL Fantasy cheapie Xavier Willison and Kobe Hetherington.
While their forward pack is impressive, few can argue the Tigers outside backs are anything but feeble both with the ball and without it. They’ll need to fix this issue if they’re any chance of progressing this year.
Top NRL Fantasy scorers:
Reece Walsh (64), John Bateman (60), Adam Reynolds (59)
Penrith hold out against North Queensland
Has there ever been a more influential winger than Brian To’o? I doubt it. In 100 games, the Penrith winger has hardly put a foot wrong, averaging 200 metres per game and finishing just about every chance he’s given. Against the Cowboys, To’o excellence continued, scoring once, running for 227 metres and breaking a monstrous 21 tackles.
Fortunately for Penrith, their winger was on hand whenever they needed some magic, particularly coming out of his own end. Paul Alamoti, on the other wing in place of the rested Sunia Turuva, also stood up when it mattered. Right on halftime, a Scott Drinkwater (750k I 7.4%) cut out ball found Alamoti’s mits, with the young winger racing away to score and blow Penrith’s lead to 14 points.
Three minutes after the break, Liam Martin crossed and the Panthers looked to be on a roll. The fact they didn’t run away with this one is credit to the Cowboys, who valiantly fought back, scoring twice in seven minutes to give the game a nervy final 20 minutes.
And yet, despite not playing their best, Penrith managed to win. Their sturdy defence, the foundation of their current dynasty, ensured this to be the case. After a few lean weeks, the signs were positive for the Cowboys in this one. Kulikefu Fineafuiaki, Reuben Cotter (666k I 29.1%) and Jason Taumololo were all fantastic, while Scott Drinkwater’s kicking game added variety to their attack.
Top NRL Fantasy scorers:
Brian To’o (77), Jeremiah Nanai (71), Dylan Edwards (58), Jason Taumololo (58)
Newcastle hold on against the Dolphins
The less said about this one, the better. David Armstrong (230k I 7.5%) was energetic and impressive on debut for the Knights, while Dylan Lucas also maintained his strong start to the season. For the Dolphins, Max Plath showed courage and grit, as did fullback Trai Fuller. Otherwise, it’s best to wipe this from memory.
Top NRL Fantasy scorers:
Euan Aitken (69), Trai Fuller (68) Jamayne Isaako (67)
Rudderless Canberra outclassed by Cronulla
We knew Jamal Fogarty’s absence would heavily impact Canberra’s attack. Yet it was their defence that was the problem against Cronulla. The Sharks rolled through Canberra’s middle forwards, exemplified by their opening two tries being scored by lock Cameron McInnes and the ever-improving prop, Tom Hazelton.
From there, the game was out of Canberra’s reach. It felt as if every single Cronulla set ended in attacking field position, allowing Nicho Hynes (925k I 31.6%) to play arguably his greatest game this season. The Sharks’ right edge of Hynes, Briton Nikora, Jesse Ramien and Sione Katoa scored five of the game’s seven tries, with Ramien proving a particular handful for Canberra’s weak left edge. To be fair, not a single Shark put a foot wrong.
With State of Origin right around the corner, one must imagine Hynes is the frontrunner to partner Nathan Cleary (940k I 28.8%) in the halves for New South Wales. If he showed anything against Canberra it’s that his running game is as dangerous as any half in the competition, while his pass and kick selection improves game-by-game. Defensively, the former Storm man made 25 tackles while missing just one.
In Ricky Stuart’s 500th game, the Raiders probably put in their worst performance of his tenure, missing 64 tackles and looking lost on the field. Chevy Stewart (238k I 22.4%) had an improved performance, saving two tries, running for 137 metres and crucially making no errors. Canberra need a proper halfback, and they need him now.
Top NRL Fantasy scorers:
Nicho Hynes (116), Jesse Ramien (83), Cameron McInnes (62)
