Things are heating up in Fantasy land, with many head-to-head finals either wrapping up or nearing their conclusion. Some superstars fired this past weekend in Holden NRL Fantasy, while others... didn't so much.
Let's take a look back at what Round 23 served up.
Rabbitohs 42 def. Broncos 16
There was a fair bit of Holden NRL Fantasy talent going 'round ANZ Stadium last Thursday night. Greg Inglis (81) had his best game in a while, scoring a hat-trick, making six tackle breaks and 156 metres in a dominant display. Adam Reynolds (68) continues to impress, handling the majority of kicking while partnering Luke Keary (30) in the halves. Josh McGuire (63) was Brisbane's Fantasy best with 39 tackles and 143 metres. Many captained Sam Burgess (63) who had another solid outing, while the absence of Jake Granville helped Andrew McCullough (58). Corey Parker left the field with an eye injury but returned to post 52. A leg injury ended Josh Hoffman's (14) night, and Alex Johnston (8) had a relatively quiet outing.
Bulldogs 18 def. Eels 16
It's becoming difficult to describe just how well Jarryd Hayne is performing each week. On Friday night, the fullback had a fairly customary 229 metres, nine tackle breaks, try, try assist and 143 kick metres to finish on 81. His last three-round average is just under 86, with an average of 81.4 over the past five weeks. Crazy stuff. Aiden Tolman (77) has seemingly put his injury woes behind him, with a try, 42 tackles, and 188 metres helping him to his best score of the season. His front row partner James Graham (56) was his usual solid self, and Semi Radradra (60) rediscovered some of that early season Fantasy form. Josh Jackson owners would be hurting after concussion restricted him to just 7.
Dragons 34 def. Raiders 16
No more hoodoo, huh? What a crazy world we live in. Perhaps even more bizarre is that two wingers topped the Fantasy scoring in this game, with Brett Morris (70) and Jason Nightingale (59) showing some sublime skill to score five tries between them. Paul Vaughan (51) is getting through plenty of work off the bench, while Jordan Rapana (53) continues to impress, but unfortunately a fractured skull ended his season prematurely. Josh Dugan (51) scored a try against his former club, while Gerard Beale (8) failed to make much of an impact.
Storm 48 def. Sharks 6
Jesse Bromwich (82) tore the Sharks to shreds on Saturday night, with 207 metres, 21 tackles, a try, try assist, line break, line break assist, and four tackle breaks to his name. Cameron Smith (72) certainly benefited from the extra kicking practice, while Billy Slater (68) was a constant menace. Paul Gallen (56) made a successful return from injury, and Tupou Sopoaga (48) had his best score since Round 3.
Roosters 48 def. Wests Tigers 4
Mitchell Pearce (78) had a big night out on the ground his father starred at in years gone past, scoring a solo try en route to his best Fantasy return of the season. Shaun Kenny-Dowall (67), James Maloney (53), and Sam Moa (54) were a handful for the Tigers, while Robbie Farah finished with a season-low 42.
Knights 28 def. Warriors 22
Before we talk Fantasy, take a few minutes to enjoy the highlights from this game. Some of the tries scored were out of this world. Joey Leilua (56) was at his tackle-breaking best on Sunday afternoon, also serving up two try assists for the prolific Sione Mata'utia (52), who had a hat-trick. Shaun Johnson (54) made a somewhat successful return from injury, but Chad Townsend (16) handled goal kicking duties, and converted just one from five. Kurt Gidley (49) seems to be thriving at fullback, continuing his recent good run of form.
Sea Eagles 15 def. Titans 12
James Roberts (77) was in great touch for the Titans on Sunday afternoon, scoring a screamer to keep them close to the Sea Eagles and top the Fantasy scoring for this contest. Anthony Watmough (74) was industrious for his highest total of the season, and Daly Cherry-Evans (77) kicked a field goal and was heavily involved throughout. Brenton Lawrence (52), Mark Minichiello (57), Kieran Foran (56), Jamie Buhrer (49), Jamie Lyon (52) and Brett Stewart (52) all were solid contributors.
Panthers 23 def. Cowboys 22
Jamie Soward (79) was involved in everything on Monday night, and it showed with his Fantasy return. Gavin Cooper (57) and Matt Scott (58) were at their hard-working best, while a try bolstered Jeremy Latimore's final total of 50. James Segeyaro (35) had a quiet night by his high standards, and left the field through injury late in the contest. Matt Moylan was the hero on the night, but could only manage 37, including five points for his match-winning field goal. Johnathan Thurston's 37,000+ owners would be a little disappointed with his 37.
