Some Fantasy favourites struggled but several backline stars cashed in on an error-riddled weekend of footy, as Fantasy coaches prepare to face the season's second major bye round.
Another Cowboys forward gets amongst the tries
After Matt Scott's stunning two-try Fantasy century last week, this time it was Gavin Cooper who came up trumps with a hat-trick in the Cowboys' stunning comeback win over Parramatta on Monday. That netted Cooper 80 points, putting him behind only Blake Green's 87 as the week's top score. Broncos halfback Ben Hunt was one back on 79 as Brisbane smashed Manly, while Eels duo Semi Radradra (77) and Corey Norman (76) cashed in on their side's first-half rampage against North Queensland while attacking weapons Dylan Walker, Blake Austin, Johnathan Thurston, Aidan Sezer and James Tedesco all brought up 70+ scores.
Fantasy favourites misfire
It was a tough week for a lot of Fantasy sides with several popular players underachieving at the same time. Warriors Shaun Johnson (11), Solomone Kata (16) and Tuimoala Lolohea (9) flopped in their side's loss to South Sydney in Perth; Roosters speedster Roger Tuivasa-Sheck couldn't make it three great weeks in a row, instead hitting just 28 in a slugfest against Cronulla; Cowboys back-rowers Jason Taumalolo (29) and Ethan Lowe (28) both underachieved in the try-fest in Parramatta; Storm forward Tohu Harris scored just 30 after having to fill in at centre; Titans cash cow Kane Elgey is set to spend some time on the sidelines after an ankle injury reduced his score to 15 at the weekend; and yet another injury meant James Graham managed just 18...
Bad news continues for Graham
Injuries and suspensions have restricted Bulldogs captain Graham to just seven games so far this season, and those NRL Fantasy coaches who have held onto the star prop for the bye period were hit hard again on Sunday with Graham leaving the field before the 20-minute mark against the Dragons with a hamstring injury.
The Bulldogs are one of eight teams in action this week, but with Graham set for another spell on the sidelines it's probably time to trade. Jesse Bromwich, George Burgess and Aidan Tolman are the leading props involved in Round 14, while recently dropped NSW Blue Andrew Fifita and the Origin brigade will be back for Round 15.
It's bye time again
Round 14 is the second major bye round of the season, meaning most head-to-head Fantasy leagues go on a hiatus as half the competition and all Origin players sit out the weekend. For those aiming at decent score this week there are still a few Fantasy guns in action, with Simon Mannering the standout captaincy option ahead of hookers Jake Friend, Michael Lichaa and Nathan Peats.
Follow the Lone Scout on Facebook or Twitter and read more Fantasy hints and tips here.
