Lone Scout's NRL Fantasy Q&A: Round 25
It's the final round of the regular season and NRL Fantasy coaches are asking about final trade plans, James Tedesco's worst-ever scores, the Fantasy implications of a 17-team competition and more.
This week's big questions
Two poor scores from Curran, should I trade out and who's the best option? (I already have Jackson, Murray, Papali'i.)
From Jacob Newton
Even though there's reason to be concerned about Curran recent scores scoring (44 and 32, after scores of 83 and 97) and especially his game time (he played 59 minutes Canberra and could have played 49 if not for Peta Hiku's HIA), it looks like you've got bigger problems this week with Cameron Murray and Isaiah Papali'i both being rested.
Angus Crichton looks the best replacement for one of those two, ahead of Brandon Smith or James Fisher-Harris.
Who's the best centre to have this week? I'm going to upgrade Peachey.
From Shane Macdonald
With Jordan Rapana shifting back to the wing this week I like new Warriors second-rower Euan Aitken or Sharks tackle-buster Jesse Ramien.
Was last week the first time ever that Teddy has played 80 minutes and scored less than 10?
From Kirk Davis
Yes, it was. Before last week's nine-point effort against the Souths, James Tedesco's next worst 80-minute score was an 18 in the opening round of 2019, also against the Rabbitohs. He's scored at least 20 points in every other 80-minute game.
Graham: I got vaccinated to protect my kids
Any chance of Cam Murray or Isaiah Papali'i playing? They're listed in reserves but why list them at all if they are not at least a chance to play? Or am I clutching at straws?
From Dean Longley
I think you're clutching at straws. With the Rabbitohs already locked into the top four and Parramatta into the top eight, there's no real need for either club to risk many of their star players this week.
Souths look destined to finish third or possibly second while the Eels have named a team that will struggle to beat Penrith whether or not Papali'i is a late inclusion (and are likely to finish in fifth or sixth place regardless).
There's still some chance either could play, especially if there is a late injury or two, but I wouldn't be counting on it.
Round 25 - Eels, Storm & Rabbitohs rest stars, Roosters boosted
How many total players are in NRL Fantasy this year? What’s your overall rank?
From Matthew Wenta
There are 176,782 teams in Fantasy this year and my team's ranked 6831 going into the final round, which is one of my worst finishes in a while – so let's quickly move on to the next question.
Curious to know how fantasy would change if the league goes to 17 teams. Having blokes out randomly on byes throughout the year would be a royal pain.
From Mark Barwell
My hunch would be it'll work pretty similar to it does now – yes a 17-team competition would mean one team has a bye every week but having players miss a round with injury or suspension is pretty common already. The one factor you'd have to take into account when selecting your squad would be to avoid stacking too many players from the same club, or at least until after that club has had its bye.
And, finally ...
Thanks to everyone who has played Fantasy this season – it's been a rocky one with an unusually high number of injuries and suspensions so congratulations if you've survived until the end with a decent team intact.
You can expect to see a few changes to the game next season, most likely in the form of a few extra trades, but stay tuned this year for my end-of-season awards and an early look at some of the potential bargains for 2022.
