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Deciding which Origin players can and can't be relied on is an important decision facing coaches this week, with the real prospect of red dot or reduced minutes for some key Fantasy talent. 

We're also taking a look at this week's top cash cow prospect and breaking down whether or not he's a trade target ahead of Round 17. 

Keep up with the latest on this week's ins and outs here. 

Crucial Fantasy calls to make: Round 17

With Origin II now done and dusted, which Fantasy-relevant players do we expect to back up and score well, and which ones are a worry? 

Safe bet

David Fifita played just 33 minutes for the Titans on the back of Origin I and scored a measly 15 Fantasy points. But this time around he's got fewer miles on him due to missing Round 15 through concussion, so should play close to his normal role, and is coming up against a Broncos' right edge who he scored 67 points against earlier this season. 

After a busy night for NSW, Payne Haas will be eager to back up and play in that game too, while despite facing a 48-hour turnaround on the back of interstate travel, Ben Hunt told reporters that he intends to back up. Only playing 29 minutes on Wednesday night will help his chances. 

James Tedesco had his second best score of the year on the back of Origin I and with his Roosters playing on Sunday, should take the field and have opportunities to rack up dynamic attacking stats against a Raiders outfit who haven't kept a team to under 18 points since Round 7. 

NRL Fantasy in focus: When to pick up Origin players

Expect Cameron Murray to play big minutes on Sunday for the Bunnies after getting through just 33 in Origin, while Rabbitohs teammate Damien Cook should be good to go after playing with a reduced workload – compared to his usual at least – in the centres. 

Not so safe bet 

After playing the full 80 on Wednesday Reuben Cotter might back up given the favourable four-day turnaround, but you can expect his role to be heavily reduced as was the case when he backed up from Origin I, with a 48-minute stint that resulted in 38 points. His Cowboys teammate Reece Robson meanwhile could be rested after playing every minute for the Blues, with the strong showing of Jake Granville as fill-in hooker last week potentially making coach Todd Payten's decision easier. 

Isaah Yeo returned to club duty in excellent fashion after Game One with 63 points, so if he plays performance isn't much of a concern. But, against the competition's 14th-placed team in the Knights, and in the middle of a packed schedule, this feels like a game Ivan Cleary might look to rest Yeo from, so keep an eye on Late Mail.

Broncos coach Kevin Walters decided to rest Selwyn Cobbo last year in his maiden Origin campaign and has hinted at a similar approach for Reece Walsh. After being a game-day decision for Brisbane after Origin I and playing, don't be surprised if the youngster is held back from Sunday's match against the Titans. 

Sandon Smith a must have? 

A 41-point starting debut last week means the new No.7 at the Roosters is a player of huge interest this week, but is he worth trading in?

Theoretical Thursday: Multi-player Looping

His score last week was inflated a bit by the fact that Luke Keary didn't play beyond the 25th minute, leaving Smith to handle all of the playmaking duties, with 11 of his points coming from 354 kick metres, which probably isn't sustainable. 

In saying that, he also lost 14 points to demerits (-6 in missed tackles and -8 from errors), which he should be able to clean up as he gets more time under his belt. 

His job security looks pretty good, with Sam Walker still without a fixed return date as he navigates an ACL injury, and Joey Manu appearing to now be preferred at centre again. 

Given the lack of decent cash cows around right now, Smith is worth a punt if you need some cover over Origin or are looking to make some quick money in coming weeks, but he's not going to be a must-have player and is unlikely to yield massive cash gains. 

Fantasy draft free agent of the week

Hands scores on debut

With Nathan Cleary and Luke Brooks injured, and popular options Nicho Hynes and Matt Burton on a bye this week, there are plenty of Draft coaches with needs at the HLF position. Enter Brendan Hands, who right now is available in around 84 percent of Draft leagues and has dual position status as both a HOK and HLF. The Eels youngster is playing 80 minutes at hooker right now and is likely a safer option than bringing in a poorly performing HLF in the hope he has a hot week. 

Acknowledgement of Country

National Rugby League respects and honours the Traditional Custodians of the land and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and future. We acknowledge the stories, traditions and living cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on the lands we meet, gather and play on.

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