NRL 2023, NRL Fantasy, Round 27 team lists, analysis, Fantasy best players

Author: NRL.com
Timestamp: Tue 29 Aug 2023, 03:59 PM

The Round 27 team lists are here and have brought with them chaos for Fantasy owners, with several clubs resting all of their big guns.

It means putting a 17 together – let alone a quality one – will be extremely difficult, and it comes at a terrible time for those with head-to-head grand finals this week.

NRL Fantasy teams analysis: Round 27

Broncos v Storm, Thursday at Suncorp Stadium

Broncos: Coach Kevin Walters has opted to sit most of his big-name players, with the most Fantasy-relevant absentees being Payne Haas, Reece Walsh and Patrick Carrigan, who are all owned by more than 18 percent of teams. EDG Brendan Piakura comes back into the starting lineup after scoring well in that role earlier in the season.

Storm: MID Josh King and EDG Eliesa Katoa are the only top 10 Fantasy scorers from the Storm who have been named to play. The inclusion of Will Warbrick is a big one for those who will be struggling to field a back five, while for those with trades left there are some possible opportunities to take advantage of with the likes of Bronson Garlick (HOK/MID, $255k) set to play big minutes.

Round 27 - Round 27 - Thursday 31 Aug

Full Time

Broncos

Storm

Team Lists

Backs

Fullback for Broncos is number 1 Tristan Sailor

Fullback for Storm is number 1 Ryan Papenhuyzen
Winger for Broncos is number 2 Corey Oates

Winger for Storm is number 5 Reimis Smith
Centre for Broncos is number 3 Jesse Arthars

Centre for Storm is number 3 Justin Olam
Centre for Broncos is number 4 Delouise Hoeter

Centre for Storm is number 4 Young Tonumaipea
Winger for Broncos is number 5 Jordan Pereira

Winger for Storm is number 18 Grant Anderson
Five-Eighth for Broncos is number 6 Josh Rogers

Five-Eighth for Storm is number 6 Jayden Nikorima
Halfback for Broncos is number 7 Jock Madden

Halfback for Storm is number 7 Tyran Wishart

Forwards

Prop for Broncos is number 8 Thomas Flegler

Prop for Storm is number 8 Tariq Sims
Hooker for Broncos is number 9 Tyson Smoothy

Hooker for Storm is number 9 Bronson Garlick
Prop for Broncos is number 10 Corey Jensen

Prop for Storm is number 10 Tepai Moeroa
2nd Row for Broncos is number 11 Brendan Piakura

2nd Row for Storm is number 11 Chris Lewis
2nd Row for Broncos is number 12 Jordan Riki

2nd Row for Storm is number 17 Jack Howarth
Lock for Broncos is number 13 Keenan Palasia

Lock for Storm is number 13 Josh King

Interchange

Interchange for Broncos is number 14 Blake Mozer

Interchange for Storm is number 14 Sualauvi Faalogo
Interchange for Broncos is number 15 Cory Paix

Interchange for Storm is number 15 Alec MacDonald
Interchange for Broncos is number 16 Xavier Willison

Interchange for Storm is number 16 Aaron Pene
Interchange for Broncos is number 17 Martin Taupau

Interchange for Storm is number 19 Joe Chan

Reserves

Replacement for Broncos is number 18 Benjamin Te Kura

Replacement for Storm is number 21 Cole Geyer

Match Officials

Referee: Ashley Klein
Touch Judge: Phil Henderson
Touch Judge: Chris Sutton
Senior Review Official: Grant Atkins

Last updated: 9/7/2024 12:25:53 PM

Sea Eagles v Wests Tigers, Friday at 4 Pines Park

Sea Eagles: After rewarding the 10 percent who own him with a round-high 106 last week, Daly Cherry-Evans could well be in for another big score against the competition's last-placed side. Tolutau Koula (CTR/WFB, $435k) was excellent at fullback last week on his way to 77. Ben Trbojevic was underwhelming as a starting second-rower in Round 26, managing only 29 points in a 62-minute stint.

Wests Tigers: Api Koroisau moves to halfback this week, after scoring 62 there in Round 25, with Jake Simpkin back from a head knock to take his place at hooker. $220k EDG Justin Matamua gets a start at lock and is a good chance of having his biggest score of the year.

Round 27 - Round 27 - Friday 1 Sep

Full Time

Sea Eagles

Wests Tigers

Team Lists

Backs

Fullback for Sea Eagles is number 1 Tolutau Koula

Fullback for Wests Tigers is number 1 Jahream Bula
Winger for Sea Eagles is number 2 Jason Saab

Winger for Wests Tigers is number 5 Junior Tupou
Centre for Sea Eagles is number 3 Brad Parker

Centre for Wests Tigers is number 3 Triston Reilly
Centre for Sea Eagles is number 4 Morgan Harper

Centre for Wests Tigers is number 4 Josh Feledy
Winger for Sea Eagles is number 5 Raymond Tuaimalo Vaega

Winger for Wests Tigers is number 14 Asu Kepaoa
Five-Eighth for Sea Eagles is number 6 Jake Arthur

Five-Eighth for Wests Tigers is number 6 Daine Laurie
Halfback for Sea Eagles is number 7 Daly Cherry-Evans

Halfback for Wests Tigers is number 7 Apisai Koroisau

Forwards

Prop for Sea Eagles is number 8 Toafofoa Sipley

Prop for Wests Tigers is number 8 Alex Twal
Hooker for Sea Eagles is number 9 Lachlan Croker

Hooker for Wests Tigers is number 9 Jake Simpkin
Prop for Sea Eagles is number 10 Sean Keppie

Prop for Wests Tigers is number 10 David Klemmer
2nd Row for Sea Eagles is number 11 Haumole Olakau'atu

2nd Row for Wests Tigers is number 11 Isaiah Papali'i
2nd Row for Sea Eagles is number 12 Ben Trbojevic

2nd Row for Wests Tigers is number 12 Shawn Blore
Lock for Sea Eagles is number 13 Jake Trbojevic

Lock for Wests Tigers is number 16 Fonua Pole

Interchange

Interchange for Sea Eagles is number 14 Gordon Chan Kum Tong

Interchange for Wests Tigers is number 13 Justin Matamua
Interchange for Sea Eagles is number 15 Dean Matterson

Interchange for Wests Tigers is number 15 Kit Laulilii
Interchange for Sea Eagles is number 16 Aaron Woods

Interchange for Wests Tigers is number 17 Alex Seyfarth
Interchange for Sea Eagles is number 17 Ethan Bullemor

Interchange for Wests Tigers is number 18 Tallyn Da Silva

Reserves

Replacement for Sea Eagles is number 18 Kelma Tuilagi

Replacement for Wests Tigers is number 21 Aitasi James

Match Officials

Referee: Belinda Sharpe
Touch Judge: Matt Noyen
Touch Judge: Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamski
Senior Review Official: Chris Butler

Last updated: 9/7/2024 12:25:53 PM

Rabbitohs v Roosters, Friday at Accor Stadium

Rabbitohs: Damien Cook and Cameron Murray shape as huge players this week given the high-profile outs, and will be captained by plenty in Round 27. With Latrell Mitchell out suspended, Blake Taaffe (WFB, $387k) gets a run at fullback, while Izaac Thompson comes in on the wing for his first game since Round 6.

Roosters: James Tedesco returns at fullback after missing last week due to concussion and, for the time being at least, is named in a backline that includes Joey Manu, who suffered a game-ending hamstring injury in Round 26. Brandon Smith (HOK/MID, $529k) has hit form in the last fortnight with consecutive scores of 62 and 54.

Round 27 - Round 27 - Friday 1 Sep

Full Time

Rabbitohs

Roosters

Team Lists

Backs

Fullback for Rabbitohs is number 1 Blake Taaffe

Fullback for Roosters is number 1 James Tedesco
Winger for Rabbitohs is number 2 Alex Johnston

Winger for Roosters is number 5 Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii
Centre for Rabbitohs is number 3 Isaiah Tass

Centre for Roosters is number 3 Billy Smith
Centre for Rabbitohs is number 4 Campbell Graham

Centre for Roosters is number 18 Corey Allan
Winger for Rabbitohs is number 5 Izaac Tu’itupou Thompson

Winger for Roosters is number 21 Fetalaiga Pauga
Five-Eighth for Rabbitohs is number 6 Cody Walker

Five-Eighth for Roosters is number 6 Luke Keary
Halfback for Rabbitohs is number 7 Lachlan Ilias

Halfback for Roosters is number 7 Sam Walker

Forwards

Prop for Rabbitohs is number 8 Tevita Tatola

Prop for Roosters is number 10 Lindsay Collins
Hooker for Rabbitohs is number 9 Damien Cook

Hooker for Roosters is number 9 Brandon Smith
Prop for Rabbitohs is number 10 Shaquai Mitchell

Prop for Roosters is number 15 Egan Butcher
2nd Row for Rabbitohs is number 11 Keaon Koloamatangi

2nd Row for Roosters is number 11 Siua Wong
2nd Row for Rabbitohs is number 12 Michael Chee Kam

2nd Row for Roosters is number 12 Nat Butcher
Lock for Rabbitohs is number 13 Cameron Murray

Lock for Roosters is number 13 Victor Radley

Interchange

Interchange for Rabbitohs is number 14 Jai Arrow

Interchange for Roosters is number 8 Fletcher Baker
Interchange for Rabbitohs is number 15 Tallis Duncan

Interchange for Roosters is number 14 Sandon Smith
Interchange for Rabbitohs is number 16 Hame Sele

Interchange for Roosters is number 16 Terrell May
Interchange for Rabbitohs is number 17 Davvy Moale

Interchange for Roosters is number 17 Angus Crichton

Reserves

Replacement for Rabbitohs is number 18 Taane Milne

Replacement for Roosters is number 20 Drew Hutchison

Match Officials

Referee: Adam Gee
Touch Judge: Dave Munro
Touch Judge: Drew Oultram
Senior Review Official: Ashley Klein

Last updated: 9/7/2024 12:25:53 PM

Dolphins v Warriors, Saturday at Suncorp Stadium

Dolphins: After hitting 54 in his return to fullback last week Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow is again named in the No.1 jersey, while winger Jamayne Isaako comes off his seventh 60+ score of the year. Rookie Harrison Graham (HOK, $406k) keeps the starting dummy-half job.

Warriors: Their top three Fantasy players are all out, with Shaun Johnson a particularly major blow because he is owned by more than a quarter of all teams. In better news Jackson Ford, who is their second most owned player, has kept a spot on the bench, while Mitch Barnett (MID, $628k) returns after two weeks out with a leg laceration.

Round 27 - Round 27 - Saturday 2 Sep

Full Time

Dolphins

Warriors

Team Lists

Backs

Fullback for Dolphins is number 1 Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow

Fullback for Warriors is number 1 Taine Tuaupiki
Winger for Dolphins is number 2 Jamayne Isaako

Winger for Warriors is number 2 Edward Kosi
Centre for Dolphins is number 3 Tesi Niu

Centre for Warriors is number 3 Rocco Berry
Centre for Dolphins is number 18 Valynce Te Whare

Centre for Warriors is number 4 Adam Pompey
Winger for Dolphins is number 5 Jack Bostock

Winger for Warriors is number 5 Marcelo Montoya
Five-Eighth for Dolphins is number 6 Kodi Nikorima

Five-Eighth for Warriors is number 6 Te Maire Martin
Halfback for Dolphins is number 7 Sean O'Sullivan

Halfback for Warriors is number 7 Ronald Volkman

Forwards

Prop for Dolphins is number 8 Jesse Bromwich

Prop for Warriors is number 8 Bunty Afoa
Hooker for Dolphins is number 9 Harrison Graham

Hooker for Warriors is number 9 Freddy Lussick
Prop for Dolphins is number 10 Mark Nicholls

Prop for Warriors is number 10 Mitchell Barnett
2nd Row for Dolphins is number 11 Felise Kaufusi

2nd Row for Warriors is number 11 Josh Curran
2nd Row for Dolphins is number 12 Connelly Lemuelu

2nd Row for Warriors is number 12 Marata Niukore
Lock for Dolphins is number 13 Kenneath Bromwich

Lock for Warriors is number 13 Dylan Walker

Interchange

Interchange for Dolphins is number 14 Jarrod Wallace

Interchange for Warriors is number 16 Bayley Sironen
Interchange for Dolphins is number 15 Isaiya Katoa

Interchange for Warriors is number 17 Tom Ale
Interchange for Dolphins is number 16 Max Plath

Interchange for Warriors is number 18 Kalani Going
Interchange for Dolphins is number 17 Herman Ese'ese

Interchange for Warriors is number 23 Paul Roache

Reserves

Replacement for Dolphins is number 19 Mason Teague

Replacement for Warriors is number 20 Jacob Laban

Match Officials

Referee: Gerard Sutton
Touch Judge: Nick Morel
Senior Review Official: Adam Gee

Last updated: 9/7/2024 12:25:52 PM

Panthers v Cowboys, Saturday at BlueBet Stadium

Panthers: In welcome news, Penrith have named all of their Fantasy big guns – crucially including Nathan Cleary and Isaah Yeo – with CTR Izack Tago also a chance of returning from a leg injury. Jack Cogger (HLF, $539k) takes the five-eighth spot made vacant by Jarome Luai's injury. Rookie Luke Sommerton starts at hooker.

Cowboys: In the absence of several other popular options, WFB Scott Drinkwater shapes as a sound captaincy choice this week and he has a 58.3 average over his last three games, including a 72 in Round 26. Rookie Zac Laybutt (CTR, $298k) is owned by less than one percent of teams but will be a popular pick up this week for those who still have trades left, after scoring a double on his way to 62 against the Dolphins.

Round 27 - Round 27 - Saturday 2 Sep

Full Time

Panthers

Cowboys

Team Lists

Backs

Fullback for Panthers is number 1 Dylan Edwards

Fullback for Cowboys is number 1 Scott Drinkwater
Winger for Panthers is number 2 Sunia Turuva

Winger for Cowboys is number 2 Kyle Feldt
Centre for Panthers is number 4 Stephen Crichton

Centre for Cowboys is number 3 Zac Laybutt
Centre for Panthers is number 19 Izack Tago

Centre for Cowboys is number 4 Peta Hiku
Winger for Panthers is number 5 Brian To'o

Winger for Cowboys is number 5 Murray Taulagi
Five-Eighth for Panthers is number 6 Jack Cogger

Five-Eighth for Cowboys is number 6 Tom Dearden
Halfback for Panthers is number 7 Nathan Cleary

Halfback for Cowboys is number 7 Chad Townsend

Forwards

Prop for Panthers is number 8 Moses Leota

Prop for Cowboys is number 8 Jordan McLean
Hooker for Panthers is number 9 Luke Sommerton

Hooker for Cowboys is number 9 Reece Robson
Prop for Panthers is number 10 James Fisher-Harris

Prop for Cowboys is number 15 Coen Hess
2nd Row for Panthers is number 12 Liam Martin

2nd Row for Cowboys is number 11 Luciano Leilua
2nd Row for Panthers is number 21 Luke Garner

2nd Row for Cowboys is number 12 Heilum Luki
Lock for Panthers is number 13 Isaah Yeo

Lock for Cowboys is number 13 Reuben Cotter

Interchange

Interchange for Panthers is number 3 Tyrone Peachey

Interchange for Cowboys is number 10 Jason Taumalolo
Interchange for Panthers is number 15 Lindsay Smith

Interchange for Cowboys is number 14 Jake Granville
Interchange for Panthers is number 16 Spencer Leniu

Interchange for Cowboys is number 16 Griffin Neame
Interchange for Panthers is number 17 Zac Hosking

Interchange for Cowboys is number 17 Kulikefu Finefeuiaki

Reserves

Replacement for Panthers is number 18 Jaeman Salmon

Replacement for Cowboys is number 18 Jamayne Taunoa-Brown

Match Officials

Referee: Todd Smith
Touch Judge: Peter Gough
Touch Judge: Jon Stone
Senior Review Official: Chris Butler

Last updated: 9/7/2024 12:25:52 PM

Dragons v Knights, Saturday at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium

Dragons: Prop Blake Lawrie comes off a 62 last week and is a handy player to have given he is owned by less than two percent of teams, while Ben Hunt will be a popular HLF choice with some of the leading options in that position not playing. High-performing MID Jack de Belin returns from suspension and starts at lock.

Knights: One-time Fantasy gun Lachlan Miller is back, replacing Kalyn Ponga who is out with a shoulder injury. With Ponga in 26 percent of teams, it is a massive blow, while the Knights have also opted to rest both Dane Gagai and Tyson Frizell. Nu Brown (HOK/MID, $324k) starts at hooker with Phoenix Crossland and Kurt Mann held back from Round 27.

Round 27 - Round 27 - Saturday 2 Sep

Full Time

Dragons

Knights

Team Lists

Backs

Fullback for Dragons is number 1 Tyrell Sloan

Fullback for Knights is number 1 Lachlan Miller
Winger for Dragons is number 2 Mathew Feagai

Winger for Knights is number 2 Dominic Young
Centre for Dragons is number 3 Mosese Suli

Centre for Knights is number 3 Enari Tuala
Centre for Dragons is number 4 Zac Lomax

Centre for Knights is number 4 Bradman Best
Winger for Dragons is number 5 Mikaele Ravalawa

Winger for Knights is number 5 Greg Marzhew
Five-Eighth for Dragons is number 6 Talatau Amone

Five-Eighth for Knights is number 6 Tyson Gamble
Halfback for Dragons is number 7 Ben Hunt

Halfback for Knights is number 7 Adam Clune

Forwards

Prop for Dragons is number 8 Francis Molo

Prop for Knights is number 8 Jacob Saifiti
Hooker for Dragons is number 9 Connor Muhleisen

Hooker for Knights is number 9 Fa'amanu Brown
Prop for Dragons is number 10 Blake Lawrie

Prop for Knights is number 16 Jack Hetherington
2nd Row for Dragons is number 11 Billy Burns

2nd Row for Knights is number 11 Dylan Lucas
2nd Row for Dragons is number 12 Dan Russell

2nd Row for Knights is number 12 Brodie Jones
Lock for Dragons is number 13 Jack De Belin

Lock for Knights is number 13 Adam Elliott

Interchange

Interchange for Dragons is number 14 Jacob Liddle

Interchange for Knights is number 14 Riley Jones
Interchange for Dragons is number 15 Michael Molo

Interchange for Knights is number 15 Daniel Saifiti
Interchange for Dragons is number 16 Ben Murdoch-Masila

Interchange for Knights is number 17 Mat Croker
Interchange for Dragons is number 17 Ryan Couchman

Interchange for Knights is number 19 Oryn Keeley

Reserves

Replacement for Dragons is number 18 Toby Couchman

Replacement for Knights is number 24 Dane Aukafolau

Match Officials

Referee: Ben Cummins
Touch Judge: Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamski
Senior Review Official: Matt Noyen

Last updated: 9/7/2024 12:25:52 PM

Titans v Bulldogs, Sunday at Cbus Super Stadium

Titans: Chris Randall again starts at hooker and scored 60 last week in the role, while David Fifita will likely be a popular captaincy choice this week despite only scoring 40 in Round 26. Rookie HLF Thomas Weaver, who is priced at $283k, looked good last week on his way to 43.

Bulldogs: With DPP status as both a MID and EDG, Corey Waddell shapes as being a useful player to plug gaps this week and given his last-up score of 69, he's a more than serviceable option in your scoring 17. Rookie wing Blake Wilson is also showing plenty of promise on the Fantasy front. Rookie CTR Paul Alamoti has fallen away badly after a promising start to the year, with his price now down to $349k and his season average at 29.7.

Round 27 - Round 27 - Sunday 3 Sep

Full Time

Titans

Bulldogs

Team Lists

Backs

Fullback for Titans is number 14 Keano Kini

Fullback for Bulldogs is number 1 Hayze Perham
Winger for Titans is number 2 Alofiana Khan-Pereira

Winger for Bulldogs is number 2 Blake Wilson
Centre for Titans is number 1 AJ Brimson

Centre for Bulldogs is number 3 Jake Averillo
Centre for Titans is number 3 Brian Kelly

Centre for Bulldogs is number 4 Paul Alamoti
Winger for Titans is number 4 Aaron Schoupp

Winger for Bulldogs is number 5 Josh Addo-Carr
Five-Eighth for Titans is number 6 Kieran Foran

Five-Eighth for Bulldogs is number 6 Matt Burton
Halfback for Titans is number 7 Tom Weaver

Halfback for Bulldogs is number 7 Toby Sexton

Forwards

Prop for Titans is number 8 Moeaki Fotuaika

Prop for Bulldogs is number 8 Luke Thompson
Hooker for Titans is number 15 Kruise Leeming

Hooker for Bulldogs is number 9 Reed Mahoney
Prop for Titans is number 16 Joe Stimson

Prop for Bulldogs is number 10 Liam Knight
2nd Row for Titans is number 11 David Fifita

2nd Row for Bulldogs is number 11 Viliame Kikau
2nd Row for Titans is number 12 Klese Haas

2nd Row for Bulldogs is number 12 Corey Waddell
Lock for Titans is number 13 Tino Fa'asuamaleaui

Lock for Bulldogs is number 22 Ryan Sutton

Interchange

Interchange for Titans is number 10 Jaimin Jolliffe

Interchange for Bulldogs is number 13 Max King
Interchange for Titans is number 17 Jacob Alick-Wiencke

Interchange for Bulldogs is number 14 Kyle Flanagan
Interchange for Titans is number 18 Iszac Fa'asuamaleaui

Interchange for Bulldogs is number 16 Kurtis Morrin
Interchange for Titans is number 19 Joe Vuna

Interchange for Bulldogs is number 17 Jayden Okunbor

Reserves

Replacement for Titans is number 21 Josiah Pahulu

Replacement for Bulldogs is number 19 Jeral Skelton

Match Officials

Referee: Kasey Badger
Touch Judge: Liam Kennedy
Senior Review Official: Gerard Sutton

Last updated: 9/7/2024 12:25:52 PM

Sharks v Raiders, Sunday at PointsBet Stadium

Sharks: Nicho Hynes owners can breathe a sigh of relief, with Fantasy's highest averaging player named to play after missing last week with a quad complaint. Connor Tracey (CTR/WFB, $524k) equaled his best score of the season in Round 26 with 57.

Raiders: Jordan Rapana is named at fullback after an underwhelming 16 last week, with Sebastian Kris on the wing and Jack Wighton at centre. Popular MID Corey Horsburgh has been named ahead of facing the judiciary on Tuesday to contest his Grade One Shoulder charge offence and will only play if he is successful in overturning the charge.

Round 27 - Round 27 - Sunday 3 Sep

Full Time

Sharks

Raiders

Team Lists

Backs

Fullback for Sharks is number 1 Connor Tracey

Fullback for Raiders is number 1 Jordan Rapana
Winger for Sharks is number 2 Sione Katoa

Winger for Raiders is number 2 Sebastian Kris
Centre for Sharks is number 3 Jesse Ramien

Centre for Raiders is number 3 Jack Wighton
Centre for Sharks is number 4 Siosifa Talakai

Centre for Raiders is number 4 Matthew Timoko
Winger for Sharks is number 5 Ronaldo Mulitalo

Winger for Raiders is number 5 Nick Cotric
Five-Eighth for Sharks is number 6 Braydon Trindall

Five-Eighth for Raiders is number 6 Matt Frawley
Halfback for Sharks is number 7 Nicholas Hynes

Halfback for Raiders is number 7 Jamal Fogarty

Forwards

Prop for Sharks is number 8 Toby Rudolf

Prop for Raiders is number 10 Joseph Tapine
Hooker for Sharks is number 9 Blayke Brailey

Hooker for Raiders is number 9 Zac Woolford
Prop for Sharks is number 10 Braden Hamlin-Uele

Prop for Raiders is number 15 Ata Mariota
2nd Row for Sharks is number 11 Briton Nikora

2nd Row for Raiders is number 11 Hudson Young
2nd Row for Sharks is number 12 Wade Graham

2nd Row for Raiders is number 12 Elliott Whitehead
Lock for Sharks is number 13 Cameron McInnes

Lock for Raiders is number 17 Hohepa Puru

Interchange

Interchange for Sharks is number 14 Jack Williams

Interchange for Raiders is number 8 Emre Guler
Interchange for Sharks is number 15 Royce Hunt

Interchange for Raiders is number 14 Tom Starling
Interchange for Sharks is number 16 Thomas Hazelton

Interchange for Raiders is number 18 Pasami Saulo
Interchange for Sharks is number 20 Oregon Kaufusi

Interchange for Raiders is number 20 Trey Mooney