NRL Fantasy teams analysis: Round 1

Warriors v Sharks, Friday at Go Media Stadium

Warriors: A hamstring injury has sidelined Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, so $388k WFB Taine Tuaupiki gets an early run at fullback. There is plenty of hype surrounding Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who will become a dual position WFB/CTR this week, after he averaged 48 across his two Pre-Season Challenge games. Luke Metcalf has beaten Te Maire Martin in the race to play five-eighth and with the Warriors' attack set to be more balanced this year in terms of right v left side, could have some value at $457k.

Sharks: After battling a quad niggle in recent weeks, Fantasy's top player Nicho Hynes is good to go and will play alongside possible value grab Braydon Trindall (HLF, $458k). Selected in just 16 percent of teams so far, the Cronulla playmaker is shaping to be a far less popular pick than Nathan Cleary (54 percent ownership) this season. The other big news is Cameron McInnes' inclusion in the starting side at lock ahead of Dale Finucane, which makes him a viable Fantasy option, but one that still carries a lot of risk given the competition for middle spots at the club. 

Storm v Panthers, Friday at AAMI Park

Storm: A cash cow emerges almost out of nowhere with EDG Joe Chan earning a starting role in what is a highly competitive back row at Melbourne. At $261k he's a buy, provided you are ready for him to potentially lose that role to someone like Shawn Blore (who is 18th man this week) down the track. Cameron Munster has been named but remains in doubt as he battles a groin injury, so if he's in your team make sure you keep an eye on NRL Late Mail. Trent Loiero at lock is intriguing and he could be set for an even bigger year in Fantasy than his impressive rookie campaign in 2023. 

Panthers: With Mitch Kenny unavailable, Luke Sommerton gets a start at hooker and will be added to Fantasy this week, with Tyrone Peachey set to back him up off the bench. Former heavyweight WFB option Taylan May moves to centre and after scoring 52 there in the World Club Challenge might still be a good buy at $600k. Liam Henry (MID, $320k) joins the bench and could get some love in Fantasy this week. 

Eels v Bulldogs, Saturday at CommBank Stadium

Eels: Joey Lussick starts at hooker and at $459k would shape as a good buy at HOK if not for the presence of Brendan Hands on the interchange. Safest bet is to wait and see how minutes are shared this week and potentially make a move heading into Round 2 if he looks a must grab. Top tier MID/EDG player J'maine Hopgood starts at lock, with Bryce Cartwright retaining his starting role in the back row, albeit with both Ryan Matterson and Kelma Tuilagi on the bench and the chance of losing minutes. 

Bulldogs: New captain Stephen Crichton will play centre, not fullback, which from a Fantasy point of view makes him much less appealing. He was a 43.4 point player at centre for the Panthers last year, but won't get the same level of attacking opportunities at the Bulldogs. Cash cow contender Jaeman Salmon starts at lock and is close to a must have, while Josh Curran might be a stay away after being included on the bench. Poasa Faamausili starts at prop and with a break even of 22 is a tempting buy at $300k, as is Sam Hughes (MID, $250k). CTR Bronson Xerri misses out on a spot in the 17 for now. 

Titans v Dragons, Saturday at Cbus Super Stadium

Titans: Cheapie WFB Keano Kini ($279k) starts at fullback while Jayden Campbell continues to recover from a knee injury, but before you bring him in remember the Gold Coast have a bye in Round 2 and Campbell could be back as early as Round 4, so Kini potentially plays only two games before losing that job. Klese Haas shapes as a serviceable cut-price EDG at $415k after being named to start in the pack, with David Fifita (pec) at least a month away. 

Dragons: A couple of possible money makers included in Shane Flanagan's first team with Connor Muhleisen (HOK, $250k) and Viliami Fifita (MID, $230k) included on the bench. Given the lack of cash cows around to start the year, both are worth taking a look at, with Muhleisen the priority. Tom Eisenhuth starts in the second row but will likely lose that spot once Luciano Leilua is available again. $349k HLF Kyle Flanagan, who is already in 20 percent of all teams, starts at five-eighth. 

Dolphins v Cowboys, Sunday at Suncorp Stadium 

Dolphins: A Fantasy bombshell with Euan Aitken, who shaped as a good CTR candidate, left out of the 17 altogether. $307k WFB Jack Bostock gets a run on the wing and there's value in him if he can add some dynamic stats to his decent base. It looks like Ray Stone (MID, $468k) will be the big beneficiary of Tom Gilbert's season-ending injury after being named to start at lock, Max Plath (HLF, $500k) could see an uptick in minutes as well.

Cowboys: CTR Zac Laybutt looks set to assume a position in the first-choice backline, but at $509k following a good 2023 season he's awkwardly priced. Bad news for cash cow prospect Thomas Mikaele for the time being, with the prop set to miss out after being left in the reserves. At $261k and with a break even of 19 he's still a good buy though for down the track. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki (EDG, $272k) has nabbed a bench spot, but will need decent minutes to reach a break even of 20 this week.