With the Witzer Pre-Season Challenge wrapping up this weekend, most of the remaining 12 NRL clubs still competing have bolstered their team lists this week.
NRL Fantasy coaches will want to pay attention as we will get a closer look at how teams are running out in Round one.
Our resident guru Lone Scout has you covered for a few more players to keep an eye on this weekend.
Star watch
Trai Fuller (Dolphins WFB, $550,000)
After a dominant first outing for 2026 during the All Stars clash, Trai Fuller’s efforts has experts calling for his name to be read out at fullback come Round 1. With a compelling 55 point average in his four games played last season it's easy to see why. The only question remaining - has he done enough to relegate fan favourite and Australian rep Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow to another position on the field? We will all be watching this Friday night to see what Fuller delivers and again on Team List Tuesday next week as Fuller is great value in the difficult to fill WFB position.
Fuller is outrageous!
Isaiah Papali'I (Panthers MID/EDG, $607,000)
Since earning a starting Edge spot for the Eels in 2021 we have seen already what Isaiah Papali'i can accomplish for our Fantasy squads. Whilst having a quieter start last season we saw some impressive numbers come through during the last part of the season with a 55 point average after earning more minutes on the field. The handy dual position players is named to start again this week to remind us why he needs to be in the conversation for our teams again in 2026.
First Look: Wests Tigers v Panthers
Jesse Colquhoun (Sharks MID, $347,000)
With captain Cameron McInnes set for a stint on the sidelines recovering from an ACL injury, Jesse Colquhoun gets the opportunity after being named at No.13 this week. Colquhoun has impressed in limited game time from the interchange and NRL Fantasy coaches have only a $347,000 price tag for a starting player in the middle of the field. Colquhoun is one to keep an eye on this Saturday and could be great value as a back-up MID.
Mitch Moses (Eels MID, $589,000)
Every year Mitch Moses tantalises NRL Fantasy coaches with his affordable price tag and prospects of being a dominant halfback. This year Moses gets the goalkicking duties back and dips under $600,000 which could be the reason to start him in your halves this year. The only question mark remaining is how the playmaking duties is divided between him and new signing Jonah Pezet. Luckily coaches get a look at how the two will play this Saturday as coach Jason Ryles has named them at 6 and 7.
Moses in control
Cooper Bai (Titans MID, $250,000)
Recently upgraded to the Top 30 and as a result added into NRL Fantasy this explosive middle forward has already been picked up by 14% of Fantasy coaches and it’s not hard to see why. Cooper Bai started at lock last week and is a bargain basement price of $250,000. With the injury to Jaimin Jolliffe, Bai is in line for the starting spot come Round 1 depending on where new coach Josh Hannay chooses to play captain Tino Fa’asuamaleaui. Bai shone in his debut for the Titans in Round 27 last year and again for Papua New Guinea during the Pacific Championships and looks ready to take the next step in his career.
First Look: Storm v Titans
Brandon Smith (Rabbitohs HOK/MID, $300,000)
Brandon Smith (aka The Cheese) has been an inclusion in most coaches teams over the last few years often with great chagrin afterwards due to some underwhelming performances. However, with a fit and healthy pre-season under his belt many believe Smith has finally turned the corner and will be worth a spot in their team again. Smith is one of the most popular players this year with 42.1% ownership already, NRL Fantasy coaches will be watching keenly this week as he will start up alongside returning captain Cameron Murray, Kangaroos forward Keaon Koloamatangi and new signing David Fifita, another player NRL Fantasy coaches should be keeping a close eye on.
- If you want to fire a question at Lone Scout here's your chance.
Email your questions to thelonescout@nrl.com.au and read each week for the most up to date NRL Fantasy advice to your team.
