With NRL Fantasy’s most important day, Team List Tuesday for Round 1 less than a week away, NRL’s Lone Scout has been delving into the draw for 2026 to share some tips on how to best pick players aligned with their team’s bye schedules this season.
Since the Dolphins joined the NRL Telstra Premiership in 2023 to give us a 17-team competition, at least one team every round gets a rest for the week.
This means if you have selected too many players on your squad from that club, you may not be able to field a full 17 scorers that round.
Even if you can make up the numbers you may have injuries and suspensions to deal with or you may be forced to use cheapies in scoring positions which is hardly ideal.
While you can access new players each week via the trade function, these are precious, and in the opening rounds, limited to two per week.
When looking across the 2026 schedule, there are certain teams where you can select players with confidence.
First Take: Storm v Titans
Neither the Cowboys or Storm have a bye until Round 15 while the Broncos, Eels, Knights and Panthers all receive their first rest in Round 12.
This means NRL Fantasy coaches can afford to ‘load up’ on players in these clubs without the worry of having to play short any time soon.
On the other side of the coin, we have the Roosters, Sharks and Wests Tigers all scheduled to have two byes by the end of Round 12.
The Dolphins, Rabbitohs and Titans aren't far behind, all receiving their second bye in Round 13.
NRL Fantasy coaches should show caution to not ‘load up’ on players from these teams.
With only two trades allowed up to Round 6, you will want to avoid more than two players from the Bulldogs, Sea Eagles, Rabbitohs, Dolphins and Roosters at least for your initial Fantasy line-up selection.
