NRL Fantasy’s “Christmas Day” is now upon us, Team List Tuesday Round 1!
Let's dive in to unwrap what the NRL Team Lists left under the tree for our season-opening clashes in Las Vegas for 2026.
Knights v Cowboys, Sunday 1.15pm (AEDT) at Allegiant Stadium
Knights: Justin Holbrook’s first Team List for the Red has NRL Fantasy coaches relieved to see the highly owned Trey Mooney ($450k) still earning the starting prop position contrary to reports, while Jermaine McEwen ($412k) is listed in the No.12 ahead of fellow mid-ranger Thomas Cant ($440k).
Perhaps the biggest shake-up to the expected Round 1 lists, Dylan Brown ($486k) is set to start in the No.7 jersey, partnering explosive Fletcher Sharpe ($717k), while Sandon Smith ($439k) will play utility from the interchange.
Las Vegas tactics: Knights
Cowboys: More good news for our coaches as Tom Chester ($250k) wins the centre role and is plenty of value due to both his price and being a dual position player. Coaches will need to note however that Zac Laybutt ($373k) is able to return from suspension in Round 3 and will battle Chester for the spot.
Fresh in the Cowboys colours, Reed Mahoney ($489k) is already included in 24.4% of teams, who are looking for him to mirror his 2023 Round 1 efforts of 73 fantasy points while value pick Heilum Luki ($300k) is a strong option for coaches who have a few selection headaches at the EDG position predicted next week.
Las Vegas tactics: Bulldogs
Bulldogs v Dragons, Sunday 3.30pm (AEDT) at Allegiant Stadium
Bulldogs: Bailey Hayward ($375k) gets the nod to fill the empty Hooker spot left by Mahoney and NRL Fantasy Coaches will have to weigh up his less-than-ideal score in the Witzer Pre-season Challenge with is obvious upside. Currently found in 17.1% of teams, the dual-positioned Hayward is preferable as a utility option from your Interchange or Emergency position especially as the Bulldogs have a BYE in Round 2.
Jacob Kiraz ($664k) plays his first game of the season on the wing and is already championed by 16.8% of squads. As mentioned earlier, make sure you have Round 2 BYE cover if you choose to select the reliable Kiraz.
Halves Lachlan Galvin ($535K) and Matt Burton ($549K) should be on your watchlist as both are candidates to have above average seasons if one becomes the dominant playmaker at Belmore.
Dragons: High scoring 2025 Fantasy darling Toby Couchman ($691k) returns for 2026 and has managed to retain his dual position this year which makes him an enticing option as a keeper/gun heading into Round 1.
On the other end of the price spectrum, brother Ryan Couchman ($250k) only wins the No.17 bench spot but will still be in consideration for an emergency position with the possibility of looping.
Las Vegas tactics: Dragons
Hamish Stewart ($442k) wins the crucial starting lock role over Hame Sele and considering his outstanding debut season last year where he achieved a 50.2 average when named as a starting middle, Stewart is another handy pick up in the MID position.
Another Dragon, cheapie Setu Tu ($230k) has been selected on the wing and becomes a must own cash cow that is best suited in your emergencies for now.
While there is a lot to excite Fantasy Coaches for the most wonderful time of the NRL Fantasy year, the 29.3% owned fan favourite David Fale ($250k) is the first Fantasy hopeful to miss out so far, after being only listed on the interchange at jumper No.19 for this week and will need replacing in squads unless there is an unforeseen injury to a starter before kick-off.
- Don’t forget that Lone Scout Q&A has returned for 2026 so email your questions to thelonescout@nrl.com.au and keep your eyes peeled each Thursday for the most up to date NRL Fantasy news and advice.
