Lone Scout's NRL Fantasy Q & A: Round 2

The first round of NRL action is now complete and with a full game card this week we also have a bunch more questions to answer.

The NRL Lone Scout is here for the assist, so shoot through your questions to theloanscout@nrl.com.au and we’ll include them here in our weekly Q & A.

Q: “Who's a better investment for the CTR position; Tolutau Koula or Taylan May?”  
A: Taylan May does carries the higher average in the position as well as lower errors and missed tackles, so if you have to be picking one of these two, May is my pick. However there are much cheaper players available with more value to consider also in Sean Russell, Billy Smith or one of Tom Chester or Moses Leo. This will allow you to bank funds for later trades. 

Q: “Laban out this week, which cash cow would you trade in (noting that I’ve got 3 Dragons already, Noah Martin, and only 1 WFB/CTR in my reserves)?” 

A: Trading out Jacob Laban is a smart choice after his small score in Round 1. I’ve got Noah Martin, Heilum Luki, Ativatu Lisati and Ryan Couchman. If you already own them but missed on one of Ethan Sanders or Daniel Atkinson – that would be my next choice depending on your salary cap. If you are desperate for WFB/CTR depth then Moses Leo or Tom Chester are the best picks. Both are dual position and have extremely low break evens. 

Q: “Should I go another week with Drinkwater or is the dip of cash too deep if he doesn't perform?”  

A: Most seasons I encourage to hold on to your Round 1 picks, however this year there are a couple of issues that makes Scott Drinkwater a pressing sell. Firstly, there are a number of low breakeven options available including potential keepers in Kalyn Ponga and Tom Trbojevic. Secondly the fact Drinkwater is nursing a rib injury that will likely limit his ability to play at his usual high tempo, and considering his high break even, this justifies using a trade on him this week. 

Q: Who is a better buy: Noah Martin or Ryan Couchman?” 

A: Noah Martin is the pick for me due to the further injury suffered by Matty Nicholson who played edge last year. Ryan Couchman also has the tougher match up against the storm and is still listed on the bench, while Martin is named to start and is up against a more favourable match up against the Warriors. Additionally as Martin also has the lowest break even going into this week he is my number one bring in for non-owners this week. 

Q: “Is Casey Mclean, a good trade option, and if so who for?” 

A: Casey McLean is in my top 3 trade out options this week after Jacob Laban and Jonah Pezet. Unfortunately McLean’s path to success in Fantasy relies on too many variables as he doesn’t have strong base stats week on week (tackles made, run metres, tackle breaks, low demerits). Players two did well last week at a similar price point or lower include Moses Leo, Jesse Ramien, Tom Chester, Sean Russell or Billy Smith. Unfortunately any CTR not named Herbie Farnworth carries week to week risk and you may be best placed to pick the player you think has the best match-up. 

Q: “Should I trade Scott Drinkwater for Turbo or Dylan Edwards?”  

A: My take on this would be to go for Dylan Edwards, purely as he has shown to have a more stable Fantasy game has averaged slightly higher over the last few seasons and less time off for injury. Tom Trbojevic does have a higher ceiling overall, even scoring the NRL Fantasy point record (150) in 2021, but with Manly also having the bye next week, Edwards is your man. 

Q: “Is it worth captaining Herbie Farnworth this week against the Titans?”  

A: The Point of Difference Captaincy has never been one I encourage as it can set you behind the pack when it goes wrong. I must admit though the matchup for Herbie Farnworth is incredibly tempting. Still I’d look more towards the 2 regular juggernauts who arguably have just as favourable match ups/ Payne Haas and the Broncos will be looking for a bounce back against the Eels who are short one of their strongest defenders while Nathan Cleary has a 78.5 point average when up against the Sharks and is always a strong skipper option.