Lone Scout's Fantasy team lists analysis: Round 3

The cheapies keep pushing as their points remain sky high, with only a couple falling off the wagon.

With some high owned players checking into the casualty ward it’s time to settle your 21-man squad as we take a look at the initial team lists coming into Round 3.

A few names are coming back into the fold and the could be the last chance to get the cash cows you missed out on to start the season.

Raiders v Bulldogs, Thursday 8.00pm (AEDT) at GIO Stadium

Raiders: Josh Papalii returns for the Raiders after their big loss to the Warriors last round. Morgan Smithies (31) heads back to the bench in the only change. Ethan Sanders (34) is a potential non-playing reserve for your fantasy team this week after a lower than average score in Auckland plus the fact the Bulldogs are a tough opponent to score fantasy points against.

Bulldogs: Enari Tuala takes the centre position from Bronson Xerri in the Bulldogs only change from their Round 1 victory in Las Vegas. Owners will be happy to see the return of Jacob Kiraz to their starting 17 after the Bulldogs bye last round.

Roosters v Panthers, Friday 6.00pm (AEDT) at Allianz Stadium

Roosters: Reece Robson comes straight into the starting No.9 after recovering from a thumb injury suffered in pre-season. Benaiah Ioelu (21) makes away but does remain in the 19. Still no sign of Billy Smith who suffered a concussion when he came off an e-bike last week.

Panthers: The Panthers welcome back Liam Martin who slots straight into the starting line-up with Luke Garner (47) shifting to the reserves. This is good news for Fantasy coaches who are eyeing off the in-form Isaiah Papali’i (62) who is in the running for the Mitre 10 Mighty Buy this round. Freddy Lussick takes Jack Cogger’s (4) spot on the interchange after Cogger suffered a category 1 HIA last Saturday.

Storm v Broncos, Friday 8.00pm (AEDT) at AAMI Park

Storm: Melbourne’s team sees the return of Trent Loiero and Alec MacDonald from suspension and injury respectively. Both only return from the bench which is great news for fantasy cheapies Ativatu Lisati (67) and Joe Chan (44) who remain in the starting lineup.

Broncos: Broncos coach Michael Maguire has dropped Gehamat Shibasaki (7) to the bench with former Storm winger Grant Anderson gaining his first start of the season and Deine Mariner (22) shifting to centre. Adam Reynolds (65) is cleared to play after a rib injury scare in last week’s loss to Parramatta. Jack Gosiewski (5) is not so lucky, he is out after suffering a category 1 HIA and Xavier Willison (37) takes his place in the back row while Brendan Piakura joins the bench.

Knights v Warriors, Saturday 3.00pm (AEDT) at McDonald Jones Stadium

Knights: Big outs as the cost of Newcastle’s win against Manly has taken its toll with Dylan Brown (44) reported with 4 weeks in the stands. Captain Kalyn Ponga (36) is set to take even longer, possibly up to 6-8 weeks. Relief does come for the red and blue with Fletcher Sharpe back at five-eighth while the dynamic youngster Fletcher Hunt (51) retains his temporary spot at the back and a potential pick if needing a cheap WFB to get you through the next 4 weeks.

Warriors: After the Wahs losing Maroons veteran Kurt Capewell [$442k] minutes before kick-off last week, they step on the plane for their first away game and put forward Leka Halasima (69) into the empty 11 jersey, although Marata Niukore returns from injury via the bench. Both Chanel Harris-Tavita and Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad (32) are out due to concussion protocols so this means Taine Tuaupiki (38) deputises at fullback. Debutant Luke Hanson will get his first crack at the NRL, though both he and Tuaupiki are avoids as they are likely there for only this game.

Sharks v Dolphins, Saturday 5.30pm (AEDT) at Ocean Protect Stadium

Sharks: Cronulla are sticking with the same side that went down to Penrith in Bathurst last weekend. Playing at home expect better performances from the likes of Nicho Hynes (39), Braydon Trindall (26) and Jesse Ramien (35) who were quieter than usual last round.

Dolphins: The Dolphins are 1-19 after their come from behind win against the Titans last round. Max Plath (39) will wear No.9 this week after being a late start at hooker on Sunday. Edge back-rowers Connelly Lemuelu (49) and Kulikefi Finefeuaiki (64) have another week to show their wares with neither Daniel Saifiti, Kurt Donoghoe or Jeremy Marshall-King back from injury as yet.

Rabbitohs v West Tigers, Saturday 7.35pm (AEDT) at Polytec Stadium

Rabbitohs: Riding high after AJ’s record breaking night the Bunnies look to get back to business naming returning half Jamie Humphreys as he has paid his dues from suspension and this moves Jayden Sullivan (24) back to the bench. Sullivan will be joined by Euan Aitken (33) who is a trade-out this week due to this news, he is succeeded by Tallis Duncan (23) who enters our watchlist after winning the starting role this weekend.

Wests Tigers: Centre Taylan May (5) is out, reports noting a five-week absence after his shoulder injury picked up against the Cowboys. Jeral Skelton (59) is named at centre but don’t be surprised if either Sunia Turuva (46) or Patrick Herbert end up playing there and Skelton shifts to the wing or bench. Adam Doueihi (82) looks to continue his golden run of fantasy football scores since moving to halfback late last year.

Eels v Dragons, Sunday 4.05pm (AEDT) at CommBank Stadium

Eels: Fresh off their redemption and big time win against the 2025 premiers, Parramatta lists J'maine Hopgood [$600k] back in to his run on spot at Prop, which results in a minor move to Jack Williams (52) back to the middle lock role and Jack De Belin (25) stepping back to the pine in a surprise move by coach Jason Ryles. Jordan Samrani (17) remains in the centres with Will Penisini not yet back from injury, if you took a chance on Penisini before Round 1, he is now a firm sell.

Dragons: Good news for Fantasy coaches and Dragons fans with Dan Atkinson (44) and his halves partner Kyle Flanagan (26) both named despite having ankle scans through the week. Also returning for Round 3 is utility Jacob Liddle which will likely see a minutes impact to high flying HOK Damien Cook (53). Cook will be a hold at least for this week with a handy low break even. Ryan Couchman (59) remains a buy if you missed him last week despite only being named on the bench – his points per minute are too good to ignore.

Cowboys v Titans, Sunday 6.15pm (AEDT) at Queensland Country Bank Stadium

Cowboys: Another Sunshine State showdown this week and the early list shows goldmine cheapie Tom Chester (67) retaining the starting centre role despite Zac Laybutt returning from suspension. Laybutt was only named on the interchange however coach Todd Payten has already confirmed he is cover for some of North Queensland’s injured stars. Skipper Reuben Cotter returns at lock with Kai O’Donnell (17) shifting to the bench while handy cash cow Heilum Luki (59) remains in at edge forward. Reed Mahoney (36) owners have a nervous wait to Sunday night after Soni Luke (14) pinched some of his minutes last round, if Mahoney only plays 55 minutes again he will be a sell.

Titans: Though being another of the 0-2 sides going into Round 3, the Titans hold firm again with the same 13 who ran out on both of the previous 2 weeks. Keano Kini (52) happily retains his fullback role after his shining light performances so far, however coach Josh Hannay also hints a potential late change after naming Jayden Campbell in the squad. The dynamic playmaker will be one to watch as the team lists update heading into Sunday evening.

 

After a stellar Round 2 where the Lone Scout was ranked 7th, it is never more important to send your questions to thelonescout@nrl.com.au for the Q&A published each and every Thursday right here at NRL.com