NRL 2026, Fantasy, Lone Scout's Q and A, hot topics

Author: Lone Scout NRL Fantasy guru
Timestamp: Thu 19 Mar 2026, 12:25 PM

To assist you with all the NRL Fantasy dilemmas, the NRL Lone Scout is here to help.

Shoot through your questions to thelonescout@nrl.com.au and we’ll include them here in our weekly Q &A.

Additionally check out my tiered trade in, trade out list at the bottom to help those who missed getting a question in for Round 3.

NRL Fantasy Podcast - Episode 4

Q: "Is Euan Aitken more of a sell now compared to Round 1 when it was confirmed he will not get 80 min?" - Antz

A: Short answer is yes, Euan Aitken (33) will now rely on the famous Wayne Bennett rotation that could be 50 minutes one week and 35 minutes the next. Additionally he comes into round with a less than desirable break even of 54 which he is yet to achieve from the bench.

Q: “Do I trade Reed Mahoney for Reece Robson since he is back?" - Lachlan

A: I would say to wait a week on this one, Reed Mahoney (36) still has a low break, has stronger assistance in the middle with Reuben Cotter returning and a more favourable match up at home this week. As for Reece Robson, he is returning from injury, has a tough opponent and the potential to build up his game time week on week with the Roosters naming both Benaiah Ioelu and Connor Watson on their six-man bench. Watch the minutes and rotations this week and revisit for Round 4.

Q: “Is Ativalu Lisati still a target to bring in this week with Shawn Blore’s injury not being that serious?" - Ben

A: Yes, Ativalu Lisati (67) has the base stats and incredibly low break even for Coaches to take the risk he might lose out if Shawn Blore returns quicker than expected. Even if Blore comes back next week there is no guarantee he makes the starting side and there is still the potential Joe Chan (44) is relegated to the interchange. Don’t forget Chan has more utility value as he has played both centre and middle in the past.

Origin Audition: Jacob Kiraz

Q: “With Tino's minutes and PPM (Points per minute), should I trade him for Ryan Couchman before the ship sails, or lock down Kiraz to cement a five-man gun backline?" - Emmet

A: Traditionally Round 3 is the last week to bring in these high-flying cheapies. Provided you have the MID coverage I would move him on to Ryan Couchman (59) which will save you funds for an easier trade next week for someone like Jacob Kiraz.

Heamasi Makasini Try

Q: “Would you play Heamasi Makasini or Moses Leo this week? And do you see a path back to consistent 50+ with David Fifita?" - Adrian

A: Tough as both will line up against very strong running centres. I would have to say Heamasi Makasini (35) is the better player and will likely score more points, but will be sitting across from Jack Wighton this week who is a traditionally strong defender. David Fifita (43) has traditionally only needed 1-2 big moments to go from 40s to 60+, while he is yet to do this in 2026, it is only a matter of time before he finds his way to a monster score.

Noah outstanding in the wet

Q: “Benaiah Ioelu out, do you have 490k any cheapie recommendations? Thinking Fletcher Hunt, Noah Martin or Sialetili Faeamani?" - Steven

A: Noah Martin (60) is the pick of this bunch if you are still missing him this week, he is a must buy this round. Fletcher Hunt (51) could likely only see four weeks of play and Sialetili Faeamani (33), like the Titans in general, is still a work in progress.

Q: “Jahream Bula and Reed Mahoney are scoring low, who could I swap for each respective position or still early days?" - Mark

A: I’d say give it one more watch and see this week with both only scoring one low score so far and both holding a more than achievable break even this week.

The Hammer's match-winning plays

Q: "With Ponga injured do I bring in Isaiah Iongi or proven gun Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow?" – Thomas

A: At this stage of the season I would focus on cash gains and cheapies rather than emptying the bank to get guns in early. If I had to choose one, I’d say Isaiah Iongi (67) has a little more upside and this week has a very favourable matchup. You can always look at “the Hammer” a little later on but beware, he will likely be missing over the Origin period.

Lone Scout’s Trade In, Trade Out Tier List – Round 3

Not sure you to prioritise? Have a look into my tier list for this week for the Buys and Sells to assist for those trade conundrums. Always make sure to carry cover for your positions where possible when you look make your moves in Round 3.