NRL Fantasy: Lone Scout's Winners and Losers Round 4

The round of chaos is now in the rear view mirror, as expected some lower than usual scores but there were some bright spots as well.

Now it's time to hit the highlights and low lights, identifying what went right, what went wrong and what was downright disastrous.

Lone Scout’s Winners and Losers

Winners

A rough day at the shop for the still winless Sea Eagles, however Fantasy still shone upon a few including Tolutau Koula (60) and Tom Trbojevic (55). Both scored tries to help their day with Turbo managing a second after his spectacular opening minute try. Haumole Olakau'atu (54) didn’t have many attacking stats but did manage a return to form despite the undesirable weather. Another notable was Kobe Hetherington (63) getting a solid 73 minutes of opportunity and depending on the rotation interim coach Kieran Foran has, he may be one to keep an eye on over the next couple of weeks.

Former Manly skipper Daly Cherry-Evans (64) got the last laugh on Thursday as he matures into his new role at the Roosters. Three of 2025's Fantasy fan favourites reminded us why we picked them up early in Naufahu Whyte (61), Robert Toia (57) and Mark Nawaqanitawase (68). With the early injury to Egan Butcher, Connor Watson (69) came on early and blitzed through the points.

The Warriors had their first loss of the season, but interestingly enough Tanah Boyd (58) owners still left happy as he kept the combo of main half playmaker and kicking roles even with the return of Luke Metcalf.

Jackson Ford (50) kept his hot form going and Jacob Laban (50) showed why he was a pre-season favourite although most owners have long since moved on after his low round 1 game.

Adam Doueihi (75) pushed through the injury cloud on a tricky week and rewarded holders with another stellar performance. Still maintaining high minutes and high output the much-maligned Alex Twal (78) looms as a near must have next week as his price rises are quickly getting out of hand. Kai Pearce-Paul (69) continues to go from strength to strength with his new club and if it wasn’t for the bevy of cheaper edges he would be a recommended pick-up. With another 30+ scoreline, this week it was Jahream Bula (52) and Jock Madden (56) to hit the highlights with plus 50 scores.

The reigning premiers pulled out the win in the local derby with Reece Walsh (82) producing one of his diamond performances. Middle forwards Xavier Willison (50), Corey Jensen (54) and Patrick Carrigan (64) all did their part in covering the missing stud Payne Haas while Jordan Riki banks his second good score of the year in back-to-back games. Kotoni Staggs (65) once again put the Dolphins to the sword with two tries to close out the win.

The big pairing battle continues with centres Jake Averillo (66) and Herbie Farnworth (67) managing epic scores for owners. Herbie is close to must own but Averillo is riskier. Edge Forwards Kulikefu Finefeuiaki (76) and Connelly Lemuelu (58) are still scoring strong despite being on the losing side, either could be worthy pick-ups after the Phins bye in Round 6. As he can do occasionally every year, Jamayne Isaako (73) surged in this Queensland derby clash even with the competition newcomers falling short on Friday night.

The Bulldogs had an afternoon to forget after an upset loss at home against last year’s wooden spooners. Lachlan Galvin (54) and Matt Burton (66) are both in the winners section in a positive sign for those trying to find a point of difference. Viliame Kikau (56) and Enari Tuala (52) also deserve a mention but neither are trade-in targets.

Big Fantasy scores came out from Newcastle this week with 8x 50+ scores recorded. Dylan Lucas (62) blitzed through his work considering his day included 10 minutes in the sin bin. Captain Jacob Saifiti (67) put a huge 1.28 point per minute performance in, as did Tyson Frizell (54) at 1.35 PPM. Young hooker Harrison Graham (42) was dynamic with his limited time on the park, he would be a great value buy if Phoenix Crossland was ever to miss significant time. Dane Gagai (51) and Sandon Smith (50) scored well in the backs but both were beaten out by Dominic Young (75) who put the game away after a hattrick of long range tries.

In the battle of the west, Thomas Jenkins (75) again added to his highlight reels as he matched the most tries ever scored in the first four rounds of the season. Casey McLean (71) rewarded selectors who kept the faith after some lower than expected outputs earlier this season. Captaincy favourite  Nathan Cleary (75) didn’t let anyone down and forwards Isaiah Papali’i (59) and Isaah Yeo (53) also held their own though Yeo’s afternoon included a rare early shower likely because the game was already well in hand. 

As Parramatta struggled to string their game plans together, it was highly reflected in the teams Fantasy results. Only Kitione Kautoga (60) and Brian Kelly (60) make the winners column and this was based on mainly base efforts, focused by which side Penrith targeted in their big win.

Another headline upset for the round with the Cowboys taking a big scalp in the Melbourne Storm. Heilum Luki (56) continues his price surges forward with another solid outing. Braidon Burns (68) benefited from his two tries and impressive eight tackle breaks, and is the most underrated fantasy performer. Scott Drinkwater (56) continues his return to form after his initial two injury impacted games saw some coaches moving on what has become a mistake trade-out.

Four-try man Will Warbrick (76) did his best to try and get the win up north. Jahrome Hughes (66) also contributed with his 3 try assists and 2 line breaks for back to back strong games. The highly owned Sualauvi Faalogo (54) managed to keep his 50+ streak continuing despite the Storm’s loss which shows his floor isn’t as low as many feared going into the 2026 season.

Another loss for the Raiders this week as they saw the match get away from them in warm conditions. Cash cow Noah Martin (53) maintained his price rises nicely enough as did half Ethan Sanders (43). Skipper Joseph Tapine (57) also impressed after Corey Horsburgh was sin-binned early. Simi Sasagi (58) again put together a very strong game, as did last years fantasy favourite, Savelio Tamale (50).

In what is fast becoming an up and down year for Sharks fans, Cronulla get a win on the road in Canberra though Fantasy wise this didn’t convert strongly for the winning side. Blayke Brailey (51) got through yet another 80 minutes and firms as the HOK to own. Halves pairing Nicholas Hynes (69) and Braydon Trindall (53) again fired and both are clever POD options for owners willing to take a chance.

Cash cow Arama Hau (87) came out swinging as the Titans scored their first win of the season in a performance that made or broke many Fantasy match-ups. Hau will see the lowest break even coming into Round 5 but is not necessarily an automatic trade-in considering the match-up was very favourable. Playmaker Jayden Campbell (71) matches Tanah Boyd for equal best average out of halves so far and was instrumental in the Gold Coast’s first 2 competition points of the season.

A tough day away from home for the Red V, though a few highlights shone through in Damien Cook (60), who still managed 70 minutes on the field playing a lot of them at lock. Despite being benched yet again, dynamo Hamish Stewart (71) put in a huge 1.22 points per minute performance covering the Couchman brothers who were both missing from the roster this week.

 

Losers

The Roosters won but injury-prone Billy Smith (14) only managed 41 minutes of play and is set for knee scans this week. Also injured early on was Egan Butcher (2) who was ruled out with HIA only three into the match. Captain James Tedesco (26) struggled to get going though in the poor conditions at 4 Pines Park, he should go on coaches watchlist as a potential pick-up when his price bottoms out in a few weeks.

Luke Metcalf (20) saw a huge dip in Fantasy output in his return game as the second fiddle to Tanah Boyd. Owners chasing big past scores will be furious with Leka Halasima (16) who went off with a HIA and came back in the centres which marred his output. Pre-Season Challenge star Heamasi Makasini (29) is causing some concern but is still a hold for the moment.

 

Brendan Piakura (23) again showed why he isn’t a strong Fantasy option despite playing 80 minutes. Tom Gilbert (33) is also a trap as his playing style doesn’t seem to convert to a high output.

 

Bailey Hayward (23) again failed to replicate his Round 1 game despite having 71 minutes of opportunity and will be one to move on from before next round. Greg Marzhew (27) was the lone notable for the Knights as Newcastle favoured the other side of the pitch in the big upset win.

In an interesting turn of events, Dylan Edwards (22) had a surprisingly off week as he continues an odd pattern this season of one good game followed by one quiet. Owners of Mitchell Moses (27) and Jonah Pezet (27) were left reeling after a very low score combo for the spine members. Worse news still for Isaiah Iongi (21) and his owners closed his night early after suffering a hip-drop and now a must sell as he is reportedly out for eight weeks.

Moans and groans were heard all throughout the NRL Fantasy community as highly owned Reed Mahoney (10) and Moses Leo (11) somehow barely managed to crack the double digits in the Cowboys Storm clash on Saturday night. The timing couldn’t have been worse for coaches in a week where too many were already missing in action.

KL Iro (28) started the game strongly in Canberra with a try but then went strangely quiet. Considering his strong 2025 form, his price continues to plummet in the calculations and may be a cut-price keeper target down the track.

Despite the Titans win Sialetili Faeamani (18) only just got ahead of his break even as he is the slowest of slow burns for owners. AJ Brimson (29) was switched to centre and his Fantasy results were clearly impacted as a result. It was a rough game to watch for Dragons supporters but also for a few owners for Daniel Atkinson (25) who had 16 demerit points and failed to take the line on in the close loss. Owners counting on every green dot available were also unhappy to see the late change of Setu Tu for Tyrell Sloan. Perhaps the Dragons loss will give Tu a reprieve for Round 5, if not he will be a clear sell.

 

Round 4 NRL Fantasy Team of the Week

1. Reece Walsh (WFB) – 82 points
2. Will Warbrick (WFB) – 76 points
3. Herbie Farnworth (CTR) – 67 points
4. Casey McLean (CTR) – 71 points
5. Thomas Jenkins (WFB) – 75 points
6. Adam Doueihi (HLF) – 75 points
7. Nathan Cleary (HLF) – 75 points
8. Jacob Saifiti (MID) – 67 points
9. Connor Watson (HOK) – 69 points
10. Hamish Stewart (MID) – 71 points
11. Arama Hau (EDG) – 87 points
12. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki (EDG) – 76 points
13. Alex Twal (MID) – 78 points
14. Dominic Young (WFB) – 75 points
15. Jamayne Isaako (WFB) – 73 points
16. Jayden Campbell (HLF) – 71 points
17. Jake Clifford (HLF) – 70 points

 

The Lone Scout team continues to flourish, now inside the top 800 overall. So get your Fantasy queries in by emailing thelonescout@nrl.com.au and check in Thursdays on my Q&A column.

And, as always, keep NRL.com tabbed and ready at hand for the most up to date NRL Fantasy news, team list changes and advice for your squads.