Get excited for another cracking round as we prepare for some blockbuster Easter long weekend footy.
Plenty more questions coming through, and a few I’ve grouped together to assist as many of you as possible.
Remember, if you need some thoughts or advice look no further than thelonescout@nrl.com.au for this weekly Q &A breaking every Thursday.
First Take: Dolphins v Sea Eagles
Q: Who to trade/upgrade Reed Mahoney or Bailey Hayward for? – Heather, Harry, Ayden and Gus Anderson
A: Hooker has turned into the toughest position to fill with the new rules in 2026. There is only the top tier Blayke Brailey and Harry Grant worth your time for a starting spot along with Damien Cook. However with Jacob Liddle back to take away his minutes, Cook is unlikely to hold his currently high average. A few to consider short term who can turn into your back-up include Phoenix Crossland, Reece Robson and Api Koroisau. With Robson on bye either go Crossland or Koroisau if you can’t afford the top two, or simply hope Reed turns it around with an easier matchup this week.
First Take: Dragons v Cowboys
Q: With Toby Couchman back is it still okay to get Hamish Stewart in? This will allow me to also upgrade Mahoney to Grant. – David
A: Hamish Stewart is the best exception in a long while to the rule never bring in bench players, he is still more than capable scoring 50+ off the bench. We saw Toby’s brother Ryan perform this 60-minute role in the opening weeks of the season with both Stewart and Toby in the side, so I’m not worried about Toby Couchman being back. Given the Mahoney to Grant trade I would definitely go ahead with your trade plans.
Easter Game Plan: Souths v Bulldogs
Q: Do I get rid of Jacob Preston, Moses Leo or Keano Kini? – Henry
A: Moses Leo had some delayed concussion symptoms so he wasn’t dropped but instead is in the HIA protocol. However even if Leo can return next round, he hasn’t lived up to his opening score and can easily be moved on from. Jacob Preston is a potential season long keeper while Keano Kini has shown flashes this year and as the Titans improve their combinations under new coach Josh Hannay expect more good scores than bad from the young Kiwi fullback.
Easter Game Plan: Eels v Wests Tigers
Q: Is Makasini worth keeping? Kiraz had a decent game on the weekend but still went down in cash a fair bit. Should I sell him? What do you think of Tedesco? – Gus
A: Quick fire for your multiple questions here Gus - Makasini is worth keeping but try to loop or move to EMG while he grows into the role. Jacob Kiraz is seemingly impacted by the move to the left side and a nagging shoulder worry. Will we see a re-arrangement in the Bulldogs line-up? It's worth holding just in case. James Tedesco was always going to be a trade target around the Origin period but now his price is likely to drop significantly he will be a pick-up for me and many like-minded coaches in 2-3 weeks time.
Mighty Buy Round 5: Alex Twal
Q: Is Terrell May a keep or trade? I’ve been waiting for his minutes to increase but seems Twal is playing longer and out pointing him. Will he get back to 80 mins again? – Kane
A: It is likely Terrell May’s minutes won’t change much at the moment without injury or suspension forcing change. His breakeven is still 20 points above is highest score yet this season so he will likely lose more funds. The issue is keepers aren’t easy to come by, especially in the MID position, so trading May is a luxury trade that might not be worth it so early in the season.
All the angles: THAT To'o try
Q: Is it worth keeping Brian To’o after a slow start to the season and up against the Storm this week or do I make the trade for more reliable winger? – Linkin
A: Penrith’s attack has been focused on the left so far in 2026 and this has brought To’o Fantasy scores to the lowest we have seen in many a year. However this can quickly change, the Panthers have a high-octane offence and To’o has an achievable breakeven this week. I would say give him one more week, unless he is the only one who helps you make a strong dual trade.
Q: I am stuck on Luke Sommerton as my only hooker with 78k to spare. do you have any suggestions on how to get a starting hooker? – Christian
A: Similar to above, Christian, hooker is a tricky spot this year however your specific situation doesn’t give you any options worthwhile. I would look to your other trade to open up further funds as your only hooker isn’t playing and is the highest priority for you this week. Even if you have to leave red dots in your emergencies, don’t forget they won’t lose any more money as they aren’t playing.
NRL Fantasy Podcast - Episode 6
Tier 1 – Trades of the Round
Buys
Alex Twal
Hamish Stewart
Arama Hau
Sells
Isaiah Iongi
Reed Mahoney
Bailey Hayward
Tier 2 – Recommendations
Buys
Blayke Brailey
Harry Grant
Phoenix Crossland
Sells
Moses Leo
Setu Tu
Tier 3 – Can wait a week
Buys
Joash Papalii
David Fale
Sells
Sam Walker
Dan Atkinson
Brian To’o
Thank you as always for your queries, keep them coming through before Wednesdays cut off to thelonescout@nrl.com.au and we’ll include them here in our weekly Q&A.
