Lone Scout's Fantasy team list analysis: Round 7

More injuries and suspensions sees a shuffle-up to team lists this week.

A couple of out-of-favour players have made way for returning old hands and there's some vital returns to help teams and Fantasy coaches alike. 

Let's take a look at the team lists for Round 7 of the NRL season.

 

Cowboys v Sea Eagles, Thursday 7.50pm (AEST) at Queensland Country Bank Stadium

Cowboys: For high-flying North Queensland, Reed Mahoney is out after suffering a head knock last round. Soni Luke holds the temporary spot but not one to consider for squads as will no doubt make way next week. Also in a temporary role is Zac Laybutt named again on the wing after starting there due to a late shuffle last week, this time partnered by Braidon Burns who returns from injury to cover Murray Taulagi (concussion).

Sea Eagles: Renewed Manly stick solid with the same 13 as they look for their own third successive win, which includes Jake Trbojevic after suffering a nasty eye socket injury against the Dragons. Siosiua Taukeiaho returns to the team listings via the bench after missing five games alongside enforcer Nathan Brown which bolsters the six-man Interchange.

Raiders v Storm, Friday 6.00pm (AEST) at GIO Stadium

Raiders: Following their first win since Round 1, Matt Timoko gets a shot at centre for 2026 with Savelio Tamale falling to the extended reserves. The change-up moves Seb Kris to the wing to partner Jed Stuart who is named on the opposite side. Corey Horsburgh, Noah Martin and Josh Papali’i have been named to start but all three could end up on the interchange like they did last week when the final team lists were announced 90 minutes before kick-off. 

Storm: After four losses on the bounce the Storm shuffle out Moses Leo to the reserves, highlighting the early season fan favourite as a must trade out if still owned. Manaia Waitere steps in to fill Leo’s place on the wing. With Joe Chan’s low score and seemingly out of favour after taken off early last round, he is a must sell regardless of whether keeps his starting spot ahead of Shawn Blore who has been included on the interchange.  

Dolphins v Panthers, Friday 8.00pm (AEST) at TIO Stadium, Darwin 

Dolphins: Wanting to bounce back after conceding 52 points before their bye, the Dolphins have a hard task ahead of them facing up against a Panthers side smarting after their first loss of the season. Brad Schneider will face his old club mates backing up Max Plath at hooker as Kurt Donoghoe was ruled out only weeks after returning from a hamstring injury. 

Panthers: Luke Garner comes into the back row to cover for the injured Liam Martin with popular DPP Isaiah Papali’i likely to see an uptick in minutes as a result. Named at centre, Izack Tago looks to get his first run for the season with Casey McLean missing a week due to suspension.

Warriors v Titans, Saturday 3.00pm (AEST) at Go Media Stadium

Warriors: With some familiar faces rejoining the ranks, Kurt Capewell returns straight into the back row alongside Leka Halasima. Jacob Laban remains on the bench and now joined by Marata Niukore who switched with Laban last week. Mitch Barnett and Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad are both named in the extended squad and could be late call-ups if they pass fitness tests. 

Titans: Titans front up unchanged following a big win over the Eels last week. Explosive playmaker Jayden Campbell now takes the lead in the overall NRL Fantasy highest average, with 72.8 points per game this season to date. Klese Haas and Josh Patston are added to the 22-man side. 

Rabbitohs v Dragons, Saturday 5.30pm (AEST) at Accor Stadium

Rabbitohs: With Jye Gray injured, Souths have named Matt Dufty at fullback in his return to the NRL against his old club the Dragons. David Fifita is also out with a hamstring strain and is a must sell with a six-week timeline to recovery expected. Lachlan Hubner replaces him in the back row while Tom Fletcher joins the 19. 

Dragons: Moses Suli has a fractured eye socket so Mat Feagai replaces him at centre with popular cheapie David Fale, who paid his suspension dues last week, resigned to a reserves spot. Another popular cheapie Setu Tu retains his spot in the starting side as does under fire halves Kyle Flanagan and Daniel Atkinson with rookie Kade Reed lurking in the 19. 

Wests Tigers v Broncos, Saturday 7.35pm (AEST) at Campbelltown Sports Stadium

Wests Tigers: Jarome Luai and Taylan May are big ins for the winning Wests Tigers. Jock Madden shifts to the bench but Patrick Herbert keeps his spot in the starting side after a strong game last week. Heamasi Makasini slides over to the wing which could see an uptick in Fantasy output while Luke Laulilii returns from suspension via the interchange. 

Broncos: Adam Reynolds returns at halfback with the impressive Thomas Duffy named at No.14 and likely to spell fellow young half Josh Rogers in the hooking role with both Cory Paix and Blake Mozer joining Ben Hunt and Billy Walters on the sideline, although Paix has been named in the reserves. Patrick Carrigan is also out suspended so Xavier Willison gets a shot at lock, he should poll well but Payne Haas will likely go even better and is even a POD captaincy play. 

Roosters v Knights, Sunday 2.00pm (AEST) at Allianz Stadium

Roosters: No changes for the Roosters after their comeback victory against the Sharks last week. Reece Robson is still a close watch as a potential HOK option in a position of dire need in 2026. 

Knights: More injuries for the Knights with Dylan Lucas and Tyson Frizell both out following Newcastle’s loss to Wests Tigers last Sunday. Dylan Brown does return in better news for the visitors allowing Fletcher Sharpe to move back to fullback and Fletcher Hunt cover the left centre position. Thomas Cant is the new edge forward and both he and Jermaine McEwen are worth a look as players with upside. 

Eels v Bulldogs, Sunday 4.05pm (AEST) at CommBank Stadium

Eels: The increasing injury toll causes some mass changes in the team list department. Charlie Guymer and Jack Williams partner up at second row in the empty gaps left by Kelma Tuilagi and Kitione Kautoga who are both injured. Sam Tuivati is also out with concussion so rookie prop Saxon Pryke will get a shot coming off the bench. Sean Russell is back at centre with Brian Kelly remaining on the wing, although the two could swap come game day. 

Bulldogs: Riding high after toppling the previously unbeaten Panthers, Cameron Ciraldo is finally able to name his key 2026 signing in Leo Thompson after an off-season training incident saw him miss the start of the season. Thompson’s timely return allows the cover of Max King, who suffered a broken jaw against Penrith. Stephen Crichton (shoulder) and Josh Curran (ribs) are in the extended squad and could come in if they are able to overcome their injuries.

Make sure to get those questions in to thelonescout@nrl.com.au as I get stuck in for my Q and A column dropping on Thursday and with some interesting buys, holds and sells for Round 7. Also make sure to check those team list updates and all the latest news at NRL.com.