NRL Fantasy: Lone Scout's Winners and Losers Round 7
A blockbuster Round 7 of the NRL featured last-gasp wins and more upset victories.
As far as NRL Fantasy was concerned we saw not just one but two players break the 100-point milestone with two others falling just short all in the same week.
Well done if you owned them.
Lone Scout's Winners and Losers
Winners
Though in the losing squad Tom Chester (46) still managed a passing mark at the office though including a season high 6 errors. Tom Dearden (50) was the only other notable in a Cowboys side who were well beaten at home.
An important but costly third consecutive win for Manly in the opening game of the round on Thursday. Tolutau Koula (61) made the most of his shift to the back after “Turbo” left the game 12 minutes in. Koula will appear in the top trade in targets this week without any doubt. Taniela Paseka (60) had a huge game including a barnstorming try and Jamal Fogarty (73) dominated in his best outing for the maroon and white.
Koula breaks them early
Dark horse and now Dual position EDG/CTR Simi Sasagi (73) satisfied owners again this week and seemingly can do no wrong. Origin elites Hudson Young (70) and Corey Horsburgh (69) submit their resumes with Origin selections on the horizon. Ethan Strange (68) could also come into NSW coach Laurie Daley’s spotlight especially with the six-man bench. Meanwhile, captain Joseph Tapine (51) shows his significance with Canberra’s handy schedule during the first four bye rounds.
Simi Sasagi Try
Sua Faalogo (55) couldn’t finish out the game due to a HIA and owners will be sweating on his availability in Round 8 after another strong performance. Both Harry Grant (57) and Jahrome Hughes (71) bounced back but it wasn’t enough for Melbourne to stem the losing tide.
Herbie Farnworth Try
Taking the game to Darwin, the golden point nailbiter closed out Friday night football with Panthers stealing the win, however all Fantasy eyes were on Herbie Farnworth (109) as he became the first of two to crack the century in 2026. Hamison Tabuai-Fidow (75) had an up game and is scoring brilliantly for Fantasy but only a consideration in draft formats until Origin is over. Utility Max Plath (62) also took to the humid conditions and one to consider as a HOK back-up especially due to the fact the Dolphins hold the top bye round schedule during the Origin period. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki (66) took advantage of the good match-up and is one of the best EDGs in Fantasy. Isaiya Katoa (59) bounced back to form against his junior club and is a great pick-up for those looking for depth in their halves.
Nabbing the win with his one-pointer, Nathan Cleary (93) was just shy of the triple digits himself, with a handy captaincy score nonetheless. The ever-dependable Isaah Yeo (67) rewarded those who held fast and as advised, Isaiah Papali'i (67) showcased why you always wait a couple of weeks, after recording two below average scores the weeks previous.
Across the Tasman, the Warriors roll forward with another strong victory. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (51) wound back the clock for the second year running and is an interesting value pick since moving to the centres. Erin Clark (70) showed shades of his 2025 form while fellow MID James Fisher-Harris (57) also had a big game. None went larger than Jackson Ford (83) however as the New South Welshman makes a case for Origin. Tanah Boyd (57) submitted another respectable performance for owners as a goalkicker and lead playmaker.
Finally getting the starting role, Cooper Bai (55) showed why all the big wraps leading into season 2026 and a reward for those owners who kept the faith. Sialetili Faeamani (53) also gave a big boost to the coaches who started with him and can now expect some further price rises. Saved by a try, Arama Hau (54) continues to find a way to good scoring and is a hold through the Titans Round 8 bye.
Latrell was in a mood
Latrell Mitchell (104) became the second player of the round and season to make it past the elusive 100 points with four tries. Matt Dufty (60) presents as an interesting trade-in prospect after a big score against his former club. After a few sombre years, Brandon Smith (49) showed impressive signs in his 55 minutes of play and could be great cover for Harry Grant owners. Tallis Duncan (51) was a popular buy after the news David Fifita was hurt and held his own without going berserk.
Dragons skipper Damien Cook (74) made the most of the full 80 minutes on offer after Jacob Liddle injured himself in the warm-up. Enforcer and DPP Toby Couchman (81) lead from the front and got support from fellow young gun Hamish Stewart (63) despite the fact the latter was relegated to the bench prior to kick-off. Luciano Leilua (56) managed yet another solid outing as EDGs thrive throughout the competition and Setu Tu (42) will get another nice price rise, only a disallowed try stopping him from breaking the half-century mark.
The winning moment: Reynolds ices it
In another tight game, 2025 premiers Brisbane held out against the resurgent Wests Tigers with a field goal the ultimate difference. Terrell May (83) was playing with fire and is definitely a trade-in option for those well endowed with trades. Adam Doueihi (57) went back to the organising role with the return of Jerome Luai before moving to the centres late, which helped boost his score. The heavy hitting trio of Samuela Fainu (52), Kai Pearce-Paul (51) and Alex Twal (50) all hit the milestone 50 but none went as large as they have in recent weeks.
A great win for the Broncos with Xavier Willison (83) and Ben Talty (64) stepping up to cover the injured Payne Haas and suspended Pat Carrigan. Veteran half Adam Reynolds (58) was the difference in the end with his experience and organisational skills coming to the forefront, Reynolds is not a pickup consideration however as this game is likely an outlier performance.
All Tries – Roosters v Knights
The Roosters made it three on the trot led by captain James Tedesco (97) who turned out to be a great trade-in this week. Siua Wong (62) again tempts coaches with his dangerous running game while halves Sam Walker (53) and Daly Cherry-Evans (57) both polled well thanks in part to the large scoreline.
Hunting a first half hat-trick
Retainers of Trey Mooney (54) were happy to see his Fantasy score rescued with a try for the second week running. Despite the solid scores, coaches are rightly concerned and Mooney could be a sell as soon as this week. Fletcher Hunt (71) was another who shone on Sunday with a hat-trick as did youngster Francis Manuleleau (46) who started after a late Thomas Cant pull out that cruelled a lot of coaches who traded-in Cant trying to take advantage of the Dylan Lucas injury.
Will Penisini Try
In what became a fairly low Fantasy scoring game, Jack Williams (53) earnt a mention in the positives out of Parramatta’s gutsy performance. As did commander Mitch Moses (68) who lifted his troops in front of their home crowd celebrating their ’86 premiership at CommBank. Value CTR Will Penisini (54) again did well and is a great cheapie option for those who can’t afford both Herbie and Latrell.
In a shock upset following their convincing win against the top of the table Panthers, halfback Lachlan Galvin (57) came through for his owners, especially impressive when scoring his second-half try. Five-eighth Matt Burton (54) gave his all in the loss and added goal kicking duties with Stephen Crichton still out injured. In a further act of revenge Bailey Hayward (54) again saw the full 80 minutes and threw out solid earnings, after most traded him on already.
All Tries of the Week
Losers
Not a good week for the Cowboys losing at home against the high-flying Manly. Scott Drinkwater (37) and Helium Luki (35) underwhelmed but if this is their floor then those scores are still acceptable after setting such a high bar so far in 2026.
Dampening 13.5% of coaches weekends from the very starting match, Tom Trbojevic (6) has again suffered a hamstring injury just 12 minutes in and will make the top 3 trade outs coming into this week. Thursday also saw both Reuben Garrick (29) and Kobe Hetherington (27) failing to back up their top efforts against the Dragons last week in bad news for those who backed them in for a repeat outing.
Tom Trbojevic straight up the tunnel
Dashing NRL Fantasy hopes, Noah Martin (32) was again diverted to the interchange in the final team lists and failed to reach his break even this week and may be time to move on from him.
Though missing out on the chocolates, Melbourne managed to avoid any mentions in the lesser of the listing this week, however Stefano Utoikamanu (43) underwhelmed owners and could be a sell soon if this trend continues next week.
Last week’s high scorer Jamayne Isaako (29) emphasizes the WFB rocks and diamonds potential with a low output after three impressive performances in a row.
Cleary provides Mitch Kenny injury update
Set for a timely return to the field, Mitch Kenny (12) only saw 17 minutes before suffering a broken leg. His replacement Freddy Lussick (38) only scraped by and earnt most of his points when the game was well in hand. Therefore approach Lussick with caution this week as he may not have the appropriate Fantasy profile required.
Taine Tuaupiki was a last-minute removal from the starting side and ended up not getting on the field at all. He is one to now move on from with the potential of only playing a small amount of minutes. The slowly rising stocks in Wayde Egan (28) took a hit as the HOK position continues to trouble coaches this season.
Considered highly unlikely to make this side of the list coming into the game, Jayden Campbell (35) had his lowest score of the season, with an uncharacteristic quiet night for the normally energetic playmaker.
Rabbitohs v Dragons – Round 7, 2026
Though still OK, frontman Keaon Koloamatangi (33) saw himself having to work hard off the bench on Saturday afternoon with one of the many shake-ups to their line up sent down from the legendary coach Wayne Bennett.
Now two weeks into his return to five-eighth, Daniel Atkinson (28) now a “must sell” following his second sub-par result in since the move to #6. Valentine Holmes (15) continues his lowest scoring season to date, while Tyrell Sloan (14) was unable to back up his 51-point effort against Manly and showed us why we don’t rush players known for low floors and high ceilings.
Getting his chance on the favourable left wing, Heamasi Makasini (11) wasn’t able to capitalise on the chance as he was targeted by veteran halfback Adam Reynolds. Makasini is unlikely to remain the top owned Fantasy player coming into the next round. Patrick Herbert (30) didn’t see out the match after cramping which affected his upside, although he still made significant money for those who took a punt on the cheapie.
Top gun Payne Haas (24) was taken after just 33 minutes of play and is now out for a significant period. Replacement fullback Jesse Arthars (14) had some costly errors and then a big tackle saw him hit the showers early.
May v Haas
The home side again shared their fantasy scores around with only Naufahu Whyte (28) missing the mark after a HIA assessment mean he was not returned for his normal second stint at play.
The biggest loser of the round had to go to a player who didn’t end up taking the field in Thomas Cant. The Newcastle back-rower was the handy cash down option for coaches who had him locked into the trade ahead of kick-off. Dane Gagai (24) and Fletcher Sharpe (25) had uncharacteristic low scores, Sharpe again sees his price plummet following his rushed return from injury in Round 4 and is one to watch with a cheapening price tag.
Eels v Bulldogs – Round 7, 2026
In what is becoming an incredibly slow burn Joash Papalii (20) was unable to score significantly even after nabbing a try late in the second. While top-traded in back-rower Charlie Guymer (29) showed not every EDG listed player is worth the inclusion even if they play all 80 minutes of the game.
Heartbroken owners of Jacob Kiraz (26) had their hopes dashed after a knee complaint in the first half turned for the worst and saw curtains for his afternoon not long after half-time. This cements him in the growing must sell lists once lockout hits. Leo Thompson (26) returned for his first run for Canterbury but wasn’t able to put his stamp on the game just yet. Keep an eye on him once he gets a few games under his belt.
James Tedesco Try
Round 7 NRL Fantasy Team of the Week
- James Tedesco (WFB) –97points
- HamisoTabuai-Fidow (WFB) – 75 points
- Herbie Farnworth (CTR) – 109 points
- Latrell Mitchell (CTR/WFB) – 104 points
- Fletcher Hunt (WFB) –71points
- Jamal Fogarty (HLF) – 73 points
- Nathan Cleary (HLF) – 93 points
- Terrell May (MID) – 83 points
- Damien Cook (HOK) – 74 points
- Jackson Ford (MID) – 83 points
- Xavier Willison (MID/EDG) – 83 points
- Simi Sasagi (EDG/CTR) – 73 points
- Toby Couchman (MID/EDG) – 81 points
- Jahrome Hughes (HLF) – 71 points
- Erin Clark (MID) – 70 points
- Hudson Young (EDG) – 70 points
- Corey Horsburgh(MID) – 69 points
Keep those questions coming through to thelonescout@nrl.com.au and I’ll be back to talk through the findings on Team List Tuesday afternoon. Don’t forget to stay locked into NRL.com to get all the latest official NRL Fantasy news, impacts and updates.
