NRL Fantasy: Lone Scout's Winners and Losers Round 10

A full table spread of dynamite footy on Mothers’ Day weekend featured high scoring clashes galore.

It's time to break down the Fantasy focal points that encompassed our round of highlights and lowlights that was Round 10.  

Lone Scout's Winners and Losers

Winners 

The round opener at Suncorp featured the Dolphins and Bulldogs as the home side took home the bacon. Headliner of the game, and indeed the round, was Jamayne Isaako (104) claiming a century after clinching a hat-trick and six goals to his name. Kodi Nikorima (58) and Selwyn Cobbo (54) were the other recipients of the high Dolphins score while the regular workhorses were required to do a little less than normal. 

In a similar fashion with the time spent waiting behind the posts, Bulldogs Fantasy elites were offered little opportunity for ball in hand play dashing hopes of Fantasy coaches. Top off-season signing Leo Thompson (55) was the one notable earning his keep and topping the charts for the Blue and White. 

In Gosford, Roosters rake Reece Robson (66) showcased a full 80 minutes as he thrust his name well into Blues contention. Siua Wong (76) continues his most dominant season yet but was beaten out by the skipper James Tedesco (80) hunting each play to offer a second phase option throughout. Like Robson and Tedesco, Robert Toia (59) and Angus Crichton (57) improved their Origin chances with strong games. 

Though having to travel home without the competition points, the first-time starter and cheapie Oliver Pascoe (77) stole the show and is the likely candidate for both a trade-in this week and to solve coaches' Round 12 hooker concerns. Keano Kini (65) and Chris Randall (57) crossed for a try apiece, scoring well as a result. Meanwhile Tino Fa’asuamaleaui (57) and Beau Fermor (69) both drew on their past Fantasy heights and impressed on pure base efforts. Zane Harrison (45) made the most of his debut in the No.7 and like Pascoe will be a cheapie that could make some cash.  

The Cowboys hosted Parramatta, who pulled ahead in overtime in a back-and-forth struggle. Reed Mahoney (59) forced into big minutes with an early injury to Soni Luke. Favourite son Jason Taumalolo (50) stepped up on his record breaking night as he became the most capped Cowboy player with 295 matches to his name. Cash cows turned keepers, Tom Chester (57) and Heilum Luki (61) both recorded a try each with the later redeeming himself after a quiet game last week. Both halves Jake Clifford (64) and Tom Dearden (70) outscored the lot however Dearden is now out of Origin and the Cowboys team due to a broken leg, meaning Clifford could become an interesting POD play. 

Previous slow burn now red-hot cash earner Joash Papalii (57) polished his night with his best Fantasy outing yet. Tallyn Da Silva (61) had an epic run during his temporary posting as an 80-minute hooker. Jack Williams (60) relished moving into the middle despite wearing the 12 when Charlie Guymer was a late inclusion on the edge. Mitchell Moses (51) and Ronald Volkman (49) got the job done for their team and fantasy coaches alike. Jordan Samrani (64) and Josh Addo-Carr (53) were both also instrumental in the upset win in Townsville. 

Super Saturday kicked off in Wollongong with the Dragons still chasing their first win for the season however unable to topple the revitalised Knights. A late change saw Hamish Stewart (50) move to the edge and Ryan Couchman (67) come off the bench in the middle. It didn’t seem to hurt either player’s Fantasy output although Stewart did chase through a kick for a four-pointer. Ryan’s twin brother Toby Couchman (57) still shone out during the afternoon’s loss in an otherwise long day for the home side. 

Recording their biggest win of their 2026 campaign, the Knights were unyielding till the end with Greg Marzhew (116) matching the record for most tries in a game for Newcastle with five. His wing partner Dom Young (73) also impressed by snagging a double for himself. Jermaine McEwen (53) bounced back into form with a handy result for his owners. Superstars Kalyn Ponga (85) and Bradman Best (75) added to the highlight reel for the afternoon. 

Even with the late scratching of Latrell Mitchell, the tide favoured Souths as they retain fourth spot on the competition ladder with a convincing win over Cronulla. Alex Johnston (72) continues having his best Fantasy season ever while recalled EDG Euan Aitken (63) made the most of being back in the starting jersey even overcoming an early HIA check and a few minutes in the centres. Jye Gray (55) will be a potential WFB target next week after returning from injury and picking up where Matt Dufty left off at the back. Talented Origin-bound Cameron Murray (60) showcased his talents as he moved back to the middle in this one. Young playmaker Ashton Ward (55) had a fine outing returning at half and it looks like his job to lose moving forward. Debutant Latrell Siegwalt (55) dazzled the home crowd with two try assists and three tackle breaks in front of his family and friends in his first game in the top grade. 

The Sharks were ambushed early and consistently on a tough night. Enforcer Addin Fonua-Blake (66) boasted a hefty 1.25 points per minute during the match as he lays down his new NSW Origin claims. KL Iro (53) continues his return to Fantasy form regardless of the result while Teig Wilton (50) made it back-to-back strong games. 

The late withdrawal of halfback Jamal Fogarty allowed youngster Joey Walsh (54) to secure his first NRL try just three minutes after curtains opened. Vying for a recall to Origin selection, Haumole Olakau’atu (51) casted well in pure base stats. Reuben Garrick (60) is surging with the Sea Eagles flying and could be decent bye round cover as a dual position player. Tolu Koula (51) was a late switch back to left centre and consequently returned to some of his high-scoring outputs from earlier in the year. 

The lopsided scoreboard bled into Fantasy results for the injury-hit premiers on Saturday night. Pack leader Pat Carrigan (58) didn’t let his owners down and continues to be a great POD while Payne Haas is out injured. Cory Paix (50) had to play the full 80 minutes and cleared 50+ tackles as attacking opportunities were found slim on the ground during the loss. 

The Storm were relentless across the park as they broke a seven-game losing streak. Prop Stefano Utoikamanu (53) was the main difference early against his old club and only the scoreboard stopped him from going even higher on the afternoon. Harry Grant (88) showed why he is the No.1 Fantasy hooker to own still with a red letter day, he could be worth holding over Origin considering his side will be desperate to start a winning streak to match the losing one from previous. The return of Jahrome Hughes (67) did no harm to the change in Storm fortunes as he combined alongside Cameron Munster (53) who returned to form with a brace of tries. A try of his own late in the piece was the icing on the cake for the returned cash cow Ativalu Lisati (79) while young enforcer Cooper Clarke (56) impressed with a PPM of 1.19 from the pine. 

Hit with another loss a fair few Wests Tigers still found some Fantasy success as they tried to match it with the might of Melbourne. Taylan May (104) turned in an incredible performance to rack up triple figures in a beaten side. Workhorses Kai Pearce-Paul (69) and Alex Twal (66) maintained their ever-reliable averages. KPP will be a terrific Round 13 option considering the joint-venture’s schedule. Luke Laulilii (58) showed sparks off the wing and has turned into one of the best cash cows for those few who plumped with him as a Round 1 looping option at the start of the season. 

Another masterclass by the competition leaders meant the Raiders still languish in the bottom half of the ladder despite a committed display at home. Halves Ethan Strange (66) and Ethan Sanders (57) are really settling into a nice partnership and Sanders is an essential hold through the Raiders bye. Props Corey Horsburgh (68) and Joseph Tapine (60) had to play big minutes yet again and unless Canberra get a few back from injury both can be considered in Round 12. Tom Starling (54) and Hudson Young (52) were also set apart from the field after a solid evening’s work. 

Fantasy darling Nathan Cleary (95) is proving the ever safe and reliable captaincy option inclusive of a try added to his 2026 books. His halves partner Blaize Talagi (69) raised above his station jagging a couple of tries himself in an eye-catching display. Freddy Lussick (52) played the full 80 in this one and it showed with his score but there may not be enough time to now trade him in. Isaiah Papali’i (61) was back to his rampaging best and punishing owners that moved on after a couple of lower outputs while Liam Henry (54) will be one to watch in the latter part of the Origin period if the Panthers look to manage the workload of their stars. 

Losers 

Thursday night footy saw Kulikefu Finefeuiaki (36) mark his lowest scoring for 2026 after a late sin bin cruelling hisFfantasy day. For the opposition the back trio Connor Tracey (12), Jonathan Sua (12) and Enari Tuala (26) didn’t have happy nights while Josh Curran (13) wasn’t a late switch in this week and suffered dramatically as a result.  

 

Popular trade-in target Jayden Campbell (33) hit a new basement flooring with the unfavourable move to Five-Eighth, he may be a watch through Magic Round with still an eye to purchase in Round 12. Cooper Bai (28) was strong on-field but it didn’t translate to a good fantasy number, mainly because he received less game-time from coach Josh Hannay as expected. Arama Hau (15) disappointed off the bench and hopefully coaches already moved on, but if not he is a must sell this week. 

Another high achiever proving to have a difficult weekend, Scott Drinkwater (36) was found missing in his usual involvements but this could merely be an aberration. Though earning a starting role in a late shuffle after an epic performance the week previous, Tom Mikaele (36) was only afforded 39 minutes of opportunity which hurt owners massively. Saxon Pryke (23) and Luca Moretti (22) were two exciting cheapies only two weeks ago but neither have kicked and both can be moved on from this round. 

Red V winger Setu Tu (20) was off his game with a fair list of errors and the poor game and result could affect his position in the Dragons side. Tu’s inside man Valentine Holmes (28) also struggled as Newcastle seemed unstoppable on their side of the pitch. The right side wasn’t as dominate for the Knights with Dylan Brown (39) and Dane Gagai (20) missing out on the action. Brown also left the field early with a slight niggle and is one to monitor come team list Tuesday. Phoenix Crossland (26) was also held quiet on the day and is now a clear sell for Oliver Pascoe. 

Though return to the No. 8 jersey, one-time Blues Origin rep Keaon Koloamatangi (28) was held short despite punching through for 53 minutes of the contest. Now bench-men are normally spared from comment for low scoring affairs, however owners hoping for one last trailing cash rise for Matt Dufty (1) were underwhelmed after the exempted fullback was only allotted 10 minutes on the turf. Tallis Duncan (36) showed again why you don’t follow one huge score as he now has two 30’s to back up his 90 in Round 8. After many needed a trade-in for the injured Adam Doueihi, Nicho Hynes (31) was held to heel but is still an essential hold. Blayke Brailey (44) suffered a late Category 1 HIA but is fighting the category with Owners hoping success will not leave them short coming into Magic Round. 

Xavier Willison (20) was left stranded on his newly found left edge but this is clearly a floor game for the dual position forward and should be held comfortably. Disaster for coaches who trusted Reece Walsh (21) making his way back from the casualty ward with a very quiet outing in the big loss. A late bench reshuffle consigned Ben Talty (31) to the fate of limited minutes and a lower output as a result.  

Sualauvi Faalogo (26) was on his way to another monster score before a head clash ended his day early. Tristan Hope (37) wasn’t able to achieve his previous big score and only has one more week in the No.9 jersey before Apisai Koroisau returns from suspension. 

Top 2026 Fantasy surprise packet Simi Sasagi (6) lost his opportunity to finish the match after being sent for shoulder scans with a suspected AC joint injury. Owners may need to hit the trade market for another gun centre this week. Once again deferred to the pine, Jayden Brailey (22) didn’t have the chance to mirror last week’s results from the bench due to game script and is a hold but not a buy for coaches. Tom Jenkins (25) continues the fall in grace and value with no tries again afforded to the previous top achiever. Normally prolific as a reliable 50+ scorer, Isaah Yeo (42) had a modest outing with an unexpected rest during the game and can be sold ahead of his almost certain Origin duties. 

Round 10 NRL Fantasy Team of the Week

1. Kalyn Ponga (WFB) – 85 points 
2. Greg Marzhew (WFB) – 116 points 
3. Taylan May (CTR) – 104 points 
4. Bradman Best (CTR) – 75 points 
5. Jamayne Isaako (WFB) – 104 points 
6. Blaize Talagi (HLF) – 69 points 
7. Nathan Cleary (HLF) – 95 points 
8. Corey Horsburgh (MID) – 67 points 
9. Harry Grant (HOK) – 88 points 
10. Addin Fonua-Blake (MID) – 66 points 
11. Ativalu Lisati (EDG) – 79 points 
12. Siua Wong (EDG) – 76 points 
13. Alex Twal (MID) – 66 points 
14. Oliver Pascoe (HOK) – 77 points  
15. James Tedesco (WFB) – 80 points 
16. Dominic Young (WFB) – 73 points  
17. Alex Johnston (WFB) – 72 points 
18. Tom Dearden (HLF) – 70 points  

As we now prepare for the spectacular Magic Round at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium next week, don’t forget to get those questions through early to thelonescout@nrl.com.au.

And as ever, keep handy NRL.com for my take on team lists as they drop through the week, as well as the most up to date and dependable news to keep ahead of the competition for your NRL Fantasy Squad.