NRL Fantasy: Lone Scout's Winners and Losers Round 11

The seventh annual Magic Round at Suncorp Stadium produced an array of sensational footy which was lapped up by the fans.

We go over the magic showcased with one eye ahead to the challenging bye periods that now awaits us. 

Lone Scout's Winners & Losers

Winners

Taking centre stage at the outset of our Round 11 showcase was a Sharks outfit eager for redemption following their loss against the Bunnies. Those lucky few coaches persisting with the second-string lock forward Jesse Colquhoun (57), cash in further with the extra game time following the injury to Cam McInnes last round. Reminding us why he is the HLF to chase, Nicho Hynes (70) demonstrated why he is the first player to grab after their Bye next week, as the playmaker will feature in all remaining bye rounds to be played. 

Though shorter on the scoreboard, NRL Fantasy interestingly favoured Canterbury’s efforts with Matt Burton (56), Lachie Galvin (53), Sitili Tupouniua (51) and Jaeman Salmon (54) all managing a 50+ effort. Top Fantasy gun for the Bulldogs, Jacob Preston (62) put his best foot forward after adding another try to his career tally. Star skipper Stephen Crichton (53) tried hard all evening and celebrated his second four-pointer of the season. 

In Friday's second game, back-rowers Tallis Duncan (70) and Euan Aitken (72) dominated, both will be interesting prospects for Round 12 but maybe surplus to coaches requirements. MID forwards Cameron Murray (60) and Keaon Koloamatangi (56) returned to form potentially knowing Origin selection was around the corner. 

With the victory comes the spoils and boy did the Fantasy points favour the Phins. Herbie Farnworth (93) could’ve been a great alternate captain as he was heavily involved throughout. His centre partner Jack Bostock (57) nabbed a late try to reward new owners, he will be a great trade-in target this week. Isaiya Katoa (50) did no harm to his coaches scores while Max Plath (62), Connelly Lemuelu (53) and Kulikefu Finefeuiaki (53) did their thing with two of the three now moving onto Queensland ventures. 

Wests Tigers continue to find life hard without key men Apisai Koroisau and Adam Doueihi with other key outs also affecting this performance. Terrell May (70) had to step up in the absence of fellow hardman Alex Twal and he is going to be a great gun to own after his side’s Round 12 Bye. Also one to target in Round 13 and beyond is Kai Pearce-Paul (59), unfortunately a late try won’t stem his price rises. Others to poll well were Jock Madden (58), Luke Laulilii (55) and Patrick Herbert (49) with Herbert the only one of value but facing a suspension.

Manly ran away with this game early with outside backs Clayton Faulalo (60) and Jason Saab (73) instrumental in the match’s outcome. Faulalo is really shining in his starting fullback role and could be a good replacement Tolu Koula (43), who is off to make his Blues debut. Haumole Olakau’atu (88) is top of the EDG pops at present and a due reward is Origin starting selection, he is a hold for those 5.8% of smart owners. With the Sea Eagles playing next round Taniela Paseka (56) and Jamal Fogarty (48) may have some admirers and while not the worst are probably not tier one trade in options despite their good scores in this game. 

The Roosters kept it close but couldn’t overcome the Cowboys in the biggest upset of the Magic Round weekend. For the Roosters both Connor Watson (76) and Naufahu Whyte (75) starred as expected with Victor Radley suspended for this one. Angus Crichton (55) had a late bid to retain his NSW spot but missed out for Game One, we need to see more before we consider him for our fantasy lineups. Great to see Cody Ramsey (49) score his first NRL try in over 1000 days, he could be a cheapie to consider for Round 13. 

Another defining win for North Queensland led by new halfback Jake Clifford (63) being the main man at the helm in the absence of the injured Tom Dearden. With Dearden reported to be at least five more weeks away, Clifford would be a nice POD except the Cowboys still have all three byes remaining so Clifford is a short-term play at best. Unheralded winger Braidon Burns (69) featured more of his craft, however a right hamstring injury suffered with just 10 minutes left of the clash will likely force a sizable recovery time for the winger. 

No one from Parramatta was able to pass the 50-mark during the lopsided Saturday night contest with Melbourne’s stifling game style hurting Fantasy results for the blue and gold. Cheapie Tallyn Da Silva (39) was able to work through the entire 80 minutes of game time but with other options in the hooking position he will be one through to the keeper for coaches. 

Melbourne continue their recovery from a tough start to the season with a big win over the Eels. Captain Harry Grant (68) led the way with back-to-back big outings. No surprises to see Ativalu Lisati (62) in this section yet again, the hard-working edge forward is also 4-1 in the win column this year. Halves Cameron Munster (70) and Jahrome Hughes (69) led the way, Hughes a good halves option as always through the Origin period. Youngster Cooper Clarke (57) continues his meteoric rise, congrats to the 7.7% of coaches who took a punt on the rookie as he is well over $200K made for the season and has more to come. 

The Titans started fast but couldn’t keep the momentum in their loss to the Knights. New cheapie darling Oliver Pascoe (67) was fantastic, scoring a smart dummy-half try and being heavily involved throughout. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui (57) finally got the minutes but now departs for Queensland duties. Jayden Campbell (49) owners will be much happier with the dominant half distribution in this one but still want a little more. 

Newcastle stepped up to the plate on Sunday afternoon with Justin Holbrook getting the result against his old club. Both Fletcher Sharpe (66) and Sandon Smith (57) revelled at their new appointments of centre and five-eighth respectively and Sharpe could be one to target after the Knights Round 12 Bye. Dane Gagai (74) showed stronger signs than we have seen from the veteran in the past few weeks but simply can’t be trusted due to his up-and-down nature. Dylan Lucas (56) maintained his place at the winners table and winger Greg Marzhew (52) is soaring up the price chart as he battles for top tryscorer honours in 2026.

The Warriors were listed at home and the crowd felt like it despite playing in Brisbane’s backyard. Erin Clark (62) took his game to another level with constant strong and aggressive offense, which bumps the ex-Titan into the spotlight with the Warriors enjoying a strong Bye schedule this year. As he is known to achieve from time to time, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak (79) claimed one of his diamond class games, helped along with a double.  

The Broncos were never really in this one and it shows on their fantasy scorecard. Pat Carrigan (52) still managed to crack 50 points despite a sin bin to his name. Xavier Willison (52) assisted holders with a handy bounce back despite playing the second half at left edge. The dual position player will be a hold through Brisbane’s Round 12 Bye. 

The Panthers cruised to another victory as they cement top spot on the ladder against the last-placed Dragons. As expected due to the strong match-up Tom Jenkins (71) bounced back and nearly matched his enormous break even. Left edge Isaiah Papali’i (76) also saw plenty of beneficial ball and backed up last week’s good score with another beauty. Isaah Yeo (56) hit par, but was seen to be getting some attention from trainers in between stints causing a longer break than normal. He can be sold this week. Two to hold however are Nathan Cleary (58) and Dylan Edwards (53). He didn’t go large but Cleary is still the dominant half-back in the fantasy landscape while Edwards missed NSW selection and will have a point to prove from Round 13 onwards. 

The Dragons were beaten but hardly disgraced in the final match of Magic Round for 2026. All of the top forwards in Toby Couchman (83), Ryan Couchman (61), Dylan Egan (55) and Hamish Stewart (53) came through for owners, and with the joint venture’s handy Bye draw they will all be worth owning. Veteran Damien Cook (88) took advantage of a forward stacked bench and reminded us of the work he can get through with a full 80 minutes. 

Losers

No luck for KL Iro (36) owners despite the Sharks solid win. Jonathan Sua (19) again wasn’t able to get above his low break-even and is safely a sell. 

A low output afternoon for the recently returned fullback Jye Gray (22) in the Bunnies loss to the Dolphins. We witnessed a early departure for Latrell Mitchell (38) who is now out injured for an indefinite period. Jamayne Isaako (30) disappointed off the back of recent high scores, which is not unusual for any wing fullback in the game. 

Disaster for those chasing last week’s big score from Taylan May (24) as he struggled to get involved in the big loss for the Wests Tigers and then suffered a shoulder injury which might end his season.  

The Roosters didn’t put up their best effort and the quiet game also hurt James Tedesco (19) owners with a very low number. Fellow fullback Scott Drinkwater (31) was also cursed with the same spell with the low scoreline hurting both. Liam Sutton (32) was quiet in his first outing but is still a cheapie worth monitoring. 

Parramatta’s Mitch Moses (40) outlines another moderate but underwhelming Fantasy score for owners hoping for a decent score before Moses heads out for Origin camp. Sua Fa’alogo (32) was seen with a little individual brilliance but missed the chances for enough to satisfy Fantasy coaches for this week.  

The Titans' different spine makes them very Fantasy relevant but it didn’t pan out for either Keano Kini (38) or Zane Harrison (32) this week, owners should persist with both however.  

The Warriors big win over the Broncos was made all the more impressive due to the fact Tanah Boyd (5) was assisted from the field after a suspected ACL early on. After an impressive couple of wees Alofiana Khan-Pereira (-7) would have requested a redo of his night following a whopping six errors and a sin bin along with little opportunity for attacking stats. Hopeful cash cow Ben Talty (21) was denied the starting role again and finding himself in the lower minute rotations. He will be a tough and not firm hold for those looking to benefit later in the Origin schedule. 

No real mentions of note for the Panthers-Dragons clash with even lower scoring players like Freddy Lussick (44) and Setu Tu (38) getting above their predicted outputs. 

Round 11 NRL Fantasy Team of the Week 

1. Thomas Jenkins (WFB) – 71 points 
2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak (WFB) – 79 points 
3. Dane Gagai (CTR) – 74 points 
4. Herbie Farnworth (CTR) – 93 points 
5. Jason Saab (WFB) – 73 points 
6. Cameron Munster (HLF) – 70 points 
7. Nicho Hynes (HLF) – 70 points 
8. Naufahu Whyte (MID) – 75 points 
9. Damien Cook (HOK) – 88 points 
10. Toby Couchman (MID/EDG) – 83 points 
11. Haumole Olakau'atu (EDG) – 89 points 
12. Isaiah Papali'i (MID/EDG) – 76 points 
13. Connor Watson (HOK/MID) – 76 points 
14. Euan Aitken (EDG/CTR) – 72 points  
15. Tallis Duncan (EDG) – 70 points 
16. Terrell May (MID) – 69 points  
17. Braidon Burns (WFB) – 69 points 
18. Harry Grant (HOK), Jahrome Hughes (HLF) – 68 points  

Things go up a gear from here, as we focus on the true test to NRL Fantasy coaches - the Origin period. These next eight weeks of the competition will separate the hopefuls from the truly elites. For assistance, check out my Bye schedule article HERE.

And don’t forget to get those questions into thelonescout@nrl.com.au for my Q&A out Thursday.