NRL 2026, NRL Fantasy 2026, Lone Scout's Fantasy Q and A, round 12, your questions answered

Lone Scout's NRL Fantasy Q & A: Round 12

Author: Lone Scout NRL Fantasy guru
Timestamp: Thu 21 May 2026, 10:44 AM

With Origin nearly upon us we have our first major Bye Round for the year with only your starting 13 players scoring.

Let's take a look at those conundrums that have come through for coaches and as always check the tier list if you missed this week's cut-off.

It’s not too late to consume my Bye planning article either, check it out HERE.

NRL Fantasy Podcast - Episode 13

Q: Are the cheaper halves (Ashton Ward or Zane Harrison) the better play over than the likes of Jamal Fogarty, Nicho Hynes and Lachie Galvin? - Ben

A: This week you will find Jamal Fogarty and Lachie Galvin as well as other higher price halves like Jayden Campbell, Jahrome Hughes, Isaiya Katoa, Ethan Sanders and Jake Clifford will likely score well above the cheaper halves. However, it makes sense if you are looking to trade in Nicho Hynes next week and you can’t afford a gun as a result. The Sharks have a great bye schedule after this week.

Q: Should I make just the one trade of Kalyn Ponga and James Tedesco/Tolutau Koula or make two trades. Was thinking Ponga for Te Maire Martin or Latrell Siegwalt and then Tedesco/Koula for Farnworth. Also is Grant for Cook a good trade? - Gus

A: When it come to this time of year it really matters on how many trades you have remaining. Remember if you trade out guns over Origin there is a good chance will need to try to trade them back in after we get the extra eight trades in Round 20. Latrell Siegwalt has the bye next week, isn’t available at CTR for now and his namesake Latrell Mitchell could be back at any time, so approach with caution. There are strong rumours Herbie Farnworth is out although he remains in the 20-man cutdown for the Dolphins. As the Phins play first you will know before lockout and can reverse the trade to someone like Euan Aitken or Jack Bostock instead. Just make sure you don’t own too many Dolphins, Rabbitohs and Titans players as these are the clubs on bye next week.

Mighty Buy Round 12: Jack Bostock

Q: I love those multi-tiered buy suggestions at the end of your Q&As. I usually base my trades around them. Unfortunately, getting Taylan May last week didn’t work out. Who is the best replacement for him this week? Also, I have Sunia Turuva as one of my WFBs, any suggested replacements? - Peter

A: With Wests Tigers set to play all five of the remaining bye rounds after this week, I would hold Turuva as it is likely he will move to centre where he can score higher and his next Bye isn’t until Round 23. I would say Euan Aitken in for Taylan May is the best option at CTR this week, though as above, make sure to not hold too many of the three teams with a bye next week.

First take: Cowboys v Rabbitohs

Q: I currently have Latrell Mitchell, Herbie Farnworth, Kaylan Ponga, Kurt Capewell, Sua Fa’alago and Tom Chester. Who would you suggest I trade and hold as well as any suggestions on who to bring in? I have 289k in cash but only 12 trades. - Diego

A: Firstly Tom Chester and Sua Fa’alogo are both playing so hold them. Herbie Farnworth is under an injury cloud but nothing official says he is out as yet. As he plays the last 4 bye rounds after Round 13 and is the top CTR he should also be held even if he misses this week. Latrell Mitchell on the other hand, is a trade. Look at Jack Bostock or Clayton Faulolo as a replacement. Scott Drinkwater should also go well but with only 12 trades yet, I don’t like his bye schedule enough to recommend long term. Kurt Capewell I would trade but try to hold on to Kalyn Ponga as he is a top tier player. With limited trades left, you can look at a big trade next week to set you up till Round 20 when we get more added.

First take: Dragons v Warriors

Q: Hey I’ve been a bit lucky with dodging Origin selections but I want to move Mitch Moses on he’s the only bye spot I can’t cover. Should I down grade to Te Maire Martin (TMM) gets $400k in the bank or jig the group to get a gun cheaper in another position? - Andrew

A: This week it is OK to play with 12 if your weakness is in the outside backs who score sporadically even at the top tiers. However dominant halves generally score the best so I wouldn’t want to play short in that position. There are many options to help you here. Te Maire Martin last played halfback regularly in 2024 and in that time he averaged over 50 which is encouraging. However Luke Metcalf is lurking in the wings so the job security is the biggest worry. Other cheap halves include Zane Harrison and Liam Sutton however I would skew for the more dominant playmakers like Isaiya Katoa, Jayden Campbell or Jahrome Hughes if you can afford one of them.

Round 11: You can't stop Koula

Q: What to do with those Origin players over this period? Especially those we didn't necessarily expect to play (Teddy, Koula, etc.) - Dylan

A: Unfortunately after the very low score from James Tedesco last week it will be hard to hold the veteran through this period knowing his price could rapidly deteriorate especially if Roosters coach Trent Robinson manages his game time. Tolutau Koula is not an essential hold as he has a wide variance of scores as an attacking-focused centre. However a lot of coaches will need Koula to cover in Round 13 as Herbie Farnworth will be on Bye so if you can keep Koula in the hope Kieran Foran names him to back-up then it could be worth your while.

Q: I have Trey Mooney and Terrell May on byes and only Cooper Bai. Have 936k Looking to trade out Sasagi for Erin Clark and 242k for cheapie Bulldogs Underhill or Jones, Laiafi from Manly or Clydsdale at the Raiders.

A: Erin Clark is a terrific proposition with the Warriors holding the best Bye draw out of any club. However leaving yourself short to 242K is not such a great position to be in. Considering Trey Mooney doesn’t have nearly as good an upcoming schedule and probably isn’t a keeper, I would make him your second trade instead. Look at Joseph Tapine or Toby Couchman as the best options and if you can’t afford those then Corey Horsburgh or Cooper Clarke are the best alternatives.

This kid can play

Lone Scout’s Trade In, Trade Out Tier List – Round 12

Please Note: Those focusing on just Head-to-Head competitions, especially those not playing bye rounds be aware. During this period the best trades and options will differ to those playing overall competitions during this time and, as most focus on overall competition, that is where the advice is targeted. Also watch out for holding too many Dolphins, Rabbitohs and Titans players who don’t play next week.