NRL Fantasy: Lone Scout's Winners and Losers Round 14

Controversies and heart pounding footy featured across the long weekend for coaches and fans.

Origin Two team lists also drawn to prepare us for the difficult second bye round approaching.  

Let's look in on how the players went for coaches this weekend as we look to get ahead of the competition with trades now fast disappearing. 

Lone Scout's Winners and Losers

Winners

Manly got the win over Souths as NSW Blues pair of Tolutau Koula (50) and Haumole Olakau'atu (68) fronted up well and eager to earn their spots for Game Two.

Ben Trbojevic (58) continues to enjoy firm as a breakout year, scoring another try. Reuben Garrick (54) continues to man the kicking tee and has been a revelation in the role since changing style under kicking coach Jarrod Croker. 

Though the rival match-up was a close affair, only Tallis Duncan (62) and Cameron Murray (58) earnt their place at the top of the Fantasy charts for South Sydney in just base efforts on Thursday night. 

Down south it was chilly Melbourne hosting Newcastle that provided a heated nailbiter for fans with the Knights falling just short of the win.

Matching his club's return to form Trent Loiero (76) reflected shades of his past years as a Fantasy hotshot. Sua Fa’alogo (51) was denied his usual big point run during the game but still held his own for owners, though was also helped along with the kicking tee.

Hooker and captain Harry Grant (60) made the most of all 80 minutes on the turf as did backs Manaia Waitere (53) and Jahrome Hughes (57). Moreover Stefano Utoikamanu (61) again put forward his best efforts in a bid to earn an Origin recall.

With the game in the balance throughout the contest, Fantasy shone strongly for the Knights with Mat Croker (52), Jermaine McEwen (55) and Trey Mooney (55) all scoring well. Skipper Kalyn Ponga (81) topped Newcastle’s Fantasy scorers being involved in everything as well as a strong conversion tally to assist his owners. An oddly out of character Dylan Lucas (72) showcased quite a few errors during the game, however having still scored a try, coaches were thankful to get a decent result from the back-rower.  

Back to the Canberra to continue the frosty conditions the Raiders were held scoreless in front of home fans with the Roosters surging on with a convincing win to their belt. Still covering the Fantasy coaches, the forwards Joseph Tapine (62), Hudson Young (57), Zac Hosking (59) and Corey Horsburgh (58) all put forward a decent showing. Kaeo Weekes (52) was the pick of the backline.

Not missing a beat, Mark Nawaqanitawase (76) was electric throughout his return to the pitch during the tri colours dominant performance. Friday night also featured a fired up Sam Walker (74) who was successful in his bounce back after a tough loss in both State of Origin and to Melbourne last week. Big-name players Robert Toia (64), Daly Cherry-Evans (57) and Siua Wong (55) made their mark as well in the big victory. 

The Cowboys went down to a re-energised Dolphins outfit on Saturday evening. Heilum Luki (50) earns his call to the Maroons camp after a forced shuffle made to Queensland’s line-up and his excellent performances to date. Rookie half Liam Sutton (52) continues his notable price rises as he warms to the top grade further during his temporary placement. 

Fantasy scores abounded for the Dolphins with even two bench players in Tom Gilbert (52) and Kurt Donoghoe (68) cracking the half-century easily. It was a great night out for the Phins with the top owned Herbie Farnworth (63), Jack Bostock (50) and Isaiya Katoa (55) all contributing to the win, as did Maroons duo Selwyn Cobbo (68) and Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow (51). 

The Titans pounced late to grab the win over the Broncos in a pulsating contest. Both gaining the nod for their respective states, Reece Walsh (59) and Payne Haas (54) make the shortlist after missing the first game of the series. With Pat Carrigan injured, the versatile forward Xavier Willison (69) got through plenty of work as did Brendan Piakura (63) who scored his eighth career try.

Though on only 7 points at half-time, with a change to the Broncos guards part way through the second half, Jayden Campbell (66) worked his magic and pinched two tries in quick succession, giving relief for the coaches holding the top value playmaker.

Handy cash cow Oliver Pascoe (56) continues to earn dividends with another handy score. In a successful gambit to hold his Queensland jersey Jojo Fifita (50) rarely handed the ball on which helped his stats during the clash. While on the other end Phillip Sami (62) and his 271 running meters and breakaway runs and try rewarded the winger well. 

The Panthers were keen to make a statement at CommBank Stadium, putting on an unanswered 68 points smash Wests Tigers. With such a one-sided affair only the mainstays earned their stripes in Terrell May (61) who tempted plenty with the captaincy choice. As always Kai Pearce-Paul (59) is to be included among these numbers alongside Apisai Koroisau (55) who tried in vain to lead a counter however the many errors proved costly for the home side as they were held scoreless.  

So many points on the scoreboard that converted across to Fantasy scores starting with none other than top gun half Nathan Cleary (85) proving the better captaincy choice for coaches this week. After a few weeks on the unfavoured edge, centre and wing partners Paul Alamoti (64) and Thomas Jenkins (89) bounced back with the latter recording his astonishing ninth season double. Brian To'o (86) also cashed in with a fair share of ball and snagged two tries of his own.

Another with a brace of tries added to his tally, temporary HOK Freddy Lussick (59) nailed his chances across the park for those who took the gamble but may only have one or two more games left until moving back to the bench. And second-rowers Isaiah Papali'i (50) and Liam Martin (54) both made the most of their full 80-minute appearances conquering in just base efforts. 

Returning to Ocean Protect Stadium, Cronulla dashed the Dragons’ hopes of back-to-back wins after trailing at half time but going on to close out the game with five unanswered tries. As always without his halves counterpart, Braydon Trindall (54) flourished as the lead half. Ronaldo Mulitalo (69) and William Kennedy (52) both instrumental in the win with their four-pointers adding to the pressure for the Red V.

In a big day out for Addin Fonua-Blake (68) the prop ensured his spot for NSW in Origin Two. However, it was fellow newbie Origin star Briton Nikora (69) and his try six minutes into the second half that opened the floodgates and helped get the Sharks to sixth place on the ladder. 

Another loss saw little to comment apart from the typical Dragons forwards attracting the majority hoard of the Fantasy scores. Edge pairing Dylan Egan (65) and Hamish Stewart (57) taking a leading total this week along with twins Ryan Couchman (66) and Toby Couchman (50).  

A tight finish to close out the round with the Bulldogs jagging their fifth win for 2026 over long-time rival Parramatta. Plenty to love for Fantasy coaches starting with Jacob Kiraz (72) seemingly unimpacted by the late shift to the wing. The halves Lachlan Galvin (71) and Matt Burton (55) again find themselves on the winning end of the stats. Meanwhile the prop pairing of Leo Thompson (57) and Max King (55) along with edge runner Sitili Tupouniua (53) stepped up to aid in the victory. 

The Eels have suffered a mountain of key injuries this year but one who has stepped into big shoes to fill is Ronald Volkman (62). Stand-in captain Jack Williams (59) was the other in the blue and gold outfit earning a mention.  

Losers

For Manly, the point of difference HLF Jamal Fogarty (33) interestingly had a slow night than we have seen of the ex-Raider and Titan. Another claimed to the casualty ward was Clayton Faulalo (30) who finished his night early due to a hamstring issue with no confirmed severity as yet.  The low Fantasy output for the opposition saw a lower total than usual from the Bunnies. People intrigued by Jye Gray (28), David Fifita (40) and Brandon Smith (22) will now be thinking twice. 

The Storm nabbed the win but it was another low outing for Ativalu Lisati (36) along with the Storm getting their first bye this week making him an easy trade out target. Just five minutes in Phoenix Crossland (5) was taken via medi cab from the pitch with a concussion incurred pushing him to HIA processes. Also the normally a highly involved winger pairing in Dominic Young (28) and Greg Marzhew (26) both earnt a low scorecard for their Friday. 

Short of the fullback, Canberra’s icy weather held all of the Green Machine’s backs in Matthew Timoko (26), Xavier Savage (10) Daine Laurie (29), Ethan Strange (29) and Ethan Sanders (15) catching colds, with the latter now likely one to move on from after the conclusion of next round for those still holding on to the young playmaker. Switching sides, it was only James Tedesco (27) and Victor Radley (18) on the lower end of the scale as both were quite reserved despite the team taking out a huge win on the road.

Cowboy Zac Laybutt (7) had his worst gameday yet this year with a fair amount of handling errors and missed tackles demerited to his stats. Now back to sharing the hooking role, Reed Mahoney (26) reverted back to his lower outputs from earlier in the season. With his inclusion back in Queensland and the late switch to the bench, Max Plath (29) will likely force the hand of any other coaches still holding the handy dual HOK/MID player having now arrived at the difficult second bye round. His dummy-half replacement in Jeremy Marshall-King (39) didn’t capitalise much in his 68-minute stint but is still one to consider moving forward. 

It was a great win for the Titans over the Broncos but still didn’t amount to much in regards to Fantasy for Cooper Bai (28) who now is not even a firm hold entering a difficult to fill bye round. 

The Sharks stormed home in the second half to defeat their arch-rivals the Dragons but new owners were left wanting with Cameron McInnes (30) only allowed 40 minutes of game time. Returning Centre KL Iro (34) also eased his way back in with a shorter score than we have seen in games gone by. With green dots in the backs a rarity this week, Setu Tu (32) has made an easy trade out for any trailing owners coming into the 13 player bye round 15 with another underwhelming score. 

The Bulldogs had a nail biting win in front of home fans with most Fantasy relevant performers sticking to task despite the lower-than-expected scoreline. The Eels also had a tough time of things with cash cow Joash Papalii (37) nearing the end of his tether, if named this week it will be his last one for owners, as the Eels have a bye in Round 16. 

Round 14 NRL Fantasy Team of the Week 

1. Kalyn Ponga (WFB) – 81 points 
2. Thomas Jenkins (WFB) – 89 points 
3. Paul Alamoti (CTR/WFB), Robert Toia (CTR) – 65 points 
4. Jacob Kiraz (CTR/WFB) – 68 points 
5. Brian To'o (WFB) – 86 points 
6. Sam Walker (HLF) – 74 points 
7. Nathan Cleary (HLF) – 85 points 
8. Addin Fonua-Blake (MID) – 68 points 
9. Kurt Donoghoe (HOK/MID) – 67 points 
10. Ryan Couchman (MID/EDG) – 66 points 
11. Dylan Lucas (EDG) – 72 points 
12. Xavier Willison (MID/EDG) – 69 points 
13. Trent Loiero (MID) – 76 points 
14. Mark Nawaqanitawase (WFB) – 76 points 
15. Lachlan Galvin (HLF) – 71 points  
16. Ronaldo Mulitalo (WFB) – 69 points 
17. Briton Nikora (EDG) – 69 points  

More bye rounds incoming will no doubt see a flurry of questions coming in so make sure you get yours through to thelonescout@nrl.com.au.

Also be sure to check out my take on the players and teams to aim for coming into the back four of the Origin-impacted bye rounds in my Strength of Origin Bye Schedule - Rounds 15-19.