NRL Fantasy: Lone Scout's Winners and Losers Round 15

A low scoring Fantasy round for coaches across the board, another week of only 13 scorers and we are now halfway through the Origin-impacted period. 

On the cusp of Origin Two on Wednesday night we’ll look at the Fantasy highs and lows from the second major bye round.  

Lone Scout's Winners and Losers

Winners

Accor Stadium hosted the Round 15 opener starting with a heart-warming Jai Arrow tribute. The contest showcased a convincing win by a boosted South Sydney holding Brisbane to just one try for the night. Alex Johnston (72) topped the rankings thanks to his four tries scored throughout the night. The centre duos in Latrell Siegwalt (55) and Tallis Duncan (62) posted handy scores but both are still on the sell watchlist long term, especially if Duncan remains in the centres post the Rabbitohs Round 16 bye. Versatile forwards Keaon Koloamatangi (50) and Euan Aitken (57) took advantage of their postings this week and scored handily for their owners, but expect further disruption to their positions ahead. Jamie Humphreys (53) played a lot of dummy half off the bench didn’t score too badly either. 

Xavier Willison (69) stepped up with both Payne Haas and Pat Carrigan out this week despite a lopsided possession count. Josiah Karapani (46) was an intriguing cash cow option with a handy bye draw and rewarded new owners with a tidy score for a major bye round. 

At Suncorp on Friday, both sides were hindered with Origin stars missing but the Dolphins got it done with a big win over the Roosters. Captain and Blues reserve half Isaiya Katoa (68) lead the Phins to their victory with his own little fleck of individual brilliance early in the piece. Regulars on this side of the fence Herbie Farnworth (76) and Connelly Lemuelu (53) both were a treat for coaches, especially in a 13 scorer round. Jeremy Marshall-King (67) jots down his first big hit-out since his recent injury return and could be a good trade in option either this week or next. Jamayne Isaako (57) again sees his name in lights though playing through a finger injury was later cleared of missing any game time after a hospital visit cleared him of anything nasty. Francis Molo (54) went large recording a super impressive 1.35 point per minute (PPM). Deputy winger Tevita Naufahu (70) and fullback Trai Fuller (49) managed strong outings and both have been good for those owners who picked either player purely as bye round cover. 

The Roosters were sorely missing their seven big-name players in Origin camp but top back-rowers Angus Crichton (65) and Siua Wong (65) still earned their dues with big days. As expected, Naufahu Whyte (59) bounced back to form, reminding us of what he can get done while playing through a full minute match.  

Kicking off Saturday in Auckland with a wet weather nailbiter concluding with Cronulla beating out the Warriors thanks to a two-point field goal slotted at the death. Though the scoreboard was held close the home side converted little for Fantasy results. Jacob Laban (54) had the match-up and the opportunity with a few mainstays missing and finally converted a lot of his promise. Wayde Egan (55) had one of his upper results for the year but don’t be sucked in as he is very much an ebb and flow Fantasy player. Ever dependable frontman Jackson Ford (57) held his own but given he managed to get through the full 80 minutes of work, his owners will be a little let down he didn’t make a larger impact and is still dropping in price due to a very high break even.  

The match-winning boot owned by the dominant Sharks half Braydon Trindall (55) bumped his score up as he continues to flourish in the absence of regular halfback Nicho Hynes who is pencilled to return in a couple more weeks. EDG Teig Wilton (57) rewarded the coaches that took a chance on him due to the encouraging bye draw, he is still a good pick-up this week. Also a great buy is Cam McInnes (70) who only one week earlier was not given the minutes by coach Craig Fitzgibbon but this time around the 71 minutes helped contribute to a massive Fantasy score.  

Back to Sydney for Commbank to feature another epic clash with both Parramatta and the Raiders needing the win. Ultimately it was the Eels who prevailed after a few weeks of close losses. Ever reliable Jack Williams (53) squares away yet another 50+ result, with the bye this week he is a hold but probably not a final 21 option. Recent returnee from injury Isaiah Iongi (61) keeps his hot form running and could be considered in Round 17. The back-row pair Kelma Tuilagi (60) and Kitione Kautoga (62) both hit their strides and were awarded a try each to bump up their scores. 

Regular mainstays Joseph Tapine (53), Corey Horsburgh (63) and Zac Hosking (51) all earnt their keep and crossed the 50-mark. Hosking is still likely to keep the edge spot for a couple more weeks so well done if you got on early. Centre Matt Timoko (62) had a season-high performance since he earning a call back to the top grade in Round 7 and has been a superb bye round cover centre that can be held for 2-3 more rounds. The versatile Daine Laurie (50) was another lucky to add a try to his career stats which helped his score along nicely but with the volatile positioning, the new Raider is a pass at least until earning a permanent role in the Green Machine outfit. 

A jam-packed Leichhardt witnessed a thrilling back and forth with the Wests Tigers taking out the win over the Titans. Skipper Jarome Luai (91) topped the round while making a statement, recording his first ever hattrick of four pointers. Alex Seyfarth (84) made the most of his extended game time and was also instrumental in the wrestle, scoring a key try. Top captaincy choice option Terrell May (83) received a mere three-minute rest, much to the delight of coaches trusting him with the “C”. Also aiming up were Fonua Pole (60) and Sione Fainu (52) but neither should be considered for your line-ups. 

Gold Coast were in this game all the way, mainly due to an incredible performance by Keano Kini (86) who had line breaks galore and was at times untouchable. He could be a late-season breakout star. Prop pairing Moeaki Fotuaika (57) and Klese Haas (50) both broke through the half-century mark in the absence of regular captain Tino Fa’asuamaleaui. In a flash of early 2026 form, Arama Hau (64) crossed for another try to his name in his rookie season and reminded us of how Fantasy relevant he can be. Another coasting in a purple patch of returned form is Beau Fermor (57) who could be an intriguing bottom of the rung option to consider if you have cover over the Titans Round 18 bye. 

Losers 

Despite the big Souths win, selectors pondering to take the gamble on Brandon Smith (28) will have to think again after another quiet night in the No.9. Tom Duffy (20) was subbed off 35 into the clash and only made his second stint due to relieving Adam Reynolds (42) due to a cramp and a shoulder injury to Ezra Mam (23). 

The big-hitting Dolphins only had one quiet showing with Kurt Donoghoe (36) not required to do much from the bench. The Tricolours however were short across the board with Fantasy stats. Utility man Connor Watson (37) the biggest name among the lower scorers.   

The Warriors couldn’t close out the match against the Sharks at home with Taine Tauapiki (28) limited in attacking opportunities. Charnze Nicol-Klokstad (26) eased into his injury return on the wing and may take over at fullback next week. KL Iro (39) was the main disappointment for coaches owning Sharks players but he is a firm hold heading into a great schedule over the next month or so. 

Despite the Eels win, another low showing for Joash Papalii (17) firms him as a sell with Parramatta having a bye next round. Sebastian Kris (7) didn’t see much ball his way after shifting to the right side a few games back. Ethan Sanders (43) managed to eek out a decent score but considering his first half he can still be on a sell list for this week. 

A shock for Fantasy coaches who plumped for Kai Pearce-Paul (7) this week as he suffered a pec injury just 11 minutes in. The superstar International will be sent for scans this week with him an almost certain sell. Cooper Bai (29) couldn’t come through for patient coaches who will be forced to move on now the remainder of their squad is available this week. Halves Zane Harrison (25) and Jayden Campbell (44) seem to be sharing the half duties and therefore eating into their potential Fantasy upsides, both can be sold before the Titans Round 18 bye. 

Round 15 NRL Fantasy Team of the Week 

1. Keano Kini (WFB) – 86 points 
2. Alex Johnston (WFB) – 70 points 
3. Matthew Timoko (CTR) – 62 points 
4. Herbie Farnworth (CTR) – 76 points 
5. Tevita Naufahu (WFB) – 70 points 
6. Jarome Luai (HLF) – 91 points 
7. Isaiya Katoa (HLF) – 68 points 
8. Terrell May (MID) – 83 points 
9. Jeremy Marshall-King (HOK) – 67 points 
10. Alex Seyfarth (MID/EDG) – 86 points 
11. Angus Crichton (EDG) – 65 points 
12. Xavier Willison (MID/EDG) – 69 points 
13. Cameron McInnes (MID) – 70 points 

Another bye round and only 13 players scoring for us again this week and there is plenty of pressure on our remaining trades to come, so if you need advice at all shoot me your queries to thelonescout@nrl.com.au for Thursday's Q&A write-up. 

Also make sure to refer to my analysis on bye schedule strengths with just three of the Origin-impacted bye rounds remaining. And as always keep NRL.com close at hand for the best source of truth for your footy and fantasy news and updates.