Lone Scout's Fantasy team list analysis: Round 21

Injuries and suspensions galore spell a troubling Round 21 for NRL Fantasy coaches, some may find holding on to their trades difficult over the next few weeks with so many set to be missing already and still seven weeks of the regular season to go. 

Let us look in on the initial rosters submitted by the NRL coaches to see what can be done to push through and get ahead on our Overall and Head-to-Head competitions this week. 

Eels v Panthers, Thursday 7.50pm at CommBank Stadium

Eels: Back from the significant cork he picked up in Origin Three, skipper Mitch Moses will take the field for only the second time in 10 NRL games to lead out Parramatta for the “Battle of the West”. He will be partnered by Ronald Volkman who adhered to the required HIA protocols whilst the Eels were on bye with Joash Papalii on the bench and Jonah Pezet an emergency reserve. Sam Tuivaiti will hold on to his No.8 jersey even with Luca Moretti permitted to play after concluding his own 11-day concussion protocols he can be found via the interchange. Will Penisini is a small chance of a game day call up after being named in No.22 as he recovers from a groin strain. 

Panthers: Not much to report with the Panthers except a simple jersey swap for bench hookers Billy Scott and Jack Cole with no sign of regular dummy half Mitch Kenny who is working back from the syndesmosis he suffered in Round 7. Whilst still top of the table, Penrith will be looking to bounce back following just their fourth loss of the year in a shock upset in the wet last round against Brisbane.  

Knights v Roosters, Friday 6.00pm at McDonald Jones Stadium

Knights: Due to calf concerns, the veteran Dane Gagai will be unavailable for the Friday night opener with the regular outside back stand-in Fletcher Hunt touted to take his place. There is still the possibility No.14 Sandon Smith takes over and the newly prescribed DPP option Fletcher Sharpe shifts one wider to centre so keep an eye on the 24-hour team list cutdowns which luckily occur before the round begins. Moreover Tyson Frizell and Francis Manuleleua continue their stand-in arrangement for the injured Jacob Saifiti and Jermaine McEwen with Cody Hopwood back from injury but only via the pine.  

Roosters: A big name is welcomed back to the fold with James Tedesco cleared following a nasty head clash in Origin Three causing him to miss the last two games for the Tricolours. Maroons centre Robert Toia also steps straight back in the thick of it after being rested last week following his rep duties. Given all Origin delegates now back and the incredible performance of Billy Smith last week, the half-turned-centre Hugo Savala is the one who makes way but remains on the six-man bench, joined by the impressive Cody Ramsey who deputised for Tedesco the past two outings. 

Rabbitohs v Storm, Friday 8.00pm at Accor Stadium

Rabbitohs: South Sydney’s injury crisis deepens with huge NRL Fantasy ramifications with two of their best Cameron Murray and Tallis Duncan set for at least the next two matches on the sideline. Lachlan Hubner and Latrell Siegwalt are respectively both reinstated to cover the highly owned Fantasy favourites. This follows the earlier update on Latrell Mitchell, who is reportedly still a long way from taking the field while working with specialists to address a nerve issue. David Fifita owners will need to follow the updates of his judiciary hearing on NRL.com as the explosive back-rower is fighting his charge in an effort to be able to lace up his boots this weekend. 

Storm: Though just out the one week, a huge bonus for Melbourne comes in the way of Jahrome Hughes scheduled to return at halfback alongside Tyran Wishart after hamstring concerns saw him miss last week’s blockbuster against the Roosters. This puts a hold on picking up Wishart as a sure-fire purchase although he is still a firm hold. Moses Leo gets the nod to take the place of Will Warbrick whose season is now finished following a ruptured Achilles.

Raiders v Wests Tigers, Saturday 3.00pm at GIO Stadium

Raiders: Bench hooker Tom Starling is promoted back to cover the young gun Owen Pattie who is unable to play due to the Grade 2 Dangerous Contact charge forcing him to sit out one week. Hudson Young was another to suffer a devastating Achilles injury and won’t take any further part this season. This forces coach Ricky Stewart to shuffle Zac Hosking over to the second row and have Morgan Smithies step up at lock after his one week run in NSW Cup. Back-rower Matt Nicholson is nearing for his return to the top grade after shoulder surgery and can be found among the six-man extended bench as he is looking to run out for his first shot in 2026. 

Wests Tigers: A sizable shake-up starting with Api Koroisau running out at dummy half, relieving his temporary replacement off the bench in Jared Haywood who moves back to the interchange after playing just 16 minutes last round. Two shifted to the reserves as they attempt to overturn their charges at the judiciary are Adam Doueihi and Latu Fainu. If at least one is successful, they will likely become the halfback for this game. Failing this, NSW Cup Magpies playmaker Javon Andrews will prepare for his NRL debut to cover Doueihi at No.7 although Jock Madden is another who could play there if required. More adjustments at both edge, centre and winger with Ethan Roberts named in the back row, Patrick Herbert back on deck joining Sunia Turuva in the centres and Faaletino Tavana and mid-season recruit Junior Tupou the new wingers. This relegates Starford To’a to the 19 and Heamasi Makasini to the reserves. 

Bulldogs v Warriors, Saturday 5.30pm at Accor Stadium

Bulldogs: Bolstering the Bulldogs fresh off a big win against the Wests Tigers is their leading man Stephen Crichton, who will take centre stage back in the No.6 following an exit in the medicab in round 19. The impressive Sean O’Sullivan will wear No.14 and likely spend some time on the field at dummy half with no sign of Kurt Mann after being a late withdrawal last weekend. Star edge forward and stand-in skipper Viliame Kikau is another to return to his starting jumper after warming his way back in a tidy 51 minutes off the pine last week. Josh Curran slides back to the interchange to be joined by youngster Jed Reardon who usurps Jack Underhill and Alekolasimi Jones who are paired with Bronson Xerri amongst the emergency reserves. 

Warriors: Though pushed all the way by St George Illawarra last week we have a copy paste of the same outfit that still managed to take the chocolates in front of their home crowd last Saturday. Fantasy coaches will want to see the Wahs trio Te Maire Martin, Jacob Laban and Erin Clark atone for their owner’s after the trio recorded some of their lowest performances this season. Clark could easily be upgraded this week while Martin deserves one more chance, especially after some of the carnage in the casualty ward could mean fantasy coaches have more pressing matters to deal with. 

Cowboys v Broncos, Saturday 7.35pm at Queensland Country Bank Stadium

Cowboys: After going down to the Dolphins last weekend, Cowboys coach Todd Payten has reverted to Jake Clifford joining Tom Dearden in the halves and shifted Jaxon Purdue back out to the centres. This forces Zac Laybutt onto the interchange to be joined by Griffin Neame who is replaced at prop by the returning Tom Mikaele. 

Broncos: Brisbane lose Brendan Piakura to a concussion and slide Xavier Willison over to the edge which may increase his fantasy potential. Preston Riki is the new prop while back-rower Luke Gale joins the interchange which may give Willison some time in the middle of the field during the match. Billy Walters is also added to the pine and this could be the week he makes his long-awaited return to the NRL.

Dragons v Titans, Sunday 2.00pm at St George Venues Jubilee Stadium

Dragons: No changes for the Dragons who today announced Dean Young has their head coach moving forward after acting as interim for much of 2026. There is still a chance Moses Suli comes into the starting side as he is within the 19 after being out with a hip injury the past month. 

Titans: AJ Brimson suffered a head knock very late in the win over Manly last Sunday and therefore will be required to sit out this week. Jaylan De Groot will fill in at centre and therefore is designated with a DPP status as a result. One back from injury is Kurtis Morrin who takes De Groot’s vacant spot on the bench. 

Sea Eagles v Sharks, Sunday 4.05pm at 4 Pines Park

Sea Eagles: With Tom Trbojevic out with a hamstring strain, Lehi Hopoate moves to fullback, Tolatau Koula shifts to the wing and Josh Feledy comes into the side at centre. Trbojevic is out for at least two weeks with Manly having the bye next week so feel free to move on from him if you need the space in your line-up. Brother Ben Trbojevic is back after missing last match due to concussion protocols, Ethan Bullemor goes back to the bench while keep an eye on Nicholas Lenaz who has been named in the 19 the past two weeks but hasn’t got on the field. This week he is in the No.14 and could easily spell Jake Simpkin for a stage at dummy half. 

Sharks: The Sharks were solid if not spectacular at home and now head to Manly at a happy hunting ground for them in recent times. Jesse Colquhoun, Jesse Ramien and Siosifa Talakai return to the line-up in a further boost to the visitors but Cameron McInnes owners should now seriously consider moving on from the experienced lock as we cannot count on his minutes being where they need to be. 

With the last wave on dual positions being assigned earlier this afternoon and already chaos with injuries and suspensions make sure to get your questions through to thelonescout@nrl.com.au to feature in my Q&A column dropping each and every Thursday.

Be sure to listen or watch the Official NRL Fantasy podcast wherever you get your podcasts and keep NRL.com close at hand to keep up to date with the latest in NRL Fantasy news and info.