NRL Fantasy: Lone Scout's Winners and Losers Round 21

Some incredible high-octane football entertained fans this weekend, however with the numerous late scratchings, significant injuries and judiciary reports affecting some of NRL Fantasy’s highest-owned players, this season's finale is becoming one of the most problematic we have ever faced.   

With so much impacting the Fantasy community let’s pause for a moment to go through the results and impacts out of Round 21 and look to salvage what we can ahead of the closing six rounds of our great competition. 

Lone Scout's Winners and Losers

Winners

The Eels gave their all in The Battle of the West, with only a converted try the difference. Leading out the blue and gold, skipper Mitch Moses (62) made up for his time spent sidelined due to both Blues duties and injury. Another bouncing back was WFB Isaiah Iongi (53) who racked up five tackle breaks. The main man yet again with another towering effort and not to mention a tidy brace for his trouble, Jack WIlliams (78) is paying dividends for those 5.4% of owners who kept the faith post the Eels bye. Despite starting from the bench Kelma Tuilagi (51) hit the half-century mark as did winger Brian Kelly (51) in a strong performance by the home side.

The Panthers ground out the victory on Thursday night and back to his best was Nathan Cleary (88), repaying the owners that kept the “C” on him after his low result last week. Liam Martin (71) continues his purple patch and again shows the value of the EDG position in the modern game. In the past he has never been a Fantasy target but he is breaking the mould over the last couple of weeks. Speaking of strong performances by edges, Isaiah Papali’i (55) also got through plenty of work, tackling everything and offloading at will, despite only playing 65 minutes.

Another heart-stopping finish in the Hunter as Newcastle battled through huge adversity with key stars suffering season-ending injuries only to fall one point short. With the interchange emptying the Knights from their usual rotation, the big men stepped up with Trey Mooney (58) and Mat Croker (68) leading the way. Phoenix Crossland (51) shifted to halfback but still polled well for his owners and could become a sneaky HOK option from here on out. With an outstanding performance which shockingly he played all 80 minutes and scored a try in both NSW Cup and then in NRL first grade, up-and-comer Francis Manuleleua (74) gained plenty of notice making some huge line breaks in the process. Now that he will get the opportunity in Lucas’ absence he may be an great trade option as a cash cow late in the season

The Roosters were able to claim the points thanks largely to the incredible efforts of James Tedesco (67), who recorded his first hat-trick since Round 5, 2020 and will now see an immediate halt to his cash drops and likely see plenty of interest. After a post-Origin rest, Robert Toia (56) broke a stunning nine tackles during his attacking efforts and continues to be a top tier CTR option just below the very elite. Siua Wong (53) continues his return to his top-class football after some coaches made way when he posted a low innings a couple of weeks back. Meanwhile his partner in the back row Nat Butcher (61) is again seen to take every advantage of his stint in the run-on squad and clearing yet another 80 minutes on the pitch with an above-par performance. Veterans Victor Radley (57), Daly Cherry-Evans (56) and Reece Robson (56) all polled well.

Friday Night Footy didn’t disappoint with another edge of your seat finish at Accor Stadium with the Rabbitohs getting some key field position in the dying minutes and getting two points up when it mattered most. Keaon Koloamatangi (56) saw all 80 minutes of the hard-fought victory and banked plenty of Fantasy points as a result. The now in favour fullback Matt Dufty (54) again showed plenty of enthusiasm with his tackle-breaking efforts all across the park. Despite plenty of points being scored, Campbell Graham (57) was the only other player to break the 50-mark but he is not in consideration for our line-ups.

Melbourne tried hard but perhaps were a little short on energy after their huge effort the week before against the Roosters. One to shine yet again was Sua Fa’alogo (80), with his unbelievable try showcasing his talents. Tyran Wishart (74) has turned out to be a great trade-in for those cashing down over the past two weeks, he tried hard throughout and added an outstanding solo try to his show reel. His halves partner Jahrome Hughes (64) didn’t quite look 100% but still got through plenty of work and gave Melbourne a fighting chance. Stefano Utoikamanu (82) continues his purple patch of form, after his try last week seems to have re-sparked his output.

The Raiders continued on their winning ways making it four on the trot against the embattled Wests Tigers club. Those still holding the early cash cow playmaker Ethan Sanders (91) had plenty to enjoy watching the rookie set up four tries and score one of his own. He seems to be relishing moving to the right side of the field after swapping with Ethan Strange (42) over the Origin period. Simi Sasagi (75) posted his first big score since his return, with a dearth of high scoring, reliable CTR options he may be worth watching or even taking a punt on. Daine Laurie (68) had a day to remember against his former club, racking up three tries from the bench. Corey Horsburgh (55) was the other earning his stripes with a try assist and 67 minutes to help crack the 50-point milestone.

Wests Tigers had a lot of lower numbers out of this one mainly due to the lopsided scoreboard. Even usual suspects Terrell May (50) and Alex Twal (51) were lucky to crack the half-century mark with their scores and neither can be considered captaincy choices for the remainder of the year. One bright spot was rookie edge forward Ethan Roberts (64) who made sure to gain notice in a well-beaten side.

Tenth verses second with the Bulldogs getting on top in a must-win game, pinching an upset and the all important two competition points. The home side achieved the win through the gritty efforts of Jacob Preston (71) who topped this game for Fantasy and rewarded coaches that saw his cheap price as motivation to trade-in this round. The other forwards weren’t sitting idle and also hit plenty of green numbers throughout the clash including Max King (52), Leo Thompson (55) and the freshly returned Villiame Kikau (50) who looked like he barely missed a beat. Jacob Kiraz (57) kept his owners satisfied, looking well involved throughout. Connor Tracey (57) and Enari Tuala (54) are also worth mentioning in the backline.

The Warriors weren’t able to get things going in this one. Maroons back-rower, Kurt Capewell (57) clocks in back to his usual form. As did his clubmate and Origin rival Mitch Barnett (51) who had a little passage of brilliance nailing a chip and chase that ended with a try that regular playmakers would be envious of.

The original Queensland derby saw the Cowboys dash the hopes of a late-season surge for the Broncos to make the top eight. The second-row duo in Heilum Luki (58) and Jeremiah Nanai (52) showed their top Origin level talents with the former even nabbing a try to open the scoring on Saturday night. Those who held true on Tom Chester (54) were well rewarded as he was heavily involved despite Tom Dearden being a late withdrawal. Any who took the chance on the centre/five eighth Jaxon Purdue (52) also got through plenty of work and tackle breaks and gave the Cowboys the edge that resulted in the win.

Brisbane's finals hopes look to be done. Fullback Reece Walsh (52) was without his trademark late dash though still managed nine tackle breaks and assisted with two line breaks. Ezra Mam (61) scored twice and could’ve gone larger if he held on to a kick ahead when in the clear. The forward pack in Pat Carrigan (59), Payne Haas (55) and Xavier Wilison (62) were all instrumental in their outputs with Jordan Riki (49) just outside of cracking the half-century.

Still chasing just their third win, the Dragons were unable to keep up and chase down a flowing Gold Coast attack that jumped all the way to 13th thanks to some sizable losses earlier in the round. The Red V still has Fantasy results worth celebrating just the same topped by Ryan Couchman (80) who again hit top gear and cleared plenty of work in his shorter than full minutes for the second week running. His brother Toby Couchman (77) was equally impressive and a pain to have missing in Fantasy squads even with similar minutes in the rotation. Back to base stats for Hamish Stewart (52) but still hitting keeper numbers off the back of last week's double along with Loko Pasifiki Tonga (59) who seems to be on the improve every week.

The Titans had a big away win backing up their victory against Manly a week earlier. Just shy of the divine three digits, the dynamic playmaker Jayden Campbell (96) was unstoppable, setting up tries and line breaks at will. On the back of Campbell’s creativity came the spark of fullback Keano Kini (55) who continues to shine as a top-flight WFB. Topping the hooker position again was dummy half Oliver Pascoe (68) that is no doubt causing frustrations for most coaches who moved on earlier. However Pascoe is now a clear keeper for the run home, especially with the injury news of Harry Grant. Finally old Fantasy favourites Beau Fermor (61) and Tino Fa’asuamaleaui (52) both got through plenty work at the office and gave the Gold Coast backs plenty of opportunities off the improved field position.

The Sea Eagles were on the end of an eight-tries-to-two hammering but Jamal Fogarty (57) was perfect off the tee and set up both of the home side’s tries. One of those being for his halves partner Joey Walsh (54) who continues his amazing Fantasy run and another bump in his salary. The ever-reliable Haumole Olakau’atu (55) still managed par but didn’t score his usual barnstorming try.

Cronulla cemented their place in the top four with a near flawless performance. For the second time in three weeks Nicho Hynes (106), cracked the century and is the first to manage the feet twice this season. Yet another halves pairing has been able to hit 50+ with Hynes’ partner Braydon Trindall (52) still managing plenty in the stats to earn well in the Fantasy department. With the highly owned CTR Herbie Farnworth on the bye and strong centre candidates short on the ground, KL Iro (72) threw together a handy result for the many thankful selectors. Ronaldo Mulitalo (63) was excellent and on the edge, Teig Wilton (51) still managed plenty of tackles and efforts granting him mention here amongst the cream of the crop.

Losers

Penrith may have got the win over their rivals Parramatta but 2026’s top tryscorer Tom Jenkins (22) had a sin-binning and three errors to his name which made him lucky to break through the 20-mark.  

The Knights suffered more than just the loss to the Roosters on Friday night, with two of Fantasy’s highest-owned joining the casualty ward until next season in Dylan Lucas (6) and Dylan Brown (41). Another facing a timely block on the sideline for the Roosters is Daniel Tupou (7), as he is set to face a month in the bleachers with a dislocated shoulder but still a chance to be right for the finals series this year. Having a red hot Robert Toia inside him fresh off a week's rest, Mark Nawaqanitawase (13) wasn’t given too many chances to add to his incredible highlight reel on Friday’s night. 

Souths got an important win over the Storm but even with a try assist Cody Walker (18) continues to have trouble with his Fantasy scores in 2026. Another player with huge Fantasy implications for a third of all Fantasy coaches, Harry Grant (6) has had scans to confirm a low-grade hamstring strain that will hopefully see him lace back up in Round 25. With so many fires, those with sufficient cover may have no choice but to hold. 

The Raiders had a big win over Wests Tigers but given how involved Kaeo Weekes (30) was, he ended up fairly hard done by when it came to Fantasy scoring stats. After some huge numbers coming out of his time at lock, Zac Hosking (24) was victim of the game being well wrapped up early, so the big motor forward was rested in the earlier period of the second half, impacting his earnings.  

The Bulldogs got the result they needed against the Warriors, but It was an unfortunate result for Stephen Crichton (39) having his lowest output since taking on the five-eighth gig, this was despite scoring an early try. Warriors custodian Taine Tuaupiki (8) had a scare that initially was cleared of any significant injury but may miss next week’s game as a result. Owners will need to take plenty of notice come Team list Tuesday on NRL.com following further scans and testing. If the need to hold trades is nearly a must with the carnage already experienced, Te Maire Martin (35) owners had him in the last chance saloon, but given the must tradeouts already risen will now need to demonstrate restring with still so much football to watch. Those still with healthy trade numbers however (6-7+ trades or more left) can be justified in moving him on.  

The Cowboys had a good win over rivals Brisbane, though still hitting mid-40s point range, similar to last week’s efforts, owners of Scott Drinkwater (45) were hoping for a little more given how heavily involved he was in the match. One of the top trade-ins off the back of a very strong scoreline last week Kotoni Staggs (38) returned to his average form causing hassles for those selectors who will likely have no choice but to hold the up and down centre with trades nearly finished and the rising injured and red dots with six weeks still remaining.  

Yet another dip in form, Dragon Valentine Holmes (25) is lucky to have kicking duties otherwise would have come in even lower. Another falling from grace is Damien Cook (28) who has well moved out of the Fantasy spotlight with the shared hooker role more than decimating his Fantasy prospects. The few who still retain the rookie playmaker, Zane Harrison (26) will likely need to move on or just have him take no further part of your scoring squad this year.

Manly couldn’t take advantage of old boys' day at 4 Pines Park going down to Cronulla in a big way. Ben Trbojevic (21) suffered another heavy collision late in the first half and consequently failed his HIA check for the second time in two games. Meanwhile dummy half Jake Simpkin (32) and his revision to the bench, gave his owners no favours as being the last game, it was too late to do anything about it. Another rotation that is causing issue for a Fantasy and fan favourite is the one involving Cam McInnes (39), who is now unplayable. As his counterpart Jesse Colquhoun (35) with the current interchanging between the middles mean they aare sharing too much of time on the turf to be worth trusting in a scoring position in our squads. 

Round 21 NRL Fantasy Team of the Week 

1. Sualauvi Faalogo (WFB) – 80 points 
2. James Tedesco (WFB) – 67 points 
3. Simi Sasagi (EDG/CTR) – 75 points 
4. KL Iro (CTR) – 72 points 
5. Daine Laurie (WFB) – 68 points 
6. Jayden Campbell (HLF) – 96 points 
7. Nicholas Hynes (HLF) – 106 points 
8. Stefano Utoikamanu (MID) – 82 points 
9. Oliver Pascoe (HOK) – 68 points 
10. Toby Couchman (MID/EDG) – 77 points 
11 Jack Williams (MID/EDG) – 78 points 
12. Francis Manuleleua (EDG) – 74 points 
13. Ryan Couchman (MID/EDG) – 80 points 
14. Ethan Sanders (HLF) – 96 points 
15. Nathan Cleary (HLF) – 88 points  
16. Tyran Wishart (HLF) – 74 points 
17. Liam Martin (EDG) – 71 points 

Team List Tuesday will be more important than ever to catch and prepare us for the weekend ahead and if you have any need of advice get your questions in to thelonescout@nrl.com.au to feature in this Thursday's Q&A article.