Lone Scout's Fantasy team list analysis: Round 24

Panthers v Roosters, Thursday 7.50pm at CommBank Stadium

Panthers: Dylan Edwards comes into the squad this week after the Panthers big loss in New Zealand but can only be found among the reserves. The big out is Isaah Yeo who injured his pectoral muscle but luckily for Panthers fans he is likely not out for the entire season. If you own him however, he is still a safe sell with so few Fantasy-relevant weeks remaining. Liam Henry slots into the starting middle to replace him while Jack Cogger is back at five-eighth which allows Jack Cole to take the opening on the bench. 

Roosters: James Tedesco is once again named at fullback and owners will be hoping he takes the field this week after Cody Ramsey was a late replacement last Friday. The only other change is Spencer Leniu listed to start ahead of Nat Butcher who was a late switcheroo against the Bulldogs. The Roosters have been in great form and a win here will plant them at the top of the NRL ladder. 

Sea Eagles v Dolphins, Friday 6.00pm at 4 Pines Park

Sea Eagles: Clayton Faulalo returns for Manly which allows Lehi Hopoate to shift to the wing and Blake Wilson heads to the reserves. Tom Trbojevic is still out however along with his brother Ben Trbojevic while Ethan Bullemor joins fellow middle third Kobe Hetherington on the sidelines. Nathan Brown is the new prop and Hugo Hart joins the interchange.

Dolphins: No major changes for the Dolphins after their comeback victory against the Broncos. Ray Stone is on the interchange with Kurt Donoghoe out for a couple of weeks with a fractured thumb. Jake Averillo also comes back into the 19 with Sebastian Su’A only in the reserves.

Bulldogs v Rabbitohs, Friday 8.00pm at Accor Stadium

Bulldogs: A bumper clash lines up our Friday night with massive finals implications. Cameron Ciraldo has barely touched his squad - the only change is Alekolasimi Jones joining the bench in place of Sitili Tupouniua who suffered a hamstring injury in the close loss to the Roosters and may not make it back in time to finish his NRL career on a positive note. 

Rabbitohs: Souths will be looking to string two wins together for the first time since Round 17 as they take on the Bulldogs in a rivalry match-up. Ashton Ward suffered a hamstring injury attempting a conversion and is unable to line up with Jayden Sullivan his replacement. Better news for the visitors with both Campbell Graham and Euan Aitken returning from the casualty ward. Graham will line up on the wing while Aitken will just come back via the interchange with Adam Elliott retaining his left edge role.

Sharks v Raiders, Saturday 3.00pm at Ocean Protect Stadium

Sharks: With star Origin prop Addin Fonua-Blake forced to sit out a week due to suspension it is Oregon Kaufusi who will step in to fill the gap. Another of the many players returning this week from HIA protocols, KL Iro interestingly will return by way of cover of Jesse Ramien who is still awaiting specialists to determine the extent of the pectoral injury he suffered last round. 

Raiders: The rumours have proven true with Simi Sasagi set to be rested this week which allows Savelio Tamale to get back into the NRL after a six-week stint in NSW Cup. The late binning of Corey Horsburgh looks to have earnt the ire of coach Ricky Sturart, who has left the former Maroons forward completely out of his Round 24 line-up. Ata Mariota is directed to shuffle over and start in Horsburgh’s stead and Englishman Matty Nicholson will start in the back row. 

Eels v Cowboys, Saturday 5.30pm at CommBank Stadium

Eels: Though nearly icing an incredible comeback off the back of a scoreless first half against Souths, it was a costly near miss as Isaiah Iongi will see no more of the 2026 season allowing a promotion opportunity for exciting rookie Api Twidle at fullback. Twidle could easily be a cash down option for those looking to make two trades this week. Parramatta’s damaging interchange utility Dylan Walker is set to be back in the blue and gold this week via the bench. Meanwhile Tallyn Da Silva is again named at No.9 though was swapped out to the utility interchange spot with Ryley Smith taking over. Smith ended the game in the halves due to the Iongi injury and consequential reshuffle, he is named in the extendeds as the team list currently stands.  

Cowboys: The redeemed Cowboys have just the one change handed down from coach Todd Payten after the squad caught the Titans off guard last week, having put up the worst scoreline in the NRL era the week prior. The change comes as Reed Mahoney is now through his mandated concussion protocols and relieves Soni Luke to the bench.  

Broncos v Warriors, Saturday 7.35pm at Suncorp Stadium

Broncos: Just a jostling in their bench after a quick start saw the 2025 premiers ahead on the scoreboard early only to be run down by the Phins. This means playmaker Thomas Duffy will again feature in the halves with no Adam Reynolds in sight from the concussion suffered in Round 22, likely as a result of his extensive HIA history requiring a more conservative recovery period. 

Warriors: Given the reported news of Te Maire Martin spending at least two weeks in the stands due to hamstring concerns, let alone Luke Metcalf’s stellar display in his return to the top grade, it’s no surprise that Metcalf is still in the No.7. Further no changes are found to last week's starting 13 as the Wahs look to edge ahead on the ladder for the first time since earning the top spot in Round 3 after their perfect 3-0 start to the season.

Knights v Titans, Sunday 2.00pm at Ocean Protect Stadium

Knights: A few further troops are found as the Knights head home in Blues centre Bradman Best and NZ international hooker Phoenix Crossland, who take their respective places back among the formation. Their stand-ins Harrison Graham and Fletcher Hunt revert to the pine. Additionally Pasami Saulo is another who is back from injury for the red and blue and will also ride the bench.  

Titans: Though ambushed and going down to the Cowboys almost the same original 1-17 are announced to head to Newcastle though a significant shuffle was made in the lead-up to last week's clash. This results in AJ Brimson being returned at centre, Lachlan Ilias is named at halfback and Oliver Pascoe comes back in to starting dummy half. The only amendment that remains is Josh Patston earning the gig in the back row while Arama Hau, who didn’t make it on the park after being benched last week, is bumped even further back to the reserves. 

Wests Tigers v Dragons, Sunday 4.05pm at CommBank Stadium

Wests Tigers: Coming off the bye, Benji Marshall has chosen to blood outside back Solomone Saukuru at centre which relieves Heamasi Makasini of his duties for this week. Also swapping in and out are Fonua Pole and Tony Sukkar who will now start at prop and second row respectively with Alex Seyfarth and Sione Fainu heading to the bench. 

Dragons: Fresh off a huge win at home, the match-winner Setu Tu returns to the run-on side with Mat Feagai still sighted on the bench though reaggravating an ongoing back issue and unable to finish last week’s contest. Dragons fans and Fantasy coaches alike will no doubt be happy to see Toby Couchman now cleared of the required 11-day HIA protocols however he has been placed on the bench instead of starting. After only watching on and taking no part during the victory from the bench, Damien Cook is this week listed to start in a straight swap with Jacob Liddle who will don the utility No.14. 

 

With those final trade decisions to consider that could help or hinder your squad for the final rounds shoot through those questions and advice requests to thelonescout@nrl.com.au. My column comes out Thursday and remember to jump over to NRL.com for all your latest NRL Fantasy news.