NRL Fantasy: Lone Scout's Winners and Losers Round 25

Round 25 was an extravaganza of tries, goals and heaps of Fantasy points.

Hopefully you got through the week unscathed and moved on through if you were in elimination mode for head-to-head,

Let’s take one last look back at a bumper weekend of rugby league. 

Lone Scout's Winners and Losers

Winners 

Though they were up against 12 men on three separate occasions, the Storm were unable to capitalise on the advantage and run Penrith down. Eagle eyed Tyran Wishart (86) owners would have been ecstatic with the fact he went into the run-on squad at halfback despite being named on the bench initially. The Perth-bound playmaker broke six tackles and even took home a four-pointer for good measure. Sualauvi Fa’alogo (56) was reasonably quiet in this one though still remains as one of the most consistent WFBs for us and cracked the 50-mark simply in base efforts. Meanwhile their top enforcer Stefano Utoikamanu (54) and bench forward Cooper Clarke (54) were also among the best performers along with workhorse Trent Loiero (51). 

Another passable but moderate Thursday night for the top Captaincy choice for the round in Nathan Cleary (59). The man behind the first-half hat-trick Brian To’o (75) was the standout in the match fresh off his PNG Chiefs 2028 signing. Coming into the starting side Liam Henry (52) highlighted his opportunity as did lock Lindsay Smith (59) despite Smith falling foul of the officials and spending 10 minutes in the sin bin.  

Canberra looked home and hosed in Josh Papali’i’s farewell home game but it wasn’t to be! Holding faith on the Raiders skipper Joe Tapine (73), has born fruit with back-to-back spectacular scores for his owners. Similarly Simi Sasagi (64) was well worth bringing back in this week despite the fact he will be missing with the bye for Round 26. The dual EDG/CTR broke tackles and offloaded left, right and centre and that attacking flair resulted in tries on two occasions. A try of his own went to Owen Pattie (63) who has crossed the white stripe in successive weeks to help bump up his totals despite only playing 60 minutes. Meanwhile both Matty Nicholson (59) and Ata Mariota (68) more than played their part and were exceptionally busy in the national capital.

With the Raiders up by 14 with 19 on the clock the game seemed to be decided, but the turn of momentum saw Brisbane take home the chocolates. It was a Payne Haas (83) solo try that sparked the comeback that became three unanswered tries and one of three upsets for the weekend. Replacing Reece Walsh, Hayze Perham (56) added some dynamic attacking plays and high-pressure defusals to aid his day. With solid delivery, an assist and a four-pointer for himself, Billy Walters (63) well and truly rose above last week’s quieter score even taking in the fact he didn’t play the full 80. 

The Eels were quick out of the gate, however it was all Dolphins from there as the home side took out the win. There’ll be a few cranky rage traders out there after dynamo Herbie Farnworth (99) perfectly highlighted why we don’t trade green dots even after a short stint of slower scores. Those lucky few who shifted to Jamayne Isaako (59) with a bunch of WFB missing this week were no doubt wrapped to see him make the in goal a couple of times Friday night. Despite being benched Max Plath (63) came on in the middle and put in plenty of work, his late replacement Brian Pouniu (74) went even better and will be one to watch in 2027 if he can find a starting role somewhere. Selwyn Cobbo (62), Isaiya Katoa (54) and Kulikefu Finefeuiaki (50) are three others to mention as good scorers. 

Parramatta kept with their recent trend of win one, lose one against the Dolphins on Friday night. For the first time in 2026, Will Penisini (53) was the top earner for Parramatta, furthering the feat, he did so off the back of pure base stats. While still commendable and gaining mention, Jack Williams (49) has been kept shy of 50 points for first time in six games in a row, even though being on the wrong end of the scoreboard for all but two of the match-ups.  

The 1997 grand final rivalry game did not disappoint as Manly kept their finals hopes alive with a big win over the hometown Knights. Dominic Young (52) joined an elite list to have scored 20+ tries in three separate seasons, however a hip drop charge has the England international potentially missing next week if he pleads guilty. The only other Newcastle player to crack 50 was Fletcher Hunt (69) who topped the Fantasy charts in the clash having scored and contributed to multiple tries throughout. 

With a few big names back on deck, Manly scored one of the shock wins of the round. In a bizarre turn it was mostly the backs that shone with Lehi Hopoate (57) and Reuben Garrick (52) earning their stripes. The young Clayton Faulalo (63) also didn’t disappoint with the shift to the halves, his score especially encouraging since his afternoon included a visit to the HIA office. Eager to make up for lost time, Ben Trbojevic (56) exploded back on after concussion symptoms kept him from the field the past two weeks. Honourable mentions also comes via Caleb Navale (45) and Josh Feledy (49) who both scored a point a minute from the bench, while the later showcased a masterclass 16 minutes of football and heralded the turning point for the match, scoring a hat-trick for his efforts.  

Souths couldn’t beat the new ladder leading Warriors but remain firmly in the race for a top-eight spot. In a shade of the Dragons of 2026, the Rabbitohs forward pack in David Fifita (53), Keaon Koloamatangi (51) and Cam Murray (60) all hit the top end, managing it in base. For the second consecutive week the home side’s new halves pairing again proves strong with both Cody Walker (50) and Jayden Sullivan (50) raising the bat. Walker helping out his left-side players, Alex Johnston (63) extending his tryscoring tally as did converted back-rower Tallis Duncan (62), who managed to cross for his fifth try in eight games at centre.  

In a scene reminiscent of 1990’s sports computer games, the Warriors No.7 is clearly the one to own as whoever plays there consistently goes large in Fantasy. Leading the troops this week was the five-eighth bumped to halfback in Chanel Harris-Tavita (61). Re-instated fullback Taine Tuaupiki (57) flashed in an annoyance for those who trusted him earlier in the year, he was helped along with a perfect afternoon off the kicking tee. Incredibly it was a bencher who got the top marks with Eddie Ieremia-Toeava (73) scoring an unbelievable 1.3 points per minute during his 56-minute innings. He has been sensational the past month and essentially has ruined any chance of cash cow status in 2027 for being too good. He wasn’t the only one of the Warriors forwards scoring more than their time spent on the pitch, with Mitch Barnett (65) and James Fisher-Harris (55) also earning those accolades.  

With earlier results not helping the Dragons charge to get off the bottom of the ladder the home side looked a little flat and were well beaten by the hungry Bulldogs side. A rare sighting of a St George Illawarra outside back appearing amongst the big earners this week as Mat Feagai (68) nabbed himself a double despite the loss. The big standout enforcer Loko Pasifiki Tonga (56) yet again got through a mountain of work and minutes to post a solid output. Dylan Egan (61) saw more work on the right side this week with the Fantasy score adjusting as a result. Not sure if it is a win or a loss with twins Ryan Couchman (50) and Toby Couchman (50) getting to 50 but not much more, it was a frustrating watch for those who pinned the C on Ryan, especially after Nathan Cleary didn’t go bananas earlier in the round. 

An impressive seven Bulldogs cracked the half-century in the big win over the Dragons to keep September footy well and truly alive. Max King (72) was the clear standout, he led from the front and even scored a crucial try. Jacob Preston (64) has been the bargain buy of the latter part of the season, this time he was joined by Jaeman Salmon (62) who deserves entry into 2026’s top improvers. The shared halves role has rewarded selectors of Stephen Crichton (54) and Lachlan Galvin (65). Crichton this week had Bronson Xerri (52) outside him which boost both of their numbers. Fullback Connor Tracey (54) also crossed and while he hasn’t been a strong entry in Fantasy this year, he has still had his moments and was rewarded well in this clash.   

The Sunday match between the Titans and Cronulla was a tit-for-tat affair but eventually the Gold Coast were handed their sixth loss in front of their home crowd. Another huge outing for captain Tino Fa’auamaleaui (86) who is finally getting the minutes many thought he would from Round 1. Klese Haas (51) was shuffled in to pair up in with Tino in the front row and like he did in much of 2025, hit the 50-mark as a result. 

Cronulla needed a half-time rev-up to get going but eventually the scoreline reflected what most people expected heading into the match. Though just making par, Nicho Hynes (53) efforts in the second half saved some blushes for both his teams and those who captained him. With the current absence of his regular halves partner Braydon Trindall, it is probably best leaving Hynes off the skipper list. Matching his opposing big man, Addin Fonua-Blake (77) hit top marks for the season, scoring a 'meat pie' to boot, he could be one to trade-in if anyone has any left. Blayke Brailey (54) may not have gone ballistic but considering some of the other HOK scores this round, his owners would have to be satisfied with Brailey’s consistency. Wingers Sione Katoa (54) and Ronaldo Mulitalo (52) round out the best scorers from the visitors. 

A contender of upset of the season, the Roosters started fast but then hit a wall and really missed captain James Tedesco as they relinquished their hard-won top position on the ladder. Teddy’s late replacement call-up Cody Ramsey (57) at least continued to showcase that he is up to the task of a regular first-grade role somewhere in 2027 and beyond. The Maroons half Sam Walker (73) continues his dominance since Origin, he could be considered a keeper option for next year. Siua Wong (54) caused havoc on the right edge, hopefully those who considered moving him on earlier in the season thought better of it after reading my articles. Nat Butcher (63) started at prop and tried hard all day while the shift to the wing has Billy Smith (50) more Fantasy relevant than ever and Smith was definitely one to plump for when Reece Walsh went down last week.  

While the Roosters were first to open the account just a couple of minutes in,  Wests Tigers showed some resolve and broke ahead a few times with Jock Madden (36) eventually icing the drop goal that decided the outcome of the match. Leading the charge for the visitors was captain Apisai Koroisau (62), he remained on the park throughout as coach Benji Marshall only rotated amongst 16 in this one. A roller-coaster ride for those who captained Terrell May (70), he was pushed to the interchange before kickoff but then was required to enter the game after just one minute which saw him reach his lofty heights against his old club. Alongside May the forwards really stepped up in this one, Alex Seyfarth (53), Fonua Pole (52) and Samuela Fainu (55) posted decent Fantasy scores as Wests Tigers sprang a mighty upset.

Losers 

Melbourne hosted Penrith with one last shot at redemption for 2026 but it wasn’t too be. Harry Grant (29) holders had a long wait and then little to show after the Storm captain was denied a try early on. It’s been an odd injury return for Dylan Edwards (32) who is another who hasn’t rewarded those who kept faith in the star WFB. With their focus on the other side of the field, Tom Jenkins (30) couldn’t capitalise on a healthy match-up. Also two surprises were Liam Martin (30) and Isaiah Papali’i (34) who normally post much better scores. 

There were plenty of lower Fantasy scores in the edge-of-your-seat thriller between the Raiders and Brisbane but thankfully all the Fantasy relevant players pulled through for us with either average or better results/ 

Despite the Dolphins defeating the Eels handily, speedster Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow (31) didn’t get the attacking stats needed to poll well. Normally with plenty of points added from conversions and general play kicking, the lopsided scoreboard and time in possession ate away at Parramatta’s captain and halfback Mitch Moses (28) who wasn’t able to deliver for his coaches. Those hoping interim fullback Apa Twidle (24) could replicate his amazing debut earlier in the year were left disappointed. This was especially frustrating considering Twidle was benched for this one until a warm-up injury to Jordan Samrani gave him a second chance to start.  

The Knights scored enough points but let in way more to rivals Manly on Saturday to record their first loss since Round 21. The indicator for Newcastle here is highlighted in the score of Kalyn Ponga (20) who though busy, was well and truly handled throughout and some key errors cost him further opportunities. In a similar vein Fletcher Sharpe (36) was also starved for time with the ball and with a couple of negatives further taking away from his efforts, it meant a bad result for his owners. In what became a clear pattern across the weekend, it wasn’t to be for long-term injury returnees with Tom Trbojevic (38) having little need to push himself in his first game back. Tolutau Koula (20) is another joining the casualty ward after receiving a suspected syndesmosis that will see him unlikely to return in 2026. Normal Sea Eagles Fantasy elite Haumole Olakau'atu (39) couldn’t get out of second gear in his first down game since being ditched from NSW’s starting team after Game 2. 

The Rabbitohs met their match in the visiting Warriors on Saturday night in a game that may have serious finals implications. The ebbs and flows for Matt Dufty (29) continue with a massive game last week backed up with a quiet one this time out. After finding multiple ways to success in recent times, Euan Aitken (34) shockingly went under par just when it looked like he would get his opportunity. Those unlucky few without trades were forced to bear through another rough watch from Brandon Smith (19) in another example of why he is on many Fantasy coaches “never again list”. Having only 38 minutes on the pitch, Erin Clark (27) had a big rest in what was likely a preparation for finals by coach Andrew Webster. A diving try proved costly for the now top of the table Warriors with Dallin Watene-Zelezniak (31) unlikely for finals due to suffering a broken collarbone on landing. Youngsters Leka Halasima (38) and Jacob Laban (36) also went below their usual performances in one owners will be left scratching their heads considering the positive result for the Warriors. 

The Dragons went down to the Bulldogs and we finally saw a dip for Hamish Stewart (40) who has been sensational since moving to the left edge. A suspected torn calf calls curtains on the rest of the season for Jacob Liddle (30) which could give Damien Cook (40) a boost in the final two weeks of the season. If you still have a couple of trades, Cook may be a sneaky player of difference option for you next week. The many coaches owning Jacob Kiraz (19) will be relying on other squad members to get through their head-to-head finals with the ball not getting out beyond Matt Burton (33) who was surprisingly switched to the right for this one. Key off-season signing Leo Thompson (32) put up his lowest minutes and a score that looks to have been due to Canterbury’s disrupted rotation.  

The Titans were strong in the first half but couldn’t keep up the momentum as they lost to the Sharks at home on Sunday. Many Fantasy coaches brought in Keano Kini (38) this week and only a late burst saved some big blushes. Oliver Pascoe (36) again showed he needs the full 80 minutes to remain among the Fantasy elite and isn’t one for your starting 17 if you can help it. Due to an abdominal concern after 50 minutes of play, the usual full minute back-rower Beau Fermor (38) is in doubt for next week against Souths. Reportedly playing through turf toe again impacts Jayden Campbell (46) who must be held now but not with confidence. On the Sharks side both KL Iro (38) and Cam McInnes (35) were on the lower end of their usual outputs, this is despite the fact McInnes crossed for a rare try.  

Challengers for tipsters with the Roosters losing to the Wests Tigers in a massive upset but also issues for Fantasy coaches with another last game change-up for the home side seeing James Tedesco pulled from the side with an ankle injury suffered in Round 22. Couple this with further frustrations for Alex Twal (1) holders who only made it through one minute before a head clash from friendly fire meant early showers for the star lock forward. In a double blow for his owners, he is unlikely to lace up for Round 26 due to concussion protocols. 

Round 25 NRL Fantasy Team of the Week 

1. Fletcher Hunt (EDG/CTR) – 69 points
2. Brian To’o (WFB) – 75 points
3. Simi Sasagi (EDG/CTR) – 64 points 
4. Herbie Farnworth (CTR) – 99 points 
5. Mathew Feagai (CTR / WFB) – 68 points 
6. Sam Walker (HLF) – 73 points 
7. Tyran Wishart (HLF) – 86 points 
8. Payne Haas (MID) – 82 points 
9. Owen Pattie (HOK) – 63 points 
10. Addin Fonua-Blake (MID) – 77 points  
11. Brian Pouniu (EDG) – 74 points 
12. Eddie Ieremia-Toeava (EDG) – 73 points 
13. Tino Fa'asuamaleaui (MID) – 86 points 
14. Joseph Tapine (MID) – 73 points 
15. Max King (HLF) – 72 points  
16. Terrell May (MID) – 70 points 
17. Ata Mariota (WFB) – 68 points  

 

As finals approach, we need to keep an extra close eye on team list announcements this Tuesday, will there be restings or sit downs and are any injured players closer to returning? Stay tuned to NRL.com for my TLT article and get your questions in to thelonescout@nrl.com.au to be part of my Q&A article delivered each and every Thursday.