Lone Scout's NRL Fantasy Q&A: Round 26

Most H2H grand finals kicking off this week and two more weeks of the regular season left. Thankfully with significant jostling to top of the ladder this year helps us Fantasy coaches with less chance of players resting. 

With advice more unique and personalised at this time of year, you may find more help with the trade in and out tier list at articles end. Without further ado, let’s see what’s troubling our fellow coaches in the late season.  

Q: I’m thinking of ditching Kalyn Ponga a week early and getting Latrell Mitchell. Since Sandon Smith has taken over the goal kicking and last kick options his scores have suffered but this would also use up my last two trades. – Brendan 

A: I understand the pull to move early but being back in his homeland, Ponga’s last game in NZ was a massive 70+ score even in a loss. But if you really want to make the move, with Latrell Mitchell in the reserves and Rabbitohs playing in the middle of the weekend it will be touch and go with his minutes or if he even plays at all. Adding that the trade requires both of your last two trades, I would instead look at an alternate option like Jamayne Isaako or Billy Smith as a more reliable form as of late. Their sides have plenty more to fight for the next two weeks, as well as cheaper options that may allow you just the one trade so you have the last one to use for next week.   

Q: In my grand final of my head-to-head (H2H) comp but playing one man short with five red dots and no trades left. My only chance at winning is captaining someone other than Cleary. I have Terrell May, Herbie Farnworth, Toby and Ryan Couchman and Nicho Hynes. What would you recommend? – Lucas  

A: Point of difference (POD) captains are never options I recommend but I understand the need in this scenario. So it then becomes about the matchups, their form and if their team has much left to play for. With Dragons up against a revitalised Manly, Wests Tigers facing the Cowboys, Herbie against Roosters fighting for the top of the table and Nicho Hynes without Braydon Trindall to share the load, it makes it almost an even playing field. This is where I would just throw it on Ryan Couchman as he rarely has two lower score games in a row and only landed a 50 last week with a Terrell May as vice-captain as a back-up.    

Q: I was just asking if the grand final of H2H means reserves have no impact of your final score because most people have limited to no trades? – Henry  

A: Even with finals your normal 17 fist players will score as normal this week, only the bye rounds are the shorter squad sizes. That’s why having trades late in the piece are so important and valuable for H2H competitions. Best of luck, Henry!  

Q: In the grand final for my league but my opposition team is way better than mine and I've got no trades, there is only one way I can win risky captain choice I normally stick with Cleary as captain but I'm now thing of Herbie and even Tedesco depending if he stays in the squad Ive also got Jayden Campbell, Terrell May and Toby Couchman - who do you think I choose for captain. – James  

A: Similar with Lucas’ question I would still pick a big gun rather than risk it on a Herbie Farnworth or a James Tedesco who has been touch and go for four weeks running. I think you are playing it reasonably safe in a Terrell May pick. 

Q: I have Tyran Wishart, Jacob Kiraz, Euan Aitken and Cam McInnes in emergencies but only one looping spot. Hard to know what to expect from Wishart currently named in the centres, Jacob Kiraz has been super unreliable, while Euan Aitken and Cam McInnes are my POD players in my H2H finals. What are your thoughts? – Shane   

A: Cam McInnes is the best but has some risk here due to the chop and change rotation and late benchings lately. I am tempted to go Euan Aitken and McInnes unless there is another late change. If you can loop Tyran Wishart I would definitely do that. Jacob Kiraz has been sub-par lately so is far too risky, plus he has a horrible match-up against a Panthers side fighting for the top spot.  

Q: I have one trade left going into a H2H final and I need a centre, who’s your pick? (I already have Herbie) – Brendan 

A: Tallis Duncan or Billy Smith would be my two to go for as they are the top running centres for the moment who play this week and next and both will need to fire as their sides are playing for better spots on the ladder for finals. 

Lone Scout’s Trade In, Trade Out Tier List – Round 26

Head to Head Only Players: Those only playing head-to-head will need to note that this is the week you need to go “all-in” and feel free to take extra chances in your efforts to win your championship. 

Tier 1 – Must Trades

Buys 
Jacob Preston 

Sells 
Phoenix Crossland 
Joey Walsh 
Tolutau Koula 

Tier 2 – Recommended Trades

Buys 
Damien Cook 
Lindsay Smith 
Salesi Foketi 
Billy Smith 
Cam Murray 
Tino Fa’asuamaleaui 

Sells 
Oliver Pascoe 

Tier 3 – Luxury trades or wait a week 

Buys 
Jamayne Isaako 
Isaiya Katoa 

Sells 
Simi Sasagi 
Joesph Tapine 

Thanks as always for all the questions and ensure to send them through each week to thelonescout@nrl.com.au