NRL Fantasy: Lone Scout's Winners and Losers Round 26

What a jam-packed weekend of football!

Hopefully you won your head-to-head title, despite the fact the outfits to feature for Finals are locked in there will still be lots to play for next week.  

Let’s see how things went last round as we prepare the final round of NRL Fantasy for 2026.

Lone Scout's Winners and Losers

Winners

The last home game for the Broncos wasn’t the fanfare expected for the big home crowd against the Storm. It was looking like Payne Haas (64) lowest game, but a sideways run with multiple fends ending in an offload was all it took to get to 50 in the one run and it opened up from there giving his owners a sigh of relief. However the highlight reel was all Ezra Mam (60) with some exceptional carries landing in points on two occasions and he had a hand in another try to boot.  
Melbourne started fast and looked like the Storm of old, closing out the night with class. With a scoreline as heavily weighted, so too was the Fantasy accolades with rookie Siulagi Tuimalatu-Brown (59) bagging a hat trick. Nick Meaney (60) led the way for Melbourne, he kicked seven from eight, deputised at the back towards the end and added some try involvements to bump him up further. The man that can play anywhere Tyran Wishart (48) nabbed two more tries himself. Stefano Utoikamanu (52) scored a barge-over try that ensured a positive result for his owners, the only annoyance was Brisbane failing to keep it closer which could’ve further enhanced Uto’s output. 

Though needing results to go their way Manly were still a shot at finals football and as a result put up the points at home. As we have come to find with lopsided scoreboards, Fantasy usually pumps up the backs scores which for Manly is no different for Tom Trbojevic (50), Jason Saab (60), Reuben Garrick (50) and Lehi Hopoate (50). A thankful bounceback for Manly’s headline man Haumole Olakau'atu (78) and his owners, who made life near impossible for his opposite number. However bolstered by the entire kick metres on offer alongside a few tackle breaks to boot, it’s Jamal Fogarty (79) who took the top spot thanks to also earning a few extras off the tee. 

Given the Dragons are now locked in for the bottom of the ladder and Manly’s fervour to improve their for and against, it was no surprise to see such a dominant outcome. Loko Pasifiki Tonga (64) in a huge 67 minutes was their main Fantasy man and he looks like a real player of the future. Surprisingly out of the other forwards, only Dylan Egan (54) managed to hit par in a day to forget for the young St George Illawarra side. 

On Friday night, the Panthers were quick to score first but then well managed throughout the opening half by the Bulldogs, however it was the second half that they took a comfortable lead to dash the finals hopes for Canterbury. As he has done these past few weeks it was easy going for Nathan Cleary (76) with the extras offered due to penalties and further tries late making him the top captaincy favourite this week. Tom Jenkins (57) was again unable to add to his tryscoring tally, this time literally denied due to a bunker call, however he still built up enough base efforts to reward his selectors. It was certainly a redemption game for a few of Penrith’s recent underwhelmers with both Liam Martin (72) and Dylan Edwards (64) blazing back to the top of the ranks, though most will have moved on if they were able. We wait to see if the Panthers pick their full squad in an attempt to claim the Minor Premiership this week. Lindsay Smith (53) was another to hit some heights as the lock sub for the injured Isaah Yeo. 

Though the scoreboard wasn’t in their favour, the Bulldogs' key players rewarded their owners in Fantasy. Jacob Preston (80) again proved to be the top one to own since coming back from injury, going at a point a minute. Topping his own records was Matt Burton (55) having his best night on the tools in many a game, out in the unfamiliar right centre role. Lachlan Galvin (70) again showed his finesse with a smattering of tackle breaks offloads and assists, much like Preston, Galvin has been very good for his owners. 

The Titans didn’t win but they did enter the frame at various times to help aid their fantasy days. Tino Fa'asuamaleaui (90) was given huge minutes once again and as a result put up a monster Fantasy score. Allowed almost the full game to work and supporting big Tino, Oliver Pascoe (73) did well for his holders, however a brutal landing means he will be sent for shoulder scans to see if there’s any hopes for the final round. Though only gaining the gig with a late switch up to the roster, Sialetili Faeamani (54) performance on the wing could not have gone better. Kurtis Morrin (66) turned out to be an undercover edge after getting the full 80 minutes on the right and did not disappoint.  

Headlined with the special Jai Arrow clause, things couldn’t have gone better for the Cardinal and Myrtle having drawn blood early on and were relentless in the first stanza. It was an incredible Goliath effort from skipper Cameron Murray (107) having more than paid his dues for his faithful coaches. Many others broke through this week including Euan Aitken (60) who broke through for a runaway try. Perhaps inspired by Aitken, both Keaon Koloamatangi (69) and David Fifita (52) have both continued their string of consistent 50+ showings, though have had their spotty moments earlier and in past seasons with Keaon boasting an incredible 11 games in a row to have reached top honours. Speaking of consistency, the man who cannot be denied is Tallis Duncan (58), he started at centre but even got shuffled back to his regular placement in the back row for a time through this encounter. 

The Roosters had plenty to play for on Saturday evening but couldn't match it with the fired-up Dolphins. Without doubt a contender as first added to our 2027 stocks should he remain on the left edge, Salesi Foketi (67) topped the Fantasy gauge for the Tricolours. Not too far behind was enforcer Naufahu Whyte (64) who kept the middle humming though, Whyte always seems to perform better when the Roosters are behind on the scoreboard. Blues dummy half Reece Robson (62) was the Roosters other top earner with an insane 60 tackles in his full 80-minute stint. 

The Dolphins matched everything the Roosters showed and then ploughed on with their purple patch at the right end of the evening to get the two points. Having just missed his century last week, it was still a golden performance for the top CTR in the game, Herbie Farnworth (71). while his fellow statesman Selwyn Cobbo (54) crossed for a handy double. Finally getting the start, Maroons benchman Max Plath (58) again showed just how well he can play when left to do his thing, this time as left edge back-rower. And last but by no means least, Kulikefu Finefeuiaki (54) again goes large in base efforts while in preparation for his first finals series in a starting capacity. 

The hosting Cowboys blew past the upstart Wests Tigers to pinch the two competition points and lock up their finals spot. With Tom Dearden (39) back and running the show, it looks to have released Scott Drinkwater (57) to get back to his best football at the back. Similarly the most-capped Cowboy Jason Taumalolo (60) was looking at his best after celebrating his 307th NRL match. Two tries will rarely go unrewarded and for another return to this part of the column, Tom Chester (52) gained plenty of contribution during the win. Thomas Mikaele (50) again put up a productive shift from the bench during his limited rotation as did usual top scoring player Heilum Luki (51) who keeps on keeping on in his fantastic 2026 season. 

Having likely burnt through the tank for the upset of the season beating the Roosters last week, the Wests Tigers did manage to edge ahead going into the shed but the Cowboys ran them down. The Wests Tigers’ top elite enforcer Terrell May (68) earnt kudos here, even though he was disallowed a four-pointer in the back half of the clash. Captain Apisai Koroisau (49) was the only other one to make mention of here as the Wests Tigers get closer to the end of their year. 

The Warriors managed to get and stay ahead of Newcastle to cement themselves at the top of the ladder going into the final round. Bagging his first double which coincidentally both opened and closed the scoring, Jacob Laban (77) has got to be the most improved player we have seen for quite some time. Not his finest but certainly a welcome revival for Erin Clark (56) holders just in time for head-to-head grand finals. A barging scoot under the posts was what tipped Wayde Egan (51) past the half-century mark in yet another win for the Warriors at Go Media Stadium. 

Newcastle had to play 12 vs 13 for 68 minutes and couldn’t get the victory despite a game effort. Still plenty to be had for Fantasy followers with Greg Marzhew (73) more than stepping up for his clubmates. His fellow partner on the wing and Newcastle’s Mr Fix It Fletcher Hunt (66) was another looking to try to beat the odds also adding two for his 2026 tally. The Broncos-bound veteran Dane Gagai (51) showed his experience, having a hand in a few tries himself. Fletcher Sharpe (47) and Francis Manuleleua (49) also did well with Manuleleua curtailed at half-time with a dislocated elbow. 

For their final outing for the home fans Parramatta did not disappoint with a phenomenal display to stun the finals-bound Sharks. Junior Paulo (58) led the way up front, his stats were off the chart as the 32-year-old international sent out a clear reminder of just how explosive he can be. As a result, skipper Mitch Moses (80) certainly had an afternoon to remember in a reminder of what he can do when fully healthy. Though a four-pointer helped him out, Ronald Volkman (54) made it to the winners' circle also despite partnering the brilliant Moses. While another winger earnt well off base stats this week in Brian Kelly (53), thanks to a few tackle breaks and offloads for the ex-Titan in his first year in the blue and gold.  

The Sharks went down at Parramatta and will now be looking at an elimination finals in week one. An interesting denied try involving a pass to himself to avoid going out of touch, Sione Katoa (58) kept proceedings exciting whilst adding another career double to his portfolio. At an epic 1.23 points per minute Blues MID Addin Fonua-Blake (53) made every minute count while again jumbled up in the Sharks rotation. Newtown Jets five-eighth Niwhai Puru (53) made the most of his call-up to the top job with Braydon Trindall getting closer to a return. Though a passing grade, it took a try this week for Blayke Brailey (50) to earn mention having certainly dropped in form since his speedy return from a wrist and forearm fracture.  

Losers 

Brisbane went down to Melbourne in a game that featured a rule change trial. A fairly short shift for the big motor MID/EDG Xavier Willison (34) granted just 58 minutes of the game time on offer and his score suffered as a result. With a try and an assist in two others, you would have thought with extras penned to that degree that a solid result is expected for Sualauvi Fa’alogo (39) but not to be with a couple of errors and run metres down plus getting an early shower thanks to the big lead built up by the visitors.  

Manly had a great day out in all aspects however Ben Trbojevic (39) couldn’t replicate what he had been doing for much of the year. The Dragons weren’t able to keep pace in this one and as a result both Toby Couchman (38) and Ryan Couchman (34) were very quiet. Up against the giant Haumole Olakau’atu, Hamish Stewart (28) had his output halved due to demerits which wasn’t great timing for those relying on HamStew in their head to head GF’s. 

The Bulldogs tried hard but couldn’t beat Penrith thus ending their 2026 campaign. Jacob Kiraz (22) has again caused frustrations for coaches having so little to show for his efforts after being a Fantasy darling only a month or two ago. Not usually reliant on a win but certainly has scored better in a loss is both Leo Thompson (36) and Stephen Crichton (31) whose owners will want a little more from the normally top echelon Bulldogs in their last match, up against the Broncos next week.  

Gold Coast fell short in the emotional clash against the Rabbitohs. Those who took a shot on the return of Latrell Mitchell (15) will be wishing they checked NRL.com team lists updates or had ability to reverse their trades as he came off the bench in the second half. Alex Johnston (32) also was quieter in this one after scoring very well for much of the year. 

It was rough viewing for Roosters fans and coaches as they played the Dolphins with Maroons half Sam Walker (32) assisted from the field and likely will take no part in the finals campaign. Certainly no rush to redeem for James Tedesco (37) who still managed to get through a full game on his plate but was much more reserved than expected. With the loss, Billy Smith (38) was left short, playing half the game on the wing and the other half at left centre. Another outside back not quite firing as we’d hope was Jack Bostock (31) while his outside man Jamayne Isaako (30) was also barely required in the big win away from home. 

The Cowboys got the all-important home victory over Wests Tigers to clinch a top-eight spot. One of the most improved players of 2026, in the comfortably winning outfit no less, Braidon Burns (20) didn’t get near his average. Samuela Fainu (32) had his first slow afternoon in a long time, his score perhaps indicative of the overall result. 

The Warriors cemented a top-two spot by beating a 12-man Newcastle outfit at home. It was an unfortunate club debutant in Luke Laulilii (-3) who was assisted from the field in his first run for the Warriors. Jett Cleary (36) had some of the biggest shoes to fill with the combination of the Cleary name as well as the late scratching of Te Maire Martin (DNP) adding to the woe of his retaining coaches. Eddie Ieremia-Toeava (18) showed why sometimes going off a top scorer from last week isn’t a great reason to trade in a player the following round. After returning via the bench last week, the early send-off of the returning starter Jacob Saifiti (-2) did his team no favours. With less men on the pitch for owners unfortunately it wasn’t a day to remember for Kalyn Ponga (5) who had half of the game in the red and was lucky to hit the positives.  

Parramatta put up on of their best performances of the season to upset the more fancied Sharks at home. Interestingly in a winning dressing room it was 2026’s most consistent Jack Williams (42) who came below the cross bar in the victory celebration match. While causing anxiety to the Sharks defence Josh Addo-Carr (26) didn’t amount to much Fantasy favour. Even with four tackle breaks and an offload, KL Iro (35) again fell short of the mark in this one. So too did Nicho Hynes (37) who many trusted as a captaincy option in a bid to win their head to head leagues. Cameron McInnes (22) was the other to fall short as his rotation continues to baffle owners.

Round 26 NRL Fantasy Team of the Week 

1. Dylan Edwards (EDG/CTR) – 64 points 
2. Greg Marzhew (WFB) – 73 points 
3. Euan Aitken (EDG/CTR) – 60 points 
4. Herbie Farnworth (CTR) – 71 points 
5. Fletcher Hunt (CTR/WFB) – 66 points 
6. Jamal Fogarty (HLF) – 79 points 
7. Mitchell Moses (HLF) – 80 points 
8. Keaon Koloamatangi (MID) – 69 points 
9. Oliver Pascoe (HOK) – 73 points 
10. Tino Fa'asuamaleaui (MID) – 90 points  
11 Jacob Preston (EDG) – 80 points 
12. Haumole Olakau'atu (EDG) – 78 points 
13. Cameron Murray (MID) – 107 points 
14. Jacob Laban (EDG) – 77 points 
15. Nathan Cleary (HLF) – 76 points  
16. Liam Martin (EDG) – 72 points 
17. Lachlan Galvin (HLF) – 70 points  

One more week for the overall players and expect a few changes to line-ups on Tuesday. Make sure you stay tuned to NRL.com for my TLT article and get your questions into thelonescout@nrl.com.au to be part of my Q&A article delivered for the final time for 2026 this Thursday.