Daly Cherry-Evans, Cameron Munster and the Origin stars have been named to return this week, while a few key outs and byes for the Eels and Roosters will have plenty of NRL Fantasy coaches scrambling to get a competitive 17 together.
Panthers v Rabbitohs
Panthers: No changes for Penrith following their win over Manly a fortnight ago. Nathan Cleary ($209,000) is guaranteed another hefty price rise next week but this is probably your last chance to get him if you want another cash cow in your squad.
Rabbitohs: With Siosifa Talakai, Kirisome Auva'a and Dane Nielsen out, there's a reshuffle in the Rabbitohs backline with Luke Keary and Adam Reynolds reuniting in the halves, Greg Inglis lining up in the centres, Cody Walker taking the fullback role and Alex Johnston returning to the wing. Paul Carter has also copped a one-match suspension and is a sell if he's in your side. Walker has averaged 60 across his past three games and is set to become available at winger/fullback as well as in the halves next week after what will be his fourth game of the season at the back.
Knights v Dragons
Knights: Jake Mamo is out with an ankle injury but Nathan Ross, Peter Mata'utia and Robbie Rochow return. Pauli Pauli is the seventh name on a seven-man bench – he is due more price rises but probably needs decent minutes in the starting side to get them.
Dragons: Tariq Sims isn't available to face Newcastle due to a clause in his mid-season switch deal, with Dunamis Lui replacing him on the bench. Jack de Belin owners won't be thrilled to see the tackle machine stuck on the bench again – he managed 40 points in 51 minutes last week but is a 55-point player when he starts at lock. Tyson Frizell and Tariq Sims will also be vying for spots in the starting pack next week.
Sharks v Warriors
Sharks: Sosaia Feki returns on the wing with Joseph Paulo named as 18th man this week. Andrew Fifita has pushed his season average past 60 after scores of 79, 72 and 71 in recent weeks and is in red-hot form.
Warriors: Jacob Lillyman returns after Maroons duty, with Ben Matulino shifting back to the bench. Ata Hingano and Toafofoa Sipley are on an extended bench as cover for Thomas Leuluai (concussion) and Lillyman. Simon Mannering is coming off back-to-back 60+ efforts since returning to his old 80-minute role at lock, while Shaun Johnson didn't let a leg injury prevent him from scoring 68 last week.
Bulldogs v Broncos
Bulldogs: Tim Browne has been replaced by Danny Fualalo on the bench with Lloyd Perrett the 18th man. With Brett Morris not making his return yet Kerrod Holland remains a hold, and he's still rising in value with a break even of 17.
Broncos: There's a new potential cheapie on the scene with Tom Opacic getting a debut at centre following injuries to Jordan Kahu and Jack Reed. Jaydn Su'A replaces the injured Alex Glenn in the 17, with Sam Thaiday starting in the second row. Ben Hunt's price is falling but he does still average better than 50 points a game so remains a keeper.
Titans v Raiders
Titans: Greg Bird returns from NSW duty at lock, bumping Agnatius Paasi to the bench. Ryan James continues to be a massive scorer this season, while Ashley Taylor's price has peaked and is ready to be upgraded or cashed out if he's still in your squad.
Raiders: Jack Wighton and Shannon Boyd are back from suspension and replace Zac Santo and Clay Priest in the 17, while Shaun Fensom can only manage to be named as 18th man. For those who have been keeping the faith in Fensom so far, he's a trade. Joey Leilua and Jordan Rapana both have big break-evens this week so probably hold off for now if you're eying off one of them as a trade option.
Storm v Wests Tigers
Storm: Cameron Munster is back in the side after being a late withdrawal with a rolled ankle last week, and Origin stars Cameron Smith and Cooper Cronk also return, along with Blake Green and 18th man Matt White. Brodie Croft and Slade Griffin are out, while Christian Welch and Young Tonumaipea are set to drop off an extended bench. Tohu Harris's price is on the way down and he's still some way off becoming a dual position player – he needs another game at centre or two more in the halves to get DPP status, but injuries aside should spend the rest of the season in the second row.
Wests Tigers: Josh Addo-Carr has been replaced on the wing by Jordan Rankin in the Tigers' only change. Robbie Farah will again come off the bench after starting in the No.9 for NSW. James Tedesco is set to drop in price unless he can manage a bumper score against a strong Storm defence.
Cowboys v Sea Eagles
Cowboys: No changes for the Cowboys, presuming Johnathan Thurston, Michael Morgan, Matt Scott, James Tamou and Justin O'Neill come through Origin unscathed.
Sea Eagles: Matt Parcell is out with a hamstring injury, but Daly Cherry-Evans returns at halfback with Apisai Koroisau moving to hooker. Dylan Walker and Nathan Green are also back in the starting side, with Addin Fonua-Blake getting a spot on the bench and Liam Knight and Pita Godinet dropping out. Jamie Lyon remains out of the side. Despite their poor form this season the Sea Eagles have their fair share of keepers in Cherry-Evans, Jake and Tom Trbojevic and Martin Taupau.
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