Todd Warren takes a look at which players you should look at for your round 5 fantasy team.
A few more injuries at the start of the season are a pain for some coaches and a blessing for others. As unfortunate as it is for a player to suffer an injury, it also opens the door for someone to step up and take their spot, which all equals big dollars in Fantasy.
By far the biggest casualty from Round Four was gun fullback Tom Trbojevic, who had a massive first half before going down to a Hamstring injury again early in the second half. He looks to be out for a long spell so is a definite sell if you bought him back into your squad.
Another big blow was Dylan Napa, who broke down early in the game with an ankle injury, and he will also be out at least a month so is also a sell, which is unfortunate for people like me who only bought him in last week.
Jacob Host looks like his time as a cash cow is over already, with his work rate cut drastically even though Korbin Sims went off early with a badly broken arm. It was always going to be a toss-up between Host and Blake Lawrie potentially turning into keepers, but with the return of Tyson Frizell and the Dragons back rowers all capable of playing big minutes, it seems like Host might be the one to move on in the next couple of weeks when his price peaks.
Matt Gillett moved back to the edge in a welcome sight for all of us with him in our teams, and scored a decent score, however that was inflated by a try. The jury is still out on how he will bounce back from the serious neck injury that rubbed him out of most of last year, but being back on an edge will go a long way to getting him back to his old role as a fantasy gun.
Broncos vs Tigers
Tevita Pangai Junior has been suspended for two games, with David Fifita named at lock, however Payne Haas was included on the extended bench and Anthony Seibold has said that he will be included in the 17. Who he will take the place of is a mystery at the moment, but one would assume Jayden Sua, Thomas Flegler or Gehamat Shibasaki will make way. James Roberts is in serious doubt with an Achilles injury so keep an eye on final team lists on the Broncos lineup.
Former fantasy gun Elijah Taylor has been dropped to the reggies after a bad game last week, with Josh Aloiai named at lock. David Nofoaluma is on an extended bench, and should warrant serious consideration if he makes his way back into the 13, as he is a tackle busting monster on his day.
Titans vs Panthers
Not much to report from the Titans, with Moeaki Fotuaika suspended and replaced by Max King.
Bryce Cartwright somehow keeps his place in the starting lineup but is a massive gamble. He will probably play 80 minutes but who knows if he will score -5 or 100?
Mitch Rein looks to be playing an 80 minute role, with AJ Brimson moving to fullback when he came on the field.
Significant change for the Panthers with Dallin Watene-Zelezniak being named at fullback and Dylan Edwards being shifted to the wing after another questionable game. DWZ is very cheap and could be a great pickup either this week or next week.
Cowboys vs Storm
Javid Bowen has dropped out of the 21 with Ben Hampton shifting to the wing and Enari Tuala joining Jordan Kahu in the centres. Kahu still has a bit of money to make, but is certainly not as valuable when he isn’t starting at fullback. Michael Morgan continues to be the best option at the Cowboys until Taumalolo returns.
Suliasi Vunivalu is out suspended, he’s been replaced on the wing by Marion Seve. CS9 had an uncharacteristic off game last week, but is a definite hold if you already have him in your team. Been consistently God-like in Fantasy for a long time. Dale Finucane is also quietly rising rapidly in price, but is also awkwardly priced while playing in the back row with other guys who play 80 minutes.
Rabbitohs vs Warriors
Kyle Turner is named in the centres with Greg Inglis still out. Adam Reynolds, Sam Burgess and Cameron Murray are all safe options as fantasy players.
Adam Blair starts in the back row, with Lachlan Burr doing well and starting at lock again. Chanel Harris-Tavita had a great debut game and it may be hard for fellow cheapo Adam Keighran to break back into the team.
Any player from the Warriors is a gamble, with their inconsistency comes a lot of team changes.
Issac Luke being named in jersey 23 also means he could be a late inclusion. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck is still an A+ option at fullback and should definitely be a target at some point.
Knights vs Sea Eagles
Big news from Newcastle with the Kalyn Ponga 5/8 experiment looking to be over. He’s named at fullback this week after proving again that it’s his best position and the Knights look a whole lot better with him at the back. It’s also good news for Mitchell Pearce, with the former Blues half back a proven fantasy gun and will take on added responsibility in the halves. David Klemmer continues his great start to the season, while Mitch Barnett drops back to the bench after the inclusion of James Gavet.
Brendan Elliot takes Tommy Turbos place at fullback, while Moses Suli returns from suspension. Manly are hard to get a read on so far, but once again SCE looks like a great option in the halves, while Jake Trbojevic keeps playing big minutes and Martin Taupau has an incredible points per minute rate.
Sharks vs Roosters
Aaron Woods is out with a broken foot, which spells good news for Andrew Fifita, who is already the premier FRF in the game. Kurt Capewell and Briton Nikora are both still making money, and with Matt Moylan out for another few weeks, we should see Bronson Xerri get a few more price rises, especially if he can get some attacking stats.
Jake Friend is out again which means Victor Radley once again starts at hooker. Radley has been very disappointing fantasy wise, and it looks simply to be that he’s one of those players who is great on the field, but it simply doesn’t translate to consistently good fantasy scores. Angus Crichton starts in the back row after a significant price drop after starting the season on the bench. If he goes back to last years form you’ll wish you bought him this week.
Dragons vs Bulldogs
Tyson Frizell returned from his ruptured testicle to make an immediate impact off the bench, although at the expense of Jacob Host. Blake Lawrie is still killing it and should be in your team.
Luciano Leilua replaces Korbin Sims on the bench so curious to see how Paul McGregor manages the minutes for his back rowers, with Tariq Sims, Frizell, Host and Lawrie all capable of playing long minutes. Personally, I will be holding Jacob Host one more week, but looking to trade him out next round.
As mentioned earlier, Dylan Napa is out for a significant amount of time which means more responsibility on Aiden Tolman, who is already getting through a lot of work and is just needing some extra minutes to take that next step as a fantasy gun. Jayden Okunbor continues to impress on the wing and it’s now or never to trade him in, with Nick Meaney also another good trade in option.
Raiders vs Eels
Joseph Tapine returns, and it remains to be seen how he will be incorporated into the forward rotation, with the all English back row killing it. Rapana and Leilua had a big one last week, but trading either in is always a gamble with their all-or-nothing style of play.
The Eels are unchanged from last week. Mitch Moses has been scoring very well as the dominant half. The injury to Dylan Brown is ongoing and it seems to be that this means that Jaeman Salmon plays 5/8 and Reed Mahoney plays the full 80 at hooker, which is great if you already own him, but bringing him in now is a bit risky.
Good luck this weekend!
