Round 1 continues this week as we now return to home soil for six highly anticipated matches.

There have been a lot of team list surprises but never fear, The Lone Scout is here to guide you through the Fantasy maze and help you select a tip-top 21 for the opening week.


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NRL Fantasy Podcast – Episode 2

Storm v Eels, Thursday 8.00pm (AEDT) at AAMI Park

Storm: Moses Leo ($250k) gets the nod and is named at centre with Nick Meaney ($529k) pushed to wing in the jostle to cover the injured Xavier Coates. In a nice surprise cheapies Joe Chan ($311k) and Ativalu Lisati ($285k) are both named to start however we’ll need to watch for Shawn Blore ($547k) expected back from an ankle injury soon. One for the watchlist, basement price MID Cooper Clarke ($230k) gets his first hitout for the storm from the interchange.

Eels: The champions of the Witzer Pre-season Challenge and the club attempting to break Melbourne’s Round 1 winning streak, Parramatta have named a strong line-up entering Thursday night. Mitchell Moses ($589k) seems a great price, but a tough first three games could steer Fantasy coaches away for now. New halves partner Jonah Pezet ($400k) is named as expected in his first game in the blue and gold, the 16,600 odd coaches will be hoping for a strong statement from the rookie half facing off against his old club on his old home turf. J’maine Hopgood ($597k) is named at prop but it is unclear how many minutes he will get with a large variance of possibility. He could return to 2023 form if coach Jason Ryles entrusts him with the most game time from the forwards.


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First Take: Storm v Eels

Warriors v Roosters, Friday 6.00pm (AEDT) at Go Media Stadium

Warriors: The reported change to starting edge players proved true with Jacob Laban ($335k) getting the No.12 while partnering the handy dual EDG/CTR forward Kurt Capewell ($426k) who may see an uptick in ownership due to his centre availability. The explosive Leka Halasima ($498k) is on the bench however and this could see Capewell shuffled elsewhere or earning reduced minutes.

Roosters: The Tricolours also see a forwards change-up with the mid-priced Nat Butcher ($532k) gaining the starting edge slot and Blake Steep ($423k) taking over at lock, both are worthwhile inclusions. As coach Trent Robinson forewarned, Benaiah Ioelu ($327k) gets the hooker spot over Connor Watson ($622k) but Ioelu has some trap fears if Watson replaces him early on. James Tedesco ($684k) is a strong keeper option for those that missed on Kalyn Ponga last week.


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First Take: Warriors v Roosters

Broncos v Panthers, Friday 8.00pm (AEDT) at Suncorp Stadium

Broncos: The 2025 premiers line up as expected short of Cory Paix ($409k) starting at dummy half ahead of veteran Ben Hunt. Paix isn’t one to rush into picking up with Hunt still likely to share game time. Huge ownership and Fantasy guns Reece Walsh ($654k) and Payne Haas ($950k) are the ones to try and squeeze in for non-owners, especially with a glut of cheapies throughout the league opening up the Salary Cap space.

Panthers: Nathan Cleary ($900k) will be in most NRL Fantasy teams entering Round 1 and seems the safest choice at HLF. Penrith did have one surprise in their line-up, dual position Isaiah Papali’i ($607k) is set to ride the pine to start his season despite Liam Martin being unavailable through injury. This leaves the 13.4% of owners in the lurch and requiring a TLT team reshuffle. Isaah Yeo ($738k) as usual is a strong option at MID and appears to come into the year at a small discount.


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First Take: Broncos v Panthers

Sharks v Titans, Saturday 5.30pm (AEDT) at Ocean Protect Stadium

Sharks: Cheapie and the Newtown Jets hero Jesse Colquhoun ($347k) get his first Round 1 run-on jersey to fill the shoes of injured captain Cam McInnes, who is out until Round 10. Nicho Hynes ($700k) appears to be good value as a point of difference half while both Jesse Ramien ($479k) and KL Iro ($628k) are likely to score well in the centres, their cash point the toughest decision whether to start with either one of them.

Titans: Jayden Campbell is out with a hamstring twinge in the Titans’ biggest team list news. Fantasy relevant Josh Patston ($250k) missed selection in the first 19 but is named in the reserves and could be a late inclusion. Young winger Sialetili Faeamani ($230K) will start however on the wing and isn’t the worst cheapie option going around. Both Tino Fa’asuamaleaui ($668k) and Chris Randall ($487K) should get lots of game time considering the bench Josh Hannay has opted for that includes the exciting Cooper Bai ($250k). None of these are safe options but have some reward that comes with their risk.


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First Take: Sharks v Titans

Sea Eagles v Raiders, Saturday 7.35pm (AEDT) at 4 Pines Park

Sea Eagles: Jake Simpkin ($509k) will start at hooker with a few players lurking on the interchange that could take minutes off him. Simpkin is an interesting choice but only if he gets close to 80 minutes of game time. If you missed out on Kalyn Ponga last week then Tom Trbojevic ($600k) could be a worthwhile alternative at the same price point. All other Manly players are watchlist candidates only.

Raiders: Canberra have Ethan Sanders ($350k) starting at halfback this year but considering his average scores in NSW Cup during 2025 he might be best sitting on your emergencies. Simi Sasagi ($374k) is filling in for the injured Matt Timoko in the centres but doesn’t win a dual position spot. Noah Martin ($250k) will play edge and is a great basement price option but with a huge selection risk next week. If you missed on Ryan Couchman then Martin could be your way to get him


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First Take: Sea Eagles v Raiders

Dolphins v Rabbitohs, Sunday 3.05pm (AEDT) at Suncorp Stadium

Dolphins: Enforcer Thomas Flegler ($500k) is back after missing nearly two full seasons. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow ($617k) steps back into the No.1 with the exciting Trai Fuller ($550k) missing out on the run-on side. The Dolphins will start with Tom Gilbert ($513k) at prop, Morgan Knowles ($550k) at lock and Kurt Donoghoe ($560k) at hooker due to a few injuries hitting their pack. Beware starting any of these players however as the depth should return soon.

Rabbitohs: Souths have a number of intriguing fantasy prospects but due to their BYE in Round 4 only David Fifita ($500k) is a must start. Keaon Koloamatangi ($704k), Jye Gray ($500k) and Euan Aitken ($610k) are all possibilities, Aitken the biggest risk as Tallis Duncan ($551k) could share time with him on the right edge. Bronson Garlick ($367k) replaces the injured Brandon Smith ($300k) and rookie Ashton Ward ($400k) comes in to cover the unavailable Jamie Humphreys ($526k).


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First Take: Dolphins v Rabbitohs

 

Best of luck with back end of Round 1 and don’t forget to email through your questions to thelonescout@nrl.com.au and keep your eye peeled each Thursday for the most up to date NRL Fantasy news and advice for your team.