Amateurs Fantasy Sports

Buys

Toby Couchman MID/EDG $581’000 Projected average: 53

After 58- and 60-point performances in the opening two rounds of the year, Toby Couchman presents as a very enticing option heading into round 4. With the Dragons already having one bye out of the way to go along with a handy dual position, he looks to have about 10 points of value if he continues in a 60-minute role. He fits the textbook case of a big man breakout that began last year with Shane Flanagan seemingly phasing out some of the old guard forwards, reducing their roles. Certainly not urgent however, if the role remains the same he’ll still be a buy next week.

Kitione Kautoga CTR/EDG $279’000 Projected average: 33

Certainly not a slam dunk with his PPM and average run metres looking somewhat similar to Tigers/Manly ear Kelma Tuilagi. However, it seems like he is the 80-minute edge in this side and even at 65 minutes he presents ten points of value. Certainly not urgent given the team he plays for and coming against Manly this week, but probably the best sub-300k option this week.

Jayden Campbell WFB/HLF $732’000 Projected average: 62

With his mix of attacking stats and reliable base, Campbell looks head and shoulders above as the best WFB option this season and well on his way to 800k. He has a bye out of the way and the Dolphins, Dragons and Cowboys coming up in his next five games.

Payne Haas MID $949’000 Projected average: 74

Had to include him as the most bought player of the week but you don’t need me to tell you Haas is great. He’s matching his statistical levels of 2023 when the Broncos were last a top 4 side but he’s added an additional 3 offloads per game. He’ll come back down to earth at some stage but if he continues offloading at this rate he’ll likely be the highest averaging player of the year.

Holds

Lachlan Hubner

The suspension may have slowed down the price rises for Hubner as soon as he’d just gotten going, but at only 310k and a very low break even, I think he’s worth holding and hoping for the best upon return. If he’s not in the mix next week then looks an easy swap for Kautoga in round 5.

Alex Seyfarth

Seyfarth should earn another week in the side of fantasy coaches following a garbage time try that lifted him to a 56 point score and keeps his price moving for now. Even a low 40s average over the next few weeks will see him earn 60-80k in price rises and could be moved on then if there’s no improvement.

Jack Cole

There was more chatter of Jack Cole being dropped this week, but he retains his spot once again. As long as he holds a spot in the 13 he’ll slow burn his way up in price with an added one week boost with the absence of Cleary. Blaize Talagi has found his way onto the bench as a utility which is maybe a little worrisome but a hold this week.

Sells

Dylan Lucas/Roger Tuivasa-Sheck

Long term hamstring injuries provide an easy decision for these two highly owned players. An unfortunate situation but easy sells and owners should look to move on this week.

Nathan Cleary or Connor Watson

A sliding doors moment in the season for a lot of coaches taking the plunge on selling one of if not both of these expensive and well owned players. A lot are looking for any way to get to Haas and it’ll be hard to mount a strong case against that given the form Haas is in. Personally, I’ll be selling Watson and holding Cleary given that any other time in the year if Cleary’s price had a 7 in front of it he’d be at the top of my buy list.

Spicy Buys

Jack Williams MID/EDG $540’000 Projected average: 49

The looming arrival of Dylan Walker pushes Williams down to the spicy buy section and poor performances of Parramatta certainly don’t help but it appears he’s fairly high up of Ryles pecking order. Buy at own risk but if you don’t have the money to get to Couchman then perhaps Williams is your guy.

Will Kennedy WFB $450’000 Projected average: 39

The odd year Kennedy bounce back continues as he averages 43 through three rounds and recently scoring his first try of the year. With a bye this week for Ponga and Iongi struggling, he could be an out of the box selection to cover your WFB.