A closer look at some of the key Fantasy performances of the week, and what they mean for your trades for the upcoming round.
Mannering's dramatic drop
An incredibly consistent performer in 2015, Simon Mannering (2RF, $502,000) started 2016 with a massive score of 83 (which included a try), but a move to the right edge to cover the loss of Bodene Thomspon has resulted in a reduced tackle count as expected and a slight bump in run metres – but nowhere near enough to offset the points lost in tackles. Mannering's scores are essentially linked to his tackle count each week, and while tackle counts of 31 and 39 in his past two starts isn't terrible, the ensuing scores of 36 and 40 are below what coaches would expect from their star man. Mannering has the highest break even (83) of any player this week, and is almost certain to continue to see his price tumble below the $500,000-mark. That's good news for those without the New Zealand international – when Thompson returns, a cut-price Mannering should be an attractive mid-season purchase.
Gold Coast's point-per-minute machine
Ryan James (FRF/2RF, $439,000) is emerging as a real point of difference this season, getting through a massive workload while also improving his discipline to see his scores and price skyrocket. He isn't wasting any time out on the field either, with scores of 58 (49 minutes), 77 (61 minutes) and 68 (65 minutes) in his last three starts all the more impressive considering the game time he's getting. The NSW Origin hopeful has also made just two errors and conceded three penalties in five games this season, on track to better his 22 errors and 32 penalties conceded in 21 games in 2015. James made 59 points in tackles and run metres alone against the Broncos, and doesn't look like slowing down any time soon.
Semi set to explode?
While he was at his game-breaking best against the Bulldogs in Round 3, it's been a relatively tame start to the season for Semi Radradra (WFB, $370,000). Excluding that 86 in Round 3, Radradra is averaging just over 21 points per game, an alarming number for those coaches who started the year with the Fijian Flyer who has dropped $82,000 in price so far this season. Parramatta host the in-form Raiders in Round 6, and the last time those two sides met at Pirtek Stadium in Round 26 last season, Radradra ran riot. Two tries, 234 run metres, three line breaks, two offloads, and a line-break assist saw him finish with a massive 94 points, with Radradra also averaging 51 against the Green Machine. You'd be brave to trade him in this week – particularly given his break even of 57 – but it could prove to be a shrewd move particularly if you're starting to plan for the bye rounds.
Top scores in Round 5
Cameron McInnes (HOK, $394,000): 97
Apisai Koroisau (HOK/HLF, $368,000): 89
Bryce Cartwright (2RF, $381,000): 73
Jarrod Croker (CTR, $364,000): 70
James Tedesco (WFB, $535,000): 68
Bottom scores in Round 5
Sione Mata'utia (CTR/WFB, $242,000): -2
John Olive (CTR, $157,000): -1
Jeff Robson (HLF, $183,000): 2
Kurt Baptiste (HOK, $129,000): 5
Konrad Hurrell (CTR, $198,000): 6
Top Round 5 price increases
Cameron McInnes (HOK, $394,000): +$57,000
Matt Parcell (HOK, $333,000): +$47,000
Ryan James (FRF/2RF, $439,000): +$40,000
Cody Walker (HLF, $315,000): +$39,000
Jackson Hastings (HLF, $306,000): +$37,000
Top Round 5 price decreases
Damien Cook (HOK, $318,000): -$35,000
Simon Mannering (2RF, $502,000): -$31,000
Sia Soliola (2RF, $430,000): -$31,000
Wade Graham (2RF, $383,000): -$30,000
Blake Leary (2RF, $282,000): -$30,000
