Lone Scout's NRL Fantasy Q&A: Round 23
Andrew Fifita is back, Jason Taumalolo might be back, Jazz Tevaga has dodged injury and suspension, and NRL Fantasy coaches are weighing up how to use that precious final trade.
Here are my answers to this week's big questions.
Round 23 Fantasy questions
Many of us held Fifita, it's do-or-die finals time, so we upgrade or hold? Do we see him getting 40 plus?
From Andrew Alan Wilkinson
He's a hold for mine. In his two games off the bench, he's scored 44 in 41 minutes and 49 in 44 minutes. We can expect something similar from him this week, and ideally for Fifita owners he gets a starting spot back and/or more game time in the final rounds of the regular season. Even without more minutes, Fifita is a player capable of producing big scores – on the other occasions when he's played between 40 and 50 minutes he's scored 53, 72 and 65.
Have Jazz Tevaga in my best 17, his scoring currently is a concern and he’s carrying an ankle injury and other niggles. He’s back at lock this week, but do you think he will still get enough minutes to score say 50? Or do we think Kearney will manage him from this point? Have 2 trades left, trade or hold?
From Chris Cook
He's a hold at this point. Things were looking very concerning when he was struggling with his ankle injury but after avoiding a suspension and being named at lock there's a very good chance he gets back to 50+ scores. He's certainly a better scorer at lock than at hooker, where his running game is diminished. As a starting lock this year Tevaga has scored 81, 43, 82, 58 and 58. You won't want to trade him out now only to see him score 58 again.
Burns and Taumalolo to trade out? I have $32k in bank and my last 2 trades.
From Scott McCormick
The best move is to wait until Friday, then make your decision once Taumalolo is confirmed in or out. The Cowboys' 6pm kick-off against Penrith means you'll know for sure by 5pm Friday (if not earlier) whether Taumalolo will play. Obviously, he's a hold if he's playing.
Burns is a trade if you need to play him in your 17, otherwise, you may be best just saving the trade. At $458k you won't be able to upgrade him to a top-line keeper.
Jazz falls flat in Fantasy
Keep Cleary or sell?
From Scott Pritchard
Keep. He's got an average in the 50s, and is coming off scores of 79 and 49 (albeit with tries in both games). Only "upgrade" if you've got plenty of trades to spare and want a tactical advantage over a head-to-head opponent – for example matching one of their players if you've otherwise got the stronger team, or bringing in a unique player if you're the underdog.
Will Curtis Scott play this week or will Olam hold his starting spot?
From Jeremy Claydon
I expect Olam to hold his spot.
Can I have some trades please?
From Simon Rathbone
I'd quite like some extra trades myself.
