With players backing up from Origin, dropping out late and others going down injured, it was far from an easy week for Fantasy coaches in Round 20, except for several star performers who helped to lift scores across the competition.
The Warriors' big win over Cronulla saw the likes of Shaun Johnson and Addin Fonua-Blake once again reward coaches, while Newcastle's commanding win over Wests Tigers led to a plethora of points for their outside backs.
Round 20 Winners
Having safely welcomed his baby into the world mid-week, Shaun Johnson produced another masterclass (82 points) to steer the Warriors home with a big win against the Sharks – chalking up the second-highest score of the round.
His score was bettered only by Panthers centre Izack Tago, who had an afternoon to remember against the Dolphins' new-look left edge – scoring tries and setting them up alike to finish with 97 points, taking his season average above 50.
Newcastle's back three all got in on the tries and points as the Knights hammered Wests Tigers, with Kalyn Ponga (80 points), Greg Marzhew (73 points) and Dominic Young (68 points) all scoring well. The trio were also joined by Tyson Frizell (70 points) in the Team of the Week for the highest scorers of the round.
Young scoring tries for fun
Despite his team being on the wrong end of a lopsided scoreline, Nicho Hynes (61 points) did the job for coaches, as did highly-owned players such as J'maine Hopgood (56 points), Harry Grant (62 points) and Jahream Bula (69 points).
Alofiana Khan-Pereira continued his try-scoring exploits to finish with 48 points in a thrilling clash between the Eels and Titans; Connelly Lemuelu's clever kick-and-chase try saw him with a handy 59 points in the Dolphins' loss to Penrith; while Valentine Holmes (59 points) also finished with a tick under 60 points as the Cowboys made five wins in a row with victory over the Sea Eagles.
Holmes gives his all
Round 20 Losers
Maika Sivo and Freddy Lussick finished as the lowest scorers of the round, managing just four points despite their side's respective victories, while Eels duo Joe Ofahengaue (6 points) and Daejarn Asi (8 points) also scored in single digits.
Teig Wilton's injury restricted him to just 11 points as his Cronulla teammates Siosifa Talakai (13 points) and Ronaldo Mulitalo (13 points) also struggled to get going without their usual attacking contributions on the left edge.
Jamayne Isaako had his second-lowest score of the season – limited to just 29 points against the Panthers – while teammate Valynce Te Whare managed 21 points after being shifted from the centres to the wing.
Nathan Cleary and Dane Gagai were both late exclusions for their respective sides in a blow for coaches wanting an extra number in the Origin-and-bye-affected round, but both are expected to return to play in Round 21.
NRL Round Up - Round 20, 2023
Round 20 Team of the Week
- Jahream Bula (WFB) – 69 points
- Greg Marzhew (WFB) – 73 points
- Izack Tago (CTR) – 97 points
- Rocco Berry (CTR) – 64 points
- Dominic Young (WFB) – 68 points
- Kalyn Ponga (WFB, HLF) – 80 points
- Shaun Johnson (HLF) – 82 points
- Addin Fonua-Blake (MID) – 69 points
- Lachlan Croker (HOK) – 69 points
- Jake Trbojevic (MID) – 58 points
- Bryce Cartwright (EDG) – 74 points
- Corey Waddell (EDG) – 73 points
- Victor Radley (MID) – 56 points
- Luciano Leilua (EDG) – 72 points
- Tyson Frizell (EDG) – 70 points
- Briton Nikora (EDG) – 66 points
- Kodi Nikorima (HLF) – 66 points