Game Week 1 for the 2023 Bundy Mixer season has arrived and it's time to look over the must-have players for the round ahead.
Tamika Upton (WFB)
Upton loves the big stage
Upton and the Knights open the season against a Dragons side which has been almost totally rebuilt over the off-season, which means there's a good chance they'll have a few cohesion issues in defence come their season-opener. That would be great news for Upton, who averaged 58.4 Mixer points per game last season and is set to play a huge role again for Newcastle. Alongside her usual base stats, which should include close to 200 metres in running if last year is anything to go by, it's not hard to see her finding some success in attack this week.
Nathan Cleary (HLF)
With a vast majority of Mixer coaches expected to select Nicho Hynes this week, Cleary presents as an excellent point of difference option. There is some risk given it's his first game back from a long layoff with a hamstring injury, but against the competition's worst defence this week – with the Bulldogs leaking 30.5 points per game on average – Cleary should have plenty of chances to rack up dynamic attacking stats and kick conversions.
Millie Boyle (MID)
With Payne Haas in his first game back from an ankle injury, Boyle is the pick of the MIDs this week and is expected to have a big game in her club debut for the Roosters. The 25-year-old prop is taking on her former side the Broncos, who she hit 53 against for the Knights last year, and her ability to rack up huge running numbers makes her an excellent choice for Game Week 1. Last year Boyle averaged a touch under 54 points per game in Mixer.
Izack Tago (CTR)
Tago looking a million bucks
Easily the top CTR in recent weeks when it comes to Mixer stats, and the second-best player in the entire game when it comes to scores across his past three appearances. He's in great try-scoring form, with four in his last two games, and is producing huge yardage numbers with ball in hand. Much like Cleary, he's a good chance of hitting a big score against a Bulldogs side which has some shaky moments defensively.