The final round of NRL Fantasy for the year is here, and whether you're playing in a head-to-head grand final this week or jockeying for a better final finish in the overall standings, there's a heap on the line.
Most coaches are down to their final trade at this point (if you've been disciplined enough to keep one up your sleeve), but it can make all the difference if you get it right.
For our final Thursday column for the year, we're looking at the trades that can give you an edge in Round 27.
Jarome Luai (HLF, $588k)
Tore the Rabbitohs to shreds last week, setting up three tries to finish with a Fantasy score of 64, and looked to have well and truly rediscovered his chief playmaking mojo in the absence of Nathan Cleary.
If, like last week, he favours the left side against the Titans he's set to come up against a newish defensive unit featuring Klese Haas who'll be making just his third start since Round 15. If he goes to the right he'll have a tasty matchup against an out-of-position Chris Randall and an edge that really struggled against the Knights in Round 26.
Brad Schneider Try
Luai has high-ceiling potential this week in a Panthers side with plenty to play for and who should be able to take care of a weakened Gold Coast team. I like his chances of being closer to 70 than 50.
James Tedesco (WFB, $751k)
After their halfback suffered a season-ending knee injury last week, the Roosters are likely going to be looking at a style switch up in attack which will suit the cattle they have available.
That is set to see James Tedesco play an even bigger role than usual, with an emphasis on making the most of his running game through the middle of the park. As it is he's been in good form of late, averaging 62 points across his past three games, and this week he should have a workload that gives him a chance to at least match that.
Tedesco and the Roosters are also playing a struggling Rabbitohs side who are without some key men themselves, so it's not difficult to see the Tricolours' skipper having a big night out on Friday.
Patrick Carrigan (MID, $780k)
With the finals now out of reach Brisbane have opted to sit Payne Haas this week, which is really, really good news for Patrick Carrigan's Fantasy prospects.
With his fellow star middle out of the side Carrigan goes to another level in terms of his stats. Without Haas around between Round 3-7, Carrigan averaged 66.4 per game, while in Round 23 and 25, while Haas was out injured, Carrigan cranked out scores of 66 and 73.
Against the Storm to finish the season Carrigan carries very little risk and is a decent chance of reaching a score in the mid to high 60s.
Lachlan Galvin (HLF, $703k)
Over a quarter of all teams have Lachlan Galvin at this point, but if you're not one of them then he's worth some thought this week.
The teenage whizz kid, who's been the outstanding cash cow of 2024, has hit scores in the 60s in two of his past three games and this week plays an Eels side that gave up 40 points last up and have the equal-worst defensive record this year (ironically tied with Galvin's Wests Tigers).
Galvin influential in Wests Tigers victory
Galvin will have attacking chances aplenty here and he has been hitting good numbers without scoring tries recently, so a four-pointer against Parra in the battle to avoid the wooden spoon could easily see him climb up into the 70s.