Lone Scout's Fantasy team list analysis: Round 6

Some teams are as per last week while others have made a host of changes, either way we dive into the fantasy fall-out from another spicy Team List Tuesday!

Bulldogs v Panthers, Thursday 7.50pm at Accor Stadium

Bulldogs: After appearing in headlines regarding his future the last few weeks, Bronson Xerri returns to the field in cover of Stephen Crichton who is working through a shoulder issue. Hooker Jake Turpin makes the bench hoping for his first game in 2026.

Panthers: As expected, Mitch Kenny returns from suspension relieving Freddy Lussick at #9. Lussick moves back to the interchange, so those looking at his 55 points from last week will need to steer clear.

Dragons v Sea Eagles, Friday 6.00pm at WIN Stadium

Dragons: After further injuries and a suspension to last weekend’s debutant David Fale, the Dragons make a backline reshuffle seeing Setu Tu return to the run-on side in good news for those who managed to hold him. Tyrell Sloan comes back to his old haunt at fullback to cover for Clint Gutherson (hamstring). A swap in numbers in the halves with Kyle Flanagan returning from a HIA at halfback and Daniel Atkinson reverting to the five-eighth role. Both players seemingly on notice with NSW Cup halfback Kade Reed named on the bench.

Sea Eagles: Only the one movement after Manly well and truly took their season back in hand last week for the new temporary coach Kieran Foran as Jason Saab has served his suspension and takes back his spot on the wing.

Broncos v Cowboys, Friday 8.00pm at Suncorp Stadium

Broncos: The big cost of last week’s triumph makes itself known with a lot of player movement coming from the reigning premiers. Jesse Arthars heads to fullback to cover the injured and therefore trade out target in Reece Walsh while Josiah Karapani moves onto the vacated wing spot.. Though still named another potential late change could be found after Adam Reynolds wasn’t able to see the whole game through and Tom Duffy has been named as a potential replacement on the six-man bench against his previous club no less.

Cowboys: Sam McIntyre’s torn plantar fascia sees the only change for North Queensland this week with Kai O'Donnell slotting into the starting Edge forward spot with still no sign of Maroons second-rower Jeremiah Nanai, who would have been a handy reinforcement for the visitors.

Rabbitohs v Raiders, Sunday 3.00pm (AEST) at Optus Stadium, Perth

Rabbitohs: Souths get back Fantasy enigma Brandon Smith this week as he takes the place of Bronson Garlick who slips back to the interchange. Keaon Koloamatangi has been named but is under an injury cloud after suffering a leg injury in the Good Friday clash against the Bulldogs.

Raiders: Jed Stuart is the replacement for the injured Xavier Savage on the wing. Ethan Sanders has remained in the No.7 despite Coby Black returning in NSW Cup last week.

Sharks v Roosters, Saturday 5.30pm (AEST) at Optus Stadium, Perth

Sharks: Mawene Hiroti is the replacement for the injured Jesse Ramien at right centre, Ramien likely to be missing for a month. Hiroti was excellent when he deputised in the centres last year but his price has adjusted accordingly and is only a pick-up in draft formats.

Roosters: Victor Radley and Spencer Leniu return from suspension and injury respectively which has forced Egan Butcher and Blake Steep into the reserves. Expect all Roosters forwards to have reduced minutes and therefore less Fantasy output. Billy Smith suffered a knee injury in the Roosters win against Manly two weeks back and won’t take the field in Perth. Utility Hugo Savala will fill in at centre but Cody Ramsey and Tommy Talau are both in the 19 and either could come in for Savala closer to kick-off.

Storm v Warriors, Saturday 7.35pm at AAMI Park

Storm: Jack Howarth and Moses Leo return to the beleaguered Storm backline with Manaia Waitere shifting to the bench and Siulagi Tuimalatu-Brown missing out altogether. Storm coach Craig Bellamy has resisted the urge to make further changes despite threatening to after the loss to Penrith last Friday.

Warriors: The Warriors lost Luke Metcalf to a hamstring injury late in their loss to the Sharks on Sunday. Chanel Harris-Tavita returns at five-eighth with Alofiana Khan-Pereira coming onto the interchange.

Eels v Titans, Sunday 2.00pm at CommBank Stadium

Eels: Lots of forced changes for Parramatta with Jonah Pezet, Sean Russell and Bailey Simonsson out injured. Last round’s story of the round Apa Twidle is also out with an AC joint complaint so Jason Ryles goes with Will Penisini at centre, Ronald Volkman at five-eighth and debutant youngster Araz Nanva on the wing.

Titans: No changes for the Gold Coast despite going down to the Broncos last Saturday night. Besides halfback Jayden Campbell and right edge forward Arama Hau, there isn’t a lot of Fantasy value in the Titans at the moment.

Wests Tigers v Raiders, Sunday 4.05pm at Campbelltown Sports Stadium

Wests Tigers: Jeral Skelton is the only change to the winning Wests Tigers with Luke Laulilii suspended for one game. Patrick Herbert joins the 19.

Knights: Bradman Best suffered a groin injury in the win over the Raiders and is sidelined for up to a month. Wilson De Courcey takes Best’s place in the centres while Cody Hopwood joins the six-man interchange.

 

Loving your questions at thelonescout@nrl.com.au so keep them coming – and don’t despair if you don’t get answered one week as we will get to you the following round. The Q&A is published each and every Thursday right here at NRL.com.