2022's best middle-forward reminds us why he's the cream of the crop? An old veteran turning back the clock? Is it time to forget about a pair of Tigers studs? There are so many questions coming out of round 4 and some of them were answered in round 5. But let's turn our attention back to fantasy footy for a second and identify some risers in form and others who should be falling out of favour with all fantasy coaches. Let us know your thoughts on who we have down below on all of our social channels twitter, facebook, instagram, discord.
RISERS
Shaun Johnson – HLF, New Zealand Warriors (95 points)
Firstly, just wow! How good was the Sharks vs Warriors game. SJ has turned the clock back in 2023 and is producing some great performances on the field in NRL and in fantasy terms. He averages 71 points a game this season and this falls into the premium category for the halves. On top of a decent base, SJ also offers plenty in attack. Against the Sharks, he provided fantasy coaches with 1 try, 6 goals, 2 try assists, 2 line break assists, 2 tackle breaks and 2 offloads. He’s the inform half in fantasy and hasn’t had a score lower than 56 points this season.
Sam Walker – HLF, Sydney Roosters (75 points)
Walker really impressed me this week and he seems to be growing in confidence with each game that he plays. One thing that has really stood out for me this season is his defence. He has made 84 tackles and only missed 6. This is a vast improvement from last season when his tackle efficiency was only at 82%. Walker has a solid game and hasn’t really had a breakout game on attack this season. He averages 62 points, and we may see this rise as I believe this Roosters team will be able to put up some large scores this year. Walker has already made 50 first grade appearances at only 20 years old and I think he is one of the best cards to have for the future.
Cameron Murray – MID, South Sydney Rabbitohs (83 points)
This week Murray showed us why he was the number one MID for fantasy coaches last season. He reminded us how dynamic he can be by running a great line and putting Cody Walker over for a try. Of his 83 points this week, 60 of them came in running metres and tackles. If coaches had any doubt about benching Murray, this performance should put that doubt to bed.
FALLERS
Adam Doueihi – HLF, Wests Tigers (36 points)
Doueihi looks to be a no go while he is at fullback. With scores of 38 and 30 while playing at fullback in the last couple of weeks, these are not the scores we want to see from a half. It doesn’t look like the Wests Tigers will be getting a win anytime soon and who knows where Doueihi will play from week to week. He will only be a consideration for me if he plays in the halves again and if the Wests Tigers start winning some games.
Apisai Koroisau – HOK, Wests Tigers (28 points)
I wonder if Api is regretting his move to the Wests Tigers! He hasn’t got going this season and I put a lot of this downing to the Wests Tigers not clicking yet. This week he came from the field after 54 minutes and didn’t return. I’m not sure if this was because of the score line or because he is carrying an injury. The most concerning thing for me is the demerits he's clocking up. He is losing 19 points per game through missed tackles, errors and penalties. Until he tidies these up and the Wests Tigers get their attack going, Api is a hard avoid for me.
Jamal Fogarty – HLF, Canberra Raiders (20 points)
Fogarty and the Raiders had a night to forget on Friday as they were trounced by a red hot Panthers side in Canberra. I feel that this was his opportunity to shine without Wighton in the side and that didn’t happen. With Wighton out due to suspension against the Broncos, Fogarty has another chance to shine. From what I saw from Fogarty and the Raiders against the Panthers, I can’t see him being fantasy relevant against the Broncos. His stats are down from last season in attack and defence. This may be because the Raiders are just not quite clicking yet and only time will tell. For now, Fogarty won’t be a consideration for my team and that includes every card rarity type. I’d much rather play some other halves in bronze instead of a Fogarty legend.