Fifita is out for a month, Hastings proves to be a buy, and a couple key players should be on your watchlist. Let’s look at some of the key NRL players for Round 9.
BUY, BUY, BUY
Jackson Hastings:
Since moving to halfback, he has been a revelation and just like the Tiger’s fortunes, his fantasy prospects are on the rise. What is most surprising is that these scores have come largely off the back of base stats. Hastings has averaged over 100 running metres, over 300 kicking metres and 18 tackles a game. He has also taken over the goal kicking duties with this positional change. Jackson Hastings is a strong buy as he doesn’t play origin and could be an early pickup for the Round 17 bye round.
ONES TO WATCH
James Tedesco:
The start of 2022 has been tough for Tedesco as his fantasy form has been largely subpar in comparison to his previous feats. However, there has been a big turnaround in the last two weeks where he has averaged 1.5-line breaks, 11.5 tackle busts and over 300 metres gained a game. One to watch, but the true test will come between rounds 10 and 12 when Tedesco plays the Eels, Sharks, and Panthers in succession.
Max King:
King has been one of the pickups of the season, despite limited minutes, largely off the bench, he has produced impressive scores and made significant cash for coaches. However, his price has almost peaked and looks to have run out of fuel as a cash cow. Fantasy coaches should consider whether to now keep him (as he plays the round 13 bye), drop him to a cheapie, or upgrade him to a gun.
Angus Crichton:
A fallen gun, whose poor form to the start of the season saw him relegated to the bench. However, Chricton's most recent outing against the Bulldogs saw him return to his best with 41 tackles, 2 tackle busts, 2 offloads and a season-high 135 running metres. Angus Crichton will be one to have in the back end of the NRL season, yet the downside is he is likely to be in the Origin outfit.
DROP
David Fifita:
After strong scores in rounds 5 & 6, Justin Holbrook shifted Fifita to the centres and the bench and successive weeks that have resulted in his two lowest scores of the year. His most recent appearance resulted in an MCL injury which will see him out for a month, making him a definite sell.
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