The footy is back! The return of the NRL means the return of Fantasy and Supercoach.
The promised land where nerds and jocks unite to do battle utilizing a combination of sporting knowledge, statistical analysis, and economic acumen.
For all those who partake in NRL Fantasy or Supercoach throughout the year we thought we’d lend you a helping hand with your teams.
We’ve got advice on which cash cows to pick up to make some quick coin, who you should slap the armband on and which players to avoid!
Whether you’re playing draft or classic on either NRL Fantasy or Supercoach we’ll have your team fighting fit in no time.
If you’re looking to get a jump on your co-workers, mates, and the rest of the competition, check out our expert NRL Fantasy and Supercoach tips below.
NRL Fantasy & Supercoach Tips – Captain Material
Nathan Cleary
You don’t have to be a Rugby League genius to figure this one out. Unsurprisingly the best player in the NRL also equals the best player in both Fantasy and Supercoach.
Simply put, the Penrith captain prints points and should be your captain if you’re playing classic or if you’re the first pick in your draft.
He costs a pretty penny both in fantasy land and in real life, but boy is he worth it.
Nicho Hynes
The main challenger for Cleary’s captaincy crown is Sharks superstar Nicho Hynes. Since his move to the Shire, he has become a fantasy must have, dominating the stats across the board while pulling the strings for Cronulla.
If you don’t have Cleary, you should have Hynes, but tread a little lightly here as he is under a bit of an injury cloud for round 1.
Payne Haas
A touch more relevant in NRL Fantasy than Supercoach, big Payne Haas is a base stats machine.
He constantly churns through a bunch of tackles and meters every game and has been one of the most consistent fantasy scorers over the past three seasons. A worthy armband bearer indeed.
Kalyn Ponga
Perhaps the captaincy option with the lowest floor, but an almost unlimited ceiling is reigning Dally M medalist Kalyn Ponga.
The Knights fullback simply exploded in the second half of last season to launch himself, the Knights and everyone who had him in their Fantasy teams into the big time.
If he can replicate that form again this season, he is a must haver and can challenge both Cleary and Hynes as a captaincy option, particularly for all you Supercoach players out there, as attacking stats are more heavily favoured in that world.
NRL Fantasy & Supercoach Tips – Cash Cows
Jesse Arthars
Jesse Arthars looks to have nailed down a spot in the Broncos backline and is nice and cheap to start the season.
Chuck in his dual position capabilities and the fact he will be getting fed by Reece Walsh and Adam Reynolds all season long and Arthars could be a real money maker in 2024.
He started the season in style with a decent score despite not finding the tryline, meaning when he does, he could post some very healthy scores indeed.
Brendan Piakura
A nightmare start to the season should not detract from Brendan Piakura’s fantasy potential.
An early HIA that ruled him out of the game against the Roosters should only be a temporary blip on the radar.
When back in business he’ll be a starter in the forwards as well as being a decent attacking threat. For his low price (which will only get lower now) he is still a must have.
Kaeo Weekes
There’s a bit more risk involved here than some of the other picks, but if Kaeo Weekes gets the gig in the Raiders halves he should make a decent profit in the early stages of the season.
Keep an eye on the Raiders team list when it drops and if he’s in there, it might be time to load in on this exciting rookie.
NRL Fantasy & Supercoach Tips – Cut Price Keepers
Luciano Leilua
His move back to the Dragons effective immediately, coupled with his offloading ability makes Luciano Leilua a very interesting proposition from a fantasy perspective.
His price is a little awkward, but if he hits top form and brings in the attacking returns we know he is capable of, he’ll make a fine addition to any team’s forward rotation.
Reuben Cotter
North Queensland’s mullet-ed messiah Reuben Cotter is more than affordable after an injury disrupted season last year.
This means his price is way below where it should be this season. Back to full health, he should play big minutes and produce big scores. A must have for us.
Shaun Lane
Much like Cotter, Shaun Lane had a very disrupted season in 2023 meaning his price is also down this year.
An offloading machine who can also find the try line, at the peak of his powers he should not only be in your Fantasy/Supercoach set up, but the NSW side too.
NRL Fantasy & Supercoach Tips – Traps
Keano Kini
An exciting attack prospect who should start at fullback for the Titans this season, be careful if selecting Keano Kini.
His job security is effectively non-existent with Jayden Campell returning in round four, so he only has a month to make his money.
If he doesn’t get good attacking returns, he will score poorly, so we think it’s best to steer clear.
Bronson Xerri
Former Shark Bronson Xerri will make his return to the NRL with the Bulldogs after serving a four-year doping ban.
Many will be tempted to draft him in their sides, but it is unlikely he will be the player who was forced to step away from the NRL in 2019.
His spot will also constantly be under threat by the Bulldogs’ plethora of outside backs waiting in and on the wings.
Jack Wighton
His price may seem appealing, but it’s important to remember he’ll most likely spend most of the season in the centers where ball is limited, and points are scarce.
His ban for the early rounds of the season for biting doesn’t help his cause either. While there is no doubt he is a player of immense quality, it’s probably best to steer clear of fightin’, bitin’ Jack Wighton in 2024.
NRL 2024 Premiership Odds
Fancy a flutter on the NRL this season? Check out our weekly expert NRL tips & predictions.