Fantasy League debrief

12 Jul 2022

Top performers

Big Bopper David Fifita was back to his devastating best in Fantasy thanks to a round high score of 96 points. Despite losing five points after being sin-binned before half-time, Fifita still managed to hit an impressive total from his 50-minute stint. His points came from a try, 114 metres from 18 carries, 3 offloads, a clean break, 35 tackles and a monster 13 tackle busts.

They won't stop Fifita 💥 pic.twitter.com/ajw4qIXaw4
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) July 9, 2022

Matt Parcell’s fine Fantasy form continued with the Robins hooker recording another impressive score on the weekend. Parcell finished on 95 points after crossing for a try, making 2 clean breaks, 7 tackle busts, 34 tackles and 163 run metres – more than any other Hull KR player.

Parcell has now moved into second on the overall points scoring charts and his form is making the hooker a must-have as we head into the latter stages of the season.

Elsewhere, George Williams made a welcome return to the Warrington side after missing last weeks loss at Salford. Williams reminded everyone why he is the elite Fantasy scrum-half this season thanks to an 86 point return. His performance against Catalans included a try, a line break, 3 assists, 2 offloads and 143 run metres.

There were also impressive Round 18 scores for the in-form Brodie Croft (85), Saints starlet Joe Batchelor (82), hat-trick hero Mikey Lewis (78), powerhouse Bureta Faraimo (77) and the ever-reliable John Bateman (77).

Hat-trick for Mikey Lewis 🔥

Big performance on the big stage ??#SuperLeague #SLHKRHul pic.twitter.com/xCwa0USUC1
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) July 10, 2022

Fantasy flops

Injuries and late exclusions caused more havoc in Round 18 of Fantasy League. Premium prop Alex Walmsley missed the game against Wigan due to the imminent arrival of his third child, whilst Kruise Leeming missed out due to injury.

Frankie Halton returned to his points scoring best in Round 17 and looked set for another big game against Hull FC. However, his day was cruelly cut short through injury during the opening exchanges on Sunday, resulting in a score of 1- it also looks like he's set for another extended spell on the side lines.

Popular centre option Peter Mata’utia had an uncharacteristically quiet game for the Wolves. Mata’utia has now slipped into fifth on the overall point scoring centres charts after a below par score of 13.

Looking ahead

Fantasy owners will need to reshuffle their back line after it was revealed Tommy Makinson would miss the next few weeks through injury. He has been the best winger across Fantasy this year and a popular choice amongst owners in 2022.

After Will Pryce’s impressive score of 70 points in Round 17, he was left of Huddersfield’s side at Magic Weekend. The return of Theo Fages – who has been a great Fantasy asset in previous seasons – resulted in Pryce’s exclusion on the weekend.

And of course, suspensions will again take its toll as we head towards Round 19. A total of 8 players received bans following the weekends action – most notably Matt Prior, who recorded an impressive 55 points last time out.

Following the latest round of @Betfred @SuperLeague fixtures at the #MagicWeekend, the Match Review Panel have issued the following sanctions...
— Rugby Football League (@TheRFL) July 11, 2022