Five Fantasy League must-haves

The 2023 Betfred Super League season is just around the corner which means Fantasy League is gearing up for its return too! With a host of exciting new arrivals alongside the current crop of Fantasy stars, it promises to be another thrilling season of Fantasy League.

Before you pick your team, assign your captain and go up against your mates in a Fantasy mini-league, get the lowdown on our five Fantasy League must-haves for the 2023 campaign.

Matt Parcell (170K)

Parcell earned Fantasy League royalty status in 2022. He finished as the highest overall points scorer and averaged more points per game than any other player. He boasted an average of just over one point per minute in 2022 and recorded three figure scores on multiple occasions.

Matt Parcell dominated #SLFantasy once again in Round 11 ?

Debrief ? #SuperLeague
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) May 4, 2022

Although it's unclear how new Hull KR head coach Willie Peters will utilise Parcell in 2023, expect the experienced hooker to be central to the Robins side. He averaged 66 minutes on the field in 2022 and similar minutes this year should continue to yield consistent and impressive point totals. 

If you're looking for a premium and reliable hooker in your Fantasy line up, Parcell is your man. 

Theo Fages (155K)

Coming off the back of a disrupted 2022 season, Theo Fages has all the ingredients to be a top Fantasy scorer this year. In and out of the Giants squad last season due to injury, Fages still managed to maintain a 51 point average from his 14 Super League appearances.

With a full pre-season under his belt and a return to full fitness imminent, Fages will be central to Huddersfield's attack in 2023 and will only benefit from the plethora of stars around him. 

The Frenchman could be a front runner in Fantasy League this season.

Andre Savelio (135K)

An injury hit 2022 campaign has seen Andre Savelio's price drop 15K this year. Despite that drop in price, his Fantasy League value during limited appearances on the field last season was evident. Savelio finished the year with 315 points from six games, averaging a solid 52 points per game. 

No stopping Savelio ?#SuperLeague #SLLeeHul pic.twitter.com/fg1GpLn4ny
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) March 10, 2022

He averaged 30 tackles a game across those six appearances, offering good and safe value from base stats alone. Add to that his ability to cross the try line, offload and break tackles - and it makes Savelio an appetising and modestly priced Fantasy League prospect.

Matty Nicholson (115K)

There's reason to be optimistic about Matty Nicholson's Fantasy potential after the youngster secured the number 12 shirt at the Wolves for 2023. He moved to the Halliwell Jones Stadium mid-way through the 2022 season and immediately impressed - finishing the year with a 40 point average from 8 Super League appearances.

Matty Nicholson came to play ?@catapultsports confirmed the @WarringtonRLFC back rower covered over 8 kilometers at an intensity of 98m/min ? pic.twitter.com/XCpar8P9Zo
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) July 11, 2022

Priced at 115K - a moderate price tag for a starting back rower - expect him to build on his breakout season in 2023. With a full pre-season at the Wolves under his belt and the trust from his head coach, Nicholson could be a Fantasy League star this season.

Junior Nsemba (65K)

John Bateman's exit from the Warriors alongside the likes of Oliver Partington and James McDonnell leaving the club for new pastures means Wigan aren't flush with depth in their forward pack in 2023. Junior Nsemba enjoyed his first taste of Super League against Hull KR in Round 26 last season and despite tasting defeat, showed up well for the Warriors - scoring an impressive 49 points from an 80 minute stint. 

????? ?????? ?

29. Alex Sutton
32. Junior Nsemba
33. Zach Eckersley
35. Jack Bibby
37. Harvie Hill
38. Ben O?Keefe
39. Tom Forber

Good luck, lads! ?#WWRL #SLHKRWIG pic.twitter.com/hmbPY421Mu
— Wigan Warriors ??? (@WiganWarriorsRL) August 29, 2022

He may not be a go to player in the opening rounds, but as the season progresses and injuries inevitably effect all teams, Nsemba could be called upon once again.