Fantasy League debrief

13 Mar 2023

Top performers

Tim Lafai's Fantasy stocks continue to rise after an emphatic display for the Red Devils in Round 4. The Samoan international hit an impressive 87 points against Hull FC after making an incredible 14 tackle busts alongside two tries and three line breaks.

Warrington's Paul Vaughan remains the benchmark as the leading prop in Fantasy after another accomplished performance in Round 4. Like Lafai, Vaughan also registered 87 points after crossing for his first Wolves try, eight tackle busts and 31 tackles during a lung busting 67-minute stint.

Rugby League how it should be played ?

Outstanding @SalfordDevils score live on #OURLEAGUE ?#SuperLeague #SLHulSal pic.twitter.com/1vsCgAWbJM
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) March 11, 2023

Giants pair Chris McQueen (80) and Nathan Peats (78) both had busy evenings on Friday - McQueen is no stranger to Fantasy League having been a consistent performer in 2022, whilst Peats could be a long-term option at hooker - priced at just 140K as well as being a big minute player.

Zak Hardaker was the other big performer of the round - he registered 80 points during Leigh's huge win against Champions. Hardaker scored a decisive try, ,kicked two goals, made two line breaks and eight tackle busts.

Injuries in the Hull KR forward pack opened the door for 2022 Fantasy favourite Frankie Halton in Round 4. Halton showed immense Fantasy credentials when he burst onto the scene last year and showed form reminiscent of that on Friday Night, registering 71 points thanks for a two try performance.

Hardaker for @LeighLeopardsRL ?

The Leopards are on their way to victory over the World Club Champions ?#SuperLeague #SLLeiStH pic.twitter.com/pkGUQkjvy0
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) March 10, 2023

Fantasy flops

Theo Fages left the field prematurely on Friday Night after suffering a leg injury against Castleford. The Frenchman recorded just three points in Round 4 and could be set for another stint on the sidelines. Elsewhere, popular Rhinos winger Ash Handley was another Round 4 casualty - he also picked up a knock and left the pitch after just 20 minutes against Trinity, finishing the night on six points.

Bevan French's slow start to the 2023 Fantasy season continued into Round 4. He recorded just 13 points against the Dragons, with his 2023 average now well below the 55 point average he recorded throughout 2022.

And French wasn't the only winger to suffer over the weekend. Hull FC's Darnell McIntosh had a day to forget on Saturday - he registered just 5 points during a quiet 80 minute performance. McIntosh's form faltered in part due to Hull FC's collapse against an unforgiving Salford side.

Fast hands ?@DragonsOfficiel extend their lead before half-time ?

Watch live on @SkySportsRL now!?#SuperLeague #SLWIGCAT pic.twitter.com/4GUko1TfdI
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) March 9, 2023

Looking ahead

Injury concerns will take centre stage in Round 5. The fitness of Theo Fages and Ash Handley will likely determine whether plenty of Fantasy coaches make trades this week. It's been a quiet week on the disciplinary front with no new suspensions from Round 4 as coaches across Fantasy League breath a huge sigh of relief. Saints will welcome Curtis Sironen back this week as they look to get back to winning ways against an out of sorts Hull FC.