Five Fantasy League must-haves

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The 2024 Betfred Super League season is just days away which means Fantasy League is also gearing up for its highly-anticipated return! With a host of exciting new arrivals alongside the current crop of Fantasy stars, as well as the chance to win monthly and overall prizes, it promises to be another competitive and spectacular season of Fantasy League.

It's time to build your teams ?#SuperLeague
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) February 10, 2024

As always, before you select your team, assign your captain and go up against your family and friends in a Fantasy mini-league for bragging rights, here's the lowdown on our five Fantasy League must-haves for the 2024 campaign.

Cameron Smith (160k)

Cameron Smith was Fantasy League's top performer in 2023. With a whooping 1673 points from 26 matches and making the second most tackles in Super League last season, Smith could be set for another big year.

Following his captaincy appointment and proving himself as one of the most all-rounded and consistent performers in the competition, this season could see Smith build on his previous year. As a strong leader and integral part of the Rhinos side, fans will want to snap him up for sure - priced at 10k less than last year, despite being predicted to do a lot more in 2024. 

Alex Walmsley (120k)

Experienced Saints stalwart Alex Walmsley had a disrupted season in 2023, but nevertheless was still a decent Fantasy League performer. In and out of the St Helens side with injuries and featuring in a total of 16 league matches, Walmsley still averaged over 50 points a game. This statistic was one similar to or higher than players who appeared in more games than Walmsley, highlighting he could have a huge impact in fans' Fantasy League teams.

Big Al is back ?@engywalmsley storms over for @Saints1890 ?#SLCatStH pic.twitter.com/HYqJPX8kb1
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) May 5, 2023

When fully fit, Walmsley is a pivotal part of the furniture in Paul Wellens' side and will be ready to bounce back and have a phenomenal year in 2024, as Saints aim to challenge for the silverware.

Jai Whitbread (120k)

An injury hit 2023 campaign has seen Jai Whitbread's price drop from 140k to 120k this year. Despite a significant drop in price, his Fantasy League value during limited appearances on the field last season was clear for all to see, and he still managed to top the stats for Wakefield Trinity and bring the points in what was a difficult year.

The powerhouse prop finished the year with 866 points from 16 matches, averaging a solid 54 points a game, as he became one of Trinity's stand out performers. He also averaged 37 tackles a game across those 16 appearances, highlighting dedication and determination from this versatile workhorse. Add to that his ability to cross the try line, offload, and break tackles - Whitbread could be one to have in your Fantasy League team in 2024, so don't let him slip under the radar!

Making to the move to Hull KR for 2024, Whitbread could be set to shine, as he links up with some of his former Trinity team-mates in Corey Hall, James Batchelor, Yusuf Aydin and Kelepi Tanginoa, which can surely only work in his favour - as successful combinations will undoubtedly result in the points!

Shane Wright (105k)

Salford's Shane Wright is an appealing and fairly priced Fantasy League player in 2024. An established first-teamer and with the Red Devils since 2022, this 27-year-old second rower could continue to be central to the team this year.

'Wright' place, right time ?

Shane Wright gives @SalfordDevils the lead! ?

? Watch live on @SkySportsRL#SuperLeague #SLSalCas pic.twitter.com/JmxGlFcGDl
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) April 13, 2023

With a smaller squad for 2024, Wright could be utilised in a number of ways by head coach Paul Rowley - making him an extremely valuable asset. In Fantasy League last year, he had an averaged an impressive 47 points a game in just 12 appearances, and this was alongside averaging the second most tackles in the Salford side, so Wright is someone who could be worth including in your side.

Cesar Rouge (90k)

Cesar Rouge is a young, emerging talent at Catalans Dragons, who featured eight times last year and never once looked out of place. He first made his competitive Super League debut in 2021 but has since spent time out on loan at Whitehaven and Hull KR respectively. This was before returning to the Dragons, and Rouge has gathered all the necessary experience as he looks to once again break into Steve McNamara's first team this year.

This young prospect is priced at 90k, a rise of 5k - having had a remarkable 30+ points average per game in 2023. He may not be a go to player in the opening rounds with experienced playmakers Jayden Nikorama and Theo Fages as first choice half-backs, but as the season progresses, factors outside of the club's control - such as inevitable injuries, means Rouge could be utilised once more and could prosper in attack with a plethora of Catalans stars around him.

Come and join the competitive fun and make sure you create and enter your team before the first deadline at noon on Thursday 15 February, ahead of Round 1!