NRL Fantasy 2018
Once the most popular Fantasy club in the NRL, the Rabbitohs have battled through a quiet few years but have uncovered a new gem in Angus Crichton – who has already surpassed Sam Burgess as the team's most valuable Fantasy player. The big question for 2018 is whether former guns Greg Inglis, Adam Reynolds and George Burgess can get back to their best in the first season under new coach Anthony Seibold.
Fantasy gun: Angus Crichton
Crichton's rise from potential cash cow to genuine Fantasy superstar was so rapid last season that a lot of Fantasy coaches missed the boat, with the Rabbitohs youngster proving to be one of the best edge-running back-rowers in the game. The high point of an otherwise below-par season for the club, Crichton was a constant threat on the right and his ability to break tackles seemingly at will earned him a staggering 60 Fantasy points a game – third behind only Cameron Smith and Jason Taumalolo.
Value buy: Damien Cook
The hooker battle between Cook and Robbie Farah again looms as an intriguing one for NRL Fantasy coaches. Farah is a former Fantasy superstar, capable of scoring 55 points a game, while Cook averaged 56 points in the final five games of 2017, including a monster 84 in Round 22. If they split the game time between them then neither will be Fantasy-relevant, but if one gets the long-term nod in the No.9 jersey and plays big minutes they'll be a money maker.
Wildcards: Greg Inglis and George Burgess
Two former NRL Fantasy stars begin a new year with a new coach after seasons to forget in 2017. Inglis made 25 Fantasy points in his only appearance of the year before a knee injury ended his campaign early, while George Burgess continued to struggle, with injuries and handling errors hampering him over the past two seasons. If either can regain their old touch in 2018 they'll be great value – but do they still have it in them?
2018 NRL Fantasy player prices
Angus Crichton: 2RF, $880,000
Sam Burgess: 2RF, $750,000
Adam Reynolds: HLF, $665,000
Dane Gagai: CTR, WFB, $631,000
Cody Walker: HLF, WFB, $627,000
John Sutton: 2RF, $577,000
Alex Johnston: WFB, $563,000
Cameron Murray: 2RF, $533,000
Thomas Burgess: FRF, $504,000
Damien Cook: HOK, $503,000
Greg Inglis: WFB, $503,000
Tyrell Fuimaono: CTR, 2RF, $494,000
Robbie Farah: HOK, $486,000
Kyle Turner: 2RF, $442,000
Jason Clark: 2RF, $439,000
Zane Musgrove: FRF, $434,000
Robert Jennings: CTR, WFB, $395,000
George Burgess: FRF, $387,000
Siosifa Talakai: CTR, $363,000
Hymel Hunt: CTR, $310,000
Braidon Burns: WFB, $293,000
Mark Nicholls: 2RF, $228,000
Jacob Gagan: WFB, $228,000
Richard Kennar: CTR, WFB, $228,000
Vincent Leuluai: 2RF, $228,000
Campbell Graham: WFB, $228,000
Dean Britt: 2RF, $228,000
Jesse Arthars: WFB, $212,000
Jesse Martin: 2RF, HOK, $212,000
Adam Doueihi: HLF, $212,000
Connor Tracey: HLF, $212,000
Josh Cook: HOK, $212,000
Ky Rodwell: FRF, $212,000
Mawene Hiroti: CTR,WFB, $212,000
Sam Johnstone: FRF, $212,000
Tyrone Taukamo: CTR,WFB, $212,000
Junior Tatola: 2RF, $212,000
*2018 salary cap: 9.4m. Fantasy squad size: 21
