Mitchell Pearce

The ex-Blues play-maker looks a much-improved player this season under the guidance of Adam O’Brien, and an injury adjusted average of 60.4 NRL Fantasy points has him as the number 1 player on our list.

Currently owned by just 5.6% of coaches, Pearce firms as a nice POD and a potential cut-price keeper to pair alongside another premium half.

Pearce has been just short of the premium tier over the last few seasons.  In fact, he has only averaged above 55 in 1 of his previous 6 campaigns. 

In saying that, Pearce looks to have upped his Fantasy output this year; led by almost 400 kick metres per game across his non-injury affected games this year.

With a break even of 24 ahead of Round 7, those willing to bet on him maintaining this form will be looking to make the move this week while he is still some $150k cheaper than elite options such as; Daly Cherry Evans.

Damien Cook

Cook has been one of the biggest beneficiaries from the new six-again rule.

Since the rule was implemented in Round 3, Cook has managed a 78 point average through an uptick in all important stats such as tackles, tackle busts and run metres.

Coaches choosing between McInnes or Cook may be swayed by this clear improvement in recent weeks, and his relatively friendly price-point at some 100k cheaper than the Dragons workhorse.

With a break even of 33, this could be one of the last opportunities to recruit Cook before his price gets out of reach.

Will Hopoate

Hopoate marked his second fullback appearance of the season with a try and an eye-catching 56 – after having dropped some $134k since the start of the season.

We have enough of a sample size over the past few seasons to show that Hopoate can be an effective Fantasy player in the position.

It was only two seasons ago when Hopoate had a 48-point average across 10 appearances from the back.

With a sub 500k price tag, Hopoate is currently one of the best mid-rangers available in his position – with the switch to the back likely to make him an underpriced gun at Centre.

The only drawback would be his job security as we know if there is a drop in form, DMZ and possibly Meaney will be waiting in the wings.

With a break even of 22, Hopoate firms as a POD option for those looking to move on Trbojevic.

Sione Mata’utia

Mata’utia scored 53 points over the weekend and was one of many Fantasy stand-outs for the Knights.

Over the past two Rounds, we’ve seen an increased workrate from Sione – particularly in his defence where he made in excess of 50 tackles against the Storm.

With a break even 12 and an affordable $522k price-tag, it’s understandable why many coaches are jumping on.

The danger for the former Australia and Samoa international comes via the impending return of Mitch Barnett next month. However, if the Knights continue to perform as they are, we’d be very surprised if O’Brien wants to make any key positional changes.

Overall, 80min forwards who you can slot in your starting CTR position  are hard to ignore, and he’s definitely one to consider this week.

Jake Averillo

A low 40s average across his last two games playing at Centre has highlighted Averillo as a great cheapie option for your backline.

Adding to this appeal; Averillo managed 36 points against the Roosters in Round 5 despite his team suffering a heavy loss, and the demotion of Nick Meaney has seen him adopt the goal kicking duties.

As we’ve seen with cheapie outside backs almost every year in NRL Fantasy, they’re often open to up and down form, and consequently, volatile NRL Fantasy scores.

But with a price-tag of less than $300k and a BE of (-10) – he could prove to be worth the risk.