Fantasy NRL: Finals time! Who to choose?

Jonathan Thurston is one to watch for fantasy players during the NRL finals. Photo /Getty Images

Predicting which players will take the field twice over the next two weeks is key to how Dr Stats is approaching the first round of finals footy in Dream Team Fantasy NRL.

At this stage of the season it becomes vital that you not only take fantasy form into account but a team's overall form as well.

You have 25 transfers available for the duration of the finals and each and every one will be crucial to your chances of beating your key rivals in our fantasy game - so predicting each fixture's result will be very important.

The favourites to win this weekend, as far the bookies are concerned, are the Rabbitohs, Roosters, Cowboys and Storm.

If we presume those teams do indeed win, then the Rabbitohs and Roosters will have a week off next week, making their players slightly less valuable than those in the remaining four teams who will play two matches in a row.

Those four teams would be the Sea Eagles, Storm, Cowboys and Panthers so let's zero in on those four sides and look at who their key fantasy players are.

The Sea Eagles have been an underwhelming source of fantasy points this season with just Jamie Lyon ($606,000) and his expensive price tag counting himself amongst the game's elite.

Injuries to Matt Ballin and Jamie Buhrer have diminished their pool of players further but late season surges have come via way of Anthony Watmough ($384,000) and Tom Symonds ($181,000) while replacement hooker Jayden Hodges ($149,000) scored 52 points in his first start of the season last week.

When you think of the Melbourne Storm you think of Cameron Smith. Last year's Fantasy MVP hasn't been as dominant in 2014 but he's still been an every-week start. This week you need to consider benching Smith ($505,000) who's under an injury cloud and will not be playing at 100% even if he does take the field.

Will Chambers ($441,000) is the only other must-play Storm player, averaging 36 points over his past five apperances.

The Cowboys have a great schedule as far as fantasy is concerned and their key players will be solid starters for the next two weeks if all goes to plan results-wise.

Jonathan Thurston ($343,000) is a great bet to perform well in the halves while backs Antonio Winterstein ($374,000) and Kyle Feldt ($190,000) are solid options. Tariq Sims ($230,000) was in great form mid-season but has cooled off significantly of late and can be passed over for now.

As in real life, the Panthers are not a fantasy team chock full of superstars and injuries have cut short many of their best players' seasons.

However, Jamal Idris ($302,000) and Josh Mansour ($268,000) have been reliable sources of fantasy points when healthy while James Segeyaro ($355,000) has emerged as a top five front row play since mid-May.

The other fantasy player to emerge from the wealth of Panther injuries is William Smith ($123,000) who has provided unquestioned value in the halves over the past six rounds.

The above-mentioned players are my key targets for transfers in the coming round but don't be afraid to go with your gut or support your own team as finals footy almost always throws up surprises.

Top Pick:
Jonathan Thurston, Cowboys
Value Pick:
William Smith, Panthers
On the bench:
Cameron Smith, Storm (in doubt to play)
Chris McQueen, Rabbitohs (benched)
Aidan Guerra, Roosters (suspended one match)