Fantasy NRL: Tricky call as many elite players out

Jamal Idris has been in great form lately for the Penrith Panthers. Photo / Getty Images

Look to fill the gaps from Panthers, Knights and Raiders squads

There is relief in sight for Dream Team Fantasy NRL managers as this weekend heralds the end of bye week and State of Origin disruption.

Though this weekend presents itself as a tricky one to overcome, your sights should be firmly set on forming a complete team for the run into the finals.

First things first though - this weekend sees the Rabbitohs, Roosters, Cowboys and Dragons along with any Origin player who fails to back up from Wednesday night's series finale all out of action.

That means elite players like Sam Burgess, Jake Friend, Mitch Aubusson, David Tyrell, James Maloney, John Sutton, Adam Reynolds and Ben Creagh are all missing this weekend and leave some big boots to fill.

From a fantasy perspective, the places to look to fill these gaps are in the squads of the Panthers, Knights and Raiders.

The Panthers face the Broncos, who give up the fifth-most fantasy points per game of any side, on Monday night.

Backs Jamal Idris ($294,000) and Josh Mansour ($265,000) have been in great form of late while Elijah Taylor ($257,000) has been elite in the back row. James Segeyaro ($336,000) is a massive boom or bust play but this week could be the former if matchups are anything to go by.

The Knights have a juicy fixture with the Sharks on Sunday evening where Dane Gagai ($327,000) is set to shine once again as his side's standout fantasy player.

Earlier on Sunday the Raiders head to the Gold Coast to face a side giving up boat-loads of fantasy points in the Titans.

Shaun Fensom ($365,000) is a must-play, as is Jarrod Croker ($269,000), while Jarrad Kennedy ($134,000) could be a sneaky pickup for those looking for value plays.

Outside of these fixtures, players who are likely to return this weekend and who should be on your shopping list as key players for the rest of the season are:

Front rowers: Cameron Smith ($484,000), Andrew McCullough ($395,000), Nathan Friend ($392,000).
Back rowers: Simon Mannering ($289,000), Joseph Paulo ($177,000), Matt Gillett ($232,000), Paul Gallen ($259,000).
Halves: Shaun Johnson ($290,000), Ben Hunt ($292,000).
Backs: Konrad Hurrell ($388,000), Will Chambers ($420,000).

If you are able to fill your squad with the likes of the above players over the next two rounds then you will likely be in a strong position as the regular season reaches its pointy end.

As always, remember to check in on team announcements as close as possible to the transfer lockdown so as to avoid any injury or selection surprises.

Top pickup:
Elijah Taylor, Panthers
Value pickup:
Jarrad Kennedy, Raiders
On the bench:
David Williams, Sea Eagles (suspended for season)