Wests Tigers Round 9 Fantasy Preview

The 2014 season hasn’t been kind to NRL Fantasy coaches, with injuries and absences continuing to reap havoc throughout the year so far.

What those injuries have done, though, is open up the door for several young guns and cash cows to make their name in the NRL, with several players fitting that description in Wests Tigers’ team named to take on the Sydney Roosters this weekend.

If you’re unsure which Wests Tigers players to pick up in fantasy this weekend, read on below for all the latest details and pricing information.

Round 9 Team List

Round 9 Late Mail

David Nofoaluma sustained a nasty leg injury against the Titans last weekend — which kept him out of playing for Samoa in last weekend’s Pacific Test — but the winger is expected to take the field on Friday night. Adam Blair also pulled up sore from Friday night’s physical ANZAC Test, but is fully recovered and completely fine to go against the Roosters.

Whispers about Robbie Farah’s return continue to fly around, but the hooker isn’t expected to make his return for the Club until at least Round 10 against the Cronulla Sharks.
 

NRL.com’s Lone Scout Says:

“Blake Austin ($187,492) returns at five-eighth in place of the injured Braith Anasta, who should be back next week. Austin is still growing in price but there could be better cash cow options out there if he’s not in your squad. Tackle-busting centre Tim Simona ($262,118) is out through suspension, with Keith Lulia replacing him at centre; Liam Fulton ($252,363) back in the starting side and Cory Paterson ($116,230) popping up again on the bench.

"Robbie Farah trained with the Club on Monday and is on track to play for the Blues in Origin I, but the Wests Tigers skipper and Fantasy superstar won’t play this week.

"Aaron Woods ($351,699) is one of the leading props in Fantasy this year but will miss at least five games over the Origin period if selected by NSW..."
 

The Final Word:

MUST HAVE — David Nofoaluma ($248,660)

Nofoaluma is averaging a strong 33.43 points since missing the opening round of the year through injury, and could be in for a strong night given the inclusion of Keith Lulia (a great try-creator) inside of him. He’ll be up against Daniel Tupou — which will no doubt be a great battle — and should see plenty of metres gained by both wingers on the night.

UNDERRATED — Bodene Thompson ($259,626)

Thompson has quietly become one of the most consistent players in Wests Tigers’ squad this year, and his price has risen as such in Fantasy. Averaging 38.00 per game, the former Gold Coast Titan is the most expensive forward in Wests Tigers’ pack behind Aaron Woods and should again be in for plenty of points on the night against a strong Roosters’ pack.

DON'T WRITE OFF — Kurtis Rowe ($104,625)

In terms of Fantasy NRL, Rowe could be ready to make the impact that he’s not quite had yet. The fullback has proven to be a profilic try-scorer in the junior grades, and was unlucky to have a try-assist and a line-break assist taken away from him in Round 8 due to an obstruction. His job security is reasonably sound too, with James Tedesco still a few weeks away, and could be a handy addition for those Fantasy coaches short of cash in the bank.