NRL Fantasy 2025: Key Preseason Players to Watch for GameDay Squad Success

NRL Fantasy 2025

With tHe NRL season fast approaching, we got our first taste of 2025 action last weekend with the first pre-season matches. TriaL games can be tricky to assess due to the absence of many stars and the old saying, "great players don’t try during practice matches." However, for fantasy coaches, these games offer valuable insights into player roles and scoring potential as we shape our squads for Round 1. Below, I highlight key players to watch this weekend as the Vegas teams play their final trial matches and the rest of the competition gets their first proper hit-out.

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Dans Top NRL Fantasy 2025 Players to Watch this Preseason:

Damian Cook & Jacob Liddle – Hooker Battle at the Dragons

2024 was a rollercoaster season for both Cook and Liddle. Cook spent time in reserve grade before returning to dominate the Fantasy scene in a hybrid hooker/lock role—he even took on goal-kicking duties. Meanwhile, Liddle surged in the back half of the season, finishing as the third-highest averaging hooker in GDS, including a near-century score in just 68 minutes in Round 27.

Now, both players are in the same team, presenting a key fantasy dilemma: how will Shane Flanagan manage their minutes? Cook is named to start this weekend, but the real watch is on their combination—will there be an even split at hooker, or will one take on a hybrid role? If Flanagan sticks with a 60/40 split or even shares the load differently, it could drastically affect their fantasy appeal. This weekend's trial match will provide key clues, especially for those looking to capitalize on any 80-minute opportunities should injuries arise.

Also Look at how we have ranked out top Hookers.

Nicho Hynes – A Fantasy Resurgence?

Despite remaining a top fantasy half, 2024 was a below-par year for Hynes by his standards. Injuries, Origin duties, and the presence of Braydon Trindall impacted his scoring output, leaving fantasy managers disappointed.

Hynes has the potential to rival Nathan Cleary on his best days, and 2025 could see him return to elite fantasy status. Key areas to monitor in the trial matches include his control over playmaking duties and goal-kicking. If he reclaims a dominant role, he’s a Round 1 lock. If not, other halves options become more viable. His performance in trials will be critical—watch for his kick meters, how much he demands the ball, and his involvement in attack.

Jamal Fogarty – Can He Maintain His Fantasy-Friendly Role?

I couldn’t write this without mentioning a Raiders player (after all, we just beat the Panthers—2025 Grand Final here we come!). Before injury struck in 2024, Fogarty was a top-tier fantasy half, excelling in kick meters and goal-kicking duties despite limited attacking stats.

The key watch here is Ethan Strange’s development. If Strange assumes more playmaking duties, Fogarty’s fantasy ceiling may drop. Additionally, if Kaeo Weekes takes on some kicking duties from fullback, Fogarty’s scoring potential could be impacted. The first 40 minutes of the trial match should provide a clear indication of his Round 1 viability. Another factor is how he links with his forward pack—if he controls set plays and remains the primary kicker, his value remains high.

Erin Clark – A Surprise Midfield Option?

Erin Clark wasn’t initially on my radar for 2025 fantasy, but with Tohu Harris’ retirement, an opportunity for big minutes at the Warriors has opened up. Clark has been named to start at lock in their final trial game, making him a player to watch.

Clark has never been a high-profile fantasy player, but his points-per-minute numbers suggest upside. When given 50+ minutes, his tackle count and ability to gain sneaky meters make him a legitimate mid-tier option. The presence of Dylan Walker on the bench is a concern, but if Clark pushes toward 60 minutes this weekend, he could become a viable Round 1 selection. Fantasy coaches should also watch how he handles defensive workloads and his potential role in attack—if he picks up extra carries, his value increases significantly.

Naufahu Whyte – The Roosters’ Next Big Forward?

With Jared Waerea-Hargreaves and Terrell May departing, the Roosters’ forward pack is in transition, and Naufahu Whyte could be the one to step up. Like Clark, Whyte displayed strong fantasy potential in limited minutes in 2024, and an increased role could propel him into relevance.

The key factor is Trent Robinson’s rotation strategy. Will he distribute minutes evenly among his forwards, or will Whyte see a significant increase? If he pushes past 45-50 minutes regularly, his scoring ceiling rises dramatically. With Connor Watson and Angus Crichton yet to return, this weekend’s trial should provide valuable insight into Whyte’s potential role in 2025. Keep an eye on his work rate, tackle efficiency, and whether he picks up increased attacking stats.

Fletcher Sharpe – A Left-Field Wing Option?

Sharpe’s shift to the halves might seem irrelevant for fantasy—until you realiZe he’s classified as a winger in GDS. While wingers tend to have volatile scoring, Sharpe’s role could allow him to capitalize on Kalyn Ponga’s attacking prowess. If he consistently supports Ponga’s line breaks and offloads, he could rack up some big scores. Q

The concern is consistency, as his scoring will likely be hit-or-miss. However, with the Knights facing a historically weak Tigers defense in Round 1, Sharpe could be an intriguing early-season play—especially if he demonstrates playmaking ability in the trials. One big thing to watch is whether he takes any in-game kicking responsibilities—if so, his fantasy value skyrockets.

Final Thoughts

Preseason matches may not feature players at full throttle, but they provide critical insights for fantasy managers. Whether it’s positional battles, role changes, or scoring potential, these final trial games will shape our Round 1 GameDay Squad lineups. Keep a close eye on these players this weekend—identifying a breakout performer now could be the key to a strong fantasy season! The additional trial match data and evolving team strategies will be crucial as we lock in our lineups, so make sure to analyze trends and adjust accordingly.

Cheers,

Dan’s Dynamos

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