NRL Fantasy Round 1 POD Picks – The Key Players to Gain an Edge in GameDay Squad

NRL Fantasy Round 1 POD Picks – The Key Players to Gain an Edge

Footy is back tomorrow, and it’s time to put the finishing touches on your Round 1 GDS squads. Round 1 is split over two weekends, with the Vegas games up first, followed by the rest of the competition the following week. Players like Cleary, Yeo, and Haas should be in almost every side. However, it’s those lesser-known players the NRL Fantasy Round 1 POD Picks that win rounds in GDS, or as we call them, PODs (Point of Differences). Selecting the right POD(s) is tricky, but if you get it right, you’ll be looking at a top-3 finish for the round. Heading into Round 1, here are some PODs you should consider for each position.

Fullback – Scott Drinkwater

Often overlooked due to the big names playing fullback, Drinkwater is exactly the type of player we’re looking for when searching for a POD. The focal point of the Cowboys' attack, almost everything runs through Drinkwater, giving him maximum fantasy point potential. Two tries, one try assist, one line break, and two line-break assists against a strong Storm side in the preseason were a great sign. With the added potential of goal-kicking (likely to be Duffy in Round 1), Drinkwater is worth a look for Round 1 and beyond.

Wing – Jamayne Isaako

Wing is often a difficult position to select in GDS, and with injuries to options like To’o and Kiraz, it’s become even harder—making this selection one of the most important for Round 1. A winger who often scores multiple tries and kicks goals is fantasy gold, and Isaako provides exactly that. 2024 was a down season compared to the fantasy dominance we saw from him in 2023, but a bounce-back is on the cards for 2025. In Round 1, he faces a South Sydney side that may struggle early, giving Isaako a prime opportunity to start the year with a bang.

Centre – Selwyn Cobbo

Playing centre for most of the 2024 season resulted in inconsistent fantasy scoring for Cobbo. Big scores were sandwiched between very low ones, and for a player known for his try-scoring prowess, six tries for the entire season was a major drop from the 19 he scored in 2023 while playing wing. Thankfully, with the arrival of Madge, the centre experiment is over, and Cobbo is back on the wing—great news for fantasy coaches. When Cobbo’s scoring bags of tries, his fantasy scores soar. He faces a Roosters side that looked awful in their final trial match against the Knights. All the Broncos' guns are back and ready to fire, and Cobbo on the wing could be the biggest beneficiary. I’m expecting 2+ tries and a strong fantasy point of difference for those going for a high-risk, high-reward play.

Half – Daly Cherry-Evans

With so many big-name halves available in GDS, DCE often gets overlooked. His role, however, is exactly what fantasy coaches want—playmaking duties, high kick metres, and occasional goal-kicking when Garrick is missing. DCE has the ability to be a top-3 half each week. Last season, when things clicked, he scored with the best of them, but he also had some down weeks. While we didn’t get a trial match look at him, you can be assured his role remains the same. Picking him over other high-profile halves is a bold call, but if it pays off in Round 1, it could give you a crucial early-season edge.

Edge – Zac Hosking

When given the opportunity, Hosking is a fantasy gun—simple as that. The problem has been a lack of opportunities since his debut in 2022. At the start of the 2024 season, Hosking was among the best players in the competition, and his fantasy scoring reflected that before injury limited him to just three matches from Round 6 onward. He’s had some preseason injury concerns but has been named to start for the Raiders in Round 1. While he didn’t play any trial matches, I’m confident he’ll see enough game time to deliver a great fantasy score. If he plays the full 80 minutes, he could be a knockout pick.

Mid – Stefano Utoikamanu

Of all the players discussed, Stefano is the biggest POD heading into Round 1. In fact, I could name 10-15 safer mid options, but Stefano continues to intrigue me. At the Tigers, he showed glimpses of his fantasy potential. Now, he’s in one of the top NRL systems under arguably the best coach—renowned for maximizing player performance. Could this elevate him to the top tier of fantasy scoring? His trial fantasy score was promising, and if he carries that form into the regular season, he could be a steal. Maybe not a Round 1 option unless you’re feeling bold, but one to watch closely for an early-season edge.

Hooker – Reed Mahoney

With Mahoney, you know what you’re getting—80 minutes, 40+ tackles, some kick metres, and the occasional try assist. In a position like hooker, that consistency could be exactly what we need in GDS this year. What turns most coaches off is his tendency for missed tackles (-3 points each in GDS), but if he can keep those to a minimum, he’ll be a great POD option. The Bulldogs have a stronger squad on paper in 2025, and if Mahoney can add a few more attacking stats while cutting down on errors, he could finish among the top hookers for the season. If you believe in his upside, now is the time to jump on before his popularity rises.

Final Thoughts – Lock in Your Round 1 PODs and Get Ahead!

Finding the right PODs is the key to separating yourself from the pack in GameDay Squad. While the big-name players will always deliver, it’s those unique, under-the-radar picks that can win you a round and give you an early-season advantage. Whether it’s the high-upside potential of Cobbo, the reliability of Mahoney, or the wildcard gamble on Stefano, nailing these selections could be the difference between a good start and a top finish in Round 1.

Who are you backing as your POD for Round 1?

Drop your thoughts in the comments and let’s discuss the best plays for the opening round! Stay tuned for more GDS insights from Dan’s Dynamos—let’s kick off the season with a bang! 🚀🔥