Bundy NRL Mixer: Game week five tactics

We’re excited to be on board with the inaugural Bundy Mixer season, the NRL Fantasy campaign running from the final few rounds of the competition through until the NRL and NRLW grand finals.

For anyone new to the concept, you choose six players each week, three male, three female, across six positions.

For any SuperCoaches trying their hand at NRL Fantasy for the first time, essentially the point scoring system is tailored further towards workers than attackers.

For example, you accrue one point per tackle, as per SuperCoach, but only eight points per try, rather than the 17 we’re used to.

When considering attacking players, tacklebreaks and offloads score significantly, so consider this when making your selections.

Let’s take a look at Game Week 5.

Keen to extend your fantasy season? Take on the SC Playbook crew in the Bundy NRL Mixer, combining the NRL and NRLW competitions all the way through until the end of the finals. League code: 467LOHXB, PLAY HERE

HOOKER

NRL: Damien Cook – Cooky has started relatively slowly by his standards, but I think the clash with Cronulla will be littered with points. He’ll rack up his usual big tackle count and is every chance at bagging an assist or two in this clash.

NRLW: Keeley Davis – It looms as a tough week for the primary NRLW hooking options, with four of the top five options coming from the Dragons and Knights who face each other. I’d be steering clear here and opting for an NRLW player in the position.

MIDDLE FORWARD

NRL: Joe Tapine – Tapine recently claimed the Meninga Medal as Canberra’s player of the year. He’s an absolute standout in the middle forward position and was called upon for massive minutes last week against Melbourne, which won’t change against the Eels. Gun!

NRLW: Georgia Hale – The Titans middle is ticking along extremely well with a 54 point average, putting her third overall for NRLW scoring. Despite this, Hale has been picked by just 2.5% of teams. At lower ownership she looks a nice selection this week.

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EDGE FORWARD

NRL: Shaun Lane – Isaiah Papali’i is probably the safer option here, but Lane has had a career year for mine and he can take it to the next level with a big finals showing after last week’s disappointing loss to Penrith. I.Pap will get through more work, but the Eels left edge is so lethal that I think it’ll get more quality attacking ball for Lane to capitalise on.

NRLW: Tallisha Harden – The Broncos edge forward is putting together a solid season with a 38 point average. She gets the benefit of facing the bottom-placed Eels who have conceded the most points of any side in the competition, so hopefully she can cross for a try at some point.

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HALVES

NRL: Nicho Hynes – Nicho’s game is so conducive to Bundy NRL Mixer scoring, and it’s evidenced by the fact he’s the top scorer overall. He again features this week against South Sydney and will be in my side, likely with the booster role for double points.

NRLW: Ali Brigginshaw – If willing to go against Hynes this week, Brigginshaw might be the play up against the bottom placed Eels. Mixer-wise, the veteran half has been outdone by teammate Tarryn Aitken this season, but as the competition builds she’ll up her input and can score well at just 2.5% ownership.

CENTRE

NRL: Jesse Ramien – Finding the right Cronulla attacker (outside of Nicho) can be a bit hard to find each week due to their balanced attack across the field. I do however feel they favour the right edge a touch due to Hynes, so I think Ramien going at Tass (rather than the rock solid Graham), looks the play.

NRLW: Isabelle Kelly – Lock and load, simply a star! I’ve had Kelly in my side every week and haven’t been disappointed. She’ll also get my booster.

FULLBACK/WING

NRL: Latrell Mitchell – Latrell is putting together a stunning season, and he won’t be ready to finish just yet. He’s one of very few players that can win a game on his own in this competition. While he doesn’t have the greatest workrate in the competition at fullback, which isn’t ideal for Mixer scoring, he can do enough damage in attack to make up for it.

NRLW: Tamika Upton – The in-form Sammy Bremner is out for the Roosters, which opens up the fullback spot entirely for NRLW options. I’m taking the opportunity to run with Tamika Upton, a star in her own right for the gun Newcastle outfit.