However, there were success stories as well. Wingers George Jennings ($94,500, 45pts), Eto Nabuli ($94,500, 32pts) and Tuimoala Lolohea ($123,900, 51pts) were all great cheap buys that many coaches invested in while more established acts like Issac Luke ($327,200, 52pts), Simon Mannering ($338,700, 50pts), Adam Reynolds ($336,600) and Roger Tuivasa-Sheck ($274,200, 59pts) all provided great value.
These player performances are the key ones to watch over the following two rounds as a major part of this game is identifying opportunities to increase the overall value of your team.
Once a player has appeared three times this season, their dollar value will fluctuate depending on their performances; and so with these opening rounds, we can safely predict those players whose value will jump the most.
With the above in mind, as well as matchups, here are my targets for trades in Round 2.
Eto Nabuli, Dragons, $94,500
This Fijian flyer has been a try-scoring machine in all levels since converting from Rugby Union in 2012. He scored on debut last weekend and looks set to be a nice value play this season.
Issac Luke, Rabbitohs, $327,200
Luke played 80 minutes and provided the best value at hooker for those players that recorded 50+ points and didn't score a try. He's going to be a fantasy star in 2015.
Adam Reynolds, Rabbitohs, $336,600
Another Rabbitohs player set to shine this season - his 57 points in the opener are a sign of things to come.
Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, Panthers, $223,100
The Panthers super-prospect provided great value to coaches over the weekend and faces the troubled Titans at home on Saturday where I predict he'll repeat his opening efforts.
Pat Richards, Tigers, $191,500
Similar to Watene-Zelezniak, Richards provided outstanding points-per-dollar in Round 1 and faces the Dragons at home where his boot and finishing skills could prove valuable once again.
Martin Taupau, Tigers, $234,500
Taupau was a monster on the ground last Saturday night and could go better this weekend if he cuts the penalties out of his game.
Sam Tomkins' Pick of the Week
Simon Mannering - "Unfortunately last week I was watching from the sidelines but I couldn't help but notice the work-rate of our captain! He was a defensive machine and that showed in his Fantasy points for Round 1. With a tough road trip coming up to Canberra, I expect Simon's work-rate to increase and that should result in plenty of points for me (as well as a win for the boys)."
On the bench:
Josh Reynolds, Bulldogs (out 6-8 weeks)
Sam Thaiday, Broncos (benched)
James Gavet, Broncos (dropped)
Kieran Foran, Sea Eagles (out 3 weeks)
Pickup of the Week:
Issac Luke, Rabbitohs
Cheap value targets:
Eto Nabuli, Dragons
Sam Lisone, Warriors
Tuimoala Lolohea, Warriors
Pat Richards, Tigers
