Fantasy NRL: Load your team with Roosters, Bulldogs

Boyd Cordner ($341,000) is averaging 54 points per game over his last four appearances. Photo / Getty Images

Look for players whose teams have genuine title credentials

The unpredictable nature of NRL finals has dealt Dream Team coaches a difficult hand for Round 28 of play.

The Panthers and Bulldogs both defied the bookies to progress another week into the playoffs, ending the seasons of a number of fantasy stalwarts.

The biggest and most unexpected loss to fantasy coaches is Cameron Smith, whose Melbourne Storm side crashed out to the Bulldogs who suddenly look like title contenders.

Players from the Storm and Broncos can now be safely disposed of by fantasy coaches while Rabbitohs and Panthers players have a bye this round and can be benched.

Just four teams take part in each of the next two rounds of fantasy before the Grand Final and so predicting the overall result of each match will be crucial for owners with limited transfers left to use.

This week the bookies are picking the Roosters and Bulldogs as firm favourites to progress, so let's look at their squads to see which players are candidates for your squad.

The Roosters have a number of fantasy stars, though they largely come at a high price.
Jake Friend's ($409,000) inclusion in the run-on side is massive news for the Roosters and fantasy owners looking for front rowers. Friend may not play 80 minutes but he's a tough nut and should still post solid numbers.

In the back row, Boyd Cordner ($341,000) is averaging 54 points per game over his last four appearances while Aidan Guerra ($309,000) has also been solid along with Sonny Bill Williams ($371,000).

Mitchell Pearce ($371,000) has been out-playing James Maloney ($422,000) of late though both are decent options in the halves this weekend.

Mitch Aubusson's ($524,000) value takes a hit with Friend's return but should still be good for 25-30 points while Michael Jennings ($467,000) is a risk/reward play against the Cowboys.

Bulldogs players generally come at a lower price than their cross-town rivals and could provide your first-choice selections if you believe they'll knock over the Sea Eagles on Saturday night.

Tim Lafai ($254,000) has been on a try-scoring tear of late and is the form pick in the back line while Josh Jackson ($323,000) leads the way in the pack with an average of 52 points per game over his last four.

James Graham ($356,000) is an elite option in the front row while Michael Ennis ($407,000) is his poor cousin and should only be picked up if you're desperate for points.

In other team news, Cowboys back rower Tariq Sims has been suspended for five matches and will miss the remainder of the season while Anthony Watmough also takes a week off after facing the judiciary.

The only injury of note is that of Sea Eagles replacement hooker Jayden Hodges who has been named but is still in doubt to take the field on Saturday.

Top Pick:
Boyd Corder, Roosters

Value Pick:
Tim Lafai, Bulldogs

On the bench:
Tariq Sims, Cowboys (suspended until 2015)
Anthony Watmough, Sea Eagles (suspended one match)
Jayden Hodges, Sea Eagles (in doubt to play)