Fantasy NRL wrap: Smith retains top spot

Cameron Smith notched his biggest fantasy score of the season. Photo / Getty Images

Cameron Smith reclaimed the title of king of Fantasy NRL just at the right time for the Melbourne Storm.

Tigers 22 Cowboys 20
The star: Robbie Farah (68pts) - back to form for the Tigers and Robbie Farah. After a quiet last round by his standards, he bounced back via a monster defensive effort.
The dud: Matt Bowen(2pts) - well, he had his best round of the season last week, which wasn't much (20pts), and this week was his worst. If he's in your team you are at the bottom of the rankings.
Value pick: Tariq Sims (38pts) - he's featured in this slot a few times this season and is definitely a serviceable bench option for your second row. Two close-range tries made him relevant this week.

Bulldogs 24 Broncos 14
The star: Aiden Tolman (58pts) - Tolman's always going to score 40-45 points for you in a round but when he scores a try as well, he's a lovely bonus for your side. This was his first try and best total of the season.
The dud: Dene Halatau(14pts) - he's been in miserable fantasy form the last four weeks and isn't relevant for his price and position. Avoid.
Value pick: Trent Hodkinson (36pts) - he's no superstar at the halfback position, but he's certainly a solid option while he's on kicking duties for the Doggies.

Dragons 0 Panthers 19
The star: Kevin Kingston (74pts) - he was the star of his fixture last week and this week he took his form to another level - 54 tackles and over 100m gained. If you're in the market for a front rower then play him while he's hot.
The dud: Brett Morris (12pts) - that's three clunkers in a row now for Morris. This illustrates the fact that the Panthers no longer have the soft defence they began the season with.
Value pick: Dean Whare (45pts) - he's the value pick of the round at just 90k. He's too inconsistent to have in your side but for his price he's fantastic.

Roosters 18 Storm 26
The star: Cameron Smith (75pts) - the Storm had their biggest win of the season and Smith notched his biggest fantasy score of the season. Hopefully he was still your captain.
The dud: Anthony Minichiello (11pts) - his equal worst total of the season. He's not a good option for your side at his price.
Value pick: Sonny Bill Williams (39pts) - he's a beast for his price (136k), get him in your side if you have the room.

Sea Eagles 16 Raiders 10
The star: Matt Ballin (65pts) - he followed up a monster round last week with another, this time by way of a big offensive effort.
The dud: Jarrod Croker (7pts) - the Raiders have been short on offense the past two weeks and Croker has suffered. He will bounce back though, so keep him on your radar.
Value pick: Josh Papali'i (42pts) - at 211k he's not a bad bench option for your second row. He had his highest tackle count of the season in this one.

Eels 4 Titans 42
The star: Albert Kelly (52pts) - it's relatively rare to find a half back taking out fantasy honours for a match but almost 200m on the ground, as well as a try, will make that happen. He's an elite option at halfback.
The dud: Ken Sio (14pts) - well he scored his first try since round 1, but he still finds himself in his regular dud position once again. Once again, avoid.
Value pick: Albert Kelly (52pts) - yep, this elite option will only cost you 125k folks.

Warriors 28 Knights 12
The star: Elijah Taylor/Nathan Friend (69pts) - Taylor eclipsed his highest tackle count of the season, made his second line break of the season and scored his second try of the season. If Simon Mannering plays more in the centres, this may continue. Friend was, as usual, a tackle machine but also gained 122m - by far his best of the season.
The dud: Akuila Uate (6pts) - Manu Vatuvei ran all over Uate early in the game and then a rib injury took him out of the match later on. He's not a bad backline option but watch the injury reports as rib injuries can take their good time to heal.
Value pick: Sam Rapira (57pts) - it's been a quiet season for Rapira but he found some running form in this one and even scored a try. If he keeps this up he could be a great front row bench option for 176k.

Sharks 14 Rabbitohs 12
The stars: Andrew Fifita (65pts) - he's been in brilliant offensive form for four weeks now and this week he matched it with a boat-load of tackles. A great front row option.
The dud: Greg Inglis (12pts) - his six-game try-scoring streak came to an end in this fixture and he gained his least amount of metres of the season. He's absolute class and will bounce back. Take this performance as a speed bump.
Value pick: George Burgess (35pts) - this wasn't even near his best score of the season. He's one of the best-value picks in the front row at 133k.