One of the most exciting young teams in the league, the Penrith Panthers are still aiming to break into the NRL's top flight after a mixed 2017. Matt Moylan has gone, but the arrival of James Maloney means they're still packed with attacking talent, and young No.7 Nathan Cleary has already established himself as an elite NRL Fantasy half. Bryce Cartwright will start the Telstra Premiership at a great Fantasy price after a quiet campaign last season and forwards Trent Merrin and James Tamou could be set for big seasons.
Fantasy gun: Nathan Cleary
Penrith's young halfback has made a rapid transition from NRL Fantasy cash cow to genuine star, scoring more than 55 points a game last season. His terrific kicking game is his main strength but he's also a solid defender and has an eye for a try, making him capable of producing the occasional massive score – like his record-breaking 126 against the Warriors in round 19. He's not cheap, but he's worth it.
Value buy: Bryce Cartwright
Cartwright was an NRL Fantasy keeper in 2016, scoring 50 points a game as Nathan Cleary's halves partner. But after a couple of injuries in 2017 his role was reduced markedly, finishing the year as an interchange forward. He finished the year with a high score of 41 and an average of 22, leaving a lot of room to improve if he gets back to anywhere near his best next season.
Wildcard: James Tamou
It's fair to say Tamou's first season as a Panther was a little underwhelming, with the former Kangaroos prop not quite producing the headline-grabbing performances that many expected. Still, he was a solid contributor with 41 NRL Fantasy points per game, including the occasional big effort (he managed two 60s and a 70 last season). Now comfortable at Penrith with a year under his belt at the club, Tamou could be set to return to the form that made him a Kangaroo in the first place.
2018 NRL Fantasy player prices
Nathan Cleary: HLF, $818,000
Dylan Edwards: WFB, $670,000
Trent Merrin: 2RF, $654,000
Josh Mansour: WFB, $631,000
Isaah Yeo: 2RF, $630,000
Corey Harawira-Naera: 2RF, $615,000
James Tamou: FRF, $613,000
Peter Wallace: HOK, $585,000
Reagan Campbell-Gillard: FRF, $539,000
Tyrone Peachey: 2RF, CTR, $503,000
Waqa Blake: CTR, $465,000
Dallin Watene Zelezniak: WFB, $464,000
Tyrone May: HLF, 2RF, $448,000
James Maloney: HLF, $405,000
Tim Browne: FRF, $341,000
Bryce Cartwright: 2RF, HLF, $325,000
James Fisher-Harris: 2RF, $296,000
Dean Whare: CTR, WFB, $287,000
Tyrone Phillips: WFB, $228,000
Sione Katoa: HOK, 2RF, $228,000
Viliame Kikau: FRF, $228,000
Moses Leota: FRF, $228,000
Sam McKendry: FRF, $212,000
Kaide Ellis: 2RF, $212,000
Jed Cartwright: 2RF, $212,000
Corey Waddell: 2RF, $212,000
Jarome Luai: HLF, $212,000
*2018 salary cap: 9.4m. Fantasy squad size: 21
