Preview: Early Shouts for 2021 Fantasy NRL Selections
On October 25th, 2020, the National Rugby League season reached an action-packed climax. The Grand Final saw the two league-topping teams compete for the division’s ultimate prize at the ANZ Stadium in Sydney. Despite finishing five points clear at the top in the table phase, the Penrith Panthers suffered only their second defeat at the hands of Melbourne Storm in the competition’s finale. With the 2020 season now in the books, let’s take a look at some early fantasy selection advice for 2021.
Shaun Johnson and The Sharks – Overcoming Injury
During a highly-anticipated clash between Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks and Sydney Roosters, the side that played their matches at the Netstrata Jubilee Stadium did not see their hopes diminish. Worse yet, they also suffered an array of injury problems. The most serious of which concerns Shaun Johnson, who could face several months out with an Achilles rupture. Unfortunately for the Sharks, Wide World of Sports reports that the injury could have a significant impact on the 2021 campaign.
After an eighth-place finish in 2020, losing Johnson’s experience will undoubtedly have an impact on the Sharks. While, of course, he has time to recover, it remains to be seen if he’ll be able to replicate his best form, particularly given the severity of the injury. As such, it may be worth holding off on selecting the 30-year-old until after he makes his return.
More generally, the loss of Johnson may impact New Zealand’s broader interest in the NRL. At present, the country’s entertainment sector is enjoying a sports-orientated revolution, with the 30-year-old being one of the leading figures. For example, this growth is evident from the online casino sector, as people are going wild for Wildz. Through their personalized rewards and various sign-up bonuses, prospective players can get involved with their sports-focused offerings, such as Football: Champions Cup and The Champions. The popularity of other sports-related entertainment is likely to remain, even if interest in the NRL dwindles with Johnson’s absence.
Will Roster Changes Benefit the Penrith Panthers?
As mentioned above, the Panthers fell at the final hurdle in seeking to clinch their second Grand Final. However, following their six-point defeat to Storm, several players have both signed and departed from the team. Perhaps most notably, despite playing 22 games for the one-time champions in 2020, James Tamou signed a two-year deal with the Wests Tigers. The move appears to be something of a coup for the team, with their coach, Michael Maguire, believing that the 31-year-old will bring much-needed experience to the Tigers.
Regarding incomings, the Panthers have made a number of acquisitions, including the returns of Matt Eisenhuth and Robert Jennings, as per the official NRL website. Between 2017 and 2020, 28-year-old Eisenhuth played 70 times for the Tigers, while Jennings also enhanced his reputation over the last couple of years with Maguire’s team. Concerning 2021 fantasy selections, the depth and youthfulness that Penrith have added to their ranks will likely make them candidates to secure back-to-back minor championships. As such, opting for their players could prove fruitful once again.
Fantasy Rugby’s Thrilling Unpredictability
The reason that fantasy games are highly-regarded across the globe is because of their action-packed nature and connection to real-world events. Although the 2021 NRL campaign is a fair way away, it’s still wise to plan ahead, particularly in light of recent injuries and signings.
Chris Mawson
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- Preview: Early Shouts for 2021 Fantasy NRL Selections - November 4, 2020