The latest news you need to get an edge on your competition in NRL Fantasy this season.

Cookie's Call: Bateman and Verrills to the rescue

By Damien Cook, August 1

The finals are fast approaching, and I am in need of some help!

Luckily for me I have some trades to play with so hopefully I can stem the bleeding and put up a fight against some you in head to head.

I have brought in John Bateman this week (I know I should have done this earlier, but my centres were doing OK) and young Rooster Sam Verrills.

Sam churned out 50-odd tackles last week and played 80 minutes in the middle, which is no easy task, especially for someone easing their way into the top grade.

He starred for the NSW Under-20s side against Queensland so his future looks bright and with Jake Friend out, I’ll take whatever he can give me as he’ll be in my starting 17.

I’ve moved Briton Nikora back to the bench and slotted Bateman into the starting side.

That leaves me with five trades for the final five rounds of the NRL Fantasy season.

Good luck to everyone for round 20. I hope you crack the magic 1000 mark this weekend!