Chiefs winger Leroy Carter was the lone back in the top five, posting 71 points in another sharp attacking display. Outside of Carter, it was a week dominated by the engine room. 

Highlanders hooker Jack Taylor (66 points) and Crusaders loose forward Christian Lio-Willie (66 points) both delivered powerful all-round returns, while Reds openside Fraser McReight rounded out the top performers with 61 points. 

With only one back featuring among the leading scorers, Round 3 reinforced the importance of forward balance in fantasy builds — particularly in high-work-rate positions. 

The early-season must-have remains Charlie Cale, who has now risen another 0.5m in price. That takes his total increase to a remarkable 1.5m across the opening rounds, rewarding the managers who moved early. 

He’s not alone in climbing rapidly. 

George Bridge enjoyed a standout performance for the Force against Moana Pasifika, resulting in a 0.5m price rise of his own. 

Lock Josh Lord also climbed 0.5m to sit at 3.4m. Even with the increase, he remains one of the competition’s genuine value picks given his output relative to price. 

In the midfield market, Quinn Tupaea rose 0.2m to 7.1m after another consistent return, strengthening his case as a steady premium option. 

Prop Pene Ravai from the Fijian Drua was another to rise 0.5m, reflecting strong forward returns across the round. 

Selection data shows managers are increasingly consolidating around proven performers. 

Tupou Vaa’i was the most selected player in Round 3, featuring in 72.5% of all teams. He was followed by Will Jordan (66.8%) and Samisoni Taukei’aho (56%), highlighting strong confidence in premium spine players and high-floor forwards. 

Among the Brumbies’ dangerous fantasy back three, Ollie Sapsford was the biggest mover in Round 3, rising 0.2m as managers react to his growing involvement in attack. 

Attention will likely turn back to Max Jorgensen, with the Waratahs returning from their bye. Managers looking to reintroduce Jorgensen will need to be strategic. His 9.6m price tag, combined with the game’s variable pricing system, means careful planning will be required to fit him back into squads without sacrificing balance elsewhere. 

With forward scoring surging, price movements accelerating, and ownership concentrating around key names, Round 4 shapes as a pivotal trading window for fantasy managers.