NRL Fantasy coaches are facing one of the most wide-open captaincy weeks of the season.
Penrith have confirmed Nathan Cleary and Isaah Yeo will both be rested, along with the majority of their first grade side.
Payne Haas is also in some doubt with the flu ahead of Brisbane’s clash with North Queensland.
With the usual go-to options off the table, several contenders are lining up to take the captain’s armband in Round 26.
MORE: Payne Haas doubtful for Queensland derby after falling ill
Jayden Campbell (vs Dolphins)
Campbell has been on fire in recent weeks, producing scores of 82, 103, 58, 60 and 58 for a five-game average of 72.2.
He faces the Dolphins, who have leaked huge points to playmakers in recent weeks, conceding 64, 38 and 58 in their last three outings.
Tom Trbojevic, Daly Cherry-Evans and Lehi Hopoate all topped 90 last week, while Reece Walsh and James Tedesco also dominated the Dolphins earlier this month.
Campbell is primed for another big performance and has genuine 100+ upside.
Payne Haas (vs Cowboys)
Haas remains the most consistent big man in Fantasy, with recent scores of 49, 55, 83, 83 and 78 for a five-round average of 69.6.
Six weeks ago he even cracked the ton with a 101.
The Cowboys matchup presents plenty of opportunity, and with Brisbane missing both starting halves, Haas has been carrying much of the workload.
His only concern is the flu clouding his status, meaning captaincy comes with risk.
Nicho Hynes (vs Knights)
Hynes hasn’t hit his usual heights this year, with a five-round average of 55.4.
However, the Sharks halfback comes up against Newcastle, who have conceded 38 points or more in four straight weeks.
Hynes is coming off a two-try effort against the Titans and has produced try assists in three consecutive games.
He looms as a bounce-back candidate in a favourable matchup.
Terrell May (vs Raiders)
May has averaged 73.2 for the season and remains one of the safest Fantasy forwards in 2025.
His last five scores read 80, 71, 49, 59 and 67, for an average of 65.2.
But recent weeks have seen his output dip slightly, and he faces a difficult Raiders pack.
May still offers a solid base, but his ceiling may be limited this round.
Jacob Kiraz (vs Panthers)
Kiraz’s recent numbers don’t inspire confidence, averaging just 50.2 across his last five games.
But with the Bulldogs facing a Penrith side resting almost their entire first-grade line-up, the opportunity is there.
Kiraz’s running metres, offloads and try-scoring ability make him a high-risk, high-reward captaincy option.
He already has one 100+ score this year and could deliver again if Canterbury dominate.
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Who will you captain?
So who takes the armband?
Do you play it safe with Terrell May, chase Jayden Campbell’s upside, or back someone like Nicho Hynes to explode?
Best of luck in your NRL Fantasy finals this week.